cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Managed Care, Autonomy, and Decision-Making at TheEnd-of-Life

Some argue that legalizing physician-assisted suicide poses intolerable risks, especially as we move from a system of fee-for-service health care to managed care. Although we need to be concerned about physician-assisted suicide in the context of managed care, physician-assisted suicide poses risks in a fee-for-service system too. In addition, we need to be concerned about the risks posed not only by physician-assisted suicide but also by the well-accepted practice of forgoing life-sustaining treatment. Instead of focusing on the manner of hastening death or the type of health care system, we need to show more concern for protections to assure that no matter how terminally ill patients seek to hasten their deaths, if they do, and regardless of the type of health care system, that their decisions are genuine reflections of their own wishes. Of course, we need to design safeguards that are sensitive to the nature of the health care system and the particular kinds of problems that it might pose (such as managed care incentives), and we need to take into account any special problems posed by physician-assisted suicide in contrast to termination of life support, if there are any. There is only the weakest evidence, however, that we need to prevent the legalization of physician-assisted suicide simply because of the ascendance of managed care.
Polymer Conjugation as a Strategy for Long-Range Order in Supramolecular Polymers

Supramolecular polymers are polymers in which the individual subunits self-assemble via noncovalent and reversible bonds. An important axis of control for systems of mixed subunit composition is the order in which the subunit types assemble. Existing ordering techniques, which rely on pairwise interactions through the inclusion of highly specific chemistry, have the downside that patterns of length n require n specific chemistries, making long-range order complicated to attain. Here we present a simple alternative method: we attach varying numbers of polymers to self-assembling subunits, in our case ring shaped macrocycles, and the polymers’ aversion to confinement imposes system order. We evaluate the feasibility of the strategy using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of polymer-conjugated rings designed to model cyclic peptide nanotubes. We discuss the effects of polymer conjugation on the energetics of association and predict the equilibrium orderings for various ratios of ring types. The e...
Fundamental Understanding of Wave Propagation in a Beam Using PZT Actuators and Sensors

Embedded smart actuators/sensors, such as piezoelectric types, have been used to conduct wave transmission and reception, pulse-echo, pitch-catch, and phased array functions in order to achieve in-situ nondestructive evaluation for different structures. By comparing to baseline signatures, the damage location, amount, and type can be determined. Typically, this methodology does not require analytical structural models and interrogation algorithm is carefully designed with little wave propagation knowledge of the structure. However, the wave excitation frequency, waveform, and other signal characteristics must be comprehensively considered to effectively conduct diagnosis of incipient forms of damage. Accurate prediction of high frequency wave response requires a prohibitively large number of conventional finite elements in the structural model. A new high fidelity approach is needed to capture high frequency wave propagations in a structure.In this paper, a spectral finite element method (SFEM) is proposed to characterize wave propagations in a beam structure under piezoelectric material (i.e., PZT) actuation/sensing. Mathematical models are developed to account for both Uni-morph and bi-morph configurations, in which PZT layers are modeled as either an actuator or a sensor. The Timoshenko beam theory is adopted to accommodate high frequency wave propagations, i.e., 20–200 KHz. The PZT layer is modeled as a Timoshenko beam as well. Corresponding displacement compatibility conditions are applied at interfaces. Finally, a set of fully coupled governing equations and associated boundary conditions are obtained when applying the Hamilton’s principle. These electro-mechanical coupled equations are solved in the frequency domain. Then, analytical solutions are used to formulate the spectral finite element model. Very few spectral finite elements are required to accurately capture the wave propagation in the beam because the shape functions are duplicated from exact solutions. Both symmetric and antisymmetric mode of lamb waves can be generated using bimorph or uni-morph actuation. Comprehensive simulations are conducted to determine the beam wave propagation responses. It is shown that the PZT sensor can pick up the reflected waves from beam boundaries and damages. Parametric studies are conducted as well to determine the optimal actuation frequency and sensor sensitivity. Such information helps us to fundamentally understand wave propagations in a beam structure under PZT actuation and sensing. Our SFEM predictions are validated by the results in the literature.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Poly[Bis-EDOT-Isoindigo]: An Electroactive Polymer Applied to Electrochemical Supercapacitors

Poly[6,6′-bis(ethylene-3,4-dioxythien-2-yl)]-N,N′-dialkylisoindigo (PBEDOT-iI) was synthesized and incorporated as an electroactive material into electrochemical supercapacitors (ESCs) in type I and type III configurations. In type I ESCs, PBEDOT-iI provides a specific power of ∼360 W/kg and specific energy of ∼0.5 Wh/kg, while retaining about 80% of its electroactivity over 10 000 cycles. In addition, we report on the use of PBEDOT-iI in type III supercapacitors where operating voltages as high as 2.5 V were achieved with specific energies of ca. 15 Wh/kg, albeit with limited stability.
Achieving 100% cell-aware coverage by design

A comprehensive investigation of new integrated circuit design and fabrication technologies is crucial for yielding reliable parts. Prior work proposed a novel logic characterization vehicle called the Carnegie Mellon Logic Characterization Vehicle (CM-LCV), and an implementation flow that ensures a test chip to be product-like with near optimal testability and diagnosability. This work describes an enhanced implementation methodology for CM-LCV that not only guarantees 100% intra-cell defect testability for all standard cells but also reflects the user-specified design characteristics. Experiments comparing intra-cell defect testability between a CM-LCV and various benchmark circuits demonstrate the efficacy of this approach. Specifically, the CM-LCV achieves 92.4% overall input pattern fault coverage and 100% cell-aware fault coverage using an optimal, minimal test set.
Design and Application of DC Deicer for AC Transmission System

In order to deal with ice damages and prevent towers and conductors in power grid from collapsing and being broken,it is necessary to develop DC deicer.Calculating and analyzing tests in an artificial climate chamber,and simulating the conductor deicing parameters,we proposed the DC deicing technical scheme for typical transmission lines at various voltage levels in China.According to the results of studying DC deicing key parameter,the particularity of deicing processes,and the practical situation of substations,we proposed two economical and practical topological structures of DC deicer,i.e,a 12-pulse DC deicer with a dedicated converter transformer and the other 6-pulse one without dedicated converter transformer.Moreover,prototypes of two types of de-icier were developed,and their field tests were performed.Based on the early application results,the deicers was popularized and applied in China,especially in China Southern Power Grid(CSG).The application during the icing seasons of 2009-2012 shows that the capacity of power gird withstanding ice calamity has been improved significantly by applying the DC deicing technology.
15 COLLAPSIN RESPONSIVE MEDIATOR PROTEIN-5 AUTOANTIBODY-ASSOCIATED PARANEOPLASTIC NEUROLOGIC DISORDER IN A PATIENT WITH GASTRIC ADENOCARCINOMA.

Introduction We report a case of CRMP-5 autoantibody-associated paraneoplastic neurologic disorder in a patient with gastric adenocarcinoma. Case Report A 59-year-old man with hypertension and coronary artery disease was diagnosed with stage IIIA gastric adenocarcinoma. He underwent total gastrectomy and subsequently received adjuvant concomitant radiation therapy and chemotherapy consisting of 5-FU and leucovorin. Approximately 2 months after diagnosis he began having choreiform movements of all extremities along with depression and diffuse abdominal pain. CT scan of the brain showed no abnormalities. A paraneoplastic antibody panel revealed the presence of CRMP-5 IgG in his serum by Western blot. CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, as well as PET scan, were performed to look for evidence of recurrence of his gastric cancer or an occult second malignancy. These tests were negative for the presence of any disease. Discussion Paraneoplastic neurologic disorders are often found weeks to months prior to the diagnosis of a malignancy. CRMP-5 autoantibody has been associated with neurologic disorders in small cell lung cancer and thymoma most often, with few case reports of association with renal cell carcinoma and lymphoma. This is the first known reported case of CRMP-5 autoantibody-associated paraneoplastic neurologic disorder in a patient with gastric adenocarcinoma. The most effective treatment of this disorder is treatment of the underlying malignancy; however, this patient has already completed his treatment and has no evidence of disease. We will follow closely for disease recurrence or presentation of a second primary malignancy.
Glaucoma-Specific Gait Pattern Assessment Using Body-Worn Sensors

Many studies have reported that glaucoma patients experience mobility issues, such as walking slowly and bumping into obstacles frequently. However, little is known to date about how a person’s gait is impacted due to glaucoma. This paper presents design and development of a gait analysis approach using a shoe-integrated sensing system and accompanying machine learning techniques to quantitatively examine gait patterns in glaucoma patients. The customized sensor platform is utilized in a clinical trial conducted with nine glaucoma patients and ten age-matched healthy participants. The signal processing and machine learning algorithms automatically detect effective gait cycles and extract both steady-state and spatio-temporal gait features from the signal segments. We perform machine learning algorithms to distinguish glaucoma patients from healthy controls, and identify several prominent features with high discriminability between the two groups. The results demonstrate that classification algorithms can be used to identify the gait patterns of glaucoma patients with an accuracy higher than 94% in a 10-m-walk test. It is also demonstrated that gait features such as evenness of the sway speed along medio-lateral direction between the two feet are significantly different (p-value < 0.001) between older adults with and without glaucoma. These results suggest that emerging solutions, such as wearable sensing technologies, can be used for continuous and real-time assessment of gait and mobility problems in individuals with low vision, and may open new avenues for using changes in gait patterns for preventing life threatening situations such as falls.
Surgeon, Not Institution, Case Volume Is Associated With Limb Outcomes After Lower Extremity Bypass for Critical Limb Ischemia in the Vascular Quality Initiative

Abstract Objective Studies from large administrative databases have demonstrated associations between institutional case volume and outcomes after lower extremity bypass (LEB). We hypothesized that increased institutional and surgeon volume would be associated with improved outcomes after LEB. Using a national, prospectively collected clinical database, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of both surgeon and institutional volume on outcomes after LEB. Methods The Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) was queried to identify all LEBs for critical limb ischemia or claudication between 2004 and 2014. Average annual case volume was calculated by dividing an institution's or surgeon's total LEB volume by the number of years they reported to the VQI. Institutional and surgeon volumes were analyzed as continuous variables to determine the impact of volume on major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), major adverse limb events (MALEs), graft patency, and amputation-free survival. Hierarchical regression models were used with cases clustered by surgeon and center. Time-dependent outcomes were evaluated with multivariable shared frailty Cox proportional hazards models. Results From 2004 to 2014, there were 14,678 LEB operations performed at 114 institutions by 587 surgeons. Average annual institutional volume ranged from 1.0 to 137.5 LEBs per year, with a median of 26.9 (interquartile range, 14-45.3). Average annual surgeon volume ranged from 1 to 52 LEBs per year with a median of 5.7 (interquartile range, 2.5-9.3). Institutional LEB volume was not associated with MACEs or MALEs or with loss of patency. However, average annual surgeon volume was independently associated with reduced MALEs and improved primary patency. Institutional and surgeon volume did not predict MACEs. Conclusions In contradistinction to previous studies, there was no relationship in this study between institutional LEB volume and outcomes after LEB. However, greater average annual surgeon volume was associated with improved primary patency and decreased risk of MALEs. Open LEB remains a safe and effective procedure for limb salvage. Limb-related outcomes in critical limb ischemia and claudication will be optimized if surgeons maintain adequate volume of LEB.
A compact, low-power, fully analog implantable microstimulator

This paper describes a miniaturized inductively powered neural stimulator chip. We propose a solution to overcome the bulkiness of present neural implants by eliminating the need for data decoders, digital control blocks and clocks. This approach trades-off programmability, such as precise stimulus amplitude control, for a considerable reduction in chip area and power consumption. The system is fabricated in a 0.18 μm CMOS process, consumes about 16 μW and occupies merely 220 μm × 180 μm.
Synthetic Midurethral Slings: Urinary Tract Sequelae

The midurethral sling (MUS) is considered by many to be the standard of care for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Complications from MUS surgery unique to the use of polypropylene mesh may occur including: chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, mesh exposure, mesh contracture, neuromuscular injury, and/or organ perforation. In addition, there can be significant urinary tract sequelae such as urinary tract injury, de novo urgency and/or urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), urinary obstruction, and/or urinary tract infection (UTI). Techniques for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of such urinary tract complications are discussed herein.
Winter ecology of prairie deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii) in cultivated habitats: Implications for agricultural ecosystem services

Abstract Prairie deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii ) are permanent residents of row-crop fields in the Midwestern United Sates, and may provide ecosystem services by regulating weed seed and waste grain populations. Seed predation is especially critical in the months of highest seed availability following crop harvest, and is dictated by population density and individual patterns of diet choice. We used a combination of spatial mark-recapture demographic and stable isotope dietary analyses to investigate the ecology of prairie deer mice during this critical over-winter period within corn and soybean agro-ecosystems of west-central Indiana. Winter prairie deer mouse populations were robust in the row-crop habitats we sampled, with densities typically > 13 individuals/ha but variable among trapping grids and throughout winter. Apparent survival of individuals also varied throughout winter (57–79% monthly survival rate), and mean over-winter (December–April) survival of adults was 21%. Winter diets were dominated by waste grain, with corn and soybean contributing 55% and 77% of diet for mice sampled in corn and soybean fields, respectively. Weed seeds contributed less (2–27%) to winter diets. Based on our results and published field metabolic rates, we estimate that prairie deer mice consume 6.3 kg/ha of waste corn and 7.1 kg/ha of waste soybean seeds during the non-growing season. Collectively, our results suggest that prairie deer mice make meaningful contributions to reducing waste-grain populations during winter in post-harvest row-crop fields, during a time of year when most other seed predators are inactive.
Future Trends in Refractive Surgery

The subspecialty of refractive surgery is responsible for many of the innovations in the field of ophthalmology. Acceptance of these advancements has come from the incorporation of science and technology to increase the safety,accuracy, and predictability of altering the refractive error of the human eye. These developments offer new tools for the ophthalmologist to improve and enhance vision for our current patients as well as the patients of the future. Eye surgeons are able to correct ametropia by using different surgical techniques in a variety of anatomical locations. This chapter will discuss future trends in refractive surgery that will shape the decisions for refractive surgeons of tomorrow. The refractive state of the eye is dependent chiefly on three main variables: the cornea, the lens, and the axial length. The refractive power of the eye can be modified by changing the curvature of the principle refractive surfaces (the cornea and lens), altering the index of refraction of different media (cornea, anterior chamber, lens, vitreous) or adjusting the axial length of the eye (sclera).
Performance Characterization of Four-Arm MAW Spiral Antennas for Digital Direction-of-Arrival Sensing

The characterization of four-arm modulated arm width (MAW) spiral antennas for linearly polarized direction-of-arrival (DOA) sensing with a directly connected coherent receiver and digital backend is discussed. The performance is assessed from the system level, with the achievable field of view (FOV) is used as the metric for the antenna, evaluated by means of the Cramer–Rao Lower Bound. The resulting antenna deviates from the previous MAW spiral designs, emphasizing system DOA performance over previous metrics, such as pattern quality. Simulation and measurement of this MAW spiral show that the antenna can sense the DOA with 1° rms error in azimuth and elevation over a ±30° elevation and 360° azimuth FOV across a 4.6:1 bandwidth. This antenna is then compared with a traditional MAW spiral and a conventional spiral, which in contrast achieve bandwidth less than 2:1.
Agricultural/biological applications of NMR

This chapter is designed to introduce the neophyte to a range of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques and experiments that have or will have an impact on the solution of agriculture/biological problems. Throughout the various sections I have attempted to use examples from the recent literature as well as work from our own laboratory to illustrate the diversity of applications. The four main topic areas discussed are: (1) multinuclear high field/high resolution methods including 2-D methods for structure determination; (2) in vivo, multinuclear high resolution studies of plant material; (3) solid state cross polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) NMR which will cover the study of intact polymers, soil matrices, seeds and plant tissue metabolism, and (4) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as it is applied to plant and animal tissues and some examples of how it is utilized in conjunction with spatially resolved high resolution surface coil in vivo techniques.
Enantioselective Synthesis of (−)-LL-C10037α from Benzoquinone

The enantioselective total synthesis of the Streptomyces metabolite (−)-LL-C10037α has been accomplished in 10 steps and 20% overall yield. An early chiral intermediate was resolved with Candida rugosa lipase to provide (+)-5 with an enantiomeric excess ≥98%. The synthesis is notable in that no protecting groups are required and that all carbons in the core structure of LL-C10037α are derived from the readily available p-benzoquinone.
The Use of Satellite Data in Ocean Engineering

Ocean engineering is a composite of several disciplines including physical oceanography, chemistry and metallurgy, marine geology, structural and mechanical engineering, soil engineering and system analysis. An integrated approach in designing offshore structures, selecting safe locations for them, maintaining and operating them efficiently, and at the same time avoiding unnecessary hazards to the environment or to man, is just emerging. Perhaps the most significant drawback to such an integrated approach is the dearth of adequate environmental data; adequate in the sense of coverage and continuity. Extraordinary costs accompany most marine operations requiring data collection over long spans of time; most of these expenses are related to research and development of reliable instrumentation, to the problems of maintaining sensors over protracted duration in the ocean and often to the complexity of reducing and interpreting large data collections.
Neuronal LXR Regulates Neuregulin-1 Expression and Sciatic Nerve-Associated Cell signaling

Neuropathic pain caused by peripheral nerve injury significantly affects sensory perception and quality of life. Accumulating evidence strongly link cholesterol and inflammation with development and progression of Obesity and Diabetes associated-neuropathies. However, the exact mechanisms of how lipid metabolism in peripheral nervous system (PNS) contributes to the pathogenesis of neuropathy remains poorly understood. Dysregulation of LXR pathways have been identified in many transcriptomic analyses in neuropathy models. LXR /{beta} expressed in sensory neurons are necessary for proper peripheral nerve function. Deletion of LXR /{beta} from sensory neurons lead to pain-like behaviors. In this study, we identified that LXR /{beta} expressed in sensory neurons regulates neuronal neuregulin-1 (Nrg1). Using in vivo cell-specific approaches, we observed that loss of LXR from sensory neurons altered genes regulating lipid metabolism in non-neuronal cells potentially representing Schwann cells (SC). Our data suggest that neuronal LXR may regulates SC function via a Nrg1-dependent mechanism. The decrease in Nrg1 expression in DRG neurons of WD-fed mice may suggest an altered Nrg1-dependent neuron-SC communication in Obesity. The communication between neurons and non-neuronal cell such as SC could be a new biological pathway to study and to treat Obesity-associated neuropathy and PNS dysfunction.
Reducing barriers to post-9/11 veterans’ use of programs and services as they transition to civilian life

Numerous programs exist to support veterans in their transitions to civilian life. Programs are offered by a host of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. Veterans report encountering many barriers to program participation. This study identified barrier reduction strategies offered by programs that new post-9/11 veterans reported using, determined which strategies veterans use and value, and examined veteran characteristics that impact their odds of using programs that offer barrier reduction strategies. This study reflects findings from the first wave of data collection of The Veterans Metrics Initiative (TVMI), a longitudinal study examining the military-to-civilian reintegration of new post-9/11 veterans. The websites of programs used by respondents were coded for barrier reduction components. Veterans also indicated which barrier reduction components they found most helpful in meeting their reintegration goals. Of 9566 veterans who participated in Wave 1 data collection, 84% reported using a program that offered at least one barrier reduction component. Barrier reduction components included tangible supports (e.g., scholarships, cash), increased access to programs, decreased stigma, and encouraged motivation to change. Although only 4% of programs that were used by veterans focused on helping them obtain Veterans Administration benefits, nearly 60% of veterans reported that this component was helpful in reaching their goals. Access assistance to other resources and supports was also reported as a helpful barrier reduction component. For instance, approximately 20% of veterans nominated programs that offered transportation. The study also found evidence of a misalignment between the kinds of barrier reduction components veterans valued and those which programs offered. Veterans from the most junior enlisted ranks, who are at most risk, were less likely than those from other ranks to use barrier reduction components. Study limitations and ideas for future research are discussed. Despite the evidence that barrier reduction components enhance access to programs and contribute to program sustainability, many programs used by post-9/11 veterans do not offer them. There was also a misalignment between the barrier reduction strategies that veterans value and the strategies offered by programs. Veteran serving organizations should increasingly implement barrier reduction strategies valued by veterans.
Hypersomnia and Narcolepsy

Hypersomnia is a group of disorders characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness despite age-appropriate duration of nightly sleep. While inadequate sleep hygiene and/or medication(s) are common causes of daytime sleepiness, disorders of hypersomnolence should also be considered. Furthermore, there are many similar features, including signs and symptoms, between both hypersomnolence disorders and various psychiatric conditions. Finally, psychiatric conditions are often comorbid in disorders of hypersomnolence. Thus, it is critical to obtain a thorough investigative history and to conduct appropriate diagnostic testing in patients presenting with excessive daytime sleepiness. In this chapter, central disorders of hypersomnolence will be reviewed including a discussion of how to establish a diagnosis and how to treat these disorders. Throughout this chapter, overlapping features of psychiatric disorders will be highlighted.
Leveraging Twitter Data to Explore the Feasibility of Detecting Negative Health Outcomes Related to Vaping

Adverse health outcomes (e.g., respiratory infections, lung injury, death) related to vaping were reported at significantly higher rates in healthcare systems starting in the fall of 2019. This study seeks to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, such as latent dirichlet allocation (LDA) methods, to determine whether a signal of these negative health outcomes could have been detected by the frequency of Twitter content posted about vaping and these health outcomes prior to this increase. We utilized a random sample of 3,523 tweets from 2019 and performed LDA methods on this sample to cluster the tweets and identify latent topics. We then utilized keywords from within the health-related cluster (topic) to manually verify the frequency of these tweets across previous years to approximate topic trends. LDA methods resulted in 4 distinct topics of tweets, including a health-related topic. Keywords from this topic were found to increase slightly in 2017 and 2018, with a dramatic increase in 2019. Further, the highest performing keyword combination was found to increase most significantly beginning in August 2019. The results of this study support the feasibility of leveraging artificial intelligence techniques for surveillance of public health concerns such as vaping and adverse health outcomes reported in Twitter. Further research is needed into the development of such models, which could promote earlier detection of public health issues and timely outreach to those groups most at risk.
Abstract 13846: Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Risk of Clinical Bleeding Events in the Atherosclerosis in Communities (ARIC) Study

Introduction: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), a cytokine growth factor, is a predictor of bleeding in people with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Potential mechanisms include direct inhibit...
Rumor Has it: The Role of Social Ties in Evacuation to Nearby Shelters after the 2018 Hokkaido Earthquake

When crisis strikes, why do some communities utilize evacuation shelters more than others? This mixed methods study draws on a new dataset of almost-daily tallies of evacuees at 660 local shelters following Japan’s 2018 Eastern Iburi Earthquake in Hokkaido to create a large-N time-series cross sectional (TSCS) dataset of local, short-distance evacuation. We pair time-series cross-sectional data models with qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) of nine affected municipalities to examine why some shelters see higher evacuation rates than others. While past studies have used Facebook user data, post-hoc surveys, or ad-hoc roadside interviews to measure evacuation, this study uses meticulously recorded shelter attendance data to draw inferences about evacuation behavior. Controlling for types of shelters, damage levels, infrastructure quality, social vulnerability, governance capacity, and community resources, we find that in affected communities, stronger bridging social ties, especially when aided by linking ties, motivate greater evacuation to shelters. In unaffected communities, stronger bonding and bridging ties encourage potentially unnecessary evacuation, helping spread rumors during blackouts. These results highlight the necessity of clear, transparent communication with the public, and fostering trust in government during crises.
Frustrated Packing in Simple Structures: Chemical Pressure Hindrance to Isolobal Bonds in the TiAl3 type and ZrAl2.6Sn0.4

While simple close-packed arrangements convey a sense of optimization, they can, in fact, host competition between different types of interactions. The TiAl3 structure type, for example, represents...
Early infiltrating macrophage subtype correlates with late-stage phenotypic outcome in a mouse model of hepatorenal fibrocystic disease

Hepatorenal fibrocystic disease (HRFCD) is a genetically inherited disorder related to primary cilia dysfunction in which patients display varying levels of fibrosis, bile duct expansion, and inflammation. In mouse models of HRFCD, the phenotype is greatly impacted by the genetic background in which the mutation is placed. Macrophages are a common factor associated with progression of HRFCD and are also strongly influenced by the genetic background. These data led us to hypothesize that macrophage subtypes that change in relation to the genetic background are responsible for the variable phenotypic outcomes in HRFCD. To test this hypothesis, we utilized a mouse model of HRFCD (Ift88Orpk mice) on the C57BL/6 and BALB/c inbred backgrounds that have well-documented differences in macrophage subtypes. Our analyses of infiltrating macrophage subtypes confirm that genetic strain influences the subtype of infiltrating macrophage present during normal postnatal liver development and in Ift88Orpk livers (Ly6clo in C57BL/6 vs Ly6chi in BALB/c). Each infiltrating macrophage subtype was similarly associated with a unique phenotypic outcome as analysis of liver tissue shows that C57BL/6 Ift88Orpk mice have increased bile duct expansion, but reduced levels of fibrosis compared to BALB/c Ift88Orpk livers. RNA sequencing data suggest that the ability to infiltrate macrophage subtypes to influence the phenotypic outcome may be due to unique ligand-receptor signaling between infiltrating macrophages and cilia dysfunctional biliary epithelium. To evaluate whether specific macrophage subtypes cause the observed phenotypic divergence, we analyzed the liver phenotype in BALB/c Ift88Orpk mice on a CCR2-/- background. Unexpectedly, the loss of Ly6chi macrophages, which were strongly enriched in BALB/c Ift88Orpk mice, did not significantly alter liver fibrosis. These data indicate that macrophage subtypes may correlate with HRFCD phenotypic outcome, but do not directly cause the pathology.
Talking Is Hard: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Factors Associated with Communication about Mental Health Issues among Black College Students

This study seeks to understand how communicative and sociocultural factors influence Black college students’ previous interpersonal communication about mental health issues and current intention to...
Circulating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones and insulin concentrations in horses and ponies

Abstract Background Mechanisms resulting in breed predispositions to insulin dysregulation (ID) are poorly characterized. Cortisol antagonizes insulin, and free, biologically active cortisol can be increased in ID. Breed-related differences in serum free cortisol fraction (FCF) could contribute to ID, but FCF has not been quantified in equidae predisposed to ID, such as ponies. Hypothesis/Objectives To compare FCF and other hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hormones between horses and ponies during health and ID. We hypothesized: 1) FCF is higher in ponies than horses in health, and is higher still in ponies with ID and obesity; and 2) FCF is positively correlated with insulin in horses and ponies during health and ID. Animals: 33 horses and 24 ponies. Methods Animals were sampled before morning feeding in their normal routine. ACTH, insulin, and serum total cortisol concentrations and FCF were measured. ID was defined as evidence of hyperinsulinemia at rest or after oral sugar administration. Data were compared with Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman correlation analysis (P Results Total cortisol, free cortisol, and insulin concentrations and FCF, were comparable in healthy horses (n = 24) and ponies (n = 12), but ACTH concentrations were 29% higher in ponies than in horses (P= 0.016). In animals with ID, total cortisol, free cortisol, and insulin concentrations were similar between horses and ponies, but FCF was increased 40% in ponies (n=12) compared to horses (n=9). Conclusions and clinical importance These data demonstrate differences in insulin, ACTH, and free cortisol during health and ID between ponies and horses.
Compiling packet programs to reconfigurable switches

Programmable switching chips are becoming more commonplace, along with new packet processing languages to configure the forwarding behavior. Our paper explores the design of a compiler for such switching chips, in particular how to map logical lookup tables to physical tables, while meeting data and control dependencies in the program. We study the interplay between Integer Linear Programming (ILP) and greedy algorithms to generate solutions optimized for latency, pipeline occupancy, or power consumption. ILP is slower but more likely to fit hard cases; further, ILP can be used to suggest the best greedy approach. We compile benchmarks from real production networks to two different programmable switch architectures: RMT and Intel's FlexPipe. Greedy solutions can fail to fit and can require up to 38% more stages, 42% more cycles, or 45% more power for some benchmarks. Our analysis also identifies critical resources in chips. For a complicated use case, doubling the TCAM per stage reduces the minimum number of stages needed by 12.5%.
Understanding and Using What We Want: Interests and Exploitation in Negotiations

A central negotiation concern is understanding what parties want. Yet negotiators commonly fail to recognize and use either information regarding their own interests or the interests of other parties, perhaps in part due to the information dilemma implied by negotiation being a mixed-motive task. We study under-emphasized aspects of the challenges of recognizing and making use of interests.
Data Cache design considerations for the Itanium/sub /spl reg// 2 Processor

The second member in the Itanium Processor Family, the Itanium 2 processor, was designed to meet the challenge for high performance in today's technical and commercial server applications. The Itanium 2 processor's data cache microarchitecture provides abundant memory resources, low memory latencies and cache organizations tuned to for a variety of applications. The data cache design provides four memory ports to support the many performance optimizations available in the EPIC (Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing) design concepts, such as predication, speculation and explicit prefetching. The three-level cache hierarchy provides a 16KB 1-cycle first level cache to support the moderate bandwidths needed by integer applications. The second level cache is 256KB with a relatively low latency and FP balanced bandwidth to support technical applications. The onchip third level cache is 3MB and is designed to provide the low latency and the large size needed by commercial and technical applications.
Driving a car using reflexive fuzzy behaviors

VLSI fuzzy inferencing chips and a fuzzy behaviorist approach have been used to demonstrate the feasibility of driving a car under sensor-based autonomous navigation or driver's aid mode using only sparse data from very inaccurate sensors. In the first mode, the car navigates fully autonomously, while in the second mode, the system acts as a driver's aid providing the driver with linguistic commands to turn left or right and speed up or slow down depending on the obstacles perceived by the sensors. Experiments with both modes of control are described in which the system uses only three acoustic range sensor channels to perceive the environment. Simulation results as well as indoor and outdoor experiments are presented and discussed to illustrate the feasibility of autonomous navigation and/or safety enhancing driver's aid using the new fuzzy inferencing hardware system and humanlike reasoning schemes built with fuzzy behaviors. >
On complexity of a message-routing strategy for multicomputer systems

A natural communication problem in a multicomputer system, such as the hypercube, is that a processor (called the source) wants to send a message to a number of other processors (destinations). A message-routing paradigm for such a multidestination communication has been formulated as finding a subgraph called an optimal distance-preserving tree (ODPT). We prove that the problem of finding an ODPT is NP-hard both for the n-cube graph as well as for a graph whose maximum degree is at most three.
Effects of lesions in the medial prefrontal cortex on the activity of midbrain dopamine neurons

To determine whether lesions in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) alter the activity of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons, single unit recordings were made from DA neurons in control and lesioned rats. PFC lesions, obtained by local injection of ibotenic acid into the medial PFC, had no effect on either firing rate or bursting activity of DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). However, the number of spontaneously active DA neurons in the VTA was significantly decreased. In the substantia nigra (SN), the same lesions increased the firing rate and had no effect on either the bursting activity of the number of active DA cells. These results suggest that PFC lesions alter the activity of DA neurons. However, VTA and SN DA neurons may respond differently to PFC lesions.
Dimensiones humanas del cambio global en los Andes

As the international community is gearing towards shifting values andattitudes making adjustments in trending environmental protectioncampaigns, the accepted paradigm points towards the need to minimize theimpacts on mountain landscapes subjected to climate change due to globalwarming. Hitherto, research policy and the subsequent funding for proposalsdealing with climate change have emphasized the physical dimension,mainly on the cryosphere with glacial retreat and glacier ablation, and on thehydrosphere with lack or rain-fed snow, erratic precipitation, diminishingwater bodies and minimized aquifers. It is just recently, however, that thehuman dimension has been incorporated as a major pillar for ourunderstanding of landscape change and the recent emphasis for fundedresearch.In the tropical mountain areas of the Americas, this social sciencesapproach to study climate change is particularly important, because of theancient imprint on the land has often taken as an anecdotal outcome of sorts,whereby the use of different strategies, Andean communities have copedwith changes in the land for many reasons, including climate change. Theneoliberal policies that facilitated the opening of free market economies intoonce isolated mountain systems are been tested in scenarios of poverty,marginality and neglect. Andean communities are facing major changes, notonly due to global climate change, but particularly because of the impact ofglobalization in their ways of life. Entire livelihoods are threatened with the
Spiritual Diversity in Social Work Practice: The Heart of Helping by Canda, E., & Furman, L. D.

The subject of spiritual diversity within social work is fraught with personal ethical dilemmas, difficult policy choices, and full-blown controversy. How do we as a profession even define spiritua...
2D Models of gas flow and ice grain acceleration in Enceladus’ vents using DSMC methods

Abstract The gas distribution of the Enceladus water vapor plume and the terminal speeds of ejected ice grains are physically linked to its subsurface fissures and vents. It is estimated that the gas exits the fissures with speeds of ∼300–1000 m/s, while the micron-sized grains are ejected with speeds comparable to the escape speed (Schmidt, J. et al. [2008]. Nature 451, 685–688). We investigated the effects of isolated axisymmetric vent geometries on subsurface gas distributions, and in turn, the effects of gas drag on grain acceleration. Subsurface gas flows were modeled using a collision-limiter Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) technique in order to consider a broad range of flow regimes (Bird, G. [1994]. Molecular Gas Dynamics and the Direct Simulation of Gas Flows. Oxford University Press, Oxford; Titov, E.V. et al. [2008]. J. Propul. Power 24(2), 311–321). The resulting DSMC gas distributions were used to determine the drag force for the integration of ice grain trajectories in a test particle model. Simulations were performed for diffuse flows in wide channels (Reynolds number ∼10–250) and dense flows in narrow tubular channels (Reynolds number ∼10 6 ). We compared gas properties like bulk speed and temperature, and the terminal grain speeds obtained at the vent exit with inferred values for the plume from Cassini data. In the simulations of wide fissures with dimensions similar to that of the Tiger Stripes the resulting subsurface gas densities of ∼10 14 –10 20 m −3 were not sufficient to accelerate even micron-sized ice grains to the Enceladus escape speed. In the simulations of narrow tubular vents with radii of ∼10 m, the much denser flows with number densities of 10 21 –10 23 m −3 accelerated micron-sized grains to bulk gas speed of ∼600 m/s. Further investigations are required to understand the complex relationship between the vent geometry, gas source rate and the sizes and speeds of ejected grains.
The effects of ischemia and reperfusion on mucosal respiratory function, adenosine triphosphate, electrolyte, and water content in the ascending colon of ponies.

Objective- The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ischemia and reperfusion on the biochemical integrity of equine colonic mucosa to assess the relative roles of ischemic- and reperfusion-induced damage. Study Design- Two hours of no-flow ischemia experimentally induced by 720° counterclockwise ascending colon volvulus followed by 2 hours reperfusion after derotation. Animals- Ten ponies. Methods- Ascending colon biopsies were obtained every hour for measurement of mucosal adenosine triphosphate (ATP), water, sodium, and potassium content. Additional samples were homogenized for assay of mitochondrial respiratory function. Results- ATP content diminished 92% after ischemia and recovered to only 44% of control levels (P <.001 versus controls) after 2 hours reperfusion. Reperfusion increased mucosal water and decreased sodium and potassium content for the duration of the experiment. Both NADH- (pyruvate) and FADH-linked (succinate) respiration decreased after ischemia and did not recover during reperfusion indicating electron transport chain dysfunction. Conclusions- Two hours ischemia induced severe metabolic dysfunction in equine colon mucosa which persisted throughout reperfusion. Unequivocal evidence of injury specific to reperfusion was not observed in this study suggesting that much of the damage observed during reperfusion may be a continuation of injury induced during the ischemic period and not specific to reperfusion per se. Clinical Relevance- This study suggests that greater efforts to metabolically support ischemically injured mucosa may be an important aspect of obtaining improved survival of horses affected by ascending colon volvulus (ACV).
A lattice Boltzmann framework to simulate boiling water reactor core hydrodynamics

This paper presents a consistent LBM formulation for the simulation of a two-phase water-steam system. Results of initial model validation in a range of thermodynamic conditions typical for Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) are also shown. The interface between the two coexisting phases is captured from the dynamics of the model itself, i.e., no interface tracking is needed. The model is based on the Peng-Robinson (P-R) non-ideal equation of state and can quantitatively approximate the phase-coexistence curve for water at different temperatures ranging from 125 to 325 ^@?C. Consequently, coexisting phases with large density ratios (up to ~1000) may be simulated. Two-phase models in the 200-300 ^@?C temperature range are of significant importance to nuclear engineers since most BWRs operate under similar thermodynamic conditions. Simulation of bubbles and droplets in a gravity-free environment of the corresponding coexisting phase until steady state is reached satisfies Laplace law at different temperatures and thus, yield the surface tension of the fluid. Comparing the LBM surface tension thus calculated using the LBM to the corresponding experimental values for water, the LBM lattice unit (lu) can be scaled to the physical units. Using this approach, spatial scaling of the LBM emerges from the model itself and is not imposed externally.
The paradox of ApoA5 modulation of triglycerides: evidence from clinical and basic research.

Abstract Apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5) is a key regulator of plasma triglycerides (TG), even though its plasma concentration is very low compared to other known apoproteins. Over the years, researchers have attempted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which ApoA5 regulates plasma TG in vivo. Though still under debate, two theories broadly describe how ApoA5 modulates TG levels: (i) ApoA5 enhances the catabolism of TG-rich lipoproteins and (ii) it inhibits the rate of production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), the major carrier of TGs. This review will summarize the basic and clinical studies that describe the importance of ApoA5 in TG metabolism. Population studies conducted in various countries have demonstrated an association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ApoA5 and the increased risk to cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome (including diabetes and obesity). ApoA5 is also highly expressed during liver regeneration and is an acute phase protein associated with HDL, which is independent of its effects on TG metabolism. Conclusion: Despite considerable evidences available from clinical and basic research studies on the role of ApoA5 in TG metabolism and its indirect link to metabolic diseases, additional investigations are needed to understand the paradoxical role of this important apoprotein is modulated by both diet and its polymorphism variants.