cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Limitations of Certain Density Functionals in Modeling Neutral Water Clusters

We have used density functional theory (DFT) with four different functionals and with basis sets optimized for studying water clusters to calculate the structures and energies for selected water dimer, trimer, tetramer, pentamer, hexamer, and octamer structures. We compare the results to the CBS‐APNO and G3 model chemistry methods, and with highly accurate MP2 complete basis set limit energies. We find that while all the DFT methods capture the minimum energy structures for tetramers and pentamers, and reproduce the interaction energies well, they fail to find certain structures where London dispersion forces are critical to the interaction. Specifically structures that are not composed of cyclic rings, such as the tetramer pyramid and the pentamer cage structures, are not minima on the DFT potential energy hypersurfaces.
Space-Time Spectral Analysis of Mid-Latitude Disturbances Appearing in a GFDL General Circulation Model.

Abstract A space-time spectral analysis is applied to the Northern Hemisphere winter of an 11-layer GFDL general circulation model with seasonal variation. A statistical study is made of the stationary and transient ultra-long waves and transient long waves with respect to their wave characteristics, three-dimensional structure and energetics. The stratospheric stationary waves attain their maximum amplitude in geopotential at the latitudes of the stratospheric jet in agreement with observations and theories, although their amplitude is too large. The tropospheric stationary waves corresponding to the Siberian high and the Aleutian low are characterized by large eddy available potential energy which is mainly converted from zonal available potential energy. On the other hand, the tropospheric stationary wave corresponding to the local intensification of the subtropical jet is characterized by large eddy kinetic energy which is supplied by the energy flux from the region of large eddy energy conversion occ...
Cessation from Tobacco Use

Tobacco cessation is a public health priority. Healthcare providers should routinely advise and assist their patients to stop smoking. At present, the most effective smokingcessation treatments combine behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy. Population- and community-based interventions can have a substantial public health impact on reducing tobacco use. Future research is needed emphasizing motivational interventions, relapse prevention, and how to make treatment more accessible and acceptable to smokers.
Implementing a Bereavement Program

“In Our Unit” highlights unique practices, innovations, research, or resourceful solutions to commonly encountered problems in critical care areas and settings where critically ill patients are cared for. If you have an idea for an upcoming “In Our Unit,” send it to Critical Care Nurse, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656; fax, (949) 362-2049; e-mail, ccn@aacn.org. Our bereavement program is providing comfort for the families and closure for the nurses. At the American Association of CriticalCare Nurses 2001 National Teaching Institute (NTI) in Anaheim, California, I attended a lecture presented by Glenda Craft and Kathleen Vollman. The topic of this lecture was starting a bereavement committee to reach out to families after the death of a loved one in a critical care unit. The speakers stressed that followup can help with closure for the patient’s family and for the staff, and that they had received very positive feedback. Many program attendees shared their experiences with this type of program and were also pleased with the results. I thought a bereavement program could be adapted to the cardiac intensive care unit where I work, at Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut. I engaged another nurse, Mary Harris, to assist with program development. Our first step was to formalize a committee that would base its work on the concepts presented at the NTI lecture. After several meetings, we had designed a trial program.
The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: Current Perspective and Future Role in Prevention and Treatment of Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Anal Cancer

UNLABELLED The incidences of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal cancer and its precursor lesion, anal intraepithelial neoplasia, are rising in the U.S. and globally. Five-year survival rates with current modalities of treatment for anal cancer are generally favorable for localized and regional disease. For metastatic disease, the relative survival rate is poor. Major contributing factors for the increase in anal cancer incidence include increasing receptive anal intercourse (hetero- and homosexual), increasing HPV infections, and longer life expectancy of treated people who are seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus. Because treatment outcomes with systemic therapy in patients with advanced disease are so poor, prevention may be the best approach for reducing disease burden. The association of a major causative agent with anal cancer provides an excellent opportunity for prevention and treatment. The advent of the HPV vaccine for anal cancer prevention and treatment is a significant milestone and has the potential to greatly impact these cancers. The data regarding potential use of the HPV vaccine in anal cancer prevention and treatment are reviewed. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The incidences of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal cancer and its precursor lesion, anal intraepithelial neoplasia, are on the rise in the U.S. and globally. Based on recent studies, the HPV vaccine is approved for prevention of the infection and development of HPV-related anal cancer. In addition, several small studies have shown that the vaccine may be useful as adjuvant therapy for anal cancer. There is a need for public health strategies aimed at education of both patients and practitioners to improve the use of the vaccine for prevention of HPV-related anal cancer. The development of a therapeutic vaccine is a work in progress.
Familiarity with and Preferences for Oral and Long-Acting Injectable HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in a National Sample of Gay and Bisexual Men in the U.S.

We sought to determine preferences for oral versus long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP among gay and bisexual men (GBM). We surveyed a national U.S. sample of 1071 GBM about forms of PrEP. LAI PrEP was found to be acceptable among 43.2 % of men when injected monthly compared with 53.6 % of men when injected every 3 months. When asked to choose between forms of PrEP, 46.0 % preferred LAI, 14.3 % oral, 21.7 % whichever was most effective, 10.1 % had no preference, and 7.8 % would not take PrEP. There were no differences in PrEP preferences by race/ethnicity, income, region of residence, or relationship status. Those unwilling to take PrEP were significantly older than those who preferred LAI PrEP and those who would take either. Those who preferred the most effective form were younger, had less education, and reported more recent club drug use. Those who reported condomless anal sex and those who thought they were good PrEP candidates were more willing to take PrEP. Long-term health and side effects were of the greatest concern for both LAI and oral PrEP. The availability of LAI PrEP has the potential to increase uptake among GBM. The results of ongoing clinical trials of LAI PrEP will need to demonstrate similar or greater efficacy as daily Truvada for uptake to be maximized.
VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION AND AORTIC DILATION IN PATIENTS WITH RECESSIVE DYSTROPHIC EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of diseases characterized by skin fragility and blistering with minimal stimulus and occurring in 8:1,000,000 children. Previously, recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB) has been associated with patient reported or clinically diagnosed heart failure. The current
CYR61 (CCN1) overexpression induces lung injury in mice

Cysteine-rich protein-61 (CYR61), also known as connective tissue growth factor, CYR61, and nephroblastoma overexpressed gene 1 (CCN1), is a heparin-binding protein member of the CCN family of matricellular proteins. Gene expression profiles showed that Cyr61 is upregulated in human acute lung injury (ALI), but its functional role is unclear. We hypothesized that CYR61 contributes to ALI in mice. First, we demonstrated that CYR61 expression increases after bleomycin-induced lung injury. We then used adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to determine whether CYR61 overexpression in the lungs was sufficient to cause ALI. Mice instilled with CYR61 adenovirus showed greater weight loss, increased bronchoalveolar lavage total neutrophil counts, increased protein concentrations, and increased mortality compared with mice instilled with empty-vector adenovirus. Immunohistochemical studies in lungs from humans with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis revealed CYR61 expression on the luminal membrane of alveolar epithelial cells in areas of injury. We conclude that CYR61 is upregulated in ALI and that CYR61 overexpression exacerbates ALI in mice.
Pleasantness of odors as a function of the immediate stimulus context

Absolute category judgments of the pleasantness of different odors were obtained from 138 Ss. Scale values were determined, separately for each S and by a Thurstone analysis of group data. These values provided the basis for manipulating the stimulus range. The variance of the judgments of a subset of the odors increased with restriction of the range. The data were interpreted as consistent with range-frequency theory but not with the theory of adaptation level.
Action of isoproterenol on heart cells in tissue culture.

SummaryTrypsin dispersed chick embryo heart cells have been grown in tissue culture to produce rhythmic contraction cell clusters. Isoproterenol, a specific beta adrenergic stimulating drug, has been shown to increase the rate of contraction of these cells. This effect persists for 20-30 minutes and can be removed by washing the cells with fresh control media. Propranolol, a specific beta adrenergic blocking agent, blocks the stimulating action of isoproterenol. It appears likely that stimulation of beta adrenergic receptors of the Ahlquist classification can be used to explain these findings. These receptors apparently develop in the absence of adrenergic nerve endings.Addendum. At a recent symposium on the structure and function of heart muscle. Wollenberger described his unpublished observations (16) on the effects of adrenergic stimulating and blocking drugs on heart cells in tissue culture which are in general agreement with this report.
Design and characterization of a microfabricated hydrogen clearance blood flow sensor.

Abstract Background Modern cerebral blood flow (CBF) detection favors the use of either optical technologies that are limited to cortical brain regions, or expensive magnetic resonance. Decades ago, inhalation gas clearance was the choice method of quantifying CBF, but this suffered from poor temporal resolution. Electrolytic H2 clearance (EHC) generates and collects gas in situ at an electrode pair, which improves temporal resolution, but the probe size has prohibited meaningful subcortical use. New method We microfabricated EHC electrodes to an order of magnitude smaller than those existing, on the scale of 100 μm, to permit use deep within the brain. Results Novel EHC probes were fabricated. The devices offered exceptional signal-to-noise, achieved high collection efficiencies (40–50%) in vitro, and agreed with theoretical modeling. An in vitro chemical reaction model was used to confirm that our devices detected flow rates higher than those expected physiologically. Computational modeling that incorporated realistic noise levels demonstrated devices would be sensitive to physiological CBF rates. Comparison with existing method The reduced size of our arrays makes them suitable for subcortical EHC measurements, as opposed to the larger, existing EHC electrodes that would cause substantial tissue damage. Our array can collect multiple CBF measurements per minute, and can thus resolve physiological changes occurring on a shorter timescale than existing gas clearance measurements. Conclusion We present and characterize microfabricated EHC electrodes and an accompanying theoretical model to interpret acquired data. Microfabrication allows for the high-throughput production of reproducible devices that are capable of monitoring deep brain CBF with sub-minute resolution.
Effect of c-myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotide on proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer SW480 cells with FHIT gene re-expression

Objective:To study the effect of the c-myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotide(ASODN) on the proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells with FHIT gene expression.Methods:PRC/CMV vector expressing FHIT gene and empty vector were transfected into human colon cancer SW480 cells by liposome mediation,respectively.Then,c-myc ASODN was transfected into SW480 cells.The FHIT and c-myc proteins were detected by western blotting.The proliferation of SW480 cells was assessed by MTT assay.The apoptosis was determined by AO/EB staining and flow cytometry analysis.Results:Marked expression of FHIT protein was detected in SW480 cells after transfection with PRC/CMV vector.But it was not observed in SW480 cells after transfection with empty vector.The expression of c-myc protein was significantly inhibited in SW480 cells after transfection with c-myc ASODN(P0.01).ASODN of c-myc inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of SW480 cells.However the growth-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effect of c-myc ASODN were stronger on FHIT+SW480 cells compared with FHIT-SW480 cells(P0.05).Conclusions:The expression of tumor suppressor gene FHIT and down-regulation of oncogene c-myc have stronger anti-tumor efficiency and provides the basis for multiple gene interference therapy.
Learning to think systemically about health-care systems: a commentary.

The following three articles form a sequence of sorts in addressing changes required in our prevailing health care organizations, changes of a magnitude comparable to F.W. Taylor's “scientific management” revolution at the beginning of the 20th century as we seek to “transform the fundamental O.D. paradigm.” All three are based on case studies. And each has its own prescription: three “movements” each with three “key actions” for “constructive disequilibrium”; three “essential elements” for “integrated networks”, and five “dimensions of key day-to-day behavioral practices.”
Aldoril® (Merck Sharp & Dohme)

Methyldopa is an antihypertensive whose mechanism has not been conclusively demonstrated but is probably due to the effect on metabolism to alpha-methylnorepinephrine which then lowers arterial pressure by stimulation of central inhibitory alpha-adrenergic receptors. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and antihypertensive; it affects the renal tubular mechanism of electrolyte reabsorption.
Primary Versus Revision Spinal Fusion in Children: An Analysis of 74,525 Cases From the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of a nationwide database. OBJECTIVE To compare in-hospital outcomes for pediatric patients who underwent primary versus revision spinal fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA There is limited data on outcomes after primary versus revision spinal fusion in children. METHODS Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2011 were analyzed. Pediatric patients (age <18 yr) who underwent ≥3 level spinal fusion were identified. Demographics, in-hospital complications, length of stay, and hospital charges were compared between primary and revision (refusion) procedures. All analyses were performed after application of discharge weights. RESULTS Data from 72,483 primary fusion and 2042 revision fusion procedures (2.7%) were analyzed. Average length of stay was 7.9 days for the revision group and 6.6 for the primary group (P = 0.022). Average total charges were $135,644 and $142,029 for the revision and primary fusion groups, respectively (P = 0.252). The percentage of patients who developed at least one in-hospital complication was 16.7% in the revision group and 8.6% in the primary fusion group (P < 0.001). Specific complications that were more common in the revision group were reintubation (4.3% vs. 2.3%, P = 0.008), hemorrhage/hematoma (5.0% vs. 2.5%, P = 0.001), wound complications (4.0% vs. 1.1%, P < 0.001), accidental vessel/nerve puncture (2.6% vs. 0.8%, P < 0.001), implant-related complications (5.3% vs. 0.4%, P < 0.001), and incidental durotomy (2.1% vs. 0.3%, P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, revision procedures (odds ratio [OR] 2.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.93-3.59; P < 0.001), male sex (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.52-1.98; P < 0.001), and fusion of eight or more spinal levels (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.09-1.47; P = 0.001) were risk factors for complication development. CONCLUSION In the present study, pediatric patients who underwent spinal refusion had significantly higher complication rates compared to patients who underwent primary fusion, consistent with previous investigations. Male patients and patients who underwent fusion of eight or more spinal levels also had higher complication rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Human Pentraxins Bind to Misfolded Proteins and Inhibit Production of Type I Interferon Induced by Nucleic Acid-Containing Amyloid

Objective: Amyloid deposition is linked to multiple human ailments, including neurodegenerative diseases, type 2 diabetes, and systemic amyloidosis. The assembly of misfolded proteins into amyloid fibrils involves an intermediate form, i.e., soluble amyloid precursor (AP), which exerts cytotoxic function. Insoluble amyloid also stimulates innate immune cells to elicit cytokine response and inflammation. How any of these misfolded proteins are controlled by the host remains obscure. Serum amyloid-P component (SAP) is a universal constituent of amyloid deposits. Shortchain pentraxins, which include both SAP and C-reactive protein (CRP), are pattern recognition molecules that bind to diverse ligands and promote the clearance of microbes and cell debris. Whether these pentraxins interact with AP and cofactor containing amyloid and subsequently impact their function is not known. Methods and Results: To detect the interaction between SAP and different types of amyloids, we performed a dot blot analysis. The results showed that SAP invariably bound to protein-only, nucleic acid-containing and glycosaminoglycan-containing amyloid fibrils. This interaction required the presence of calcium. By ELISA, both SAP and CRP bound to soluble AP in the absence of divalent cations. Further characterization, by gel filtration, implied that SAP decamer may recognize AP whereas aggregated SAP preferentially associates with amyloid fibril. Although SAP binding did not affect cytotoxic function of AP, SAP potently inhibited the production of interferon-α from human plasmacytoid dendritic cells triggered by DNA-containing amyloid. Conclusions: Our data suggest that short pentraxins differentially interact with various forms of misfolded proteins and, in particular, modulate the ability of nucleic acid-containing amyloid to stimulate aberrant type I interferon response. Hence, pentraxins may function as key players in modulating the pathogenesis of protein misfolding diseases as well as interferon-mediated autoimmune manifestation.
Abstract P168: ChIP-seq Analysis of Genomic Binding Sites for the Transcription Factor Fosl2 in Kidney Collecting Duct Cells

Kidney collecting duct principal cells play a key role in blood pressure regulation and water balance in part through the action of vasopressin. We integrated data from prior proteomics and transcriptomics studies of cultured mouse mpkCCD cells using Bayes’ Rule to rank transcription factors (TFs) likely to be involved in vasopressin-mediated transcriptional regulation. The top ranked TF was the AP-1 component Fos-like 2 (Fosl2) and the third ranked TF was Sox4. We carried out ChIP-seq analysis (HiSeq 2000 sequencer) to identify genomic sites of Fosl2 binding using an antibody successfully employed for ChIP-seq in the Mouse ENCODE Project. mpkCCD cells treated with the vasopressin analog dDAVP or vehicle were separately analyzed. The success of the immunoprecipitation of Fosl2 was confirmed by western blotting and LC-MS/MS of the immuno-precipitated material (ChIP-MS). ChIP-MS identified two different Fosl2 peptides, but there were no peptides corresponding to other AP-1 proteins. ChIP-MS also identified Bub1b, a nuclear protein kinase known to phosphorylate histones, as a Fosl2-interacting protein. Fosl2-binding sites successfully mapped to genes by ChIP-seq included a Fosl2 binding site, centered at 87 bp upstream from the transcription start site [TSS] of Sox4, that was strongly downregulated in response to dDAVP, n=2; confirmed by ChIP-PCR. TF binding site prediction (Genomatix) identifies putative Sox4 binding sites in vasopressin-regulated genes beta-ENaC (-822 bp from TSS) and aquaporin-2 (-515 bp from TSS). These data provide an initial step in identification of the vasopressin-regulated transcriptional network in renal collecting duct cells.
The Increased Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Induced by Diabetes Protects Retinal Vessels.

The roles of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in extracellular matrix production and vascular remodeling, coupled with increased TGF-β expression and signaling in diabetes, suggest TGF-β as an important contributor to the microangiopathy of diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. To investigate whether increased TGF-β signaling could be a therapeutic target for preventing retinopathy, we used a pharmacologic approach (SM16, a selective inhibitor of the type 1 TGF-β receptor activin receptor–like kinase 5, orally active) to inhibit the increased, but not the basal, Tgf-β signaling in retinal vessels of diabetic rats. At the level of vascular gene expression, 3.5 months' diabetes induced minimal changes. Diabetes + SM16 for 3 weeks caused widespread changes in gene expression poised to enhance vascular inflammation, thrombosis, leakage, and wall instability; these changes were not observed in control rats given SM16. The synergy of diabetes and SM16 in altering gene expression was not observed in the lung. At the level of vascular network morphology, 7 months' diabetes induced no detectable changes. Diabetes + SM16 for 3 weeks caused instead distorted morphology and decreased density. Thus, in diabetes, retinal vessels become dependent on a small increase in TGF-β signaling via activin receptor–like kinase 5 to maintain early integrity. The increased TGF-β signaling may protect against rapid retinopathy progression and should not be a target of inhibitory interventions.
A Novel Method of Cone Beam CT Projection Binning Based on Image Registration

Accurate sorting of beam projections is important in 4D cone beam computed tomography (4D CBCT) to improve the quality of the reconstructed 4D CBCT image by removing motion-induced artifacts. We propose image registration-based projection binning (IRPB), a novel marker-less binning method for 4D CBCT projections, which combines intensity-based feature point detection and trajectory tracking using random sample consensus. IRPB extracts breathing motion and phases by analyzing tissue feature point trajectories. We conducted experiments with two phantom and six patient datasets, including both regular and irregular respirations. In experiments, we compared the performance of the proposed IRPB, Amsterdam Shroud method (AS), Fourier transform-based method (FT), and local intensity feature tracking method (LIFT). The results showed that the average absolute phase shift of IRPB was 3.74 projections and 0.48 projections less than that of FT and LIFT, respectively. AS lost the most breathing cycles in the respiration extraction for the five patient datasets, so we could not compare the average absolute phase shift between IRPB and AS. Based on the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of the reconstructed 4D CBCT images, IRPB had 5.08, 1.05, and 2.90 dB larger PSNR than AS, FT, and LIFT, respectively. The average Structure SIMilarity Index (SSIM) of the 4D CBCT image reconstructed by IRPB, AS, and LIFT were 0.87, 0.74, 0.84, and 0.70, respectively. These results demonstrated that IRPB has superior performance to the other standard methods.
Association of a Primary Stroke Center Protocol for Suspected Stroke by Large-Vessel Occlusion With Efficiency of Care and Patient Outcomes.

Importance While prehospital triage to the closest comprehensive stroke center (CSC) may improve the delivery of care for patients with suspected emergent large-vessel occlusion (ELVO), efficient systems of care must also exist for patients with ELVO who first present to a primary stroke center (PSC). Objective To describe the association of a PSC protocol focused on 3 key steps (early CSC notification based on clinical severity, vessel imaging at the PSC, and cloud-based image sharing) with the efficiency of care and the outcomes of patients with suspected ELVO who first present to a PSC. Design, Setting, and Participants In this retrospective cohort study, 14 regional PSCs unfamiliar with the management of patients with ELVO were instructed on the use of the following protocol for patients presenting with a Los Angeles Motor Scale score 4 or higher: (1) notify the CSC on arrival, (2) perform computed tomographic angiography concurrently with noncontract computed tomography of the brain and within 30 minutes of arrival, and (3) share imaging data with the CSC using a cloud-based platform. A total of 101 patients were transferred from regional PSCs to the CSC between July 1, 2015, and May 31, 2016, and received mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. The CSC serves approximately 1.7 million people and partners with 14 PSCs located between 6.4 and 73.6 km away. All consecutive patients with internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusions transferred over an 11-month period were reviewed, and they were divided into 2 groups based on whether the PSC protocol was partially or fully executed. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were efficiency measures including time from PSC door in to PSC door out, time from PSC door to CSC groin puncture, and 90-day modified Rankin Scale score (range, 0-6; scores of 0-2 indicate a good outcome). Results Although 101 patients were transferred, only 70 patients met the inclusion criteria during the study period. The protocol was partially executed for 48 patients (68.6%) (mean age, 77 years [interquartile range, 65-84 years]; 22 of the 48 patients [45.0%] were women) and fully executed for 22 patients (31.4%) (mean age, 76 years [interquartile range, 59-86 years]; 13 of the 22 patients [59.1%] were women). When fully executed, the protocol was associated with a reduction in the median time for PSC arrival to CSC groin puncture (from 151 minutes [95% CI, 141-166 minutes] to 111 minutes [95% CI, 88-130 minutes]; P P P Conclusions and Relevance When fully implemented, a standardized protocol at PSCs for patients with suspected ELVO consisting of early CSC notification, computed tomographic angiography on arrival to the PSC, and cloud-based image sharing is associated with a reduction in time to groin puncture and improved outcomes.
Diffusion Games over Social Networks

One of the widely studied models in social networks is the diffusion model, where the goal is to propagate a certain type of product or behavior in a desired way through the network.
Statistical process monitoring as a big data analytics tool for smart manufacturing

Abstract With ever-accelerating advancement of information, communication, sensing and characterization technologies, such as industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and high-throughput instruments, it is expected that the data generated from manufacturing will grow exponentially, generating so called ‘big data’. One of the focuses of smart manufacturing is to create manufacturing intelligence from real-time data to support accurate and timely decision-making. Therefore, big data analytics is expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of smart manufacturing. In this work, a roadmap of statistical process monitoring (SPM) is presented. Most recent developments in SPM are briefly reviewed and summarized. Specific challenges and potential solutions in handling manufacturing big data are discussed. We suggest that process characteristics or feature based SPM, instead of process variable based SPM, is a promising route for next generation SPM and could play a significant role in smart manufacturing. The advantages of feature based SPM are discussed to support the suggestion and future directions in SPM are discussed in the context of smart manufacturing.
GeoBrick: exploration of spatiotemporal data

We present GeoBrick, an interactive technique for exploring spatiotemporal data. In GeoBrick, each region is comprised of multivariate data, which is encoded into simple shapes with colors. Additionally, users can adjust the resolution of data values to get an overview as well as details of the data. GeoBrick allows users to (1) juxtapose data and spatial profiles of discontiguous regions, (2) identify temporal patterns of user-defined classes of regions, and (3) comparatively evaluate across distinct configurations of regions. We demonstrate the effectiveness and efficacy of GeoBrick using two case studies.
The Effects of Quinine on Neurophysiological Properties of Dopaminergic Neurons

Quinine is an antimalarial drug that is toxic to the auditory system by commonly inducing hearing loss and tinnitus, presumably due to its ototoxic effects on disruption of cochlear hair cells and blockade of ion channels of neurons in the auditory system. To a lesser extent, quinine also causes ataxia, tremor, and dystonic reactions. As dopaminergic neurons are implicated to play a role in all of these diseases, we tested the toxicity of quinine on induced dopaminergic (iDA) neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and primary dopaminergic (DA) neurons of substantia nigra from mice brain slices. Patch clamp recordings and combined drug treatments were performed to examine key physiological properties of the DA neurons. We found that quinine (12.5–200 μM) depolarized the resting membrane potential and attenuated the amplitudes of rebound spikes induced by hyperpolarization. Action potentials were also broadened in spontaneously spiking neurons. In addition to quinine attenuating hyperpolarization-dependent conductance, the tail currents following withdrawal of hyperpolarizing currents were also attenuated. Taken together, we found that iPSC-derived DA neurons recapitulated all the tested physiological properties of human DA neurons, and quinine had distinct effects on the physiology of both iDA and primary DA neurons. This toxicity of quinine may be the underlying mechanism for the movement disorders of cinchonism or quinism and may play a role in tinnitus modulation.
Mean-field controllability and decentralized stabilization of Markov chains

In this paper, we present several novel results on controllability and stabilizability properties of the Kolmogorov forward equation of a continuous time Markov chain (CTMC) evolving on a finite state space, using the transition rates as the control parameters. First, we characterize all the stationary distributions that are stabilizable using time-independent control parameters. We then present a result on small-time local and global controllability of the system from and to strictly positive equilibrium distributions when the underlying graph is strongly connected. Additionally, we show that any target distribution can be reached asymptotically using time-varying control parameters. For bidirected graphs, we construct rational and polynomial density feedback laws that stabilize strictly positive stationary distributions while satisfying the additional constraint that that the feedback law takes zero value at equilibrium. This last result enables the construction of decentralized density feedback controllers, using tools from linear systems theory and sum-of-squares based polynomial optimization, that stabilize a swarm of agents modeled as a CTMC to a target state distribution with no state-switching at equilibrium. We validate the effectiveness of the constructed feedback laws with stochastic simulations of the CTMC for finite numbers of agents and numerical solutions of the corresponding mean-field models.
The Role of Individual Surface Flux Components in the Passive and Active Ocean Heat Uptake

AbstractSurface flux perturbations (heat, freshwater, and wind) due to an increase of atmospheric CO2 cause significant intermodel spread in ocean heat uptake; however, the mechanism underlying the...
Rates of Perioperative Respiratory Adverse Events Among Caucasian and African American Children Undergoing General Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND Perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs) account for the major cause of morbidity and mortality in children undergoing general anesthesia. In our institutional clinical practice, we suspected that African American children experienced untoward respiratory events more frequently than other racial groups. Identification of high-risk groups can guide decision making in the perioperative period, and aggressive optimization of specific care can enhance safety and improve outcomes. METHODS Data came from a retrospective chart review for records from August 2013 to December 2013. The primary aim was to compare the incidence of PRAEs among racial groups of young children at a single institution. We also analyzed factors that are potentially associated with a higher risk of PRAEs. There were 1148 records that met the inclusion criteria. Racial identities, PRAEs, and risk factors were identified. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate differences in PRAEs among racial groups controlling for confounding variables. RESULTS Of all 1148 patients, 62 (5.4%) had a PRAE. African American children had significantly higher incidences of PRAE (26/231, 11.4%) compared to Caucasian (27/777, 3.5%; P < .001). Although the most common PRAE was laryngospasm, bronchospasm was the most common PRAE for African American children. Otolaryngology procedures were most commonly associated with PRAEs, followed by orthodontic procedures. CONCLUSIONS In a multivariable logistic analysis, African American pediatric patients were shown to have significantly higher odds of PRAEs when compared with the Caucasian group.
A History of Acoustic Imaging

The technology for “seeing” with sound has an important and interesting history. Certain of nature’s creatures have been good at acoustic imaging for many millenia. Bats and dolphins are prodigies in using sound waves for probing their universe. The human species, lacking sophisticated natural ability, has overcome this deficiency by developing appropriate technology. Rudimentary cross-sectional acoustic images have been available since prior to World War I, stemming from the development of pulse-echo techniques. More recently intensity-mapping and phase-amplitude systems have become the bases for acoustic imaging. This talk presents some historical highlights of the fascinating progress in this work.
Tianeptine Abuse and Dependence: Case Report and Literature Review.

Background Tianeptine (Stablon, Coaxil) abuse and dependence has become increasingly prominent worldwide with recent presence in the United States. Objective In this article, we add a case to the growing literature on tianeptine dependence, the first of which is concerning for the presence of an adulterant, and present a comprehensive literature review. Methods A literature search was conducted on July 2, 2018 on PubMed for articles using the keywords “tianeptine abuse” and “tianeptine dependence.” Results Literature search resulted in 25 articles and encompassed 65 patients. A majority of patients were male and age ranged from 19 to 67. Routes of intake included oral, intravenous, and insufflation. In the 15 cases of overdose, 8 combined ingestion with at least one other substance, of which 3 resulted in death. Six additional deaths are reported involving tianeptine (9 total). Conclusion Tianeptine abuse and dependence has become a cause for concern in approved markets with recent emergence in the United States. Psychiatrists should be aware of a potentially fatal opiate-like withdrawal in the absence of positive urine drug screens or cases where withdrawal does not follow expected patterns. Tianeptine users should be educated regarding risk associated with this drug. Without further intervention, additional cases should be anticipated.
Japanese history textbook controversy at a crossroads?: joint history research, politicization of textbook adoption process, and apology fatigue in Japan

ABSTRACTJapan’s kyōkasho mondai (history textbook controversy) is at a crossroads. This article tries to exemplify it through the analysis of three issue areas at three levels (international, domes...
First principles-based multiscale atomistic methods for input into first principles nonequilibrium transport across interfaces

This issue of PNAS features “nonequilibrium transport and mixing across interfaces,” with several papers describing the nonequilibrium coupling of transport at interfaces, including mesoscopic and macroscopic dynamics in fluids, plasma, and other materials over scales from microscale to celestial. Most such descriptions describe the materials in terms of the density and equations of state rather than specific atomic structures and chemical processes. It is at interfacial boundaries where such atomistic information is most relevant. However, there is not yet a practical way to couple these phenomena with the atomistic description of chemistry. The starting point for including such information is the quantum mechanics (QM). However, practical QM calculations are limited to a hundred atoms for dozens of picoseconds, far from the scales required to inform the continuum level with the proper atomistic description. To bridge this enormous gap, we need to develop practical methods to extend the scale of the atomistic simulation by several orders of magnitude while retaining the level of QM accuracy in describing the chemical process. These developments would enable continuum modeling of turbulent transport at interfaces to incorporate the relevant chemistry. In this perspective, we will focus on recent progress in accomplishing these extensions in first principles-based atomistic simulations and the strategies being pursued to increase the accuracy of very large scales while dramatically decreasing the computational effort.
Robot Morality: Bertram F. Malle’s Concept of Moral Competence

Bertram F. Malle is one of the first scientists, combining robotics with moral competence. His theory outlines that moral competence can be understood as a system of five components including moral norms, a moral vocabulary, moral cognition, moral decision making and moral communication. Giving a brief (1) introduction of robot morality, the essay analyses Malle’s concept of moral competence (2) and discusses its consequences (3) for the future of robot science. The thesis will further argue that Malle’s approach is insufficient due to three reasons: his function argument is very simplifying and therefore troubling; each component of his theory is inconsistent and, finally, closely connected to our common understanding of personhood, which raises new philosophical questions surrounding the basic issue of if and/or when machines can be considered people.
What Could a Two-Way Power Be?

Alvarez and Steward think the power of agency is a two-way power; Lowe thinks the will is. There is a problem for two-way powers. Either there is a unified description of the manifestation-type of the power, or not. If so, two-way powers are really one-way powers. If not, two-way powers are really combinations of one-way powers. Either way, two-way powers cannot help distinguish free agents from everything else. I argue the problem is best avoided by an Aristotelian view, which posits a distinctive unity of explanation proper to two-way powers, grounded in a distinctive form of reasoning.
Original contributionProspective assessment of Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) as a novel marker of quality of life and disease activity in Crohn’s disease

Objective The Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire is the most widely accepted measure of quality of life (QOL); however, it is cumbersome to use and requires complicated analysis. The Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) is a simpler tool, which has been validated in patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing restorative proctocolectomy. This study validates CGQL in patients with Crohn’s disease and determines the correlation of QOL measurement systems with disease activity as measured by the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI).
Comparison of Live, Late and Archived Mode Learner Behavior in an Advanced Engineering MOOC

Advanced engineering Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) aim to teach highly technical content to learners around the world at a much greater scale than the traditional classroom. Unlike the latter setting, it is common for many MOOC learners to initiate learning after the official start date, or even after the course ends. This archive-mode learning allows students an open-ended period for course completion. However, little research on MOOCs focuses on how such learners utilize these resources. To address this gap, the present study seeks to compare live, late, and archive learners’ intentions, interests, and behaviors in accessing the course materials in a highly technical engineering MOOC. Utilizing the Kruskal-Wallis test, we find that live learners desire to achieve a passing grade at the onset of the course, while archive learners are less concerned about grades. Also, learners who work full-time tend to enroll late, while full-time students tend to enroll as live or archive learners. Most importantly, while similar classes of behaviors are found in all groups, a significantly greater proportion of archive-mode learners complete the course than live or especially late-enrolling learners. These results suggest that relaxing or removing time constraints may significantly improve learning outcomes in MOOCs.
Technology advancements in hydroprocessing of bio-oils.

Abstract This manuscript describes the research and development undertaken at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory subsequent to an earlier bio-oil hydrotreating historical development review in 2007. It also includes the implications for future development needs related to hydroprocessing of biomass fast pyrolysis bio-oil for liquid hydrocarbon fuels production. The results of the research, the needs and implications for additional research and development, as well as the future potential for technology transfer to industrial application are included. The progress over the 10 years of research can be captured by the technoeconomic assessment in the reduction in cost of the product by nearly 80% of the starting assessment. Design catalyst lifetime was extended from
Modeling and Analysis of Daily Driving Patterns of Taxis in Reshuffled Ride-Hailing Service Market

AbstractThis paper aims to model and analyze the changes in daily driving patterns of taxis in a disrupted market due to the boom in e-hailing services. This is accomplished by mining large-scale t...
High Resolution, Seamless ePix10K Cameras for Wavelength-Dispersive Spectroscopy

Wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) finds applications in X-ray facilities. Since the energy resolution depends on the spatial or angular resolution of detection in the dispersion direction, the detectors of choice are typically strip detectors instead of imaging detectors with square pixels [1] . Since imaging detectors are of wider application and often receive more research effort, one approach to achieve the resolution required by WDS is to use high-aspect-ratio rectangular sensor pixels, or "strixels", on top of existing readout circuits designed for square pixels. When the strixel’s width approaches that of the point spread function, increased pixel charge sharing further improves sub-pixel resolution [2] .
Visuomotor Ankle Training on a Stiffness-Controlled Robotic Platform Improves Ankle Motor Control and Lower Extremity Function in Chronic Stroke Survivors

This study demonstrated the feasibility of a 6-week, visuomotor ankle training program using a stiffness-controlled, 2 degree-of-freedom robotic platform and investigated its effectiveness on paretic ankle motor control and lower extremity function in patients with stroke. In this feasibility study, two chronic stroke survivors with right hemiparesis participated in the training involving ankle motor control for 12 sessions over 6 weeks. While standing on a compliant robotic platform that simulated rotational stiffness comparable to the ankle joint stiffness of unimpaired individuals, participants performed visually-guided target reaching ankle movement tasks in the sagittal and frontal planes, i.e., dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion directions, totaling 160 trials per session. Both participants successfully completed the 6-week training without any discomfort or safety issues. This visuomotor ankle training on the compliant robotic platform contributed to the significant improvement of paretic ankle motor control, evidenced by less variable, smoother, and faster ankle movements. At the conclusion of the training, a significant improvement in the fast walking speed was observed in both participants (over 20% in one subject and over 50% in the other), validating clinical relevance of the training. The Berg Balance Scale score evaluating postural balance was also improved, but only one subject showed a clinically significant improvement (8 points), while the other did not reach the clinical significance (2 points). These results suggest the potential benefits of the visuomotor ankle training program using a stiffness-controlled robotic platform to patients with stroke by providing a desirable therapeutic target towards improved ankle motor control and lower extremity function.
FIELD EVALUATION OF AN OPTICAL SOMATIC CELL COUNTER FOR MILK

The Technicon Optical Somatic Cell Counter (OSCC) was studied for its utility in determining the somatic cell concentration in raw milk. Over the range of 30,000 to 1,600,000 cells per milliliter, dilutions of a milk sample or a stabilized turkey erythrocyte standard elicited a smooth but slightly curvilinear instrument response. Thirty milk samples of cell concentration clustering closely around 1,500,000 cells per milliliter were analyzed in triplicate. From an analysis of variance of the uncorrected instrument readout we computed an LSD.01 of 1.48 major chart scale divisions, which is a sensitivity of 2.0% at 1,500,000 cells per milliliter. Determinations were made on bulk tank milks ranging from 100,000 to 1,600,000 cells per milliliter. Chart peak values and Direct Microscopic Somatic Cell Counts (DMSCC) were highly correlated (0.96) when operating at either 30 or 60 samples per hour. Apparent inadequacies of the turkey erythrocyte calibration system may account for the discrepancy between the slope ...