cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decentralized reconstruction from compressive random projections driven by principal components

The decentralized reconstruction of data acquired m a sensor network via compressive random projections is considered. Assuming each node acquires a signal while simultaneously reducing its dimensionality, the proposed decentralized reconstruction recovers each signal to its original dimensionality with the reconstruction process being distributed across the network such that each node performs limited computation with limited communication with its neighboring nodes. In contrast to prior decentralized reconstructions driven by sparsity-based compressed-sensing techniques, the proposed approach employs reconstruction based on principal component analysis using an iterative consensus algorithm to calculate the required covariance across the network. Experimental results reveal that the performance of the proposed decentralized reconstruction approaches that of the original centralized algorithm as the number of consensus iterations increases.
Interaction between MENA Stock Markets: A Comovement Wavelet Analysis

This paper investigates the integration of emerging stock markets over different time horizons using daily data over 1992-2011. The links among major Middle East and North African (MENA) stock exchange markets (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Turkey and United Arab Emirates) are considered by adopting the recently developed wavelet comovement analysis (Rua, 2010). The wavelet base measure of correlation enables not only to analyze the interdependence among stock markets but also to consider changing effects of time and frequency domains simultaneously. The characteristics of returns’ patterns are examined over the whole sample by special emphasis on pre- and post-global financial crisis periods to test the impact of pressure exerted on these markets through the interdependence in the global economic structure. The results indicate that MENA stock markets are partially integrated and the degree of interdependence has increased significantly after 2008 Crisis. Nevertheless, for global investors there is still room for gains especially in the post global crisis period.
Laser-driven phosphor-converted white light source for solid-state illumination

Energy efficiency and lighting quality considerations are driving research into laser-pumped white light sources. Laser diodes as pump sources for downconversion phosphors promise freedom from "droop" that adversely affects the efficiency of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). High-intensity laser diode-pumped light sources for applications such as search lights and automobile headlights have been demonstrated recently. Our paper describes the design and construction of a domestic/office-type solid-state luminaire driven by light from an integrated violet laser-diode module. A trichromatic phosphor made from a blend of separate europium-containing rare-earth phosphors was used as the downconversion medium. Mechanical and optical design of the reflector and the phosphor plate are described. Characteristics of both the pump light and the downconverted light are also described. Our studies also looked at the variation of chromaticity coordinates with variation in pump power and the effect of laser speckle on the lamp's light output. Finally, there is a brief discussion of energy conversion efficiency and longevity considerations, comparing pumping with LEDs versus pumping with laser diodes.
Study of the Polymer Length Dependence of the Single Chain Transition Temperature in Syndiotactic Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Oligomers in Water

Aqueous solutions of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) exhibit a temperature responsive change in conformation. When the temperature is increased, the polymer transitions from an extended coil conformation to a collapsed structure. We performed molecular dynamics simulations of aqueous solutions of single chain, syndiotactic PNIPAM oligomers over a wide range of temperatures and varying degrees of polymerization to elucidate the effect of oligomer length on the single chain transition temperature, T1. We have reproduced recent measurements of the transition temperature increasing with decreasing oligomer chain length. Examination of the chain structure reveals that conformations above T1 bend to bring hydrophobic segments together to shield them from the water. The constraints of the dihedral dynamics require elevated temperatures for shorter chains to bend sharply enough in order to undergo the transition. This result is confirmed by calculations of the solvent accessible surface area, which shows an ...
Potential Use of Baited Pitfall Traps in Monitoring Pine Root Weevil, Hylobius pales, Pachylobius picivorus, and Hylobius radicis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Populations and Infestation Levels

Plantation pine production in the Lake States is limited by a root weevil complex composed of the pales weevil, Hylobius pales (Herbst); pitch-eating weevil, Pachylobius picivorus (Germar); and pine root collar weevil, H. radicis Buchanan. Population changes were monitored over two growing seasons using pitfall traps baited with ethanol and turpentine in Christmas tree farms. Density-dependent factors affected population change, particularly among H. pales . The number of weevils per trap did not vary consistently across three, pitfall trap densities. Weevil distribution patterns, and correlations between trap catch and damage, were analyzed. Trap catch in 1988 of female H. pales was positively correlated with infestation level and infestation severity in 1988, 1989, and 1990. Trap catch in 1989 of P. picivorus was significantly correlated with 1988, 1989, and 1990 foliar symptoms. The role of host finding with respect to weevil distribution, the significance of the trap catch-damage relationship, and the predictive potential of the monitoring system are discussed.
Experimental relaxation of the pubic ligament of the guinea pig.

The extraordinary separation of the pubic bones of the guinea pig in late pregnancy has been recorded by several investigators. Todd1 has made the most recent contribution to this subject and has thoroughly discussed previous research as well as described the gradual changes that take place at the symphysis during normal pregnancy and the subsequent return to the post-parturient condition typical of multiparous females. The writer has been interested in this phenomena for the last four years, chiefly from the standpoint of its physiological explanation and possible correlation with a similar condition which has been studied in the pocket gopher.2 In the pocket gopher the pubic bones are resorbed at the symphysis before pregnancy occurs, and the reaction is governed by the ovary, while in the guinea pig relaxation of the pubis occurs during pregnancy and little or no bone is resorbed, but the connective tissue at the symphysis is greatly increased, allowing a marked separation of the bones.It has been poss...
Physiological explanation about"You will look younger if you laugh"

We all love to laugh,smiling through the emotive language to create a psychological melody,let a person in a relaxed mood.Study found that often laugh,really can promote the health of human body,has its physiology adjustment mechanism.The regulation of human physiological functions,there are three main respectively neuromodulation,body fluids,adjust and regulate itself.Laughter can make the body nerve-endocrine-immune network in the best working conditions,therefore,laughter is the best medicine.
Behavioral research as physical enrichment for captive chimpanzees.

In this study, we evaluated the potential for a behavioral research study, designed to evaluate chimpanzee decision-making behavior, to also encourage increased activity in a group of zoo-housed chimpanzees. For the behavioral study, the chimpanzees had to carry tokens to different locations such that they always had to travel farther to obtain a more-preferred reward. We recorded the distance travelled by each subject in each of the three phases of the 15-month study. By the final phase, the chimpanzees' rate of travel during test sessions was significantly higher compared to their baseline activity. Importantly, the chimpanzees' increase in locomotion was not dependent on their participation in the study; rate of travel was not correlated with number of tokens exchanged. However, the chimpanzees' activity returned to baseline within 2 hr of the 30-min test sessions. This study emphasizes the role that research can have in providing enrichment, the importance for long-term enrichment plans, and the essential need to evaluate the impact of research on animal participants, just as we evaluate the efficacy of enrichment strategies. Zoo Biol. 35:293-297, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epileptiform transients of the occipital lobe in pediatrics.

ABSTRACT.Differentiating between benign occipital transients and epileptic discharges from the occipital lobes is imperative. Focal occipital spikes and sharp waves are not always associated with benign disorders. The occurrence of occipital spikes and spike and wave complexes depends on the child's age, the maturation of the occipital cortex, and the cortex's connection with other structures (Beaumanoir et al. 1993). Clinical manifestations also evolve as the patient ages. Seizure semiology is due to the maturation of the visual system and its connections. An infant from birth to twelve months of age could experience autonomic symptoms such as pallor and vomiting with possible minor motor movements. Visual symptoms and/or headaches are usually not noticed until between five and seven years of age. These visual phenomena can continue into adulthood.
The incidence of hypertension and associated factors among middle aged workers and farmers in Beijing and Guangzhou

3347 males and 3927 females aged 35-54 with normal blood pressure (not on antihypertensive medication) at entry were followed up for 4 years. The incidence of hypertension and associated factors were analyzed. There was a significant difference in incidence of hypertension between southern and northern population of China (2-5 times). The age-adjusted 4 year incidence of definite hypertension in Beijing male and female workers were 6.8% and 4.1% respectively, but only 0.7% and 2.1% respectively in Guangzhou, while in Beijing farmers were 10.1%, 5.0%, and in Guangzhou farmers were 2.3%, 0.5% respectively. The results also showed incidence of hypertension were significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI). BMI greater than or equal to 24 group had higher hypertension incidence than BMI less than 24 (2.1-3.2 times). Alcohol intake was correlated to hypertension incidence rather than nonalcoholics. But no significant relations were found with smoking, educational level and the intensity of physical labour.
Numerical study of steady and unsteady canard-wing-body aerodynamics

The use of canards in advanced aircraft for control and improved aerodynamic performance is a topic of continued interest and research. In addition to providing maneuver control and trim, the influence of canards on wing aerodynamics can often result in increased maximum lift and decreased trim drag. In many canard-configured aircraft, the main benefits of canards are realized during maneuver or other dynamic conditions. Therefore, the detailed study and understanding of canards requires the accurate prediction of the non-linear unsteady aerodynamics of such configurations. For close-coupled canards, the unsteady aerodynamic performance associated with the canard-wing interaction is of particular interest. The presence of a canard in close proximity to the wing results in a highly coupled canard-wing aerodynamic flowfield which can include downwash/upwash effects, vortex-vortex interactions and vortex-surface interactions. For unsteady conditions, these complexities of the canard-wing flowfield are further increased. The development and integration of advanced computational technologies provide for the time-accurate Navier-Stokes simulations of the steady and unsteady canard-wing-body flox,fields. Simulation, are performed for non-linear flight regimes at transonic Mach numbers and for a wide range of angles of attack. For the static configurations, the effects of canard positioning and fixed deflection angles on aerodynamic performance and canard-wing vortex interaction are considered. For non-static configurations, the analyses of the canard-wing body flowfield includes the unsteady aerodynamics associated with pitch-up ramp and pitch oscillatory motions of the entire geometry. The unsteady flowfield associated with moving canards which are typically used as primary control surfaces are considered as well. The steady and unsteady effects of the canard on surface pressure integrated forces and moments, and canard-wing vortex interaction are presented in detail including the effects of the canard on the static and dynamic stability characteristics. The current study provides an understanding of the steady and unsteady canard-wing-body flowfield. Emphasis is placed on the effects of the canard on aerodynamic performance as well as the detailed flow physics of the canard-wing flowfield interactions. The computational tools developed to accurately predict the time-accurate flowfield of moving canards provides for the capability of coupled fluids-controls simulations desired in the detailed design and analysis of advanced aircraft.
Management of Dieulafoy’s Lesions

Dieulafoy’s lesion is a difficult-to-diagnose, potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding condition. It is a vascular abnormality that consists of a large caliber-persistent tortuous artery with no apparent pathology but a small mucosal defect that resulted in eruption. The cause of the actual rupture is not clearly understood. The diagnostic modality of choice is endoscopy, primarily for its concomitant treatment possibilities. There is no general consensus on treatment of Dieulafoy’s lesion, but, as in diagnosis, endoscopy emerged as the preferred mode for management. Endoscopic treatments are organized into three groups—injection, mechanical, thermal; combined treatments are preferred to monotherapy as the success rate is higher. Due to recent advances in interventional radiology, angiography became the second choice of treatment for Dieulafoy’s lesion. Although in the past surgery was common in management of this condition, its role has been reduced for only the cases that failed under the first two modalities.
Cycling Behavior of NCM523/Graphite Lithium-Ion Cells in the 3–4.4 V Range: Diagnostic Studies of Full Cells and Harvested Electrodes

Energy density of full cells containing layered-oxide positive electrodes can be increased by raising the upper cutoff voltage above the present 4.2 V limit. In this article we examine aging behavior of cells, containing LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523)-based positive and graphite-based negative electrodes, which underwent up to ~400 cycles in the 3–4.4 V range. Electrochemistry results from electrodes harvested from the cycled cells were obtained to identify causes of cell performance loss; these results were complemented with data from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) measurements. Our experiments indicate that the full cell capacity fade increases linearly with cycle number and results from irreversible lithium loss in the negative electrode solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. The accompanying electrode potential shift reduces utilization of active material in both electrodes and causes the positive electrode to cycle at higher states-of-charge. Full cell impedance rise on aging arises primarily at the positive electrode and results mainly from changes at the electrode-electrolyte interface; the small growth in negative electrode impedance reflects changes in the SEI layer. Our results indicate that cell performance loss could be mitigated by modifying the electrode-electrolyte interfaces through use of appropriate electrode coatings and/or electrolyte additives.
Micro-C XL: assaying chromosome conformation from the nucleosome to the entire genome.

The combination of short and long crosslinkers during chromosome conformation capture allows the interrogation of structure from the nucleosome to the chromosome-wide level in yeast.
Role of health insurance in enabling universal health coverage in India: A critical review:

India has set itself a long-term goal of providing universal health coverage for all its citizens and over the past few decades, significant progress has been achieved by the government, towards me...
Biphasic Regulation of p38 MAPK by Serotonin Contributes to the Efficacy of Stimulus Protocols That Induce Long-Term Synaptic Facilitation.

ABSTRACT The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) isoforms ERK and p38 MAPK are believed to play opposing roles in long-term synaptic facilitation (LTF) induced by serotonin (5-HT) in Aplysia . To fully understand their roles, however, it is necessary to consider the dynamics of ERK and p38 MAPK activation. Previous studies determined that activation of ERK occurred ∼45 min after a 5-min pulse of 5-HT treatment. The dynamics of p38 MAPK activation following 5-HT are yet to be elucidated. Here, the activity of p38 MAPK was examined at different times after 5-HT, and the interaction between the ERK and p38 MAPK pathways was investigated. A 5-min pulse of 5-HT induced a transient inhibition of p38 MAPK, followed by a delayed activation between 25 and 45 min. This activation was blocked by a MAPK kinase inhibitor, suggesting that similar pathways are involved in activation of ERK and p38 MAPK. ERK activity decreased shortly after the activation of p38 MAPK. A p38 MAPK inhibitor blocked this decrease in ERK activity, suggesting a causal relationship. The p38 MAPK activity ∼45 min after different stimulus protocols was also characterized. These data were incorporated into a computational model for the induction of LTF. Simulations and empirical data suggest that p38 MAPK together with ERK contribute to the efficacy of spaced stimulus protocols to induce LTF, a correlate of long-term memory. For example, decreased p38 MAPK activity ∼45 min after the first of two sensitizing stimuli might be an important determinant of an optimal inter-stimulus interval for LTF induction. Significance Statement Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways play critical roles in mediating diverse forms of synaptic plasticity. Activation of the ERK isoform is required for long-term synaptic facilitation (LTF), whereas the p38 MAPK isoform is required for long-term synaptic depression. Here we used isolated Aplysia sensory neurons (SNs) to confirm and extend previous studies delineating dynamics of ERK and p38 MAPK. We quantified p38 MAPK activity after application of the essential neurotransmitter 5-HT, and explored the crosstalk between p38 MAPK and ERK in SNs. These data were incorporated into a computational model for the induction of LTF. Simulations suggest that p38 MAPK together with ERK contribute to the efficacy of temporally spaced stimulus protocols to induce LTF, a correlate of long-term memory.
Antagonistic regulation of cell cycle and differentiation gene programs in neonatal cardiomyocytes by homologous MEF2 transcription factors

Cardiomyocytes acquire their primary specialized function (contraction) before exiting the cell cycle. In this regard, proliferation and differentiation must be precisely coordinated for proper cardiac morphogenesis. Here, we have investigated the complex transcriptional mechanisms employed by cardiomyocytes to coordinate antagonistic cell-cycle and differentiation gene programs through the molecular dissection of the core cardiac transcription factor, MEF2. Knockdown of individual MEF2 proteins, MEF2A, -C, and -D, in primary neonatal cardiomyocytes resulted in radically distinct and opposite effects on cellular homeostasis and gene regulation. MEF2A and MEF2D were absolutely required for cardiomyocyte survival, whereas MEF2C, despite its major role in cardiac morphogenesis and direct reprogramming, was dispensable for this process. Inhibition of MEF2A or -D also resulted in the activation of cell-cycle genes and down-regulation of markers of terminal differentiation. In striking contrast, the regulation of cell-cycle and differentiation gene programs by MEF2C was antagonistic to that of MEF2A and -D. Computational analysis of regulatory regions from MEF2 isoform-dependent gene sets identified the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways as key determinants in coordinating MEF2 isoform-specific control of antagonistic gene programs. These results reveal that mammalian MEF2 family members have distinct transcriptional functions in cardiomyocytes and suggest that these differences are critical for proper development and maturation of the heart. Analysis of MEF2 isoform-specific function in neonatal cardiomyocytes has yielded insight into an unexpected transcriptional regulatory mechanism by which these specialized cells utilize homologous members of a core cardiac transcription factor to coordinate cell-cycle and differentiation gene programs.
Chito-Cotton: Chitosan Coated Cotton-Based Scaffold

Chitin, the most abundant polysaccharide in nature (in addition to cellulose and starch), is a long-chain structural polymer which can be found in the exoskeleton of crustaceans (such as crab, shrimp). Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide and deacetylated derivative of chitin. It is excellently biocompatible and biodegradable, cationic, can form insoluble complexes (similar to collagen), and can easily be fabricated into bulk porous scaffolds, films, and beads. Due to its ample versatility, chitosan has a multitude of biomedical applications in areas such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, and bone/periodontal substitutes. Early experiments conducted with the aim of producing 3-D matrix chitosan scaffolds (organized and porous) proved to be quite challenging. As a result, a new scaffold composed of cotton and coated with chitosan was engineered; the cotton, serving as an organized and porous 3-D matrix, when combined with chitosan, serving as an environment for cell attachment and growth, could potentially be a highly used scaffold. Results showed that at a concentration of 2 wt%, cotton coated with low molecular weight chitosan provided better adhesive for cell attachment to the scaffold. On comparison, the low molecular weight scaffold allowed the attachment of more cells than the medium. The results from this test were then compared to a range obtained from a control test in order to measure its success. The range was attained by performing a negative control test with uncoated cotton (one extreme) and a positive control test with poly-lysine coated cotton (other extreme). In this paper, the developed protocol is briefly reviewed, the unique design of a device made solely for this project is discussed, the results from preliminary tests with the scaffolds are analyzed, and finally, a review of impending work to be done, questions yet to answered, and potential biomedical engineering applications of chito-cotton.
Homogenization of one-dimensional draining through heterogeneous porous media including higher-order approximations

Abstract We examine a mathematical model of one-dimensional draining of a fluid through a periodically-layered porous medium. A porous medium, initially saturated with a fluid of a high density is assumed to drain out the bottom of the porous medium with a second lighter fluid replacing the draining fluid. We assume that the draining layer is sufficiently dense that the dynamics of the lighter fluid can be neglected with respect to the dynamics of the heavier draining fluid and that the height of the draining fluid, represented as a free boundary in the model, evolves in time. In this context, we neglect interfacial tension effects at the boundary between the two fluids. We show that this problem admits an exact solution. Our primary objective is to develop a homogenization theory in which we find not only leading-order, or effective, trends but also capture higher-order corrections to these effective draining rates. The approximate solution obtained by this homogenization theory is compared to the exact solution for two cases: (1) the permeability of the porous medium varies smoothly but rapidly and (2) the permeability varies as a piecewise constant function representing discrete layers of alternating high/low permeability. In both cases we are able to show that the corrections in the homogenization theory accurately predict the position of the free boundary moving through the porous medium.
Obstacles to preventing obesity in children aged 2 to 5 years: Latino mothers' and fathers' experiences and perceptions of their urban environments.

The prevalence of obesity among Latino children is alarmingly high, when compared to non-Latino White children. Low-income Latino parents living in urban areas, even if they are well-educated, face obstacles that shape familial health behaviors. This study used qualitative methods to explore parents’ experiences in providing meals and opportunities to play to their children aged 2 to 5 years. In contrast to most prior studies, this study examined perceptions of familial behaviors among both mothers and fathers. An ecological framework for exploring the associations of parental feeding behaviors and children’s weight informed this study. An interview guide was developed to explore parents’ experiences and perceptions about children’s eating and physical activity and administered to six focus groups in a community-based organization in the Mission District of San Francisco. Transcripts were coded and analyzed. Twenty seven mothers and 22 fathers of Latino children ages 2 to 5 participated. Mothers, fathers, and couples reported that employment, day care, neighborhood environments and community relationships were experienced, and perceived as obstacles to promoting health behavior among their children, including drinking water instead of soda and participating in organized playtime with other preschool-age children. Results from this study suggest that the parents’ demographic, social and community characteristics influence what and how they feed their children, as well as how often and the types of opportunities they provide for physical activity, providing further evidence that an ecological framework is useful for guiding research with both mothers and fathers. Mothers and fathers identified numerous community and society-level constraints in their urban environments. The results point to the importance of standardized work hours, resources for day care providers, clean and safe streets and parks, strong community relationships, and reduced access to sugar-sweetened beverages in preventing the development of obesity in preschool-age Latino children.
He11 corrugated waveguide for Ka-band communucations

HE11 corrugated waveguide for Ka-band communications corrugated waveguides with ohmic losses of 2 dB/100 m and compact bends with under 0.1% mode conversion at 28 to 30 GHz are described. Design, fabrication, and applications to Ka-band earth stations are discussed.
“Deserve1093-4537S got [everything] to do with it”: Unforgiven, revenge, and the revival of the western

This essay weds conceptions of justice within Public Administration to the theme of revenge in the Hollywood Western, arguing that the revival of the genre in the 1990s reflects changes in the public conception of due process and equality before the law. The Western genre’s evolution is illustrative of the way definitions of justice are socially, contextually specific. Unforgiven illustrates this shift because the violence in the film symbolizes the vengeance culture so anathema to American notions of procedural justice and explores shifting conceptions of justice through a 19th century allegory of injustice, the heart of which is the treatment of a person as property. This fantasy of the violent resolution of conflict is examined against Public Administration's insistence upon resolving competing conceptions of the good through peaceful, deliberative modalities.
Mortality after red blood cell transfusions from previously pregnant donors: complexities in the interpretation of large data

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is a common and potentially life-saving intervention. The requirement for RBC transfusions inherently reflects a degree of illness in the recipient, and healthy individuals do not generally require blood transfusions.
Autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa rhodopsin mutant Q344X drives specific alterations in chromatin complex gene transcription.

Purpose Epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms have been shown to contribute to long-lasting functional changes in adult neurons. The purpose of this study was to identify any such modifications in diseased retinal tissues from a mouse model of rhodopsin mutation-associated autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP), Q344X, relative to age-matched wild-type (WT) controls. Methods We performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) at poly(A) selected RNA to profile the transcriptional patterns in 3-week-old ADRP mouse model rhodopsin Q344X compared to WT controls. Differentially expressed genes were determined by DESeq2 using the Benjamini & Hochberg p value adjustment and an absolute log2 fold change cutoff. Quantitative western blots were conducted to evaluate protein expression levels of histone H3 phosphorylated at serine 10 and histone H4. qRT-PCR was performed to validate the expression patterns of differentially expressed genes. Results We observed significant differential expression in 2151 genes in the retina of Q344X mice compared to WT controls, including downregulation in the potassium channel gene, Kcnv2, and differential expression of histone genes, including the H1 family histone member, H1foo; the H3 histone family 3B, H3f3b; and the histone deacetylase 9, Hdac9. Quantitative western blots revealed statistically significant decreased protein expression of both histone H3 phosphorylated at serine 10 and histone H4 in 3-week-old Q344X retinas. Furthermore, qRT-PCR performed on select differentially expressed genes based on our RNA-seq results revealed matched expression patterns of up or downregulation. Conclusions These findings provide evidence that transcriptomic alterations occur in the ADRP mouse model rhodopsin Q344X retina and that these processes may contribute to the dysfunction and neurodegeneration seen in this animal model.
Usability of an adapted electronic health record (EHR)-based cardiovascular health application in the oncology setting: Perceptions of oncologists and cancer survivors.

129Background: Cardiovascular health (CVH) is of increasing concern to cancer survivors and their healthcare providers, since survivors of many early-stage cancers are more likely to die of cardiov...
A Lagrangian approach towards extracting signals of urban CO 2 emissions from satellite observations of atmospheric column CO 2 (XCO 2 ): X-Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport model (“X-STILT v1”)

Abstract. Urban regions are responsible for emitting significant amounts of fossil fuel carbon dioxide ( FFCO2 ), and emissions at the finer, city scales are more uncertain than those aggregated at the global scale. Carbon-observing satellites may provide independent top-down emission evaluations and compensate for the sparseness of surface CO2 observing networks in urban areas. Although some previous studies have attempted to derive urban CO2 signals from satellite column-averaged CO2 data ( XCO2 ) using simple statistical measures, less work has been carried out to link upwind emission sources to downwind atmospheric columns using atmospheric models. In addition to Eulerian atmospheric models that have been customized for emission estimates over specific cities, the Lagrangian modeling approach – in particular, the Lagrangian particle dispersion model (LPDM) approach – has the potential to efficiently determine the sensitivity of downwind concentration changes to upwind sources. However, when applying LPDMs to interpret satellite XCO2 , several issues have yet to be addressed, including quantifying uncertainties in urban XCO2 signals due to receptor configurations and errors in atmospheric transport and background XCO2 . In this study, we present a modified version of the Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport (STILT) model, “X-STILT”, for extracting urban XCO2 signals from NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 (OCO-2) XCO2 data. X-STILT incorporates satellite profiles and provides comprehensive uncertainty estimates of urban XCO2 enhancements on a per sounding basis. Several methods to initialize receptor/particle setups and determine background XCO2 are presented and discussed via sensitivity analyses and comparisons. To illustrate X-STILT's utilities and applications, we examined five OCO-2 overpasses over Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during a 2-year time period and performed a simple scaling factor-based inverse analysis. As a result, the model is able to reproduce most observed XCO2 enhancements. Error estimates show that the 68 % confidence limit of XCO2 uncertainties due to transport (horizontal wind plus vertical mixing) and emission uncertainties contribute to ∼33 % and ∼20 % of the mean latitudinally integrated urban signals, respectively, over the five overpasses, using meteorological fields from the Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS). In addition, a sizeable mean difference of −0.55 ppm in background derived from a previous study employing simple statistics (regional daily median) leads to a ∼39 % higher mean observed urban signal and a larger posterior scaling factor. Based on our signal estimates and associated error impacts, we foresee X-STILT serving as a tool for interpreting column measurements, estimating urban enhancement signals, and carrying out inverse modeling to improve quantification of urban emissions.
Induced Superconducting State in Semiconductors and Semimetals

The search for new superconducting materials is of considerable interest. As is well-known, superconductivity in semiconductors is caused by intervalley interaction (M. Cohen; see Ref. [1]). Moreover, intervalley interaction may result in the appearance of a non-phonon mechanism.[2]
Pharmacological approach to functional reorganization: the role of norepinephrine.

L'influence des medicaments systemiques modulateurs des taux de neurotransmetteurs centraux specifiques sur la recuperation comportementale apres une lesion cerebrale est demontree par des etudes pharmacologiques chez des animaux de laboratoire. Le role important de la noradrenaline centrale est avance par un faisceau d'arguments. Des lesions selectives des voies noradrenergiques centrales troublent la recuperation apres une lesion du cortex cerebral. Des molecules qui diminuent la noradrenaline centrale, bloquent les recepteurs α 1 -adrenergiques ou diminuent la liberation de noradrenaline (agonistes des recepteurs α 2 -adrenergiques) ont un effet negatif sur la recuperation, tandis que celles qui augmentent la liberation de noradrenaline (antagonistes des recepteurs α 2 -adrenergiques ou des sympathomimetiques (amphetamine) facilitent la recuperation. Ces etudes donnent un apercu des processus neurobiologiques potentiels controlant les effets de ces molecules.
Dynamics of the electroreceptors in the paddlefish, polyodon spathula

The paddlefish, Polyodon spathula, inhabits the major rivers of the Midwest and feeds on Zooplankton, such as the water flea Daphnia sp., in murky water where vision is of limited effectiveness. Small paddlefish capture the Zooplankton individually while adult paddlefish filter feed in large quantity. The paddlefish has evolved an elongated (about 1/3 the animal’s length) paddle-shaped rostrum which extends anterior to the head from just above the animal’s mouth. On both upper and lower rostrum surfaces and extending onto the head and opercular flaps, the skin contains numerous electrosensitive ampullae (Jorgensen et al.,, 1972), indicating the existence of an electrosensory system (New and Bodznick, 1984). It has been shown recently in this laboratory (Wilkens et. al.,., 1997) that the paddlefish feeding relies on electrosensory detection of the oscillating electric fields, characteristic of its planktonic prey, rather than relying on vision. The ampullary electro- receptors are innervated by primary afferents of the anterior lateral line nerves that project to the medulla through dorsal and ventral roots (New and Bodznick, 1984).
Effect of diet and assimilation efficiency on water balance for two desert rodents

Differences in preformed water content and digestive assimilation efficiency of three diets, millet seed, soy bean and bran had profound effects on energy balance and water balance in two species of North American desert rodents, Peromyscus maniculatus and Perognathus parvus. Digestive assimilation efficiency was over 90 per cent for millet, 85 per cent for soy bean and 65 per cent for bran. The assimilation efficiency was correlated with the fiber content of the diet. The daily energy assimilated by animals with ad lib. water was similar for the three diets. Both species survived chronic water deprivation when consuming seed, but not when consuming soy bean or bran. Tolerance to water deprivation was inversely related to assimilation efficiency. This is attributed to the high fecal water loss of mice consuming soy bean or bran, since fecal water loss is inversely proportional to assimilation efficiency. A low digestive assimilation efficiency automatically precludes the concommitant maintenance of positive water and energy balance for animals without available drinking water.
Assaying Sorghum for Fuel Production

The publicly available NREL suite of laboratory analytical procedures (LAPs) provides researchers with the analytical tools to determine the composition of woody and herbaceous feedstocks. Feedstock characterization includes several steps: sample preparation, starch determination, moisture analysis, ashing, extraction, and hydrolysis. These steps provide information on specific compounds and classes of compounds such as ash, protein, moisture, extractives, sucrose, starch, glucan, xylan, galactan, arabinan, acetate and lignin. Here, we describe the use of these procedures to characterize sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] with specific consideration of four main sorghum types: grain, forage, sweet, and biomass, which can vary significantly in composition. Special attention is paid to the extraction and the differentiation of glucose from starch and glucan from cellulose in the hybrids with significant amounts of nonstructural carbohydrates.
Low-Power Highly Efficient Voltage-Boosting Rectifier for Wide-band Inductively-Coupled Power Telemetry

Wireless power transfer has been studied significantly in the past couple of years for implanted biomedical devices. Due to the extreme power constraints, implantable devices need efficient AC-DC power rectification. This paper presents a low-power rectifier for a wideband wireless power transfer system. The 10-stage rectifier is designed using a standard 130 nm BiCMOS process. The proposed design can rectify voltages as low as 100 mV, which is a low voltage that traditional rectifiers are not able to rectify. The rectifier has a wider frequency operation range of 10 kHz – 100 MHz compared to the previous works where the maximum operating frequency is up to 40–50 MHz. The designed rectifier is able to achieve a power conversion efficiency of 51% with 100 mV 7.25 MHz input signal, which make it highly applicable for the wireless power transfer applications for implantable sensors.
Irradiation effects of medium-entropy alloy NiCoCr with and without pre-indentation

Abstract Medium entropy alloy NiCoCr draws great attention due to its excellent strength-ductility trade-off mechanical behavior. Its irradiation behavior at elevated temperatures has been investigated using ion beam irradiation in a temperature range of 420–580°Cand transmission electron microscopy. Irradiation induced stacking fault tetrahedra were only observed at 420 °C. With increasing irradiation temperature, all stacking fault tetrahedra vanished, while the size of voids and dislocation loops increased significantly. Nanoindentation-induced structural complexities, including dislocations, stacking faults and twins helped to reduce void swelling. However, at the elevated temperatures, NiCoCr is still much more susceptible to void swelling compared to high entropy alloys such as NiCoFeCrMn and NiCoFeCrPd.
Comparison of apixaban to rivaroxaban and enoxaparin in acute cancer-associated venous thromboembolism.

To provide direct comparison between apixaban and rivaroxaban in patients with acute cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (Ca-VTE), consecutive patients treated with apixaban, rivaroxaban, or enoxaparin at Mayo Thrombophilia Clinic (March 1, 2013 to January 31, 2018)) were followed prospectively. The primary effectiveness outcome was venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence, and the secondary was mortality. The primary safety outcome was major bleeding, the secondary clinically relevant safety outcome was non-major bleeding (CRNMB), and the third a composite of major and CRNMB. There were 750 patients treated for acute Ca-VTE with apixaban (n = 224), rivaroxaban (n = 163), and enoxaparin (n = 363) within 14 days of diagnosis and for at least 3 months, or until study event. Recurrent VTE was diagnosed in 11 receiving apixaban, 7 receiving rivaroxaban (apixaban vs rivaroxaban hazard ratio (HR) 1.31, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.51-3.36) and 17 in the enoxaparin receiving group (apixaban vs enoxaparin HR 1.14, 95% CI: 0.54, 2.42 and rivaroxaban vs enoxaparin HR 0.85, 95% Cl: 0.36, 2.06). There were 82 deaths in apixaban, 74 rivaroxaban (apixaban vs rivaroxaban HR 1.67, 95% Cl: 1.20, 2.33) and 171 in enoxaparin group (rivaroxaban vs enoxaparin HR 0.73, 95% Cl: 0.56, 0.96). Major bleeding occurred in 11 apixaban, 12 rivaroxaban (apixaban vs rivaroxaban HR 0.73, 95% Cl: 0.32, 1.66) and 21 enoxaparin group (apixaban vs enoxaparin HR 0.89, 95% Cl: 0.43, 1.84 and rivaroxaban vs enoxaparin HR 1.23, 95% Cl: 0.61, 2.50). The CRNMB rate was higher in rivaroxaban compared to apixaban (P = .03) and LMWH (P = .01) groups. Recurrence of VTE and major bleeding were similar in apixaban, rivaroxaban, and enoxaparin groups. Rivaroxaban was associated with higher CRNMB but lower mortality compared to apixaban and enoxaparin.
Prevent the resurgence of infectious disease with asymptomatic carriers

As many countries reached the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak, there is debate on how to reopen the economy without causing a significant resurgence. Here we show, using a microsimulation model, that how to reopen safely depends on what percentage of COVID-19 cases can be detected by testing. The higher the detection rate, the less restrictive the reopen plan needs to be. If 70% of cases can be detected, schools and businesses can reopen if 2-layer quarantine is imposed on each confirmed case. Our results suggest that increasing the detection rate is essential to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19.
Mitigation of Cracking in Concrete Bridge Decks Using Twisted Steel Micro-Rebar

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of twisted steel micro-rebar (TSMR) fibers on the early cracking behavior of concrete bridge decks. The methodology for this research involved the evaluation of four newly constructed bridge decks, two that were constructed using conventional concrete and two that were constructed using TSMR. At bridge deck ages of 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years, the extent and severity of any deck surface cracking was documented in terms of crack lengths and widths, respectively. The data were used to create crack maps, and crack density was calculated for each bridge deck. Bridge decks containing TSMR exhibited notably reduced cracking when compared to the conventional decks. The bridge decks containing TSMR also exhibited the ability to limit the expansion of existing cracks. The significant decrease in the amount of cracks and reduced crack widths indicate that the TSMR fibers were successful in mitigating bridge deck cracking.
Impact of age and renal function on urine chemistry in patients with calcium oxalate kidney stones.

Nephrolithiasis is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, and its incidence varies with age. However, little is known on the combined impact of aging and declining renal function on urinary risk factors for calcium oxalate stone formation. A retrospective analysis was performed on 24-h urine collections from 993 calcium oxalate stone-forming patients. We first tested for interactions between age and creatinine clearance on various urinary determinants of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis, and then examined their separate and combined effects in univariable and multivariable analyses adjusting for demographic and biochemical covariates. We identified significant interactions between age and creatinine clearance in predicting 24-h urine pH, calcium, and citrate. In view of the small number of stone formers with low creatinine clearance, we limited further regression analyses to patients with creatinine clearance ≥ 60 mL/min. In multivariable analyses, urine citrate, oxalate, and total volume were positively correlated with age, whereas urine pH, citrate, calcium, oxalate, total volume, and RSR of calcium oxalate all significantly decreased with lower creatinine clearance. A decrease in creatinine clearance from 120 to 60 mL/min was associated with clinically significant decreases in the daily excretion rate of citrate (by 188 mg/day), calcium (by 33 mg/day), and oxalate (by 4 mg/day), and in RSR calcium oxalate (by 1.84). Age and creatinine clearance are significant and independent predictors of several urinary determinants of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. The impacts of aging and declining renal function should be considered during the management of calcium oxalate stone-forming patients.
Delays in antibiotic redosing: Association with inpatient mortality and risk factors for delay.

Abstract Objective Although timely administration of antibiotics has an established benefit in serious bacterial infection, the majority of studies evaluating antibiotic delay focus only on the first dose. Recent evidence suggests that delays in redosing may also be associated with worse clinical outcome. In light of the increasing burden of boarding in Emergency Departments (ED) and subsequent need to redose antibiotic in the ED, we examined the association between delayed second antibiotic dose administration and mortality among patients admitted from the ED with a broad array of infections and characterized risk factors associated with delayed second dose administration. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted through five EDs in a single healthcare system from 1/2018 through 12/2018. Our study included all patients, aged 18 years or older, who received two intravenous antibiotic doses within a 30-h period, with the first dose administered in the ED. Patients with end stage renal disease, cirrhosis and extremes of weight were excluded due to a lack of consensus on antibiotic dosing intervals for these populations. Delay was defined as administration of the second dose at a time-point greater than 125% of the recommended interval. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results A total of 5605 second antibiotic doses, occurring during 4904 visits, met study criteria. Delayed administration of the second dose occurred during 21.1% of visits. After adjustment for patient characteristics, delayed second dose administration was associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality (OR 1.50, 95%CI 1.05–2.13). Regarding risk factors for delay, every one-hour increase in allowable compliance time was associated with a 18% decrease in odds of delay (OR 0.82 95%CI 0.75–0.88). Other risk factors for delay included ED boarding more than 4 h (OR 1.47, 95%CI 1.27–1.71) or a high acuity presentation as defined by emergency severity index (ESI) (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.30–1.81 for ESI 1–2 versus 3–5). Conclusions Delays in second antibiotic dose administration were frequent in the ED and early hospital course, and were associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality. Several risk factors associated with delays in second dose administration, including ED boarding, were identified.