cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Analyses using Spline Functions

Cubic spline functions are utilized for functional representation of nonlinear stress-strain curves, and are found to provide satisfactory approximations to stress, strain, and moduli required for nonlinear stress-deformation analyses of geologic media. Stresses, strains and moduli from spline and hyperbolic representations are compared. The spline approximation is used in finite element analyses to predict load-displacement behavior of a model test footing resting on a cohesive soil. Comparisons are also obtained between load-displacement curves computed from the spline and the hyperbolic representations, and the experimental curve. Spline approximation provides good correlation over complete range of deformation history. Effects of the magnitude of initial tangent stiffness on the load-deformation behavior are briefly studied.
Anticatalase Activity of Sulfanilamide and Related Compounds. III. Oxygen Tension and Bacteriostasis in Pneumococcal Cultures

Summary1. Reduction of the percentage of oxygen in the superambient air of broth cultures of the Type I pneumococcus greatly reduced or prevented bacteriostasis by sulfanilamide.2. When the oxygen concentration was reduced to 0.04% an actual stimulus of growth by sulfanilamide was found.3. When the oxygen was further reduced by the presence of pyrogallate or hydrosulfite the inhibition by sulfanilamide reappeared.4. Hydrogen peroxide was detected only in cultures in equilibrium with atmospheres containing 10% oxygen or more. These concentrations correspond to those permitting effective bacteriostasis and are comparable to those obtainable in the plasma.5. The lack of inhibition at intermediate concentrations shows that oxygen plays a vital role in the action of sulfanilamide. The failure to form peroxide at these same concentrations is taken as evidence that oxygen exerts its influence through the agency of hydrogen peroxide. The stimulus and recurring inhibition at the lowest values is interpreted as evi...
SPINAL CORD DISEASES—DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT.

Knowledge about the clinical aspects, diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord diseases has lagged behind that of diseases involving other regions which concern clinical neurologists—namely the cerebral hemispheres, basal ganglia, cerebellum, brainstem, peripheral nerves and muscle. Reasons for this relative information gap abound: the spinal cord is a very long cylindrical structure with a very small diameter that is quite difficult to access because of its surrounding bony fortress and anatomical features; biopsy material is rarely available during life for fear of causing major paralytic deficits; diagnostic imaging technologies are imprecise in defining the spinal cord parenchyma; the spinal cord vasculature is difficult to visualize. Most neurology house officers have relatively little exposure to patients with spinal cord diseases in comparison with the frequency that they see brain and neuromuscular conditions. Spinal Cord Diseases—Diagnosis and Treatment is an attempt to bridge this information gap. This volume is part of the very successful Marcel Dekker series on Neurological Disease and Therapy. The editors of this volume have generated a 672 page hardback book that includes 29 chapters …
Understanding the microscale physics of hydraulic fracturing: A laboratory approach

Summary Hydraulic fracturing is a complex process. Hydraulic fracture propagation is affected by a combination of factors including rock properties, in situ stresses, treatment parameters and presence of natural fractures. This complexity and the non planar nature of hydraulic fractures need to be understood in order to effectively model the process. At the macro-scale, there exists a good understanding of hydraulic fracturing but the physics behind the micro-scale phenomena is still not well understood. A laboratory approach to investigate hydraulic fracturing provides better control on some of these conditions. Laboratory nanoseismic studies and scanning electron microscopic (SEM ) analysis of the induced hydraulic fracture morphology provide critical insight into the complex failure process occurring at a micro-scale. In this paper, we report the results of controlled laboratory triaxial hydraulic fracturing and acoustic monitoring experiments. The experiments were performed on dry four inch diameter Lyons sandstone samples. Triaxial conditions simulate in situ reservoir conditions. The effects of stresses, fluid saturation and injection fluid parameters on the nanoseismic response and the fracture morphology have been studied. The real time acoustic response shows a discrete and episodic nature of rock failure. Shear failure deduced from focal mechanism studies appears to be the dominant failure mechanism.
Nucleation in atomic, molecular, and colloidal systems

Nucleation is the first step in the formation of many materials; understanding its microscopic dynamics is crucial for improving synthesis of existing materials and predicting under what conditions novel materials will form. The simple picture of nucleation that prevailed for more than a century does not account for complex nucleation pathways observed in recent years in experiments and simulations. A more general framework is needed to explain reported phenomena; such a framework must account for the peaks and valleys in the free-energy landscape across which nucleation takes place and for the microscopic dynamic factors that dictate how a system explores this landscape. The articles of this issue illustrate and describe the many complex nucleation pathways seen across a range of material systems.
Development of a Duplex Real-time PCR for Detection of H7N9 Avian Influenza Virus

The specific primers and TaqMan probes were designed according to the conserved sequences of the hemagglutinin(HA)genes of H7 subtype AIV and the neuramidinase(NA)genes of N9 subtype AIV,respectively.The reaction conditions were optimized to develop a duplex real-time RT-PCR assay for rapid detection of H7N9 AIV.It was shown that the specificity of this assay was high,the amplification curves were displayed for the detection of H7N9 AIV,H7 subtype AIV and N9 subtype AIV,and no positive results were observed when nucleic acid from other subtypes AIV and avian pathogens.The detection limit of this assay was 100 copies of H7N9 AIV,and the coefficients of variation were both less than 3% for the intra-assay and inter-assay.This duplex assay is a rapid,specific and sensitive method for the detection of H7N9 AIV,and provides a technical support to prevent and control H7N9AIV.
Research Progress on Crystallization Course of Dihydrate Calcium Sulphate

Currently,wet-process phosphoric acid was the main method in phosphoric acid industries of the world,but the key in the wet-process method of phosphoric acid produce was the crystallization of the calcium sulfate.The crystallization quality affected the whole production craft directly.The latest research progress of the dihydrate calcium sulphate crystallization was reviewed.From a lot of aspects,the influences of exterior condition on the crystallization of the calcium sulfate was introduced,in order to obtain more objective and comprehensive understandings and comprehension of various techniques in the dihydrate calcium sulphate crystallization.The research direction of the future crystallize process of dihydrate calcium sulphate was investigated.
Interactive effect of body posture on exercise-induced atrial natriuretic peptide release

The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that supine exercise elicits a greater atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) response than upright exercise because of higher atrial filling pressure attained in the supine posture. Plasma ANP concentration ([ANP]) was measured during continuous graded supine and upright exercise in eight healthy men at rest after 4 min of cycling exercise at 31, 51, and 79% of posture-specific peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), after 2 min of cycling at posture-specific VO2 peak, and 5 and 15 min postexercise. [ANP] was significantly increased (P less than 0.05) above rest by 64, 140, and 228% during supine cycling at 51 and 79% and VO2 peak, respectively. During upright cycling, [ANP] was significantly increased (P less than 0.05) at 79% (60%) and VO2 peak (125%). After 15 min of postexercise rest, [ANP] remained elevated (P less than 0.05) only in the supine subjects. [ANP] was 63, 79, and 75% higher (P less than 0.05) in the supine than in the upright position during cycling at 51 and 79% and VO2 peak. Systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures were not significantly (P greater than 0.05) different between positions in all measurement periods. Heart rates were lower (P less than 0.05) in the supine position compared with the upright position. In conclusion, these results suggest that supine exercise elicits greater ANP release independent of blood pressure and heart rate but presumably caused by greater venous return, central blood volume, and concomitant atrial filling pressure and stretch.
The Effect of Prenatal Visual Stimulation on the Imprinting Responses of Domestic Chicks: An Examination of Sensitive Periods During Development

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the relationship between perceptual development and social attachment by exploring the effects of premature visual experience on the imprinting responses of domestic chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) through a laboratory experiment. When chicks are exposed to a moving object for a limited period, the proportion that develop a preference for the object initially increases and then typically declines with age. Some investigators suggested that the conditions underlying the occurrence of the critical period for imprinting are the direct result of a highly invariant sequence of maturational events (such as age calculated from the beginning of embryonic development or number of hours since hatch). Others proposed that the timing of the critical period resulted from changes brought about through the interaction between the developing organism and its sensory environment. As a consequence of this and other research, some prefer to use the term sensitive period, which implies that things develop more easily at some ages than at others, rather than the term “critical period”, which suggests an all-or-nothing effect.
Neuropsychological Functioning in Preterm-Born Twins and Singletons at Preschool Age.

Objectives: A limited body of research is available on the relationships between multiplicity of birth and neuropsychological functioning in preterm children who were conceived in the age of assisted reproductive technology and served by the modern neonatal intensive care unit. Our chief objective was to evaluate whether, after adjustment for sociodemographic factors and perinatal complications, twin birth accounted for a unique portion of developmental outcome variance in children born at-risk in the surfactant era. Methods: We compared the neuropsychological functioning of 77 twins and 144 singletons born preterm (<34 gestational weeks) and served by William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI. Children were evaluated at preschool age, using standardized tests of memory, language, perceptual, and motor abilities. Results: Multiple regression analyses, adjusting for sociodemographic and perinatal variables, revealed no differences on memory or motor indices between preterm twins and their singleton counterparts. In contrast, performance of language and visual processing tasks was significantly lower in twins despite reduced perinatal risk in comparison to singletons. Effect sizes ranged from .33 to .38 standard deviations for global language and visual processing ability indices, respectively. No significant group by sex interactions were observed, and comparison of first-, or second-born twins with singletons yielded medium effect sizes (Cohen’s d=.56 and .40, respectively). Conclusions: The modest twin disadvantage on language and visual processing tasks at preschool-age could not be readily attributable to socioeconomic or perinatal variables. The possibility of biological or social twinning-related phenomena as mechanisms underlying the observed performance gaps are discussed. (JINS, 2016, 22, 865–877)
The Japanese trade balance and asymmetric effects of yen fluctuations: Evidence using nonlinear methods

Abstract Over the last four decades, numerous studies have employed the newest empirical methods to examine the role of exchange-rate depreciations and appreciations on international trade flows. In recent years, innovations in cointegration analysis have allowed for the estimation of nonlinear effects, particularly whether appreciations and depreciations have differing impacts on a country's trade balance. This study examines these effects for Japanese bilateral trade with 12 partners. Applying the linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) of Pesaran et al. (2001) as well as nonlinear ARDL method of Shin et al. (2014) to quarterly time-series data, we find that the nonlinear method registers more effects. While the linear approach shows that Japan's trade balance improves in the long run following a yen depreciation for three countries, seven countries respond when the nonlinear method is applied. This effect is asymmetric in most cases—meaning that trade responds differently to currency appreciations as compared to depreciations.
Pristine Nocturnal Convective Initiation: A Climatology and Preliminary Examination of Predictability

AbstractThe prediction of convective initiation remains a challenge to forecasters in the Great Plains, especially for elevated events at night. This study examines a subset of 287 likely elevated nocturnal convective initiation events that occurred with little or no direct influence from surface boundaries or preexisting convection over a 4-month period of May–August during the summer of 2015. Events were first classified into one of four types based on apparent formation mechanisms and location relative to any low-level jet. A climatology of each of the four types was performed focusing on general spatial tendencies over a large Great Plains domain and initiation timing trends. Simulations from five convection-allowing models available during the Plains Elevated Convection At Night (PECAN) field campaign, along with four versions of a 4-km Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, were used to examine the predictability of these types of convective initiation. A dual-peak pattern for initiation timi...
Chebyshev Bandpass Filter Using Resonator of Tunable Active Capacitor and Inductor

A classic second-order coupled-capacitor Chebyshev bandpass filter using resonator of tunable active capacitor and inductor is presented. The low cost and small size of CMOS active components make the bandpass filter (BPF) attractive in fully integrated CMOS applications. The tunable active capacitor is designed to compensate active inductor’s resistance for resistive match in the resonator. In many design cases, more than 95% resistive loss is cancelled. Meanwhile, adjusting design parameter of the active component provides BPF tunability in center frequency, pass band, and pass band gain. Designed in 1.8 V 180 nanometer CMOS process, the BPF has a tuning frequency range of 758–864 MHz, a controllable pass band of 7.1–65.9 MHz, a quality factor of 12–107, a pass band gain of 6.5–18.1 dB, and a stopband rejection of 38–50 dB.
Addiction to Caffeine and Other Xanthines

Xanthine (3,7-dihydro-purine-2,6-dione) is a purine base that can naturally be found in human body tissues and fluids as well as in plants and other organisms. Methylated xanthines (methylxanthines) are phosphodiesterase inhibitors and adenosine receptor antagonists. Methylxanthines have thus different effects: reduce inflammation and immunity, reduce sleepiness, and increase alertness, but also stimulate the heart rate and contraction and dilate the bronchi. The most well-known methylxanthines are caffeine, methylbromine, and theophylline. Large observational studies suggest that caffeine may have long-term health benefits. Coffee and caffeine withdrawal symptoms exist and are often not recognized, especially in treatment settings, where caffeine withdrawal can be confounded with other symptoms. Caffeine intoxication and withdrawal are recognized clinical entities, but caffeine dependence is currently not. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms occur in half of regular coffee drinkers, even at moderate caffeine intake. The most common symptoms are headache, fatigue, and difficulty to concentrate. Health professionals and patients should be better informed about these symptoms and the risk of occurrence of caffeine withdrawal. There is little research on treatments for clinical problems associated with xanthine use or abuse.
Web of Energy: hacia la integración inteligente para las redes de sensores en Smart Grids

Parte de esta investigacion ha estado financiada por la SUR de la DEC de la Generalitat de Cataluna y por Fondos Sociales Europeos 2017 FI_B 00583.
Topological Data Analysis for the Characterization of Atomic Scale Morphology from Atom Probe Tomography Images

Atom probe tomography (APT) represents a revolutionary characterization tool for materials that combine atomic imaging with a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer to provide direct space three-dimensional, atomic scale resolution images of materials with the chemical identities of hundreds of millions of atoms. It involves the controlled removal of atoms from a specimen’s surface by field evaporation and then sequentially analyzing them with a position sensitive detector and TOF mass spectrometer. A paradox in APT is that while on the one hand, it provides an unprecedented level of imaging resolution in three dimensions, it is very difficult to obtain an accurate perspective of morphology or shape outlined by atoms of similar chemistry and microstructure. The origins of this problem are numerous, including incomplete detection of atoms and the complexity of the evaporation fields of atoms at or near interfaces. Hence, unlike scattering techniques such as electron microscopy, interfaces appear diffused, not sharp. This, in turn, makes it challenging to visualize and quantitatively interpret the microstructure at the “meso” scale, where one is interested in the shape and form of the interfaces and their associated chemical gradients. It is here that the application of informatics at the nanoscale and statistical learning methods plays a critical role in both defining the level of uncertainty and helping to make quantitative, statistically objective interpretations where heuristics often dominate. In this chapter, we show how the tools of Topological Data Analysis provide a new and powerful tool in the field of nanoinformatics for materials characterization.
Sphere Eversions: from Smale through “The Optiverse”

For decades, the sphere eversion has been a favorite subject for mathematical visualization. The 1998 video The Optiverse shows minimax eversions, computed automatically by minimizing elastic bending energy using Brakke’s Evolver. We contrast these geometrically optimal eversions with earlier ones, including those by Morin, Phillips, Max, and Thurston.
Parallel I/O Basics

As Earth systems simulations grow in sophistication and complexity, developers need to be concerned not only about computational constraints but also about storage resources. When dealing with the large data sets produced by high-resolution simulations, the storage subsystem must have both the capacity to store the data and the capability to access that data efficiently. The computing facilities of today and tomorrow will provide increasing computational power, but storage capabilities are not increasing at a corresponding rate. One challenge for all applications will be how to best manage and mitigate the growing input/output (I/O) bottleneck.
'Second-generation' 1,2,3-triazole-based inhibitors of Porphyromonas gingivalis adherence to oral streptococci and biofilm formation.

Several ‘second-generation’ click inhibitors of the multi-species biofilm propagated by the adherence of the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis to Streptococcus gordonii were synthesized and evaluated. The design of the structures was based on the results obtained with the first-generation diphenyloxazole ‘click’ inhibitors which bear suitable hydrophobic and polar groups within a dual scaffold molecule bearing a 1,2,3-triazole spacer. The structures of the synthetic targets reported herein now consist of a triazolyl(phenylsulfonylmethyl) and a triazolyl(phenylsulfinylmethyl) spacer which joins a 4,5-diphenyloxazole with both phenyl rings bearing lipophilic substituents. The triazolyl “linker” group is formed by a click reaction between the 4-azido(phenylsulfonyl/sulfinylmethyl) oxazoles and acetylenic components having aryl groups bearing hydrophobic substituents. The 1,3,5-trisubstituted-2,4,6-triazine scaffold of the most active click compounds were modeled after the structural motif termed the VXXLL nuclear receptor (NR) box. When substituted at the 3- and 5-positions with 2- and 4-fluorophenylamino and N,N-diethylamino units, the candidates bearing the 1,3,5-trisubstituted-2,4,6-triazine scaffold formed a substantial subset of the second-generation click candidates. Four of the click products, compounds 95, 111, 115 and 122 showed inhibition of the adherence of P. gingivalis to S. gordonii with an IC50 range of 2.3–4.3 μM and only 111 exhibited cytotoxic activity against telomerase immortalized gingival keratinocytes at 60 μM. These results suggest that compounds 95, 115, 122, and possibly 111 represent the most suitable compounds to evaluate for activity in vivo.
MOOC learners’ demographics, self-regulated learning strategy, perceived learning and satisfaction: A structural equation modeling approach

Abstract Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) provide a great platform to study individual and group differences of learners in perceptions, motivations, and behaviors under self-directed learning context. This study examined the relationships, in particular, influential relationships, among MOOC learners' demographics, their self-regulated learning (SRL) strategy usage, perceived learning, and satisfaction. Participants were 4503 learners from 17 Coursera courses who responded to an online survey in 2018. Structural equation modeling showed that participants' age, gender, highest degree, and the number of online courses previously taken significantly predicted both goal setting and environment structuring usage. Previous experience with the course topics only predicted goal setting, not environment structuring. Gender, goal setting and environment structuring strategy usage predicted participants' perceived affective learning. Highest degree, the number of online courses previously took, goal setting, environment structuring strategy usage and perceived affective learning predicted participants' satisfaction with the course. Participants identified themselves with a Latin America culture had better environment structuring strategy usage than any other cultural group and higher perceived affective learning than the other cultural groups except for Other. The results provided implications for researchers studying self-directed learning environments, differences in learning of learners with diverse backgrounds, and SRL behaviors, as well as for educators dealing with increasing SRL strategy usage, improving online learners’ satisfaction and teaching cross-culturally.
Addressing the Value of Multidisciplinary Clinical Care in Huntington's Disease: A Snapshot of a New Huntington's Disease Center.

Background Clinical care for Huntington's disease (HD) is often provided in experienced centers that provide multidisciplinary care. However, the value of these centers and their uptake by HD families remain unknown. Objective To describe the services provided by a new HD center, including estimates of capture of the population served. Methods Retrospective review of a HD Center launched in 2015, including quantitative and qualitative data on clinic visits, demographic and clinical data. Results We observed a rapid and ongoing growth on the annual number of clinic encounters, with high demand for in-clinic multidisciplinary care. Using census data and estimates of HD prevalence, we determined that we served about 20% of local patients with HD. Most HD patients received pharmacological treatment for psychiatric symptoms, and over half were treated for chorea. About 25% of new HD diagnoses were on patients without family history of HD. Finally, the demand for predictive testing in at risk individuals significantly increased following the press release reporting the successful completion of the Ionis-HTTRx (RG 6042) trial. Conclusions This report indicates a high demand for multidisciplinary care by HD families, supporting its value, providing a snapshot of the organization and function of a single center. Furthermore, it demonstrates how dissemination of news related to research advances influence clinical behavior. Reporting similar information from other HD centers to would provide us with a more global view of the status of HD care across multiple geographical areas.
Effects of Decalcifying Agents of Variable Duration on PD-L1 Immunohistochemistry.

Objectives To evaluate the effects of decalcifying agents on programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemistry (IHC). Methods Fragments of 10 placentas (high PD-L1 expressor) and 10 lungs (lower PD-L1 expressor) were formalin-fixed and subjected to four decalcifying solutions (EDTA, formic acid/MasterCal IM Plus [FA/MC], 12% HCl, and Decal STAT/23% HCl) for 1, 2, 6, or 24 hours. H&E staining and PD-L1 using IHC 22C3 pharmDx were performed, and PD-L1 staining was assessed. Results Minimal to no change in staining intensity or proportion of stained cells was seen with EDTA or FA/MC at all decalcifying durations. Both HCl-based decalcifiers demonstrated a progressive decrease in percentage of positive cells and staining intensity with longer decalcifying duration, particularly with Decal STAT. Conclusions EDTA and FA/MC have little effect on PD-L1 expression. 12% HCl causes a progressive decline in staining. Decal STAT dramatically reduced staining with all treatment durations, especially at 24 hours.
Mechanisms and microbial influences on CTLA-4 and PD-1-based immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer: a narrative review.

The relationship between gastrointestinal (GI) bacteria and the response to anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer can potentially be enhanced to allow patients to maximally respond to these treatments. Insight into the complex interaction between gut microbiota and the human adaptive immune system will help guide future immunotherapeutic cancer treatments to allow a more robust clinical response and fewer adverse effects in patients requiring these drugs. This review highlights these interactions as well as the potential for the creation of “oncomicrobiotics” that would selectively tailor one’s GI bacteria to maximally respond to anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 treatments will fewer adverse effects. CTLA-4 is an antigen on the surface of T cells which, upon stimulation, leads to inhibition of activated T cells to terminate the immune response. However, many types of tumor cells can upregulate CTLA-4 in the tumor microenvironment, allowing these cells to evade targeting and destruction by the body’s immune system by prematurely inhibiting T cells. Increased representation of Bacteroides fragilis, Burkholderia cepacia and the Faecalibacterium genus in the GI tract of patients receiving CTLA-4-based immunotherapy led to a stronger therapeutic effect while minimizing adverse side effects such as colitis. In addition, by introducing bacteria involved in vitamin B and polyamine transport to the GI tracts of patients treated with anti-CTLA-4 drugs led to increased resistance to colitis while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. PD-1 is another molecule upregulated in many tumor microenvironments which acts in a similar manner to CTLA-4 to tone down the anti-neoplastic actions of T cells. Antibodies to PD-1 have shown promise to help allow the body’s natural immune response to appropriately target and destroy tumor cells. The presence of Bifidobacterium breve and longum, Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the GI tracts of cancer patients has the potential to create a more robust immune response to anti-PD-1 drugs and prolonged survival. The development of “oncomicrobiotics” has the potential to help tailor one’s gut microbiota to allow patients to maximally respond to immunotherapy without sacrificing increases in toxicity. These oncomicrobiotics may possibly include antibiotics, probiotics, postbiotics and/or prebiotics. However, many challenges lie ahead in the creation of oncomicrobiotics. The creation of oncomicrobiotics may allow many patients receiving anti-CTLA-4 and PD-1 immunotherapy to experience prolonged survival and a better quality of life.
Non-Redundant OFDM Receiver Windowing for 5G Frames and Beyond

Contemporary receiver windowed-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (RW-OFDM) algorithms have limited adjacent channel interference (ACI) rejection capability under high delay spread and small fast Fourier transformation (FFT) sizes. Cyclic prefix (CP) is designed to be longer than the maximum excess delay (MED) of the channel to accommodate such algorithms in current standards. The robustness of these algorithms can only be improved against these conditions by adopting additional extensions in a new backward incompatible standard. Such extensions would deteriorate the performance of high mobility vehicular communication systems in particular. In this paper, we present a low-complexity Hann RW-OFDM scheme that provides resistance against ACI without requiring any intersymbol interference (ISI)-free redundancies. While this scheme is backward compatible with current and legacy standards and requires no changes to the conventionally transmitted signals, it also paves the way towards future spectrotemporally localized and efficient schemes suitable for higher mobility vehicular communications. A Hann window effectively rejects unstructured ACI at the expense of structured and limited inter-carrier interference (ICI) across data carriers. A simple maximum ratio combining (MRC)-successive interference cancellation (SIC) receiver is therefore proposed to resolve this induced ICI and receive symbols transmitted by standard transmitters currently in use. The computational complexity of the proposed scheme is comparable to that of contemporary RW-OFDM algorithms, while ACI rejection and bit-error rate (BER) performance is superior in both long and short delay spreads. Channel estimation using Hann RW-OFDM symbols is also discussed.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols. Does Frailty Play a Role

IntroductionThe 5-modified frailty index (mFI) is a valid predictor of 30-day mortality after surgery. With the wide implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in colorectal...
Wireless electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor sleep among patients being withdrawn from opioids: Evidence of feasibility and utility.

Sleep impairment is a common comorbid and debilitating symptom for persons with opioid use disorder (OUD). Research into underlying mechanisms and efficacious treatment interventions for OUD-related sleep problems requires both precise and physiologic measurements of sleep-related outcomes and impairment. This pilot examined the feasibility of a wireless sleep electroencephalography (EEG) monitor (Sleep Profiler™) to measure sleep outcomes and architecture among participants undergoing supervised opioid withdrawal. Sleep outcomes were compared to a self-reported sleep diary and opioid withdrawal ratings. Participants (n = 8, 100% male) wore the wireless EEG 85.6% of scheduled nights. Wireless EEG detected measures of sleep architecture including changes in total, NREM and REM sleep time during study phases, whereas the diary detected changes in wakefulness only. Direct comparisons of five overlapping outcomes revealed lower sleep efficiency and sleep onset latency and higher awakenings and time spent awake from the wireless EEG versus sleep diary. Associations were evident between wireless EEG and increased withdrawal severity, lower sleep efficiency, less time in REM and non-REM stages 1 and 2, and more hydroxyzine treatment; sleep diary was associated with total sleep time and withdrawal only. Data provide initial evidence that a wireless EEG is a feasible and useful tool for objective monitoring of sleep in persons experiencing acute opioid withdrawal. Data are limited by the small and exclusively male sample, but provide a foundation for using wireless EEG sleep monitors for objective evaluation of sleep-related impairment in persons with OUD in support of mechanistic and treatment intervention research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Human nasal wash RNA-Seq reveals distinct cell-specific innate immune responses in influenza versus SARS-CoV-2.

Influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2 are pandemic viruses causing millions of deaths, yet their clinical manifestations are distinctly different. With the hypothesis that upper airway immune and epithelial cells responses are also distinct, we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-Seq) on nasal wash cells freshly collected from adults with either acute COVID-19 or influenza or from healthy controls. We focused on major cell types and subtypes in a subset of donor samples. Nasal wash cells are enriched for macrophages and neutrophils for both influenza and COVID-19 compared to healthy controls. Hillock-like epithelial cells, M2-like macrophages, and age-dependent B cells are enriched in COVID-19 samples. A global decrease in interferon (IFN)-associated transcripts in neutrophils, macrophages, and epithelial cells is apparent in COVID-19 compared to influenza. The innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2 appears to be maintained in macrophages, despite evidence for limited epithelial immune sensing. Cell-to-cell interaction analyses reveal a decrease in epithelial interactions in COVID-19 and highlight differences in macrophage-macrophage interactions for COVID-19 and influenza. Our study demonstrates that scRNA-Seq can define host and viral transcriptional activity at the site of infection and reveal distinct local epithelial and immune cell responses for COVID-19 and influenza that may contribute to their divergent disease courses.
Can repurposing drugs play a role in malaria control

Innovative drug treatments for malaria, optimally with novel targets, are needed to combat the threat of parasite drug resistance. As drug development efforts continue, there may be a role for a host-targeting, repurposed cancer drug administered together with an artemisinin combination therapy that was shown to improve the speed of recovery from a malaria infection.
Neural innervation patterns in the sacral vertebral body

To characterize the distribution of nerves within a single S1 vertebral body, with particular emphasis on the superior endplate that interfaces with the L5/S1 disc. Musculature and connective tissue surrounding the sacrum was carefully dissected away for close visual inspection of penetrating nerve fibers. The S1 vertebral body was then isolated for histology and serial coronal sections were cut and stained with a ubiquitous neural antibody marker (PGP 9.5). Slides were analyzed and nerves were manually marked on high resolution, composite captured images, rendering 3D depictions of internal nerve distribution. The vast majority of nerves were closely associated with blood vessels within the marrow space with a uniform distribution in both the superior and inferior endplates of the S1 vertebral body. The highest nerve density was seen at the centrum (anatomic center) of the S1 vertebral body with smaller peaks seen at the lateral borders. Nerve fibers were observed branching from anterior sacral nerves and penetrating the lateral border of the S1 (during dissection), corresponding with peaks on nerve density maps. Our results demonstrate that the S1 body and endplate are densely innervated and the peak in nerve density at the vertebral center coincides with vasculature patterns previously described in lumbar vertebral bodies. In the sacrum, however, there is no posterior nutrient foramen that facilitates nerve penetration through the vertebral cortex. Rather, our data indicate that nerves penetrate the S1 via the lateral aspects, consistent with being branches of the anterior sacral nerve. Since PGP 9.5 is a ubiquitous neural marker these identified nerves are likely composed of a mixed population of nociceptive and autonomic fibers.
The associations of birth order with personality and intelligence in a representative sample of U.S. high school students

Abstract We tested birth order associations with personality traits and intelligence using Project Talent, a representative sample (N = 377,000) of U.S. high school students. Using a between-family design and several background factors (i.e., age, sex, sibship size, parental socio-economic status, and family structure), we were able to control for potential confounds, and estimate the links between birth order and outcomes across several different social categories. In addition to differences between firstborns and laterborns across the entire sample, we also tested birth rank trends in a sub-sample of targets from sibships of three, raised by two parents. Overall, the average absolute association between birth order and personality traits was .02, whereas the one between birth order and intelligence was .04.
An Economic Analysis of Online Product Reviews and Ratings

Many online vendors and third-party firms provide consumers with easy-to-use systems to give product reviews and ratings. Availability of online reviews and ratings may significantly influence a vendor's strategies in terms of pricing and market segmentation. Consumers as well as vendors can potentially benefit or lose from such availability though it is unclear whether the net effect to each party is positive, or who gains or loses most. This paper provides an analytical model to study the impacts of online product review and rating systems on vendor marketing strategies, consumer surplus and social welfare. We also examine the effects of both product-level and vendor-level competition on the impact of online reviews and ratings. We find that consumer surplus, vendor profitability, and social welfare can improve with the availability of consumer reviews and ratings, and that vendors may have an incentive to induce higher product ratings by under-charging in earlier periods. Interestingly, we show that, contrary to the conventional wisdom about competition, with the availability of consumer reviews, consumer surplus and social welfare can in fact be higher in a monopolist market than in a duopolistic market.
Effects of Dissolved Carbon Dioxide on Cataract Formation and Progression in Juvenile Atlantic Cod, Gadus morhua L.

In this study, the effects of elevated levels of dissolved carbon dioxide were investigated in a marine recirculation system on the development of cataracts in juvenile Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. Replicate groups (n = 9), at an initial average weight of 23.5 ± 0.8 g, were exposed to one of the three levels of dissolved CO2: low (6.99 ± 0.021 mg/L), mid (12.23 ± 0.013 mg/L), or high (19.77 ± 0.029 mg/L) for 5 mo. Fish were sampled every 30 d to measure growth and assess cataract status. Fish in all CO2 treatments developed cataracts, but cataract prevalence (%) was significantly higher after 5 mo in fish from the high CO2 (97.8 ± 2.4%) than mid (60.7 ± 9.1%) or low CO2 (29.6 ± 8.1%) treatments. Cataract severity, graded on a scale of 0–8, showed a similar pattern with average cataract scores of 6.0 ± 0.3, 3.0 ± 0.5, and 1.2 ± 0.3 for fish in high, mid, and low CO2 treatments, respectively. Survival was reduced in the high CO2 treatments (94.5%) compared to the low CO2 treatments (97.6%). Lengths were significantly smaller in the high CO2 treatment fish after 5 mo (217.9 ± 5.2 mm) than either mid (231.1 ± 3.1 mm) or low CO2 (236.0 ± 4.5 mm) treatments. Weights of the fish followed a similar pattern with the fish in the high CO2 treatments weighing significantly less after 5 mo (91.6 ± 7.8 g) than fish in the low CO2 treatment (126.7 ± 8.8 g). Condition factor, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio were also negatively affected by increasing levels of CO2 but by the end of the trial, these values were comparable to those of the low and mid CO2 treatments. These results demonstrate that elevated levels of dissolved CO2 significantly affect the performance of Atlantic cod in a production setting and leads to the development of cataracts. Although the physiological mechanism of CO2-induced cataract formation remains unknown, the results from this study suggest that levels of dissolved CO2 must be given more attention in order to avoid potentially negative consequences on the growth, eye health, and survival of juvenile Atlantic cod.
Radiative Feedback From the First Objects and the End of the Cosmological Dark Age

In hierarchical models of structure formation, an early cosmic UV background (UVB) is produced by the small (T vir ≲ 104K) halos that collapse before cosmological reionization. If the sources in the first collapsed halos are stars, then their UV flux below 13.6 eV photo-dissociates the molecular hydrogen H2in subsequently collapsing halos and causes a pause in the cosmic star-formation history. The buildup of the UVB, and reionization is delayed until larger halos (T vir ≳ 104K)collapse. In contrast, if the small halos host mini-quasars with hard spectra extending to ~ 1 keV, then their X-rays balance the effects of the UVB, the negative feedback does not occur, and reionization can be caused early on by the small halos.
Designing fault tolerance capabilities into real-time distributed computer systems

Some of the fault-tolerance schemes that have been established as promising ones for use in real-time distributed computer systems (DCSs) are reviewed. Major issues that remain to be resolved in the 1990s are also discussed. By and large, the design of fault-tolerant real-time DCSs is an immature field. Many of the promising fault tolerance schemes have not been adequately evaluated. It is hoped that many more testbed-based efforts will be made in the field of fault-tolerant real-time distributed computing. >
'And then Comes Life': The Intersection of Race, Poverty, and Disability in HBO's, 'The Wire'

Despite its low ratings and lack of Emmys or Golden Globes, HBO’s groundbreaking show, The Wire, has caught and kept the attention of critics, academics, and others interested in urban life. Though the show has disappeared off the airways, it is now becoming part of the academic landscape through conferences, panels, books, and courses. The article will be the first to examine The Wire, from a legal perspective. I focus upon The Wire’s lack of attention to disability. Injury abounds in The Wire. Police officers are shot, suspects are beaten, and drug addicts overdose. Despite the onslaught of injury, disability is an underdeveloped part of the world of The Wire. The Wire is not alone in its failure to adequately examine the intersection of race, poverty, and disability, but it is a helpful lens through which to examine the neglect of poor people with disabilities and disabled people of color with disabilities. The article will open new avenues in a longstanding debate concerning appropriate policy and legal interventions for the urban poor, link together disability studies with critical race studies, and illustrate the use of an artistic medium to convey complex policy and legal ideas. The article will be of substantial utility for the growing number of scholars who teach classes on The Wire, critical race scholars, disability law scholars, and poverty law scholars.
Do cognitive measures and brain circuitry predict outcomes of exercise in Parkinson Disease: a randomized clinical trial.

There is emerging research detailing the relationship between balance/gait/falls and cognition. Imaging studies also suggest a link between structural and functional changes in the frontal lobe (a region commonly associated with cognitive function) and mobility. People with Parkinson’s disease have important changes in cognitive function that may impact rehabilitation efficacy. Our underlying hypothesis is that cognitive function and frontal lobe connections with the basal ganglia and brainstem posture/locomotor centers are responsible for postural deficits in people with Parkinson’s disease and play a role in rehabilitation efficacy. The purpose of this study is to 1) determine if people with Parkinson’s disease can improve mobility and/or cognition after partaking in a cognitively challenging mobility exercise program and 2) determine if cognition and brain circuitry deficits predict responsiveness to exercise rehabilitation. This study is a randomized cross-over controlled intervention to take place at a University Balance Disorders Laboratory. The study participants will be people with Parkinson’s disease who meet inclusion criteria for the study. The intervention will be 6 weeks of group exercise (case) and 6 weeks of group education (control). The exercise is a cognitively challenging program based on the Agility Boot Camp for people with PD. The education program is a 6-week program to teach people how to better live with a chronic disease. The primary outcome measure is the MiniBESTest and the secondary outcomes are measures of mobility, cognition and neural imaging. The results from this study will further our understanding of the relationship between cognition and mobility with a focus on brain circuitry as it relates to rehabilitation potential. This trial is registered at clinical trials.gov ( NCT02231073 ).
Estimation of states and parameters in continuous non-linear systems with discrete observations

Abstract We consider a class of continuous non-linear systems defined by the ordinary differential equation x = f ( x , t ) + g ( x , t ) u , where u is an unknown input representing noise or disturbances. The object is to estimate states and parameters in these systems by means of a fixed number of discrete observations y i = h ( x ( t i ), t i ) + v i , 1 ⩽ i ⩽ m , where the v i represents unknown errors in the measurements y i . No statistical assumptions are made concerning the nature of the unknown input u or the unknown measurement errors v i . A weighted least squares criterion is defined as a measure of the optimal estimate. A result concerning the existence of solutions of the differential equation which minimize the criterion is presented. The necessary conditions for an optimal estimate, a set of Euler-Lagrange equations and multi-point discontinuous non-linear boundary conditions, are given. The multi-point problem is converted to an equivalent continuous two-point boundary value problem of larger dimension in the case in which the observations are assumed to be linear functions of the state. A pair of equivalent quasilinearization algorithms is defined for the two-point system and the multi-point system. Quadratic convergence for these algorithms is proved.
Benzylic Bromination with Bromotrichloromethane

Abstract The benzylic bromination of alkyl groups attached to aromatic nuclei is most often accomplished with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and a free radical initiator2 Alternatively molecular bromine and a free radical initiator have also been employed.3 When the aromatic ring is activated by electron donating groups, both of these methods often lead to nuclear bromination as the predominant product; in some cases literature results have proved difficult to duplicate. For instance, although it is reported that NBS bromination of m-methoxytoluene affords the benzylic bromide in good yield,4 we have obtained only nuclear bromination under a variety of reaction conditions.