cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fitting behaviors of Fourier transform and Zernike polynomials

Purpose To evaluate the residual fit errors for wavefront measurements and corneal surfaces in virgin and post-surgery eyes using the Fourier transform and Zernike 6th- and 10th-order expansions. Methods Using MatLab (The MathWorks, Inc.) and VOLCT program (Sarver and Associates, Inc.), wavefront gradient fields derived from the Hartmann-Shack lenslet array of the CustomVue System (Visx, Inc.) and the corneal surface obtained from the Humphrey Atlas topographer (Carl Zeiss, Inc.) were fitted with the Fourier transform and Zernike 6th- and 10th-order expansions. The wavefront gradient fields and corneal surfaces reconstructed by the 3 methods were compared with original ones, and the residual fit errors were analyzed (6.0 mm pupil). Ten eyes in each of the 4 groups (virgin eyes, post–laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia, post-LASIK for hyperopia, and post–radial keratotomy) were included. Results Wavefront gradient fields reconstructed with Fourier transform produced significantly smaller residual fit errors than Zernike 6th-order in all groups and Zernike 10th-order in all eyes except post-myopic-LASIK eyes. In all groups, wavefront gradient fields reconstructed with Zernike 10th order yielded significantly smaller residual errors than Zernike 6th order (all P P Conclusions Fourier transform reconstructed ocular wavefront and corneal topographic maps more accurately than Zernike polynomials up to the 10th order. Clinical implications require further study.
Portable Analog Data Capture using Custom Processing

The proposed system is aimed to capture signals from medical systems, converts it into digital format using an A/D converter and stores the signal into a digital storage medium using a single chip. This system is designed to be a low-cost and also small in size. The low-cost and size are due to embedding multiple processing components on a single chip. Hence, it can be portable, and attaches easily to various medical devices. The storage medium for the proposed system is a secure digital (SD) card.
Temperature-Sensitive Mutants of MHV-A59

Sequencing of complete coronavirus genomes will soon be accomplished, and the size and locations of all of the viral genes and the amino acid sequence of the gene products will then be apparent. These important advances will be a major aid to understanding the fascinating biology and pathogenesis of this group of viruses. The next goal will be to understand the interactions of viral macromolecules during coronavirus replication, and to identify domains on the viral proteins which are responsible for these molecular interactions.
Taxation with Dictators and Democrats: Regime Effects on Provincial Revenue in Argentina

Democracies and autocracies differ greatly in the way that they interact with citizens. Theories of comparative politics postulate strong, and conflicting, hypotheses about the likely success of democracies and autocracies in collecting revenue. Democracies, many argue, should be able to collect more revenue because they induce more voluntary compliance. Dictatorships are said to be better at enforcing their laws and efficiently administrating their bureaucracies. Very little empirical research exists to verify theories of the superiority of taxation in either regime type. In this paper, I examine the differences across regimes in taxation at both national and provincial-level taxes from 1959-2001. I looked at whether the total amount and type of taxation differed and found that the regimes emphasized certain taxes over others. In particular, authoritarian regimes taxed the more visible activities such as automobile usage and "stamp" fees for government contracts. Democracies had more success in taxing businesses and real estate. These findings have implications for the study of regime types, taxation, and federalism. They confirmed the qualitative difference in interactions between citizens and the state across regime types. Moreover, autocracies do not necessarily seek to eliminate or weaken sub-national governments. Rather, in Argentina, they bolstered provincial taxation in many cases; a change that has led to their strength in the democratic era.
Prevailing Practices for Libraries on MySpace

Abstract This paper is a study of academic libraries with sites at MySpace. From a selection of academic libraries with MySpace sites, the author brings to light the most common types of information and styles used to attract and inform patrons.
Trace-element analyses of Uruk ceramics: Establishing a database to track interregional exchange

Abstract In collaboration with an international team of researchers and major museums in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, the Oregon State University Archaeometry Lab conducted neutron activation analysis on ca. 2000 samples of ceramic vessels and clays from ancient Mesopotamia, the adjacent plains of southwestern Iran, and the Iranian highlands. Papers in this special issue focus on a subset of these projects: those directly involved in the question of the Uruk expansion. This paper introduces the larger data set and documents protocols and procedures by which the chemical data were generated in order to make the data generally available for use by other researchers. In addition, this paper attempts to sketch out a framework for understanding geochemical variability and the scale of variation across the region, in order to illustrate the primary dimensions of variation affecting ceramic composition, as well as the potential and the challenges for ceramic provenance determination in the region.
Inactivation of an Enveloped Surrogate Virus in Human Sewage

Data are needed to provide guidance for handling of human sewage potentially containing infectious Ebola virus. The purpose of this research was to determine inactivation of enveloped viruses in sewage using bacteriophage Φ6 as a surrogate. Sewage was spiked with Φ6 and held at 22 or 30 °C, and the viral titer was measured over time. Inactivation was much more rapid at 30 °C than at 22 °C. At 30 °C, inactivation was approximately linear and reached 1.7 log10 in 24 h, 5 log10 by 48 h, and >7 log10 within 72 h. At 22 °C, the time to 5 log10 inactivation was 6 days and nonlinear. In sewage, Φ6 should be considered as a potential model for survival and inactivation of enveloped human viruses. The results suggest that enveloped viruses can undergo 6–7 log inactivation in sewage in 3–7 days, depending on temperature. Longer holding times may be desirable out of an abundance of caution at lower temperatures.
Le Génie D'un Style: Chateaubriand. Rythme et Sonorité dans les

(1964). Le Genie D'un Style: Chateaubriand. Rythme et Sonorite dans les. Symposium: A Quarterly Journal in Modern Literatures: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 174-180.
Politics, Personalities, and the Federai Trade Commission, II.

President Coolidge's appointment of William E. Humphrey to the Federal Trade Commission in 1925 served not only to establish a Republican majority on that body, but also to inaugurate a "new era"y in its activities. Humphrey entered upon his duties on February 25, and on March 17 sweeping changes in policy and procedure were announced. No longer was the Commission to be used as a "publicity bureau to spread socialistic propaganda." The opposition from the "vocal and beatific fringe, the pink edges that border both of the old parties," would not deter the new Commission from its determination to "help business to help itself." In his effort to stress the fact that a new course was being pursued, Humphrey emphatically condemned the Commission of his predecessors. "Under the old policy of litigation it became an instrument of oppression and disturbance and injury instead of a help to business. It harassed and annoyed business instead of assisting it. Business soon regarded the Commission with distrust and fear and suspicion-as an enemy. There was no cooperation between the Commission and business. Business wanted the Commission abolished, and the Commission regarded business as generally dishonest."29 In explaining the change that occurred in the Commission, the power of Humphrey's personality and the influence of his speeches and writings must be considered. It is not because these declarations are particularly cogent or marked by any profundity of thought, but rather because they reflected in bald and obvious form the prevailing views of the conservative leaders in his party and in business at the time.30 The shifting of political fortunes had
Abstract 13: Risks of Death and Hospital Readmission by Time Following Hospitalization for Heart Failure and Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: After hospitalization for heart failure (HF) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), patients experience increased risk of death and hospital readmission. Defining the trajectory and timing of this period of risk may help guide interventions to improve post-discharge outcomes. Methods: We used 2008-10 Medicare data to identify patients ≥65 years discharged alive after HF or AMI hospitalization. Using hazard rates, we characterized the risks of death and first readmission on each day after discharge to describe (1) the maximum daily risks of death and readmission after discharge; (2) risks of death and readmission 1 year after discharge; (3) the time in days after discharge for the risks of death and readmission to reach their maximum daily rates and 50% of their maximum daily rates to characterize the rapidity of decline in risk. We created separate survival models for death and first readmission. Data were censored after 1 year follow up. The readmission model also censored for death prior to readmission. Results: Of 878,963 HF hospitalizations, 367,542 (41.8%) died and 618,283 (70.3%) were readmitted in 1 year. Of 350,509 AMI hospitalizations, 90,623 (25.9%) died and 177,031(50.5%) were readmitted in 1 year. The Figure shows hazard rates by time after discharge. For HF, daily risk of death was 0.0056 maximally and 0.0011 at 1 year (19% of maximum). Daily risk of readmission was 0.013 maximally and 0.002 at 1 year (16% of maximum). Daily risk of death was highest 1 day after discharge and 50% less 11 days after discharge. Daily risk of readmission was highest 4 days after discharge and 50% less 49 days after discharge. For AMI, daily risk of death was 0.010 maximally and 0.0004 at 1 year (4% of maximum). Daily risk of readmission was 0.015 maximally and 0.0011 at 1 year (7% of maximum). Daily risk of death was highest 1 day after discharge and 50% less 6 days after discharge. Daily risk of readmission was highest 2 days after discharge and 50% less 13 days after discharge. Conclusions: After hospitalization for HF and AMI, risk of death is highest on day 1 after discharge and then declines rapidly. In contrast, risk of readmission peaks later and declines more slowly. This extended period of risk for readmission may justify continued vigilance beyond the 30-day period used by Medicare to evaluate hospital readmission performance. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
25 EFFECT OF ACETALDEHYDE UPON CATHEPSIN G AND MAST CELL CHYMASE: NON-RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM IMPLICATIONS.

Hypertension is commonly observed in alcoholics. Both the renin-angiotensin system and the non-renin-angiotensin system (NRAS) have been implicated in the dynamics for the maintenance of blood pressure. Acetaldehyde has earlier been reported to enhance the generation of the rate-limiting angiotensin I (Ang I) in bilaterally nephrectomized rat plasma and to inhibit the activity of several angiotensinases (A, B, and M) in human serum, thereby promoting a hypertensive set of reactions. In the current study, the effect of acetaldehyde upon cathepsin G and mast cell chymase has been investigated. Acetaldehyde at 223.5 down to 11.2 mM concentrations enhanced cathepsin G activity at all levels employed in a statistically significant manner. Since cathepsin G is one of several enzymes transforming Ang I into Ang II and is also capable of cleaving Ang II directly from angiotensinogen, it is suggested that alcoholism, which will generate exogenous acetaldehyde from ingested alcohol, may be a contributory factor for an elevated cathepsin G activity and, consequently, hypertension via the NRAS. Mast cell chymase activity also is elevated upon exposure to 440 mM acetaldehyde and is diminished with 27 mM acetaldehyde. Since both enzymes also degrade Ang II, degradative effects may be partially neutralized.
Resonance propagation modeling and analysis of AC filters in a large-scale microgrid

Low-pass ac filters are frequently adopted in microgrid power electronic interfaces that convert distributed generators' dc power to ac power because most of today's distribution grids have ac voltages. Compared to a simple L filter, higher-order filters, such as LC or LCL filters, are preferred due to their more effective reduction of switching-frequency harmonics and smaller sizes. As the converter power ratings increase, resonance problems caused by the higher-order filters challenge microgrid stability. This paper investigates a microgrid resonance propagation circuit model, which includes paralleling multiple converters with their filters. Each converter has a power rating in the MW range. The converter control design is illustrated and hardware experimental results validate the design and modeling.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever knowledge, attitudes, practices, risk factors, and seroprevalence in rural Georgian villages with known transmission in 2014.

In 2014 the highest annual case count of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) was detected in Georgia since surveillance began in 2009. CCHF is a high-fatality hemorrhagic syndrome transmitted by infected ticks and animal blood. In response to this immediate public health threat, we assessed CCHF risk factors, seroprevalence, and CCHF-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the 12 rural villages reporting a 2014 CCHF case, to inform CCHF prevention and control measures. Households were randomly selected for interviewing and serum sample collection. Data were weighted by non-response and gender; percentages reflect weighting. Among 618 respondents, median age was 54.8 years (IQR: 26.5, range: 18.6-101.4); 215 (48.8%) were male. Most (91.5%) participants reported ≥1 CCHF high-risk activity. Of 389 participants with tick exposure, 286 (46.7%) participants handled ticks bare-handed; 65/216 (29.7%) knew the risk. Of 605 respondents, 355 (57.9%) reported animal blood exposure; 32/281 (12.7%) knew the risk. Of 612 responding, 184 (28.8%) knew protective measures against CCHF and tick exposures, but only 54.3% employed the measures. Of 435 serum samples collected, 12 were anti-CCHF IgG positive, indicating a weighted 3.0% seroprevalence. Most (66.7%) seropositive subjects reported tick exposure. In these villages, CCHF risk factors are prevalent, while CCHF-related knowledge and preventive practices are limited; these findings are critical to informing public health interventions to effectively control and prevent ongoing CCHF transmission. Additionally, CCHF seroprevalence is higher than previously detected (0.03%), highlighting the importance of this disease in the South Caucuses and in supporting ongoing regional investigations.
Direct Anastomosis: Cephalic Vein Hemodialysis Access

The radiocephalic and brachiocephalic autogenous access approaches are first-line options for dialysis access and listed as “preferred” access by the National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcome Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) most recent 2006 guidelines. Both have superior long-term patency to prosthetic grafts in meta-analyses. This chapter focuses on direct anastomosis cephalic vein hemodialysis access, techniques, patency, and outcomes.
Constituent Opinion and Congressional Leadership: Letters to Majority Leader Carl Albert on Civil Rights 1963-64

This article tests whether citizen opinions on a contested issue are affected by the issue position of their member of Congress. A highly-popular and visible incumbent, then-House Majority Leader Carl Albert was a strong supporter of the legislation that became the 1964 Civil Rights Act, despite coming from an unsupportive area. Letters mailed from Albert’s district are strongly opposed to Civil Rights, in similar frequency and content to both other parts of Oklahoma and the South generally. This finding demonstrates the limited effect of legislator issue positioning on constituent attitudes.
Influence of nickel manganese cobalt oxide nanoparticle composition on toxicity toward Shewanella oneidensis MR-1: redesigning for reduced biological impact

Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LixNiyMnzCo1−y−zO2, 0 < x, y, z < 1, also known as NMC) is a class of cathode materials used in lithium ion batteries. Despite the increasing use of NMC in nanoparticle form for next-generation energy storage applications, the potential environmental impact of released nanoscale NMC is not well characterized. Previously, we showed that the released nickel and cobalt ions from nanoscale Li1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 were largely responsible for impacting the growth and survival of the Gram-negative bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 (M. N. Hang et al., Chem. Mater., 2016, 28, 1092). Here, we show the first steps toward material redesign of NMC to mitigate its biological impact and to determine how the chemical composition of NMC can significantly alter the biological impact on S. oneidensis. We first synthesized NMC with various stoichiometries, with an aim to reduce the Ni and Co content: Li0.68Ni0.31Mn0.39Co0.30O2, Li0.61Ni0.23Mn0.55Co0.22O2, and Li0.52Ni0.14Mn0.72Co0.14O2. Then, S. oneidensis were exposed to 5 mg L−1 of these NMC formulations, and the impact on bacterial oxygen consumption was analyzed. Measurements of the NMC composition, by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and composition of the nanoparticle suspension aqueous phase, by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, showed the release of Li, Ni, Mn, and Co ions. Bacterial inhibition due to redesigned NMC exposure can be ascribed largely to the impact of ionic metal species released from the NMC, most notably Ni and Co. Tuning the NMC stoichiometry to have increased Mn at the expense of Ni and Co showed lowered, but not completely mitigated, biological impact. This study reveals that the chemical composition of NMC nanomaterials is an important parameter to consider in sustainable material design and usage.
Contribution of Endocannabinoid Gene Expression and Genotype on Low Back Pain Susceptibility and Chronicity.

Background:A major research emphasis has been focused on defining the molecular changes that occur from acute to chronic pain to identify potential therapeutic targets for chronic pain. As the endocannabinoid system is dynamically involved in pain signaling, a plausible mechanism that may contribute
Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain.

What are the benefits and harms of noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain?
AMERICAS, SOUTH | Inca Archaeology

The Incas formed the last and greatest empire that existed in the western hemisphere prior to the arrival of Europeans in the sixteenth century. Lacking a writing system, our sources on the Inca are restricted to what the Spaniards wrote about them and what archaeologists have recovered from their sites. Spanish accounts indicate the Incas began their expansion only a century or so prior to the arrival of the Europeans, but expanded rapidly due to a large and well-armed military. Their empire consisted of four parts with the capital of Cuzco at the center. It was administered by a large bureaucracy of both Inca and non-Inca officials, and was based on a decimal system. Conquered people were only required to provide labor to the empire, which the Incas used to produce both goods and food. They developed an extensive road system with cities and towns along the major trunks, where people came to work. The Incas practiced ancestor worship and had a polytheistic religion. They developed sophisticated agricultural and irrigation systems for farming, and were excellent engineers and stone workers. They were conquered by a small force of Spaniards under Francisco Pizarro as a result of the latter's capture of the Inca king in a well-planned ambush.
Embryonic Stem Cell Biology: Insights from Molecular Imaging

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have therapeutic potential in disorders of cellular loss such as myocardial infarction, type I diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. ES cell biology in living subjects was largely poorly understood until incorporation of molecular imaging into the field. Reporter gene imaging works by integrating a reporter gene into ES cells and using a reporter probe to induce a signal detectable by normal imaging modalities. Reporter gene imaging allows for longitudinal tracking of ES cells within the same host for a prolonged period of time. This has advantages over postmortem immunohistochemistry and traditional imaging modalities. The advantages include expression of reporter gene is limited to viable cells, expression is conserved between generations of dividing cells, and expression can be linked to a specific population of cells. These advantages were especially useful in studying a dynamic cell population such as ES cells and proved useful in elucidating the biology of ES cells. Reporter gene imaging identified poor integration of differentiated ES cells transplanted into host tissue as well as delayed donor cell death as reasons for poor long-term survival in vivo. This imaging technology also confirmed that ES cells indeed have immunogenic properties that factor into cell survival and differentiation. Finally, reporter gene imaging improved our understanding of the neoplastic risk of undifferentiated ES cells in forming teratomas. Despite such advances, much remains to be understood about ES cell biology to translate this technology to the bedside, and reporter gene imaging will certainly play a key role in formulating this understanding.
Single Model Assembly

This chapter concerns a plant that dedicates a line to produce a product that has no variation. This is called single model assembly. The planning methods that take place for this type of line are described in the context of an example. The example begins with the work elements, the element times, the predecessor elements, and the corresponding precedence diagram. The shift schedule quantity and shift time are needed to determine the number of operators to have on the line.
Isolation of Halophilic Bacteria from Inland Petroleum- Producing Wells

The goals of this study were to isolate microorganisms from oil well-produced water, identify the microorganisms, and test the microorganisms’ salt tolerance. Saltwater collected from two well locations producing from different zones in Jones County, Texas, was spread onto Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA). Isolates showed a 16S rDNA gene sequence identity of 99% with Idiomarina baltica and Marinobacter persicus. Salt tolerance assays indicated an optimal growth concentration of 10-12.5% NaCl for the Idiomarina isolate and a decrease in growth beyond 5% NaCl for the Marinobacter isolate. In conclusion, organisms that are phylogenetically similar to marine microorganisms are present in oil well environments, and have variable salt tolerances, which may prove useful in microbialmediated hydrocarbon bioremediation of high salinity environments.
Left Atrial Phasic Function by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking Is a Strong Predictor of Incident Cardiovascular Events.

Background: The prognostic importance of left atrial (LA) dysfunction is increasingly recognized. Magnetic resonance imaging can provide excellent visualization of the LA wall. We aimed to study th...
Global gene expression profile in the liver and blood of rats administered a toxic dose of acetaminophen

The objective of the study was to compare global gene expression profile in the target organ (liver) and a surrogate tissue (blood) in rats administered a toxic dose of the hepatotoxic drug, acetam...
JNK inhibition blocks piperlongumine-induced cell death and transcriptional activation of heme oxygenase-1 in pancreatic cancer cells

Piperlongumine (PL) is an alkaloid that inhibits glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) activity, resulting in elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and cancer-selective cell death. We aimed to identify stress-associated molecular responses to PL treatment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. GSTP1 directly interacts with JNK, which is activated by oxidative stress and can lead to decreased cancer cell proliferation and cell death. Therefore, we hypothesized that JNK pathways are activated in response to PL treatment. Our results show PL causes dissociation of GSTP1 from JNK; robust JNK, c-Jun, and early ERK activation followed by suppression; increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP; and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and c-Myc in PDAC cells. Gene expression analysis revealed PL caused a > 20-fold induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which we hypothesized was a survival mechanism for PDAC cells under enhanced oxidative stress. HO-1 knockout resulted in enhanced PL-induced PDAC cell death under hypoxic conditions. Similarly, high concentrations of the HO-1 inhibitor, ZnPP (10 µM), sensitized PDAC cells to PL; however, lower concentrations ZnPP (10 nM) and high or low concentrations of SnPP both protected PDAC cells from PL-induced cell death. Interestingly, the JNK inhibitor significantly blocked PL-induced PDAC cell death, Nrf-2 nuclear translocation, and HMOX-1 mRNA expression. Collectively, the results demonstrate JNK signaling contributes to PL-induced PDAC cell death, and at the same time, activates Nrf-2 transcription of HMOX-1 as a compensatory survival mechanism. These results suggest that elevating oxidative stress (using PL) while at the same time impairing antioxidant capacity (inhibiting HO-1) may be an effective therapeutic approach for PDAC.
Depressive Symptom Trajectories Among People Living with HIV in a Collaborative Care Program

Depressive symptoms may differ in severity and change over time in people living with HIV (PLWH). Describing depression trajectories and associated clinical characteristics of PLWH in an interventional study may help in developing a more personalized medicine approach. Using latent class growth analysis four, 15-month self-reported depression trajectories were identified in 416 PLWH participating in a collaborative care program. The four subgroups were characterized by improving (58.4% [of participants]), worsening (9.4%), highly responsive (19.5%) and persistently severe (12.7%) depressive symptoms. A high proportion of individuals were in trajectories marked by improvement. Further, the highly responsive group had on average, over 50% reduction of self-reported depressive symptoms. Self-reported trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, lower neighborhood-level education and fewer HIV and psychiatry clinic visits were associated with worsening or persistently severe depressive symptom trajectories. Members of the persistently severe group were less likely to be virally suppressed after 12-months. Identifying subgroups of PLWH based on changes in self-reported depressive symptoms may further inform intervention approaches that can advance care.
Facial Paralysis in Longitudinal versus Oblique and Otic-Sparing versus Non Otic-Sparing Temporal Bone Fractures

Objective: To compare the proportion of temporal bone fractures using traditional (longitudinal vs. transverse) and otic involvement (otic sparing vs. non-otic sparing) classification schemes and their relationship with the development of facial paralysis. Methods: Design: Retrospective Case Series Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital Participants: Records of 49 patients diagnosed with temporal bone fracture in our institution from August 2016 to June 2018. Results: A total of 41 records of patients with temporal bone fractures, 32 males, 9 females, aged 5 to 70 years-old (mean 37.5-years-old) were included. In terms of laterality 23 (56%) involved the right and 17 (41%) the left side. Traditionally classified, 32 (78%) were longitudinal and 9 (22%) were transverse. Using newer classification based on otic involvement and non-otic involvement, 38 (93%) were otic-sparing and 3 (7%) were non otic-sparing. Only 9 (22%) out of 41 total fracture patients developed facial paralysis, involving 7 of the 32 longitudinal fractures and 2 of the 9 transverse fractures, or 8 of the 38 otic-sparing and 1 out of 3 non otic-sparing fractures. Conclusion: Because of the small sample size, no conclusions regarding the proportion of temporal bone fractures using traditional (longitudinal vs. transverse) and otic involvement (otic sparing vs. non-otic sparing) classification schemes and their relationship with the development of facial paralysis can be drawn in this study. Keywords: head injuries; head trauma; skull fracture; temporal bone fracture; motor vehicles; traffic accidents; facial paralysis
Designing Resilient Linear Driftless Systems.

Critical systems must be designed resilient to all kinds of malfunctions. We are especially interested by the loss of control authority over actuators. This malfunction considers actuators producing uncontrolled and possibly undesirable inputs. We investigate the design of resilient linear systems capable of reaching their target even after such a malfunction. In contrast with the settings of robust control and fault-tolerant control, we consider undesirable but observable inputs of the same magnitude as controls since they are produced by a faulty actuator of the system. The control inputs can then depend on these undesirable inputs. Building on our previous work, we focus on designing resilient systems able to withstand the loss of one or multiple actuators. Since resilience refers to the existence of a control law driving the state to the target, we naturally continue with the synthesis of such a control law. We conclude with a numerical application of our theory on the ADMIRE fighter jet model.
SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Formation Among Healthcare Workers, September 2, 2020

Abstract Many frontline healthcare workers throughout the world have been exposed to COVID-19 infection in the workplace and the community. We describe the nature of infection and the durability of antibodies among various types of healthcare workers at an acute care community hospital in northern New Jersey adjacent to New York City, part of the epicenter of the first wave of the US epidemic. Exposure was concentrated among frontline workers and in clusters among support staff. The antibody response correlated with symptoms and job type. Methods Employees had Polymerase Chain Reaction testing using a variety of commercially available products based on availability. All screening and testing for diagnosis used the nasopharyngeal swab. Tests for SARS-CoV-2 were obtained at approximately 2, 3 and 4 months using Abbott IgG antibody assay. Results of community sero-prevalence were obtained from hospital and physician surveys as no government entity was monitoring sero-prevalence. Hospital associated employee COVID-19 infections were identified through testing and contact tracing. Results 5179 patients with COVID-19 syndrome were managed through telehealth over 6 months. 3236 patients were admitted with COVID-19 disease during this time. 2514 out of 3100 employees were tested for antibody to SARS-CoV-2. Overall, 16% of employees tested positive for antibodies at some point. When divided by general job type, 17% of direct caregivers were positive. 16% of indirect contact such as receptionists, housekeeping and food service workers were positive. 16% of nonclinical workers with no patient contact tested positive. The community rate of sero-positivity in one study in Bergen County was 12.2. (1) In the midst of the epidemic, the rate among hospital workers in New York City was 13.7%. (2) The overall population rate in New York City, at the peak of the epidemic, was 21% with some communities as high as 68%. Long Island had 16.7% and Westchester/Rockland 11.7%. (3) Other hospital systems in Northern NJ had up to 25% sero-positive employees. (4)
Anthony Johnson Showalter: A Pioneer in Southern Gospel Music Education:

Anthony Johnson Showalter (c. 1853–1924) was a music educator, gospel composer, publisher, and considered a pioneer in gospel music and education in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth ...
Plimoth at 400 Editor's Introduction

When Boston entered its pandemic lockdown in early March, it forced the cancellation of the Congregational Library's symposium “1620: New Perspectives on the Pilgrim Legacy.” With the cooperation o...
Predicting genotype-specific gene regulatory networks

Abstract Understanding how each person’s unique genotype influences their individual patterns of gene regulation has the potential to improve our understanding of human health and development and to refine genotype-specific disease risk assessments and treatments. However, the effects of genetic variants are not typically considered when constructing gene regulatory networks, despite the fact that many disease-associated genetic variants are thought to have regulatory effects, including the disruption of transcription factor (TF) binding. We developed EGRET (Estimating the Genetic Regulatory Effect on TFs), which infers a genotype-specific gene regulatory network (GRN) for each individual in a study population. EGRET begins by constructing a genotype-informed TF-gene prior network derived using TF motif predictions, eQTL data, individual genotypes, and the predicted effects of genetic variants on TF binding. It then uses message passing to integrate this prior network with gene expression and TF protein-protein interaction data to produce a refined, genotype-specific regulatory network. We used EGRET to infer GRNs for two blood-derived cell lines and identified genotype-associated, cell-line specific regulatory differences that we subsequently validated using allele-specific expression, chromatin accessibility QTLs, and differential ChIP-seq TF binding. We also inferred EGRET GRNs for three cell types from each of 119 individuals and identified cell type-specific regulatory differences associated with diseases related to those cell types. EGRET is, to our knowledge, the first method that infers networks that reflect individual genetic variation in a way that provides insight into genetic regulatory associations that drive complex phenotypes. EGRET is available through the Network Zoo R package (netZooR v0.9; netzoo.github.io).
Toward routine billion-variable optimization using genetic algorithms: Short Communication

The push for better understanding and design of complex systems requires the solution of challenging optimization problems with large numbers of decision variables. This note presents principled results demonstrating the scalable solution of a difficult test function on instances over a billion variables using a parallel implementation of a genetic algorithm (GA). The problem addressed is a noisy, blind problem over a vector of binary decision variables. Noise is added equaling a tenth of the deterministic objective function variance of the problem, thereby making it difficult for simple hillclimbers to find the optimal solution. The genetic algorithm used—the compact GA—is able to find the optimum in the presence of noise quickly, reliably, and accurately, and the solution scalability follows known convergence theories. These results on noisy problem together with other results on problems involving varying modularity, hierarchy, and overlap foreshadow routine solution of billion-variable problems across the landscape of complexity science. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 12: 27–29, 2007
Functional Genomics of Streptococcus mutans

This chapter addresses how genomic sciences are revealing why Streptococcus mutans is such an effective caries pathogen in humans. Recognizing the importance of central metabolism and acid production in pathogenesis by S. mutans, many laboratories began functional studies in the post-genomic era with a focus on gene regulation, stress tolerance, and biofilm formation. The AtlA protein of S. mutans does not share substantial primary sequence homology with many other proteins in the databases, so AtlA may be a good target for novel therapeutics. A variety of other examples can be cited of how functional genomics revealed new properties of S. mutans. The translation of environmental stimuli into changes in gene expression in bacteria frequently involves two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs) consisting of a membrane-bound sensor histidine kinase (HK) and a cytoplasmic response regulator (RR). A common theme that emerged from these studies is that S. mutans has streamlined its genome by using pathways to cope with environmental insults to regulate a variety of virulence attributes. The expression of fruA is inducible by its substrates and is sensitive to carbon catabolite repression (CCR)-inducing reagents, including glucose, fructose, and mannose. Galactose gives the least repression of CCR-sensitive genes in S. mutans. In a study, only one strain of S. mutans, UA159, was tested, and although it was able to reach the intracellular compartment in very low numbers, the fate of UA159 in the host cytoplasm, as well as the consequences of invasion for the host cell, was not investigated.
Singularities of solutions of some Schrödinger equations on ${\text{R}}^n $

The fundamental solution (or "propagator") k0(t, x, y) of this equation, with initial condition fco(0, x, y) = U"=zl S(Xj jy), has singularities which can easily be determined by using a well-known explicit formula for k0 [2, 6] for t ^ mn/u)j and taking distribution limits as t —• m7r/co;.. The result is: (i) if L = G)jt/n is not an integer for any ƒ, then k(tt x, y) is smooth in x\ (ii) if L € Z for ƒ = j \ , . . . , jr then k(t, x, y) is a smooth 8 -function supported on the (n r)-dimensional plane {XJS = (-1)%/^}. In quantum mechanics, k(t, x, y) is the (probability) amplitude that a particle certainly at y at time 0 has arrived at x at time t. Semi-classically, k(t> x, y) describes a swarm of classical particles with initial positions all at y and with initial momenta uniformly distributed through R". The occurrence of singularities in k(t, x, y) coincides with the appearance of an "infinite density" of classical particles at a given point. In this announcement, we show how this description of singularities can be extended to the case where the Hamiltonian is H0 + V, V being (multiplication by) a potential function on R which is assumed to belong to the symbol class ^ ( R " ) ; i.e. \d$V\ = 0( 0, where = (1 + \x\)\ Semi-classically, the swarm is now additionally influenced by the force -grad V(x); since this force approaches 0 at °°, the higher energy particles in the swarm are little influenced by the perturbation, and so they will tend to re-accumulate at the same points as before. It turns out that these points also form the singular locus for the perturbed wave functions, demonstrating the stability of the picture described in (i), (ii) above.
A semantics-based middleware for utilizing heterogeneous sensor networks

With the proliferation of various kinds of sensor networks, we will see large amounts of heterogeneous data. They have different characteristics such as data content, formats, modality and quality. Existing research has largely focused on issues related to individual sensor networks; how to make use of diverse data beyond the individual network level is largely unaddressed. In this paper, we propose a semantics-based approach for this problem and describe a system that constructs applications that utilize many sources of data simultaneously. We propose models to formally describe the semantics of data sources, and processing modules that perform various kinds of operations on data. Based on such formal semantics, our system composes data sources and processing modules together in response to users queries. The semantics provides a common ground such that data sources and processing modules from various parties can be shared and reused among applications. We describe our system architecture, illustrate application deployment, and share our experiences in the semantic approach.
Single Sign-On Architectures

Authentication infrastructures have been around for many years now. They are very popular in big computing environments where scalability is a key requirement. In such environment, it’s not very cost-efficient from both an implementation and an administration point-of-view to create a separate authentication system for every individual computer system, resource or application server. It is much better to outsource this functionality to an authentication “infrastructure”.
A comparison of the modern Lie scaling method to classical scaling techniques

Abstract. In the past 2 decades a new modern scaling technique has emerged from the highly developed theory on the Lie group of transformations. This new method has been applied by engineers to several problems in hydrology and hydraulics, including but not limited to overland flow, groundwater dynamics, sediment transport, and open channel hydraulics. This study attempts to clarify the relationship this new technology has with the classical scaling method based on dimensional analysis, non-dimensionalization, and the Vaschy–Buckingham-Π theorem. Key points of the Lie group theory, and the application of the Lie scaling transformation, are outlined and a comparison is made with two classical scaling models through two examples: unconfined groundwater flow and contaminant transport. The Lie scaling method produces an invariant scaling transformation of the prototype variables, which ensures the dynamics between the model and prototype systems will be preserved. Lie scaling can also be used to determine the conditions under which a complete model is dynamically, kinematically, and geometrically similar to the prototype phenomenon. Similarities between the Lie and classical scaling methods are explained, and the relative strengths and weaknesses of the techniques are discussed.
Megahertz-frequency isolated resonant dc-dc converter using impedance control network for high-efficiency wide-range operation

This paper introduces a new isolated resonant dc-dc converter topology based on the recently proposed impedance control network (ICN) converter architecture. This new converter maintains very high efficiency by achieving zero voltage switching (ZVS) and near zero current switching (ZCS) across a very wide operating range. Additional performance enhancement is achieved through a new design methodology that minimizes switching and conduction losses. This ICN converter implementation incorporates full-bridge synchronous rectification and is well-suited for low output voltage and high output current applications. A prototype 550 W, 1 MHz ICN converter designed to operate over an input voltage range of 36 V to 60 V, an output voltage range of 34 V to 55 V, and a 10:1 output power range is built and tested. The prototyped ICN converter achieves a peak efficiency of 97.6%, maintains full power efficiency greater than 96.5% at 34 V output voltage across the nearly 2:1 input voltage range, and maintains full power efficiency above 95.3% across its full input and output voltage range. It also maintains efficiency above 93.6% over a 10:1 output power range across its full input and output voltage range owing to the use of burst-mode control.
Computer-based methodology laboratories: 2. First-year graduate courses in data analysis

A graduate student microcomputer laboratory was set up with IBM PS/2 microcomputers to teach data analysis techniques in the first-year course sequence at West Virginia University. Microcomputer versions of SAS and SPSS statistical programs were incorporated into homework assignments. The lab was managed by a graduate assistant, and another graduate student provided consultation on software usage and homework problems. This shift from the use of mainframe to microcomputer statistical software allowed an increase in the number of assigned homework exercises and easier integration of statistical output into the writing of research reports.
Anger, anxiety, and depressionin early adolescents from intact and divorced families

This study examined differences in anger, anxiety, and depression between early adolescents from divorced families and early adolescents from intact families. To control for extraneous variables, 24 early adolescents from divorced families were matched with 24 early adolescents from intact families according to gender, age, race, and grade in school. All responded to measures of state anger, state anxiety, and depression. Using the t test, one of the three hypotheses was supported. Statistically significant differences were found in state anger, but not in state anxiety or depression, between the two groups. Implications for nursing are addressed.
Altered collagen fibrillogenesis in embryonic mouse limb cartilage deficient in matrix granules.

Abstract In an effort to study interactions between the two major components of connective tissue matrix, collagen and proteoglycans, we have investigated the nature of collagen fibrils deposited in situ under conditions that reduce the content of uronic acid-containing polymeric material in developing mouse limb bud cartilage. Here we report some ultrastructural features of cartilage matrix organized under conditions that are known to inhibit synthesis of glycosaminoglycans. Limb buds of 12th day mouse embryos (40 ± 2 somites) were explanted in organ culture in the presence or absence of 5 μg/ml DON (6-diazo-5-oxonorleucine), a glutamine analogue. A pronounced decrease in the level of uronic acid-containing polymeric material was found in DON-treated explants over the 6-day culture period. Ultrastructural features of chondrocytes and lack of large matrix granules from the DON-treated cartilage provided confirmatory evidence that the matrix was deficient in glycosaminoglycans. No decrease in the hydroxyproline content was found in the treated explants. In contrast to the cartilage matrix of untreated explants, the matrix of DON-treated cartilage consisted entirely of a dense meshwork of fibrils. An enhancement of collagen fibrillogenesis was noticed at the surface of treated chondrocytes; fibrils were atypically arranged in parallel arrays and were larger in diameter than those found in the untreated cartilage of limb buds at identical stages of development and differentiation. Cross-striation pattern was detectable at several sites along these large fibrils. It is proposed that DON-treatment interferes with factors that regulate the growth phase of fibril formation resulting in alterations in the width of fibrils.
Structural Studies of Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-Like Protein Transfer Cascades

Post-translational covalent attachment of ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) to protein targets is a predominant eukaryotic regulatory mechanism. In higher eukaryotes, more than a dozen Ubls - including ubiquitin, NEDD8, ISG15, and SUMO - covalently modify myriad substrates. The best understood function of a Ubl modification is ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. However, different Ubls alter the functions of their targets in different ways, such as by changing the target's subcellular localization, enzymatic activity, or interactions with other proteins or DNA. Our goals are to understand (1) the basic enzymatic mechanisms underlying Ubl attachment to targets, (2) how Ubls are attached selectively, and (3) how Ubl modifications alter target functions.Ubls are attached to protein targets by the sequential action of enzymes in three classes, known as E1, E2, and E3. During this process, a Ubl becomes transiently covalently linked to enzymes, and ultimately to the target. This is a highly dynamic process, in which a Ubl is “handed off” first between enzymes, and ultimately to a target. I will present the latest research from my lab providing structural glimpses and/or biophysical analyses of molecular principles underlying dynamic protein regulation by ubiquitin and other Ubl transfer cascades.