cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hop limited flooding over dynamic networks

We study the performance of hop-limited broadcasting of a message in dynamic graphs where links between nodes switch between active and inactive states. We analyze the performance with respect to the completion time, defined as the time for the message to reach a given portion of nodes, and the communication complexity, defined as the number of message forwarding per node. We analyze two natural flooding algorithms. First is a lazy algorithm where the message can be forwarded by a node only if it was first received by this node through a path shorter than the hop limit count. Second is a more complex protocol where each node forwards the message at a given time, if it could have been received by this node through a path shorter than the hop limit count. We derive exact asymptotics for the completion time and the communication complexity for large network size which reveal the effect of the hop limit count. Perhaps surprisingly, we find that both flooding algorithms perform near optimum and that the simpler (lazy) algorithm is only slightly worse than the other, more complicated algorithm. The results provide insights into performance of networked systems that use hop limits, for example, in the contexts of peer-to-peer systems and mobile ad-hoc networks.
Bacterial Reproduction and Growth

Bacteria growing in a suitable medium increase in number by having each cell increase in size, and then each cell divides to produce two daughter cells. The increase in cell number in a culture is therefore a result of the activity of the cell during the division cycle, between the period of birth by division and the subsequent division. Keywords: DNA; cytoplasm; cell division; replication; peptidoglycan; shift-up
Designs conducive to the use of efficient strategies

Studies on the widespread inefficient use of complex computer applications have suggested that users need to learn efficient strategies in addition to learning how to use tools. This paper argues that our growing understanding of strategic knowledge can be used to guide designers develop systems which are conducive to the use of efficient strategies. The paper first describes ten general strategies which appear to be useful across three computer application domains. Next, the paper discusses the functionalities required to execute the ten strategies, and what makes them conducive to strategy use. An analysis of six major computer applications in three domains reveals that these functionalities are not consistently offered, and how their absence directly affects the performance of complex tasks. The analysis leads to questions related to the generality of the results, the problem of featurism, and how strategy-conducive systems could facilitate the transfer of knowledge across applications. The paper concludes by briefly describing how we intend to use the strategy framework to develop analysis methods for designers and trainers.
Impact of Collaborative Project-Based Learning on Self-Efficacy of Urban Minority Students in Engineering.

This paper presents an interdisciplinary research project that studies the impact of collaborative project-based learning (CPBL) on the development of self-efficacy of students from various ethnic groups in an undergraduate senior-level computer networking class. Grounded in social constructivist and situated theories of learning, the study provides an in-depth analysis of how individual learners’ characteristics, the social aspects of learning, and the pedagogical components in CPBL interact to affect student learning in an urban academic setting. The findings of this study indicate that significant learning outcomes and higher perceived efficacy in engineering design were directly related to the project experience. Moreover, although Hispanic students started with lower domainspecific efficacy, they demonstrated the largest growth of self-efficacy through CPBL. While subsequent studies have been conducted to create a more generalizable description, the current study suggests several areas to improve the CPBL learning experience for underrepresented engineering students within the urban context of this study.
Unique Dermal and Subcutaneous Botryoid Rhabdomyosarcoma Associated with Mature Renal Tissue: Is this an Extrarenal Wilms' Tumor?

A unique dermal and subcutaneous botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma admixed with ectopic mature renal tissue, overlying the left lateral lumbosacral region of a 41/2-year-old girl is reported. The tumor was devoid of blastemal or immature epithelial elements and nephrogenic rests. The relationship of this lesion to an extrarenal Wilms' tumor with exclusive myogenous differentiation is discussed.
Clinical Course among Cases of Acute Liver Failure of Indeterminate Diagnosis

Objective To investigate the heterogeneity in clinical course among those with pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) of indeterminate disease etiology. Study design We studied participants enrolled in the PALF registry study with indeterminate final diagnosis. Growth mixture modeling was used to analyze participants' international normalized ratio, total bilirubin, and hepatic encephalopathy trajectories in the first 7 days following enrollment. Participants with at least 3 values for 1 or more of the measurements were included. We examined the association between the resulting latent subgroup classification with participants' characteristics and disease outcomes. Data from participants with PALF of specified etiologies were used to investigate the potential diagnostic value of the latent subgroups. Results In this sample of 380 participants with indeterminate final diagnosis, 115 (30%) experienced mild and quickly improving disease trajectories and another 48 (13%) started with severe disease but improved by day 7. The majority of participants (216, 57%) had disease trajectories that worsened over time. The identified patterns of disease trajectories are predictive of outcome ( P P Conclusions The clinical courses of participants with PALF of indeterminate disease etiology exhibit distinct trajectory patterns, which have important prognostic and potentially diagnostic value.
The predictive power of structural MRI in Autism diagnosis

Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) of the brain has been a topic of significant research interest. Previous studies using small datasets with well-matched Typically Developing Controls (TDC) report high classification accuracies (80–96%) but studies using the large heterogeneous ABIDE dataset report accuracies less than 60%. In this study we investigate the predictive power of sMRI in ASD using 373 ASD and 361 TDC male subjects from the ABIDE. Brain morphometric features were derived using FreeSurfer and classification was performed using three different techniques: Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM). Although high classification accuracies were possible in individual sites (with a maximum of 97% in Caltech), the highest classification accuracy across all sites was only 60% (sensitivity = 57%, specificity = 64%). However, the accuracy across all sites improved to 67% when IQ and age information were added to morphometric features. Across all three classifiers, volume and surface area had more discriminative power. In general, important features for classification were present in the frontal and temporal regions and these regions have been implicated in ASD. This study also explores the effect of demographics and behavioral measures on the predictive power of sMRI. Results show that classification accuracy increases with autism severity and that ASD detection with sMRI is easier before the age of 10 years.
Septal Structures in Apothecial Tissues of Taxa in the Tribes Scutellinieae and Sowerbyelleae (Pyronemataceae, Pezizales, Ascomycetes)

ABSTRACTSeptal pore structures are described in asci, ascogenous hyphae, paraphyses, and excipular cells of species of Cheilymenia and Scutellinia (tribe Scutellinieae), and Acervus and Caloscypha ...
Relationship between High-yield Stability and Yield Component Factors of C815S Hybrid Rice Combinations

In order to study the relationship between high yield stability and yield component factors of C815S hybrid rice combinations,the effect and stability of yield component factors of C815S hybrid rice combinations were analyzed by high-stable coefficient method based on the datum of multi-location experiments.The results indicated that there were significant or extremely differences among the experimental hybrid rice combinations in the effective panicles number,grain number per panicle,the 1 000-grain weight,seed setting rate;there was a significant positive correlation between yield and spike length of the experimental hybrid rice combinations,and there was a extremely significant positive correlation between high-stable coefficient of yield and high-stable coefficient of effective panicles number.
Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble?

From the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Tex. Disclosures: Authors have nothing to disclose with regard to commercial support. Received for publication April 19, 2016; accepted for publication April 20, 2016. Address for reprints: Abe DeAnda, Jr, MD, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555 (E-mail: ptroughn@utmb.edu). J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2016;-:1-2 0022-5223/$36.00 Copyright 2016 by The American Association for Thoracic Surgery http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2016.04.088
FAULT DIAGNOSIS OF PLANETARY GEAR TRANSMISSION SYSTEM BASED ON VIBRATION RELEVANT INFORMATION FUSION

Considering the facts that different measurement point information provide different sensitivity degree and vibration transmission make fault relate to each measuring point,the fault diagnosis model of vibration relevant information fusion were put forward. The method is to obtain the eigenvector of wavelet packet signal energy about the normal and 5 different fault states under 3 measuring points. The correlation coefficient of the energy characteristics were calculated for the same measuring point in different states and for different measuring points in the same state. By analyzing the characteristics of these two types of fusion information,the fault diagnosis model was established. In addition,the fault diagnosis model was inspected with 14 groups of signals to be detected,and the results were exactly consistent with the actual fault states. The support vector machine method was adopted to realize classification of 5 different fault states. The outcome was consistent with the actual fault states and it verifies the correctness of the established model of fault diagnosis. Analysis results show that the fault diagnosis model was established through the vibration relevant information fusion,and the model can reflect the characteristics of different fault states.By the model,the weak and the coupling fault were effectively diagnosed for complex gear transmission system.
Geophysical constraints on the Antarctic sea ice cover

Abstract The contrast between the slight increase of Antarctic sea ice and the drastic reduction of Arctic sea ice since the 1970s has been a conundrum to be resolved. Sea ice trajectory tracking with satellite scatterometer data in 2008 shows that ice around Antarctica is pushed offshore by katabatic winds influenced by the continental topography. The ice trajectories reveal that sea ice, grown earlier in the ice season, drifts northward away from the Antarctic continent forming a circumpolar frontal ice zone (FIZ) behind the ice edge. The FIZ thereby consists of sea ice that becomes rougher due to a longer exposure to wind and wave actions, and thicker over time by more ice growth and greater snow accumulation. In the Antarctic circumpolar sea ice zone adjacent to the sea ice edge, satellite data in 1999–2009 exhibit a band of strong radar backscatter, which is consistent with the signature of older, thicker, and rougher sea ice with more snow in the FIZ. This sea ice band, as wide as 1000 km, serves as a ‘Great Shield,’ encapsulating and protecting younger and thinner ice in the internal ice pack. In the young and thin ice region behind the FIZ, ice can grow rapidly as winds continue opening interior areas thereby creating effective “ice factories.” In addition, ridging can enhance ice thickness by convergence toward the circumpolar FIZ that is recirculated by westerly winds and currents. During the ice growth season, the FIZ advances until reaching lower-latitude warm waters at a boundary determined by the southern Antarctic Circumpolar Current front that is constrained by seafloor features. These persistent topographical and bathymetric geological factors help sustain the Antarctic sea ice cover. As such, the behavior of Antarctic sea ice is not a paradox as some have suggested, but instead is consistent with the geophysical characteristics in the southern polar region that starkly contrast to those in the Arctic.
A Comparison of American and Japanese Competitive Product and Manufacturing Process Benchmarking and Reverse Engineering in the Electron Device Industry: Frequency of Use and Perceived Value

A survey of participants in the electron device industry has been conducted to better understand the differences between American and Japanese practitioners of competitive product and manufacturing process benchmarking and reverse engineering (CP/MPBRE). We have studied the responses of n = 221 survey participants who self-describe as new product and manufacturing process engineering practitioners. Consistent with the general literature on this topic, we observe that more Japanese than American engineers in the electron device industry engage in CP/MPBRE. However, expanding on the general literature, we find that, of those who do practice CP/MPBRE, American and Japanese practitioners in this industry do so comparably in terms of frequency of use and perceptions of value. We discuss the implications of these findings.
Integration of dismantling operations into a value recovery plan for circular economy

Traditional linear production mode “take-make-dispose” has brought about increasing resource scarcity, great environmental cost and endangered human health. To address the problem, the concept of circular economy has been introduced and accepted as a solution. In a circular economy, end-of-life (EOL) products can be introduced into multiple life cycles, which maximize the utility and value of components and materials. The economic viability of value recovery from an EOL product is greatly affected by the plan and technologies used for dismantling that product. This paper presents an approach to find a profitable EOL strategy, which includes a method for generating a dismantling transition matrix and making decisions on the best dismantling sequence, level, and EOL options for components/parts. A preservative disassembly transition matrix is a description of possible ways to disassemble a product into individual parts without any damage. A guideline is created to include destructive and automated operations in order to expand a preservative disassembly matrix into a dismantling transition matrix, because dismantling EOL products might produce more profit than pure preservative disassembly. Based on the dismantling transition matrix, binary integer programming is used to formulate EOL product value recovery while considering possible options for components/subassemblies as well as the transition cost between dismantling operations, tools costs, and recycling regulations or goals. A hard disk drive (HDD) is used as a case study to demonstrate the approach.
Physiological effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on the photosynthesis and water use efficiency of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

Widespread industrial uses of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) and their unregulated disposal have raised concerns about their environmental consequences. While studies are abundant on the phyto-effects of CeO2 NPs, detailed understanding of the impact of CeO2 NPs on plant photosynthesis is still lacking. In addition, no studies have evaluated the effects of CeO2 NPs on plant water use efficiency (WUE), a key parameter for crop yield. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of CeO2 NPs with two different surface properties (uncoated and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated) on the photosynthesis and WUE of soybean at four different concentrations (0, 10, 100 and 500 mg kg−1 dry soil). At the concentration of 100 mg kg−1, both types of CeO2 NPs stimulated plant growth and enhanced the photosynthesis rate by 54% for bare CeO2 NPs and 36% for PVP-CeO2 NPs. The maximum rate of Rubisco carboxylase activity represented by Vcmax also increased by 32% and 27%, respectively, for bare and PVP-coated CeO2 NPs at this concentration during the 3 week treatment. Conversely, the net photosynthesis rate was reduced by about 36% for both nanoparticles at 500 mg kg−1 CeO2 NPs. In addition, CeO2 NPs at concentrations >500 mg kg−1 also inhibited Rubisco activity and interfered with CO2 diffusion pathways. The results also confirmed that the physiological effects of CeO2 NPs on soybean depend on both the concentration and surface coating properties of the nanoparticles.
An intracellular matrix metalloproteinase-2 isoform induces tubular regulated necrosis: implications for acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes severe morbidity, mortality, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mortality is particularly marked in the elderly and with preexisting CKD. Oxidative stress is a common theme in models of AKI induced by ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury. We recently characterized an intracellular isoform of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) induced by oxidative stress-mediated activation of an alternate promoter in the first intron of the MMP-2 gene. This generates an NH2-terminal truncated MMP-2 (NTT-MMP-2) isoform that is intracellular and associated with mitochondria. The NTT-MMP-2 isoform is expressed in kidneys of 14-mo-old mice and in a mouse model of coronary atherosclerosis and heart failure with CKD. We recently determined that NTT-MMP-2 is induced in human renal transplants with delayed graft function and correlated with tubular cell necrosis. To determine mechanism(s) of action, we generated proximal tubule cell-specific NTT-MMP-2 transgenic mice. Although morphologically normal at the light microscopic level at 4 mo, ultrastructural studies revealed foci of tubular epithelial cell necrosis, the mitochondrial permeability transition, and mitophagy. To determine whether NTT-MMP-2 expression enhances sensitivity to I-R injury, we performed unilateral I-R to induce mild tubular injury in wild-type mice. In contrast, expression of the NTT-MMP-2 isoform resulted in a dramatic increase in tubular cell necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. NTT-MMP-2 mice had enhanced expression of innate immunity genes and release of danger-associated molecular pattern molecules. We conclude that NTT-MMP-2 "primes" the kidney to enhanced susceptibility to I-R injury via induction of mitochondrial dysfunction. NTT-MMP-2 may be a novel AKI treatment target.
Establishment of human metastatic colorectal cancer model in rabbit liver: A pilot study

Rationale and objectives To develop a human metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) model in a rabbit liver. Materials and methods Immunosuppression in 4 adult New Zealand White rabbits weighing 3.5 to 4.5 kg was induced with daily subcutaneous injection of 15 mg/kg Cyclosporine A (CsA). On day 3 open mini-laparotomy was performed and 0.2 ml (1.8x105 cells) suspension of HCT-116 and HT-29 human CRC cells were injected into the left and right medial lobe respectively. On day 10 the CsA dose was reduced to 10 mg/kg daily maintenance dose. Rabbits were weighed weekly, closely monitored for CsA side effects (weight loss, gingival hyperplasia and gut modification). Rabbits were sacrificed 5, 6, 7, and 8 weeks after cells injection. Liver tumors were collected for histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis. Results HT-29 Tumor growth was observed in 3 rabbits (75%). Tumors measured 3, 4 and 6 mm after 5, 6 and 8 weeks respectively. Microscopically, tumors contained hyperchromatic, pleomorphic cells that stained for monoclonal carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), polyclonal CEA, cytokeratin 20, vascular markers (CD31, CD34), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by immunohistochemistry, supporting involvement by the poorly differentiated HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line. No gross tumor growth or microscopic viability was observed from HCT-116 cell injection. CsA extra-hepatic manifestations included minimal gum hyperplasia and decrease in gut motility in 3 rabbits (75%), which was treated with Azithromycin 15 mg/kg and Cisapride 0.5 mg/kg every 12 hours, respectively. Conclusion We successfully developed a human metastatic colon cancer model in immunosuppressed rabbit liver using HT-29 cells.
Beneficial Effects of Statins on the Rates of Hepatic Fibrosis, Hepatic Decompensation, and Mortality in Chronic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Beneficial Effects of Statins on the Rates of Hepatic Fibrosis, Hepatic Decompensation, and Mortality in Chronic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Understanding sexual assault risk perception in college: Associations among sexual assault history, drinking to cope, and alcohol use

Abstract Introduction Sexual assault history and alcohol use are associated with higher likelihood of subsequent sexual assault. Alcohol use and drinking to cope are associated with re-assault, but it is unclear whether these factors are associated with malleable constructs like sexual assault risk perception. This study examined typical weekly drinking and drinking to cope motive as factors underlying the association between sexual assault history and risk perception. Methods Both perceived likelihood of experiencing incapacitated sexual assault and when to leaving a hypothetical sexual assault scenario were assessed as indicators of sexual assault risk perception. 660 female college students recruited from psychology courses completed questionnaires online. Results Results revealed that sexual assault history severity was positively associated with perceived incapacitated sexual assault likelihood and when to leave a risky scenario. Drinking to cope with anxiety was positively associated with perceived incapacitated sexual assault likelihood. Among women who reported regular drinking, typical weekly drinking was positively associated with when to leave a risky scenario, such that women who reported more weekly drinks stayed in a potentially risky scenario longer than women who reported fewer weekly drinks. Conclusions These findings suggest that alcohol use and drinking to cope with anxiety are associated with risk perception. Sexual assault history was associated with both perceived incapacitated sexual assault likelihood and when to leave a hypothetical scenario. Alcohol use and drinking to cope are two potential points of intervention for sexual assault risk reduction programs, but further examination is needed.
Assessing the Impact of Durable Flooring Structures on Refugee Sleep Quality and Duration

Conflict and persecution continue to displace people from their homes adding to an already overwhelming refugee crisis worldwide. Overall, refugee health is difficult to measure objectively and is influenced by a number of factors including transient, and often inadequate, housing conditions. Emergency Floor (EF) is a quickly deployable, lightweight, insulated flooring system intended to protect temporary structures from extreme temperatures and outdoor conditions. A pilot study was conducted in two informal tented settlements in Hermel-Baalbek, Lebanon to assess how installing Emergency Floors in tented shelters impacted sleep duration and quality, indicators of overall wellness, among refugees. A baseline survey was administered, and Emergency Floors were installed in all households in both settlements in October 2016. A follow-up survey was conducted to record outcomes in April 2017. Thirty-four households consisting of 150 individuals participated in the baseline survey. Seven households were were not available for follow-up survey due to moving away from the area. The final sample yielded a total of 27 households and 120 individuals. Results indicated that sleep duration significantly increased, and sleep quality significantly improved after EF installation. Furthermore, respondents reported feeling more comfortable, warmer, safer, and cleaner when sleeping in a shelter with EF installed. These encouraging results suggest an overall increase in perceived well-being. Future research should continue monitoring floors to assess long term wear and explore additional uses for EF in other temporary structures.
Using Lesson Study in teacher professional development for domain-based moral education

This study examined the application of Lesson Study for professional development (PD) for a domain approach to moral education. A comparison was drawn between the effects of Lesson Study with 17 te...
Methotrexate as an alternative to classic immunosuppressive therapies

The primary systemic vasculitides are a heterogeneous group of disorders which are characterized by inflammation of the blood vessel wall which may lead to compromise of the lumen and ischemia or attenuation of the vessel wall, aneurysm formation, and possible hemorrhage. Although the pathophysiology of vasculitis is not well understood, support for an immunological mechanism has come in part from the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy in the management of many vasculitic diseases.
Zinc methionine for ruminants: relative bioavailability of zinc in lambs and effects of growth and performance of growing heifers.

Studies were conducted to evaluate zinc methionine (ZnMet) as a source of Zn for ruminants. Experiment 1 compared the availability of Zn in ZnMet and zinc oxide (ZnO) in lambs fed a semi-purified diet deficient in Zn. Based on growth rate and animal performance, plasma Zn and plasma alkaline phosphatase activity, no differences in Zn availability were detected between the two Zn sources. Apparent absorption of Zn also was similar, but Zn retention was higher (P less than .01) in lambs fed ZnMet because of a tendency for lower urinary Zn excretion (P less than .19) in this group. Zinc absorption and retention by lambs were similar for the two Zn sources in Exp. 2 when 20 mg Zn/kg was added to an orchardgrass hay-based diet containing 30 mg Zn/kg. In Exp. 3, lambs were dosed orally with 300 mg of Zn as ZnO or ZnMet, and the increase in plasma Zn following dosing was monitored. The increase in plasma Zn above predosing values was similar at 6 h but was higher at 12 (P less than .10) and 24 h (P less than .05) postdosing in lambs given ZnMet. Thirty-six Hereford x Simmental heifers (271 kg) were used in Exp. 4 to determine the influence of supplementing Zn (25 mg/kg) as ZnO or ZnMet of growth performance and Zn status. Heifers were fed a corn silage-based diet that contained 23.1 mg Zn/kg during the 126-d study. Zinc supplementation to the basal diet increased (P less than .05) gain and feed/gain during the first 56 d, but not for the entire 126-d study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Financial expertise and corporate tax avoidance

This study examines financial expert CEOs as one of the determinants of corporate tax avoidance. We conjecture that financial sophistication motivates CEOs to approach tax avoidance as an investmen...
A new approach to examine the ability to control HCMV in patients after haploidentical stem cell transplantation

We utilized the recently developed approach (1) to examine HCMV-specific responses of CD8 T cells in patients who underwent haploidentical stem cell transplantation (HSCT) by analyzing the pattern of Ca 2+ signaling in individual T cells assembled into a continuous monolayer after stimulation with HCMV peptide epitopes. Three groups of responding CD8+ T cells were identified: (i) T cells that rapidly develop sustained Ca 2+ signaling typical for T-cell responses to a strong agonist peptide, (ii) T cells developing delayed but sustained Ca 2+ signaling that is characteristic for T-cell responses to a weak agonist peptide, and (iii) T cells that revealed oscillating Ca 2+ signaling indicative of suboptimal T cell activation. T cells showing sporadic and transient Ca 2+ spikes were considered unresponsive. In patients whose immune system was still rebooting after transplant, HCMV was reactivated and this was mirrored by a very low fraction of HCMV-specific T cells, which mount rapid and sustained Ca 2+ signaling, while the majority of responding T cells exhibited delayed or oscillating Ca 2+ signaling. In contrast, a significant fraction of HCMV-specific T cells from patients who control the virus revealed rapid and sustained Ca 2+ signaling. The ability to monitor patients’ immune system response to HCMV enables us to tailor treatment to better keep CMV in check.
Nonlinear Discriminative Dimensionality Reduction of Multiple Datasets

Dimensionality reduction (DR) is critical to many machine learning and signal processing tasks involving high-dimensional large-scale data. Standard DR tools such as principal component analysis (PCA) deal with a single dataset at a time. In diverse practical settings however, one is often tasked with learning the discriminant subspace such that one dataset of particular interest (a.k.a., target data) lies on, whereas the other dataset(s) (a.k.a., control data) do not. This is what is known as discriminative DR. Building on but considerably generalizing existing linear variants, this contribution puts forth a novel nonlinear approach for discriminative DR of multiple datasets through kernel-based learning. Interestingly, its solution can be provided analytically in terms of a generalized eigenvalue decomposition problem, for which various efficient solvers are available. Numerical experiments using synthetic and real data showcase the merits of the proposed nonlinear discriminative DR approach relative to state-of-the-art alternatives.
A Single-Cell Window into Pancreas Cancer Fibroblast Heterogeneity

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) have been implicated in diverse and sometimes divergent tumor modulatory processes that can be explained only by the existence of heterogeneous CAF subsets. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Elyada and colleagues utilize single-cell transcriptomics to resolve CAF heterogeneity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and identify a novel antigen-presenting CAF population.See related article by Elyada et al., p. 1102.
Transcatheter repair of tricuspid regurgitation with MitraClip

Abstract Transcatheter therapy with the MitraClip system (Abbott Structural, Menlo Park, CA) is the most commonly used transcatheter therapy for patients with tricuspid regurgitation, with over 1000 cases performed worldwide. The procedure is an off-label approach that requires meticulous attention to anatomical features obtained via comprehensive echocardiography and, in some cases, using cardiac computed tomography. Herein, we describe patient selection, procedural performance, and clinical outcomes of this therapy.
Height functions associated with closed subschemes

This is an expository note on height functions associated with closed subschemes. This manuscript contains nothing new.
Variables, Input/Output, and Arithmetic

In addition to an introduction to hardware and software concepts, including the concept of compiling, interpreting, and executing a program, this chapter provides an initial skeleton program from which to create subsequent programs. An introduction to variables, constants, assignment statements, arithmetic operations, and simple input/output using the keyboard and monitor is also provided. Further, there is a discussion concerning errors, comments, and program design. A simple complete program is included at the end of the chapter.
Enrich a data structures course with parallelism

This Research to Practice Work in Progress paper develops an adaptive learning module aimed at enriching data structures and algorithms courses (CS2/DS) with introductory parallel computing. We emphasize exploitable shared-memory parallelism with the intention of teaching students to decompose a problem or its underlying big data structure into parts that can execute effectively in many- or multi-core processes. The module can set up conditional mastery paths and differentiate assignments for individual students automatically. The adaptive learning reflects the student-directed learning by doing and so fits naturally into the conventional CS2/DS courses. We conducted a 50-minute learning session in an adaptive learning CS2/DS class for a group of 56 students in the Fall 2019 semester. The experimental results, from two surveys executed before and after the session, was successful in engaging students, instigating students' interest in parallel computing, and improving the students' awareness and appreciation. The module can be extended to support other parallel computing concepts, such as critical section, race condition, and multi-thread synchronization and cooperation techniques. As a side benefit, we would like to show that adaptive learning prepares students, gets students to engage, and enhances their performance.
Inkberry, Ilex glabra

Inkberry is found throughout Florida and more broadly west to Texas and northeast to the Canadian border. Fruits attract birds and other wildlife but are not edible to humans. Flowers attract pollinators, including honey bees. Plant male and female plants in order to sustain fruit production.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg171 This publication is derived from information in SGEB-75/SG156, Dune Restoration and Enhancement for the Florida Panhandle, by Debbie Miller, Mack Thetford, Christina Verlinde, Gabriel Campbell, and Ashlynn Smith. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg156.
Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek energy landscape of a Janus particle with a nonuniform cap.

A colloidal particle is often termed ``Janus'' when some portion of its surface is coated by a second material which has distinct properties from the native particle. The anisotropy of Janus particles enables unique behavior at interfaces. However, rigorous methodologies to predict Janus particle dynamics at interfaces are required to implement these particles in complex fluid applications. Previous work studying Janus particle dynamics does not consider van der Waals interactions and realistic, nonuniform coating morphology. Here we develop semianalytic equations to accurately calculate the potential landscape, including van der Waals interactions, of a Janus particle with nonuniform coating thickness above a solid boundary. The effects of both nonuniform coating thickness and van der Waals interactions significantly influence the potential landscape of the particle, particularly in high ionic strength solutions, where the particle samples positions very close to the solid boundary. The equations developed herein facilitate more simple, accurate, and less computationally expensive characterization of conservative interactions experienced by a confined Janus particle than previous methods.
cAMP-Dependent Signaling Restores AP Firing in Dormant SA Node Cells via Enhancement of Surface Membrane Currents and Calcium Coupling

Action potential (AP) firing rate and rhythm of sinoatrial nodal cells (SANC) are controlled by synergy between intracellular rhythmic local Ca2+ releases (LCRs) ("Ca2+ clock") and sarcolemmal electrogenic mechanisms ("membrane clock"). However, some SANC do not fire APs (dormant SANC). Prior studies have shown that β-adrenoceptor stimulation can restore AP firing in these cells. Here we tested whether this relates to improvement of synchronization of clock coupling. We characterized membrane potential, ion currents, Ca2+ dynamics, and phospholamban (PLB) phosphorylation, regulating Ca2+ pump in enzymatically isolated single guinea pig SANC prior to, during, and following β-adrenoceptor stimulation (isoproterenol) or application of cell-permeant cAMP (CPT-cAMP). Phosphorylation of PLB (Serine 16) was quantified in the same cells following Ca2+ measurement. In dormant SANC LCRs were small and disorganized at baseline, membrane potential was depolarized (-38 ± 1 mV, n = 46), and ICaL, If, and IK densities were smaller vs SANC firing APs. β-adrenoceptor stimulation or application of CPT-cAMP led to de novo spontaneous AP generation in 44 and 46% of dormant SANC, respectively. The initial response was an increase in size, rhythmicity and synchronization of LCRs, paralleled with membrane hyperpolarization and small amplitude APs (rate ∼1 Hz). During the transition to steady-state AP firing, LCR size further increased, while LCR period shortened. LCRs became more synchronized resulting in the growth of an ensemble LCR signal peaked in late diastole, culminating in AP ignition; the rate of diastolic depolarization, AP amplitude, and AP firing rate increased. ICaL, IK, and If amplitudes in dormant SANC increased in response to β-adrenoceptor stimulation. During washout, all changes reversed in order. Total PLB was higher, but the ratio of phosphorylated PLB (Serine 16) to total PLB was lower in dormant SANC. β-adrenoceptor stimulation increased this ratio in AP-firing cells. Thus, transition of dormant SANC to AP firing is linked to the increased functional coupling of membrane and Ca2+ clock proteins. The transition occurs via (i) an increase in cAMP-mediated phosphorylation of PLB accelerating Ca2+ pumping, (ii) increased spatiotemporal LCR synchronization, yielding a larger diastolic LCR ensemble signal resulting in an earlier increase in diastolic INCX; and (iii) increased current densities of If, ICaL, and IK.
Evaluation of mobile applications for patients with fecal incontinence using a modified APPLICATIONS scoring system.

Mobile applications (apps) are becoming an increasingly popular means of obtaining medical information. The aim of our study was to identify and evaluate patient-centered fecal incontinence (FI) mobile apps using a modified APPLICATIONS scoring system. We conducted searches in the Apple App and Google Play stores to identify FI-related mobile apps using search terms reflecting both commonly accepted medical terms as well as colloquial terms used by our patients with FI. Apps that were in English, relevant to FI, patient-centered, and medically accurate were included. Each eligible app was then independently evaluated by the three authors using a modified 17-point APPLICATIONS scoring system. We identified 2785 apps upon initial search using FI search terms. Fourteen apps met eligibility criteria for scoring. Most apps were bowel movement trackers (13/14, 93%), of which only three allowed for tracking of FI episodes. Only one (7%) app contained educational information specific to FI. Ten (71%) apps were fully functional at no cost. Thirteen (93%) apps cited literature. Median APPLICATIONS score was 10 (IQR 9–11). “BristolStoolChart,” “FreeToBe,” and “PoopLog” each received the highest total score of 13. Patient-centered mobile apps that provide FI-specific educational information or allow for FI symptom tracking are scarce. While we did discover some accurate sources of information and means of tracking bowel habits, patients are likely to encounter inaccurate or irrelevant information even when searching for FI-related apps using appropriate terminology. Future app development should include FI-specific symptom tracking and educational information from reputable sources.
Characteristics and risk assessment of occupational exposure to ultrafine particles generated from cooking in the Chinese restaurant

Ultrafine particles have been increasingly linked to adverse health effects in restaurant workers. This study aimed to clarify the exposure characteristics and risks of ultrafine particles during the cooking process, and to provide a reasonable standard for protecting the workers in the Chinese restaurant. The temporal variations in particle concentrations (number concentration (NC), mass concentration (MC), surface area concentration (SAC), and personal NC), and size distributions by number were measured by real-time system. The hazard, exposure, and risk levels of ultrafine particles were analyzed using the control banding tools. The NC, MC, and SAC increased during the cooking period and decreased gradually to background levels post-operation. The concentration ratios of MC, total NC, SAC, and personal NC ranged from 3.82 to 9.35. The ultrafine particles were mainly gathered at 10.4 and 100 nm during cooking. The exposure, hazard and risk levels of the ultrafine particles were high. These findings indicated that the workers during cooking were at high risk due to exposure to high levels of ultrafine particles associated with working activity and with a bimodal size distribution. The existing control strategies, including engineering control, management control, and personal protection equipment need to be improved to reduce the risk.
Reionization effective likelihood from Planck 2018 data

We release relike (reionization effective likelihood), a fast and accurate effective likelihood code based on the latest Planck 2018 data that allows one to constrain any model for reionization between $6lzl30$ using five constraints from the CMB reionization principal components (PC). We tested the code on two example models which showed excellent agreement with sampling the exact Planck likelihoods using either a simple Gaussian PC likelihood or its full kernel density estimate. This code enables a fast and consistent means for combining Planck constraints with other reionization data sets, such as kinetic Sunyaev-Zeldovich effects, line-intensity mapping, luminosity function, star formation history, quasar spectra, etc., where the redshift dependence of the ionization history is important. Since the PC technique tests any reionization history in the given range, we also derive model-independent constraints for the total Thomson optical depth ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{PC}}={0.0619}_{\ensuremath{-}0.0068}^{+0.0056}$ and its $15\ensuremath{\le}z\ensuremath{\le}30$ high redshift component ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{PC}}(15,30)l0.020$ (95% C.L.). The upper limits on the high-redshift optical depth is a factor of $\ensuremath{\sim}3$ larger than those reported in the Planck 2018 cosmological parameter paper using the FlexKnot method and we validate our results with a direct analysis of a two-step model which permits this small high-$z$ component.
Power Laws and Air Pollution

Many natural and anthropogenic quantities are well-characterized by heavy-tailed distributions. Earthquakes and cities are oft-cited examples. This paper tests for power law behavior in a different context: air pollution emissions and health damage. Pollutants covered include fine particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds. Emissions data are processed through an integrated assessment model to generate marginal (per-ton) and gross pollution damages. The cross-sectional distribution of emissions and damages are then tested for power law behavior. Evidence of power law behavior is detected for all pollutants. The length of the power law tail varies according to pollutant. The estimated Pareto shape parameter for gross damage is close to unity which is evidence of Zipf’s Law. Finally, sources in the power law tail are in counties that are between four and seven times more likely to be non-compliant with federal air pollution standards than counties with sources in the body of the distributions. The fitted power law parameters may help to guide regulators in categorizing sources with the purpose of designing targeted policies to bring non-attainment counties into compliance.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyionic Hydrogels

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYIONIC HYDROGELS By Pooja N Desai M.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2008 Major Director: Dr. Hu Yang Assistant Professor Biomedical Engineering In this study we describe novel polyionic dendrimer – PEG hydrogels for drug delivery. Hydrogels have a crosslinked insoluble network of polymer chains, which have found many applications including drug delivery and tissue regeneration. Dendrimers provide an ideal platform for drug delivery as they possess a well-defined highly branched nanoscale architecture with many reactive surface groups. Their highly clustered surface groups allow for targeted drug delivery and high drug payload to enhance therapeutic effectiveness. This study presented a new type of polyionic hydrogels based on dendrimers with potential applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) with various chain lengths [1500, 6000 , 12000 Da] was first conjugated to the StarburstTM G3.0 PAMAM dendrimer to form stealth dendrimers through one ending site of PEG using p-nitro phenyl chloroformate and Triethylamine. The free hydroxyl group of PEG was further converted to an acrylate group using acrolyl chloride and Triethylamine. The conjugation was characterized with H-NMR. The Ninhydrin assay was used to estimate the loading degree of PEG on the dendrimer surface. The molecular weight and loading degree of PEG was varied. Hydrogel formation was realized by subjecting dendrimer-PEG acrylate to UV exposure for a brief period of time at the presence of Eosin Y, Triethanolamine [TEOA] and 1 vinyl 2 Pyrrolidinone [NVP] photo initiator system. Viscosity increase was observed after hydrogel formation. PEGylated G3.0 PAMAM dendrimer served as cross-linking agent to form hydrogels because of its multiple functionalities. PEGylated half generation dendrimer G3.5 was subjected to hydrogel formation and its swelling behavior was studied. Better hydrogel formation was observed with increased PEG arm length. The surface charges conferred by terminal groups on the dendrimer surface made the hydrogel polyionic with controllable charge density. This new type of hydrogel has many favorable biological properties such as non toxicity and non immunogenecity and multifunctional ties for a variety of in vivo applications. Current studies have demonstrated feasibility of chemistry and hydrogel formation. The swelling studies demonstrated pH sensitive behavior. Degradation of hydrogel was observed, for low PEGylated dendrimer degradation also demonstrated pH sensitivity. Controlled drug delivery and release were also investigated. Hydrophobic drug Cyclosprine A was used, we envision that hydrophobic dendrimer core will used for drug encapsulation and delivery, and later release in controlled fashion. The polymer and hydrogels were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity and cell internalization.