cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequential Multiresolution Trajectory Optimization for Moving Targets

In this paper we present two sequential multiresolution trajectory optimization algorithms for solving problems with moving targets and dynamically changing environments. For such problems, high accuracy is desirable only in the immediate future, yet the ultimate mission objectives should be accommodated as well. An intelligent trajectory generation for such situations is thus enabled by introducing the idea of multigrid temporal resolution to solve the associated trajectory optimization problem on a non-uniform grid across time that is adapted to: (i) immediate future, and (ii) potential discontinuities in the state and control variables.The numerical examples solved herein demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed technique.
Massively-Parallel DNS and LES of Turbine Vane Endwall Horseshoe Vortex Dynamics and Heat Transfer

Higher turbine inlet temperatures enable increased gas turbine efficiency but significantly reduce component lifetimes through melting of the blade and endwall surfaces. This melting is exacerbated by the horseshoe vortex that forms as the boundary layer stagnates in front of the blade, driving hot gasses to the surface. Furthermore, this vortex exhibits significant dynamical motions that increase the surface heat transfer above that of a stationary vortex. To further understand this heat transfer augmentation, the dynamics of the horseshoe vortex must be characterized in a 3D time-resolved fashion which is difficult to obtain experimentally. In this paper, a 1st stage high pressure stator passage is examined using a spectral element direct numerical simulation at a Reynolds number Re = U∞ C/v = 10,000 . Although the Re is lower than engine conditions, the vortex already exhibits similar strong aperiodic motions and any uncertainty due to sub-grid scale modeling is avoided. The vortex dynamics are analyzed and their impact on the surface heat transfer is characterized. Results from a baseline case with a smooth endwall are also compared to a passage with film cooling holes. Higher Reynolds number simulations require a Large Eddy Simulation turbulent viscosity model that can handle the high accelerations around the blade. A high-pass-filter sub-grid scale model is tested at the same low Reynolds number to test its effectiveness by direct comparisons to the DNS. This resulted in a significant drop in turbulence intensity due to the high strain rate in the freestream, resulting in different dynamics of the vortex than observed in the DNS. Appropriate upstream engine conditions of high freestream turbulence and large integral length scales for all cases are generated via a novel inflow turbulence development domain using a periodic solution of Taylor vortices that are convected over a square grid. The size of the vortices and grid spacing is used to control the integral length scale, and the intensity of the vortices and upstream distance is used to control the turbulence intensity. The baseline DNS exhibits a bi-modal horseshoe vortex, and the presence of cooling-holes qualitatively increases the number of vortex cores resulting in more complex interactions.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Learning dictionaries with graph embedding constraints

Several supervised, semi-supervised, and unsupervised machine learning schemes can be unified under the general framework of graph embedding. Incorporating graph embedding principles into sparse representation based learning schemes can provide an improved performance in several learning tasks. In this work, we propose a dictionary learning procedure for computing discriminative sparse codes that obey graph embedding constraints. In order to compute the graph-embedded sparse codes, we integrate a modified version of the sequential quadratic programming procedure with the feature sign search method. We demonstrate, using simulations with the AR face database, that the proposed approach performs better than several baseline methods in supervised and semi-supervised classification.
Changes in North Atlantic Oscillation drove Population Migrations and the Collapse of the Western Roman Empire

Shifts in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) from 1–2 to 0–1 in four episodes increased droughts on the Roman Empire’s periphery and created push factors for migrations. These climatic events are associated with the movements of the Cimbri and Teutones from 113–101 B.C., the Marcomanni and Quadi from 164 to 180 A.D., the Goths in 376 A.D., and the broad population movements of the Migration Period from 500 to 600 A.D. Weakening of the NAO in the instrumental record of the NAO have been associated with a shift to drought in the areas of origin for the Cimbri, Quadi, Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Huns, and Slavs. While other climate indices indicate deteriorating climate after 200 A.D. and cooler conditions after 500 A.D., the NAO may indicate a specific cause for the punctuated history of migrations in Late Antiquity. Periodic weakening of the NAO caused drought in the regions of origin for tribes in antiquity, and may have created a powerful push factor for human migration. While climate change is frequently considered as a threat to sustainability, its role as a conflict amplifier in history may be one of its largest impacts on populations.
Validation of a Cognitive Task Simulation and Rehearsal Tool for Open Carpal Tunnel Release.

Background Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by hand surgeons. The authors created a surgical simulation of open carpal tunnel release utilizing a mobile and rehearsal platform app. This study was performed in order to validate the simulator as an effective training platform for carpal tunnel release. Methods The simulator was evaluated using a number of metrics: construct validity (the ability to identify variability in skill levels), face validity (the perceived ability of the simulator to teach the intended material), content validity (that the simulator was an accurate representation of the intended operation), and acceptability validity (willingness of the desired user group to adopt this method of training). Novices and experts were recruited. Each group was tested, and all participants were assigned an objective score, which served as construct validation. A Likert-scale questionnaire was administered to gauge face, content, and acceptability validity. Results Twenty novices and 10 experts were recruited for this study. The objective performance scores from the expert group were significantly higher than those of the novice group, with surgeons scoring a median of 74% and medical students scoring a median of 45%. The questionnaire responses indicated face, content, and acceptability validation. Conclusions This mobile-based surgical simulation platform provides step-by-step instruction for a variety of surgical procedures. The findings of this study help to demonstrate its utility as a learning tool, as we confirmed construct, face, content, and acceptability validity for carpal tunnel release. This easy-to-use educational tool may help bring surgical education to a new-and highly mobile-level.
Reducing real-time crash risk for congested expressway weaving segments using ramp metering

The safety of weaving segments is a concern because of the complicated and intensive merge, diverge, and weaving maneuvers in a limited space. However, rarely did safety studies address the safety of weaving segments in simulation or apply ramp metering (RM) to improve its safety. This study first built a microsimulation VISSIM network for 16 weaving segments on an expressway to obtain the driver behavior parameters. From the traffic and safety aspects of view, the simulation network was well calibrated and validated: the simulated volume and speed were consistent with the field volume and speed, and the simulated conflicts, which were identified by the Surrogate Safety Assessment Model (SSAM), were significantly and positively related to the field crash frequency. Then, based on the validated driver behavior parameters, a microsimulation network was built for a congested weaving segment, and several RM strategies were implemented. The RM was put at the end of the on-ramp of the studied weaving segment. The RM rate was decided by a crash risk model and also by the operation condition of the mainline. The crash risk was calculated based on real-time safety analysis for weaving segments. It was found that the RM strategies could significantly reduce the conflict number and crash potential without considerable deterioration in the traffic operation of the weaving segments.
Evaluating factors driving population densities of mayfly nymphs in Western Lake Erie

Abstract Mayfly ( Hexagenia spp.) nymphs have been widely used as indicators of water and substrate quality in lakes. Thermal stratification and the subsequent formation of benthic hypoxia may result in nymph mortality. Our goal was to identify potential associations between recent increases in temperature and eutrophication, which exacerbate hypoxic events in lakes, and mayfly populations in Lake Erie. Nymphs were collected during April–May 1999–2014. We used wind and temperature data to calculate four measures of thermal stratification, which drives hypoxic events, during summers of 1998–2013. Bottom trawl data collected during August 1998–2013 were used to estimate annual biomass of fishes known to be predators of mayfly nymphs. We used Akaike's Information Criterion to identify the best one- and two-predictor regression models of annual population densities ( N /m 2 ) of age-1 and age-2 nymphs, in which candidate predictors included the four measures of stratification, predator fish biomass, competition, and population densities of age-2 (for age-1) and age-1 (for age-2) nymphs from the previous year. Densities of both age classes of nymphs declined over the time series. Population densities of age-1 and age-2 nymphs from the previous year best predicted annual population densities of nymphs of both age classes. However, hypoxic conditions (indicated by stratification) and predation both had negative effects on annual population density of mayflies. Compared with predation, hypoxia had an inconsistent effect on annual nymph density. The increases in temperature and eutrophication in Lake Erie, which exacerbate hypoxic events, may have drastic effects on the mayfly populations.
Mechanical Circulatory Support to Bridge to a Long-Term Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device as a Bridge to Heart Transplantation

The use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices as a bridge to transplantation is becoming increasingly popular. Short-term MCS has become a necessary component of the therapeutic strategy for patients in cardiogenic shock, and short-term MCS devices are now being implanted as a bridge to decision. The purpose of using short-term MCS to bridge to decision is to stabilize a patient’s hemodynamic status and improve end-organ function to reduce surgical risks before implanting left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). Appropriate patient selection is the central tenet of the current paradigm of MCS.
Determinants of Length of Stay After Operative Treatment for Femur Fractures.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the determinants of length of stay (LOS) for patients surgically treated for femur fractures. DESIGN Retrospective medical record review. SETTING Urban Level I Trauma Center. PARTICIPANTS Three hundred twenty-one patients operatively treated for femur fractures between July 12, 2015 and July 12, 2016. INTERVENTION Intramedullary nailing, open reduction internal fixation, arthroplasty, or other (percutaneous screw or multiple hardware/technique) definitive fixation of femur fracture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Hospital LOS. RESULTS Median LOS was 6.43 days (range 1-76 days). Patients were divided into 2 groups: LOS ≥6 days (n = 171) and LOS <6 days (n = 150). Univariate analysis revealed several preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative factors associated with extended LOS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated frailty [odds ratio (OR), 20.58], medical complications (OR, 20.09), an upper extremity injury (OR, 9.97), an ipsilateral lower extremity injury (OR, 6.34), time to definitive fixation (OR, 2.12), time to first physical therapy visit (OR, 1.77), and Injury Severity Score (OR, 1.14) were independent predictors of LOS. CONCLUSIONS By understanding the determinants of LOS for patients with femur fracture, high-risk patients can be identified and interventions can be enacted. Earlier fixation and aggressive management of medical complications may decrease patients' LOS. Patients who meet frailty criteria under the Modified Frailty Index are at a twenty-fold increased risk of staying longer than 6 days after having a femur fracture. By identifying these patients on admission, strategies can be devised to reduce their LOS and economic burden. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Pharmacovigilance of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors for Genital Fungal Infections and Urinary Tract Infections: A Review of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System Database.

Background: Postmarketing surveillance had previously identified the need for revisions in the labeling of the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors drug class related to the risk of di...
The Role of Biological Soil Crusts in Nitrogen Cycling and Soil Stabilization in Kangerlussuaq, West Greenland

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) naturally coexist with vascular plants in many dryland ecosystems. Although most studies of dryland biocrusts have been conducted in warm deserts, dryland biocrusts also exist in the Arctic, where they may be an important source of nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) to nutrient-limited environments. In Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, wind-driven soil erosion has created a heterogeneous landscape where biocrusts dominate distinct patches of soil but are absent from the surrounding shrub and graminoid tundra. Prior to this study, little was known about the physical development and nutrient cycling of west Greenland biocrusts and their role in maintaining landscape heterogeneity. We characterized the physical properties, lichen assemblages, and nutrient concentrations of biocrusts and underlying soils along gradients in biocrust development and age. We found that biocrusts took 180 ± 40 years to fully develop and that biocrusts became thicker and soil penetration resistance increased as they developed. The N-fixing lichen Stereocaulon sp. was found throughout the study region at all stages of biocrust development. Natural 15N abundance suggests that Stereocaulon sp. obtains about half of its N from biological fixation and that some biologically fixed N is incorporated into the underlying soils over time. Although the N and C concentrations of underlying soils increased slightly with biocrust development, nutrient concentrations under the most developed biocrusts remained low compared to the surrounding vegetated tundra. Our results suggest that biocrusts are a persistent feature and play an important role in maintaining the high spatial heterogeneity of the Kangerlussuaq terrestrial landscape.
Nanoparticle Synthesis: A Key Process in the Future of Nanotechnology

The unusual properties of nanoscale particles have sparked commercial interest in diverse fields including magnetics, pharmaceutics, aerospace and microelectronics.
Outcomes of Subdural Hematoma in the Elderly with a History of Minor or No Previous Trauma.

Background Subdural hematoma (SDH) in the elderly is an increasingly common entity because of increased use of antithrombotic medications, an aging population, and increasing frequency of geriatric trauma. The present study describes the functional outcomes and mortality of SDH in an elderly population and to identify potential prognostic factors. Methods Patients >65 years of age with SDH who were treated at our institution from 2005 to 2015 were identified. Patients with a history of preceding high-velocity trauma were excluded. Electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed. The outcomes of interest were mortality, length of stay, and discharge Glasgow Outcome Score. Results A total of 671 patients were included in final statistical analyses. For patients with acute SDH, survival was 74.9%, 72.3%, and 69.8% at 30, 60, and 100 days, respectively. With respect to chronic SDH, survival was 87.0%, 83.7%, and 80.3% at 30, 60, and 100 days, respectively. On multivariate analysis, admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was significantly predictive of mortality in both the acute and chronic populations. In the acute cohort, admission GCS score was a significant predictor of increased length of stay, whereas age >80 years, admission GCS score, contusion volume >10 cm3, SDH volume >50 cm3, and antiplatelet use were significant predictors of discharge functional status. Conclusions SDH in the elderly carries high morbidity and mortality and several prognostic factors were identified. These results can be used to guide discussions with family regarding prognosis and perhaps aid in treatment decisions.
Metabolic Syndrome Increases Risk of Postoperative Myocardial Infarction Following Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Abstract Introduction: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard treatment for upper tract stone burdens greater than 2 cm. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of conditions...
Mlh1 deficiency increases the risk of hematopoietic malignancy after simulated space radiation exposure

Cancer-causing genome instability is a major concern during space travel due to exposure of astronauts to potent sources of high-linear energy transfer (LET) ionizing radiation. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are particularly susceptible to genotoxic stress, and accumulation of damage can lead to HSC dysfunction and oncogenesis. Our group recently demonstrated that aging human HSCs accumulate microsatellite instability coincident with loss of MLH1, a DNA Mismatch Repair (MMR) protein, which could reasonably predispose to radiation-induced HSC malignancies. Therefore, in an effort to reduce risk uncertainty for cancer development during deep space travel, we employed an Mlh1+/- mouse model to study the effects high-LET 56Fe ion space-like radiation. Irradiated Mlh1+/- mice showed a significantly higher incidence of lymphomagenesis with 56Fe ions compared to γ-rays and unirradiated mice, and malignancy correlated with increased MSI in the tumors. In addition, whole-exome sequencing analysis revealed high SNVs and INDELs in lymphomas being driven by loss of Mlh1 and frequently mutated genes had a strong correlation with human leukemias. Therefore, the data suggest that age-related MMR deficiencies could lead to HSC malignancies after space radiation, and that countermeasure strategies will be required to adequately protect the astronaut population on the journey to Mars.
Variability in antimicrobial use in pediatric ventilator-associated events

OBJECTIVE To assess variability in antimicrobial use and associations with infection testing in pediatric ventilator-associated events (VAEs). DESIGN Descriptive retrospective cohort with nested case-control study. SETTING Pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), cardiac intensive care units (CICUs), and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in 6 US hospitals.PatientsChildren≤18 years ventilated for≥1 calendar day. METHODS We identified patients with pediatric ventilator-associated conditions (VACs), pediatric VACs with antimicrobial use for≥4 days (AVACs), and possible ventilator-associated pneumonia (PVAP, defined as pediatric AVAC with a positive respiratory diagnostic test) according to previously proposed criteria. RESULTS Among 9,025 ventilated children, we identified 192 VAC cases, 43 in CICUs, 70 in PICUs, and 79 in NICUs. AVAC criteria were met in 79 VAC cases (41%) (58% CICU; 51% PICU; and 23% NICU), and varied by hospital (CICU, 20-67%; PICU, 0-70%; and NICU, 0-43%). Type and duration of AVAC antimicrobials varied by ICU type. AVAC cases in CICUs and PICUs received broad-spectrum antimicrobials more often than those in NICUs. Among AVAC cases, 39% had respiratory infection diagnostic testing performed; PVAP was identified in 15 VAC cases. Also, among AVAC cases, 73% had no associated positive respiratory or nonrespiratory diagnostic test. CONCLUSIONS Antimicrobial use is common in pediatric VAC, with variability in spectrum and duration of antimicrobials within hospitals and across ICU types, while PVAP is uncommon. Prolonged antimicrobial use despite low rates of PVAP or positive laboratory testing for infection suggests that AVAC may provide a lever for antimicrobial stewardship programs to improve utilization.
Small scale to extreme: Methods for characterizing energy efficiency in supercomputing applications

Abstract Power measurement capabilities are becoming commonplace on large scale HPC system deployments. There exist several different approaches to providing power measurements that are used today, primarily in-band and out-of-band measurements. Both of these fundamental techniques can be augmented with application-level profiling and the combination of different techniques is also possible. However, it can be difficult to assess the type and detail of measurement needed to obtain insights and knowledge of the power profile of an application. In addition, the heterogeneity of modern hybrid supercomputing platforms requires that different CPU architectures must be examined as well. This paper presents a taxonomy for classifying power profiling techniques on modern HPC platforms. Three relevant HPC mini-applications are analyzed across systems of multicore and manycore nodes to examine the level of detail, scope, and complexity of these power profiles. We demonstrate that a combination of out-of-band measurement with in-band application region profiling can provide an accurate, detailed view of power usage without introducing overhead. Furthermore, we confirm the energy and power profile of these mini applications at an extreme scale with the Trinity supercomputer. This finding validates the extrapolation of the power profiling techniques from testbed scale of just several dozen nodes to extreme scale Petaflops supercomputing systems, along with providing a set of recommendations on how to best profile future HPC workloads.
Electrospun PCL, gold nanoparticles, and soy lecithin composite material for tissue engineering applications:

Soy lecithin has been shown to play a critical role in cell signaling and cellular membrane structure. In addition, it has been shown to increase biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and decrease cytotoxicity. Gold nanoparticles have also shown to improve cellularity. Lecithin, gold nanoparticles, and polycaprolactone (PCL) solutions were electrospun in order to develop unique mesh materials for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The electrospinning parameters were optimized to achieve different solution ratios for fiber optimization. The amount of lecithin mixed with PCL varied from 30 wt.% to 50 wt.% . Gold nanoparticles (1% to 10% concentrations) were also added to lecithin-PCL mixture. The mechanical and chemical properties of the fiber mesh were analyzed via contact angle test, tensile mechanical tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Cell viability was measured using a WST-1 Assay. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the successful formation of fiber mesh. The compositions of 40% soy lecithin with PCL in 40% solvent (40:40) resulted in the most well-formed fiber mesh. DSC melt temperatures were statically insignificant; uniaxial stresses and the moduli resulted in no significant difference between the test composition and pristine PCL compositions. WST-1 assay revealed all compositions were non-cytotoxic. Overall, the addition of lecithin increased hydrophilicity while maintaining cell viability and the mechanical and chemical properties of PCL. This study demonstrated that it is possible to successfully electrospin a lecithin, gold nanoparticle, and polycaprolactone scaffold for tissue engineering applications.
Justice Beyond Utility in Artificial Intelligence

The entry of Artificial Intelligence into prominent social and economic environments has brought to the fore concerns about the ethical nature of such agents and tools. Though it is well-known that methods based in utilitarian calculus often fail to account for moral considerations, few alternatives have been adopted in the field of AI. My work advocates for a new approach toward the interaction between AI methods and the social that centers principles of distributive justice. As AI increasingly drives consequential social decision-making, we must consider not only what can be done but what ought to be done. Grappling with the inherently normative nature of these problems requires an orientation towards AI that is able to conceptualize justice beyond utility.
Caring for Patients With Multiple Chronic Conditions

Multimorbidity, the coexistence of multiple chronic conditions, is common among all adults receiving health care and the norm among older adults. The authors discuss the limitations of disease-focu...
Consultant Corner: Appendicitis

Surgical consultation should be pursued early in the appendicitis workup when there is high clinical suspicion. Delays in surgical consultation and intervention of more than 12–18 h from the time of emergency department presentation have been associated with a greater incidence of advanced disease, a longer length of stay, and higher costs. Young men with classic symptoms, a classic disease course, and an otherwise normal exam may be spared imaging in favor of operative intervention. Women may have gynecologic pathologies which mimic acute appendicitis. These should be ruled out to minimize the nontherapeutic appendectomy rate. MRI and ultrasound may help spare patients the ionizing radiation associated with computed tomography. While all patients should be resuscitated and started on empiric antibiotics, patients with phlegmon/abscess should be treated nonsurgically with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage if appropriate. Patients with generalized purulent peritonitis with sepsis require prompt surgical exploration following resuscitation. Sepsis and septic shock may be the initial presentation of acute appendicitis, especially in high-risk populations such as the elderly and those with immunocompromise.
VATS lobectomy for early lung cancer: long-term outcomes.

Historically, the mainstay of treatment for early-stage lung cancer has been anatomic resection via thoracotomy. Over the last two decades, there has been increasing adoption of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) techniques in this group of patients. VATS resection has been shown to reduce perioperative morbidity and hospital length of stay in multiple series (1-8). Perioperative mortality has also been shown to be lower or equivalent (1-7). While data is limited, several small studies have demonstrated similar survival and recurrence rates with VATS compared to open resection for early-stage lung cancer (9-11).
Design of an Affordable Brain-Computer Interface for Robot Navigation

Brain-computer interface (BCI) devices are designed to bypass neuromuscular pathways enabling an individual to operate an external device using neural activity, as opposed to motor activity. Neural outputs are detected and utilized to drive a command signal to control a device, such as a wheelchair. BCIs provide individuals with severe motor impairment with an alternative mechanism to interact with their environment. Ultimately BCIs help to restore some degree of autonomy to an individual with limited motor control. Increased autonomy will likely lead to an enhanced quality of life of the individual as well as the caregiver(s). In this paper, we developed a BCI-controlled, ground-based robot. A wireless EEG headset was used to obtain the EEG signals from the user and stream the signals wirelessly into a host computer. The computer processed the EEG signals, extracted possible features from the signals to interpret the user's intents as the control commands, and then sent the command signals wirelessly to navigate the robot. This paper discusses the methodology used in the design as well as the response speed and accuracy in robot navigation from the test results. Future applications in assistive technology by using similar design concept are also discussed.
EEG Based Analysis of Cortical Activity during Mirror Visual Feedback Target-Directed Movement

In mirror visual feedback (MVF) based rehabilitation, the illusion of mirror reflection of volitional movement of non-paretic limb tends to have a modulatory effect on visuomotor and sensorimotor brain activations. This paper presents EEG based analysis of hemispheric activation asymmetry within the beta band (15-28 Hz) when MVF is combined with a target-directed hand motor task in a block design versus a similar task without any target requirements. MVF coupled with target-directed movement was associated with a decrease in hemispheric asymmetry in both preparation and execution phases of movement. These results emphasize the potential importance of incorporating visuomotor goals into the task to maximize the rehabilitation outcomes of MVF-based training activities.
Surface Reactions and Catalytic Activities for Small Alcohols over LaMnO3(100) and La0.7Sr0.3MnO3(100): Dehydrogenation, Dehydration, and Oxidation

The surface chemistry and catalytic activity of small alcohols (methanol, ethanol, and propan-2-ol) were studied over LaMnO3(100) and La0.7Sr0.3MnO3(100) thin films. The observed C-containing products corresponded to products typically associated with dehydrogenation (methanal, ethanal, and propanone), dehydration (ethene and propene), and oxidation (COx). No coupling products were observed. Two types of temperature-programmed reaction experiments (TPR) were performed: pre-exposure TPR (PE-TPR) experiments in which the reactant is preadsorbed and the temperature is then ramped, as well as continuous exposure TPR (CE-TPR) experiments during which the reactants are continuously introduced and the temperature is ramped. Mechanistic pathways are proposed based on the results and literature, including removal of lattice oxygens by surface hydrogens, organic intermediates adsorbed in oxygen vacancies, C–H bond breaking by alkoxy disproportionation reactions, and direct C–H bond breaking. The vacancy related pat...
Robust and Adaptive Radar Elliptical Density-Based Spatial Clustering and labeling for mmWave Radar Point Cloud Data

In this paper, a robust and adaptive radar point cloud clustering algorithm, named radar elliptical density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (REDBSCAN), is presented. The proposed algorithm shows better clustering results for adapting to the arbitrary shape of targets as well as any number of targets comparing with traditional clustering methods. The algorithm is presented and is implemented in experiments using the state-of-art mmWave radar sensor with multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas. The related signal processing chain and the clustering outcomes are also discussed.
Modeling Behavior as Mutual Dependency between Physiological Signals and Indoor Location in Large-Scale Wearable Sensor Study

Wearable sensors today can unobtrusively collect rich time-series of physiological states and human movement patterns over a prolonged period. Gaining a better understanding of how an individual’s physiological responses vary in different workplace environments can be valuable in understanding human behavior related to wellness and performance. In this work, we describe our exploration in discovering the correlation between one’s physiological responses and movement patterns within different indoor locations using data collected from nurses in a hospital workplace for a ten week period. In this work, we use simple heuristics to empirically validate the idea that such a relationship may exist and then quantify it using mutual information analysis. We propose and demonstrate a data analysis approach that can also detect variations in the level of mutual dependency between different locations and physiological responses. The mutual dependency measures derived from our method are empirically shown to provide valuable information for improving modeling of self-reported work behavior patterns compared to using features derived from a single data stream.
Exploring Relationships of Cognitive Complexity, Person-Centeredness, and Communication Outcomes in Computer-Mediated Patient-Provider Communication

The current study explores the relationship between person-centeredness, cognitive complexity, and relevant outcomes in computer-mediated patient-provider communication. The study examined the rela...
Abstract 2469: RCC2 promotes esophageal cancer growth by regulating activity and expression of the Sox2 transcription factor

RCC2 is a protein located in the centrosome, which ensures that cell division proceeds properly. Previous reports show that RCC2 is overexpressed in some cancers and could play a key role in tumor development, but the mechanisms concerning how this occurs are not understood. Further, no evidence exists regarding its role in esophageal cancer. We studied the relevance of RCC2 in esophageal cancer growth and the mechanisms explaining how this process occurs. RCC2 was highly expressed in mouse and human tissues as well as esophageal cancer cell lines, and this overexpression was associated with tumorigenicity. RCC2 promoted cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and migration. These oncogenic effects were accompanied by overexpression of Sox2, an important transcription factor promoting esophageal cancer. RCC2 upregulated and stabilized Sox2 expression by inhibiting proteasome degradation. Likewise, RCC2 increased the transcriptional activity and promoter binding of Sox2. In vivo studies indicated that RCC2 and Sox2 were overexpressed in esophageal tumors compared to normal controls, and this upregulation occurs in the basal cell layer for both proteins. In conditional knockout mice, RCC2 deletion decreased the tumor nodule formation and progression in the esophagus compared with “wild type” mice. PCNA expression, a cell proliferation marker, was also downregulated in RCC2 knockout mice. Overall, our data show for the first time that RCC2 is an important protein for the stabilization and transcriptional activation of Sox2 and further promotion of malignancy in cancer. Citation Format: Ali J. Calderon-Aparicio, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Humberto de vitto, Tianshun Zhang, Qiushi Wang, Ann M. Bode, Zigang Dong. RCC2 promotes esophageal cancer growth by regulating activity and expression of the Sox2 transcription factor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 2469.
Ex vivo LPS-stimulated cytokine production is associated with cortisol curves in response to acute psychosocial stress.

Abstract Background Empirical and theoretical evidence suggest that because of the co-evolution of the endocrine and immune response systems, different types of stressors may lead to similar levels of physiological activation. The present analyses examined associations between two physiological stress responses: the cortisol response to an acute laboratory stressor and ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated inflammatory cytokine production. Methods Healthy middle-aged adults (N = 65) completed testing at two appointments, two weeks apart. Blood was collected at each appointment to measure circulating inflammatory cytokine levels and stimulated inflammatory cytokine production after 4 and 24 hours of incubation with LPS. A cumulative standardized composite measure of inflammation was calculated using the cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). At visit two, after the blood draw, participants completed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST); saliva samples were collected before and after to generate cortisol response curves (area under the curve with respect to ground [AUCG] and increase/decrease [AUCI]). Results AUCG was significantly associated with stimulated cytokine production at visit 2 after both 4 hours (B = 6.89; p = 0.007) and 24 hours (B = 7.50; p = 0.005) of incubation, controlling for age, sex, and BMI. AUCI was also significantly associated with stimulated cytokine production at visit 2 after 4 hours (B = 6.28; p = 0.004) and 24 hours (B = 6.16; p = 0.007) of incubation, controlling for age, sex, and BMI. Stimulated inflammatory cytokine production was strongly correlated across the two visits (2 weeks apart) after 4 hours of incubation (r = 0.80, p Conclusions These results suggest that LPS-stimulated inflammatory cytokine production and the cortisol response to the TSST contain comparable information about acute human physiological stress responses. Moreover, measurement of stimulated cytokines was highly stable across a two-week time period whether measured after 4 or 24 hours of incubation with LPS.
Quos Custodiunt Custodes? Sponsor Reputation and Capital Structure Dynamics in Leveraged Buyouts

Leveraged buyouts allow for a separate identification of sponsor reputation and underlying firm quality and their effects on capital structure choices. In 616 U.S. LBOs for which we can reconstruct financing activity, we find that the average LBO issues an average of 1.16 additional debt packages after the initial deal, 86% of which are at least partial refinancings. On average, new debt issuance increases leverage and lowers borrowing rates, with interest savings cumulating to 7% of initial enterprise value. The strongest correlate of new debt cost is the proportion of recent failures among the sponsor's other holdings, suggesting that lenders dynamically monitor the sponsor's reputation. This monitoring appears justified because poor deal outcomes display short-term persistence within sponsor.
Threatening “white gold”: Impacts of climate change on shrimp farming in coastal Bangladesh

Abstract In Bangladesh, tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) is commercially known as “white gold”, because of its export value. However, the production of “white gold” under shrimp alternate rice and shrimp-only farming systems in coastal Bangladesh has been accompanied by recent concerns over climate change. Field survey reveals that different climatic variables including coastal flooding, cyclone, sea-level rise, salinity, drought, rainfall, and sea surface temperature have had adverse effects on shrimp culture as well as socioeconomic conditions of farming households. There is also overwhelming evidence that changes in climatic variables has detrimental effects on the ecosystem of shrimp farms, and thus, severe effects on survival, growth, and production of shrimp. Considering extreme vulnerability to the effects of climate change on shrimp farming, we propose that community based adaptation strategies and integrated coastal zone management are needed to cope with the challenges.
Plastic Analysis of Restrained Sway-Columns

Numerical integration techniques are most convenient for accounting for the in-plane inelastic behavior of restrained steel columns permitted to sway. The Column Deflection Curve approach, for example, is one such method. It is also possible to utilize the Column Curvature Curve method in the analysis of these compression members. However, herein, the column integration technique recently developed by the writer is used. The advantage of this procedure is that because bending moments are employed as the main variable, both equilibrium and compatibility can be satisfied simultaneously so that direct convergence to a unique solution is ensured at the end of each integration cycle. A computer program based upon this concept tends to be less time-consuming and does not encounter convergence difficulties even in the unstable portion of the load-deformation curve of such members.
In-Office Laryngeal Laser Treatment

The advancement of lasers and optics over the last half of the twentieth century has enabled the otolaryngologist to visualize and treat many diseases heretofore treated only in the operating room. The laryngologist, specifically, can now use fiber-based lasers and thin working channel scopes to diagnose and treat many laryngologic conditions in the office. Pulsed-dye lasers and potassium titanyl phosphate lasers are utilized to treat granulomas, polyps, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, airway stenosis, reinke’s edema, leukoplakia, and vascular lesions without the need for general anesthesia or the associated operating room time, monetary expense, or recovery period. The ease of use, efficacy, cost savings, and good safety profile have facilitated their rapid adoption and the movement away from the operating room for treatment of these common pathologies.
JUST COMMUNITY SOURCES AND TRANSFORMATIONS

The circle of people is getting smaller who were involved in or at least familiar with the Just Community Approach to Moral Education and Democratic Schooling, initiated by Lawrence Kohlberg and implemented in a limited number of high schools in the United States in the 1970s and early 1980s.
A Watershed-Based Economic Model of Alternative Management Practices in Southern Agricultural Systems

We investigated the environmental impacts of alternative cultural practices within a watershed under different water quality standards. We used experimental data on nutrient runoff to determine the optimal amount of broiler litter application in hay production in Louisiana. To compensate for the lack of experimental data, we used biophysical simulation models to find the optimal combination of agricultural best-management practices in a watershed in Mississippi. The results indicated that stricter environmental standards lower total profit potential and litter utilization.
Biofuels for Transportation

Biofuels offer a responsible solution to potential crises in the near future. Biofuels are renewable and provide a means to become independent from fossil fuels. Oil exploration is becoming more costly as more remote locations must be explored to find oil. The purpose of this chapter is to educate practicing engineers and students about biofuels for transportation. Biofuels are made from renewable materials such as plants and organic waste. Conventional transportation fuels such as gasoline or diesel are made from petroleum. Although biofuels are alternative fuels, not all alternative fuels are biofuels. For example, natural gas and propane are alternative fuels, but not biofuels. It discusses ethanol, biodiesel, and hydrogen in detail. The chapter enumerates other biofuels that are less well known yet potentially valuable. Each of the three central biofuels is reviewed objectively. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed as well as engineering and research issues. Keywords: biodiesel; biofuels; ethanol; hydrogen
The Shape of the Roman World

Ancient societies were shaped by logistical constraints that are almost unimaginable to modern observers. “ORBIS: The Stanford Geospatial Network Model of the Roman World” for the first time allows us to understand the true cost of distance in building and maintaining a huge empire with premodern technology. This paper explores various ways in which this novel Digital Humanities tool changes and enriches our understanding of ancient history.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Pediatric Brain Tumor Diagnoses in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Objective To evaluate evidence for differences in pediatric brain tumor diagnoses by race and ethnicity using a cross-sectional study design in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Study design Subjects with NF1 were ascertained from the NF1 Patient Registry Initiative and through a clinical record database of patients at a large academic medical center. Logistic regression was employed to calculate ORs and 95% CIs to analyze differences in the odds of brain tumor diagnosis by race (White, Black, Asian, other/unknown) and ethnic (Hispanic vs non-Hispanic) groups. Results Data from a total of 1546, 629, and 2038 individuals who were ascertained from the NF1 Patient Registry Initiative, clinical records, and pooled datasets were analyzed, respectively. After adjusting for birth year, we observed a significantly reduced odds of brain tumor diagnoses in individuals self-identified or clinically reported as Black (OR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.05-0.31), Asian (OR = 0.15, 95% CI 0.04-0.64), and other/unknown (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.41-0.93) race compared with those with reported as White race. There was no significant difference in the odds of pediatric brain tumor diagnosis by Hispanic ethnicity. Conclusions Consistent with prior smaller studies, these data suggest that pediatric brain tumor diagnoses vary by race in individuals with NF1. Reasons underlying observed differences by race warrant further investigation.
Illuminating Progress in Phytochrome-Mediated Light Signaling Pathways

Light signals regulate a plethora of plant responses throughout their life cycle, especially the red and far-red regions of the light spectrum perceived by the phytochrome family of photoreceptors. However, the mechanisms by which phytochromes regulate gene expression and downstream responses remain elusive. Several recent studies have unraveled the details on how phytochromes regulate photomorphogenesis. These include the identification of E3 ligases that degrade PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR (PIF) proteins, key negative regulators, in response to light, a better view of how phytochromes inhibit another key negative regulator, CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1), and an understanding of why plants evolved multiple negative regulators to repress photomorphogenesis in darkness. These advances will surely fuel future research on many unanswered questions that have intrigued plant photobiologists for decades.
Verification of a Reliable Net Protocol

We specify and prove correctness of a real-world fault-tolerance algorithm. The algorithm, developed by Chang and Maxemchuk [CM84], guarantees delivery of broadcast messages over a broadcast medium (e.g., an ethernet) in the presence of faults that may cause messages to be lost or only partially delivered. Instead of describing the operation of the algorithm in pseudo-code, as the authors of the algorithm have done, we generate a precise mathematical specification which is amenable to reasonably simple proof techniques. The formal method that we use in this paper is based on modal (state dependent) functions called the modal primitive recursive (m.p.r.) functions. Our analysis clarifies the workings of the algorithm by discarding the complex program scaffolding that obscures the original exposition.
High energy density capacitor characterization

This paper will describe how film capacitors with energy densities of greater than 1 J/cc and suitable for millisecond discharge applications requiring limited life have been characterized. A variety of polymer films were tested in "model" capacitors storing and delivering hundreds of Joules of energy at voltages of 2-10 kV. Self-healing metallized film electrodes were utilized in these designs to achieve electric fields greater than 500 MV/m. Maximum operating voltage for short-term and long-term use was determined. Life tests were then performed with the goal of achieving at least 1000 charge/discharge cycles at maximum energy density. Degradation and failure of the capacitor samples was determined by measurements of capacitance and dissipation factor. Failure modes in continuous DC, normal charge/discharge pulse service, and short-circuit fault conditions were determined. Design modifications to increase life and energy density were made based on those analyses. Scale-up of the individual unit energy to 100 kJ is underway