cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction-based networks with ECG application

A new class of prediction-based independent training (PBIT) networks for temporal patterns classification is proposed. The authors' approach combines the universal neural network (NN) approximator and TDNN. The input vectors of PBIT are consecutively created by the time-delayed segment of a pattern. To demonstrate the feasibility of PBIT, extensive simulations on electrocardiogram (ECG) classification are conducted. They have respectable training performance and relatively good generalization accuracy. Infinite impulse response (IIR) filters can be adopted as preprocessors to extract information out of the time sequence so that smaller networks will suffice. For a comparative study, another independent training classifier-the hidden Markov model (HMM)-is included for temporal patterns, and some mutually training (MT) models, e.g., the (static) decision-based neural network, are also included. Hybrid IT and MT techniques are proposed to further improve classification accuracy. >
Relationship between Surface Water Temperature and Steelhead Distributions in Lake Michigan

Abstract Salmonines support valuable recreational fisheries and are the predominant predators in the open waters of the Great Lakes, yet the spatial distributions of salmonines in these systems have not been fully documented. We analyzed the horizontal distributions of steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss in Lake Michigan from 1992 to 1997 and related these distributions to mean surface temperature and temperature variation. We used angler catch rate data from Lake Michigan natural resources agencies to index the spatial and temporal distributions of steelhead and obtained surface water temperature data from advanced very-high-resolution radiometer satellite imagery through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's CoastWatch Program. During most months, steelhead catch rates were negatively related to surface temperature and were highest in areas of high temperature variation (i.e., vertical thermal fronts and upwelling zones) where thermal conditions and prey densities may have been optimal for gro...
Variation aware placement for FPGAs

Impact of variations in different process parameters like, gate length, threshold voltage, oxide thickness etc. have been discussed in different components of digital circuits extensively in recent times. The various manufacturing effects on different process parameters have been demonstrated in (Borkar et al., 2004) and (Nassif, 2001). Degradation in the operating frequencies by nearly 2/spl times/ and increase in leakage power consumption by a factor of 3, have been demonstrated in FPGAs in (Yan et al., 2005). In this paper, we propose a variation aware placement scheme in FPGAs and demonstrate the effectiveness of the scheme on Xilinx FPGAs and regular island style FPGAs. Our approach provides leakage benefits close to 14% on an average over different benchmark designs.
Odor discrimination using insect electroantennogram responses from an insect antennal array

Insects have a highly developed olfactory sensory system, mainly based in their antennae, for the detection and discrimination of volatile compounds in the environment. Electroantennogram (EAG) response profiles of five different insect species, Drosophila melanogaster, Heliothis virescens, Helicoverpa zea, Ostrinia nubilalis and Microplitis croceipes, showed different, species-specific EAG response spectra to 20 volatile compounds tested. The EAG response profiles were then reconstructed for each compound across the five insect species. Most of the compounds could be distinguished by comparing the response spectra. We then used a four-antenna array, called a Quadro-probe EAG, to see if we could discriminate among odorants based on the relative EAG amplitudes evoked when the probe was placed in plumes in a wind tunnel and in a field. Stable EAG responses could be simultaneously and independently recorded with four different insect antennae mounted on the Quadro-probe, and different volatile compounds could be distinguished in real time by comparing relative EAG responses with a combination of differently tuned insect antennae. Regardless of insect species or EAG amplitudes, antennae on the Quadro-probe maintained their responsiveness with higher than 1 peak/s of time resolution.
Breeding Behavior and Reproductive Life History of the Neosho Madtom, Noturus placidus (Teleostei: Ictaluridae)

Abstract The Neosho madtom, Noturus placidus, is a small catfish listed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened. Little is known of its breeding biology and behavior because high turbidity and flow during its spawning season prevent direct observation in the field, and captive propagation has met with limited success. We held Neosho madtoms in laboratory aquaria in 1996 and 1998 to study sexual dimorphism during breeding season, courtship and nesting behavior, egg and clutch size, and embryological and larval development. We also attempted to induce spawning. Courtship behaviors were recorded on videotape, including “carousel” and “tail curl” displays in which the fish spun in circles, head to tail, then quivered, with the male's tail wrapped around the female's head. Three clutches were observed, all in nest cavities that had been excavated by the fish under a structure; one clutch (1996) consisted of approximately 60 eggs, with a mean chorion diameter of 3.1 mm, and two (1998) consisted of ...
Plaster cast publishing in nineteenth-century paleontology

This article uses the example of Hesperornis regalis, an ancient toothed bird discovered in Kansas during the 1870s, to discuss a practice that became extremely widespread in late-nineteenth-century paleontology: the use of plaster cast replicas to circulate especially noteworthy discoveries. Building upon a growing literature at the intersection of book history and the history of science, I argue that paleontologists developed plaster casts as a compromise medium that combined some features of print with others from original natural history specimens. For example, because plaster casts were mechanical reproductions, they could be fabricated in fairly large numbers at a relatively modest price. This allowed them to circulate more readily than original fossils. At the same time, however, paleontologists treated casts as a material trace of prehistory, much like an original fossil itself. As a result, they were seen as especially authoritative and trustworthy objects of knowledge. Insofar as they combined f...
Possibilities for Remote Sensing of P-700

The usefulness of in vivo absorbance changes caused by P-700 oxidation are discussed and the principles of the measurement of these changes described. The possible application of this technique to remote sensing of photosynthetic performance is described.
INFLUENCE OF HYDRALAZINE ON THE SULFHYDRYL GROUP IN THE PRESENCE OF CUPRIC ION.

SummaryFifty-one compounds were studied for their ability to compete with the sulfhydryl group for cupric ions. The sulfhydryl-disulfide interchange reactions occurring during the reaction between cysteine and bis (p-nitrophenyl) disulfide and during the course of the denaturation of human serum gamma globulin by heat were used as models for this reaction. Hydralazine, a compound which has been reported to induce a disease resembling systemic lupus erythematosus was exceptionally active in reactivating the sulfhydryl-disulfide interchange reaction when this reaction was studied in the presence of cupric ion.
Inequality, Corruption and Democracy in Industrial Democracies

Several OECD democracies face serious challenges to the health of their systems of representational government and accountability because of a combination of factors: high and growing inequalities in income and wealth, the ability of elites corruptly to exert undue influence that undermines democratic processes and skews public policy in their favour, and the increasing alienation of a significant class of citizens who feel politically disenfranchised and economically marginalized. The paper examines the links between income inequality, political inequality, corruption and democracy in this group of countries, with a particular focus on the situation in two major democracies – the US and UK. It presents evidence that corruption is an important factor, among others, that may be exacerbating the adverse impact of economic and political inequality on democracy by weakening the accountability and legitimacy of democratic institutions. In 26 of the 34 OECD countries, political parties are seen by the public as a corrupt institution. While there is a danger of exaggerating the role of corruption in undermining democracy, there is equally a danger of ignoring or minimising the role of corruption, both in diagnoses of, and the formulation of policy responses to, the problems of political and economic inequality. There is a risk of pursuing commendable agendas for reducing economic and political inequality while ignoring an issue that is serious enough to derail those agendas. Curbing the role of money in politics should be a key element of an anti-inequality agenda.
Duration of conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation and survival among adult cardiac arrest patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between survival and the duration of conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR) prior to extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) and possible confounding factors. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 31 adults who received ECPR at an academic medical center between 2004 and 2013. Odds of 30-day survival and Kaplan Meier survival curves were compared among patients who received CCPR ⩾45 min (n=8, 26%) vs. <45 min (n=23, 74%). Results: There was a trend for greater survival up to 14 days in patients who received CCPR <45 vs. ⩾45 minutes (57% vs. 50%) with no significant difference at 30 days (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.22-5.45) and survival did not differ by demographic factors. Conclusion: More than half of all patients who received ECPR survived to 30 days. Longer duration CCPR was associated with reduced survival within 2 weeks, but not at 30 days.
Nonlinear stabilization of high-energy and ultrashort pulses in passively modelocked lasers

The two most commonly used models for passively modelocked lasers with fast saturable absorbers are the Haus modelocking equation (HME) and the cubic-quintic modelocking equation (CQME). The HME predicts an instability threshold that is unrealistically pessimistic. We use singular perturbation theory to demonstrate that the CQME has a stable high-energy solution for an arbitrarily small but nonzero quintic contribution to the fast saturable absorber. As a consequence, we find that the CQME predicts the existence of stable modelocked pulses when the cubic nonlinearity is orders of magnitude larger than the value at which the HME predicts that modelocked pulses become unstable. Our results suggest a possible path to obtain high-energy and ultrashort pulses by fine tuning the higher-order nonlinear terms in the fast saturable absorber.
Grand Canonical Ensemble

The grand canonical ensemble applies to a system at constant temperature and chemical potential; its number of particles is not fixed. We derive it from the microcanonical ensemble by contact with heat and particle reservoirs to form an isolated system. The probability of a system having a specified number of particles and being in a given stationary quantum state is proportional to its Gibbs factor, the product of a Boltzmann factor and a factor exponential in the number of particles. Summing all Gibbs factors gives the grand partition function that relates to the Kramers potential. We calculate dispersion of particle number and energy. The grand partition function factors for independent subsystems, dilute sites, and ideal Fermi and Bose gases whose distribution functions are derived. We treat a classical ideal gas with internal nuclear and electronic structure and molecules that can rotate and vibrate. A pressure ensemble is derived and used to treat point defects in crystals.
Effect of icing roughness on wind turbine power production

The objective of this work is a quantitative analysis of power loss of a representative 1.5-MW wind turbine subject to various icing conditions. Aerodynamic performance data are measured using a combination of ice accretion experiments and wind tunnel tests. Atmospheric icing conditions varying in static temperature, droplet diameter and liquid water content are generated in an icing facility to simulate a 45-min icing event on a DU 93-W-210 airfoil at flow conditions pertinent to 80% blade span on a 1.5-MW wind turbine. Iced airfoil shapes are molded for preservation and casted for subsequent wind tunnel testing. In general, ice shapes are similar in 2D profile, but vary in 3D surface roughness elements and in the ice impingement length. Both roughness heights and roughness impingement zones are measured. A 16% loss of airfoil lift at operational angle of attack is observed for freezing fog conditions. Airfoil drag increases by 190% at temperatures near 0° C, 145% near 10° C and 80% near 20° C. For a freezing drizzle icing condition, lift loss and drag rise are more severe at 25% and 220%, respectively. An analysis of the wind turbine aerodynamic loads in Region II leads to power losses ranging from 16% to 22% for freezing fog conditions and 26% for a freezing drizzle condition. Differences in power loss between icing conditions are correlated to variance in temperature, ice surface roughness and ice impingement length. Some potential control strategies are discussed for wind turbine operators attempting to minimize revenue loss in cold-climate regions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of methods to solve the watchman route problem in a photon mapping-illuminated 3D virtual environment

Understanding where to place static sensors such that the amount of information gained is maximized while the number of sensors used to obtain that information is minimized is an instance of solving the NP-hard art gallery problem (AGP). A closely-related problem is the watchman route problem (WRP) which seeks to plan an optimal route by an unmanned vehicle (UV) or multiple UVs such that the amount of information gained is maximized while the distance traveled to gain that information is minimized. In order to solve the WRP, we present the Photon-mapping-informed active-Contour Route Designator (PICRD) algorithm. PICRD heuristically solves the WRP by selecting AGP-solving vertices and connecting them with vertices provided by a 3D mesh generated by a photon-mapping informed segmentation algorithm using some shortest-route path-finding algorithm. Since we are using photon-mapping as our foundation for determining UV-sensor coverage by the PICRD algorithm, we can then take into account the behavior of photons as they propagate through the various environmental conditions that might be encountered by a single or multiple UVs. Furthermore, since we are being agnostic with regard to the segmentation algorithm used to create our WRP-solving mesh, we can adjust the segmentation algorithm used in order to accommodate different environmental and computational circumstances. In this paper, we demonstrate how to adapt our methods to solve the WRP for single and multiple UVs using PICRD using two different segmentation algorithms under varying virtual environmental conditions.
Review of‘ The Library’s Role in Supporting Financial Literacy for Patrons’

Review of Smallwood, Carol. The Library's Role in Supporting Financial Literacy for Patrons. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield, 2016
The Immediate Present Train Model Time Production and Representation for Cognitive Agents.

Time perception and inferences there from are of critical importance to many autonomous agents. But time is not perceived directly by any sensory organ. We argue that time is constructed by cognitive processes. Here we present a model for time perception that concentrates on succession and duration, and that generates these concepts and others, such as continuity, immediate present duration, and lengths of time. These concepts are grounded through the perceptual process itself. The LIDA cognitive model is used to illustrate these ideas.
Considerations with Pharmacodynamic Drug-Drug Interactions

A case in which new medications pose a risk of a pharmacodynamic drug-drug interaction with anticoagulants is discussed. The case reviews possible mechanisms of pharmacodynamic interactions, provides examples of the interactions and discusses clinical aspects to consider when evaluating pharmacodynamic interactions.
Formation of Nitrogen-Containing Organic Aerosol during Combustion of High-Sulfur-Content Coal

Carbonaceous aerosols, including organic carbon aerosols and black carbon aerosols, are produced by the combustion of pulverized coal even under fuel-lean conditions. These carbonaceous aerosols can be particularly hazardous to human health. In this study, the chemical compositions and formation pathways of organic aerosols emitted during the combustion of high-sulfur-content coals were investigated. It was found that nitrogen-containing organic matter contains a significant proportion of organic aerosol mass from the combustion of high-sulfur-content coals, which is not the case for organic aerosols generated during the combustion of low-sulfur-content coals. The formation of organic aerosols was significantly enhanced when higher-sulfur-content coal was burned. A strong correlation between organic aerosol mass and the sulfate concentration was observed. It is proposed that acidic sulfate particles absorb the nitrogen-containing organic volatiles produced by coal pyrolysis onto the particle phase through...
A comparison of Monte Carlo fission models for safeguards neutron coincidence counters

Abstract Monte Carlo simulation is a powerful tool used to model neutron coincidence detectors for international safeguards. The simulation has typically sampled properties such as the fission neutron multiplicity, energy, and direction, from independent probability density functions. However, multiplicity counters detect event-based neutron correlations and thus more accurate fission event modeling is needed. To respond to this need, the Fission Reaction Event Yield Algorithm (FREYA) and the Cascading Gamma-ray Multiplicity with Fission (CGMF) models were added in the newest version of MCNP, MCNP6.2. The models simulate individual fission events conserving momentum, energy, and angular momentum such that correlated particles are emitted. The effects of the new models on simulations of safeguards neutron coincidence counters were studied and compared to standard MCNP simulations. The MCNPX-PoliMi model was also included in the comparison. The properties of fission neutrons from safeguards relevant isotopes were compared to literature references. Then a hypothetical simplified detector was modeled to isolate the effects of specific differences between models. Experimental measurements from previous work were modeled and agreements were compared. Finally, the probabilities of correlated events occurring in the experimental measurements were calculated with the different models. For example, the probability was calculated of detecting neutrons from both induced fission in uranium and spontaneous fission of Cf-252 in the same fission chain.
Learning operator transformations

A relational model representation of the effect of operators is learned and used to improve the acquisition of heuristics for problem solving. A model for each operator in a problem solving domain is learned from example applications of the operator. The representation is shown to improve the rate of learning heuristics for solving symbolic integration problems.
The Inverse hollywood problem: from video to scripts and storyboards via causal analysis

We address the problem of visually detecting causal events and fitting them together into a coherent story of the action witnessed by the camera. We show that this can be done by reasoning about the motions and collisions of surfaces, using high-level causal constraints derived from psychological studies of infant visual behavior. These constraints are naive forms of basic physical laws governing substantiality, contiguity, momentum, and acceleration. We describe two implementations. One system parses instructional videos, extracting plans of action and key frames suitable for storyboarding. Since learning will play a role in making such systems robust, we introduce a new framework for higher-order hidden Markov models and demonstrate its use in a second system that segments stereo video into actions in near real-time. Rather than attempt accurate low-level vision, both systems use high-level causal analysis to integrate fast but sloppy pixel-based representations over time. The output is suitable for summary, indexing, and automated editing.
State-Secrecy Codes for Stable Systems

In this paper, we study the problem of remote state estimation, in the presence of a passive eavesdropper. An authorized user estimates the state of a stable linear plant, based on the packets received from a sensor, while the packets may also be intercepted by the eavesdropper. Our goal is to design a coding scheme at the sensor, which encodes state information, in order to impair the eavesdropper's estimation performance, while enabling the user to successfully decode the sent messages. We introduce a novel class of codes, termed State-Secrecy Codes. By using acknowledgment signals from the user, they apply linear time-varying transformations to the current and previously received states, imposing artificial unstable dynamics to the eavesdropper's Riccati recursive estimation scheme. By exploiting the process noise, the channel randomness and the artificial dynamics, these codes manage to be fast and efficient for real-time dynamical systems. Under minimal conditions they achieve perfect secrecy, namely the eavesdropper's estimation error covariance matrix converges to the open-loop prediction one, which is the same as not intercepting any messages at all; meanwhile, the user's estimation performance is optimal. Those conditions only require that at least once, the user receives the corresponding packet while the eavesdropper fails to intercept it. The theoretical results are illustrated in simulations.
Hip and Knee Kinetics During a Back Squat and Deadlift.

ABSTRACT Choe, KH, Coburn, JW, Costa, PB, and Pamukoff, DN. Hip and knee kinetics during a back-squat and deadlift. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1364-1371, 2021-The back-squat and deadlift are performed to improve hip and knee extensor function. The purpose of this study was to compare lower extremity joint kinetics (peak net joint moments [NJMs] and positive joint work [PJW]) between the back-squat and deadlift. Twenty-eight resistance-trained subjects (17 men: 23.7 ± 4.3 years, 1.76 ± 0.09 m, 78.11 ± 10.91 kg; 11 women: 23.0 ± 1.9 years, 1.66 ± 0.06 m, 65.36 ± 7.84 kg) were recruited. One repetition maximum (1RM) testing and biomechanical analyses occurred on separate days. Three-dimensional biomechanics of the back-squat and deadlift were recorded at 70 and 85% 1RM for each exercise. The deadlift demonstrated larger hip extensor NJM than the back-squat {3.59 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.30-3.88) vs. 2.98 (95% CI: 2.72-3.23) Nm·kg-1, d = 0.81, p < 0.001}. However, the back-squat had a larger knee extensor NJM compared with the deadlift (2.14 [95% CI: 1.88-2.40] vs. 1.18 [95% CI: 0.99-1.37] Nm·kg-1, d = 1.44 p < 0.001). More knee PJW was performed during the back-squat compared with the deadlift (1.85 [95% CI: 1.60-2.09] vs. 0.46 [95% CI: 0.35-0.58] J·kg-1, d = 2.10, p < 0.001). However, there was more hip PJW during the deadlift compared with the back-squat (3.22 [95% CI: 2.97-3.47] vs. 2.37 [95% CI: 2.21-2.54] J·kg-1, d = 1.30, p < 0.001). Larger hip extensor NJM and PJW during the deadlift suggest that individuals targeting their hip extensors may yield greater benefit from the deadlift compared with the back-squat. However, larger knee extensor NJM and PJW during the back-squat suggest that individuals targeting their knee extensor muscles may benefit from incorporating the back-squat compared with the deadlift.
Structure and Variability of the Martian Ion Composition Boundary Layer

A complex boundary layer with a variety of charged particle and electromagnetic field signatures, including a transition between plasma predominantly of solar wind origin and plasma of planetary origin, lies between the Martian bow shock and the ionosphere. In this paper, we develop and utilize algorithms to autonomously identify and characterize this ion composition boundary (ICB), using data from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission. We find an asymmetric ICB with a larger average thickness, lower altitude, and lower velocity shear in the hemisphere where the solar wind motional electric field points outward, as a result of the asymmetry of the mass loading process. The ICB thickness scales with the magnetosheath proton gyroradius at the top of the boundary layer but does not clearly vary with external drivers. The ICB location varies with solar wind ram pressure and crustal magnetic field strength, but does not clearly respond to solar wind Mach number or extreme ultraviolet irradiance. The ICB represents a distinct boundary for ion density and flow speed, but the magnetic field strength and direction typically do not vary significantly across the ICB. The plasma density and flow speed at the ICB vary seasonally, likely in response to variations in the neutral exosphere and/or atmosphere. However, the ICB on average remains at or below the altitude where pressure balance is achieved between the piled up magnetic field (MPB) and the solar wind ram pressure, regardless of season or crustal magnetic field strength.
The role of social work in international child protection: best practices in stakeholder cooperation

El presente articulo se centrara en la interseccion entre la ley, la implementacion de politicas y el trabajo social para la proteccion infantil, especificamente la proteccion infantil que involucre a ninos que han sido separados de sus familias por fronteras internacionales. Por un lado, se prestara particular atencion a los tratados, convenios, y convenciones internacionales, y, por otro lado, a la necesidad de fortalecer las capacidades de los trabajadores sociales en las Americas para gestionar los casos complejos de bienestar infantil internacional de conformidad con estas normas y politicas. El creciente numero de menores migrantes que viajan sin compania de un pais a otro es de considerable preocupacion para las agencias de trabajo social que operan dentro del Triangulo del Norte y Estados Unidos. La primera seccion de este articulo proporcionara un panorama sobre el rol del trabajo social en la proteccion infantil, enfocandose especialmente en como la practica del trabajo social se centra en la proteccion de los intereses superiores del nino y como el trabajo social interactua con los poderes legislativo y judicial para proteger a los ninos migrantes. Seguidamente, se analizara el rol de los trabajadores sociales al implementar convenciones, leyes y tratados nacionales e internacionales. En la tercera seccion, se examinara la importancia de desarrollar la capacidad de los trabajadores sociales para proteger a los ninos durante la migracion en ambos lados de la frontera. En la cuarta seccion, se promoveran varias estrategias esenciales para fomentar la cooperacion y colaboracion entre los trabajadores sociales y los poderes del Estado. En la ultima seccion de este articulo se detallaran las recomendaciones especificas para el trabajo social y la cooperacion judicial internacional mutua y sostenible.
Missed Opportunities? Financing Climate Action in Urban Ghana and Uganda

In Africa, climate change integration in urban planning is often minimal and has consequences for urban climate finance. This chapter examines the 2014–2017 medium-term development plan (MTDP) of the Kumasi Metropolis and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) strategic plan to understand these consequences. Findings show a stronger climate change framing in the KCCA strategic plan than the KMA’s MTDP. However, climate finance arrangements were absent in both plans with no targeted climate finance sources for proposed interventions. There was also evidence of path dependency as some projects to tackle climate change impacts were not unique from traditional planning initiatives. Thus, poor climate framing and the absence of targeted climate finance arrangements have the potential to deprive these urban authorities of additional and alternative funds for climate action.
Long-term Management Effects and Temperature Sensitivity of Soil Organic Carbon in Grassland and Agricultural Soils

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is integral to soil health and agroecosystem resilience. Despite much research, understanding of temperature sensitivity of SOC under long-term agricultural management is very limited. The main objective of this study was to evaluate SOC and nitrogen (N) dynamics under grasslands and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L)-based crop rotations in the inland Pacific Northwest (IPNW), USA, and measure SOC mineralization under ambient and elevated incubation temperatures. Soil samples were collected from 0–10 and 10–20 cm depths from an undisturbed grassland (GP), winter wheat-pea (Pisum sativum L) rotations under conventional tillage (WP-CT) and no-tillage (WP-NT), and winter wheat-fallow rotation under conventional tillage (WF-CT) and analyzed for SOC and N pools. Soil samples were incubated at 20 °C and 30 °C for 10 weeks, and SOC mineralization rates were estimated using the first order kinetic model. The GP had the greatest amounts of SOC, total N (TN), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and WP rotations had higher inorganic N content than other treatments. The SOC mineralization at elevated incubation temperature was 72–177% more than at the ambient temperature, and the greatest effect was observed in GP. The SOC storage under a given management did not have consistent effects on soil carbon (C) and N mineralization under elevated temperature. However, soil disturbance under WP-CT and WF-CT accelerated SOC mineralization leading to soil C loss. Reducing tillage, integrating legumes into crop rotations, and growing perennial grasses could minimize SOC loss and have the potential to improve soil health and agroecosystem resilience under projected climate warming.
IL-24 Inhibits Lung Cancer Growth by Suppressing GLI1 and Inducing DNA Damage

Aberrant expression of GLI1 is responsible for aggressive tumor behavior and survival due to its effects on the DNA damage response (DDR). We investigated whether interleukin (IL)-24, a tumor suppressor, inhibits GLI1 and the associated DDR pathway in human NSCLCs. IL-24 treatment reduces mRNA and protein expression of GLI1 in lung tumor cells, but not in normal cells. GLI1 reporter assay and mRNA studies demonstrated that IL-24 regulates GLI1 at the post-transcriptional level by favoring mRNA degradation. Associated with GLI1 inhibition was marked suppression of the ATM-mediated DDR pathway resulting in increased DNA damage, as evidenced by γ-H2AX foci and Comet assay. Furthermore, attenuation of GLI1-associated DDR by IL-24 increased caspase-3 and PARP activity, resulting in cancer cell apoptosis. GLI1 inhibition and overexpression confirmed that IL-24-mediated anti-tumor effects involved the GLI-dependent pathway. Finally, we observed that IL-24-mediated alteration in GLI1 is independent of the canonical hedgehog-signaling pathway. Our study provides evidence that IL-24 treatment induces DNA damage, and reduces GLI1 expression and offers an opportunity for testing IL-24-based therapy for inhibiting GLI1 in lung cancer.
Stretchability of Serpentine Interconnect on Polymer Substrate for Flexible Electronics: A Geometry and Material Sensitivity Analysis

Stretchable electronics are enabling revolutionary solutions for wearable textiles, bendable displays and skin- attached monitoring sensors. However, high strain concentration in the brittle metallic interconnects at extensive mechanical stretching required by bio-integrated electronics has strongly constrained the stretchability of flexible electronic systems. Therefore, special geometry design, such as the serpentine shape, has been introduced to facilitate high stretchability ratio without creating high local strains. However, when the serpentine interconnect is printed on a non-conductive polymer substrate, the effectiveness of the serpentine design will be affected by the stiffness ratio of the polymer substrate to the serpentine interconnect. In this work, the stretchability of silver nano-ink printed serpentine interconnect on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate has been investigated. A finite-element model has been developed to determine the strain distribution in the serpentine interconnect under mechanical stretching. Both numerical and analytical formulations for in-plane stiffness calculation of serpentine interconnect and the PET substrate have been proposed. Different material properties of commonly used substrates and various geometric parameters of the serpentine interconnects have been studied, and a relationship between the stiffness ratio of the polymer substrate and the serpentine interconnect has been obtained to reduce the maximum strains in the serpentine interconnect under stretching. It is found that serpentine structures do not provide any strain-reduction benefits, when printed on stiff substrates, especially when the stiffness of the substrate is four orders of magnitude greater than the stiffness of the conductor.
Smart manufacturing multiplex

Abstract This letter introduces a concept smart manufacturing multiplex (SMM) capable of executing multiple process chains and thermodynamic pathways to control the geometric, morphological as well as microstructural integrity of custom components. A proof-of-concept based on hybrid machine tools consisting of additive and subtractive processes integrated with high resolution sensors via a novel sensor wrapper to track the spatiotemporal evolution of the process states is implemented. The value of SMM to discrete part manufacturing in realizing low-volume, high variety parts and its ability to handle multiple processing pathways in a single machine is discussed.
Abstract P003: Kidney-specific Knockout Of The Clock Protein Bmal1 Is Protective In Salt-sensitive Hypertension

Intro: Circadian clock factors, such as BMAL1, influence systemic blood pressure (BP) control. Previously, we generated renal distal segment BMAL1 knockout mice (KS-BMAL1 KO) that exhibit lower BP ...
Molecular aspects of neurodegeneration and classification of neurological disorders

Abstract Neurodegeneration is a complex, progressive, and multifaceted process that results in neural cell dysfunction and death in brain and spinal cord. These tissues require large amounts of ATP in order to maintain ionic gradients across cell membranes and maintain physiological neurotransmission. Diseases associated with metabolic dysfunction of brain, spinal cord, and nerves are called as neurological disorders. These disorders can be classified into three groups: neurotraumatic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuropsychiatric diseases. Common neurotraumatic diseases are strokes, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. Common neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropsychiatric diseases include both neurodevelopmental disorders and behavioral or psychological difficulties. Examples of neuropsychiatric disorders are depression, schizophrenia, some forms of bipolar affective disorders, autism, mood disorders, attention-deficit disorder, dementia, tardive dyskinesia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Interpretable Molecule Generation via Disentanglement Learning

Designing molecules with specific structural and functional properties (e.g., drug-likeness and water solubility) is central to advancing drug discovery and material science, but it poses outstanding challenges both in wet and dry laboratories. The search space is vast and rugged. Recent advances in deep generative models are motivating new computational approaches building over deep learning to tackle the molecular space. Despite rapid advancements, state-of-the-art deep generative models for molecule generation have many limitations, including lack of interpretability. In this paper we address this limitation by proposing a generic framework for interpretable molecule generation based on novel disentangled deep graph generative models with property control. Specifically, we propose a disentanglement enhancement strategy for graphs. We also propose new deep neural architecture to achieve the above learning objective for inference and generation for variable-size graphs efficiently. Extensive experimental evaluation demonstrates the superiority of our approach in various critical aspects, such as accuracy, novelty, and disentanglement.
Esophageal Perforation and Incarcerated Hiatal Hernia in the Elderly

Thoracic foregut surgical emergencies, such as esophageal perforations and incarcerated hiatal hernias, can be challenging in geriatric patients. Untreated, these conditions are associated with high morbidity and mortality, yet surgical intervention and repair often involve complex procedures associated with high morbidity and mortality and/or loss of independence in geriatric patients. This chapter discusses the diagnosis and management of esophageal perforation and incarcerated hiatal hernias in the geriatric population, with special emphasis on minimally invasive and robotic surgical approaches.
MPC-Based Connected Cruise Control with Multiple Human Predecessors

Model predictive control is applied to regulate the longitudinal motion of a connected automated vehicle in mixed traffic scenarios. A prediction method is proposed to enable model predictive control in low-automation, medium-connectivity situations using instantaneous motion information from multiple predecessor vehicles. This includes detection of unconnected vehicles that may be mixed between connected ones. Simulations using real human driver data for the predecessors show that, if the drivers are well-characterized on average, a hidden unconnected vehicle can be detected over 90 % of the time. Moreover, the resulting preview can recover 46 % of the gap in energy performance between single-predecessor prediction and ideal preview. Results are also compared to a classical controller that utilizes instantaneous information from multiple predecessors.
Changes in African American and Latinx Students’ Perceived Ethnic–Racial Discrimination During the Middle School Transition Year:

The middle school transition year poses known challenges to early adolescent adjustment, particularly for students from ethnic and racial minoritized backgrounds who face ethnic and racial discrimi...
Patient characteristics and procedural outcomes of moderate sedation for endoscopic procedures in patients with obesity: A retrospective, propensity score-matched study.

Background Endoscopic procedures are performed commonly with moderate sedation. Obesity can pose a challenge in its safe administration. This study was aimed at assessing outcomes of endoscopy procedures performed with moderate sedation in obese patients. Patients and methods This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and/or colonoscopy with moderate sedation from July 17, 2017 to December 31, 2019. Demographics, comorbidities, outpatient medications and procedure-related outcomes (procedure time, recovery time, cardiopulmonary adverse events, 7-day post-procedure hospitalization, cecal intubation time, withdrawal time, tolerance of moderate sedation and sedation medications administered) were compared for patient with and without obesity after propensity score matching. Standard statistical methods were used for analysis. Results A total of 7601 procedures were performed with moderate sedation for 5746 patients. Propensity score matching identified 1360 and 1740 pairs of EGDs and colonoscopies with moderate sedation for patients with and without obesity. Recovery time was found to be shorter for obese patients undergoing EGD (OR: 0.989, 95 % CI: 0.981–.998; P = 0.01). Obese patients did not differ from non-obese patients in any other procedure-related outcomes for EGDs or colonoscopies. Conclusions Outcomes for endoscopy procedures performed with moderate sedation were noted to be similar between obese and non-obese patients. These findings suggest that moderate sedation can be used safely for endoscopic procedures in patients with obesity.
The effects of satiation after first- and second-order appetitive conditioning in rats

Rats received first- and second-order conditioning based on a food unconditional stimulus (US). The effects of postconditioning satiation on the performance of detailed behavioral components of general activity evoked by first- and second-order conditional stimuli (CSs) were then assessed in extinction tests. Satiation reduced the frequency of all components of general activity evoked by first-order CSs but had little or no effects on behaviors evoked by second-order CSs. These results are consistent with earlier suggestions that first-but not second-order conditional responding is mediated by a representation of the US and that a major effect of satiation is to devalue that representation.
Autopoiesis (self‐production) in SME networks

Small and medium enterprise networks (SME Networks) are becoming an integral part of the Network Economy. From the ‘industrial districts’ of the Terza Italia to the entrepreneurial clusters of the Silicon Valley, SME’s are a significant driving force of economic growth, job creation, disinflation and productivity enhancement in most industrial countries. After decades of research, these local industrial systems are still poorly understood in terms of their sustained processes of innovation, network interaction and competitive adjustments. While there could be some external economies due to agglomeration, division of labor, specialization and lowered transaction costs, differential innovation, interaction and adjustment capabilities are not fully explained by these mechanisms. A theoretical construct of local industrial system is missing. However, no mechanical or graph theory model of network architecture can substitute for what actually makes people in the network interact in order to become technologically innovative and capable of ongoing adjustment to their competitors. Counting the nodes and edges of graphs would be a poor substitute for understanding SME networks as dynamic (‘living’) organic systems they are. In this paper we propose a theoretical construct of network production, renewal and adaptation based on autopoiesis (self-production) of living systems.
Kabbalistic Messianism Versus Kabbalistic Enlightenment

Gershom Scholem’s philosophy of Jewish history rests on the assumption that forces within Jewish culture are sufficient to explain historical developments without recourse to the intrusion of foreign ideas or influences.1 Thus for Scholem, the expulsion of the Jews from Spain set off a chain reaction that led from the Lurianic Kabbalah, to Sabbatian messianism, and finally to secularization and the Haskalah. Rather than a gradual progression, Scholem envisions Jewish history as a series of catastrophic ruptures.2 This is especially true in the case of Sabbatianism, which Scholem contends destroyed Judaism from within. Thus, fervent, antinomian messianism, when disappointed, led to its polar opposite, secularism and religious indifference.
Nonlinear tracking control via approximate backstepping

Presents an approach for designing a nonlinear tracking controller based on the ideas developed in backstepping control design. For a class of nonlinear control systems which are not input-output feedback linearizable the authors show that the proposed controller will ideally achieve asymptotic tracking if the numerical estimation error of some desired signals can be avoided. The authors apply this approach to the ball and beam system and demonstrate the controller's performance by computer simulation. The simulation result shows that the proposed controller yields better steady state error than other approximate feedback linearization schemes.
Control of tritium transfer at TFTR

Tritium gas used for experiments at Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) is stored in the Tritium Supply and Delivery System (TSDS) vault. Upon a request authorized by the TFTR Shift Supervisor (TFTRSS) the tritium is transferred from TSDS to TFTR for daily operations. The Tritium Hardware Interlock System (THICS) is a computer based system of interlocks and controls which enables the TFTRSS to conduct safe tritium transfer operations. The THICS control system monitors and displays status of all safety related inputs and determines if the tritium transfers are to be permitted. Alarms are generated and logged if any interlock is not in a safe state. Computer CRT pages are available to display system status and operator commands. The amounts of tritium transferred between the TSDS and TFTR are reported in Curies and torr-liters. Hard copies of those reports are also available. The THICS control system is a part of the Tritium Controls and Monitoring System (TRECAMS). The TRECAMS is a distributed control and monitoring system, equipped with control processors, I/O racks, CRT consoles, and data loggers. The system components are linked via the high speed data network. The system is used to interface with the tritium process at TFTR. This paper describes the details of the THICS and TRECAMS systems.
Female Sex Trafficking in Asia: The Resilience of Patriarchy in a Changing World

Introduction 1. Evolving Discourse and Expanding Global Reach of Female Sex Trafficking 2. Definitions and Analytical Approaches 3. Femininization of Global Human Exchange 4. Nepal - Young, Female and Vulnerable 5. Cambodia: Conflict, Poverty and Cultural Values on Female Sex Trafficking 6. The Philippines: Looking for Greener Pastures 7. Faceless and Anonymous: An Overview of Demand 8. Conclusions
Search for nonvirialized axionic dark matter

Cold dark matter in the Milky Way halo may have structure defined by flows with low velocity dispersion. The Axion Dark Matter eXperiment high resolution channel is especially sensitive to axions in such low velocity dispersion flows. Results from a combined power spectra analysis of the high resolution channel axion search are presented along with a discussion of the assumptions underlying such an analysis. We exclude Kim-Shifman-Vainshtein-Zakharov axion dark matter densities of $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.2\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ and Dine-Fischler-Srednicki-Zhitnitskii densities of $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}1.4\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ over a mass range of ${m}_{a}=3.3\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{eV}$ to $3.69\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{eV}$ for models having velocity dispersions of $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\lesssim}3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$.
Internet payment mechanisms: acceptance and control issues

Copy right Idea Grou p Inc . Copy right Idea Grou p Inc . Internet online sales totaled $7.8 billion for 1998, with the average online shopper spending $629 (Fasig, 1999). During the 1999 holiday season, online sales were reportedly double that of 1998 at many e-tailers (although final statistics had not been published as this chapter went to press). As Web-based consumer sales grow, so does interest in new online payment mechanisms. This paper reviews several mechanisms that were in use in fall 1999. We assess control issues associated with each and use Diffusion of Innovations theory to assess perceived payment mechanism benefits and risks. We do not pretend to offer the latest word on any particular forms of payment, since by the time of publication, new or improved mechanisms will have emerged.1