cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular basis of sphingosine kinase 1 substrate recognition and catalysis.

Summary Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is a lipid kinase that catalyzes the conversion of sphingosine to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which has been shown to play a role in lymphocyte trafficking, angiogenesis, and response to apoptotic stimuli. As a central enzyme in modulating the S1P levels in cells, SphK1 emerges as an important regulator for diverse cellular functions and a potential target for drug discovery. Here, we present the crystal structures of human SphK1 in the apo form and in complexes with a substrate sphingosine-like lipid, ADP, and an inhibitor at 2.0–2.3 A resolution. The SphK1 structures reveal a two-domain architecture in which its catalytic site is located in the cleft between the two domains and a hydrophobic lipid-binding pocket is buried in the C-terminal domain. Comparative analysis of these structures with mutagenesis and kinetic studies provides insight into how SphK1 recognizes the lipid substrate and catalyzes ATP-dependent phosphorylation.
Literature Review of Multicultural Instrumentation

Demographic changes at the national level emphasize a critical need for multicultural education to be included as part of undergraduate education. This critical review of the literature examines 10 multicultural instruments that are suitable for use in K–12 or higher education institutions. This is a novel literature review in that it is the first such review to investigate the contribution of each instrument to five multicultural components in educational settings (e.g., teaching, efficacy, attitudes, school climate, and personality). The results reveal the need for a “back to the basics” approach in instrument development as more emphasis has recently been placed on advanced analyses and less emphasis on item generation and selection. This trend in instrument development has produced some advantages, but also several limitations to existing instruments used in educational settings. Directions for future research and recommendations are discussed.
Moving Preconditioning From Bench to Bedside

Ischemic preconditioning is the one maneuver that has consistently been shown to reduce myocardial necrosis due to ischemia/reperfusion injury in experimental models ([1][1]). Brief coronary occlusions of a few minutes to 10 min followed by brief reperfusion periods markedly reduce the size of a
Who Makes the Rules?: U.S. Data Protection Regulation and the FTC

America’s system of data regulation does not fully work for anyone. The current legal patchwork harms consumers by leaving most companies under-regulated, and harms industry by imposing conflicting obligations. Previous solutions have been too narrow, suffering from a critical limitation: they focus on what the rules should be rather than who should make them. The best way to reform data protection is to empower an expert, effective agency to regulate the whole industry. The FTC should be that agency. Since 1999, it has developed expertise in the area and used its discretion admirably. Yet its power is still too limited. Advocates should work to expand that power.
The Effect of Upper and Lower Asymptotes of IRT Models on Computerized Adaptive Testing

In this article, the effect of the upper and lower asymptotes in item response theory models on computerized adaptive testing is shown analytically. This is done by deriving the step size between adjacent latent trait estimates under the four-parameter logistic model (4PLM) and two models it subsumes, the usual three-parameter logistic model (3PLM) and the 3PLM with upper asymptote (3PLMU). The authors show analytically that the large effect of the discrimination parameter on the step size holds true for the 4PLM and the two models it subsumes under both the maximum information method and the b-matching method for item selection. Furthermore, the lower asymptote helps reduce the positive bias of ability estimates associated with early guessing, and the upper asymptote helps reduce the negative bias induced by early slipping. Relative step size between modeling versus not modeling the upper or lower asymptote under the maximum Fisher information method (MI) and the b-matching method is also derived. It is also shown analytically why the gain from early guessing is smaller than the loss from early slipping when the lower asymptote is modeled, and vice versa when the upper asymptote is modeled. The benefit to loss ratio is quantified under both the MI and the b-matching method. Implications of the analytical results are discussed.
Internet-based group contingency management to promote smoking abstinence.

Internet-based group contingencies have been shown to promote brief periods of abstinence from cigarette smoking. Under a group contingency, small teams of smokers must collectively meet abstinence goals to receive monetary consequences. The present study investigated 2 arrangements, 1 in which all team members had to meet group treatment goals to receive monetary consequences (full group), and 1 in which team members had to meet some group goals and some individual goals to receive these consequences (mixed group). Motiv8 Systems, an Internet-based remote monitoring platform, was used to collect video-recorded breath carbon monoxide (CO) samples. All team members could communicate with each other via an online discussion forum. During baseline conditions, only 3.3% of CO samples were negative for smoking, which suggests that self-monitoring and access to the online discussion forum were insufficient to initiate abstinence. When the group contingencies were instituted 41.3% of CO samples were negative. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 arrangements in the percentage of negative CO samples or point prevalence at the end of treatment or at the 3-month follow-up. Participants posted an average of 25 comments on the discussion forum, most of which were rated as positive by independent observers. The mean cost of vouchers per participant was lower in the full group ($33) relative to the mixed group ($190). The present results replicate and extend previous findings on group contingencies to promote abstinence and social support.
Robotic surgery and minimally invasive management of renal tumors with vena caval extension.

Purpose of reviewAlthough laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has become a widely accepted option for most renal tumors, open surgery remains the standard in managing tumors with extension into the inferior vena cava (IVC). Robotic technology has been applied to increasingly comp
Environmental Modeling of a Claypan Watershed using HSPF

The Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) is a comprehensive, continuous model designed to simulate watershed hydrology and water quality. Its perform…
Fast and Space-optimal Low-rank Factorization in the Streaming Model With Application in Differential Privacy.

In this paper, we consider the problem of computing a low-rank factorization of an $m \times n$ matrix in the general turnstile update model. We consider both the private and non-private setting. In the non-private setting, we give a space-optimal algorithm that computes a low-rank factorization. Our algorithm maintains three sketches of the matrix instead of five as in Boutsidis {\it et al.} (STOC 2016). Our algorithm takes $\widetilde{O}(1)$ time to update the sketch and computes the factorization in time linear in the sparsity and the dimensions of the matrix. In the private setting, we study low-rank factorization in the framework of differential privacy and under turnstile updates. We give two algorithms with respect to two levels of privacy. Both of our privacy levels are stronger than earlier studied privacy levels, namely that of Blocki {\it et al.} (FOCS 2012), Dwork {\it et al.} (STOC 2014), Hardt and Roth (STOC 2012, STOC 2013), and Hardt and Price (NIPS 2014).
Prevalence Guillain-Barre syndrome among children in Henan province

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of Guillain-Barre syndrome( GBS) among the children under 15 years old in Henan province and to explore measures for GBS control and prevention. Methods The individual data of 1 291 GBS cases under 15 years old from surveillance system in Henan province during 2004-2012was analyzed descriptively. Results The cases of GBS under 15 years old were mainly sporadic in Henan province. The average incidence was 0. 75 /100 000. The top five regions reported higher incidence were Jiyuan,Luoyang,and Sanmenxia,Puyang,Shangqiu,with the incidence of 1. 40,1. 09,0. 96,0. 95,and 0. 92 per 100 000 population. The incidence peak was during June-August and the highest incidence was observed among the children at ages of 1 to 4 years. Men had a higher incidence than women,with the gender ratio of 1. 85: 1. Enenterovirus was isolated from 186 cases and the isolation rate was 14. 41%. The incidence rate of residual paralysis was 26. 10%. Conclusion The cases of GBS were mainly young-aged and were mainly observed in summer and autumn. Men had a higher incidence than women. The incidence rate of residual paralysis among the children with GBS was higher and effective measures should be taken to improve the treatment of paralysis.
Afterload Mismatch After MitraClip Implantation: The Potential Impact of Pharmacologic Support

MITRAL REGURGITATION (MR) remains one of the most prevalent valvular pathologies worldwide. Moderateto-severe MR (Z3þon echocardiographic imaging) chronically alters the loading conditions of the left ventricle (LV) by increasing preload and reducing afterload (low left trial impedance). The alterations in loading conditions may induce LV remodeling and LV systolic failure over time. Accordingly, patients with symptomatic moderate-to-severe MR, LV dilatation, and/or LV systolic failure are currently recommended to undergo mitral valve surgery due to the poor outcomes associated with refractory medical therapy. However, a vast majority of these patients have comorbidities that may preclude conventional mitral valve surgery (mitral valve repair or replacement). The limited efficacy of medical therapy in patients considered at high risk for mitral valve surgery influenced the development of a nonsurgical, minimally invasive approach to mitral valve repair, the percutaneous MitraClip system (Abbott Vascular, Menlo Park, CA). Although the MitraClip has demonstrated excellent efficacy and safety in MR therapy, patients with baseline severe LV systolic dysfunction may be at risk of developing acute left heart failure after device deployment due to afterload mismatch.
In the Pursuit of Sons: Additional Births or Sex-Selective Abortion in Pakistan?

When “the total number of children couples desire falls more rapidly than the total number of desired sons” (Das Gupta and Bhat 1997) the pursuit of sons intensifies. Despite declining family size and persistent gender inequality there are few Muslim countries among those with elevated sex ratios (providing unambiguous evidence of sex-selective abortions). In part this may reflect the strict ban on abortion services in most of these countries supported by Islamic restrictions/taboos against abortion. Pakistan with its high abortion rate (albeit illegal still) and strong cultural history shared with north India (which has some of the highest sex ratios in the world) could be a Muslim exception. Are Pakistani couples responding to the tension between lower fertility and the desire for sons in ways similar to the countrys Indian and Chinese neighbors? If so then Pakistan will experience high sex ratios leading to a marriage squeeze and possibly other social problems (Dyson 2012; Guilmoto 2011; Hesketh and Xing 2006).
Abstract 224: Cleavage of DNA Generated During Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Protects the Heart from Injury

Introduction: Neutrophils play a major role in early response to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. During inflammation, neutrophils may form a meshwork of DNA fibers known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are injurious to tissues and pro-thrombotic. It has been shown that DNase 1, which cleaves DNA, can disassemble NETs-induced thrombi in a flow chamber and reduce incidence of deep vein thrombosis in vivo in mice. Objective and Methods: To investigate the effect of DNase 1 on MI/R injury, we used a “closed chest” mouse model of acute myocardial infarction for 60 min, followed by 24 h reperfusion. Mice were treated with DNase 1 or vehicle immediately after reperfusion. Results: Mice receiving DNase 1 developed a significantly smaller infarcted area compared to mice treated with vehicle (buffer). Immunohistochemical analysis of the myocardium revealed infiltrated neutrophils positive for Gr-1 and citrulinated histones (citH3). Also, extracellular citH3, an element and marker of NETs formation, was observed in an infarcted area mainly in mice treated with vehicle. Of interest, MI/R caused an increase in circulating nucleosomes and DNase 1 treatment revealed a significant decrease in plasma nucleosome levels, as compared with vehicle-treated mice, 24 h after MI/R. Conclusions: We show that DNase 1 reduced MI/R infarct size in mice and the lesser injury was confirmed by histological analysis. MI/R resulted in the presence of extracellular citH3, most likely originating from neutrophils, in myocardial sections of vehicle-treated MI/R mice but less so in mice receiving DNase 1. We also observed a decrease in nucleosomes in plasma from MI/R mice treated with DNase 1. Our results support a protective role for DNase 1 in MI/R.
Aggregation of Mod5 is affected by tRNA binding with implications for tRNA gene-mediated silencing.

Mod5 is a multifunctional protein that modifies a subset of tRNAs in the cytoplasm and is also required for an RNA-mediated form of transcriptional silencing. Previous in vivo studies have shown that the nuclear silencing function of Mod5 does not require that the causative tRNA gene encode a Mod5 substrate, although Mod5 is still required. However, previous data have not directly tested whether Mod5 can directly bind substrate and nonsubstrate RNAs. We herein demonstrate that Mod5 directly binds to both substrate and nonsubstrate RNAs, including a highly structured, non-tRNA sequence (5S-rRNA), consistent with previous in vivo data. Furthermore, we show that some RNAs drastically change the aggregation behavior of Mod5 with implications for tRNA gene-mediated silencing.
Nicotine Acutely Enhances Reinforcement from Non-Drug Rewards in Humans.

Preclinical research documents that, aside from the primary and secondary reinforcing effects of nicotine intake itself, nicotine also acutely enhances the reinforcing efficacy of non-drug reinforcers (“rewards”). Study of these effects in humans has largely been overlooked, but very recent findings suggest they may have clinical implications for more fully understanding the persistence of tobacco dependence. This overview first outlines the topic and notes some recent human studies indirectly addressing nicotine effects on related responses (e.g. subjective ratings), explaining why those findings do not directly confirm enhancement of behavioral reinforcement per se due to nicotine. Then, the methodology used in the subsequently presented studies is described, demonstrating how those studies specifically did demonstrate enhancement of reinforced responding for non-drug rewards. The main section focuses on the limited controlled research to date directly assessing nicotine’s acute reinforcement enhancing effects in humans, particularly as it relates to reinforced behavioral responding for non-drug rewards in non-human animal models. After detailing those few existing human studies, we address potential consequences of these effects for dependence and tobacco cessation efforts and then suggest directions for future research. This research indicates that nicotine per se increases responding in humans that is reinforced by some rewards (auditory stimuli via music, visual stimuli via video), but perhaps not by others (e.g. money). These reinforcement enhancing effects in smokers are not due to dependence or withdrawal relief and can be restored by a small amount of nicotine (similar to a smoking lapse), including from e-cigarettes, a non-tobacco nicotine product. Future clinical research should examine factors determining which types of rewards are (or are not) enhanced by nicotine, consequences of the loss of these nicotine effects after quitting smoking, potential individual differences in these effects, and the possibility that nicotine via NRT and non-nicotine quit medications may attenuate loss of these effects upon quitting. Further study with humans of nicotine’s reinforcement enhancing effects may provide a more complete understanding of smoking persistence and added mechanisms of cessation medication efficacy.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Interfacility Transfer: A Regional Referral Experience

Background The number of adults referred to high-volume centers for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasing. Outcomes of patients requiring transport are not well characterized, and referral guidelines are lacking. This study describes the experience and outcomes of a single high-volume center. Methods A retrospective study was performed that included adults undergoing ECMO between June 2009 and December 2015. Patient characteristics and outcomes were acquired from the medical record. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of survival to hospital discharge. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to depict rates of survival. Results Of 133 patients, 77 (57.9%) underwent venoarterial (VA) ECMO and 56 (42.1%) underwent venovenous (VV) ECMO. Median transport distance was 88.8 miles (range 0.2–1,434 miles). Median duration of support was 6 days (range, 1–32.5 days). Age older than 60 years, pulmonary hypertension, and body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 were associated with worse survival to discharge for VA ECMO; a history of hypertension and presence of left ventricular (LV) vent were associated with better survival. Age older than 60 years and diabetes were associated with worse survival to hospital discharge for VV ECMO. Survival to decannulation was 66.2% and 76.8%, and to hospital discharge it was 48.1% and 69.6% for VA and VV ECMO, respectively. Of hospital survivors, Kaplan-Meier estimates of 1-year survival were 82.4% and 95.5% for VA and VV, respectively. Conclusions Outcomes are favorable after transport to high-volume ECMO centers. Guidelines and infrastructure for short- and long-distance ECMO transport is imperative for the efficient and successful management of these patients.
Comparison of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy and Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Intrahepatic Metastases.

Purpose Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are widely used therapies for the treatment of intrahepatic metastases; however, direct comparisons are lacking. We sought to compare outcomes for these 2 modalities. Methods and Materials From 2000 to 2015, 161 patients with 282 pathologically diagnosed unresectable liver metastases were treated with RFA (n = 112) or SBRT (n = 170) at a single institution. The primary outcome was freedom from local progression (FFLP). The effect of treatment and covariates on FFLP was modeled using a mixed-effects Cox model with application of inverse probability treatment weighting to adjust for potential imbalances in treatment modality. Results The median follow-up period was 24.6 months. Patients receiving SBRT had larger tumors than those treated with RFA (median, 2.7 cm vs 1.8 cm; P Conclusions Treatment with SBRT or RFA is well tolerated and provides excellent and similar local control for intrahepatic metastases
Outcomes of Induction Therapy with Rabbit Anti-Thymocyte Globulin in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND Induction immunosuppression is used in transplantation to prevent early acute rejection. The survival benefit of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG) induction has not been established yet. We sought to determine the role of rATG in preventing rejection and improving overall survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2005 to 2009 and data of consecutive 268 heart transplant recipients were reviewed. RESULTS The data of 144 patients who received induction with rATG were compared to 124 patients who did not. Although overall survival was not different between the 2 groups (P=0.12), there was a significant difference in restricted mean survival time (RMST) at 5 years (RMST=4.8 months; 95% CI: 1.0-8.6, P=0.01) and 10 years (RMST=10.4 months; 95% CI: 1.6-19.3, P=0.02) in favor of the non-induced patients. No difference was observed between induced and non-induced patients who developed de novo donor specific antibodies. There was a significant difference in median days to first rejection in favor of the induced group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Induction with rATG adds no survival benefit in heart transplant recipients. Patients who did not receive induction therapy had higher life expectancy at 5 years and 10 years. Although there was significant delay in the first rejection episode in favor of the rATG induced group, no difference was observed in donor specific antibodies. This study indicates a need for separate analysis of peri-transplantation co-morbidities and mainly the incidence of acute kidney injury, which could affect long-term survival.
Intelligent trading agents for massively multi-player game economies

As massively multi-player gaming environments become more detailed, developing agents to populate these virtual worlds as capable non-player characters poses an increasingly complex problem. Human players in many games must achieve their objectives through financial skills such as trading and supply chain management as well as through combat and diplomacy. In this paper, we examine the problem of creating intelligent trading agents for virtual markets. Using historical data from EVE Online, a science-fiction based MMORPG, we evaluate several strategies for buying, selling, and supply chain management. We demonstrate that using reinforcement learning to determine policies based on the market microstructure gives trading agents a competitive advantage in amassing wealth. Imbuing agents with the ability to adapt their trading policies can make them more resistant to exploitation by other traders and capable of participating in virtual economies on an equal footing with humans.
PairedFB: a full hierarchical Bayesian model for paired RNA-seq data with heterogeneous treatment effects

Motivation Several methods have been proposed for the paired RNA-seq analysis. However, many of them do not consider the heterogeneity in treatment effect among pairs that can naturally arise in real data. In addition, it has been reported in literature that the false discovery rate (FDR) control of some popular methods has been problematic. In this paper, we present a full hierarchical Bayesian model for the paired RNA-seq count data that accounts for variation of treatment effects among pairs and controls the FDR through the posterior expected FDR. Results Our simulation studies show that most competing methods can have highly inflated FDR for small to moderate sample sizes while PairedFB is able to control FDR close to the nominal levels. Furthermore, PairedFB has overall better performance in ranking true differentially expressed genes (DEGs) on the top than others, especially when the sample size gets bigger or when the heterogeneity level of treatment effects is high. In addition, PairedFB can be applied to identify the biologically significant DEGs with controlled FDR. The real data analysis also indicates PairedFB tends to find more biologically relevant genes even when the sample size is small. PairedFB is also shown to be robust with respect to the model misspecification in terms of its relative performance compared to others. Availability and implementation Software to implement this method (PairedFB) can be downloaded at: https://sites.google.com/a/udel.edu/qiujing/publication. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - a multisystem neurodegenerative disorder.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor disorder, and many patients also show non-motor symptoms including executive, behavioural and language dysfunction. A new study demonstrates a robust relationship between progression of these non-motor symptoms and declining motor disease in patients with ALS, providing important insights into mechanisms of ALS pathogenesis.
Predictors for 30-Day and 90-Day Hospital Readmission Among Patients With Opioid Use Disorder.

OBJECTIVES To identify the incidence, characteristics, and predictors for 30 and 90-day readmission among acutely hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). METHODS This retrospective, cohort study evaluated consecutive adults with OUD admitted to an academic medical center over a 5-year period (10/1/11 to 9/30/16). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors for 30 and 90-day readmissions based on pertinent admission, hospital, and discharge variables collected via chart review and found to be different (with a P < 0.10) on univariate analysis. RESULTS Among the 470 adults (mean age 43.1 ± 12.8 years, past heroin use 77.9%; admission opioid agonist therapy use [buprenorphine 22.6%; methadone 27.0%]; medical [vs surgical] admission 75.3%, floor [vs ICU] admission 93.0%, in-hospital mortality 0.9%), 85 (18.2%) and 151 (32.1%) were readmitted within 30 and 90 days, respectively. Among the 90-day readmitted patients, median time to first readmission was 26 days. Buprenorphine use (vs no use) at index hospital admission was independently associated with reduced 30-day (odds ratio [OR] 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24-0.93) and 90-day (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.96) readmission; prior heroin (vs prescription opioid) use was associated with reduced 90-day readmission (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37-0.94) and length of hospital stay was associated with both greater 30-day (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.05) and 90-day (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06) readmission rates. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with OUD taking buprenorphine at the time of hospital admission, 30-day and 90-day hospital readmission was reduced by 53% and 43%, respectively.
Mobile Device Applications for Electronic Patient Portals in Oncology.

PURPOSEMobile devices provide individuals with rapid and frequent access to electronic patient portals. We investigated how oncology patients use this technology to review test results and communic...
A Multilevel Pulse-Width Modulated Class-E Power Amplifier

This work reports a Class-E pulse-width modulated RF power amplifier that uses multilevel discrete supply modulation for base station applications. This work quantifies the efficiency roll-off in multilevel PAs and proposes that pulse-width modulated (PWM) class-E PAs offer the best efficiency roll-off and dynamic range, based on the efficiency profile with power back-off (PBO). The presented technique significantly extends the PBO dynamic range of PWM PAs over prior state-of-the-art solutions. A proof of concept watt-level class-E PA is designed using a GaN HEMT and exhibits more than 65% efficiency at 15dB PBO. This design extends the dynamic range of a PWM class-E PA to more than 6dB for a 50 to 30 percent duty cycle variation, and offers an efficiency roll-off of less than 4% per dB. The proposed circuit demonstrates an increasing average drain efficiency with power back-off when reducing the PA supply voltage.
Understanding Patients' Knowledge and Feelings Regarding Their Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue: A Qualitative Interviewing Study

Purpose: For prepubertal girls, or when gonadotoxic treatment is urgent, ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) represents the only option for fertility preservation. We sought to determine patients' knowledge and feelings about their cryopreserved ovarian tissue. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with women aged 18 years or older who underwent OTC at our academic fertility center between 2006 and 2017. Subjects were recruited by phone and participated in a single telephone interview using a standardized guide. Interviews were performed until data saturation was reached. Atlas.ti software was used for content analysis. Results: We interviewed eight women with a mean age of 25.8 ± 6.1 years (range, 19-37 years). The mean age at OTC was 20.4 ± 7.5 years (range, 13-35 years). Indications for fertility preservation included hematologic cancer/disease (4/8) or gynecological cancer/BRCA2 positive (4/8). Most patients (7/8) desired future fertility. Although half of the interviewees understood the OTC procedure, only two knew that the tissue can be used for future fertility and only one was aware of the benefits for vasomotor symptoms. Five subjects expressed positive emotions regarding OTC; one felt angry that the decision was made by her parents and two were concerned that OTC might not have been a good choice. However, most subjects (5/8) expressed a desire to better understand OTC and most (5/8) wished for more education about it. Conclusion: This study identifies a significant knowledge gap among patients with cryopreserved ovarian tissue about its uses and benefits as well as a strong desire among these women for improved education about this fertility preservation modality.
Precise Dispatch Control of Energy Storage to Enhance Renewable Energy Consumption

In order to resolve the problem that the power industry is with a rigid expectation of energy storage, higher requirement is put forward for intelligent and precise dispatch control of energy storage. The historical abandonment scenarios of power grids is analyzed to explore the pain points of current renewable energy consumption, where the principle and technical scheme is proposed of precise control of energy storage power stations. The precise control system of pumped storage power stations is applied to the actual grid data of a province. From the perspective of "source-network-loadstorage", the precise regulation of energy storage is used to promote the effect of renewable energy consumption. Through the intelligent and precise energy storage precision control system, the energy storage up and down adjustment flexibility is fully utilized to help the power system reach a balance, which not only promotes the consumption of renewable energy, but also makes the system more flexible and resilient.
Comparison of radiation dose between 2D digital stereotactic versus digital breast tomosynthesis-guided breast biopsies.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE Use of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in breast imaging has necessitated DBT-guided biopsy, however, a single DBT acquisition may result in a greater radiation dose than a single DM acquisition. Our objective was to compare the number of images acquired and the resulting radiation dose of DBT versus DM-guided breast biopsies. METHOD All biopsies performed on our DM unit from 8/2016 to 1/2017 and on our DM-DBT unit from 8/2017 to 1/2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The number of image acquisitions, average glandular dose (AGD) per acquisition and per procedure were computed and stratified by guidance modality and lesion type. RESULTS 25 DM-guided biopsies were performed on the DM-only unit, 58 biopsies were performed with DM guidance on the dual unit (DM-DU) and 29 were performed with DBT. The average number of images acquisitions was 10.9 for DM-only unit biopsies, 9.3 images for DM-DU biopsies and 4.3 images for DBT-guided biopsies. Mean procedure AGD for DM-only unit biopsies was 28.77 mGy, versus 22.06 mGy for DM-DU and 10.18 mGy for DBT biopsies. Mean procedure AGD for biopsied calcification-only lesions was 22.3 mGy for DM-DU versus 10.7 mGy for DBT guidance (p < 0.001), with an average of 8.1 images per procedure for DM-DU versus 4.2 for DBT. CONCLUSION Fewer image acquisitions were obtained with DBT compared with DM guidance, therefore, the overall dose of DBT-guided procedures was less. The dose reduction obtained with DBT is possible across all lesion types, even for calcification-only lesions.
Twelve Tales in Mathematical Physics: An Expanded Heinemann Prize Lecture

This is an extended version of my 2018 Heinemann prize lecture describing the work for which I got the prize. The citation is very broad so this describes virtually all my work prior to 1995 and some afterwards. It discusses work in non-relativistic quantum mechanics, constructive quantum field theory and statistical mechanics.
Analog Circuit Design Strategies for Reliability Tolerance: Planning for Reliability Effects While Designing Circuits in Modern CMOS Technologies

Processing challenges in modern CMOS technologies have led to several reliability concerns, resulting in deteriorated over-lifetime product performance. While they are not new phenomena, the impact of these effects has significantly increased over the years. Reliability effects today include those related to transistor-aging, such as bias temperature instability (BTI) and hot carrier injection (HCI), as well as interconnect degradation (see "What Is Reliability?"). Simply evaluating and fixing these issues with CAD simulations, although performed during the pre-silicon phase, is no longer ideal for design efficiency.
Measuring Self-Esteem with Passive Sensing

Self-esteem encompasses how individuals evaluate themselves and is an important contributor to their success. Self-esteem has been traditionally measured using survey-based methodologies. However, surveys suffer from limitations such as retrospective recall and reporting biases, leading to a need for proactive measurement approaches. Our work uses smartphone sensors to predict self-esteem and is situated in a multimodal sensing study on college students for five weeks. We use theory-driven features, such as phone communications and physical activity to predict three dimensions, performance, social, and appearance self-esteem. We conduct statistical modeling including linear, ensemble, and neural network regression to measure self-esteem. Our best model predicts self-esteem with a high correlation (r) of 0.60 and low SMAPE of 7.26% indicating high predictive accuracy. We inspect the top features finding theoretical alignment; for example, social interaction significantly contributes to performance and appearance-based self-esteem, whereas, and physical activity is the most significant contributor towards social self-esteem. Our work reveals the efficacy of passive sensors for predicting self-esteem, and we situate our observations with literature and discuss the implications of our work for tailored interventions and improving wellbeing.
Practical Tips for Creating a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee: Experience From a Multicenter, Academic Radiology Department.

Abstract Purpose Coronavirus disease 2019 and the publicly documented deaths of countless Black individuals have highlighted the need to confront systemic racism, address racial/ethnic disparities, and improve diversity and inclusion in radiology. Several radiology departments have begun to create diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) committees to systematically address DEI issues in radiology. However, there are few articles that provide departments with guidance on how to create DEI committees to comprehensively address DEI issues in radiology. The purpose of this review is to provide readers with a framework and practical tips for creating a comprehensive, institutionally aligned radiology DEI committee. Methods The authors describe key components of the strategic planning process and lessons learned in the creation of a radiology DEI committee, on the basis of the experience of an integrated, academic northeastern radiology department. Results A hospital-based strategic planning process defining the DEI vision, mission, goals, and strategies was used to inform the formation of the radiology department DEI committee. The radiology department performed gap analyses by conducting internal and external research. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analyses were performed on the basis of consultations with institutional and other departmental DEI leaders as well as DEI leaders from other academic medical centers. This framework served as the basis for the creation of the radiology departmental DEI committee, including a steering committee and four task forces (education, research, patient experience, and workforce development), each charged with addressing specific institutional goals and strategies. Conclusions This review provides academic radiology departments with a blueprint to create a comprehensive, institutionally aligned radiology DEI committee.
Pathways and timescales associated with nitrogen transport from septic systems in coastal aquifers intersected by canals

Septic systems located near coastal waterways can contribute to nutrients that lead to eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and high levels of fecal coliforms such as E. coli. This study defines pathways and timescales of nitrogen transport released from septic systems using a groundwater-flow and nitrogen transport model of a coastal subdivision connected to 2,000 septic systems and dissected by a dense network of canals. Lift station effluent data are used as a proxy to quantify average household septic nitrogen and fluid contributions of 11 kg/year and 160 m3/year, respectively. These fluxes are upscaled and applied to five sewer conversion zones, each having a known number of septic systems. Model results provide a basis for assessing nitrogen transport timescales associated with (1) coastal groundwaters for regions with high septic density near the coastline and (2) groundwater–canal interaction. Timescales associated with nitrogen removal by natural groundwater flow in a sandy surficial aquifer, following septic to sewer conversion, are predicted by the model to be on the order of 2–3 years for 50% reduction and 8–10 years for 90% reduction. Both numerical and collected field data indicate that canals significantly influence groundwater flow and have the potential to convey nitrogen to coastal waters at rates several orders of magnitude higher than introduced by submarine discharge along the coast. Pre and post sewer conversion data on nitrate and total nitrogen in shallow groundwater from a nearby field site, obtained post-model development, support the nitrogen concentrations and timescales predicted by the numerical model.
Prefrailty, impairment in physical function, and risk of incident heart failure among older adults

OBJECTIVE Evaluate the association between prefrailty and the risk of heart failure (HF) among older adults. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective, community-based cohort study included participants from the Atherosclerotic Risk in Communities study who underwent detailed frailty assessment using Fried Criteria and physical function assessment using the Short Performance Physical Battery (SPPB) score. Individuals with prevalent HF and frailty were excluded. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Adjusted association between prefrailty (vs robust), physical function measures (SPPB score, grip strength, and gait speed), and incident HF (overall and HF subtypes, HF with reduced [HFrEF, EF < 50%] and preserved ejection fraction [HFpEF]) were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS Among 5210 participants (mean age 75 years, 58% women), 2565 (49.2%) were identified as prefrail. In cross-sectional analysis, prefrail individuals had a higher burden of chronic myocardial injury (troponin, Std β = 0.08 [0.05-0.10]) and neurohormonal stress (NT-ProBNP, Std β = 0.03 [0.02-0.05]) after adjustment for potential confounders. Over a median follow-up of 4.6 years, there were 232 (4.5%) HF events (HFrEF: 102; HFpEF: 97). Prefrailty was associated with an increased risk of HF after adjusting for potential clinical confounders and cardiac biomarkers (aHR [95% CI] = 1.65 [1.24-2.20]). Among HF subtypes, prefrailty was associated with an increased risk of HFpEF but not HFrEF (aHR [95% CI] = 1.73 [1.11-2.70] and 1.38 [0.90-2.10], respectively). A lower SPPB score was also associated with an increased risk of overall HF and HFpEF, but not HFrEF. Among individual components, increased gait speed were associated with a lower risk of HFpEF, but not HFrEF. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Subtle abnormalities in physiological reserve (prefrailty) and impairment in physical function (SPPB) were both significantly associated with a higher risk of incident HF, particularly HFpEF. These findings highlight the potential role of routine assessment of geriatric syndromes for early identification of HF risk.
Quantitative Biomarkers for Cancer Detection Using Contrast-Free Ultrasound High-Definition Microvessel Imaging: Fractal Dimension, Murray’s Deviation, Bifurcation Angle & Spatial Vascularity Pattern

A growing body of evidence indicates that there is a strong correlation between microvascular morphological features and malignant tumors. Therefore, quantification of these features might allow more accurate differentiation of benign and malignant tumors. The main objective of this research project is to improve the quantification of microvascular networks depicted in contrast-free ultrasound microvessel images. To achieve this goal, a new series of quantitative microvessel morphological parameters are introduced for differentiation of breast masses using contrast-free ultrasound-based high-definition microvessel imaging (HDMI). Using HDMI, we quantified and analyzed four new parameters: 1) microvessel fractal dimension (mvFD), a marker of tumor microvascular complexity, 2) Murray’s deviation (MD), the diameter mismatch, defined as the deviation from Murray’s law, 3) Bifurcation angle (BA), abnormally decreased angle, and 4) spatial vascular pattern (SVP), indicating tumor vascular distribution pattern, either intratumoral or peritumoral. The new biomarkers have been tested on 60 patients with breast masses. Validation of the feature’s extraction algorithm was performed using a synthetic data set. All the proposed parameters had the power to discriminate the breast lesion malignancy (p < 0.05), displaying BA as the most sensitive test, with a sensitivity of 90.6%, and mvFD as the most specific test, with a specificity of 92%. The results of all four new biomarkers showed an AUC=0.889, sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 91.4% In conclusion, the added value of the proposed quantitative morphological parameters, as new biomarkers of angiogenesis within breast masses, paves the way for more accurate breast cancer detection with higher specificity.
The Influence of the Adrenal Cortex on the Metabolism of Water and Electrolytes

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the influence of the adrenal cortex on the metabolism of water and electrolytes. The nature of the changes produced by adrenalectomy on the metabolism of sodium, potassium, and chloride and the influence of the adrenal cortex on physiologic processes are examined. The metabolism of sodium, potassium, and chloride is in large measure controlled by the hormones of the adrenal cortex. The physiologic response to administration of the hormones of the adrenal cortex is in large measure determined by the amount of sodium and chloride present in the body. The adrenal cortex furnishes a mechanism to the body, which modifies the transfer of sodium, potassium, and chloride through cellular structures. In a normal animal deprived of salt, the transfer of sodium and chloride from the glomerular filtrate to the blood against osmotic pressure until almost no sodium or chloride remains in the urine is perhaps the best example of the essential action of the adrenal cortex. The remarkable effect of sodium chloride on renal function depends on something more than restoration of blood volume and of the normal concentration of electrolytes.
Studies of the oxygenated compound of cytochrome oxidase.

Abstract Results of rapid reaction experiments indicate that the first observable product formed after the reaction of oxygen with purified reduced cytochrome oxidase is a spectral form which corresponds to that of the oxidized enzyme. The latter is then slowly converted to "The Compound," or so-called oxygenated form. These observations suggest that The Compound is not an intermediate in the cytochrome oxidase-oxygen reaction. Results of spectrophotometric experiments show that what corresponds to The Compound can be generated after aeration of the enzyme subsequent to reduction with formamidinesulfinic acid, or after aeration of dithionite-reduced oxidase, even when the reduction has been carried out by anaerobic titration to eliminate excess dithionite. Possible explanations for The Compound are (a) a mixture of ferrous and cupric ions, (b) a mixture of ferrous, ferric, and cupric ions, (c) a higher oxidation state of the heme iron, (d) a change in the oxidation-reduction state of groups on the protein other than iron or copper which affect its absorption spectrum, and (e) a configurational change of the oxidase protein that affects the environment of the heme.
Posterior Capsule Opacification : A Review of the Aetiopathogenesis, Experimental and Clinical Studies and Factors for Prevention

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO, secondary cataract, after cataract) is a nagging postsurgical complication following extracapsular cataract surgery (ECCE) and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. PCO should be eliminated since it has deleterious sequelae and Neodynium: Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Nd: YAG) laser treatment often is an unnecessary financial burden on the health care system. PCO following cataract surgery could be a major problem, since patient follow-up is difficult and the Nd:YAG laser is not always available. Advances in surgical techniques, IOL designs/biomaterials have been instrumental in bringing about a gradual and unnoticed decrease in the incidence of PCO. We strongly believe that the overall incidence of PCO and hence the incidence of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is now rapidly decreasing - from 50% in the 1980s and early 1990s to less than 10% currently. Superior tools, surgical procedures, skills and appropriate IOL designs have all helped to significantly reduce this complication. In this article, we review the aetio pathogenesis, experimental and clinical studies and propose surgical and implant-related factors for PCO prevention. Careful application and utilisation of these factors by surgeons could lead to a significant reduction is secondary cataract, the second most common cause of visual loss worldwide
On bootstrapping local search with trail-markers

We study a simple, general framework for search called bootstrap search, which is defined as global search using only a local search procedure along with some memory for learning intermediate subgoals. We present a simple algorithm for bootstrap search, and provide some initial theory on its performance. In our theoretical analysis, we develop a random digraph problem model and use it to make some performance predictions and comparisons. We also use it to provide some techniques for approximating the optimal resource bound on the local search to achieve the best global search. We validate our theoretical results with empirical demonstration on the 15-puzzle. We show how to reduce the cost of a global search by 2 orders of magnitude using bootstrap search. We also demonstrate a natural but not widely recognized connection between search costs and the lognormal distribution.