cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How much cryosphere model complexity is just right? Exploration using the conceptual cryosphere hydrology framework

Abstract. Making meaningful projections of the impacts that possible future climates would have on water resources in mountain regions requires understanding how cryosphere hydrology model performance changes under altered climate conditions and when the model is applied to ungaged catchments. Further, if we are to develop better models, we must understand which specific process representations limit model performance. This article presents a modeling tool, named the Conceptual Cryosphere Hydrology Framework (CCHF), that enables implementing and evaluating a wide range of cryosphere modeling hypotheses. The CCHF represents cryosphere hydrology systems using a set of coupled process modules that allows easily interchanging individual module representations and includes analysis tools to evaluate model outputs. CCHF version 1 (Mosier, 2016) implements model formulations that require only precipitation and temperature as climate inputs – for example variations on simple degree-index (SDI) or enhanced temperature index (ETI) formulations – because these model structures are often applied in data-sparse mountain regions, and perform relatively well over short periods, but their calibration is known to change based on climate and geography. Using CCHF, we implement seven existing and novel models, including one existing SDI model, two existing ETI models, and four novel models that utilize a combination of existing and novel module representations. The novel module representations include a heat transfer formulation with net longwave radiation and a snowpack internal energy formulation that uses an approximation of the cold content. We assess the models for the Gulkana and Wolverine glaciated watersheds in Alaska, which have markedly different climates and contain long-term US Geological Survey benchmark glaciers. Overall we find that the best performing models are those that are more physically consistent and representative, but no single model performs best for all of our model evaluation criteria.
Transection of the plantar plate and the flexor digitorum longus tendon of the fourth toe as a complication of endoscopic treatment of interdigital neuroma. A case report.

Applications of endoscopic surgery of the foot and ankle are expanding and include plantar fasciotomy1-7, release of the transverse metatarsal ligament8, incision of the posterior tibial tendon sheath9, calcaneoplasty10,11, decompression of the retrocalcaneal bursa12, suture of a torn Achilles tendon13,14, release of the Achilles peritenon15, and endoscopic gastrocnemius recession16. There are, however, relatively few reports of complications following endoscopic foot surgery2,17-19. Even in a recent review dealing with complications of arthroscopy of the foot, there was no mention of inadvertent injury to the plantar plate or flexor tendons20. To our knowledge, no reports of complications following attempted release of the transverse metatarsal ligament for treatment of interdigital neuroma have been published. We present the case of a patient who had a complication of attempted endoscopic release of the transverse intermetatarsal ligament that resulted in damage to the plantar plate of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the fourth toe and transection of the flexor digitorum longus tendon with subsequent instability of the metatarsophalangeal joint. Afifty-two-year-old woman had been diagnosed as having an interdigital neuroma of the third web space of the right foot. The symptoms included tingling and a burning sensation in the third web space, without pain, swelling, or a reduction in the range of motion of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints. Surgical intervention for removal of the neuroma was recommended at that time, and the patient underwent an attempt to endoscopically release the transverse metatarsal ligament of the third web space to decompress the neuroma. Immediately after the operation, the patient noticed that the fourth toe was markedly elevated and that it …
The antiarrhythmic effect of lithium chloride for experimental ouabain-induced arrhythmias.

SummaryEpidemiologic studies have shown that residents of hard drinking water areas have a lower mortality due to cardiovascular disease, both in the United States and Britain. It has been postulated that the high lithium content of the hard water may account for this difference by providing a protective effect from lethal arrhythmias. We have studied the effect of iv lithium chloride on ouabain-induced arrhythmias in dogs. The dose required to develop a sustained arrythmia and the total time of the arrhythmia were determined in six dogs. One week later ouabain was given in the same manner to produce a sustained arrhythmia, allowing each dog to serve as its own control. At the onset of the arrhythmia, a continuous infusion of lithium chloride was started (0.5 mEq/min). This resulted in serum levels ranging from 2.6 to 7.8 mEq/liter. The arrhythmia was significantly shortened by administration of the lithium (140 min to 69 min mean; p < 0.005), without significant changes in pH, pO2, serum Na or K. It is c...
Relationship of Cotton Boll Age, Size and Moisture Content to Pink Bollworm Attack

The age of susceptibility of cotton bolls to attack by Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) was determined under field conditions in Imperial Valley, Calif. Bolls of all ages were successfully attacked by 1st to 3rd instars. However, bolls most susceptible to attack were of age 14–21 days. Boll age was correlated with size and moisture content, and a simple means is suggested for determining boll age for field sampling.
Sag and Tension Character of Diameter-Expanded Flexible Bus for Substations

In the regions where the weather and geological conditions are complex,due to its superiority in foundation settlement and earthquake resisting the flexible bus possesses good application prospects. Taking heat-resisting diameter- expended flexible bus JLHN58K-1600 for example,the experimental investigation and analysis on sag and tension characteristics of diameter-expended flexible bus are performed,by means of fitting the measured data the empirical formulae of sag and tension of diameter-expended flexible bus are obtained. These formulae are available for reference in the application of flexible bus to substations.
A high-value cost conscious approach to minimize heparin induced thrombocytopenia antibody (HITAb) testing using the 4T score

Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious complication from administration of heparin products. The 4T score is a validated pre-test probability tool to screen for HIT in hospitalized patients. As the negative predictive value (NPV) is very high further testing for HIT in patients with a low score can be avoided. Our objective was to determine trends at our hospital with respect to utilization of HIT antibody (HITAb) testing and evaluate economic burden from unnecessary HIT testing. A retrospective cohort review was performed on patients age 18 and above admitted to a tertiary care center from February 2013 to December 2014 who underwent HITAb testing. Surgical ICU patients were excluded. Patients were stratified into low, intermediate, and high risk for HIT based on the 4T model. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi square and regression models. Of 150 patients that underwent HITAb testing, 134 met inclusion criteria. 73 were male (54.47 %) and mean age was 55.50 ± 17.27 years. 81 patients had a low 4T score 0-3. Analysis of testing trends showed 60.44 % of patients were tested for HITAb despite being low risk using the 4T model. Only three patients with low 4T score were positive on confirmatory SRA testing (NPV 96.29 % CI 95 = 89.56-99.23 %). Expenditure due to inappropriate testing and treatment was estimated at $103,348.13. The majority of HITAb testing was found unnecessary based on the investigator calculated 4T score. We propose implementation of an electronic medical record (EMR) based calculator in order to reduce unneeded tests and reduce use of costlier alternative anticoagulants.
Integrating Relational Reasoning and Knowledge Revision During Reading

Our goal in this theoretical contribution is to connect research on knowledge revision and relational reasoning. To achieve this goal, first, we review the knowledge revision components framework (KReC) that provides an account of knowledge revision processes, specifically as they unfold during reading of texts. Second, we review a number of studies that have implicated each of the four relational reasoning constructs in knowledge revision during reading comprehension. Third, we integrate knowledge revision and relational reasoning by drawing on the two aforementioned literatures. Finally, we conclude with future directions and implications for work in this area.
Digital resources for nursing education: Open courseware and massive open online courses

Abstract Open Courseware (OCW) and massive open online courses (MOOCs) are teaching and learning resources that are easily accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. OCW is digitally published learning content including full and partial courses (syllabi, outlines, lectures in pdf or video, slides, reference lists, etc.), simulations, animations, tutorials, drills and practices, modules, podcasts, case studies, and quizzes. This content is free and can be adopted or adapted to the user's needs. MOOCs are online learning experiences taught by university professors using conventional educational tools including video lectures, interactive modules, assignments, study materials, discussion boards, quizzes and tests. MOOCs are offered free or at low cost for personal and professional learning, and as a supplement to classroom teaching. Many MOOCs and OCW focus on topics of interest to nursing, particularly to nurse educators. This article provides the reader with a brief history of the development of OCW and MOOCs, conceptual descriptions, and guidance about how to access and use these new online resources.
Project based teaching of power electronics in undergraduate power system course

This paper presents how power electronics concepts are utilized to teach the topics in power system analysis course. Power system analysis is one of the multiple core courses on power engineering in almost all Electrical Engineering programs around the world. At Grand Valley State University, it is the only course in power engineering offered to Electrical Engineering students during a twelve-week summer semester in junior year. This course covers the fundamental concepts and their applications in all three sections of a complex power system namely generation, transmission, and distribution systems. In recent years, there has been a significant change in the role and application of power electronics in modern power systems. However, at GVSU power electronics is a graduate course and it is also taken by some senior students with deep interest in it as an elective. Hence, attempts have been made to get all Electrical Engineering students, not only the willing seniors, introduced to power electronics and its applications in all three sections of a power system. These include teaching some power system concepts with applications of power electronics and administering power converter based course projects. This paper presents the design of the course to implement power electronics concepts and the implementation of course projects in power system analysis course. The pedagogical challenge is to enhance students' learning of modern power system. This paper shows how it enhanced and changed students' perception about the scope of power engineering.
Multifocal vascular lesions.

Abstract Multifocal vascular lesions are important to recognize and appropriately diagnose. Generally first noticed on the skin, multifocal vascular lesions may have systemic involvement. Distinguishing among the different types of multifocal vascular lesions is often based on clinical features; however, radiological imaging and/or biopsy are frequently needed to identify distinct features and guide treatment. Knowledge of the systemic associations that can occur with different vascular anomalies may reduce life-threatening complications, such as coagulopathy, bleeding, cardiac compromise, and neurologic sequelae. This review provides a synopsis of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, presentation, workup, and treatment of several well-recognized multifocal vascular tumors and malformations.
Dynamic base station formation for solving NLOS problem in 5G millimeter-wave communication

Millimeter-wave communication is one of the enabling technologies to meet high data-rate requirements of 5G wireless systems. Millimeter-wave systems due large available bandwidth enable gigabit-per-second data rates for line-of-sight (LOS) transmissions in short distances. However, for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) transmissions, millimeter-wave systems suffers performance degradation because the received signal strengths at user equipments (UEs) are not satisfactory. In this paper, the NLOS problem in millimeter-wave systems is treated from SoftAir (a wireless software-defined networking architecture) perspective. In particular, a so-called dynamic base station (BS) formation is introduced, which adaptively coordinates BSs and their multiple antennas to always satisfy UEs' quality-of-service (QoS) requirements in NLOS cases. First, the architecture for software-defined millimeter-wave system is introduced, where remote radio heads (RRHs) coordination is explained and millimeter-wave channel model between RRHs and UEs is analyzed. A ubiquitous millimeter-wave coverage problem is formulated, which jointly optimizes RRH-UE associations and beamforming weights of RRHs to maximize the UE sum-rate while guaranteeing QoS and system-level constraints. After proving the np-hardness of the coverage optimization problem with non-convex constraints, an iterative algorithm is developed for dynamic BS formation that achieves ubiquitous coverage with high data rates in LOS and NLOS cases. Through successive convex approximations, the proposed dynamic BS formation algorithm transforms the original mixed-integer nonlinear programming into a mixed-integer second-order cone programming, which is efficiently solved by convex tools. Simulations validate the efficacy of our solution that completely solves NLOS problem by facilitating ubiquitous coverage in 5G millimeter-wave systems.
Seasonal abundance, biomass and morphological diversity of picoplankton in lake superior: importance of water column mixing

Picoplankton often regulate the trophic dynamics and key biogeochemical cycles in pelagic environments That said comparatively little I known about their seasonal contribution to carbon cycling in Lake Superior one of the largest lakes world wide where attempts to reconcile the carbon and N budgets have not been straightforward Here we presented some of few seasonal estimates for both heterotrophic Hpico and phototrophic Ppico picoplankton abundance biomass and morphological diversity in Lake Superior n Seasonal samples were collected at two offshore stations in the central basin of Lake Superior on six cruises conducted at monthly intervals May October Fractionated chlorophyll analysis revealed that algae in the micro m size category nanoplankton constituted gt of the assemblage while the Ppico size fraction constituted total chlorophyll lt micro g bull L The Hpico assemblage was dominated by simply cocci forms i e eubacteria Hpico abundance ranged from to x nbsp cells bull mL and on average supported fold greater numbers compared with the abundance of Ppico to x nbsp cells bull mL Ppico was dominated by phycoerythrin rich single celled taxa whose abundance was relatively constant from May September The concentration of chlorophyll Hpico bacteria and pico eukaryotes increased with mixing depth however chlorophyll and Ppico numbers exhibited a fold increase in October when bacterial numbers were at their lowest level Despite these differences in seasonal dynamics overall carbon estimates for both Hpico and Ppico were comparable and collectively constituted a substantial faction of plankton carbon in the lake mean and micro gC bull L respectively indicating their importance in reconciling the carbon budget for LakeSuperior
Identification and pathogenicity of Fusarium spp. in row crops in Nebraska

Abstract Fusarium spp. comprise multiple pathogenic fungi that cause root rot in row crops, including corn, soybean, and wheat, and have wide geographic and host ranges. Studies to identify which Fusarium spp. are the prevalent disease-causing pathogens in a given region are important for developing disease management strategies. This study aimed i) to isolate, identify, and determine the intraspecific diversity of Fusarium spp. associated with root rot in corn, soybean, and wheat crops in Nebraska and ii) to determine the cross-pathogenicity of recovered isolates among these crops. In 2015 and 2016, 137 isolates were obtained from 20 counties in Nebraska and 62 of which represented all morphological groups were selected and identified by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer regions of rDNA and the beta tubulin. The pathogenicity of 28 isolates in corn, soybean, and wheat crops was evaluated. Among the 11 phylogenetically distinct species identified, F. oxysporum was the most abundant, followed by F. graminearum and F. acuminatum, and these species are found in all geographic regions of Nebraska. However, F. graminearum was considered to be the most virulent species because five of the eight most virulent strains that demonstrated cross-pathogenicity among the three crops were F. graminearum strains. Other identified species were F. solani, F. equiseti, F. redolens, F. fujikuroi, F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. verticillioides, and F. sporotrichioides.
A Bidirectional High-Efficiency Transformerless Converter With Common-Mode Decoupling for the Interconnection of AC and DC Grids

This paper presents an interface ac–dc converter to connect the 380 V bipolar dc microgrid with the 240 V split-phase single-phase ac utility. The design targets are high efficiency, leakage current attenuation, and symmetric bipolar dc bus generation. A transformerless two-stage topology is proposed to decouple the common-mode (CM) voltage between the connected ac and dc systems. The two-stage structure also reduces the required capacitance in single-phase power conversion by allowing a large voltage ripple on the intermediate dc link. Adaptive dc-link voltage control and interleaving of state-of-the-art silicon carbide (SiC) mosfet s are adopted to achieve high efficiency. Interleaving angles are optimized to minimize the total volume of both differential-mode and CM magnetics. An active CM control method is incorporated to regulate the dc and low-frequency CM voltages on the dc buses with respect to the ground. The resultant dc bus voltages are rendered symmetric to the ground, and the leakage current is suppressed. The generated ±190 V dc bus is suitable for bipolar 380 V dc power distribution systems. Pluggable phase-leg modules with embedded driving and protection circuit are designed and tested, based on which a 10 kW all-SiC converter prototype is built achieving an efficiency >97%.
Economic sanctions as the propositional satisfiability problem

In this paper we are trying to answer the question of when economic sanctions have the best chance to succeed. Almost three hundred scholars from around the world participated in a survey designed to define which pre-conditions and actions by the sender are desirable in order for economic sanctions to succeed. The resolution algorithm is employed to find out whether there is a consensus among the scholars about the factors leading to the success of economic sanctions. The results provide evidence that when scholars were grouped by region the consensus could be reached that sanctions will succeed if: (1) modest policy change is sought, (2) sanctions are comprehensive, i.e., both trade and financial sanctions are imposed, (3) the target does not receive significant support from a third party, (4) the sender has much greater economy than the target, (5) there is international co-operation in the imposition of sanctions, and (6) the target is economically and politically weak and unstable. When scholars were grouped based on the level of economic development of their countries of origin, a consensus on all but one issue (sender’s welfare or economic interest are threatened by target’s action) was reached between scholars from economically developed nations and scholars from less developed nations. Surprisingly, experts from economically developed nations, i.e., the United States versus EU nations, could not reach a consensus on several issues.
Mathematical Programming: Formulations and Applications

This appendix gives an overview of the types of problems that can be formulated as mathematical programs. All the applications discussed concern scheduling problems. In order to understand these examples the reader should be familiar with the notation introduced in Chapter 2.This appendix is aimed at people who are already familiar with elementary Operations Research techniques. It makes an attempt to put various notions and problem definitions in perspective. Relatively little will be said about the standard solution techniques for dealing with such problems
Reflective Practice: Assessing Its Effectiveness to Teach Professionalism in a Radiology Residency.

Rationale and Objectives Professionalism can be challenging to teach during residency training. We undertook this study to evaluate the impact of a case-based, reflective practice (RP) curriculum on the attitudes of radiology residents about professionalism. Materials and Methods We developed a case-based radiology-specific RP curriculum focused on topics related to professionalism and ethics. This year-long curriculum was comprised of six individual sessions and was attended by radiology residents. We assessed the program using the Penn State College of Medicine Professionalism Questionnaire, a validated instrument designed to assess attitudes toward professionalism, with anonymous responses collected before and after completion of the 1-year curriculum. We also obtained feedback on individual sessions. Results Our curriculum affected the professional attitudes of residents in 7 of 36 sample items on the professionalism questionnaire ( P Conclusions A case-based, RP curriculum centered about professionalism offers a unique practical approach to expose residents to the concepts of professionalism and ethics in a small group setting. Based on a widely used validated survey instrument, our results indicate that this method raises resident awareness about professionalism and impacts the way in which residents think about this topic and their eventual career.
Education as Utopian Method: Reimagining Education for a Post-alienated Labor World

In this chapter, I employ a conception of Utopia as a method to examine the question; What could education become in a post-alienated labor world? Contemporary education has become a tool of social reproduction remaking the capitalist relations of production and their attendant inequalities. However, we are quickly approaching a moment in which the capitalist economy will no longer require the kind of workforce or reliance on technical rational knowledge it has required in the past. In this scenario, an education can be imagined that is freed from the constraining logic of the capitalist economy. Through the application of a utopian method, education becomes a kind of creative social practice in which a playful and imaginative conversation merges with real changes in the world. In a Utopian method, a wisdom of human flourishing is the intentional outcome of a hopeful struggle. This requires that the utopian practices of conversation, and imagination articulate a design space for the locus of fused horizons. A utopian method leads to a democratic multiplication of educational forms and the expansion of technique. No longer harnessed to the dystopia of a ‘one best system of schools’ education flourishes in the diversity that is human experience.
An Asymmetrical Space Vector PWM Scheme for a Three Phase Single-stage DC-AC Converter

High-frequency link isolated DC-AC converters have been used in various applications such as uninterruptible power supplies, grid integration of renewable energy sources, and vehicle to grid mode of operation of the electric vehicles, etc. This paper proposes a novel asymmetrical space vector PWM (SVPWM) scheme for an isolated single-stage three phase DCAC power converter. The isolated DC-AC converter consists of a full-bridge (FB) inverter at the DC side and a three phase 3×2 matrix converter at the AC side. The proposed asymmetrical SVPWM scheme provides zero voltage switching (ZVS) for the full bridge inverter and zero current switching (ZCS) for the matrix converter. It also mitigates the voltage spikes generated due to the energy stored in the leakage inductor of the intermediate high-frequency (HF) transformer. The experimental results of the proposed soft-switched asymmetrical SVPWM technique is presented based on a 3.3 kW isolated single-stage DC-AC converter unit developed with SiC MOSFETs.
THE SCOPE, ACCESSIBILITY AND HISTORY OF PRESIDENTIAL PAPERS

Presidential documents are divided into four broad categories: public; executively controlled; official; and personal. The article examines the scope and accessability of the papers, during and after the President's term of office, in relation to the Congress, the courts, and various sectors of the public. The impact of executive privilege and the Freedom of Information Act is studied as it relates to the flow of presidential information. The prospects for future accessibility, storage and retrieval are noted, and a chronological history of presidential papers is provided.
A review into the management of May-Thurner syndrome in adolescents.

Abstract Objective To investigate the presentation, etiology, management and outcomes of May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) in adolescents aged under 18. Methods We searched electronic bibliographic databases to identify published reports of MTS in patients under 18 years of age. We conducted our review according to the PRISMA statement standards. Results Ten studies encompassing 22 patients treated for MTS in adolescent cases were identified. The mean age of patients was 15 years (range, 10-18 years). Of the 22 patients, 12 (55%) were confirmed to have proximal deep vein thrombosis as the primary indication for intervention. Treatment methods included catheter-directed thrombolysis and iliac vein stenting (41%), pharmacomechanical thrombolysis and iliac vein stenting (18%), iliac vein stenting alone (27%), open surgery (14%), catheter-directed thrombolysis (5%), and anticoagulation alone (5%). Complications were infrequent. All studies reported subjective improvements in clinical symptoms with only two studies using validate outcome measures. In total, 9 of 22 patients (41%) had addition risk factors that may precipitate thrombosis. Conclusions As in adults, the most common form of treatment seen in the literature is a combination of catheter direct thrombolysis, followed by iliac vein stenting with subsequent anticoagulation. Complications from interventions were low. It is unclear how these interventions affect symptomology and the long-term sequalae associated endovascular surgery and stenting in adolescents. Further research is needed in well-designed studies with adequate follow-up.
Calf vein thrombosis outcomes comparing patients with and without cancer

Distal or calf deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are said to have low rates of propagation, embolization, and recurrence. The objective of this study was to determine outcomes among cancer patients with calf DVT compared to those without cancer. Consecutive patients with ultrasound confirmed acute calf DVT (3/1/2013–8/10/2019) were assessed for venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence and bleeding outcomes compared by cancer status. There were 830 patients with isolated calf DVT; 243 with cancer and 587 without cancer. Cancer patients were older (65.9 ± 11.4 vs. 62.0 ± 15.9 years; p = 0.006), with less frequent recent hospitalization (31.7% vs. 48.0%; p < 0.001), surgery (30.0% vs. 38.0%; p = 0.03), or trauma (3.7% vs. 19.9%; p < 0.001). The four most common cancers included hematologic malignancies (20.6%), lung (11.5%), gastrointestinal (10.3%), and ovarian/GYN (9.1%). Nearly half of patients had metastatic disease (43.8%) and 57% were receiving chemotherapy. VTE recurrence rates were similar for patients with (7.1%) and without cancer (4.0%; p = 0.105). Major bleeding (6.3% vs. 2.3%; p = 0.007) were greater for cancer patients while clinical relevant non major bleeding rates did not differ (7.1% vs. 4.6%; p = 0.159). In this retrospective analysis, cancer patients with calf DVT have similar rates of VTE recurrence but higher major bleeding outcomes compared to patients without cancer.
6D.002 Coding and mapping injury diagnoses and severities for trauma registries and research

Context Injury diagnosis and severity coding are essential for trauma registries and epidemiologic research. Local and national governments, hospitals, and academic institutions all rely on injury diagnoses in order to optimize policy, legislation, and medical care. Process The following lexicons will be reviewed at a high-level: International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnoses and mechanism of injury codes, the International Collaborative Effort (ICE) on Injury Statistics Barell Injury Diagnosis Matrix, the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine’s (AAAM’s) Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), and multiple mapping options from ICD to AIS codes for various versions of each. Analysis and Outcomes Understanding a systematic and standardized approach to injury coding and mapping is critical to ensure methodologically rigorous and valid activities for injury registry personnel, medical providers, and researchers. There are multiple applications for injury coding and mapping including: mandates for trauma registry accreditation, informing surveillance and interventions, contributing to regional and national trauma databases, facilitating database sharing across various entities, describe community and region-specific epidemiology, guiding injury prevention prioritization efforts, facilitating the evaluation of injury prevention programs’ effectiveness, and synergistic collaboration with other groups. Learning Outcomes The audience will learn about injury coding and mapping using various, standardized lexicons.
Eliminating Battery Replacement Throughout the Useful Life of IoT Devices with Limited-Capacity Batteries: Analysis and Design of a Zero Energy Air Interface

In cellular systems, IoT devices usually encounter a compromise between device’s reachability and its battery life. Reducing the communication latency entails reducing the battery life. To mitigate this compromise, the lifetime of a battery powered wireless device can be significantly extended by deploying ultra-low power (ULP) receivers with energy harvesting capabilities operating over a zero-energy (ZE) downlink air-interface that does not draw power from the device’s battery. In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of the ZE downlink air interface, as a supplement to a Uu air-interface, in supporting IoT devices with limited-capacity batteries. We formulate an online energy management policy to handle energy consumption and harvesting requirements. We then develop an analysis for the probability distributions of the battery’s charge levels across time instances, followed by a simulation framework aimed at evaluating the correct decoding probability of the information messages. Simulation results show that better than 90% probability of both successful ZE operation and correct message decoding can be achieved for receiver power consumption of less than 120nW while maintaining network resource utilization to less than 5%.
Neuromonitoring Detects Brain Injury in Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

Abstract Objective There is limited evidence on standardized protocols for optimal neurological monitoring methods in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We previously introduced protocolized noninvasive multimodal neuromonitoring using serial neurological examinations, electroencephalography, transcranial doppler and somatosensory evoked potentials. The purpose of this study is to examine if standardized neuromonitoring is associated with detection of acute brain injury (ABI) and improved patient outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis of ECMO patients who received neurocritical care consultation was performed and outcomes were reviewed. The cohort is stratified into those who did not receive standardized neuromonitoring (Era 1: 2016-2017) and those who received standardized neuromonitoring (Era 2: 2017-2020). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between standardized neuromonitoring and ABI. Results A total of 215 patients (mean age 54 years, 60% male) underwent ECMO (71% VA-ECMO) in our institution, 70 in Era 1 and 145 in Era 2. The proportions of patients diagnosed with ABIs are 23% in Era 1 and 33% in Era 2 (p=0.12). By multivariable logistic regression, standardized neuromonitoring (OR=2.24, 95% CI=1.12-4.48, p=0.02) and pre-ECMO cardiac arrest (OR=2.17, 95% CI=1.14–4.14, p=0.02) were significantly associated with ABI. There was a significantly higher proportion of patients with good neurological outcomes when discharged alive in Era 2 (54% vs 30%, p=0.04). Conclusions Standardized neuromonitoring was significantly associated with increased ABIs in ECMO patients. While neuromonitoring does not prevent ABI from occurring, it may prevent worsening with timely interventions e.g., anticoagulation management, optimizing oxygen delivery and blood pressure, leading to improved neurological outcomes at discharge.
An additively manufactured pressure measurement system based on optical sensors

In this paper, a pressure measurement system is proposed based on reflective optical sensors. An array of nine sensors was embedded into a 3D multi-stack printed sample made of silicone rubber. The sample consisted of nine rectangular cells. The fabricated sample was designed to operate in medium- to high-pressure regimes. A customized Java-based application was developed to synchronize and automate the measurement process between a motorized force measurement test stand and a data acquisition system. The compression tests of a single cell showed good linearity and a dynamic range. Sensitivity and dynamic ranges of 0.001 kPa−1 and 1040 kPa, respectively, were obtained. Depending on the application, the sensitivity and dynamic range can be adjusted by changing the wall thickness of the cells. The proposed system exhibited good repeatability, durability, and dynamic stability over a wide range of applied pressures. The proposed pressure system has potential applications in sports biomechanics and health-monitoring systems.
Performance of serially concatenated convolutional codes with BPSK in the presence of pulsed noise jamming

In this paper, the bit error rate of four-state BPSK serially concatenated convolutional codes (SCCC) with BPSK, AWGN and pulsed noise jamming is examined. For low signal-to-noise ratios, simulation results are obtained, while for higher signal-to-noise ratios, an average upper bound is developed. We find that pulsed noise jamming is largely ineffective for sufficient total SNR (> 10 dB) unless the jammer uses very high jamming power. For smaller SNR, the situation is more complicated. Pulse jamming with /spl rho/ /spl rho/ > 1.0 and for 8 dB > SNR > 0 dB. The most effective strategy for a jammer is to employ barrage jamming with signal-to-jamming noise ratio (SJR) /spl rho/ > 1.0 and its usefulness is dependent on SNR.
Hyperosmotic activation of CNS sympathetic drive: Implications for cardiovascular disease

Evidence now indicates that exaggerated sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) significantly contributes to salt-sensitive cardiovascular diseases. Although CNS mechanisms that support the elevation of SNA in various cardiovascular disease models have been intensively studied, many mechanistic details remain unknown. In recent years, studies have shown that SNA can rise as a result of both acute and chronic increases of body fluid osmolality. These findings have raised the possibility that salt-sensitive cardiovascular diseases could result, at least in part, from direct osmosensory activation of CNS sympathetic drive. In this brief review we emphasize recent findings from several laboratories, including our own, which demonstrate that neurons of the forebrain organum vasculosum laminae terminalis (OVLT) play a pivotal role in triggering hyperosmotic activation of SNA by recruiting neurons in specific regions of the hypothalamus, brainstem and spinal cord. Although OVLT neurons are intrinsically osmosensitive and shrink when exposed to extracellular hypertonicity, it is not yet clear if these processes are functionally linked. Whereas acute hypertonic activation of OVLT neurons critically depends on TRPV1 channels, studies in TRPV1−/− mice suggest that acute and long-term osmoregulatory responses remain largely intact. Therefore, acute and chronic osmosensory transduction by OVLT neurons may be mediated by distinct mechanisms. We speculate that organic osmolytes such as taurine and possibly novel processes such as extracellular acidification could contribute to long-term osmosensory transduction by OVLT neurons and might therefore participate in the elevation of SNA in salt-sensitive cardiovascular diseases.
Morphometric characteristics and homogeneity of a new model of acute pancreatitis in the rat.

Extreme maldistribution and immediate establishment of severe cellular injury are typical features of traditional bile salt models of acute pancreatitis; both factors complicate assessment and interpretation of therapeutic benefits in trials of experimental therapy. Even more important, both are indications not of the desired induction of pancreatitis but rather of local injury by barotrauma and noxious chemicals. This study contrasts the severity and regional variability of cellular injury in traditional high-dose bile salt models with that seen in a new preparation employing the combination of intravenous (iv) caerulein (CAE) and intraductal (id) low-dose glycodeoxycholic acid (GDOC). Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats (350–450 g) were induced with (group A) high-dose GDOC id (34 mmol/L), low-dose GDOC id (10 mmol/L) (group B), or low-dose GDOC id combined with caerulein iv for 6 h (group C). The regional distribution of histopathologic injury within the pancreas was assessed in 20 fields/organ by two pathologists unaware of the induction technique used. High-dose GDOC id (group A) resulted in extremely heterogenous distribution of injury for all variables (edema,p = 0.001; acinar necrosis,p = 0.0001; inflammation,p = 0.0001; and hemorrhagep = 0.001). The lesions were confined to the head of the pancreas, which showed large areas of necrosis involving entire lobules, whereas adjacent areas were unaffected. Low-dose GDOC id (group B) was more homogenously distributed, but the injury was mild and regional variability (edema,p = 0.0001 ; acinar necrosis,p < 0.04; inflammation,p = 0.0001; and hemorrhagep < 0.05) was still demonstrable. In contrast, low-dose GDOC id combined with CAE iv (group C) produced moderately severe pancreatitis, which equally affected all areas of the gland. There were no geographical differences in acinar necrosis or inflammation. This feature of the new model provides a desirable prerequisite for accurate and reproducible assessment of histopathology in studies aimed at detecting effects of therapy. We suggest that it replace traditional id bile salt infusion models.
Rethinking the Role of National Sentencing Practice in the International Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda

The establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda famously engendered a new era in international criminal law. While the development of the tribunals provoked an enormous body of literature, the sentencing practice of the courts is understudied. This paper addresses this gap by analyzing the tribunals’ use of national sentencing practice. Rather than creating a separate sentencing structure, the statutes of both tribunals direct that the judges “shall have recourse to the general practice regarding prison sentences” from the respective national courts. Despite the authority to consider national sentencing practice, the tribunals have interpreted their statutory obligations narrowly—requiring only that the trial chambers consult national sentencing practice. The procedures and laws of the respective national government is thus not binding on the international tribunals. Moreover, the jurisprudence of the tribunals shows a pattern of perfunctory recitation of national law, one that lacks extensive analysis. This paper aims to examine, first, the reasons tribunals have cited to justify limited use of national sentencing practice, and, second, the implications of the circumscribed use of that practice. The author concludes that the tribunals may be diluting the reconciliatory features of their sentencing function and also perhaps weakening the role of national law in the international legal system.
X-ray timing explorer mission

The XTE will address a number of fundamental questions about the nature of the cosmos. The large effective area (about 0.8 sq m total) and broad band of sensitivity (2-200 keV) of its three instruments make it especially valuable for timing of intensity variations and for the determination of broadband spectra from high-energy sources. For the first time, studies of variability ranging from about 1 microsecond to several years will be carried out. XTE's design and flexibility of operations will allow it to respond rapidly to changes in the X-ray sky (within hours) and will facilitate multifrequency observations. It is scheduled for launch on a Delta II vehicle prior to April 1996.
Cardiovascular Health: A Challenge for Midlife

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses cardiovascular health in midlife. Middle age is an important time for risk factor modification, be it primary or secondary prevention. Understanding the psychology of adult development during midlife should help to prevent the onset of coronary heart disease (CHD) and reduce the impact in those affected. This chapter focuses the psychosocial factors and cardiovascular disease, primarily CHD and hypertension, about which there is a large literature on psychophysiology and behavioral epidemiology. 11-20% of persons with CHD have participated in cardiac rehabilitation programs. These programs are designed to improve exercise tolerance and habits, lipid profiles, body weight, glucose and blood pressure levels, and cessation of smoking, along with reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression. The societal impact of cohorts continues to influence those who enter middle age after them. Adding an understanding of cardiovascular health to the psychology of adult development and aging, particularly the study of middle age, has the opportunity to advance the understanding of the causes and consequences of cardiovascular disease during the middle and later years.
Gene level meta-analysis of quantitative traits by functional linear models

Meta-analysis of genetic data must account for differences among studies including study designs, markers genotyped, and covariates. The effects of genetic variants may differ from population to population, i.e., heterogeneity. Thus, meta-analysis of combining data of multiple studies is difficult. Novel statistical methods for meta-analysis are needed. In this article, functional linear models are developed for meta-analyses that connect genetic data to quantitative traits, adjusting for covariates. The models can be used to analyze rare variants, common variants, or a combination of the two. Both likelihood-ratio test (LRT) and F-distributed statistics are introduced to test association between quantitative traits and multiple variants in one genetic region. Extensive simulations are performed to evaluate empirical type I error rates and power performance of the proposed tests. The proposed LRT and F-distributed statistics control the type I error very well and have higher power than the existing methods of the meta-analysis sequence kernel association test (MetaSKAT). We analyze four blood lipid levels in data from a meta-analysis of eight European studies. The proposed methods detect more significant associations than MetaSKAT and the P-values of the proposed LRT and F-distributed statistics are usually much smaller than those of MetaSKAT. The functional linear models and related test statistics can be useful in whole-genome and whole-exome association studies.
Deficiency of sphingomyelin-cleaving enzyme activity in tissue cultures derived from patients with Niemann-Pick disease.

Abstract The activity of the enzyme which catalyzes the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin has been assayed in tissue cultures derived from the skin and bone marrow of patients with different forms of Niemann-Pick disease. Compared with the values obtained with control cells, the activity of this enzyme was markedly reduced in two forms of Niemann-Pick disease.
Novel adipokines, high molecular weight adiponectin and resistin, are associated with outcomes following lower extremity revascularization with autogenous vein

Objective A significant portion of patients undergoing lower extremity bypass surgery (LEB) for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) will have cardiovascular or graft-related events. It has been previously demonstrated that systemic inflammation is associated with PAD and its clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that serum biomarkers of insulin resistance and inflammation would identify a subgroup at elevated risk for graft failure, limb loss, and mortality. Methods This was a prospective longitudinal study of patients (n = 225) undergoing LEB using autogenous vein. Baseline blood samples were obtained prior to surgery in the fasting state. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and the adipokines resistin and high-molecular weight adiponectin (HMWA) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Median follow-up was 893 days. The major endpoints of primary patency (PP) and amputation-free survival (AFS) were examined using multivariable methods. Endpoints were screened against biomarkers and patient characteristics for univariate associations. Promising explanatory variables ( P Results The mean age of subjects was 67.6 years; 71.6% were male and 87.1% were Caucasian. One hundred thirty-three (59.1%) subjects underwent bypass for critical limb ischemia (CLI) and 73 (32.4%) had tissue loss. Patients with CLI and diabetes demonstrated elevated resistin and hsCRP levels. HMWA levels correlated with CLI and with a measure of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) but not with clinical diabetes. Baseline biomarkers were higher in those presenting with tissue loss and in patients with postoperative events (mortality, limb loss). After multivariable analysis (including CLI, diabetes, age, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], adiponectin, resistin, and CRP), resistin (hazard ratio [HR] 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-2.85; P = .025) and CRP (HR 2.39, 95% CI, 1.30-4.39; P = .005) were independently predictive of reduced AFS. However, only resistin maintained its significance when restricted to the diabetic cohort (HR 2.10, 95% CI, 1.10-3.99; P = .025). Higher levels of HMWA were found to be associated with primary graft patency (HR 0.73 for graft failure; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.97; P = .031) in a multivariable model adjusting for diabetes, CRP, African-American race, CLI, high-risk conduits, and redo bypass procedures. Conclusion These findings suggest that serum biomarkers of insulin resistance and inflammation may be predictive of clinical outcomes following LEB. Improving the systemic milieu of insulin resistance and inflammation in these high-risk patients may lead to reduced morbidity and mortality.