cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Small-Signal Methods for AC Distributed Power Systems–A Review

AC distributed power systems (DPS) can be found in several new and emerging applications. Similar to dc distributed power systems, an ac DPS relies on power electronics and control to realize its functions and achieve the required performance. System stability and power quality are important issues in both types of systems due to the complex system behavior resulted from active control at both the source and the load side. Traditional small-signal analysis methods cannot be directly applied to an ac DPS because of the periodically time-varying system operation trajectory. Possible solutions to this problem include transformation into a rotating (dq) reference frame, modeling using dynamic phasors, reduced-order modeling, and harmonic linearization. This paper reviews these small-signal methods and discusses their utilities as well as limitations. Compatibility of each type of models with state-space and impedance-based system analysis approaches will also be discussed. Problems related to the linearization of phasor-based models and their use in impedance-based system analysis are highlighted in particular.
O-Glycans in Mammalian Notch Signaling

Notch signaling occurs following the activation of membrane-bound Notch receptors by canonical Notch ligands expressed in neighboring cells. It is a fundamental requirement for the regulation of cell fate decisions during organellar differentiation in mammals. The extracellular domain of Notch receptors comprises numerous epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) repeats, many of which are modified by glycans O-linked to Ser or Thr at specific consensus sites. This chapter will summarize the nature and functions of O-Fucose, O-Glucose, O-GlcNAc, and O-GalNAc glycans in mammalian cells, mouse development, and human disease. Congenital diseases that arise from reduced addition of O-glycans reveal the importance of these modifications for Notch signaling.
An Apparent Lunar Rhythm in the Day-to-Day Variations in Initial Bearings of Homing Pigeons

In view of the suggestion from earlier experiments that detection of magnetic and gravitational stimuli may be linked, we investigated the possibility that gravitational changes across the synodic lunar month might influence the initial bearings of homing pigeons under conditions when naturally occurring fluctuations in the geomagnetic field have been shown to influence the birds’ orientation behavior. Six separate series of releases were conducted during four different years at three different sites. In all six, a nearly linear correlation between the pigeons’ mean vanishing bearings (MVB) and the day of lunar month (DLM) was found. The monthly oscillation of MVB could apparently exist stably in either of two modes, each 180° out of phase with the other; in some series the oscillation was from new moon to new moon and in others from full moon to full moon. Statistical analyses of several types support the notions that the best frequency of the oscillations of MVB is indeed almost exactly that of the synodic lunar month and that the turning points of the oscillations are the syzygies (new moon and full moon). However, attempts to tie the variations in MVB directly to the gravitational changes occurring during the lunar month have so far been unsuccessful; hence it is not yet known what environmental stimuli are acting as the immediate causes of the birds' changing orientation behavior.
The effect of probenecid on urate transport in the rat kidney.

p-(Dipropylsulfamyl)benzoic acid (probenecid) has been utilized in clinical practice and in experimental studies to decrease the tubular reabsorption of uric acid (1). Probenecid is also known to inhibit the secretion of organic acids in the kidney (2). Despite the extensive use of this agent, its separate effects on the urate reabsorptive and secretory processes have not been examined by direct techniques. The current investigations, therefore, were designed to examine the effects of probenecid on net urate transport, urate reabsorption, and urate secretion using clearance, microinjection, and precession techniques in the rat.Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats anesthetized with Inactin (Promonta, Hamburg, Germany), 100 mg/kg body wt intra-peritoneally, were used for all studies. Probenecid was dissolved in a solution of dilute NaOH to a final concentration of 10-20 mg/ml and was administered in a dose of 100 mg/kg body wt/hr intravenously. In control animals and in control periods of the clearance experim...
Solution-phase parallel synthesis of acyclic nucleoside libraries of purine, pyrimidine, and triazole acetamides.

Molecular diversity plays a pivotal role in modern drug discovery against phenotypic or enzyme-based targets using high throughput screening technology. Under the auspices of the Pilot Scale Library Program of the NIH Roadmap Initiative, we produced and report herein a diverse library of 181 purine, pyrimidine, and 1,2,4-triazole-N-acetamide analogues which were prepared in a parallel high throughput solution-phase reaction format. A set of assorted amines were reacted with several nucleic acid N-acetic acids utilizing HATU as the coupling reagent to produce diverse acyclic nucleoside N-acetamide analogues. These reactions were performed using 24 well reaction blocks and an automatic reagent-dispensing platform under inert atmosphere. The targeted compounds were purified on an automated purification system using solid sample loading prepacked cartridges and prepacked silica gel columns. All compounds were characterized by NMR and HRMS, and were analyzed for purity by HPLC before submission to the Molecula...
Ziggerzagger Shandy: Sterne and the Aesthetics of the Crooked Line

L'invention verbale de S. sur le terme de zigzag frequemment repetee dans Tristram Shandy est l'image meme de la ligne sinueuse de son art narratif
Critical Consciousness and Vocational Development Among Latina/o High School Youth Initial Development and Testing of a Measure

Critical consciousness of inequity and racism may be a significant asset for Latina/Latino youth’s educational persistence and vocational development. This study describes the development and testi...
Narrow Resonances in Four-Wave Mixing Due to Radiative Decay

The early work of Bloembergen and co-workers on pressure induced extra resonances (PIER-4) verified earlier predictions that resonances in nonlinear spectroscopy can result from incomplete cancellatipn of quantum mechanical amplitudes in the presence of collisions. This work was followed by a demonstration of collision induced narrow resonances in backward nearly degenerate four-wave mixing (NDFWM) which have a similar physical origin.
Isolated sacral injuries: Postoperative length of stay, complications, and readmission

AIM: To investigate inpatient length of stay (LOS), complication rates, and readmission rates for sacral fracture patients based on operative approach. METHODS: All patients who presented to a large tertiary care center with isolated sacral fractures in an 11-year period were included in a retrospective chart review. Operative approach (open reduction internal fixation vs percutaneous) was noted, as well as age, gender, race, and American Society of Anesthesiologists’ score. Complications included infection, nonunion and malunion, deep venous thrombosis, and hardware problems; 90-d readmissions were broken down into infection, surgical revision of the sacral fracture, and medical complications. LOS was collected for the initial admission and readmission visits if applicable. Fisher’s exact and non-parametric t-tests (Mann-Whitney U tests) were employed to compare LOS, complications, and readmissions between open and percutaneous approaches. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients with isolated sacral fractures were identified: 31 (30.4%) who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) vs 63 (67.0%) who underwent percutaneous fixation. There was a significant difference in LOS based on operative approach: 9.1 d for ORIF patients vs 6.1 d for percutaneous patients (P = 0.043), amounting to a difference in cost of $13590. Ten patients in the study developed complications, with no significant difference in complication rates or reasons for complications between the two groups (19.4% for ORIF patients vs 6.3% for percutaneous patients). Eight patients were readmitted, with no significant difference in readmission rates or reasons for readmission between the two groups (9.5% percutaneous vs 6.5% ORIF). CONCLUSION: There is a significant difference in LOS based on operative approach for sacral fracture patients. Given similar complications and readmission rates, we recommend a percutaneous approach.
Equivalent accuracy at a fraction of the cost: Overcoming temporal dispersion

ABSTRACTNumerical dispersion in finite-difference (FD) modeling produces coherent artifacts, severely constraining the resolution of advanced imaging and inversion techniques. Conventionally, numerical dispersion is reduced by increasing the order of accuracy of the FD operators, and we resign ourselves to paying the high computational cost that is incurred. Assuming no spatial dispersion, we have found that FD time dispersion is independent of the medium velocity and the spatial grid for propagation, and only depends on the time-stepping scheme and the propagation time. Based on this observation, we have devised postpropagation filters to collapse the time-dispersion effect of FD modeling. Our dispersion correction filters are designed by comparing the input waveform with dispersive waveforms obtained by 1D forward modeling. These filters are then applied on multidimensional shot records to eliminate the time dispersion by two schemes: (1) stationary filtering plus interpolation and (2) nonstationary fil...
Implementing public programs: Equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and administrative policy options

An increasingly controversial area within the realm of governmental hiring policies lies in the distinction between the passive or colorblind approach to equal employment opportunity and the result...
Fatal Pulmonary Embolus from Ischemic Necrosis of Intracaval Tumor Thrombus: A Case Report

AbstractAngioinfarction of renal tumors has been proposed as a preoperative adjunct and as palliative therapy. Most side effects of angioinfarction are transient and are well tolerated by the patient. We report a case of fatal pulmonary embolus resulting from migration of an intracaval tumor thrombus following renal arterial embolization.
Disorders of Salt and Water Balance

Dysnatremias usually reflect an imbalance in total body water (TBW) rather than a surfeit or deficit of sodium. At any given time in the basal state, the extracellular and intracellular osmolalities are equal. If there is a change in the solute concentration of a given fluid compartment that alters that compartment’s osmolality, water will shift across the newly created osmotic gradient until the osmolality in all fluid compartments is once again equal. Maintenance of the extracellular volume is conducted via both volume regulation and osmoregulation through a number of afferent signals that result in effector responses. Because sodium is the primary extracellular solute, volume regulation of the extracellular volume is directly mediated by changes in total body sodium balance. Osmoregulation is mediated by changes in water balance. Afferent receptors that detect changes in the elasticity of the arterioles include the cardiopulmonary baroreceptors of the carotid sinus and the aortic arch as well as renal baroreceptors of the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Collectively, decreased perfusion of the cardiopulmonary and renal baroreceptors results in the activation of three main vasoconstrictor systems - antidiuretic hormone (ADH), the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The converse holds true in the setting of effective circulating volume expansion.
Universities as Anchor Institutions: Economic and Social Potential for Urban Development

While non-U.S. scholars and academic disciplines other than higher education have given great consideration to the relationships among universities, cities, and economic development, research in the U.S. often fails to consider the potential and significance of higher education for fostering city development. In this chapter, we review the concept of anchor institutions and discuss its potential in terms of understanding the relationship between universities and cities. Anchor institutions serve an integral role in the local culture, providing employment, purchasing power, and real estate stability. These institutions are well-suited to engage with local stakeholders to foster activities of shared value. We examine the influence of anchor institutions related to knowledge networks, economic competitiveness, and economic geography. The conclusion offers methodological insights and future research questions for higher education scholars interested in advancing work in this area.
Glucokinase mutation-a rare cause of recurrent hypoglycemia in adults: a case report and literature review

Background : Hypoglycemia occurs frequently in patients both in the inpatient and outpatient settings. While most hypoglycemia unrelated to diabetes treatment results from excessive endogenous insulin action, rare cases involve functional and congenital mutations in glycolytic enzymes of insulin regulation. Case : A 21-year-old obese woman presented to the emergency department with complaints of repeated episodes of lethargy, syncope, dizziness, and sweating. She was referred from an outside facility on suspicion of insulinoma, with severe hypoglycemia unresponsive to repeated dextrose infusions. Her plasma glucose was 20 mg/dl at presentation, 44 mg/dl on arrival at our facility, and remained low in spite of multiple dextrose infusions. The patient had been treated for persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy at our neonatal facility and 4 years ago was diagnosed as having an activating glucokinase (GCK) mutation. She was then treated with octreotide and diazoxide with improvement in symptoms and blood glucose levels. Conclusion : Improved diagnostication and management of uncommon genetic mutations as typified in this patient with an activating mutation of the GCK gene has expanded the spectrum of disease in adult medicine. This calls for improved patient information dissemination across different levels and aspects of the health care delivery system to ensure cost-effective and timely health care. Keywords: glucose; low plasma glucose; hypoglycemia; genetic; mutation; congenital hyperinsulinism; congenital; adult; care transition; care coordination (Published: 26 October 2016) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2016, 6 : 32983 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/jchimp.v6.32983
A measure of perceived pain and tobacco smoking interrelations: pilot validation of the pain and smoking inventory.

AbstractMounting evidence indicates that pain can motivate cigarette smoking behavior, smokers have reliably endorsed the use of tobacco to cope with pain, and there is reason to suspect that pain may impede smoking cessation. Smoking-related outcome expectancies are among the best predictors of cigarette consumption and relapse, and the goal of this pilot study was to develop a standardized measure of how tobacco smokers perceive their pain and smoking behavior to be interrelated (i.e. pain as a motivator of smoking, expectancies for smoking as a means of coping with pain, and pain as a barrier to quitting). Participants (N = 75) completed an online survey that was designed to assess interrelations between pain and tobacco smoking. The nine-item Pain and Smoking Inventory (PSI) demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = .95). As expected, PSI scores were higher among smokers with chronic pain (vs. no pain), and were positively associated with established indices of both pain and tobacco smoking dep...
Allogeneic Hematopoeitic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) Versus Hypomethylating Agents (HMA) in Patients (pts) with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): A Case-Control Study

Abstract 1707 BACKGROUND: Treatment of pts with higher-risk MDS revolves around AHSCT and HMA. Although AHSCT is thought to be the only curative approach for pts with MDS, only a small percentage of pts are appropriate candidates and this procedure carries significant morbidity and mortality rates. We wanted to assess outcomes in pts with higher risk MDS treated with AHSCT or HMA. To study this, we performed a retrospective analysis comparing the outcome of pts with previously untreated MDS who received AHSCT or HMA therapy at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC). METHODS: From a database of pts with MDS who received AHSCT (N=152) at MDACC between 01/1988 and 04/2008, we selected those with untreated MDS prior to receiving the transplant. A total of 53 (29%) pts were identified. We compared them with a control group of 40 pts treated with HMA among 1748 referred to MDACC. All controls were selected to match at least 3 of the following 5 criteria: 1) age, 2) year of diagnosis, 3) percentage of blasts at the time of diagnosis, 4) IPSS cytogenetic risk, and 5) time from diagnosis to treatment. The primary endpoint was survival. RESULTS: A total of 53 pts with untreated MDS who received AHSCT and 40 pts treated with HMA were identified (Table 1). Median age was 51 (range 20–62) and 54 (range 38–79) years for pts treated with AHSCT or HMA respectively. There were more pts greater than 60 years old in the HMA group compared to those in the AHSCT group (58% vs . 1% p>0.001). The median follow up time was 64 months. Donors were HLA matched related (n=37), matched unrelated (n=11), 1 antigen mismatched related (n=4) or 1 antigen mismatched unrelated (n=1). Of the 40 pts treated with HMA, 31 were evaluable for response; of those 31, 19 (61%) responded, 16 (52%) achieving a complete response. The median survival was 26 and 25 months for pts receiving AHSCT or HMA, respectively (p=0.41) (Figure 1). The 8-year overall survival rates for pts receiving AHSCT or HMA were 24% and 23% respectively. CONCLUSION: AHSCT did not offer a significant survival improvement in a retrospective analysis of pts with MDS. Treatment with a HMA offers an adequate alternative in older patients or those who cannot tolerate or receive an AHSCT and should be used as a bridge in younger pts who are candidates for AHSCT Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Caregiver-Teacher Concordance of Challenging Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Served in Community Mental Health Settings

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit high rates of challenging behaviors that impair functioning and represent the primary presenting problem in mental health (MH) services. Obtaining symptom reports from multiple informants is critical for treatment planning. This study evaluated caregiver-teacher concordance of ratings of the intensity of challenging behaviors in children with ASD receiving MH services, and identified child clinical factors associated with concordance. This sample included 141 children (M = 9.07 years), their caregivers, and teachers. Caregiver-teacher concordance of challenging behaviors was low and impacted by the degree and type of child psychiatric comorbidity. Findings support need for increased attention to the range of psychiatric problems children with ASD present to tailor treatment recommendations and service delivery.
Erratum for Kennedy et al., "Genome Sequences of Three Novel Isolates of Human Parainfluenza Virus 2 Associated with Acute Respiratory Infection".

Volume 5, no. 33, e00784-17, 2017, [https://doi.org/10.1128/genomeA.00784-17][1]. Page 1: The affiliation line and the superscript letters associated with the article byline should read as given above. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1128/genomeA.00784-17
Cytokines in the Treatment of Cancer

Cytokines are molecular mediators of intercellular signaling that function to regulate homeostasis of the immune system. There are five families of cytokines classified by their receptor usage. The effects of individual cytokines on immunity depend on several factors, including the local cytokine concentration, the pattern of cytokine receptor expression, and the integration of multiple signaling pathways in responding immune cells. Cytokines have shown therapeutic potential for the initiation and potentiation of antitumor immunity. Interferon-α and interleukin-2 (IL-2) have been approved as single agents for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, and several other cytokines have shown promise in preclinical tumor models. New strategies for improving the therapeutic benefit of cytokines are in development and include cytokine-antibody fusion molecules, delivery in recombinant viral vectors, expression by irradiated whole tumor cells, PEGylation, DNA vaccination, and ex vivo exposure to immune effector cells.
TASER ® Conducted Electrical Weapons

John H. “Jack” Cover was the original inventor of TASER CEW technology. Mr. Cover was the Chief Scientist at North American Aerospace when it was the prime contractor for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Apollo Moon Landing program. Jack was a dedicated physicist who in the 1960s read about President Lyndon Johnson’s Crime Commission report that urged the development of nonlethal weapons development to combat airplane hijacking, riots, and civil unrest. Jack’s quest to develop his first CEW began in 1966 when he developed ECD working models and named them after his favorite childhood character: Tom A. Swift and his Electric Rifle (TASER). TASER CEWs are now used by over 15,000 Law Enforcement agencies worldwide that possess over 550,000 U. As of 1 June 2011, the devices have been used approximately 1.32 million times in the field and 1.25 million times in officer training. These numbers do not include the large numbers of times a CEW was used to resolve a violent encounter simply by its brandishing or by “painting” the suspect with the laser pointer sight.
Lipids of Archaebacteria

Summary The archaebacteria currently consist of several distinct subgroups including methanogens, extreme halophiles and certain thermoacidophiles. The lipids of archaebacteria are distinguished from those of other prokaryotes and eukaryotes by the absence of fatty acid glycerol ester lipids and the predominance of nonsaponifiable lipids. The lipid composition of the archaebacteria consists of isoprenoid and hydroisoprenoid hydrocarbons and isopranyl glycerol ether lipids. The glycerol ethers of archaebacteria, which constitute the hydrophobic residues of the polar lipids and consequently the membrane interior are diphytanylglycerol diethers or dibiphytanyldiglycerol tetraethers. Either or both glycerol ether structures may be present, depending on genus. The tetraethers of the thermoacidophilic archaebacteria are more specialized in that the dibiphytanyl alkyl chains may contain 1 to 4 cyclopentyl rings. As a consequence of the presence of the tetraethers which can span the membrane, some archaebycterial membranes may exist as a lipid “monolayer” rather than the usual lipid bilayer. The structure of some diether-containing polar lipids of archaebacteria have been well established. The extent of the variety of tetraether containing polar lipid structures is still largely unknown, but both the symmetric and asymmetric substitution of polar head groups to the tetraether has been established in some instances. Among neutral lipids, squalenes and isoprenoid hydrocarbons appear to be universal. The exact pathways for the biosynthesis of the lipid components remain a challenge, but clearly the mevalonate pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis is the major route of lipid synthesis in archaebacteria rather than the malonyl-CoA pathway for fatty acid biosynthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The isopranyl glycerol ethers are distinctive, providing a useful taxonomic tool and molecular marker for the identification of archaebacteria. The lipids can also serve as useful biochemical “fossil” evidence for tracing the earlier existence of the organisms. Overall, the discontinuity of archaebacterial lipids formulates a point for delineating early stages of biological evolution and supports the concept that archaebacteria represent a third line of evolutionary descent.
Protection of Rabbit Retina from Ischemic Injury by Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase

•Purpose. To provide evidence that free radical damage is a component of postischemic retinal injury; to determine whether antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, can protect the retina from ischemic injury. Methods. Total retinal ischemia for 60 or 75 min was produced in Dutch rabbits by raising intraocular pressure. Retinal recovery was monitored with the electroretinogram. Enzymes were administered as an intravenous bolus dose 2-3 min before restoration of circulation. Results. In eyes subjected to 60 min ischemia, the amplitude of the a-wave 4 hours after reperfusion averaged 114.9% of baseline value in control rabbits and 126.5% in SOD-treated animals. The b-wave amplitude at this time was 79.3% and 106.8% in control rabbits and SOD-treated rabbits, respectively. After an ischemic insult of 75 min, at 4 hours the a-wave amplitude was 89.2% of baseline in control eyes, 108.8% in SOD-treated eyes, 159.6% in eyes that received a combination of SOD and catalase, and 149.8% in catalase-treated eyes. The amplitude of the b-wave was reduced to 47.8% in control eyes and 44.8% in SOD-treated eyes, but recovered to 92.3% in rabbits that received the combination therapy and 98.8% in animals that received catalase alone. Conclusions. These findings suggest that free radical generation is involved in ischemic tissue damage. The fact that antioxidant enzymes can be protective has implications for the treatment of acute ischemic diseases of the retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1993; 34:2018-2022.
Enabling next-generation parallel circuit simulation with trilinos

The Xyce Parallel Circuit Simulator, which has demonstrated scalable circuit simulation on hundreds of processors, heavily leverages the high-performance scientific libraries provided by Trilinos. With the move towards multi-core CPUs and GPU technology, retaining this scalability on future parallel architectures will be a challenge. This paper will discuss how Trilinos is an enabling technology that will optimize the trade-off between effort and impact for application codes, like Xyce, in their transition to becoming next-generation simulation tools.
A Stem Reu Site on the Integrated Design of Sensor Devices and Signal Processing Algorithms

Arizona State University (ASU) established an NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site to embed students in research projects related to integrated sensor and signal processing systems. The program includes both sensor hardware and algorithm/software design for a variety of applications including health monitoring. The site was funded in February 2017 and the Co-PIs recruited nine students from different universities and community colleges to spend the summer of 2017 in research laboratories at ASU. The program included structured training with modules in sensor design, signal processing, and machine learning. Cross-cutting training included research ethics, IEEE manuscript development, and building presentation skills. Nine undergraduate research projects were launched and the program went through an assessment by an independent evaluator. This paper describes the REU activities, modules, training, projects, and their assessment.
Development and Function of Uterine Glands in Domestic Animals.

All mammalian uteri contain glands that synthesize or transport and secrete substances into the uterine lumen. Uterine gland development, or adenogenesis, is uniquely a postnatal event in sheep and...
Gathering consumer terminology using focus groups—An example with beauty care

Using consumer‐friendly terminology is essential for more impactful consumer research. As an example, focus groups are effective to gather emotional and attitudinal information in ways that surveys and questionnaires cannot. The objective of this study was to use situational exercises in focus groups to generate terminology about emotions and attitudes in beauty care. These terms can be used to aid the product development process and product communication. Women in the Kansas City area (N = 21), who use a variety of different beauty care products, were recruited for three focus groups of seven people each. The groups were divided by age group as follows: 18–35, 36–50, and 51+. Participants were asked questions regarding their behaviors behind their purchasing habits and use of beauty care products, both positive and negative. Women reported that when not using beauty care products, they felt tired, dirty, and self‐conscious. Contrarily, they reported feeling confident, clean, and beautiful when using products. They also mentioned the importance of ingredients. Women overwhelmingly wanted products to have more natural ingredients and to be created “cruelty‐free” (no animal testing). These qualitative techniques help understand the consumer so companies can better communicate with their target users. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This article provides an example on the use of focus groups as a tool to rapidly gather relevant information about emotions and behaviors in the beauty care category. This technique is a fast way to gather rich information that could benefit a research and development team from two fronts: first, to a sensory or product development group to understand the relations between product characteristics and the emotional construct of consumers and perhaps provide a key into changing consumer behaviors and second, to a brand or marketing team to understand what their target users are saying so they can think about better ways to reach the consumer and communicate with them, in this case, within the beauty care industry.
Virtual structure reduction for distributed constraint problem solving

Distributed Constraint Problem solving represents a fundamental research area in distributed artificial intelligence and multi-agent systems. The constraint density, or the ratio of the number of constraints to the number of variables, determines the difficulty of either finding a solution or minimizing the set of variable assignment conflicts. Reducing density typically reduces difficulty. We present a fully distributed technique for reducing the effective density of constraint graphs, called Virtual Structure Reduction (VSR). The VSR technique leverages the occurrence of variables that must be assigned the same value based on shared constraints and can improve solver performance using existing algorithms. We discuss our Distributed Constraint Optimization Problem (DCOP) solver, integrated with the Distributed Stochastic Algorithm (DSA), called VSR-DSA. The VSR-DSA algorithm demonstrates performance gains vs DSA in both solution quality and time on 3-coloring problems.
Health Through Activity: Initial Evaluation of an In-Home Intervention for Older Adults With Cancer.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a future full-scale trial to test the efficacy of an in-home occupational therapy intervention designed to reduce disability in older adult cancer survivors. METHOD. Participants reporting activity limitations during or after cancer treatment were enrolled in a Phase 1 pilot randomized controlled trial comparing the 6-wk intervention (n = 30) to usual care (n = 29). Descriptive data on retention rates were collected to assess feasibility of intervention and study procedures. Potential efficacy was explored through participants’ self-reported disability, quality of life, activity level, and behavioral activation at 0, 8, and 16 wk after enrollment. RESULTS. Retention rates were high regarding completion of the intervention (90%) and outcome assessments (90% of usual-care participants and 80% of intervention participants). Outcomes consistently favored the intervention group, although group differences were small. CONCLUSION. The procedures were feasible to implement and acceptable to participants.
Research Payment and Its Social Justice Concerns.

The field of bioethics has had a long preoccupation with payment for research participation. The end result of these debates has largely been consensus that there is nothing ethically wrong with pa...
Provider Perspectives on Advance Directives in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Purpose Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are approved for acute and long-term support, however morbidity during device support complicates the post-operative course and may lead to earlier death in some patients. The aim of this study is to understand difficulties and opportunities for improvement in advance directive (AD) use and informed consent (IC) in the care of the LVAD population. Methods Semi-structured interviews with heart failure physicians (HFP), cardiac surgeons, and LVAD support staff were conducted at an academic institution. A single investigator experienced in semi-structured interviewing administered each interview. Recorded interviews were transcribed and coded by independent investigators; disagreements were resolved by discussion and consensus. Software for mixed methods analysis (NVIVO v12.1) was used to analyze the interviews. Results A total of 20 respondents completed interviews. Respondents disagreed on who should lead the AD discussion as HFPs (40%), LVAD coordinators (50%), and the LVAD “team” (30%) were all identified. Importantly, 50% of respondents thought that primary care doctors had inadequate expertise to lead the AD discussion. 50% of respondents cited difficulty in initiating an AD dialogue due to patients’ emotional states. Most respondents recommended expanding the AD's scope to include preferences in the event of an LVAD-specific complication. Respondents primarily described offering two choices during the IC session: palliative inotropes (90%) and VAD implantation (100%), while a minority mentioned hospice or transplant. 50% identified patient education level, and 30% identified emotional-state issues as barriers to the IC process. Respondents suggested creating a more consistent message (30%), with repeat exposures (40%), and moving toward more concrete examples as educational tools (20%) to improve the IC process. Conclusions A qualitative analysis of interviews with a range of staff identified a number of commonly held beliefs, difficulties, and possible improvements in the AD and IC process for patients considering LVAD implantation. While concern over more fundamental difficulties were expressed, multiple opportunities for improvement were identified.
Genome Mining in Fungi

Abstract The explosion of genomic data available in the post-genomic era has caused a paradigm shift for many scientific fields, including natural product discovery and biosynthesis. Bioinformatic analysis of genome information accumulated for filamentous fungi has revealed tremendous untapped metabolic potentials of these natural product producers. The genomes encode far more biosynthetic gene clusters than natural products that have been isolated. Most of the natural product encoding gene clusters are silent or cryptic, under typical laboratory culturing conditions. Developing methods to harvest this unrealized biosynthetic potential are therefore attractive towards expanding natural product diversity and bioactivities. Efforts toward these goals are collectively referred to as “genome mining” and incorporate some of the most cutting-edge synthetic biology tools. This article serves to provide an overview and update on the recent progress in fungal genome mining. The common workflow of fungal genome mining will be summarized, followed by discussion of different approaches in detail. Representative examples from various approaches will be highlighted to illustrate the technology advancement, as well as limitations.
Assessing Public's Attitudes Towards Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide of Persons With Dementia Based on Their Advance Request: An Experimental Survey of US Public.

ABSTRACT Objective Advance request euthanasia and/or assisted suicide (AR-EAS) in persons with dementia is highly controversial. Results of typical public opinion surveys may not reflect the ethical and practical issues involved in the practice. We tested the impact of incorporating such issues in the assessment of public attitudes toward legalization of AR-EAS. Design Online survey (April 27–30, 2020) of 1,711 adults recruited via CloudResearch PrimePanel, matched to U.S. population in age, sex, race and/or ethnicity, education, household income, and political affiliation. After assessing initial attitudes toward legalization of AR-EAS, respondents viewed one of six randomly assigned scenarios depicting an ethical or practical issue in AR-EAS; acceptability of EAS in each scenario as well as general attitudes toward AR-EAS legalization were then elicited. Results Approximately 54.4% initially agreed/strongly agreed with AR-EAS legalization; agreement was associated with lower dementia quality-of-life rating, younger age, not being religious, liberal politics, and $75,000–$99,999 income range. After viewing the scenarios, a minority in each scenario arm found the AR-EAS depicted acceptable (20.7%–39.1%; p Conclusion Informing the public of the ethical and practical complexities in AR-EAS may have significant effects on their attitudes toward legalization. Future surveys should ensure that the public's views reflect sufficient exposure to these complexities.
Recruitment best practices of a cardiovascular risk reduction randomised control trial in rural Alaska Native communities.

Though not native to Alaska, tobacco use is common among Alaska Native people in the Norton Sound region, an area consisting of 16 communities with population size 107 to 3,695. We summarise best p...
Social and Environmental Influences on Sexual Behaviors of College Black Women: Within Group Diversity Between HBCU vs. PWI Experiences

Black women carry a disproportionate number of new HIV infections in the USA. Studies that have assessed HIV risk perception along with HIV prevention interventions for Black women have primarily focused on Black women of low socioeconomic status. Few studies have assessed HIV risk perceptions and sexual behavior among college-educated Black women of higher socioeconomic status despite their high risk of HIV. College-educated Black women are most likely to acquire HIV while in college, and there has been a marked absence of research assessing the environmental and cultural influences present throughout college-campuses, coupled with evaluating how these factors shape sexual behaviors. We conducted surveys with Black female students attending a historically Black college and Black female students attending a predominately White university, and compared baseline differences in sexual behaviors among both populations. Results showed that for participants attending the historically Black college certain sociocultural elements, such as music and media, had a significantly stronger influence on sexuality and sexual behaviors compared with students attending predominately White universities. The development of future HIV prevention interventions for Black women necessitates an understanding of the diverse microcultures that Black women come from. This research is high priority for college-educated Black women given this population’s lack of inclusion in HIV prevention research.
Inferring Monosynaptic Connectivity Across Brain Structures In-Vivo

As the tools to simultaneously record electrophysiological signals from large numbers of neurons within and across brain regions become increasingly available, this opens up for the first time the possibility of establishing the details of causal relationships between monosynaptically connected neurons and the patterns of neural activation that underlie perception and behavior. Although recorded activity across synaptically connected neurons has served as the cornerstone for much of what we know about synaptic transmission and plasticity, this has largely been relegated to ex-vivo preparations that enable precise targeting under relatively well-controlled conditions. Analogous studies in-vivo, where image-guided targeting is often not yet possible, rely on indirect, data-driven measures, and as a result such studies have been sparse and the dependence upon important experimental parameters has not been well studied. Here, using in-vivo extracellular single unit recordings in the topographically aligned rodent thalamocortical pathway, we sought to establish a general experimental and computational framework for inferring synaptic connectivity. Specifically, attacking this problem within a statistical signal-detection framework utilizing experimentally recorded data in the ventral-posterior medial (VPm) region of the thalamus and the homologous region in layer 4 of primary somatosensory cortex (S1) revealed a trade-off between network activity levels needed for the data-driven inference and synchronization of nearby neurons within the population that result in masking of synaptic relationships. Taken together, we provide a framework for establishing connectivity in multi-site, multi-electrode recordings based on statistical inference, setting the stage for large-scale assessment of synaptic connectivity within and across brain structures.
Mind-Body Physical Activity Interventions and Stress-Related Physiological Markers in Educational Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Mind–Body Physical Activity (MBPA) in educational settings is one possible preventive strategy for ameliorating stress-related physiological health parameters. The objectives of this study were to conduct a systematic review of the literature with meta-analyses on the effects of MBPA on stress-related physiological health markers in primary, secondary, and higher education students. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the search for peer-reviewed articles published in English was conducted in PubMed, EBSCOhost, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. Criteria for inclusion consisted of empirical studies targeting the student population (primary, secondary, higher education), studies examining the effectiveness of an MBPA intervention, studies including a control or comparison group (pre-test/post-test studies excluded), studies targeting physiological marker outcomes such as heart rate, blood glucose, cortisol, and blood pressure, and finally, studies examining interventions implemented within educational settings. Twenty-six interventions were eligible for the review and quantitative synthesis, which comprised a total of 1625 participants, with 783 students serving within the control/comparison group. There were statistically significant and large pooled effects for MBPA effectiveness for lowering heart rate (Hedges’ g = −1.71, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): −2.43, −0.98), cortisol (Hedges’ g = −1.32, 95% CI: −2.50, −0.16), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Hedges’ g = −1.04, 95% CI: −1.53, −0.58). These effects tended to be stronger in older students compared to younger students. Most analyses were characterized as having high heterogeneity and only 10 of the 26 studies were characterized as good quality (38.4%). MBPA interventions may have a positive impact on specific physiological health markers in students, especially in students within higher education. However, higher-quality research is needed in this area.
Examining the Psychometric Properties of a New Integrative Learning Scale

Integrative learning is the ability to connect, apply, and/or synthesize. A highly valued skill for the knowledge economy and combating false narratives, integrative learning represents the cognitive heart of the liberal arts, demonstrating students’ ability to make interdisciplinary connections and apply their learning to their lives and the outside world. But integrative learning has not been successfully measured. This study piloted the 7-item Integrative Learning Scale. Data from 1,919 college students at three institutions were analyzed using Rasch modeling. The results of this study suggest that integrative learning can be measured and the Integrative Learning Scale has strong psychometric properties for doing so.
Transparency and Reproducibility Practice in Large-Scale Computational Science: A Preface to the Special Section

With this special section we bring you a practice and experience effort in transparency and reproducibility for large-scale computational science. A unique section, it consists of a research work plus six critques, each by a student team that reproduced the work. The original research work has been expanded in its science and also in its contribution to open science with a discussion of the student effort. Our letter contemplates implications as well.
How Can You Spot the Experts? An Essay in Social Epistemology

In the history of western philosophy, people were often encouraged to seek knowledge by starting from their own minds and proceeding in a highly individualistic spirit. In recent contemporary philosophy, by contrast, there is a movement toward Social Epistemology, which urges people to seek knowledge from what others know. However, in selected fields some people are experts while others are laypersons. It is natural for self-acknowledged laypersons to seek help from the experts. But who, exactly, are the experts? Many people claiming to be experts are not the real thing. How can laypersons identify genuine experts? This essay explores the problems that arise, pointing out some of the mistakes that can be made and how to avoid them.
The Ninth Circuit's Jarvis Opinion: A Correct Application of Retrenched ERISA Preemption

In Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association v. California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) does not preempt California’s private sector retirement savings program, now known as CalSavers. Jarvis is important for two reasons. First, Jarvis is well-reasoned and will be followed by other courts if there are ERISA-preemption challenges to any of the many state-sponsored private sector retirement savings programs modeled on CalSavers. Second, Jarvis reflects the retrenchment of ERISA preemption and the realignment of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ERISA preemption case law to implement that retrenchment. The retrenchment of ERISA’s preemptive effect began with New York State Conference of Blue Cross & Blue Shield Plans v. Travelers Insurance Co. and was confirmed by Gobeille v. Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. The U.S.Supreme Court had initially construed ERISA preemption literally and expansively in Shaw v. Delta Air Lines. Jarvis reflects today’s legal reality that, in the wake of Travelers and Gobeille, ERISA’s preemptive scope is decidedly less pronounced than it previously was under Shaw. Moreover, Gobeille indicates that the Supreme Court’s expansive decisions under Shaw are to be retrospectively reinterpreted under Traveler’s narrower approach to ERISA preemption. Jarvis faithfully implements this retrenchment of ERISA preemption and the realignment of the Supreme Court’s case law to effectuate this retrenchment