cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utility of Repeat Cerebrovascular Imaging among Hospitalized Stroke Patients

Background and Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency and clinical utility of repeat cerebrovascular imaging with computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the head after contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) of the head in acute stroke patients. Materials and Methods All stroke patients admitted to 2 academic medical centers from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2014 were identified as part of prospective radiology database if they underwent CE-MRA of the head followed by subsequent CTA of the head within 7 days. Two vascular neurologists blinded to CTA results retrospectively reviewed medical records including documented indications for imaging studies and clinical changes in patients to determine necessity of CTA. Results Of 1355 acute stroke patients who underwent CE-MRA of the head, 195 (14%) patients underwent subsequent CTA of the head within 7 days, including 33 patients with nondiagnostic CE-MRA because of motion artifact. Of the remaining 162 (12%) patients, 69 (43%) were considered to have an unnecessary CTA of the head. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified (1) absence of new neurologic examination changes [OR 7.29; 95% CI 1.92-27.63] and (2) same documented indication for both studies [OR 6.47; 95% CI 3.04-13.78] as significant predictors of an unnecessary CTA. Changes in clinical management after CTA were significantly more common in necessary CTAs compared with studies determined to be unnecessary (42% versus 7%, P Conclusion The utility of repeat cerebrovascular imaging with CTA of the head following a diagnostic CE-MRA is low when there is no change in neurologic examination or when ordered for the same indication.
A Study and Implementation of a Movie Recommendation System in a Cloud-based Environment

The availability of huge amounts of data in recent years have led users to being faced with an overload of choices. The outcome is a growth on the importance of recommendation systems due to their ...
Regulating Online Content Moderation

The Supreme Court held in 2017 that “the vast democratic forums of the Internet in general, and social media in particular,” are “the most important places…for the exchange of views.” Yet within these forums, speakers are subject to the closest and swiftest regime of censorship the world has ever known. This censorship comes not from the government, but from a small number of private corporations – Facebook, Twitter, Google – and a vast corps of human and algorithmic content moderators. The content moderators’ work is indispensable; without it, social media users would drown in spam and disturbing imagery. At the same time, content moderation practices correspond only loosely to First Amendment values. Recently-leaked internal training manuals from Facebook reveal that its content moderation practices are rushed, ad-hoc, and at times incoherent. The time has come to consider legislation that would guarantee meaningful speech rights in online spaces. This Article evaluates a range of possible approaches to the problem. These include 1) an administrative monitoring and compliance regime to ensure that content moderation policies hew close to First Amendment principles; 2) a “personal accountability” regime handing control over content moderation to users; and 3) a relatively simple requirement that companies disclose their moderation policies. Each carries serious pitfalls, but none is as dangerous as option 4): continuing to entrust online speech rights to the private sector.
Selective electromagnetic monitoring of specific sources (MUOS) in Sicily

A new integrated electromagnetic monitoring system has been developed to obtain a very wide frequency range 9 kHz-31 GHz. This new monitoring system has been positioned near a military USA base in Niscemi Italy to control radio emission. In this paper is presented the new electromagnetic monitoring system and it in field use.
IBM z14™: 14nm microprocessor for the next-generation mainframe

The IBM Z microprocessor in the z14 system has been redesigned to improve performance, system capacity, and security [1] over the previous z13 system [2]. The system contains up to 24 central processor (CP) and 4 system controller (SC) chips. Each CP, shown in die photo A (Fig. 2.2.7), operates at 5.2GHz and is comprised of 10 cores, 2 PCIe Gen3 interfaces, an IO bus controller (GX), 128MB of L3 embedded DRAM (eDRAM) cache, X-BUS interfaces connecting to 2 other CP chips and one SC chip, and a redundant array of independent memory (RAIM) interface. Each core on the CP chip has 4MB of eDRAM L2 Data cache and 2MB of eDRAM L2 Instruction cache, with 128KB SRAM Instruction and 128KB SRAM Data L1 caches. Each SC, shown in die photo B (Fig. 2.2.7), operates at 2.6GHz and has 672MB of L4 eDRAM cache, X-BUS interfaces connecting to CP chips in the drawer and A-BUS interfaces connecting SCs on the other drawers. Both chips are 696mm2 and are designed in Global Foundries 14nm high performance (14HP) SOI FinFET technology with 17 layers of copper interconnect [3]. The CP contains 6.1B transistors, while the SC contains 9.7B transistors. The total IO bandwidth of the CP and SC are 2.9Tb/s and 5.5Tb/s, respectively.
Variable effectiveness of stepwise implementation of nudge-type interventions to improve provider compliance with intraoperative low tidal volume ventilation.

Background Identifying mechanisms to improve provider compliance with quality metrics is a common goal across medical disciplines. Nudge interventions are minimally invasive strategies that can influence behavioural changes and are increasingly used within healthcare settings. We hypothesised that nudge interventions may improve provider compliance with lung-protective ventilation (LPV) strategies during general anaesthesia. Methods We developed an audit and feedback dashboard that included information on both provider-level and department-level compliance with LPV strategies in two academic hospitals, two non-academic hospitals and two academic surgery centres affiliated with a single healthcare system. Dashboards were emailed to providers four times over the course of the 9-month study. Additionally, the default setting on anaesthesia machines for tidal volume was decreased from 700 mL to 400 mL. Data on surgical cases performed between 1 September 2016 and 31 May 2017 were examined for compliance with LPV. The impact of the interventions was assessed via pairwise logistic regression analysis corrected for multiple comparisons. Results A total of 14 793 anaesthesia records were analysed. Absolute compliance rates increased from 59.3% to 87.8%preintervention to postintervention. Introduction of attending physician dashboards resulted in a 41% increase in the odds of compliance (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.69, p=0.002). Subsequently, the addition of advanced practice provider and resident dashboards lead to an additional 93% increase in the odds of compliance (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.52 to 2.46, p Conclusion Audit and feedback tools in conjunction with default changes improve provider compliance.
Non-invasive Controlled Radiofrequency Hyperthermia Using an MR Scanner and a Paramagnetic Thulium Complex

An MR technique has been developed to administer controlled radiofrequency (RF) hyperthermia (HT) to treat sc-implanted tumors using an MR scanner and its components. The method uses the 1H chemical shift of TmDOTA− to monitor tumor temeprature non-invasively. The desired HT temeprature is achieved and maintained using a feedback loop mechanism that uses a proportional-derivative (PD) controller. The RF HT techqinue has been able to heat the tumor from 33 to 45 °C in ∼ 10 min and was able to mainatain the tumor temeprature within ±0.2 °C of the target temperature. Simultaneous monitoring of the metabolic changes with RF HT using multinuclear MRS techniques showed a significant increase in the [Nai]+ as measured by TQF 23Na MRS and a significant decrease in cellular bioenergetics and pH as measured by 31P MRS.
Testing for causality: a personal viewpoint

A general definition of causality is introduced and then specialized to become operational. By considering simple examples a number of advantages, and also difficulties, with the definition are discussed. Tests based on the definitions are then considered and the use of post-sample data emphasized, rather than relying on the same data to fit a model and use it to test causality. It is suggested that a bayesian viewpoint should be taken in interpreting the results of these tests. Finally, the results of a study relating advertising and consumption are briefly presented.
6. The Size of Randomized Polynomial Time

This is the first chapter where we will give arguments about the frequency of occurrence of certain languages in order to separate complexity classes. The particular framework we will use is that of resource-bounded measure. The formalism turns to be well-suited to study the BPP versus EXP problem. In this chapter, we will show that either randomized polynomial time coincides with exponential time or else it is a small subclass of exponential time in the sense of resource-bounded measure. We will see more applications to the BPP versus EXP problem in the next two chapters.
Focused Acoustic Beams for Accurate Phase Measurements

There are many nondestructive evaluation tasks in which the ability to determine the state of stress in a component would be invaluable. Of the techniques potentially at our disposal, only the use of ultrasonic probes offers any real possibility of measuring stress below the immediate surface region. Acoustic measurements based on the acousto-elastic effect have been successfully demonstrated for determining the cross-sectional variation of stress for specimens in plane strain.1 Until now there has been little success in measuring stress distribution through the thickness of a specimen. In this paper we outline a theory and an initial experiment with a new technique which is capable of determining the distribution of stress in a solid body in three dimensions.
Introduction of a pseudo demons force to enhance deformation range for robust reconstruction of super-resolution time-resolved 4DMRI.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to enhance the deformation range of demons-based deformable image registration (DIR) for large respiration-induced organ motion in the reconstruction of time-resolved four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (TR-4DMRI) for multi-breath motion simulation. METHODS A demons-based DIR algorithm was modified to enhance the deformation range for TR-4DMRI reconstruction using the super-resolution approach. A pseudo demons force was introduced to accelerate the coarse deformation in a multi-resolution (n = 3) DIR approach. The intensity gradient of a voxel was applied to its neighboring (5 × 5 × 5) voxels with a weight of Gaussian probability profile (σ = 1 voxel) to extend the demons force, especially on those voxels that have little intensity gradience but high-intensity difference. A digital 4DMRI phantom with 3-8 cm diaphragmatic motions was used for DIR comparison. Six volunteers were scanned with two high-resolution (highR: 2 × 2 × 2 mm3 ) breath-hold (BH) 3DMR images at full inhalation (BHI) and full exhalation (BHE) and low-resolution (lowR: 5 × 5 × 5 mm3 ) free-breathing (FB) 3DMR cine images (2 Hz) under an IRB-approved protocol. A cross-consistency check (CCC) (BHI→FB←BHE), with voxel intensity correlation (VIC) and inverse consistency error (ICE), was introduced for cross-verification of TR-4DMRI reconstruction. RESULTS Using the digital phantom, the maximum deformable magnitude is doubled using the modified DIR from 3 to 6 cm at the diaphragm. In six human subjects, the first 15-iteration DIR using the pseudo force deforms 200 ± 150% more than the original force, and succeeds in all 12 cases, whereas the original demons-based DIR failed in 67% of tested cases. Using the pseudo force, high VIC (>0.9) and small ICE (1.6 ± 0.6 mm) values are observed for DIR of BHI&BHE, BHI→FB, and BHE→FB. The CCC identifies four questionable cases, in which two cases need further DIR refinement, without missing true negative. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of a pseudo demons force enhances the largest deformation magnitude up to 6 cm. The cross-consistency check ensures the quality of TR-4DMRI reconstruction. Further investigation is ongoing to fully characterize TR-4DMRI for potential multi-breathing-cycle radiotherapy simulation.
Partial Fanconi Syndrome Induced by Ifosfamide

Several commonly used chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics, antivirals, and antiepileptic medications can cause partial or full Fanconi syndrome, disorders which can generally be described as transport defects in the proximal renal tubule, associated with non-anion gap metabolic acidosis. Fanconi syndrome is underreported and therefore often missed in the clinical setting. Herein, we present a case report that details the course of a 64-year-old female with a history of stage IV undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma who after her sixth chemotherapeutic cycle (adriamycin, ifosfamide, and mesna) developed severe hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, and proteinuria without glycosuria, eventually diagnosed with partial Fanconi syndrome. The aim of this report is to highlight the importance of routine serum and urine monitoring in patients undergoing therapy with potentially nephrotoxic agents to avoid potentially fatal renal nephrotoxicity, including partial and full Fanconi syndrome.
Use of Bevacizumab and Ranibizumab for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Influence of CATT Results and Introduction of Aflibercept

Purpose To assess whether publication of Comparison of Age-related macular degeneration Treatment Trial (CATT) results and introduction of aflibercept to the marketplace affected intravitreal bevacizumab and ranibizumab utilization. Design Retrospective analysis of treatment patterns. Methods We calculated weekly bevacizumab and ranibizumab utilization during 3 timeframes: (1) before CATT publication, (2) between CATT publication (April 28, 2011) and assignment of a unique aflibercept billing code (January 1, 2013), and (3) afterward for 164,188 Medicare beneficiaries with neovascular macular degeneration receiving ≥1 anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injection(s) from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2014. We identified ophthalmologists who predominantly (≥80%) administered bevacizumab or ranibizumab and evaluated changes in preferences over the 3 periods. We replicated analyses on 881,381 commercially insured beneficiaries. Results Among 317 ophthalmologists administering predominantly ranibizumab to Medicare beneficiaries pre-CATT, 221 (69.7%) reduced ranibizumab use post-CATT, whereas 96 (30.3%) continued using ranibizumab ≥80% of the time. Findings were reversed among 1041 ophthalmologists who predominantly administered bevacizumab pre-CATT—777 (74.6%) continued bevacizumab-predominant use while 264 (25.4%) reduced bevacizumab use post-CATT. Among the 145 ophthalmologists who predominantly administered ranibizumab before aflibercept's availability, 77 (53.1%) reduced ranibizumab utilization and 68 (46.9%) continued using ranibizumab ≥80% of the time after aflibercept became available. Corresponding numbers among the 909 ophthalmologists who predominantly administered bevacizumab pre-aflibercept were 381 (41.9%) reducing and 528 (58.1%) continuing bevacizumab-predominant use. Similar results were observed for commercially insured patients. Conclusions Many ophthalmologists who favored ranibizumab switched to bevacizumab after CATT publication, while most who favored bevacizumab before CATT publication continued favoring it afterward. Aflibercept's introduction had little impact on preferences for ranibizumab or bevacizumab.
Small-Signal Phasor Modeling of an Underwater IPT System in Constant Current Distribution

The use of inductive power transfer (IPT) technology is advancing rapidly in the area of wireless charging of electric vehicles and beginning to expand into emerging areas such as wireless charging of autonomous underwater vehicles. For long distance power distribution to transmitter pads in underwater applications, the use of constant dc current distribution is being considered to reduce the impact of line voltage drop. One challenge for designing such systems is the availability of dynamic small-signal models for controller design and stability analysis. This paper presents a small-signal phasor model for dc current input series-series compensated IPT systems targeted for underwater vehicle charging applications. The proposed small-signal modeling approach eliminates complicated mathematics for obtaining transfer functions, and can be easily applied to other current input IPT topologies. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the models based on a 16 V, 100 W hardware prototype operated at 250 kHz switching frequency, and supplied from 1 A dc input.
Isolated pulmonary embolism in a patient with progestin intrauterine device and factor V Leiden

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients using estrogen contraception is well known. However, the association of progestin-only contraception (POC) and the risk of thrombosis is poorly investigated. Few studies on this topic have failed to prove a significant increase in VTE in patients using POC, including patients with a medical condition associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. Therefore, no specific consideration is warranted when using a POC in healthy young females, regardless of an inherited thrombophilia. We present a case of a young woman who has Factor V Leiden (FVL), presenting with an isolated pulmonary embolism (PE) while using a progesterone containing intrauterine device (IUD). The risk of VTE in FVL carriers seems to outweigh the benefit of contraception even when using progestin-only contraception. Therefore, non-hormonal contraception, such as copper IUD, seems to be the only safe alternative for contraception in this population. Further studies are needed to elucidate this observation. Abbreviation: PE: pulmonary embolism; FVL: factor V Leiden; VTE: venous thromboembolism; POC: progestin only contraception; CBC: complete blood count; CMP: complete metabolic panel; ABG: arterial Blood gas; CTPA: CT pulmonary angiography.
Balancing sampling intensity against spatial coverage for a community science monitoring programme

Community science is an increasingly integral part of biodiversity research and monitoring, often achieving broad spatial and temporal coverage but lower sampling intensity than studies conducted by professional scientists. When designing a community‐science monitoring programme, careful assessment of sampling designs that could be both feasible and successful at meeting programme goals is essential. Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are the focus of several successful community‐science projects in the U.S., but broader coverage is needed to monitor breeding areas and explain population declines observed in overwintering areas. The U.S. Monarch Conservation Science Partnership's Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program (IMMP) will representatively monitor monarchs and milkweed across North America. We performed a simulation‐based power analysis to predict trade‐offs between sampling breadth (number of sites and years) and sampling intensity (number of visits or subplots per site and year) for the IMMP. We evaluated whether each sampling design would produce sufficient statistical power to detect population trends and differences among land‐use sectors in densities of milkweed, monarch eggs, and adult monarchs. Sampling breadth had much stronger effects than sampling intensity on statistical power for all three monitoring targets. Depending on land‐use sector, monitoring 400–800 sites over 10–15 years would detect trends in densities of milkweed and adult monarchs, but no scenarios were successful for monarch eggs. Sampling 400–800 sites would also detect small (for adult monarchs) to large (for milkweed) differences among land‐use sectors in density of all three monitoring targets within the first 2–5 years. As more data become available from the IMMP, the sampling goals can be updated. Synthesis and applications. Careful sample design is an essential step in developing a successful monitoring programme. For monarchs and milkweed, we found that sampling breadth (number of sites and years) had a much stronger effect on statistical power than sampling intensity (number of visits or subsamples per site), suggesting field protocols could be tailored to maximize recruitment and retention of volunteers by minimizing the effort required to monitor each site. Many long‐term monitoring programmes might similarly benefit from evaluating the statistical trade‐offs between sampling breadth and intensity in their sampling designs.
Non-euclidean Data-Driven Modeling Using Graph Convolutional Neural Networks

So far in the previous chapters, we have utilized euclidean data for performing data-driven modeling. In Part IV of this book, we focus our attention on data-driven modeling algorithms for non-euclidean data. We specifically focus on developing algorithms for handling non-euclidean data present in cyber-physical systems. To this end, in this chapter we present a novel non-euclidean data-driven modeling approach using graph convolutional neural network.
Changing Olmec trade routes understood through Least Cost Path analysis

Abstract This paper uses Least Cost Path (LCP) analysis to explore travel routes between the Gulf Coast and Soconusco regions of Mexico. LCP results are compared between the two regions during the late Early Formative period (1400-1000 cal BC) when San Lorenzo was the largest Olmec center on the Gulf Coast and the Middle Formative period (1000-400 cal BC) when La Venta replaced it. We contrast the well-known Tobler Hiking Function and the less well known Anaya Hernandez method to determine the LCP routes for each period as well as to calculate changes required to make the voyage as one Gulf Coast center eclipsed the other. We compare LCP models with changing locations of political centers and with colonial-period accounts of actual travel through the region that allows us to infer the logic of Olmec era trade networks. Methodologically, we show how the Anaya Hernandez friction values for LCP analysis are more appropriate for mountainous environments as they more reliably model the importance of slope than the Tobler Function does. Substantively, we demonstrate how important population centers were located along LPC routes. Further, that beginning during the Middle Formative period there were more connections to the highlands of Chiapas and Guatemala than in earlier times.
Optimization of ZnO doped TiO2 nanopillars as photoanode for dye sensitized solar cells

Abstract Recent advances in nanotechnology have contributed to the development of engineered nanoscale materials as innovative prototypes to be used for various applications due to their unique features, including a large surface area, structural and optical properties. The introduction of low-cost, high-efficiency Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) have emerged as a potential alternative to the conventional thin film solar cells. In this work, hierarchical nanopillar layers of ZnO/TiO2 grown on TiO2 seed layer were synthesized successfully using a simple and cost- effective Spin coating and Hydrothermal methods. The synthesized sample was characterized by XRD, HR-SEM, UV-DRS, BET and Photoconductivity analysis. The XRD analysis reveals the structure and crystalline nature of the synthesized samples and the crystallite size was found to be 83 nm. The morphology and the average particle size of the synthesized sample were examined by the HR-SEM analysis from which the value was estimated to be 84 nm. UV-DRS analysis gives the absorbance spectrum of the sample in which the absorbance peak is located at 203 nm. Kubelka-Munk function was used to calculate the optical band gap which was found to be 2.7 eV. BET analysis indicates that the specific surface area of the sample with 25.29 m2/g and the field dependent dark and photoconductivity studies recorded greater conductivity owing to factors such as higher surface area and good optical studies. These results strongly suggest that the synthesized sample would be a promising material for solar cell applications especially as photoanode in DSSCs.
Oral fluconazole use in the first trimester and risk of congenital malformations: population based cohort study

Abstract Objective To examine the risk of congenital malformations associated with exposure to oral fluconazole at commonly used doses in the first trimester of pregnancy for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Design Population based cohort study. Setting A cohort of pregnancies publicly insured in the United States, with data from the nationwide Medicaid Analytic eXtract 2000-14. Participants Pregnancies of women enrolled in Medicaid from three or more months before the last menstrual period to one month after delivery, and infants enrolled for three or more months after birth. Interventions Use of fluconazole and topical azoles was established by requiring one or more prescriptions during the first trimester of pregnancy. Main outcome measures Risk of musculoskeletal malformations, conotruncal malformations, and oral clefts (primary outcomes), associated with exposure to oral fluconazole, diagnosed during the first 90 days after delivery, were examined. Results The study cohort of 1 969 954 pregnancies included 37 650 (1.9%) pregnancies exposed to oral fluconazole and 82 090 (4.2%) pregnancies exposed to topical azoles during the first trimester. The risk of musculoskeletal malformations was 52.1 (95% confidence interval 44.8 to 59.3) per 10 000 pregnancies exposed to fluconazole versus 37.3 (33.1 to 41.4) per 10 000 pregnancies exposed to topical azoles. The risks of conotruncal malformations were 9.6 (6.4 to 12.7) versus 8.3 (6.3 to 10.3) per 10 000 pregnancies exposed to fluconazole and topical azoles, respectively; risks of oral clefts were 9.3 (6.2 to 12.4) versus 10.6 (8.4 to 12.8) per 10 000 pregnancies, respectively. The adjusted relative risk after fine stratification of the propensity score was 1.30 (1.09 to 1.56) for musculoskeletal malformations, 1.04 (0.70 to 1.55) for conotruncal malformations, and 0.91 (0.61 to 1.35) for oral clefts overall. Based on cumulative doses of fluconazole, the adjusted relative risks for musculoskeletal malformations, conotruncal malformations, and oral clefts overall were 1.29 (1.05 to 1.58), 1.12 (0.71 to 1.77), and 0.88 (0.55 to 1.40) for 150 mg of fluconazole; 1.24 (0.93 to 1.66), 0.61 (0.26 to 1.39), and 1.08 (0.58 to 2.04) for more than 150 mg up to 450 mg of fluconazole; and 1.98 (1.23 to 3.17), 2.30 (0.93 to 5.65), and 0.94 (0.23 to 3.82) for more than 450 mg of fluconazole, respectively. Conclusions Oral fluconazole use in the first trimester was not associated with oral clefts or conotruncal malformations, but an association with musculoskeletal malformations was found, corresponding to a small adjusted risk difference of about 12 incidents per 10 000 exposed pregnancies overall.
Cardiac and lung endothelial cells in response to fluid shear stress on physiological matrix stiffness and composition.

Objective Preconditioning of endothelial cells from different vascular beds has potential value for re-endothelialization and implantation of engineered tissues. Understanding how substrate stiffness and composition affects tissue-specific cell response to shear stress will aid in successful endothelialization of engineered tissues. We developed a platform to test biomechanical and biochemical stimuli. Methods A novel polydimethylsiloxane-based parallel plate flow chamber enabled application of laminar fluid shear stress of 2 dynes/cm2 for 12 hours to microvascular cardiac and lung endothelial cells cultured on cardiac and lung-derived extracellular matrix. Optical imaging of cells was used to quantify cell changes in cell alignment. Analysis of integrin expression was performed using flow cytometry. Results Application of fluid shear stress caused the greatest cell alignment in cardiac endothelial cells seeded on polystyrene and lung endothelial cells on polydimethylsiloxane. This resulted in elongation of the lung endothelial cells. αv and β3 integrin expression decreased after application of shear stress in both cell types. Conclusion Substrate stiffness plays an important role in regulating tissue-specific endothelial response to shear stress, which may be due to differences in their native microenvironments. Furthermore, cardiac and lung endothelial cell response to shear stress was significantly regulated by the type of coating used.
The U Shaped Relationship Between High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and All-Cause or Cause-Specific Mortality in Adult Population.

Purpose The associations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) with mortality are still unclear. We explored the associations of HDL-C with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in an adult population. Methods Deaths were classified into all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. Survival curve, multivariate Cox regression, and subgroup analyses were conducted, and hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were performed. We fitted Cox regression models for all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality to evaluate their associations with categories of HDL-C (≤30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 [reference], 61-70, >70 mg/dL). Results A total of 42,145 (20,415 (48.44%) males, mean age 47.12±19.40 years) subjects were enrolled. At an average follow-up of 97.52±54.03 months, all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality numbers were 5,061 (12.01), 1,081 (2.56%), and 1,061 (2.52%), respectively. When compared with the reference group (HDL-C: 51-60 mg/dL), a U-shaped association was apparent for all-cause mortality, with elevated risk in participants with the lowest (≤30 mg/dL) (HR=1.33; 95% CI=1.14- 1.56) and highest (>70 mg/dL) (HR=1.14; 95% CI=1.02-1.27) HDL-C concentration. Associations for cardiovascular and cancer mortality were non-linear. An elevated risk for cancer mortality was observed in those with the highest HDL-C concentration (HR=1.06; 95% CI-0.84-1.34) compared with the reference group, although it was not statistically significant. The effect of HDL-C on mortality was adjusted by some traditional risk factors including age, gender, race, or comorbidities. Conclusion A U-shaped association was observed between HDL-C and all-cause mortality among an adult population.
CCCS: Customized SPICE-level Crossbar-array Circuit Simulator for In-Memory Computing

Resistive crossbar arrays are known for their unique structure to implement analog in-memory vector-matrix-multiplications (VMM). However, general-purpose circuit simulators, such as HSPICE and HSIM, are too slow for large scale crossbar array simulations with consideration of circuit parasitics. Although there are some specific simulators designed for crossbar arrays, they mainly focus on area/power/delay estimation rather than accurate SPICE-level simulation, thus could not model its functionality on analog in-memory computing. In this paper, we firstly give a SPICE-level modeling of resistive crossbar array with consideration of circuit parasitics in MATLAB. We also propose efficient methods to further speedup simulations by model simplifications. Last but not least, ResNet-20 on CIFAR-10 is applied to demonstrate the work. With the proposed model simplification methods, simulation speed can be improved by ~31X with tolerable errors, and more than 5X speedup is achieved on ResNet-20 while the accuracy drop is 6%.
Acute pericarditis in a patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection: a case report and review of the literature on SARS-CoV-2 cardiological manifestations

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to cause a cluster of flu-like illnesses and pneumonia with evolving understanding of other systemic manifestations. Currently, the known cardiac manifestations of COVID-19 include myocardial injury, acute coronary syndrome, and arrhythmias. In this report, we describe a case of pericarditis-an unusual cardiac manifestation observed in a patient with COVID-19. A 63-year-old male presented with history of fever, cough and chest pain. Electrocardiogram (EKG) demonstrated diffuse ST-T wave changes on all the leads, with normal troponin-T levels. Echocardiograph showed mild pericardial effusion without any regional wall motion abnormality. Subsequent chest radiograph and coronary angiography were normal. In view of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, nasopharyngeal swab was performed, which was positive. Detailed etiological workup for pericarditis, including infectious and inflammatory causes were unremarkable. Viral pericarditis (possibly caused by COVID-19) was diagnosis of exclusion and patient was treated with hydroxychloroquine 200 mg twice a day, colchicine 0.5 mg twice a day, and lopinavir/ritonavir 200 mg/50 mg tablet twice a day for 10 days during admission. He was discharged with hydroxychloroquine 200 mg twice daily and colchicine 0.5 mg once daily for 15 days. On subsequent follow-up clinic visit, he reported resolution of symptoms. The purpose of this report is to add a potential cardiovascular complication of COVID-19 to the literature. Awareness of this manifestation can lead to timely laboratory and imaging examinations with potential to provide correct treatment and good outcome.
Effect of Airfoil-Preserved Undulation Placement on Wing Performance and Wingtip Vortex

The effect of undulation placement (leading edge, trailing edge, or leading and trailing edges) on the wing performance and the wingtip vortex was investigated. Experiments were performed at the Un...
Severe tricuspid bioprosthetic valve stenosis as an unusual cause of pulmonary embolism: a case report

Background Bioprosthetic tricuspid valve stenosis (TS) is an uncommon and frequently under-diagnosed condition. Although the resulting right heart failure symptoms are well-known, the associated thrombogenic potential is under-recognized. Case summary A 44-year-old woman with bioprosthetic tricuspid valve (TV) replacement in 2001 was referred for urgent consultation due to acute worsening of dyspnoea and severe swelling and pain in her left arm and neck. She was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation 6 months before the presentation and was found to have right atrial (RA) thrombus with pulmonary embolism and extensive retrograde venous extension 1 month prior. Review of studies done at her local institution revealed 10 mmHg mean gradient (MG) across the bioprosthetic TV that was only reported as mild-moderate TS. Echocardiography done at our instruction confirmed suspicion of severe TS with calcified immobile leaflets. Computed tomography showed persistent RA thrombus and therefore surgical replacement of the TV was undertaken. Subsequently, patient's dyspnoea rapidly improved. Discussion Progressive dyspnoea and symptoms of right heart failure in a patient with a history of bioprosthetic TV replacement should be investigated for prosthetic valve dysfunction. Due to its rarity, TS diagnosis can be overlooked on routine echocardiography. In our patient, despite a measured MG of 10 mmHg, the presence of critical TS was not initially recognized. As TS is associated with increased thrombogenic potential and given the rare occurrence of in situ RA thrombosis, physicians must have a high index of suspicion for TS in the appropriate clinical context.
Cassini solstice mission maneuver expereince : year one

The Cassini-Huygens spacecraft began its four-year Prime Mission to study Saturn's system in July 2004. Two tour extensions followed: a two-year Equinox Mission beginning in July 2008 and a seven-year Solstice Mission starting in September 2010. This paper highlights Cassini maneuver activities from June 2010 through June 2011, covering the transition from the Equinox to Solstice Mission. This interval included 38 scheduled maneuvers, nine targeted Titan flybys, three targeted Enceladus flybys, and one close Rhea flyby. In addition, beyond the demanding nominal navigation schedule, numerous unforeseen challenges further complicated maneuver operations. These challenges will be discussed in detail.
Interlayer triplet energy transfer in Dion-Jacobson 2-dimensional lead halide perovskites containing naphthalene-diammonium cations

While interlayer triplet energy transfer has been studied in Ruddlesden-Popper 2D perovskites containing monovalent naphthalene cations, the photophysical properties of their Dion-Jacobson analogue have not been reported. Here we examine interlayer energy transfer in a series of mixed-halide Dion-Jacobson 2D perovskites containing divalent naphthalene cations. We find that sensitized phosphorescence in these compounds is dominated by naphthalene triplet excimer emission, but when the lead halide exciton is tuned near resonance with the triplet of naphthalene, emission from the naphthalene triplet monomer competes with triplet excimer formation. Interlayer energy transfer in these compounds is further supported by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy.
Exploring Potential Mediation Pathways on the Relationship Between Acculturation and Body Mass Index (BMI) Among Latino Adolescents.

Background:Positive associations have been observed between acculturation and body mass index (BMI), but the mediators of this relationship are not well established. Acculturation researchers have ...
Regularization and control of nonlinear differential-algebraic process systems

Addresses the control of nonlinear, high-index differential-algebraic-equation systems with measurable disturbances, for which the underlying algebraic constraints involve the manipulated inputs and the disturbances. A state-space realization of such systems can not be derived independently of the controller design. In view of this fact, the DAE system is modified by a feedforward/dynamic state feedback regularizing compensator such that the underlying algebraic constraints in the resulting modified system are independent of the new inputs and the disturbances. For this modified system, a state-space realization is derived that can be used for controller synthesis.
Making trust explicit in distributed commerce transactions

In a distributed environment where nodes are independently motivated, many transactions or commercial exchanges may be stymied due to a lack of trust between the participants. The addition of trusted intermediaries may facilitate some exchanges, but others are still problematic. We introduce a language for specifying these commercial exchange problems, and sequencing graphs, a formalism for determining whether a given exchange may occur We also present an algorithm for generating a feasible execution sequence of pairwise exchanges between parties (when it exists). Indemnities may be offered to facilitate previously infeasible transactions. We show when and how they enable commercial transactions.
The Bacillus subtilis ochre suppressor sup-3 is located in an operon of seven tRNA genes.

Abstract Most Bacillus subtilis tRNA genes have been isolated from lambda libraries by use of probes that hybridize to tRNA or rRNA sequences. None of those genes map to the region of the sup-3 mutation. By cloning of the sup-3 allele, a cluster of seven tRNA genes (the trnS operon) that had not been isolated by other methods was identified. In principle, this approach could be used to isolate at least one more predicted tRNA-containing operon in this bacterium. The trnS operon was shown to contain tRNA genes for Asn (GUU), Ser (GCU), Glu (UUC), Gln (UUG), Lys (UUU), Leu (UAG), and Leu (GAG). The sup-3 mutation was found to be a T-to-A transversion that changes the anticodon of the lysine tRNA from 5'-UUU-3' to 5'-UUA-3'. This result agrees with previous work that determined that the sup-3 mutation causes lysine to be inserted at ochre nonsense mutations.
Understanding Metabolic Regulation at a Systems Level: Metabolite Sensing, Mathematical Predictions, and Model Organisms.

Metabolic networks are extensively regulated to facilitate tissue-specific metabolic programs and robustly maintain homeostasis in response to dietary changes. Homeostatic metabolic regulation is achieved through metabolite sensing coupled to feedback regulation of metabolic enzyme activity or expression. With a wealth of transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data available for different cell types across various conditions, we are challenged with understanding global metabolic network regulation and the resulting metabolic outputs. Stoichiometric metabolic network modeling integrated with “omics” data has addressed this challenge by generating nonintuitive, testable hypotheses about metabolic flux rewiring. Model organism studies have also yielded novel insight into metabolic networks. This review covers three topics: the feedback loops inherent in metabolic regulatory networks, metabolic network modeling, and interspecies studies utilizing Caenorhabditis elegans and various bacterial diets that hav...
Adjustment of Iron Intake for Dietary Enhancers and Inhibitors in Population Studies: Bioavailable Iron in Rural and Urban Residing Russian Women and Children

Although determining iron intakes is essential in assessing adequacy of iron in the diet, estimating iron availability may be more useful for evaluating whether iron requirements are met. Our objectives were to describe the dietary information, analytical steps, and computer algorithms needed for iron bioavailability adjustments and to demonstrate the effects of various dietary factors on calculated iron absorption. Our study was based on 9890 women and children participating in the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey. Between August 1992 and February 1993, two 24-h recalls were collected from each participant, and total, heme and nonheme iron intakes were calculated. Nonheme iron availability was adjusted for meat, fish and poultry and vitamin C consumed in the same meal and then further adjusted for tea and phytates. We found mean total iron intakes to be comparable to those of women of reproductive age in the United States and lower than those of United States children. When these intakes were adjusted for enhancers and inhibitors of absorption, the iron bioavailability in these vulnerable Russian groups was extremely low. Mean bioavailable iron as well as the 25th-75th percentile ranges of intake were below the bottom of the range of requirements, indicating that iron adequacy in this population may be considerably less than expected based on total iron intakes alone. Furthermore, rural and urban food availability had a significant effect on iron bioavailability. Future research on dietary iron adequacy should be based on estimates of available iron by collecting meal-level dietary data and using detailed information on mixed dishes and phytates.
Family psychiatric history evidence on the nosological relations of DSM-IV ADHD combined and inattentive subtypes: new data and meta-analysis.

Background: A key issue in the nosology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has concerned whether the DSM-IV combined (ADHD-C) and primarily inattentive (ADHD-PI) subtypes are in fact distinct disorders, or instead are fairly closely related, perhaps differing only in severity. Pertinent to this question, but in short supply, are data on family psychiatric history. Method: We present new data followed by a meta-analysis. For the new data 210 children were well-characterized via structured interview and multi-informant ratings as ADHD-C or ADHD-PI. Three hundred and thirty-five parents completed structured diagnostic interviews to determine whether they had ADHD-C or ADHD-PI. Comorbid disorders were also assessed. For the meta-analysis, 6 existing family-history data sets using DSM-IV subtypes were pooled and analyzed (total N = 4120). Results: The new family study found support for subtype-specific transmission, but the effect was small. Girls with ADHD-C had more severe family psychiatric histories (non-ADHD disorders in parents) than girls with ADHD-I, but this subtype effect did not occur for boys. The meta-analysis of 6 data sets implemented a model-fitting methodology. Despite inconsistent results across individual studies, the pooled data consistently suggested that (1) some degree of subtype specific transmission is occurring, (2) the effect is small, (3) non-specific (gradient) transmission also occurs, specifically in families of children with ADHD-C. Conclusion: The much-debated relation between these two most prevalent ADHD subtypes is best modeled via two processes transmitting in families. One process is distinct for the two syndromes, and the other is shared. We briefly suggest neuropsychological models that would account for this state of affairs and suggest future research to refine the nosology with these findings in mind.
Canine corneal fibroblast and myofibroblast transduction with AAV5.

Objective The aims of this study were (1) to determine the efficacy of adeno-associated vector serotype 5 (AAV5) for delivering gene therapy to canine corneal fibroblasts (CCFs) and myofibroblasts (CCMs) using enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker gene and (2) to evaluate the cytotoxicity of AAV5 to CCFs and CCMs using an in vitro model. Methods Healthy donor canine corneas were used to generate primary CCFs by growing cultures in minimal essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Canine corneal myofibroblasts were produced by growing cultures in serum-free medium containing transforming growth factor β1 (1 ng/mL). An AAV5 titer (6.5 × 1012 μg/mL) expressing GFP under control of hybrid cytomegalovirus + chicken β-actin promoters (AAV5-gfp) was used to transduce CCF and CCM cultures. Delivered gene expression in CCFs and CCMs was quantified using immunocytochemistry, fluorescent microscopy, and real-time PCR. Transduction efficacy of the AAV5 vector was determined by counting DAPI-stained nuclei and EGFP-positive cells in culture. Phase-contrast microscopy, trypan blue, and dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays were used to determine the toxicity and safety of AAV5 in this canine corneal model. Results Topical AAV5 application successfully transduced a significant population of CCFs (42.8%; P < 0.01) and CCMs (28%; P < 0.01). Tested AAV5 did not affect CCF or CCM phenotype or cellular viability and did not cause significant cell death. Conclusions The tested AAV5 is an effective and safe vector for canine corneal gene therapy in this in vitro model. In vivo studies are warranted.