cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Delay analysis of scheduling policies in wireless networks

We consider a class of wireless networks with general interference constraints and heterogeneous transmission rates under single-hop traffic. The delay analysis of throughput optimal (queue length based) scheduling policies in such systems is extremely difficult due to complex correlations arising between the arrival, service and the queue length process. We use the underlying interference constraints to obtain a fundamental lower bound on the delay performance of any scheduling scheme for this system. We also present upper bounds for the performance of these networks operating under the well-known maximum weighted matching (MWM) scheduling policy.
Notes to Athene: Mentoring Relationships for Women of Color

This article describes the ways in which mentoring provides the means for women of color to gain entry and access into educational administration. Briefly, the authors sketch the mentoring relation...
Multimode power modeling and maximum-likelihood estimation

It is known that circuits exhibit multiple modes of power consumption due to various factors such as the presence of many feedback (or sequential) elements, RAM, large size, etc. Previous power-estimation techniques have largely ignored this fact. For example, Monte Carlo simulation-based power estimators tend to produce estimates for the average power consumption that corresponds only to the most probable power mode of the circuit. This can be a cause for trouble later in the design step. The aim of this paper is twofold. First, an algorithm is proposed that estimates the total number of power modes of a circuit based on simulated data. This is then followed by a maximum-likelihood estimation procedure that produces the average values of the power modes along with their probabilities of occurrence. Theoretical ideas are supported by experimental results for ISCAS '85 benchmark circuits and a large industrial circuit. The proposed method is shown to perform well by capturing the multiple power modes for both large and small circuits even when the number of simulated samples is small while the Monte Carlo estimator does not. We conclude with a note that the proposed method is also applicable to other model selection problems in VLSI.
Nuclear-Pumped Lasers

Soon after demonstration of the first laser, the idea was brought forward to use nuclear energy for excitation of lasers. For pre-1970 reference literature see Ref. 1. This was in the early sixties and, at that time, no commercial size power reactors were in operation. Yet proposals to extract energy out of reactors in the form of light instead of heat were brought forward (1–14). This looks like a bad anachronism, especially considering the difficulties that beset nuclear power today. However, one has to remember that the attitudes of the sixties led to the golden years of research. At that time, one was convinced that the advance of technology could solve most problems for society, and it was only natural that one wanted to cover all opportunities.
Evidence for reset of regulated cortisol in pregnancy: studies in adrenalectomized ewes

These studies test the hypothesis that the increased adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in pregnancy reflect a reset of regulated plasma cortisol concentrations. Ewes were sham operate...
Nuclear pore complex integrity requires Lnp1, a regulator of cortical endoplasmic reticulum

The nuclear envelope (NE) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are components of the same contiguous membrane system and yet have distinct cellular functions. Mounting evidence suggests roles for some ER proteins in the NE for proper nuclear pore complex (NPC) structure and function. In this study, we identify a NE role in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for Lnp1 and Sey1, proteins required for proper cortical ER formation. Both lnp1Δ and sey1Δ mutants exhibit synthetic genetic interactions with mutants in genes encoding key NPC structural components. Both Lnp1 and Sey1 physically associate with other ER components that have established NPC roles, including Rtn1, Yop1, Pom33, and Per33. Of interest, lnp1Δ rtn1Δ mutants but not rtn1Δ sey1Δ mutants exhibit defects in NPC distribution. Furthermore, the essential NPC assembly factor Ndc1 has altered interactions in the absence of Sey1. Lnp1 dimerizes in vitro via its C-terminal zinc finger motif, a property that is required for proper ER structure but not NPC integrity. These findings suggest that Lnp1's role in NPC integrity is separable from functions in the ER and is linked to Ndc1 and Rtn1 interactions.
Picosecond acid-base chemistry in clusters: phenol-(NH 3 ) n

The use of molecular clusters is proving to be an excellent medium for studying stepwise solvation.1-4 However, the existing body of work comprises steady state experiments.1-2 which are sensitive only to the equilibria of reactant and product. We report direct picosecond measurements of the rate constants for acid dissociation ka and geminate recombination k–a as a function of solvent cluster size for the seeded cluster system phenol-(NH3)n (henceforth ROH • Mn).3
Calibration of DSMC parameters for transport processes in ionized air mixtures

A systematic calibration of direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) collision model parameters is conducted for transport processes in high-temperature atmospheric entry conditions. The calibration is performed using collision integrals as the fitting metric over a range of temperatures. DSMC collision cross-section parameters are calibrated by matching the collision integrals from DSMC against ab initio based collision integrals that are currently employed in the Langley Aerothermodynamic Upwind Relaxation Algorithm (LAURA) and Data Parallel Line Relaxation (DPLR) high temperature CFD solvers. The calibration is performed using the Nelder-Mead Simplex algorithm for the Variable Hard Sphere (VHS) and Variable Soft Sphere (VSS) DSMC collision models. The VHS and VSS model parameters are computed for the collision-specific pairing approach. The resulting transport coefficients are computed and the best fit DSMC collision model parameters are reported for an eleven-species ionized air mixture over a temperature range of 1000K-20,000K. The VSS model with collision-specific pairing approach is recommended for achieving the highest level of consistency between CFD and DSMC transport processes. Using this approach the calibrated parameters provide agreement in the collision integrals and transport properties to within 6% over the temperature ranges examined in this work.
Attempts to Assay the Enterotoxic Substance Produced by Staphylococci by ParenteralInjection of Monkeys and Kittens

The detection of staphylococcus enterotoxic substance in foods suspected of causing outbreaks of food poisoning has generally resulted in failure due to the relative insusceptibility of animals to this substance when given orally. Monkeys and kittens have been shown to react to a much smaller dose of enterotoxic substance when it is administered parenterally rather than orally. The difficulty, however, is that cultures which produce the enterotoxic substance also elaborate other toxins which may cause vomiting when injected parenterally. Dolman,' in his work with kittens, has attempted to remove these other toxins by boiling or by treatment with formaldehyde. In view of the possibility of removing small amounts of enterotoxic substance by such treatment, we felt that other methods of removing nonenterotoxic poisons should be tried. In this investigation an attempt was made to remove these toxins by neutralizing them with immune serum. The antigenic properties of the enterotoxic substance have been questioned in the literature; Barber2 has presented evidence on both sides of the question, as have various workers in this laboratory (Dack, Jordan and Woolpert3). Dolman's experiments indicate that it is antigenic. From a practical point of view, this is an important question: if the enterotoxic substance has no antigenic activity, susceptible monkeys could be kept on hand and used repeatedly for assaying suspected food. In attempting to settle the question we have immunized monkeys with subcutaneous injections of filtrates of staphylococci of both food poisoning and nonfood-poisoning type, and compared the neutralizing properties of each type serum.
Deposition of Adherent Diamond Films on Sapphire Substrates

Sapphire is an important material for infrared-transmission applications and SOI device structures. The use of diamond as a protective coating for sapphire is a desirable, yet elusive process. The primary obstacle to the successful deposition of diamond on sapphire is the large mismatch in thermal expansion characteristics between the two materials. To overcome this problem, we have used a low temperature deposition process involving an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) assisted plasma CVD system. Continuous, adherent diamond films have been deposited over 1 to 2 cm2 areas. These films have been characterized for structural quality using Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction.
Evolution of DNA Sequences Toward Recognition of Metallic Armchair Carbon Nanotubes

The armchair carbon nanotube is an ideal system to study fundamental physics in one-dimensional metals and potentially a superb material for applications such as electrical power transmission. Synthesis and purification efforts to date have failed to produce a homogeneous population of such a material. Here we report evolutionary strategies to find DNA sequences for the recognition and subsequent purification of (6,6) and (7,7) armchair species from synthetic mixtures. The new sequences were derived by single-point scanning mutation and sequence motif variation of previously identified ones for semiconducting tubes. Optical absorption spectroscopy of the purified armchair tubes revealed well-resolved first- and second-order electronic transitions accompanied by prominent sideband features that have neither been predicted nor observed previously. Resonance Raman spectroscopy showed a single Lorentzian peak for the in-plane carbon–carbon stretching mode (G band) of the armchair tubes, repudiating the common...
Expectation and history of scienctific development on the drug clinical trials in China

Based on the overview and analysis of history,current status and critical roles of clinical trial in drug development in the world,this article brings forward definitely an viewpoint that drug clinical trial is a subject,and gives some consideration and suggestions to promote and accelerat drug clinical trial development in China.
CAN Bus and Its Applications in Missile Control System

The paper describes the characteristics of CAN(Controller Area Network) bus,message transmission of missile control system,the problems to be faced in missile control system based on CAN bus.We present the method and principle of message transmission in Bus.Some technique in applications of CAN bus will be presented in this paper.Application of CAN bus in control system can resolve the difficult problems and it makes control system have better attributes.
Inner flow field calculations for ducted propellers

The velocities induced by propellers and ducts were calculated in order to study the inner flow fields of ducted propellers.On the duct surface,panels along the axial direction were arranged by the cosine method and along the circumferential direction by the mean method.On the surface of the blade,panels along the span direction and the chord direction were both arranged by the cosine method.An iterative calculation method was used to derive the interaction between the duct and the propeller.The strength of the dipole and vortexes on the surface of the duct and the propeller were obtained when the calculation converged,then the inner flow fields of the ducted propellers were calculated by the Morino Method.The hydrodynamic performance of the ducted propellers was then established in the process of calculating the inner flow field.The induced velocities at the back or front of the propeller were analyzed and compared with open water conditions.The results indicated that the velocity induced by the duct is smaller because of the influence of the propeller,while the velocity induced by the propeller is larger because of the influence of the duct.
The molecularization of identity: science and subjectivity in the 21st century.

Recent advances in biological and computational technologies are changing the way different social groups imagine race, gender, kinship, citizenship and disease risk. Existing taxonomies are being displaced or reconfigured, impacting the ways in which people are governed, how lives are lived, how groups are known and how power is exercised. Herein we report on a two-day international symposium that we co-organized, titled ‘The molecularization of identity: science and subjectivity in the 21st century,’ that was held on 29–30 April 2016 at the Program on Science, Technology and Society, at Harvard University. The symposium drew upon the tools and expertise from multiple disciplines and diverse geographical regions and consisted of 24 original research presentations and an interdisciplinary roundtable. Specific attention was paid to the bioethical, material and lived dimensions of recent developments in molecular technologies, and discussions interrogated the complex ways in which the ‘molecular realm’ is an emerging site for constituting human identities in the 21st century. Herein we summarize some of the key findings of the conference and raise three further issues for practitioners and researchers to consider in relation to the broader impact of genetics research. Namely: transnational governance of emerging biotechnologies; representation of different interest groups in policy decisions; and rights of access to emerging technologies.
Media’s Influence on the Accessibility of Altruistic and Egoistic Motivations

Previous research suggests that media featuring exemplars of specific altruistic motivations can make those motivations more accessible in viewers’ minds. The present study extends this research to also examine egoistic motivations. We (a) developed a coding scheme to examine how frequently exemplars of altruistic and egoistic motivations appear in media content, (b) developed an intuitive motivation-affect misattribution procedure to measure the accessibility of altruistic and egoistic motivations, and (c) examined whether exposure to media content portraying specific motivations makes those motivations more accessible in audiences. The findings are discussed in terms of the model of intuitive morality and exemplars.
Natural Product Discovery through Improved Functional Metagenomics in Streptomyces

Because the majority of environmental bacteria are not easily culturable, access to many bacterially encoded secondary metabolites will be dependent on the development of improved functional metagenomic screening methods. In this study, we examined a collection of diverse Streptomyces species for the best innate ability to heterologously express biosynthetic gene clusters. We then optimized methods for constructing high quality metagenomic cosmid libraries in the best Streptomyces host. An initial screen of a 1.5 million-membered metagenomic library constructed in Streptomyces albus, the species that exhibited the highest propensity for heterologous expression of gene clusters, led to the identification of the novel natural product metatricycloene (1). Metatricycloene is a tricyclic polyene encoded by a reductive, iterative polyketide-like gene cluster. Related gene clusters found in sequenced genomes appear to encode a largely unexplored collection of structurally diverse, polyene-based metabolites.
The ventral dentate gyrus mediates pattern separation for reward value

Rats with ventral dentate gyrus (DG) lesions, sham lesions, and controls were run in a runway for 20 pellets of food. After reaching running speed asymptote, the number of pellets was reduced to 1, 9, or 17 pellets. The purpose of the present experiment was to determine whether the ventral DG subregion of the hippocampus plays a role in pattern separation for reward value. The results indicated that sham lesioned and control rats displayed a graded decrease in runway velocities, supporting a pattern separation process. In contrast, ventral DG lesioned rats continued to maintain runway velocities regardless of the reward-value shifts. The ventral DG lesion results do not appear to be due to hyperactivity but could be based on the idea that the ventral DG is part of a decision-making circuitry to predict goal-relevant reward outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record
A Comparative Study of Distribution and Promotion Strategies used by Multinational Versus Local Companies in Romania

The fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe in the late 1980s has opened a market of more than 200 million people who were deprived of most consumer goods and services for nearly half a century. Consequently, companies from around the world have rushed to these markets, making a presence in a variety of ways from mere exports to setting up large-scale manufacturing operations. Today the availability of goods and services in many of these former communist countries such as Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Romania has increased to such an extent that their marketplaces resemble that of Western European countries. Fashionable boutiques carrying internationally-known brands, such as Benetton, Gucci, Pierre Cardin, etc., are quite a familiar sight in downtown streets of Warsaw, Budapest, Prague and Bucharest (Brucan 1992). Many U.S.-based fast-food restaurants have set franchises in these countries that are doing flourishing business catering to the foreign tourists as well as the locals, who are eager to experience a piece of Western style living.
Total Laparoscopic Management for Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Requiring Multivisceral Resection.

Surgical resection of all sites of disease, in combination with effective systemic chemotherapy, offers the only potential chance for cure for patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC). Coordinated multistage resection using a minimally invasive approach may provide optimal oncologic outcome while potentially offering the benefit of decreased morbidity. A 66-year-old women presented with transverse colon cancer and synchronous metastasis (CRLM) in segment IV involving the middle hepatic vein and main left portal pedicle, as well as the left adrenal gland. Due to favorable response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (FOLFOX/bevacizumab), the patient was considered for resection but developed some obstructive symptoms from the primary tumor, necessitating re-coordination of treatment sequencing from the ‘liver-first’ approach. The first procedure combined laparoscopic subtotal colectomy (extracorporeal anastomosis) with left adrenalectomy. After restaging, CRLM was removed separately 2 months later via laparoscopic left hepatectomy extending beyond the middle hepatic vein. Successful completion of the two procedures depended on optimal patient/port positioning for the combined colon/adrenal surgery and the second-stage liver resection. Postoperative lengths of stay were 4 and 3 days, respectively, and were without complication. Adjuvant FOLFOX was initiated 21 days following liver surgery, and the patient has been disease-free for 36 months. This case illustrates the feasibility of the total laparoscopic approach to multivisceral resection for synchronous stage IV CRC in the context of a preplanned, staged multidisciplinary strategy. This approach may offer optimal cancer management, including early return to systemic therapy, shortened time intervals between stages, and minimal postoperative morbidity.1 – 3
Defect passivation in hybrid perovskite solar cells using quaternary ammonium halide anions and cations

The ionic defects at the surfaces and grain boundaries of organic–inorganic halide perovskite films are detrimental to both the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. Here, we show that quaternary ammonium halides can effectively passivate ionic defects in several different types of hybrid perovskite with their negative- and positive-charged components. The efficient defect passivation reduces the charge trap density and elongates the carrier recombination lifetime, which is supported by density-function-theory calculation. The defect passivation reduces the open-circuit-voltage deficit of the p–i–n-structured device to 0.39 V, and boosts the efficiency to a certified value of 20.59 ± 0.45%. Moreover, the defect healing also significantly enhances the stability of films in ambient conditions. Our findings provide an avenue for defect passivation to further improve both the efficiency and stability of solar cells. Losses in solar cells can be caused by material defects in the bulk or at interfaces. Here, Zheng et al. use quaternary ammonium halides to passivate various perovskite absorbers and prepare solar cells with certified efficiency above 20%, suggesting that both anionic and cation defects are affected.
Residents don't just look miserable… they really are.

Is the rite of passage of residency and fellowship a process of learning and maturing, or an exhausting and demoralizing experience that sets the stage for burnout? What factors can influence the start of burnout or help to promote wellness? It has become abundantly clear that physicians face a crisis not only of regulatory burdens, but also of a lack of well-being or burnout. This is especially true for neurologists. This does not begin with the graduation certificate from residency or fellowship, but instead the indicators for burnout are very much present early in their training—during residency. More than 50% of physicians in the United States meet the criteria for burnout, a well-recognized threat to the profession. Burnout disproportionately affects neurologists, and in this issue of Neurology ®, Levin et al.1 reveal that our next generation of colleagues are equally at risk.
Mechanisms regulating immune surveillance of cellular stress in cancer.

The purpose of this review is to explore immune-mediated mechanisms of stress surveillance in cancer, with particular emphasis on the idea that all cancers have classical hallmarks (Hanahan and Weinberg in Cell 100:57–70, 67; Cell 144:646–674, 68) that could be interrelated. We postulate that hallmarks of cancer associated with cellular stress pathways (Luo et al. in Cell 136:823–837, 101) including oxidative stress, proteotoxic stress, mitotic stress, DNA damage, and metabolic stress could define and modulate the inflammatory component of cancer. As such, the overarching goal of this review is to define the types of cellular stress that cancer cells undergo, and then to explore mechanisms by which immune cells recognize, respond to, and are affected by each stress response.
Movement disorder in GNAO1 encephalopathy associated with gain-of-function mutations.

Objective: To define molecular mechanisms underlying the clinical spectrum of epilepsy and movement disorder in individuals with de novo mutations in the GNAO1 gene. Methods: We identified all GNAO1 mutations reported in individuals with epilepsy (early infantile epileptiform encephalopathy 17) or movement disorders through April 2016; 15 de novo mutant alleles from 25 individuals were introduced into the Gα o subunit by site-directed mutagenesis in a mammalian expression plasmid. We assessed protein expression and function in vitro in HEK-293T cells by Western blot and determined functional Gα o -dependent cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) inhibition with a coexpressed α 2A adrenergic receptor. Results: Of the 15 clinical GNAO1 mutations studied, 9 show reduced expression and loss of function (LOF; 50 values for α 2A adrenergic receptor–mediated inhibition of cAMP. The GNAO1 LOF mutations are associated with epileptic encephalopathy while GOF mutants (such as G42R, G203R, and E246K) or normally functioning mutants (R209) were found in patients with movement disorders with or without seizures. Conclusions: Both LOF and GOF mutations in Gα o (encoded by GNAO1 ) are associated with neurologic pathophysiology. There appears to be a strong predictive correlation between the in vitro biochemical phenotype and the clinical pattern of epilepsy vs movement disorder.
Characterization of Small (< 4 cm) Focal Renal Lesions: Diagnostic Accuracy of Spectral Analysis Using Single-Phase Contrast-Enhanced Dual-Energy CT.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to determine whether single-phase contrast-enhanced dual-energy quantitative spectral analysis improves the accuracy of diagnosis of small (< 4.0 cm) renal l...
Coat Color Mutations, Animals

Coat color phenotypes are the result of complex interactions between hundreds of genes, only a fraction of which have been identified and characterized. Mutations that disrupt the function of the protein products of any of these genes result in the modification of phenotype and lead to the diversity of coat colors and patterns seen in animals. In an increasing number of instances, coat color phenotypes are associated with modifications in function in other organs/cell types. LYST, MC1R, TRPM1, and Agouti are a few examples of genes that influence coat color and other physiological functions.
Fibroblast-specific inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling attenuates lung and tumor fibrosis

TGF-β1 signaling is a critical driver of collagen accumulation and fibrotic disease but also a vital suppressor of inflammation and epithelial cell proliferation. The nature of this multifunctional cytokine has limited the development of global TGF-β1 signaling inhibitors as therapeutic agents. We conducted phenotypic screens for small molecules that inhibit TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition without immediate TGF-β1 receptor (TβR) kinase inhibition. We identified trihydroxyphenolic compounds as potent blockers of TGF-β1 responses (IC50 ~50 nM), Snail1 expression, and collagen deposition in vivo in models of pulmonary fibrosis and collagen-dependent lung cancer metastasis. Remarkably, the functional effects of trihydroxyphenolics required the presence of active lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), thereby limiting effects to fibroblasts or cancer cells, the major LOXL2 producers. Mechanistic studies revealed that trihydroxyphenolics induce auto-oxidation of a LOXL2/3-specific lysine (K731) in a time-dependent reaction that irreversibly inhibits LOXL2 and converts the trihydrophenolic to a previously undescribed metabolite that directly inhibits TβRI kinase. Combined inhibition of LOXL2 and TβRI activities by trihydrophenolics resulted in potent blockade of pathological collagen accumulation in vivo without the toxicities associated with global inhibitors. These findings elucidate a therapeutic approach to attenuate fibrosis and the disease-promoting effects of tissue stiffness by specifically targeting TβRI kinase in LOXL2-expressing cells.
Can a Single Muscle Fiber Model the Features of Myocardial Stunning

The exact mechanisms that cause myocardial stunning are still unclear. We previously utilized a computer model of the ventricle that was effective in modeling the dominant observable features of stunning, but it was not simple to implement. This led to the design of a single muscle fiber model. The mathematical model of a muscle fiber consisted of three elements: a contractile element, a series elastic element, and a parallel elastic element. The model created length waveforms based on time-dependent force and contractile stiffness functions. This model was initially evaluated by entering the same regional parameter values used in the global dual region ventricular model. First a reduction of the contractile stiffness function was applied by reducing the peak stiffness by 30%, and then the rates of activation and deactivation were reduced by 20% while maintaining the peak values constant. The three-element model produced results very similar to the canine and ventricular model. Thus, it is concluded that the simpler three-element model provides an accurate model of the myocardial tissue and its deficiencies during stunning.
The management of anticoagulation in patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange: A concise review

We surveyed multiple apheresis centers represented by the authors for their clinical approach to the management of anticoagulation issues during therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). We present the results of their practices and a review of the pertinent literature. As plasma is removed during TPE, replacement with all or partial non-plasma-containing fluids (eg, 5% albumin) may lead to significant changes in hemostasis. These changes are amplified in patients who are receiving anticoagulation. We discuss various anticoagulants as well as the monitoring and adjustment of anticoagulation before, during, and after TPE. No single guideline can be applied, but rather, patients must be monitored individually, taking into account their often complex clinical conditions and medication profiles.
Review-Physicochemical hydrodynamics of gas bubbles in two phase electrochemical systems.

Abstract Electrochemical systems suffer from poor management of evolving gas bubbles. Improved understanding of bubbles behavior helps to reduce overpotential, save energy and enhance the mass transfer during chemical reactions. This work investigates and reviews the gas bubbles hydrodynamics, behavior, and management in electrochemical cells. Although the rate of bubble growth over the electrode surface is well understood, there is no reliable prediction of bubbles break-off diameter from the electrode surface because of the complexity of bubbles motion near the electrode surface. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) are the most common experimental techniques to measure bubble dynamics. Although the PIV is faster than LDA, both techniques are considered expensive and time-consuming. This encourages adapting Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods as an alternative to study bubbles behavior. However, further development of CFD methods is required to include coalescence and break-up of bubbles for better understanding and accuracy. The disadvantages of CFD methods can be overcome by using hybrid methods. The behavior of bubbles in electrochemical systems is still a complex challenging topic which requires a better understanding of the gas bubbles hydrodynamics and their interactions with the electrode surface and bulk liquid, as well as between the bubbles itself.
Fast high-dimensional node generation with variable density

Abstract We present an algorithm for producing discrete distributions with a prescribed nearest-neighbor distance function. Our approach is a combination of quasi-Monte Carlo (Q-MC) methods and weighted Riesz energy minimization: the initial distribution is a stratified Q-MC sequence with some modifications; a suitable energy functional on the configuration space is then minimized to ensure local regularity. The resulting node sets are good candidates for building meshless solvers and interpolants, as well as for other purposes where a point cloud with a controlled separation-covering ratio is required. Applications of a three-dimensional implementation of the algorithm, in particular to atmospheric modeling, are also given.
Towards the Fourth Wave of Conflict Resolution Practice

This reflection chapter begins with a brief history of the events that have driven theory development in the field of conflict resolution, as well as the author’s own evolution and process in taking a leadership role in identifying the necessity of cultural consideration in conflict resolution. The four waves proposed in this book are discussed, particularly the fourth wave, which is the context of the projects in these chapters. Finally, the bigger picture is examined in terms of themes drawn from the chapters, including building power and empowerment, “cultures” of mediation, roles of mediators, tension between harmony and justice and general lessons learned. The chapter ends with a discussion of hybridity in the field, both past and present.
Myocardial adrenergic responsiveness after lethal and nonlethal doses of endotoxin

A dose-dependent impairment of intrinsic myocardial performance has been observed following in vivo administration of endotoxin. The present study reports a dose-dependent increase in plasma catecholamines following endotoxin (ET) that may impair beta-adrenergic responsiveness. Hearts were removed from pentobarbital-anesthetized rats 4 h after a bolus injection of saline or ET (1,000, 100, or 10 micrograms/100 g body wt) and were studied as isolated cell preparations following collagenase digestion. Responsiveness of isoproterenol-stimulated adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation in myocytes prepared from hearts of animals injected with 10 and 100 micrograms ET was decreased when compared with control rats and was significantly blunted in myocytes prepared from animals receiving 1,000 micrograms ET. Similar sensitivities of the cAMP system existed, as judged by similar half-maximum effective concentration values. cAMP accumulation in the presence of 1 microM forskolin was depressed in myocytes from the 1,000-microgram ET animals; beta-adrenergic receptor density was decreased 25% (P less than 0.05) in myocytes from high-dose ET animals when compared with control animals. This was accompanied by a nonsignificant reduction in the affinity of binding sites for (+/-) [3H]CGP 12177. The blunted myocyte hormonal responsiveness following ET challenge appears to be related to the decreased activity of the adenylate cyclase that may be attributed to alterations in both receptor density and in the adenylate cyclase itself.
Graph-Theoretical Model of Social Organization

Mary Douglas has proposed a theory of cultural analysis that focuses on two mechanisms for the control of social behavior. One is the totality of categorical distinctions, such as day and night. The other is the extent to which individuals experience their own identities through membership in social units. What distinguishes this theory from most others are the fundamental hypotheses that these two mechanisms are quantifiable and that they are operationally orthogonal. Anticipating their precise formulation, she has introduced the names grid and group for measured values of the total strength of these two respective mechanisms. Polytechnic models of grid and group have been developed and are described here. The outcome of an experiment partially confirming the reliability of grid measurements is also presented.
Dissolvable and Asymmetric Hydrogels as Components for Microfluidic Systems

We demonstrate the development of novel hydrogel materials by controlling the crosslink density. A pH-responsive hydrogel with a crosslink density gradient, created by laminar flow and diffusion, showed asymmetric swelling during volume transition. Hydrogels with cleavable crosslinkers have also been designed and fabricated inside microfluidic channels. Upon exposure to reagents that can chemically cleave such crosslinkers, the de-crosslinked hydrogels dissolve completely, making them promising as sacrificial structures and sensors for microfluidics.
Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis

The clinical features of an infected finger flexor tendon sheath have changed dramatically since the pre-antibiotic time of Kanavel. The hand surgeon is encountering increasing numbers of gram-negative and mixed organism infections, especially in immunocompromised patients or those with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus. The prognosis is directly related to the early recognition of the disease process and prompt surgical drainage and sheath irrigation, in combination with an appropriate antibiotic regimen. Despite appropriate management, some patients still develop significant complications. This possibility must be particularly recognized in diabetic and immunocompromised patient populations.
Norms, Nudges, and Autonomy

Liberal states traditionally rely on a reasonably narrow set of tools for engaging in social regulation. All of these tools are meant to change individual behaviors. Laws come with implicit force, financial regulations come with monetary carrots and sticks, and information provision informs people of the things that policymakers think they should know. Each of these is meant to guide individual choice making by changing how people evaluate their available options. Because this set of tools is meant to change individual behaviors, it is worth considering what implicit assumptions this set of tools makes about the individuals whose behaviors policymakers are looking to change. Behavioral and social science has not only found some limitations on existing policy tools but has also pointed in the direction of some new tools as well. This is because the model of human choice and behavior is now richer. Nudges and norms provide an expanded toolset for policymakers but raise interesting questions about the legitimacy of the state taking advantage of reductions in agency to achieve policy ends. I argue that this framing misconstrues the situation and suggest that the appropriate guide to any options in the policy tool kit is one of nurturing rather than inhibiting citizen autonomy. Sometimes, this will recommend the use of norms or nudges in place of the standard policy tools.
On-Chip Hybrid Silicon Quantum Dot Comb Laser with 14 Error-Free Channels

We present a quantum dot-based hybrid silicon comb laser using wafer bonding. Multimode interferometer-based on-chip mirrors and grating couplers are integrated on the silicon for wafer-level testing. We show error-free operation in 14 channels.
The value and need for new research on the U.S. Hispanic Catholic experience to build a stronger sense of communal belonging.

AbstractSocial scientific research on Catholic parishes serving Hispanic Catholics has not kept up with the fast growth of these communities in the United States, which constitute about a full quar...
Outcomes After Initial Unifocalization to a Shunt in Complex Tetralogy of Fallot With MAPCAs.

Background Our approach to tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) emphasizes early single-stage unifocalization and intracardiac repair. However, a subset of patients with small native pulmonary arteries (PAs) and MAPCAs undergo unifocalization to a shunt rather than simultaneous intracardiac repair. Methods Patients with TOF/MAPCAs who underwent complete unifocalization to a systemic-to-PA shunt by a single surgeon were reviewed. The decision to perform simultaneous intracardiac repair was based on an intraoperative flow study or empirical assessment of PA and MAPCA size. Results From November 2001 to December 2017, 57 patients with TOF/MAPCAs underwent unifocalization to a shunt at a median age of 6.9 months. Genetic abnormalities were documented in 60% of patients, including a chromosome 22q11 deletion in 25 and Alagille syndrome in 8. Twenty patients (35%) had undergone prior surgery elsewhere (n = 16) and/or at our center (n = 7). During a median follow-up of 5.4 years, 9 patients had additional surgery to revise the PA reconstruction before complete repair, and 38 patients underwent complete repair. Five years after unifocalization, survival was 74% ± 6%. At follow-up, the median PA to aortic systolic pressure ratio was 0.36 and was greater than 0.50 in 2 patients. Conclusions In patients with the smallest MAPCAs and PAs, single-stage unifocalization to a shunt followed by intracardiac repair yields an excellent outcome in most cases.
Implementation of a self-tuned HVAC controller to satisfy occupant thermal preferences and optimize energy use

Abstract This paper presents the development of a self-tuned HVAC controller that provides customized thermal conditions to satisfy occupant preferences (i.e., online learning) while minimizing energy consumption, and the implementation of this controller in a real occupied office space. The evolution of personalized thermal preference models and the delivery of thermal conditions with model predictive control (MPC) form a closed-loop. To integrate these two parts, we propose a new method that always provides a set of lower and upper indoor temperature bounds. Different from ad hoc rules proposed in previous research, the control bounds are based on a decision-making method that minimizes the expected cost. We implemented the self-tuned controller in an actual open-plan office space conditioned with a radiant floor cooling system with eight independently controlled loops. Localized operative temperature bounds in each radiant floor loop were determined based on occupants’ feedback and personalized thermal preference models, developed using a Bayesian clustering and online classification algorithm. The self-tuned controller can decrease occupant dissatisfaction compared to a baseline MPC controller, tuned based on general comfort bounds. To generalize the findings of this work: (i) we integrated the self-tuned controller with local MPC into a building simulation platform using synthetic occupant profiles, and (ii) demonstrated a method for automatic system adjustment based on comfort-energy trade-off tuning. In this way, decisions resulting in energy waste or occupant dissatisfaction are eliminated, i.e., the energy is deployed where it is actually needed.
Giant leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala subsp. glabrata): a versatile tree-legume for sustainable agroforestry

Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena) is one of the 22 Leucaena species that originated in Central America. There are two major subspecies of leucaena, L. leucocephala subsp. glabrata (giant leucaena) and L. leucocephala subsp. leucocephala (common leucaena). Giant leucaena is a medium size fast-growing tree important for agroforestry while common leucaena is a small bushy shrub that is considered to be an invasive weed. Giant leucaena can be grown as a woody tree of up to ~ 20 m in height or maintained as a bushy fodder legume by repeated harvest of its foliage several times a year. Giant leucaena grown for fodder can produce forage dry mater yield of up to 34 Mg ha−1 year−1. High forage yield together with high protein content makes leucaena an ideal fodder legume for the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Although mimosine present in the leucaena foliage has toxicity, it should not be a big concern because ruminants can be successfully inoculated with the mimosine-metabolizing rumen bacterium Synergistis jonesii. Alternatively, mimosine present in the leucaena foliage can be removed easily and inexpensively through simple processing. Giant leucaena cultivars are generally free from diseases and are highly tolerant to drought. Although infestation by psyllids may be a problem, a number of psyllid-resistant cultivars of giant leucaena have been developed through interspecies hybridization. The wood of giant leucaena can be used for timber, paper pulp, or biofuel production. Leucaena foliage and wood may serve as raw materials for development of new industry for production of phytochemicals such as mimosine, tannins and anthocyanins, wood products, and high-protein animal feed for farm animals in the future.
Nitrous oxide anesthetic versus total intravenous anesthesia for functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Background Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a common procedure for sinonasal disease, frequently performed in the outpatient setting. General anesthesia maintained with total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol has been shown to give superior surgical conditions compared to inhaled anesthetics. This study evaluated the effects of TIVA versus a predominantly nitrous oxide (N2 O)-based anesthetic with a low-dose propofol and remifentanil infusion on sinus surgery. Methods Patients were randomized to either a N2 O-based (nitrous oxide with propofol and remifentanil) or TIVA (propofol and remifentanil without nitrous oxide) group. The surgeon was blinded to the anesthetic technique. Surgical field grading was performed in real time by the otolaryngologist every 15 minutes with the Boezaart grading system. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the Boezaart scores, duration of surgery, or estimated blood loss between the two anesthetic techniques. However, the use of N2 O provided a statistically significant, 38% reduction in time from surgery end to extubation. The TIVA group had significantly decreased mean and median pain scores in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). There was no difference in the rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting between the two groups. Conclusion A N2 O-based anesthetic for functional endoscopic sinus surgery provides similar intraoperative and postoperative conditions when compared to TIVA, while being superior in terms of time to extubation. Although the TIVA group had significantly decreased pain scores, this did not lead to a decrease in pain medicine received in the PACU, and there was no difference between groups in time to discharge. Level of evidence 1b Laryngoscope, 130:E299-E304, 2020.
Using HECTOR for Cross Section Measurements of 102Pd(p,γ)103Ag

The High EffiCiency TOtal absorption spectrometeR (HECTOR) consists of 16 scintillating crystals that are made of thallium-doped sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)). Each of the crystals is coupled to two photomultiplier tubes (PMT) and the detector is oriented to create a cubic array surrounding a target. This cubic array orientation allows for simultaneous measurements of the individual gamma (γ) rays produced during the de-excitation of the reaction products, creating a coverage of nearly 4π steradian. HECTOR was constructed to measure capture reactions relevant for the nucleosynthesis process at low energies. The work presented here focuses on a (p,γ) reaction on 102Pd, one of the p-nuclei produced during the p-process. The experiment was conducted at the University of Notre Dame using the FN tandem accelerator at the Nuclear Science Lab. A highly enriched 102Pd target was bombarded with a proton (p) beam at energies between 3.5 and 8.0 MeV in 200 keV steps. The measured cross section is compared with experimental data found in literature and theoretical models.
Ecosystem-specific growth responses to climate pattern by a temperate freshwater fish

Abstract Somatic growth patterns among animal populations are maintained through complex processes that vary among ecosystems. Changes in growth patterns may be concomitant with changes in climate; however, understanding how growth will manifest among ecosystems is limited. Information embedded within fish hard-parts (i.e., otoliths, spines, vertebrae) can account for variation in growth patterns resulting from changing climate conditions. Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus is a freshwater fish species widely distributed across North America with limited information regarding climate influences on growth and differences in climate-growth relations among ecological systems. We assessed growth (total length) response to changing climate conditions for channel catfish among three waterbody types—pit lakes, irrigation and power-generation reservoirs, and flood-control reservoirs in Nebraska, USA. We used linear mixed-effect models and an information theoretic approach to assess the relative strengths among competing hypotheses. The most supported linear mixed-effect model of channel catfish growth was a function of fish age and an interaction between waterbody type and growing-degree-day (GDD). A positive trend existed in GDD from 1990 through 2008 whereby the predicted increase in GDD among waterbody types ranged from 182 GDD to 189 GDD. The predicted change in channel catfish growth resulting from increased GDD ranged from 1% to 39% among waterbody types. Channel catfish population rate functions, thus, may not respond similarly to climate conditions across ecosystem types. Changes in climate variables may contribute to system-specific responses in population dynamics for channel catfish as well as other similar freshwater species. The establishment of relations between climate and growth variables for a freshwater generalist with a plastic diet and broad temperature tolerance serves as an indication of the breadth of responses possible for freshwater fishes under global changes in climate conditions.