cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards Composing Data Aware Systems Biology Workflows on Cloud Platforms: A MeDICi-Based Approach

Cloud computing is being increasingly adopted for deploying systems biology scientific workflows. Scientists developing these workflows use a wide variety of fragmented and competing data sets and computational tools of all scales to support their research. To this end, the synergy of client side workflow tools with cloud platforms is a promising approach to share and reuse data and workflows. In such systems, the location of data and computation is essential consideration in terms of quality of service for composing a scientific workflow across remote cloud platforms. In this paper, we describe a cloud-based workflow for genome annotation processing that is underpinned by MeDICi -- a middleware designed for data intensive scientific applications. The workflow implementation incorporates an execution layer for exploiting data locality that routes the workflow requests to the processing steps that are colocated with the data. We demonstrate our approach by composing two workflows with the MeDICi pipelines.
Analysis of Char Combustion Including the Effect of Pore Enlargement

The combustion of char particles including the effects of external mass transfer, surface reaction, pore diffusion, and pore growth is analyzed theoretically. A random pore model is used to relate pore surface area, pore volume and effective diffusivity to the local burnoff. The equations for oxygen concentration and burnoff as functions of time and position are solved analytically for the limiting case of strong diffusional limitations (high temperature or particle size) and numerically for the general case. The results include the variation of particle size and density with burnoff under conditions pertinent to pulverized and fluidized combustion. The analysis is compared with previous analyses from the literature.
Market-based control of shear structures utilizing magnetorheological dampers

The use of magnetorheological (MR) dampers for control of structures subject to seismic, wind, and/or other excitations has been an extensive field of study for over a decade. Many of the proposed feedback control laws have been based on modern linear systems control theory, e.g. linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control. Alternatively, this paper presents a nonlinear controller that explicitly handles the dynamic force saturation limits of MR dampers, a feature not available in the design of linear controllers. The nonlinear controller builds on an agent-based control (ABC) architecture with a diverse agent population. Agents can be characterized as buyers or sellers capable of sensing and control respectively. These agents participate in a competitive market place trading control energy in a way that leads to Pareto optimal agent utilities at each control time step. The ABC architecture allows for easy implementation with inexpensive partially-decentralized large-scale wireless sensing and control networks. This novel controller is validated with a numerical simulation of a seismically excited six story shear structure with MR dampers at the base of V-braces installed on each story. The controller, deemed a ‘market-based controller’ (MBC) due to the optimization of agent utilities in control force markets, is compared against a benchmark LQG controller in a variety of test cases.
Relationship of regional wall motion abnormalities detected by biplane transesophageal echocardiography and electrocardiographic changes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Background: It has been demonstrated that new regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs) are infrequently associated with electrocardiographic (ECG) ischemic changes during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The evaluation of apical or basal areas by biplane transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) may clarify the relationship between RWMA and ECG changes. Methods: Biplane TEE and ECG (leads II and V5) were continuously monitored in a total of 98 patients undergoing CABG surgery to determine the incidence and characteristics of RWMAs and to relate these findings to ECG changes. Results: Twenty-four new RWMAs were detected in 21 (21%) patients. Incidences of new RWMAs in each view were found to be as follows: 12 (50%) in short-axis view (SAV); 5 (21%) in long-axis view (LAV); and 7 (29%) in both views. Ten of the 24 new RWMA episodes (42%) corresponded to ECG ischemic changes. These new ECG changes were significantly more common when the new RWMAs appeared on both views (86%) as compared with the LAV alone (0%) (p 3), new RWMAs were significantly (p Conclusion: Biplane TEE provides additional information about spatial distribution of new RWMAs. This study was the first to demonstrate that a clear relationship between TEE and ECG ischemia exists. When these new RWMAs exhibited a large spatial distribution, the frequency of ECG ischemic changes increased.
A distributed, object-oriented framework for medical image management and analysis: application to evaluation of medical image segmentation techniques

A distributed framework for medical image management and analysis is described. Individual program modules interact over the network, creating and accessing a set of structural information resources that includes images, anatomic shape models, anatomic names, and contours which are the output of a knowledge-based segmentation program. Program modules are described that automatically evaluate the segmenter on large number of images, thereby allowing more robust testing of segmentation techniques than is currently possible in manual evaluations. It is suggested these kinds of programs will not only improve the evaluation of segmentation techniques, but will also enhance the overall utility of medical Picture Archiving and Communication Systems. >
The storm morphology of deadly flooding events in the United States

This study investigates the synoptic and mesoscale environments associated with deadly flooding events in the United States from 1996 to 2005. A manual environment classification scheme, which includes analyses of surface charts, 500 hPa maps, and composite radar data (where available), is utilized to ascertain the primary ascent mechanisms and storm types producing these fatal flood events. Of the ten classifications in the scheme, the two most dominant ascent mechanisms associated with deadly floods include frontal boundaries (45%) and tropical systems (22%). Findings illustrate that mesoscale convective systems were responsible for 36% of the total number of flood fatalities over the period. The ten classifications are spatially and temporally analysed in order to assess region-specific risks associated with deadly flooding events. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Hip Surgery Candidates: A Comparative Study of Hip Osteoarthritis and Prior Hip Fracture Patient Characteristics

Aim: To assess similarities and differences in patient-related characteristics before and after surgery for painful disabling hip osteoarthritis among elderly subgroups with and without a trauma history. Method: First, a cohort of 1000 hospitalized patients were assessed for trends in: perceived duration of the condition, pain intensity, functional performance ability, walking distance, body mass, and comorbidity characteristics among other fac- tors. Then, the most salient of these patient-related characteristics were compared between 42 cases of hip osteoarthritis without a trauma history and 42 cases with a trauma history matched for age and gender, using medical records and stan- dard data recording and analysis procedures. Results: Hip osteoarthritis cases with a prior hip fracture history had a longer duration of disability, and were more im- paired functionally before surgery (p < 0.05) than those with no such history. They also had lower leg muscle strength and used more assistive devices. Conclusion: Patients undergoing hip replacement surgery for painful hip osteoarthritis who have a hip fracture history are likely to be more impaired and disabled than those with no such history.
Birds adjust acoustic directionality to beam their antipredator calls to predators and conspecifics.

Animals in many vertebrate species vocalize in response to predators, but it is often unclear whether these antipredator calls function to communicate with predators, conspecifics or both. We evaluated the function of antipredator calls in 10 species of passerines by measuring the acoustic directionality of these calls in response to experimental presentations of a model predator. Acoustic directionality quantifies the radiation pattern of vocalizations and may provide evidence about the receiver of these calls. We predicted that antipredator calls would have a lower directionality if they function to communicate with surrounding conspecifics, and a higher directionality and aimed at the receiver if they function to communicate with the predator. Our results support both of these functions. Overall, the birds produce antipredator calls that have a relatively low directionality, suggesting that the calls radiate in many directions to alert conspecifics. However, birds in some species increase the directionality of their calls when facing the predator. They can even direct their calls towards the predator when facing lateral to it—effectively vocalizing sideways towards the predator. These results suggest that antipredator calls in some species are used to communicate both to conspecifics and to predators, and that birds adjust the directionality of their calls with remarkable sophistication according to the context in which they are used.
A review of the chemical and physical mechanisms of the storage stability of fast pyrolysis bio-oils

Understanding the fundamental chemical and physical aging mechanisms is necessary to learn how to produce a bio-oil that is more stable during shipping and storage. This review provides a basis for this understanding and identifies possible future research paths to produce bio-oils with better storage stability.
False Passage: A Complication of 360° Suture Trabeculotomy

F c s t he use of suture material to perform trabeculotomy as first described by Smith in 1960. The technique as subsequently refined by Beck and Lynch in 1995 hen they presented a series of 26 eyes undergoing 60° trabeculotomy using a single length of 6-O olypropylene suture. In this new modification, a suure fragment is passed through the entire length of chlemm’s canal via a partial thickness scleral flap. nce passed, the 2 free ends of the suture are pulled, pening all 360° of the angle as the suture tears into he anterior chamber. The potential advantage of this echnique is the ability to open the entire angle hrough only one incision during a single surgical rocedure. By contrast, conventional trabeculotomy ith metal trabeculotomes is only able to open onehird to one-half of the angle circumference at a single ession and would require at least 2 separate incisions o complete for 360° angle surgery. This report decribes a potential complication of suture trabecuotomy; false passage into the subscleral (suprachoroial) space.
Effect of Biomass Inlet Concentration on Mixing in a Double Screw Pyrolyzer

The renewable energy industry relies on double screw pyrolyzers to convert cellulosic biomass into bio-oil. Bio-oil can then be converted into synthetic gasoline, diesel, and other transportation fuels, or can be converted into biobased chemicals for a wide range of applications. One of the processes by which bio-oil is produced in industry today is through fast pyrolysis, the fast thermal decomposition of organic material in the absence of oxygen. One type of pyrolyzer, a double screw pyrolyzer, features two intermeshing screws encased in a reactor which mechanically conveys and mixes the biomass and heat carrier media. The mixing effectiveness of the two materials in the pyrolyzer is directly correlated to the bio-oil yield — the better the mixing, the higher the yields. This study investigates the effects of varying biomass inlet concentrations on mixing effectiveness. Using 300–500 μm glass beads as simulated heat carrier media and 500–6350 μm red oak particles as biomass, a cold-flow double screw mixer with 360° of optical access and full sampling capabilities was used to collect mixing data. Advanced optical visualization and composition analysis paired with statistical analysis was used to evaluate the effects of varying the biomass inlet concentrations. Biomass inlet concentrations in terms of glass beads to red oak mass flow rate ratios (GB:RO) of 10:1, 20:1, 30:1, 40:1, and 50:1 were investigated, and correspond to biomass mass fractions of 9%, 4.7%, 3.2%, 2.4% and 1.9%. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis indicates that a counter rotating down pumping particle flow is best, and smaller biomass inlet concentrations noticeably reduce mixing effectiveness.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Constitutive expression of interleukin-1α precursor promotes human vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation plays a critical role in the failure of vascular surgeries and contributes to the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Evidence that interleukin-...
Comorbidities of Chronic Complete Right Bundle Branch Block and Correlations With Coronary Angiographic Findings.

Abstract Background This is a prospective, observational review of medical records to investigate the associated comorbidities and angiographic anatomy in patients with chronic right bundle branch block (RBBB). Methods The analyses of 32,345 consecutive electrocardiograms (EKGs) between October 2010 and January 2012 revealed 583 patients with RBBB. The common comorbidities associated with RBBB were hypertension (82%), diabetes (42%), coronary artery disease (CAD) (44%), valvular heart disease (aortic — 16% and mitral — 17%) and pulmonary disease (33%). Demographic data including age, sex, EKG and associated comorbidities were analyzed from the medical records. Coronary angiograms within 6 months of EKG in patients with RBBB were available for 184 patients and were accordingly analyzed for significant obstructive CAD. Results In all, 33 patients had single-vessel disease, 52 patients had 2-vessel disease, and 87 patients had multivessel disease whereas 12 patients had no significant disease. Left anterior descending artery was the most frequent vessel involved (72%) followed by left circumflex (58%) and right coronary artery (53%). Conclusions In conclusion, in chronic RBBB, wherever the angiograms were available, CAD predominantly involved left anterior descending artery. Most common associated comorbidities in chronic RBBB were systemic hypertension and CAD.
Executive function in at-risk children: Importance of father-figure support and mother parenting

Given the dearth of research about father-figures' influence on children's cognitive development, we investigated the impact of father support, together with maternal parenting, on children's executive function (EF) in the lab (42 and 54 mo.) and at school (K - 3rd grade) in a longitudinal, prospective, at-risk sample (N = 182) using path analysis. Both mother parenting and father-figure support significantly predicted child EF. In the final model, concurrent father-figure support was associated with child EF in both early and middle childhood, and mother parenting in early childhood predicted middle childhood EF. Attachment status moderated the path from mother parenting to early childhood lab EF; mother parenting significantly predicted early childhood EF only for securely attached participants. Findings suggest that both mothers and fathers are important for the development of EF in at-risk children, and point to the importance of including fathers in research and interventions.
Synthesizing broadband low-loss artificially engineered materials (Aka Metamaterials) for antenna applications

In this work, we discuss ways to mitigate several problem with Metamaterials (MTMs), and discuss strategies for artificially synthesizing dielectric materials that are broadband and low-loss and, hence, are useful for real-world antenna applications involving low-profile flat lenses and reflectarrays, for example.
Using Grassland Agricultural Systems to Ensure the Food Security

There are many ways to achieve the national food security in China:establishing and improving sustainable grassland agriculture system by transformation of the agricultural system;ensuring development of agricultural systems by innovation of management system;cultivating new economical growth points of agricultural system;enhancing ecosystem productivity by further exploring the potentiality of agro-system.To increase investment in grassland and to form the food security system which is based on grassland agriculture systems were suggested.
THE STUDY ON 3D VISUAL RESERVOIR CHARAC- TERISTIC OF THE CHANG 6TH MEMBER OF FUXIAN EXPLORATION AREA

Using the method of three-stage stochastic modeling, the 3D visual reservoir characteristic of the Chang 6th member of Yanchang formation in Fuxian exploration area of Erduoshi basin was studied. And the refined characteristic of such physical parameters as porosity and permeability in 3D area was described by stochastic modeling with sedimentary microfacies. However, the successful application of the results was propitious to find out the best target around the workaround.
Quantitation and Stability of Cholinergic Receptors In Human Bladder Tissue from Post Surgical and Postmortem Sources

Ligand binding for cholinergic muscarinic receptors with (3H) quinuclidinyl benzilate was performed on human detrusor smooth muscle from post surgical and postmortem sources. Following cystectomy, detrusor smooth muscle was serially sampled over an interval of 0 to 9 hours. (3H) quinuclidinyl benzilate binding on individual samples indicated that the total receptor density remained relatively unchanged. Postmortem specimens obtained from patients ranging in age from 1 day to 82 years were also assayed and the cholinergic receptor density was found to range between 18.4 to 82.1 fmoles/mg. of protein. All of the affinity constants from both sources were also in a relatively narrow range of 20.0 to 99.0 pmolar. The results of this study provide evidence for the usefulness of postmortem human tissue for evaluating cholinergic receptors in normal and dysfunctional bladder states.
Quantum noise properties of phase conjugate mirrors

We investigate theoretically the quantum electrodynamic properties of the phase conjugation process. Based on the requirement that the reflected (conjugate) field must obey proper communication relations,1 we find that the reflected field contains a noise contribution due to the phase conjugate mirror (PCM). To calculate the statistical properties of the field leaving the PCM, we use the diagonal coherent state representation for the density operator of the reflected field.
Number of groups and group size

Introduction The optimum size of a focus group discussion is determined by the topic of discussion, the type of participants and the level of detail required in the discussion. The number of group discussions to conduct will vary by research project and is influenced by the nature and scope of the research topic, the level of segmentation of the study population and by the resources available for the research. The number of group discussions will also determine the size of the research project, as it will directly influence the volume of data generated and the complexity of the data analysis, and will determine the resources required for data collection and analysis. Therefore, the number of focus groups to conduct needs to be given careful consideration. Essentially the number of groups to conduct will be a balance between the resources available and gaining the information necessary to adequately address the research question. However, regardless of resources, it is important to make informed and justified decisions about the number of groups to conduct and the group size. This chapter identifies the range of methodological and practical issues which influence decisions on group size and the number of focus groups to conduct in a study. It also highlights common situations that arise during the fieldwork which may compromise the desired group size for the research project, and how to manage these situations. Group size Typically a focus group discussion will comprise between six and ten participants, with an average of eight.
Modified bus invert encoding to reduce capacitive crosstalk, power and inductive noise

As Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits are shrinking aggressively, interconnect length is becoming longer. So interconnect power consumption due to capacitive coupling is increasing. Again, as operating frequency is increasing and rising time is very short, the inductance effect between interconnects can no longer be ignored. So, capacitive coupling and inductive coupling are both power and performance bottlenecks of modern interconnect design. In our paper, we have proposed an encoding method of data based on odd and even inverts of encoding. Our simulation results show that peak power is due to capacitive coupling and can be reduced up to 43.64%. Average power consumption decreases by 17.38%. Inductive ringing can be minimized up to 83.33% at logic high level and up to 30% at logic low level.
Biomarker-based risk prediction in the community.

Aims Guided by predictive characteristics of cardiovascular biomarkers, we explored the clinical implications of a simulated biomarker-guided heart failure (HF) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) prevention strategy in the community. Methods and results In a community cohort (n = 1824), the predictive characteristics for HF and MACE of galectin-3 (Gal-3), ST2, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hscTnI), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were established. We performed number needed to screen (NNS) and treat (NNT) with the intervention analyses according to biomarker screening strategy and intervention efficacy in persons with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. In the entire cohort, for both HF and MACE, the predictive characteristics of NT-proBNP and hscTnI were superior to other biomarkers; alone, in a multimarker model, and adjusting for clinical risk factors. An NT-proBNP-guided preventative intervention with an intervention effect size (4-year hazard ratio for intervention in biomarker positive cohort) of ≤0.7 would reduce the global burden of HF by ≥20% and MACE by ≥15%. From this simulation, the NNS to prevent one HF event or MACE in 4 years would be ≤100 with a NNT to prevent one HF event of ≤20 and one MACE of ≤10. Conclusions The predictive characteristics of NT-proBNP and hscTnI for HF or MACE in the community are superior to other biomarkers. Biomarker-guided preventative interventions with reasonable efficacy would compare favourably to established preventative interventions. This data provides a framework for biomarker selection which may inform design of biomarker-guided preventative intervention trials.
Dorsal Hippocampal–Dependent Episodic Memory Inhibits Eating

Research regarding how the brain regulates eating behavior has focused largely on homeostatic (i.e., need-based) and hedonic (i.e., pleasure-based) controls. By contrast, there is a large gap in ou...
Philocleon’s Fables: Ancient Storytelling and a Modern Analogue

“Come now,” Bdelycleon says to his father Philocleon, “do you know how to tell serious stories? Men will be present who are clever and know a lot.” Philocleon suggests stories of Lamia or little kneading trough and its mother, but Bdelycleon has a different kind in mind: “Not fairy-tales, but stories of people, the kind we tell most often, normal stories.”1 (Ar. Vesp. 1174–81).
Minerals, vitamin C, phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of Amaranthus leafy vegetables.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate mineral, vitamin C, phenolic and flavonoid concentrations and antioxidant activity levels in 15 leafy Amaranthus species. Across species, the concentration ranges of Ca, K, Mg, P and phenolics, and activity ranges of antioxidants in amaranth leaves were 1.5–3.5 mg/g, 5.5-8.8 mg/g, 1.8–4.5 mg/g, 0.5–0.9 mg/g, 3.2–5.5 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, and 38–90 μmol Trolox equivalents/g (all values on a fresh weight [FW] basis), respectively. Amaranthus acanthochiton had the highest concentrations of Ca, Mg, Ni, Zn, and A. deflexus and A. viridis had the highest concentrations of Fe. A serving of any of the Amaranthus leaves (1 cup; 30 g FW) would contribute from 13 to 34% of the daily value (DV) of Mg (DV = 400 mg; as established by the US Food and Drug Administration), and up to 68% of the DV of vitamin C (DV = 60 mg). In addition, A. acanthochiton would be considered a good source of Ca, Mn and Mo (10%–19% of the DV), and an excellent source of Mg and vitamin C (20% or more of the DV). Amaranth leafy vegetables should be promoted as a dietary source of essential nutrients and health-beneficial compounds.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in an Anomalous LAD Artery

Introduction : Health inequalities, among other factors, reflect the wellbeing level of a population. Interventions aimed at eliminating or preventing such inequalities require an understanding of their origins. Objective : To perform a systematic review to identify case studies reporting health inequalities worldwide. Methodology: Case reports, case studies and case series written in English, Spanish and Portuguese reporting health inequalities were included. Databases like Medline and EMBASE, and grey literature sources such as LILACS, OpenGrey, Google, and others were included. Results: Initially, the search produced 1272 articles. 139 articles were selected by their title, while, based on their abstract, 28 articles were chosen for full text reading. Finally, 23 articles were included. Gender difference was the most frequent factor in terms of health inequalities (23.2%), followed by socio economic condition (20%), belonging to a migrant population (13.3%), ethnic origin (13.3%), age (10%), geographic origin (3.3%), and others (16.6%). Discussion: This approach, which is based on reviewing case reports to study health inequalities, contrasts with the majority of the studies carried out in this field. This research proposes to study inequalities specific to population groups that suffer such inequalities within communities in a particular geographic area and are not able to access to optimal health services.
Introduction to Cataloging and Classification

This work is the 11th in a series of cataloging textbooks spanning nearly 60 years. Arlene Taylor has solely authored the series since the 7th edition but is now joined by the very capable Daniel J...
Negative Interest Rates

Negative policy interest rates have prevailed for some years in Denmark and are a more recent development in Sweden. Among other potential side effects, negative rates could weaken banks’ profitability by reducing net interest income, their main source of earnings. However, an analysis of financial statements at the country rather than the consolidated group level shows that bank margins have been broadly stable. At least to date, lower interest income was offset by reductions in wholesale funding costs and higher fee income. Nonetheless, the impacts on bank health and lending from negative interest rates will need to continue to be monitored closely.
A Game Theoretic Approach to Robust Controller Synthesis and the Shell Control Problem

This paper presents a novel game theoretic approach to robust controller synthesis. The main advantage of this problem formulation is that it provides simultaneous controller synthesis and process model selection. This approach is illustrated with two numerical examples and is used in the mathematical formulation of the Shell control problem.
Effect of intravenous fentanyl on ticagrelor absorption and platelet inhibition among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: Design, rationale, and sample characteristics of the PACIFY randomized trial

Abstract Introduction Morphine reduces and delays the absorption of oral P2Y12 platelet inhibitors. Fentanyl is another opiate often administered during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The PACIFY study will test whether intravenous fentanyl also impairs the absorption and action of oral P2Y12 inhibitors. Methods PACIFY is a single-center trial randomizing adults undergoing clinically-indicated coronary angiography to have the procedure with or without fentanyl. All patients will receive local anesthetic and intravenous midazolam. Doses of all drugs are at the discretion of treating providers. Patients that require PCI receive 180 mg of oral ticagrelor during the angiography procedure. The primary outcome is area under the ticagrelor plasma concentration-time curve. Secondary outcomes include platelet inhibition 2-h after loading, measured both by VerifyNow® (Accriva Diagnostics, San Diego, California) and by light-transmission platelet aggregometry. We will also survey patient comfort and measure high-sensitivity troponin levels. Patients and outcomes assessors are blinded, treating providers are not. Results A total of 212 patients are participating, 70 of whom required PCI. Baseline characteristics are numerically well balanced in both study arms. Mean age is 63 years and 27% are female. There were no differences in total midazolam dose during the index PCI procedure, whereas mean total fentanyl dose was 9 mcg in the no-fentanyl arm (2 participants in this arm required fentanyl for bailout treatment of pain) versus 96 mcg in the fentanyl arm. Conclusions This study will provide important information on the impact of fentanyl administered during PCI on the absorption of ticagrelor and its antiplatelet activity. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02683707 .
Einstein and Relativity Theory

Following Newton’s triumph, work expanded not only in mechanics but also in the other branches of physics, in particular, in electricity and magnetism. This work culminated in the late nineteenth century in a new and successful theory of electricity and magnetism based upon the idea of electric and magnetic fields. The Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell, who formulated the new electromagnetic field theory, showed that what we observe as light can be understood as an electromagnetic wave. Newton’s physics and Maxwell’s theory account, to this day, for almost everything we observe in the everyday physical world around us. The motions of planets, cars, and projectiles, light and radio waves, colors, electric and magnetic effects, and currents all fit within the physics of Newton, Maxwell, and their contemporaries. In addition, their work made possible the many wonders of the new electric age that have spread throughout much of the world since the late nineteenth century. No wonder that by 1900 some distinguished physicists believed that physics was nearly complete, needing only a few minor adjustments. No wonder they were so astonished when, just 5 years later, an unknown Swiss patent clerk, who had graduated from the Swiss Polytechnic Institute in Zurich in 1900, presented five major research papers that touched off a major transformation in physics that is still in progress. Two of these papers provided the long-sought definitive evidence for the existence of atoms and molecules; another initiated the development of the quantum theory of light; and the fourth and fifth papers introduced the theory of relativity. The young man’s name was Albert Einstein, and this chapter introduces his theory of relativity and some of its many consequences.
Assessing the impacts of dams and levees on the hydrologic record of the Middle and Lower Mississippi River, USA

Abstract The impacts of dams and levees on the long-term (>130 years) discharge record was assessed along a ~1200 km segment of the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri, and Vicksburg, Mississippi. To aid in our evaluation of dam impacts, we used data from the U.S. National Inventory of Dams to calculate the rate of reservoir expansion at five long-term hydrologic monitoring stations along the study segment. We divided the hydrologic record at each station into three periods: (1) a pre-rapid reservoir expansion period; (2) a rapid reservoir expansion period; and (3) a post-rapid reservoir expansion period. We then used three approaches to assess changes in the hydrologic record at each station. Indicators of hydrologic alteration (IHA) and flow duration hydrographs were used to quantify changes in flow conditions between the pre- and post-rapid reservoir expansion periods. Auto-regressive interrupted time series analysis (ARITS) was used to assess trends in maximum annual discharge, mean annual discharge, minimum annual discharge, and standard deviation of daily discharges within a given water year. A one-dimensional HEC-RAS hydraulic model was used to assess the impact of levees on flood flows. Our results revealed that minimum annual discharges and low-flow IHA parameters showed the most significant changes. Additionally, increasing trends in minimum annual discharge during the rapid reservoir expansion period were found at three out of the five hydrologic monitoring stations. These IHA and ARITS results support previous findings consistent with the observation that reservoirs generally have the greatest impacts on low-flow conditions. River segment scale hydraulic modeling revealed levees can modestly increase peak flood discharges, while basin-scale hydrologic modeling assessments by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers showed that tributary reservoirs reduced peak discharges by a similar magnitude (2 to 30%). This finding suggests that the effects of dams and levees on peak flood discharges are in part offsetting one another along the modeled river segments and likely other substantially leveed segments of the Mississippi River.
A versatile and robust Agrobacterium-based gene stacking system generates high-quality transgenic Arabidopsis plants

Biotechnology provides a means for the rapid genetic improvement of plants. Although single genes have been important in engineering herbicide and pest tolerance traits in crops, future improvements of complex traits like yield and nutritional quality will likely require the introduction of multiple genes. This research reports a system (GAANTRY; Gene Assembly in Agrobacterium by Nucleic acid Transfer using Recombinase technologY) for the flexible, in vivo stacking of multiple genes within an Agrobacterium virulence plasmid Transfer-DNA (T-DNA). The GAANTRY system utilizes in vivo transient expression of unidirectional site-specific recombinases and an alternating selection scheme to sequentially assemble multiple genes into a single transformation construct. To demonstrate GAANTRY's capabilities, 10 cargo sequences were sequentially stacked together to produce a 28.5-kbp T-DNA, which was used to generate hundreds of transgenic events. Approximately 90% of the events identified using a dual antibiotic selection screen exhibited all of the introduced traits. A total of 68% of the tested lines carried a single copy of the selection marker transgene located near the T-DNA left border, and only 8% contained sequence from outside the T-DNA. The GAANTRY system can be modified to easily accommodate any method of DNA assembly and generate high-quality transgenic plants, making it a powerful, yet simple to use tool for plant genetic engineering.
Regularity Theory for the Monge–Ampère Equation

Definition 5.1.1Let Ω be a convex subset of ℝ n . The point is an extremal point of Ω if x0 is not a convex combination of other points in \(\bar \Omega\).
STATE-SPACE ESTIMATION WITH UNCERTAIN MODELS

There are always discrepancies between design models and the actual physical systems or phenomena that they model. Regardless of their source, such perturbations can degrade the performance of otherwise optimal designs. This article discusses a design strategy for models with bounded perturbations. In comparison to other robust formulations, the resulting procedure performs data regularization as opposed to de-regularization. Applications in state-space estimation and adaptive filtering are discussed.
Extracting Charge and Mass Information from Highly Congested Mass Spectra Using Fourier-Domain Harmonics

Native mass spectra of large, polydisperse biomolecules with repeated subunits, such as lipoprotein Nanodiscs, can often be challenging to analyze by conventional methods. The presence of tens of closely spaced, overlapping peaks in these mass spectra can make charge state, total mass, or subunit mass determinations difficult to measure by traditional methods. Recently, we introduced a Fourier Transform-based algorithm that can be used to deconvolve highly congested mass spectra for polydisperse ion populations with repeated subunits and facilitate identification of the charge states, subunit mass, charge-state-specific, and total mass distributions present in the ion population. Here, we extend this method by investigating the advantages of using overtone peaks in the Fourier spectrum, particularly for mass spectra with low signal-to-noise and poor resolution. This method is illustrated for lipoprotein Nanodisc mass spectra acquired on three common platforms, including the first reported native mass spectrum of empty “large” Nanodiscs assembled with MSP1E3D1 and over 300 noncovalently associated lipids. It is shown that overtone peaks contain nearly identical stoichiometry and charge state information to fundamental peaks but can be significantly better resolved, resulting in more reliable reconstruction of charge-state-specific mass spectra and peak width characterization. We further demonstrate how these parameters can be used to improve results from Bayesian spectral fitting algorithms, such as UniDec.
Molecular Basis of Bacterial Adhesion

Bacterial infections are responsible for a broad spectrum of human illnesses and medical device complications. For example, urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli affect over 7 million people annually and are among the most common infectious diseases acquired by humans.39 Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STIC) are diarrhoegenic pathogens causing serious health problems in both industrialized and developing countries.26,15 Helicobacter pylori have been found to be a main factor in the development of gastric and duodenal ulcers and are believed to be a causitive factor of gastic cancer.34 Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are major causes of infections associated with wounds, indwelling catheters, and cardiovascular and orthopedic implant devices.1,19,24,25,35,49,56,59
Identity of Low-Molecular-Weight Species Formed in End-To-End Cyclization Reactions Performed in THF.

Cyclic polymers were produced by end-to-end coupling of telechelic linear polymers under dilute conditions in THF, using intramolecular atom transfer radical coupling or click chemistry. In addition to the expected shift to longer elution times on gel permeation chromatography (GPC) indicative of the formation of cyclic product, lower molecular weight species were consistently observed upon analysis of the unpurified cyclization reaction mixture. By systematically removing or altering single reaction components in the highly dilute cyclization reaction, it was found that THF itself was responsible for the low-molecular-weight material, forming oligomeric chains of poly(THF) regardless of the other reaction components. When the reactions were performed at higher concentrations and for shorter time intervals, conducive to intermolecular chain-end-joining reactions, the low-molecular-weight peaks were absent. Isolation of the material and analysis by 1H NMR confirmed that poly(THF) was being formed in the highly dilute conditions required for cyclization by end-to-end coupling. When a series of mock cyclization reactions were performed with molar ratios of the reactants held constant, but concentrations changed, it was found that lower concentrations of reactants led to higher amounts of poly(THF) side product.
‘Is Anything Too Hard for Yahweh?’: Fulfillment of Promise and Threat in Genesis 18–19*:

The Yahwist's narrative in Gen. 18.1–16, 20–22a, 33b, and 19.1–27a, 28 focuses on a single theological concern, namely, the power of Yahweh to fulfill the promise of a son for Sarah and Abraham. In...
REM sleep behavior disorder: relevance to epileptologists

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia that features loss of the generalized skeletal muscle atonia of mammalian REM sleep, with release of injurious dream-enacting behaviors. Video-polysomnography is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Our aim was to provide a relevant update on RBD for electroencephalography (EEG) and epilepsy specialists. This study comprised a focused literature review. Typical and atypical RBD clinical profiles are presented and discussed. Official diagnostic criteria are listed and experimental animal models are reviewed. The differential diagnosis, including nocturnal seizures, is considered, and EEG, evoked potential, and sleep spindle findings are presented. Emphasis is placed on idiopathic RBD as a common herald of future alpha-synucleinopathy neurodegeneration (Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy). Furthermore, we describe the formation of the International RBD Study Group in 2009 with yearly research symposia. RBD comprises a fascinating, multidimensional parasomnia that needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of nocturnal epilepsy with abnormal sleep-related behaviors in order to facilitate identifying the correct diagnosis and to initiate proper therapy.
Towards in vivo preclinical monitoring of multiscale vascular structure-function relationships in resistant breast cancers with an integrated diffuse and nonlinear imaging system (Conference Presentation)

Alterations in tumor microvascular architecture are associated with resistance to several breast cancer therapies, and may be important markers for in vivo detection of resistance. Our goal is to map how micro-scale alterations in tumor vasculature manifest at the tissue level. To this end, we developed a multiscale preclinical imaging technique called Diffuse and Nonlinear Imaging (DNI) that integrates Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging (SFDI) for tissue-level mapping of tumor optical properties and hemodynamics, with Multiphoton Microscopy (MPM) to image tumor microvascular architecture with cellular resolution. Importantly, SFDI measures the same parameters as clinical Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy, providing a pathway to the clinic for microvascular imaging biomarkers. We demonstrated that the dual modality system can be spatially co-registered with high accuracy and precision (≤ 50 µm), and can be matched in optical sampling depth based on wavelength and spatial frequency selection. We also conducted an in vivo DNI study of untreated murine mammary tumors (Py230) in female C57BL/6 mice, and found strong multiscale relationships between tumor oxygen saturation and micro-vessel diameter, as well as deoxyhemoglobin concentrations and micro-vessel length (|Pearson’s ρ| > 0.5, p < 0.05). We carried out in vivo DNI monitoring in two mammary tumor xenograft models grown in BALB/c athymic nude female mice; one model was responsive to Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) (BT474) and the other was resistant (HR6). This presentation will report on characterizing the vascular structure-function relationships with DNI across length scales within each model, and differences in the multiscale vascular relationships between the models.
BitcoinHeist: Topological Data Analysis for Ransomware Detection on the Bitcoin Blockchain.

Proliferation of cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin) that allow pseudo-anonymous transactions, has made it easier for ransomware developers to demand ransom by encrypting sensitive user data. The recently revealed strikes of ransomware attacks have already resulted in significant economic losses and societal harm across different sectors, ranging from local governments to health care. Most modern ransomware use Bitcoin for payments. However, although Bitcoin transactions are permanently recorded and publicly available, current approaches for detecting ransomware depend only on a couple of heuristics and/or tedious information gathering steps (e.g., running ransomware to collect ransomware related Bitcoin addresses). To our knowledge, none of the previous approaches have employed advanced data analytics techniques to automatically detect ransomware related transactions and malicious Bitcoin addresses. By capitalizing on the recent advances in topological data analysis, we propose an efficient and tractable data analytics framework to automatically detect new malicious addresses in a ransomware family, given only a limited records of previous transactions. Furthermore, our proposed techniques exhibit high utility to detect the emergence of new ransomware families, that is, ransomware with no previous records of transactions. Using the existing known ransomware data sets, we show that our proposed methodology provides significant improvements in precision and recall for ransomware transaction detection, compared to existing heuristic based approaches, and can be utilized to automate ransomware detection.
Voriconazole Exposure and The Risk Of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients

![Graphic][1] Background Voriconazole is a common antifungal medication used in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) patients. In solid organ transplantation, multiple studies have associated the use of voriconazole with the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) post-transplant, but its association with SCC in allo-HSCT patients is unknown. We sought to determine this association. Methods After IRB approval, Mayo Clinic’s transplant database (2007-2012) was accessed and electronic charts of allo-HSCT patients were retrospectively reviewed. Voriconazole exposure was defined as exposure to voriconazole at any time during treatment of primary disease, prior to or following HSCT. Cumulative voriconazole exposure was defined as total days of voriconazole use following HSCT; days were not required to be consecutive. Two time-dependent voriconazole exposure variables were defined: (1) history of voriconazole exposure (yes/no) over time, and (2) cumulative days on voriconazole over time. Results 404 patients underwent allo-HSCT during this timeframe, and 381 patients ([table 1][2]) were included in the final analysis. 23 patients were excluded (8 patients received multiple transplants, 9 patients were treated under pediatric protocols, 6 patients lacked research consent). 312/381 received voriconazole; other antifungal therapy included fluconazole (n=40), posaconazole (n=23), anidulafungin (n=1), and caspofungin (n=5). Median duration of cumulative days of voriconazole was 214 (range 2 -1553). SCC developed in 26/312 exposed to voriconazole and in 1/69 who received alternative antifungals. Cumulative incidence of SCC at 1 year was 3%, 2 years was 8%, 3 years was 13%, 4 years was 14%, and at 5 years was 19% ([figure 1][3]). Cumulative days of voriconazole use was found to be a risk factor for the development of SCC, and this relationship persisted in a multivariate model using previously identified risk factors (gender, age at transplant, TBI conditioning regimen, skin cancer pre-HSCT, chronic GVHD) as covariates (HR 1.859 for each 180 days of use, p<0.001). History of prior voriconazole exposure was not associated with an increased risk of SCC after covariate adjustment (HR 2.436, p=0.2369). Conclusion This is the first study to establish cumulative days of voriconazole use as a risk factor for SCC development following allo-HSCT, and may help guide appropriate antifungal prophylaxis in this patient population which is already at an increased risk of developing skin cancers. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. View this table: Table 1 Baseline Characteristics of 381 patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT ![Figure][4] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [2]: #T1 [3]: #F1 [4]: pending:yes