cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rosenberg-Type Completeness Criteria for Subclones of Slupecki's Clone

We describe all clones on a finite set with at least three elements, which are maximal for the property of not containing all non surjective operations. We deduce Rosenberg-type completeness criteria for every sub clone of Slupecki's clone that contains all non surjective operations. As another application, we find all sub clones of Slupecki's clone for which the associated R-relation has only finitely many classes.
An evaluation of visual and textual network analysis tools

User testing is an integral component of user-centered design, but has only rarely been applied to visualization for cyber security applications. This article presents the results of a comparative evaluation between a visualization-based application and a more traditional, table-based application for analyzing computer network packet captures. We conducted this evaluation as part of the user-centered design process. Participants performed both structured, well-defined tasks and exploratory, open-ended tasks with both tools. We measured accuracy and efficiency for the well-defined tasks, number of insights was measured for exploratory tasks and user perceptions were recorded for each tool. The results of this evaluation demonstrated that users performed significantly more accurately in the well-defined tasks, discovered a higher number of insights and demonstrated a clear preference for the visualization tool. The study design presented may be useful for future researchers performing user testing on visualization for cyber security applications.
‘I was a Hollywood agent’: Cinematic representations of the office of strategic services in 1946

In 1946, not long after the Office of Strategic Services was dissolved, three Hollywood feature films were released that dramatized the agency's operations during World WarII: O.S.S. (ParamountPictures, 13 Rue Madeleine (Twentieth Century‐Fox), and Cloak and Dagger (Warner Bros. Pictures). Although officials in the War Depatment wre often disturbed by many of the technical details that these, three films revealed bout the military, the intelligence establishment generally benefited from the largely positive publicity and box‐office success that these films received in the early years of the Cold War.
Performance Modeling and Comparative Analysis of the MILC Lattice QCD Application su3_rmd

Application performance modeling is an essential part of application and system development as HPC moves into the petascale and prepares for the exascale. However, performance modeling of parallel systems is a difficult task due to natural variations in measurements and noise effects. In this paper, we give a detailed example for a semi-analytical performance-modeling method applied to the ubiquitous HPC application su3 rmd from the lattice Quantum Chromo dynamics field on a variety of parallel computing platforms. We apply statistical techniques that are well known in natural sciences to model the variance in the input system. Using a simple analytical model to capture the main characteristics of the code, such as numbers and sizes of passed messages and invocation counts of serial code blocks in conjunction with statistically sound curve fitting methods, we develop an accurate performance model and use it to characterize application performance on various target architectures. Our fitting techniques allow us to characterize the variance of different performance observations on a given system and show the influence of noise from different sources. The techniques we developed can be applied to a wide class of bulk-synchronous applications. With this detailed example, we aim to motivate the scientific computing community to develop and use similar performance models for software development and maintenance.
Synthesis using sequential functional modules (SFMs)

This paper presents a new method used in our RTL-synthesis tool to perform technology mapping with Sequential Functional Modules (SFMs) such as counters, accumulators, shift-registers, or rotators from any target or macro library. If the library contains SFMs, the method automatically recognizes them. If an RTL design contains patterns that can be implemented on SFMs, the method maps them to the SFMs found in the target library. This mapping reduces the design time by leveraging the library developer' s effort, leads to more regular and often smaller and faster designs, and helps to reduce timing and routing problems at later stages of the design process.
2003 presidential address: A time for morphogenesis, growth, and development

It is truly a high honor to report on the status of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN). As a pediatric nephrologist, it is rather fitting, if not ironic, to have been able to participate—and hopefully contribute—to a time of critical morphogenesis, enormous growth, and defining development
Targetome Profiling, Pathway Analysis and Genetic Association Study Implicate miR-202 in Lymphomagenesis

Background: miRNAs have been implicated in numerous tumorigenic pathways, and previous studies have associated miR-202 dysregulation with various cancer types, including follicular lymphoma. Methods: The miR-202 targetome was identified by ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation-microarray (RIP-Chip), and functional interactions among identified targets were investigated using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis tool. We also performed a population-based genetic association study of a polymorphism within the miR-202 stem-loop sequence and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In vitro gain-of-function experiments were further conducted to elucidate the functional significance of the variant. Results: 141 potential members of the miR-202 targetome were identified by a transcriptome-wide RIP-Chip assay. Functional interactions among identified targets suggested that miR-202 regulated genes are involved in biological pathways relevant for hematological function and cancer. Consistent with this, a genetic association analysis using human blood samples revealed a significant association between a germline mutation (rs12355840) in the miR-202 precursor sequence and follicular lymphoma (FL) risk. An in vitro functional assay further demonstrated that the variant allele resulted in diminished miR-202 levels, possibly by altering precursor processing efficiency. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings suggest that miR-202 is involved in follicular lymphomagenesis. Impact: These findings implicate miR-202 as a tumor suppressor in FL, and suggest that miR-202 expression may serve as a novel biomarker of FL risk.
The Vertical Structure of a Tornado near Happy, Texas, on 5 May 2002: High-Resolution, Mobile, W-band, Doppler Radar Observations

Abstract A mobile, W-band Doppler radar scanned, at close range, portions of a tornado near Happy, Texas, on 5 May 2002. Simultaneous boresighted video images were also recorded, which facilitated correlating the radar-observed features of the tornado with its visual features. Range–height indicators (RHIs) of radar reflectivity and Doppler velocity were collected that detail, with high spatial resolution, aspects of the vertical structure of the tornado near the ground. Most of the RHIs showed a column of a weak-echo hole from about 60 m above the ground up to the top of the domain at 800–1000 m above the ground; the hole was roughly 40% broader about 100 m above the ground as it was above, resulting in a characteristic pear-shaped vertical cross section of reflectivity. In this tornado, the condensation funnel was much narrower than the width of the weak-echo hole; the visible debris cloud near the ground was approximately just as wide as the hole above 150 m. The mean depth of the debris cloud was arou...
Volterra-Tauberian estimation for nonlinear system identification

The theoretical aspects and mathematical framework of the time-invariant (TIV) nonlinear (weakly) system transfer function estimation and identification are considered to determine their feasibility. A mathematical framework is laid out in terms of the Volterra series. The approach attempts to circumvent conventional problems in identifying the nonlinear set of parameters that renders the Volterra series attractive to nonlinear systems but awkward to apply. Since an unknown TIV system is presumed for an observed output of some known input, measures applied for system linearity provide a means for identifying the existence of a nonlinear system. The methodology outlined provides an estimate of nonlinear system parameters that is useful in unknown communication channels which can be categorized by their particular nonlinear characteristic outputs. Such an approach facilitates identification of linear versus nonlinear channels, including differentiation between those identified as being nonlinear. >
Concomitant Posterior Hip Dislocation, Ipsilateral Intertrochanteric- and Proximal Tibial- Fractures with Popliteal Artery Injury: A Challenging Trauma Mélange.

Constellation of ipsilateral posterior hip dislocation, intertrochanteric- and proximal tibial fracture with popliteal artery injury is rare. Management of this presentation is challenging. A motor vehicle accident victim presented with these injuries, but without any initial signs of vascular compromise. Popliteal artery injury was diagnosed intra-operatively and repaired. This was followed by external fixation of tibial fracture, open reduction of dislocated hip and internal fixation of intertrochanteric fracture. Patient regained bilateral complete weight bearing and returned to pre-accident activity level. Apt surgical management including early repair of vascular injury in such a trauma melange allows for a positive postoperative outcome.
Human genetics of nephrotic syndrome and the quest for precision medicine.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this review, we take a combined membrane biologist's and geneticist's view of the podocyte, to examine how genetics have informed our understanding of membrane receptors, channels, and other signaling molecules affecting podocyte health and disease. RECENT FINDINGS An integral part of the kidney, the glomerulus, is responsible for the kidney's filter function. Within the glomerulus, the podocyte is a unique cell serving a critically important role: it is exposed to signals from the urinary space in Bowman's capsule, it receives and transmits signals to/from the basement membrane upon which it elaborates, and it receives signals from the vascular space with which it also communicates, thus exposed to toxins, viruses, chemicals, proteins, and cellular components or debris that flow in the blood stream. Our understanding of how podocytes perform their important role has been largely informed by human genetics, and the recent revolution afforded by exome sequencing has brought a tremendous wealth of new genetic data to light. SUMMARY Genetically defined, rare/orphan podocytopathies, as reviewed here, are critically important to study as they may reveal the next generation targets for precision medicine in nephrology.
Trace Elements Interaction in Grazing Cattle Products from Asbestos Mineralization, Andhra Pradesh, India

This study has given greater scope in biogeochemical orientation surveys, nutrition status of an area and environmental studies.
DEEP-SEA ASTEROIDS: HIGH GENETIC VARIABILITY IN A STABLE ENVIRONMENT.

The distribution of geinetic variability in deep-sea organisms is virtually unknown, although estimates of genetic variability in the deep-sea fauna are directly relevant to some hypotheses concerning adaptive strategies in stable and unstable environments. One hypothesis, advanced to account for the great species diversity observed in the deep-sea, argues that deep-sea populations are highly specialized and possess little genetic variability (Grassle, 1972). Another hypothesis, also predicting that deep-sea populations should have little genetic variability, has been advanced by Bretsky and Lorenz (1969, 1970) to account for the waves of extinctions registered in the paleontological record. This hypothesis proposes that organisms living in stable environments should be genetically depauperate. Since the deep-sea provides one of the most stable environments in the world, both hypotheses can be tested by examining the amount of genetic variation in deep-sea organisms. In the course of a broad survey of genetic variability in diverse marine environments we have studied the genetic variability of four species of deep-sea asteroids from the San Diego Trough at a depth of 1,244 meters. Allelic variation at 24 individual loci coding for enzymes and other soluble proteins has been studied using the techniques of starch gel electrophoresis.
Conformational transition of response regulator RR468 in a two-component system signal transduction process.

Signal transduction can be accomplished via a two-component system (TCS) consisting of a histidine kinase (HK) and a response regulator (RR). In this work, we simulate the response regulator RR468 from Thermotoga maritima, in which phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of a conserved aspartate residue acts as a switch via a large conformational change concentrated in three proximal loops. A detailed view of the conformational transition is obscured by the lack of stability of the intermediate states, which are difficult to detect using common structural biology techniques. Molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories of the inactive and active conformations were run, and show that the inactive (or active) trajectories do not exhibit sampling of the active (or inactive) conformations on this time scale. Targeted MD (TMD) was used to generate trajectories that span the inactive and active conformations and provide a view of how a localized event like phosphorylation can lead to conformational changes elsewhere in t...
Analysis of distribution and resistance of enterococcus isolated from blood samples of pediatric patients in Wuhan during 2007-2009

OBJECTIVE To analyze the distribution and resistance of enterococcus isolated from blood samples of pediatric patients during 2007-2009 in wuhan in order to guide the reasonable selection and use of antimicrobial agents.METHODS According to CLSI recommendation,disk diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial resistance of enterococal isolates from the women and children's hospital of wuhan during 2007-2009.The data was analyzed by WHONET5.3 software.RESULTS A total of 503 strains of enterococcus isolated from 29614 blood specimens were colleted,the isolates were mainly E.faecalis(51.89%),and secondly were E.faecium(21.47%).The isolated rate of E.faecium was rising(accounted for 13.33%,17.13% 27.13% during 2007~2009).503 strains of enterococcus were sensitive to vancomycin and teicoplanin.the E.faecalis was highly susceptible to penicillin and ampicillin.Besides susceptible to vancomycin and teicoplanin,the resistant rate of E.faecium to other antimicrobial agents was significantly higher than E.faecalis.CONCLUSIONS The E.faecalis isolated from blood samples of pediatric patients are more than E.faecium isolated from blood samples of pediatric patients in Wuhan.The isolated rate of E.faecium is increasing,and the resistance rates of E.faecium is higher than that of E.faecalis.Both E.faecium and E.faecium are resistant to usual antimicrobial agents in different degree but for vancomycin,teicoplanin and linezolid.Be cruing enterococcal infection in blood for children,the doctors should select antibiotics reasonably according to the results of antimicrobial susceptibility test to prevent the increasing rate of drug resistance.
Crianza de pollos criollos con insumos locales en comunidades de la Amazonía peruana

Se realizo un ensayo con pollos criollos producidos en una comunidad Kukama de la cuenca baja del rio Maranon, asociando la cria tradicional de aves criollas con la innovacion tecnologica basada en la inmunizacion y el aporte proteico con insumos organicos locales, destinada a reducir la mortalidad de las aves y conseguir una mayor ganancia de peso en un periodo de tiempo mas corto. Con el ensayo se logro un aumento promedio de 861 g a los 75 dias, comprobandose que la integracion de los dos metodos de cria es posible, manteniendo las practicas tradicionales y mejorando la seguridad alimentaria y los ingresos familiares procedentes de los excedentes.
Epididymal anomalies associated with hydrocele/hernia and cryptorchidism: implications regarding testicular descent.

AbstractControversy exists regarding the role of the epididymis in testicular descent, as epididymal abnormalities have been reported in 36 to 79% of boys with an undescended testis. Although most undescended testes are associated with a patent processus vaginalis, the incidence of epididymal abnormalities in descended testes with a patent processus has not been reported. Epididymal morphology was examined in 81 boys with a hydrocele/hernia without cryptorchidism (90 testes) and 100 children undergoing orchiopexy (115 testes). Boys with an intra-abdominal undescended testis were excluded. Among 48 boys with a hydrocele/hernia 24 (50%) had an epididymal abnormality if the processus was patent and communicated with the testis (complete hernia), compared to 4 of 42 patients (10%) if there was not a communication with the testis (p <0.01). Among the 96 children with an undescended testis 68 (71%) had an epididymal abnormality if there was a patent processus, compared to 3 of 19 boys (16%) without a patent pro...
Rheumatic manifestations in myelodysplastic syndromes.

The myelodysplastic syndromes are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis with possible transformation to acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. We describe a patient with refractory anemia with excess blasts with unusual rheumatic manifestations of vasculitis, migratory synovitis, arthralgias, and myalgias. A retrospective review over a 6-month period of 162 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes found 16 patients (10%) with several rheumatic manifestations. We divided these manifestations into 4 different categories: cutaneous vasculitis, "lupus-like syndrome," neuropathy, and patients with both a rheumatic disease and a myelodysplastic syndrome. There were 7 with cutaneous vasculitis including leukocytoclastic vasculitis and other individual cases of urticarial vasculitis and panniculitis; 3 with lupus-like manifestations with histological evidence of an inflammatory process; 3 with neuropathic manifestations including peripheral neuropathy, mononeuritis with foot drop, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; and 3 patients in which their myelodysplastic syndrome was diagnosed after their rheumatic disease was known, including rheumatoid arthritis. Sjogren's syndrome and mixed connective tissue disease. The class with refractory anemia with excess blasts had 9 patients with rheumatic manifestations but also had the largest number of patients in the study (46/162 or 29%). Three of the 16 patients died, all from the refractory anemia with excess blasts class, reflecting the known mortality in this group of patients. We believe there is a significant association between myelodysplastic syndromes and rheumatic manifestations.
Preliminaries on Financial Markets

This chapter provides an intuitive understanding of how interest rates, financial markets and the financial system work from a practical standpoint. It introduces basic concepts about infrastructures of securities markets and market liquidity; and terminologies about a bewildering array of interest rates, money, credit/debt and leverage, as well as some economic indicators. These concepts and terminologies will be directly or indirectly needed in later chapters.
Internet and Consumer Economic Wellbeing

Advances in technology affect consumer economic wellbeing in multiple ways. In recent decades, developments of information technology have changed many aspects of consumption. Dholakia (Technology and consumption: Understanding consumer choices & behaviors, Springer, New York, 2012) provides a comprehensive account on associations between technology and consumption. In this chapter, we focus on two relevant topics, online shopping and online banking. Online shopping is relevant to consumer spending. Online banking is a specific aspect of online shopping, purchase banking services online. Compared to the traditional shopping mode, online shopping has potential to improve consumer economic wellbeing by conducting extensive information search on the internet to locate the lowest priced and most needed products or services without traveling to the store. However, online shopping has risks of information insecurity and privacy invasion that have potential to harm consumer economic wellbeing.
High speed X-ray phase contrast imaging of energetic composites under dynamic compression

Fracture of crystals and frictional heating are associated with the formation of “hot spots” (localized heating) in energetic composites such as polymer bonded explosives (PBXs). Traditional high speed optical imaging methods cannot be used to study the dynamic sub-surface deformation and the fracture behavior of such materials due to their opaque nature. In this study, high speed synchrotron X-ray experiments are conducted to visualize the in situ deformation and the fracture mechanisms in PBXs composed of octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) crystals and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene binder doped with iron (III) oxide. A modified Kolsky bar apparatus was used to apply controlled dynamic compression on the PBX specimens, and a high speed synchrotron X-ray phase contrast imaging (PCI) setup was used to record the in situ deformation and failure in the specimens. The experiments show that synchrotron X-ray PCI provides a sufficient contrast between the HMX crystals and the doped binde...
Optical fuzzy logic for low-power satellite controller

Power consumption is often a major advantage of optics. When access to power is limited, such as for a satellite in geosynchronous orbit, power is often not only important, but critically important. Satellites rely on power for motion control, controlling yaw, pitch, and roll. An optical Fuzzy controller would overcome the problem of limited power. This paper explores the possibility of optical implementation of fuzzy logic for low-power optical fuzzy controllers. Recent advances in optical logic have suggested ways to overcome the problems that have plagued that field for over 40 years. In this paper the authors overviews recent advances in the optical implementation of Boolean logic and explores whether these or similar technologies might feasibly be applied to optical implementation of fuzzy logic. Specifically, the authors examines whether fuzzy logic might be productively implemented in an interferometric network in which weighting is accomplished by optical phase shifting of mutually coherent beams of light. This paper produces a optical fuzzy OR and lays the foundation for other fuzzy operators based on an interferometric network.
Fluoroscopic imaging overestimates the screw tip to subchondral bone distance in a cadaveric model of slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Abstract Purpose Intra-operative imaging plays a key role in screw placement for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Complications have been associated with inadequate screw position. The purpose of this study was to evaluate computed tomography (CT) (3D fluoroscopy) and standard fluoroscopy (C-arm) images as compared with direct anatomic measurement to determine final screw position in a cadaveric SCFE model. Methods Osteotomy with pinning was performed at the physeal scar in ten cadaveric hips. A standardised approach-withdrawal technique was performed with C-arm images taken at 15° increments. We also obtained a CT (3D fluoroscopy) scan of each hip. The screw tip-subchondral bone (STSB) distance was measured on digital imaging software and also with a digital calliper directly when the femoral head was cut in plane to expose the STSB distance anatomically. Statistical analysis included t-tests and Fisher’s exact test. Results Moderate SCFE osteotomies were achieved with a mean Southwick angle (39...
Abstract P3-04-23: Combination therapy of targeted anticancer pathways and estrogen receptor ligands and their responses inde novoandtamoxifen resistant cell models

Approximately 75% of breast cancers are classified as Estrogen Receptor positive (ER+). Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), is the standard of care for many of these ER+ breast cancer patients. Unfortunately, tamoxifen resistance occurs in almost 50% of patients within 5 years of treatment, and endocrine-independence accompanying resistance also negates the effects of aromatase inhibitors. Combination therapy is increasingly used in non-cytotoxic therapeutic approaches in many types of cancer. The potential exists that endocrine resistance can be lessened, eliminated, or overcome through targeted therapy in combination with endocrine therapy. Inhibition of kinase signaling (e.g. via CDK4/6 or PI3K) and other pathways (e.g. HSP90) are expected to be effective in combination with endocrine therapy. We have discovered a variety of ER ligands with potential as endocrine therapeutic agents, based upon a single chemical scaffold with a diverse set of pharmacological responses: including SERMs, selective ER downregulators (SERDs), selective estrogen mimics (SEMs), and selective human ER partial agonists (ShERPAs). To predict which agents in combination with these endocrine-targeted ligands would be of potential therapeutic benefit it was necessary to develop 3D spheroidal cultures of ER+ breast cancer cell lines: including endocrine-dependent lines; and cell lines made endocrine-independent either by extended exposure to tamoxifen or extended deprivation of estradiol. In contrast to 2D cultures, drug response in 3D spheroidal cell cultures was predictive of response to treatment in mouse xenograft studies. Growth of endocrine-dependent cell lines was, as expected, inhibited by SERDs; and endocrine-independent, tamoxifen-resistant cell lines were also sensitive to SERD treatment, although one cell line was largely resistant. Growth of all three tamoxifen-resistant cell lines was inhibited by SEMs/ShERPAs. Importantly, regardless of the type of endocrine therapeutic agent studied, concentrations leading to saturation of the target (ER) did not cause cell death. Equally, all endocrine therapies studied benefited from combination treatment with other agents, leading to enhanced cell death. Citation Format: Gutgesell LM, Xiong R, Thatcher GRJ, Tonetti DA. Combination therapy of targeted anticancer pathways and estrogen receptor ligands and their responses in de novo andtamoxifen resistant cell models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-04-23.
Engaging Trauma Survivors in Treatment

The experience of trauma often necessitates increased involvement with the health care system and is a critical time point in promotion of future engagement in care. Unfortunately, few trauma survivors receive reasonable follow-up care medical and behavior health care. Strategies for engaging both civilian and military populations following a range of potentially traumatic events are highlighted—including but not limited to psychological first aid, integrated care, and peer community outreach programs.
Race, Vigilant Coping Strategy, and Hypertension in an Integrated Community.

BACKGROUND Vigilant coping refers to individuals who, potentially as a result of experiencing discrimination in the past, proactively prepare for the possibility that they will be discriminated against or mistreated because of their race. The extent to which vigilant coping is linked with hypertension, a highly prevalent condition with well-documented racial/ethnic disparities, remains largely unknown. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Exploring Health Disparities in Integrated Communities (EHDIC) study-Southwest Baltimore (n = 715). We used a series of multivariate logistic regression models to evaluate vigilance as a potential mediator or moderator of the association between race, discrimination, and hypertension within the context of a racially integrated community. RESULTS There was no difference in prevalence of hypertension between African-Americans and Whites in this sample (66.8 vs. 66.2; P = 0.86). A higher proportion of African-Americans reported discrimination (41.1 vs. 22.9; P < 0.0001) and vigilance (67.3 vs. 46.9; P < 0.0001) compared to Whites; however, neither measure was associated with hypertension. In stratified analyses, bothersome discrimination alongside vigilant coping was associated with higher odds of hypertension among African-Americans and lower odds among Whites. CONCLUSIONS Overall, prevalence of hypertension was high and there were no racial differences in this racially integrated community. Discrimination, vigilance, and hypertension were differently associated among African-Americans and Whites. Studying lived experiences in integrated communities may illuminate how structural inequalities impact the health of African-Americans more broadly. Further, raising awareness of social factors as they relate to hypertension may help to inform clinical management of low-income patients.
Mercury inputs and redistribution in the Penobscot River and estuary, Maine.

Abstract We examined total mercury (Hg) distributions in sediments from the Penobscot River and estuary, Maine, a site of extensive Hg releases from HoltraChem (1967–2000). Our objectives were to quantify: (1) bottom sediment Hg inventories (upper ~ 1 m; 50–100 y); (2) sediment accumulation rates; and (3) contemporary Hg fluxes to bottom sediments; by sampling the Penobscot River (PBR), Mendall Marsh (MM), the Orland River (OR) and the Penobscot estuary (ES). Hg was rapidly distributed here, and the cumulative total (9.28 metric tons) associated with sediments system-wide was within the range released (6–12 metric tons). Evidence of sediment/Hg remobilization was observed in cores primarily from the PBR, and to a lesser extent the ES, whereas cores from MM, most of the OR, the ES, and half from the PBR exhibited sharp peaks in Hg concentrations at depth, followed by gradual decreases towards the surface. Based on background PBR sediment Hg concentrations (100 ng g− 1), “elevated” (300 ng g− 1), or “highly elevated” (600 ng g− 1) Hg concentrations in sediments, and resulting inventories, we assessed impact levels (“elevated” ≥ 270, or “highly elevated” ≥ 540 mg m− 2). 71% of PBR stations had “elevated”, and 29% had “highly elevated” Hg inventories; 45% of MM stations had “elevated”, and 27% had “highly elevated” inventories; 80% of OR stations had “elevated” inventories only; and 17% of ES stations had “elevated” inventories only. Most “highly elevated” stations were located within 8 km of HoltraChem, in MM, in the PBR, and in the OR. Near-surface sediments in the OR, PBR and MM were all “highly elevated”, while those in the ES were “elevated”, on average. Mean Hg fluxes to bottom sediments were greatest in the OR (554), followed by the PBR (469), then MM (452), and finally the ES (204 ng cm− 2 y− 1).
The social impacts of products: a review

Many agree that every product has economic, environmental, and social impacts on those who use and produce them. While environmental and economic impacts are well known and measures have been devel...
Exploiting Tsallis Statistics

Two incarnations of the canonical ensemble probability distribution based on the generalization of statistical mechanics of Tsallis are described. A generalization of the law of mass action is used to derive equilibrium constants. Reaction rate constants for barrier crossing are derived using the transition state theory approximation. Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics algorithms which can be used to sample Tsallis statistical distributions are defined. The results are used to demonstrate that MC and MD algorithms which sample the Tsallis statistical distributions can be expected to enhance the rate of phase space sampling in simulations of many body systems.
Features of a World Capable of Achieving Peace under Law

While we are meeting in Rome, a World Conference on World Peace through Law is being held in Washington. World Law is, indeed, a necessary condition for World Peace; but is it also a sufficient condition?
Regulation of Fetal Placental Blood Flow

The magnitude of blood flow to any organ will be determined by the driving pressure and the vascular resistance. It follows that the regulation of blood flow, that is the maintenance of blood flow within a given set of limit appropriate for the metabolic needs of the tissue, occurs only as a result of changes in driving pressure and/or vascular resistance.
OPENING REMARKS ON SOME OF THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO ISOMETRIC CONTRACTIONS AND THE MECHANISMS THAT CONTROL THEM

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses several physiological responses to isometric contractions and the mechanisms that control them. Isometric contractions can be held for a very long time at tensions of less than about 15% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and at those tensions, they have been considered essentially indefatigable. But at a tension of 20%, MVC fatigue occurs usually in about 10 minutes. As the tension is increased, fatigue occurs more quickly so that at 50% MVC the endurance time is of the order of one minute and at 70% MVC it is only about 35 seconds. In sustained isometric exercise, the mechanical compression is unremitting, resulting in a constant throttling effect on the local blood flow. The matter then depends on the balance between the supply of oxygen and foodstuff and the metabolic demand of the active muscles. Cardiovascular responses to isometric exercise can be enhanced or attenuated to some degree by reducing or raising the level of central command by vibrating the tendons of the agonist or antagonist muscles of the arm.
Detection of Avian Influenza A(H7N2) Virus Infection Among Animal Shelter Workers Using a Novel Serological Approach-New York City, 2016-2017.

Background In 2016, an influenza A(H7N2) virus outbreak occurred in cats in New York City's municipal animal shelters. One human infection was initially detected. Methods We conducted a serological survey using a novel approach to rule out cross-reactive antibodies to other seasonal influenza viruses to determine whether additional A(H7N2) human infections had occurred and to assess exposure risk. Results Of 121 shelter workers, one had serological evidence of A(H7N2) infection, corresponding to a seroprevalence of 0.8% (95% confidence interval, .02%-4.5%). Five persons exhibited low positive titers to A(H7N2) virus, indicating possible infection; however, we could not exclude cross-reactive antibody responses to seasonal influenza viruses. The remaining 115 persons were seronegative. The seropositive person reported multiple direct cat exposures without using personal protective equipment and mild illness with subjective fever, runny nose, and sore throat. Conclusions We identified a second case of A(H7N2) infection from this outbreak, providing further evidence of cat-to-human transmission of A(H7N2) virus.
SOD: Making Smartphone Smart on Demand with Radio Interface Management

A major concern for today’s smartphones is their much faster battery drain than traditional feature phones, despite their greater battery capacities. The difference is mainly contributed by those more powerful but also much more power-consuming smartphone components, such as the multi-core application processor and the high-definition (HD) display. While the application processor must be active when any smart apps are being used, it is also unnecessarily waken up, even during idle periods, to perform operations related to basic phone functions (i.e., incoming calls and text messages). In addition, the power-hungry HD display is also used unnecessarily for such basic functions. In this article, we investigate how to increase the battery life of smartphones by minimizing the use of application processor and HD display for operations related to basic functions. We find that the application processor is often waken up by a process running on it, called the Radio Interface Layer Daemon (RILD), which interfaces the user and apps to the GSM/LTE cellular network. In particular, we demonstrate that a great amount of energy could be saved if RILD is stopped, such that the application processor can sleep more often. Based on this key finding, we design a Smart On Demand (SOD) configuration that reduces the smartphone energy consumption by running RILD operations on a secondary low-power microcontroller and by using a secondary low-power display to interface the user with basic functions. As a result, basic phone functions can be handled at much lower energy costs and the power-consuming components, i.e., application processor and HD display, are waken up only when one needs to use any smart apps, in an on-demand manner. We have built a hardware prototype of SOD and evaluated it with real user traces. Our results show that SOD can increase its battery life by up to 2.5 more days.
Proteomics approaches shed new light on hibernation physiology

The broad phylogenetic distribution and rapid phenotypic transitions of mammalian hibernators imply that hibernation is accomplished by differential expression of common genes. Traditional candidate gene approaches have thus far explained little of the molecular mechanisms underlying hibernation, likely due to (1) incomplete and imprecise sampling of a complex phenotype, and (2) the forming of hypotheses about which genes might be important based on studies of model organisms incapable of such dynamic physiology. Unbiased screening approaches, such as proteomics, offer an alternative means to discover the cellular underpinnings that permit successful hibernation and may reveal previously overlooked, important pathways. Here, we review the findings that have emerged from proteomics studies of hibernation. One striking feature is the stability of the proteome, especially across the extreme physiological shifts of torpor-arousal cycles during hibernation. This has led to subsequent investigations of the role of post-translational protein modifications in altering protein activity without energetically wasteful removal and rebuilding of protein pools. Another unexpected finding is the paucity of universal proteomic adjustments across organ systems in response to the extreme metabolic fluctuations despite the universality of their physiological challenges; rather each organ appears to respond in a unique, tissue-specific manner. Additional research is needed to extend and synthesize these results before it will be possible to address the whole body physiology of hibernation.
Neuroimaging biomarkers of late-life major depressive disorder pathophysiology, pathogenesis, and treatment response

Abstract While diagnosis and treatment of late-life major depressive disorder (LLD) relies heavily on subjective clinical assessments and clinician judgment, decades of research have uncovered numerous neural correlates of LLD and treatment response. Greater white matter hyperintensity burden and reduced structural integrity increase depression risk, and are more prominent in LLD and treatment resistance. Patients suffering from LLD have disconnected fronto-limbic white matter, lower volume in these regions (especially the hippocampus, amygdala, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), and reduced cerebral blood flow. LLD pathophysiology involves altered functional circuitry in the default mode network and executive control networks, as well as a hyperactive limbic system (similar to mid-life depression) and a hypoactive executive system. Acute changes in some markers correlate with treatment response. These findings lay the groundwork for targeting future interventions to the underlying circuit-level disruption. Due to variability in LLD etiology and methodology, additional studies are needed before any new treatments can be implemented in the clinic.
On the Transition Laws of $p$-Tempered $\alpha$-Stable OU-Processes

We derive an explicit representation for the transition law of a $p$-tempered $\alpha$-stable process of Ornstein-Uhlenbeck-type and use it to develop a methodology for simulation. Our results apply in both the univariate and multivariate cases. Special attention is given to the case where $p\le\alpha$, which is more complicated and requires additional care.
Impact of Corticosteroids in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background Since its appearance in late 2019, infections caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 have created unprecedented challenges for health systems worldwide. Multiple therapeutic options have been explored, including corticosteroids. Preliminary results of corticosteroids in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are encouraging; however, the role of corticosteroids remains controversial. Research Question What is the impact of corticosteroids in mortality, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and viral shedding in COVID-19 patients? Study Design and Methods We conducted a systematic review of literature on corticosteroids and COVID-19 in major databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE) of published literature through July 22, 2020, that report outcomes of interest in COVID-19 patients receiving corticosteroids with a comparative group. Results A total of 73 studies with 21,350 COVID-19 patients were identified. Corticosteroid use was reported widely in mechanically ventilated patients (35.3%), ICU patients (51.3%), and severe COVID-19 patients (40%). Corticosteroids showed mortality benefit in severelly ill COVID-19 patients (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.51-0.83; P = .0006); however, no beneficial or harmful effects were noted among high-dose or low-dose corticosteroid regimens. Emerging evidence shows that low-dose corticosteroids do not have a significant impact in the duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral shedding. The analysis was limited by highly heterogeneous literature for high-dose and low-dose corticosteroids regimens. Interpretation Our results showed evidence of mortality benefit in severely ill COVID-19 patients treated with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are used widely in COVID-19 patients worldwide, and a rapidly developing global pandemic warrants further high-quality clinical trials to define the most beneficial timing and dosing for corticosteroids.
Markov Random Fields for Basic Scene Analysis of Occupancy Grids

We develop an approach to updating the representation of the environment in near proximity to a platform based upon limited-quality onboard sensor readings. Our method builds upon occupancy grid mapping techniques, and uses a Markov random field as the probabilistic modeling paradigm for resolving discrepancies between neighboring cells in the occupancy grid. This approach is readily implemented with intermittent data of obstacle reports, which is a behavior typically encountered when using forward look sonars operating on unmanned underwater vehicles. We demonstrate the approach through simulation studies of sonar performance in environments with multiple obstacles. Using receiver operator characteristic analysis of the resulting filtering scheme, we show how the method can be tuned to improve performance based upon the expected environmental complexity and sonar performance characteristics. Numerical results from the simulations are presented to show how the method compares to conventional Bayesian filtering.
Increased Uptake of Nucleosides in the Activation of Sea Urchin Eggs

Sea urchins have long provided a convenient and definable system for the study of cellular activation and early embryonic development. A single female, at the simple request of injecting isoosmotic KCl into the body cavity, may shed as much as 20 ml of fully mature eggs, each ml containing 2 × 106 eggs. A single male, at the same request, may shed as much as 5 ml of undiluted semen, each ml containing 10–100 × 109 spermatozoa. In vitro fertilization is accomplished simply by mixing eggs and sperm together in seawater. A most important advantage of this system is that the ionic composition of the external medium, seawater, is known, and under routine laboratory conditions, may be completely defined. Fertilized Strongylocentrotus purpuratus eggs will reach first cell division approx. 90 min after insemination at 15 °C. The next five divisions occur every 60 min and remain synchronous within each embryo and within a given culture. Development proceeds synchronously through easily recognizable embryonic stages (blastula, gastrula) to an early larval stage (pluteus) within 3 days. Several detailed and comprehensive reviews of fertilization and early development of the sea urchin are available elsewhere (Harvey 1956,Giudice 1973; Stearns 1974; Epel 1978; Nishioka 1982; Whitaker and Steinhardt 1982).
The Two-Photon Spectroscopy of All-Trans Retinal and Related Polyenes

The electronic properties of the low-lying excited singlet states of the visual chromophores have been the subject of considerable interest and controversy during the past decade. The interest in the problem is primarily due to the important role of the excited singlet state manifold in determining the photo-physical mechanism of vertebrate vision [1]. The controversy is associated with the inherent difficulty in experimentally determining the excited state level orderings in these molecules due to their broad, structureless electronic absorption bands [2]. For example, the lowest excited singlet state of all-trans retinal has variously been assigned as “1A g *- ” (π, π*)4, “1B u *- ” (π, π*)4, or 1(n, π*) in the literature [1–5].
Robust feedback design: a time-domain fixed-point approach in L ∞

Current interest in robust feedback design stems in part from the need for more precise and reliable tracking performance, namely, system behavior in which tracking errors, despite plant uncertainties and input disturbances, satisfy specified amplitude constraints in the time domain. Such performance, however, proves difficult to guarantee by means of transform constraints in the frequency domain. In LQ, H2 and H∞ designs, for example, transform constraints relate not to the amplitude of the tracking error but to the energy, i.e. not to the L∞ norm of the error but to the L2 norm [1]. Consequently, these methods are rather poor with respect to tracking performance [2,3]. In Horowitz's QFT designs, transform constraints relate explicitly but heuristically to the amplitude C4]. Consequently, his methods are significantly better but are unfortunately system specific, highly graphic, and partially empiric [3,5]. To circumvent some of the major disadvantages of all these methods, we consider in this paper an alternative approach to QFT, one that provides both a precise, amplitude-oriented design formulation and a general, computeroriented design procedure.
Evaluation of multi-objective optimizers for cognitive radio using psychometric methods: Analysis using unidimensional and multidimensional Rasch models

Item response models (IRMs) developed for use in fields such as education and psychology are applicable to cognitive radio testing due to parallels between cognitive radio and human cognition appear likely to enable efficient, and possibly adaptive testing of cognitive radios. A simulation study used unidimensional and multidimensional item response models to evaluate multi-objective cognitive engine optimizers based on two types of optimization algorithm: genetic algorithms and generalized pattern search. Data are presented in the context of cognitive radio and data are presented in a format that enables visualization of some characteristics of test items (optimization tasks) and optimizer performance identified by the IRMs. While the visualization provides intuitive confirmation of the IRM results, the IRMs identified additional significant effects that are not readily visible.