cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Economic viability of hardware overprovisioning in power-constrained high performance computing

Recent research has established that hardware overprovisioning can improve system power utilization as well as job throughput in power-constrained, high-performance computing environments significantly. These benefits, however, may be associated with an additional infrastructure cost, making hardware overprovisioned systems less viable economically. It is thus important to conduct a detailed cost-benefit analysis before investing in such systems at a large-scale. In this paper, we develop a model to conduct this analysis and show that for a given, fixed infrastructure cost budget and a system power budget, it is possible for hardware overprovisioned systems to lead to a net performance benefit when compared to traditional, worst-case provisioned HPC systems.
Digitization and the Changing Roles of Libraries in Support of Humanities Research: The Case of the Harrison Forman Collection

Objective – this article examines the role of libraries in expanding access to primary sources through digitization and in providing support for humanities research. Research method – the author analyzes the literature on information behavior of humanist scholars in light of the increased use of digitized primary sources. Next, using the example of the digitized photographs and diaries from the Harrison Forman Collection, the author explores the emerging role of libraries in creating a new source of scholarly materials and supporting research in humanities. Results and conclusions – digitization increasingly matters not only for practical reasons of ease of use and access but also by offering a new potential for humanistic research. Digitization projects provide enhanced intellectual control of primary resources, offer an opportunity to uncover hidden collections, and bring together scattered materials. Digital collections in their present design demonstrate some limitations in supporting scholars’ browsing behavior and in providing contextual information. Creating digital collections in support of humanities research requires the transformation of library roles and collaboration with digital humanities scholars.
Cognitive intrusion of pain and catastrophic thinking independently explain interference of pain in the activities of daily living.

Patients with musculoskeletal illness often report that pain interferes with their ability to engage in activities of daily living. Catastrophic thinking is consistently depicted as an important cognitive factor that hinders adjustment to pain. Current research has also shown that pain negatively impacts an individual's ability to maintain attention on the task at hand. While a measure of the experience of cognitive intrusion of pain (ECIP) has been recently developed to quantify the extent of that impact, little research has explored this issue in everyday settings. This study tested the mediating roles of cognitive intrusion of pain and pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) on the association of pain intensity with pain interference in 142 patients with upper-extremity musculoskeletal illness. We found that both cognitive intrusion of pain (b = 0.136, bootstrap SE = 0.048, 95% BCa CI [0.052, 0.245]) and pain catastrophizing (b = 0.114, bootstrap SE = 0.044, 95% BCa CI [0.047, 0.221]) partly and independently mediated the relationship between pain intensity and pain interference. Although comparable, the mediation effect of cognitive intrusion of pain was slightly larger than that of pain catastrophizing (25.7%, bootstrap SE = 0.094 vs. 21.5%, bootstrap SE = 0.080). Results suggest that pain sensations can interfere with activities of daily living through two distinct mechanisms. A combination of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness skills training targeting both pain catastrophizing and cognitive intrusion has the potential to decrease pain interference and help patients return to normal healthy living in spite of acute or persistent pain.
Experiences of Black Alumnae from PWIs: Did they Thrive?

This study qualitatively examines 16 Black alumnae’s college experiences from a Black feminist thought intersectional lens. Findings reveal they graduated but did not thrive in the ways described by the thriving quotient and point to ways institutions can measure success not by graduation alone but by all students leaving college with wholeness, well-being, and self-efficacy.
Biogeochemistry: Food for early animal evolution

A revised timeline for when algae became ecologically important among plankton in the ancient oceans reveals a link between chemical changes in those waters and the emergence of animals in marine ecosystems. See Letter p.578 The sudden appearance of complex animals in the Cambrian period puzzled Darwin. He regarded it as one of the most important problems to beset his theory of evolution by natural selection. Here, Jochen Brocks and colleagues show that the Cambrian 'explosion' was preceded by a 'rise of algae' during an interval in which the world may have been largely frozen over. Various steroids preserved in sediments are distinctive markers of eukaryotes, but steroids typical of algae only abound for a short interval in the Cryogenian period between the Sturtian (720–660 Ma) and Marinoan (650–635 Ma) glaciations. In this relatively short, warm interval, phosphorus released by Sturtian weathering allowed eukaryotes to flourish. This broke the stranglehold on Earth's ecology by cyanobacteria, which can get by in lower phosphorus concentrations. This 'rise of algae' created shorter, more efficient food webs, driving an escalatory race towards larger and increasingly complex organisms and the rise of animals.
Femininity and Choice of College Major

We investigate associations between adherence to femininity and choice of college major using a sample of university women in the United States. Our results indicate that general conformity to feminine norms is related to postsecondary field of study. With background factors controlled, general conformity to feminine norms is associated negatively with women’s odds of choosing STEM and doctoral-track medicine majors, as well as arts and humanities majors, relative to other fields of study. Our multivariate results also indicate that level of conformity to specific feminine norms, including norms for being relationship-oriented, caring for children, and being domestic, is related to postsecondary field of study, especially for choosing a major in arts and humanities, business, and communication and journalism. Taken together, our findings suggest that cultural norms about femininity contribute to ongoing gender segregation of academic fields of study.
Aggregation Using the Concept of Dynamic-Sized Data Packet for Effective Energy Saving in Wireless Sensor Network

Data aggregation process can extract relevant information from raw data obtained from various sources using certain mathematical functions. Aggregation reduces the transmission of redundant data. A protocol named DP_AODV is implemented in this paper. Aggregator nodes (cluster head) are identified using the positional information. Routes are established between these aggregator nodes using efficient routing techniques. Data is aggregated along the path to the destination conserving additional energy. The aggregation process involves averaging the data if it is within the threshold range, else, only the data part along with the positional information is appended to the payload. Size of the Data packet varies dynamically based on the number of nodes having co-related data at that particular instance. The common header occupies a substantial part of the packet. Avoiding multiple transmission of common part of the header saves energy.
Maintaining connectivity: understanding the role of root order and mycelial networks in fine root decomposition of woody plants

The predictive power of climate models is limited by an incomplete understanding of the controls on fine root decomposition and thus belowground carbon cycling. To more accurately model rates of decay, fine root heterogeneity needs to be addressed in fine root decomposition studies. Branching order integrates both structural and chemical properties that are important in indicating litter quality and decay rate. We discuss current views on the controls and patterns of fine root decomposition in combination with recent findings related to the effects of branching order and mycorrhizal decomposition. We examine the counterintuitive finding that nitrogen rich, lower order roots decompose more slowly than woody, higher order roots in temperate and sub-tropical forests. We posit that slower decomposition of first and second compared to higher order roots might be caused by the poor carbon quality associated with higher concentrations of phenols in lower order roots or by inhibition of saprophytes by the mycorrhizal fungi that often preferentially inhabit these roots. Alternatively, apparent recalcitrance of lower order roots could be an experimental artifact caused by severing pre-mortem mycelial connections during sample processing, or exclusion of animals that graze fungal structures by the small mesh sizes characteristic of litterbags. To better predict the residence time of the carbon contained in the entire fine root pool, existing methods should be applied to individual root orders when practical. New methods for characterizing decomposition of undisturbed roots that have senesced naturally are greatly needed.
Pervasive migration across rainforest and sandy coastal plain Aechmea nudicaulis (Bromeliaceae) populations despite contrasting environmental conditions.

Understanding the colonization of extreme marginal habitats and the relative roles of space and environment in maintaining peripheral populations remains challenging. Here, we leverage a system of pairs of rainforest and sandy coastal plain communities that allow us to decouple spatial and environmental effects in the population structure and migration rates of the bromeliad Aechmea nudicaulis. Structure and gene flow between populations were estimated from Bayesian clustering and coalescent-based migration models applied to chloroplast sequence and nuclear microsatellite data. Contrary to our initial expectation, the sharp environmental gradient between rainforest and sandy plains does not seem to have affected the colonization and migration dynamics in A. nudicaulis. Our analyses uncover pervasive gene flow between neighbouring habitats in both chloroplast and nuclear data despite the striking differences in environmental conditions. This result is consistent with a scenario of repeated colonization of the sandy coastal plains from forest populations through seed dispersal, as well as the maintenance of gene flow between habitats through pollination. We also recovered a broad north/south population structure that has been found in other Atlantic rainforest groups and possibly reflects older phylogeographic dynamics.
High-level theoretical characterization of the vinoxy radical (•CH2CHO) + O2 reaction.

Numerous processes in atmospheric and combustion chemistry produce the vinoxy radical (•CH2CHO). To understand the fate of this radical and to provide reliable energies needed for kinetic modeling of such processes, we have examined its reaction with O2 using highly reliable theoretical methods. Utilizing the focal point approach, the energetics of this reaction and subsequent reactions were obtained using coupled-cluster theory with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)] extrapolated to the complete basis set limit. These extrapolated energies were appended with several corrections including a treatment of full triples and connected quadruple excitations, i.e., CCSDT(Q). In addition, this study models the initial vinoxy radical + O2 reaction for the first time with multireference methods. We predict a barrier for this reaction of approximately 0.4 kcal mol−1. This result agrees with experimental findings but is in disagreement with previous theoretical studies. The vinoxy radical +...
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Options for High-Risk Prostate Cancer

Radical treatment of the entire prostate gland is still the standard of care for high-risk PCa. However, focal HIFU ablation is a safe procedure and has shown promising short-term oncological outcomes, with acceptable complication rate and excellent functional outcomes. Prospective studies with long-term follow-up are needed to determine the true role of focal HIFU for PCa. Until then, focal HIFU should be offered only in the setting of clinical trials, particularly for high-risk PCa.
The normal appearing gall bladder

32 cases of relatively normal appearing gall bladders have been removed and the results traced for years. The surprising percentage of 87.5% of satisfactory results were obtained without operative mortality. Analysis of the symptoms and signs is presented together with analysis of the good and bad results.
The transport of 14C-alpha-aminoisobutyric acid in galactose cataracts in rats and rabbit lenses incubated in high galactose media.

The accumulation of 11 >C a-aminoisobutyric (a-AIB), a free and neutral amino acid, was markedly decreased in galactosemic rat lenses and in rabbit lenses incubated in vitro toith 30 vnM. d-galactose in the media. The JI >C a-AIB accumulation ratios were lower in galactosemic lenses studied in vivo than in vitro when compared to their controls. Rabbit lenses incubated for 4 hours or longer in high galactose media and transferred to galactose-free media had decreased Ji C a-AIB accumulation ratios when compared to controls. In kinetic experiments corrected for the increased 1J >C a-AIB efflux, lenses incubated in 30 mM. galactose showed competitive inhibition of d-galactose (or its accumulated metabolite, galactitol) and a-AIB accumulated by the lens. From the described results it is concluded that the effects of d-galactose on the transport and efflux of a-AIB by the lens are exerted (1) mainly inside the lens, by d-galactitol or increased hydration, and on the Na + dependent (ouabain-sensitive) (Na + K + ATPase dependent) fraction of a-AIB transport into lens. (2) To a small degree outside the lens by a direct effect of d-galactose on the transporting site of a-AIB in the lens. The decreased amino acid levels in lenses of galactose-fed rats appeared also related to similar depletions in the content of myo-inositol in such lenses. This cyclic alcohol has been found essential for the maintenance of amino acid transport by cells in vitro.
Use of Reentry Catheters in Lower Extremity Chronic Total Occlusions (CTO)

The most recent cause for failure at the treatment of chronic total occlusions is the inability to cross the lesion. There are several catheters that can aid in reentry. This chapter reviews some of these catheters.
Specialized Somatosensory Systems

This chapter considers a number of special evolutionary developments of somatic sensation. Discussed are temperature sensations, electroreception in monotreme mammals, and tactile sensations associated with fish barbels, avian feathers, and mammalian vibrissae and specialized skin surfaces. Examples include heat-sensing pit organs in crotaline and some boid snakes, particular vibrissae used by aquatic compared with those used by terrestrial mammals, and the special concentrations of receptive surfaces in the perioral skin of grazing sheep, in raccoon hands, in elephant trunks, and in the perinasal stars of star-nosed moles. Also described are several correlated enhancements of brain regions associated with these special developments in sensory surfaces.
A delicate balance: how postsecondary education dance faculty in the United States perceive themselves negotiating responsibilities expected for tenure

ABSTRACTDiscussions about tenure among postsecondary education dance faculty elicit a spectrum of perspectives and emotions ranging from excitement to confusion to fear. Faculty carefully weigh the...
Rotor Position estimation method for permanent magnet synchronous motor based on Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Observer

In order to solve the restrictions, imposed by the position sensor, on the application of the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) in the robot field, a rotor position estimation method based on super-twisting sliding mode observer (STSMO) is proposed. The observer is built according to the back electromotive force (EMF) model after the back EMF equivalent signal is obtained. In this way, not only are low-pass filter and phase compensation module eliminated, but also estimation accuracy is improved. Then, the Lyapunov stability analysis is carried out to verify the stability of SPMSM control system. Finally, Numerical simulations is carried out on Matlab/Simulink, the results demonstrate that the STSMO can effectively estimate rotor position and velocity, and the system has good dynamic and static performance.
The effects of phthalimide and saccharin derivatives on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor activity and related enzyme activities.

The hypolipidemic agents, phthalimide, saccharin, o-(N-phthalimido) acetophenone, N-(p-chlorobenzoyl) sulfamate, and o-chlorobenzylsulfonamide affected low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor activity and lipoprotein degradation. In isolated rat hepatocytes, rat aorta foam cells, and human fibroblasts, LDL receptor activity, which is dependent on apo-B and -E, was inhibited by the drugs in a dose-dependent manner. LDL degradation was accelerated in the hepatocytes, while it was inhibited in aorta cells and fibroblasts. The drugs enhanced HDL receptor activity, dependent on apo-E and -Al, and HDL degradation in the hepatocytes, whereas in fibroblasts and aorta cells HDL receptor binding and degradation were suppressed. In parallel, activities of acyl Co A acyl transferase, sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase, and heparin-induced lipoprotein lipase decreased and activities of HMG–CoA reductase and cholesterol oleate-ester hydrolase increased. In fibroblasts the presence of drugs enhanced HDL binding of intracellular cholesterol. In vivo studies demonstrated that phthalimide and saccharin treatment enhanced the clearance of HDL and decreased the clearance of LDL from the serum of rats. The results suggest that the mode of action of the agents is to modulate the lipoprotein receptor and, thereby, the clearance of lipids from peripheral tissue as part of the hypolipidemic activity.
Power Network Parameter Correction via Sparse Unsupervised Regression

The problem of correcting power network parameters and topology using multi-period SCADA measurements is considered. Starting from the current knowledge of parameter values, we formulate the parameter correction problem as a sparse unsupervised regression problem by exploiting the sparsity of the parameter errors. The advantage of the proposed approach is that it can localize and estimate parameter errors at the same time; there is no need for prior knowledge of error locations. Furthermore, the approach can be adapted to correct sparse errors in both parameters and topology simultaneously. We present an iterative parameter correction algorithm and demonstrate its efficacy using the IEEE 14-bus test case.
A Standardized Approach to Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Marking.

The refinement of abdominally based free flap reconstruction over the past few decades has led to the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap becoming the standard in autologous breast reconstruction. The flap takes advantage of adiposity in the lower abdomen while minimizing donor site morbidity by sparing the abdominal musculature. Despite the flap’s increased popularity, a standardized approach to DIEP flap markings has never been reported in the literature. We propose a novel reproducible marking technique to standardize DIEP flap marking, similar to an abdominoplasty technique, which leads to greater symmetry and consistency in the donor site. The DIEP flap preoperative donor site markings are largely free handed based on surgeon experience and patient body habitus. A handful of studies have proposed using a template to plan preoperative markings for the optimal breast reconstruction. Miranda et al1 used CT angiography to individualize a template that captured the relevant abdominal perforators, which can then be traced onto the patient’s abdomen. Although this method is effective in identifying perforators to maximize flap perfusion, it lacks standardization to optimize donor site symmetry and aesthetics. Another study by Tregaskiss et al2 uses a preoperative paper template based on the contralateral breast to achieve ideal breast mound aesthetics, but this article focuses on optimizing flap inset rather than the donor site markings. Our group’s experience has demonstrated that the following standardized step-by-step approach to preoperative DIEP markings leads to greater symmetry and consistency in the donor site. In particular, measuring and equalizing the vertical distance between standardized points of the superior and inferior borders of the flap creates a more symmetrical donor site. Standardized DIEP Flap Marking Technique Begin with identifying the following anatomic landmarks with the patient in the standing position: left and right anterior superior iliac spine, sternal notch, umbilicus, vaginal cleft (Fig. ​(Fig.11). Open in a separate window Fig. 1. DIEP flap marking using anatomic landmarks. Anatomic landmarks include left and right anterior superior iliac spine, sternal notch, umbilicus, and pubic cleft. Vertical guide lines are parallel to each other and used to ensure flap symmetry. Printed with permission from Baylor College of Medicine.
This Time Must Be Different: Disparities During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

African Americans and Latinos are overrepresented among cases of and deaths from COVID-19 nationally and in many of the U.S. regions hardest hit by the pandemic. The editorialist discusses lessons ...
Multichannel dynamics in the OH+ n-butane reaction revealed by crossed-beam slice imaging and quasiclassical trajectory calculations

Multidimensional reactions present various channels that can exhibit very different dynamics and give products of varying subsequent reactivity. Here, we present a combination of experiment and theory to reveal the dynamics of hydrogen abstraction by OH radical at primary and secondary sites in n-butane at a collision energy of 8 kcal/mol. Crossed molecular beam slice imaging experiments unequivocally probe the secondary abstraction channel showing backward angular distributions with mild energy release to product translation, which are accurately captured by trajectory calculations using a specific-reaction-parameter Hamiltonian. Experiments containing both reaction channels indicate a less marked backward character in the angular distribution, whose origin is shown by trajectory calculations to appear as an evolution toward more sideways scattering from the secondary to primary channel. While the two channels have markedly different angular distributions, their energy release is largely comparable, showing ample energy release into the water product. The synergistic combination of crossed-beam imaging and trajectories opens the door to detailed reaction-dynamics studies of chemical reactions with ever-increasing complexity.
Estimating Average Treatment Effects with Support Vector Machines

Support vector machine (SVM) is one of the most popular classification algorithms in the machine learning literature. We demonstrate that SVM can be used to balance covariates and estimate average causal effects under the unconfoundedness assumption. Specifically, we adapt the SVM classifier as a kernel-based weighting procedure that minimizes the maximum mean discrepancy between the treatment and control groups while simultaneously maximizing effective sample size. We also show that SVM is a continuous relaxation of the quadratic integer program for computing the largest balanced subset, establishing its direct relation to the cardinality matching method. Another important feature of SVM is that the regularization parameter controls the trade-off between covariate balance and effective sample size. As a result, the existing SVM path algorithm can be used to compute the balance-sample size frontier. We characterize the bias of causal effect estimation arising from this trade-off, connecting the proposed SVM procedure to the existing kernel balancing methods. Finally, we conduct simulation and empirical studies to evaluate the performance of the proposed methodology and find that SVM is competitive with the state-of-the-art covariate balancing methods.
A Flexible Multichannel EEG Artifact Identification Processor using Depthwise-Separable Convolutional Neural Networks

This article presents an energy-efficient and flexible multichannel Electroencephalogram (EEG) artifact identification network and its hardware using depthwise and separable convolutional neural networks. EEG signals are recordings of the brain activities. EEG recordings that are not originated from cerebral activities are termed artifacts. Our proposed model does not need expert knowledge for feature extraction or pre-processing of EEG data and has a very efficient architecture implementable on mobile devices. The proposed network can be reconfigured for any number of EEG channel and artifact classes. Experiments were done with the proposed model with the goal of maximizing the identification accuracy while minimizing the weight parameters and required number of operations. Our proposed network achieves 93.14% classification accuracy using an EEG dataset collected by 64-channel BioSemi ActiveTwo headsets, averaged across 17 patients and 10 artifact classes. Our hardware architecture is fully parameterized with number of input channels, filters, depth, and data bit-width. The number of processing engines (PE) in the proposed hardware can vary between 1 to 16, providing different latency, throughput, power, and energy efficiency measurements. We implement our custom hardware architecture on Xilinx FPGA (Artix-7), which on average consumes 1.4 to 4.7 mJ dynamic energy with different PE configurations. Energy consumption is further reduced by 16.7× implementing on application-specified integrated circuit at the post layout level in 65-nm CMOS technology. Our FPGA implementation is 1.7 × to 5.15 × higher in energy efficiency than some previous works. Moreover, our Application-Specified Integrated Circuit implementation is also 8.47 × to 25.79 × higher in energy efficiency compared to previous works. We also demonstrated that the proposed network is reconfigurable to detect artifacts from another EEG dataset collected in our lab by a 14-channel Emotiv EPOC+ headset and achieved 93.5% accuracy for eye blink artifact detection.
Reefer Madness: The Legal Quagmire of Medical Marijuana in the Workplace

The film ‘Reefer Madness’1 propagandized the evil effects of marijuana in the 1930s.2 Nearly 83 years later, marijuana is largely decriminalized, chiefly for medicinal purposes. Less melodramatic than the side effects portrayed in Reefer Madness is the reality of how employment law will be impacted by medicinal marijuana use. Ordinarily, the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) would sufficiently address employee protections and permissible adverse employment actions, and, where it fails to provide guidance, surely state law would fill the gap. However, the current state of marijuana law presents a bizarre dilemma: how does a local or state jurisdiction regulate a medically and lawfully recommended drug that is outlawed federally? Does marijuana’s federal classification as a Schedule I drug permit an employer to claim preemption under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution to avoid liability for adverse employment actions, such as discrimination, when state law would otherwise permit damages to be awarded? Where does an employee find balance between medical necessity and an organization’s business risk associated with medicinal side effects of marijuana? Why is reasonable accommodation even a legal answer for a drug used off site and after work hours? The current answers to these questions are divisive, pitting employer against employee and circuit against circuit. Yet the application of employment law is not at conflict with federal mandates. As this article will argue, the shortcomings of the ADA can therefore be remedied by applying an equitable balancing test to medical marijuana discrimination claims.
Transvenous Pressure Monitoring Guides Endovascular Treatment of Vein of Galen Malformation: A Technical Note.

Introduction Vein of Galen malformations (VGMs) are complex congenital arteriovenous malformations that generally require serial endovascular treatment sessions to slowly correct the high-flow fistulous connections that cause increased venous pressures and ultimately lead to the classic presentations of heart failure, hydrocephalus, and intracranial hemorrhages. Despite the advances in endovascular technology and embolic materials, the resolution of embolization is often limited to the subjective view of diminished flow on angiograms. Case report An 8-month-old patient with a VGM developed clinical signs of heart failure and growing head circumference with ventriculomegaly. The patient was treated endovascularly with a transvenous approach for coil embolization while undergoing continuous monitoring of the post-malformation venous pressures. The arterial and venous systolic blood pressures (SBP) were collected at serial time points and used to measure estimated 95% confidence interval bounds for arteriovenous SBP gradients and determine when sufficient coil embolization and flow reduction was thought to be achieved. Conclusion The transvenous pressure monitoring demonstrated progressively increasing pressure gradients between the arterial and venous systems that correlated with the degree of flow reduction on angiographic runs. The patient underwent successful coil embolization of the VGM and had improvement of heart failure and ventricular size in follow-up at 8-month post-op. This provides a novel technique to introduce an objective measurement that can guide the embolization of a VGM.
Advancing Children’s Learning Through Innovations in the Measurement of Literacy Engagement:

Children’s engagement is an important construct often reported in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education. However, its utility depends on its definition, measurement, theory of ch...
A study of transistor degradation in cyber-physical system control devices: work-in-progress

This work presents a plan for investigating transistor aging and degradation in cyber physical systems under attack. The authors discuss the importance of such concerns, particularly with regard to negative bias temperature instability, and an approach to demonstrate the adverse effects of a cyber-attack resulting in premature aging of transistors within a system's digital controllers.
Adverse events related to AtriCure EPi-Sense Coagulation Device-Analysis of the FDA MAUDE database.

Introduction The Atricure EPi-Sense Device is used for the hybrid convergent procedure, an emerging treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation and long standing persistent atrial fibrillation. However, data on the AE related to the EPi-Sense device are scarce. Methods Keyword "EPI-SENSE" was searched on the MAUDE database. There were 80 device reports from 2016-2020. After excluding reports when the device was not returned for evaluation, 79 device reports were included for final analysis. Results The adverse events were broadly classified into 11 categories. The most common complications were pericardial effusion (25.3%), stroke (17.7%) and atrio-esophageal fistula (AEF) (8.9%). Death was reported in 15 (19%) cases, 3 of which were due to pulmonary embolism, 6 due to AEF, 3 due to unknown cause, 1 due to sepsis, 2 due to events related to acute renal failure (ARF). Discussion Pericardial effusion is a common AE reported in patients with convergence procedure and is well documented in the CONVERGE trial. Convergent procedure is unique in that the epicardial ablations are performed on the posterior wall with the radiofrequency probe directed towards the heart and away from the esophagus which in theory should reduce esophageal injuries. Despite that, a high number of AEF were noticed. Lastly, there were also some reports of saline perfusion malfunction which can lead to injuries due to overheating. Conclusion This analysis of the AE related to the EPi-Sense device highlights several major adverse events that are previously unreported. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Do positive events and emotions offset the difficulties of stressful life events? A daily diary investigation of depressed adults

Abstract Can positive events and positive emotions reduce the impact of a stressful event in people with depression? In previous research, studies have found that positive events and positive affect (PA) that co-occur with daily stressors can reduce – or offset – the emotional impact of the stressors. However, this effect has not been examined in people with depression, an emotional disorder characterized by higher levels of negative affect (NA) and lower levels of PA. This study examined whether depression is an individual difference variable in affective offset through testing whether depression reduces or eliminates affective offset. Using a nationally representative sample with daily assessments across eight days, we examined reports of positive events, stressors, and PA and NA from 121 adults with a depression diagnosis versus 839 adults with no depression symptoms. For depressed persons, when a stressor occurred, same day number of positive events, but not PA, offset next day NA. At the same time, depressed participants who reported higher average daily PA also reported lower NA the day after a stressor occurred. Our study provides evidence that some depressed persons exhibit affective offset and some depressed persons do not. We offer several explanations for the heterogeneous reactions of depressed individuals.
Cardiac Extracellular Matrix Scaffold Generated Using Sarcomeric Disassembly and Antigen Removal

Xenogeneic cardiac extracellular matrix (cECM) scaffolds for reconstructive cardiac surgery applications have potential to overcome the limitations of current clinically utilized patch materials. A potentially ideal cECM scaffold would be immunologically acceptable while preserving the native cECM niche. Production of such a scaffold necessitates removal of cellular and antigenic components from cardiac tissue while preserving cECM structure/function properties. Existing decellularization methodologies predominantly utilize denaturing detergents which might irreversibly alter cECM material properties. To overcome potential deficiencies of current approaches, the effect of sarcomere relaxation and disassembly on resultant cECM scaffold cellularity was investigated. Additionally, the ability of sequential differential protein solubilization (antigen removal-AR) to reduce cECM scaffold antigenicity was examined. Sarcomeric relaxation and disassembly were necessary to achieve scaffold acellularity. All groups in which AR was employed displayed statistically significant decreases in residual antigenicity regardless of their degree of acellularity. AR combined with sarcomeric disassembly preserved structural, biochemical, mechanical and recellularization properties of the cECM scaffold. However, sodium dodecyl sulfate significantly altered cECM properties. This study demonstrates the importance of solubilizing cellular elements and antigenic components in a stepwise manner for production of a potentially ideal cECM scaffold and may have implications for future tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
On Global Locking in Crushed Shells

Considerable bending and membrane stiffening may occur in the fold zones of discretized models of severly deformed shells. A simplified analysis is presented to illustrate this effect for a single fold and an entire box column subjected to axial compression. It is concluded that the mean crushing force calculated by means of FE methods might be up to 30% larger than the experimentally measured force unless the mesh size is brought down to the dimension of a wall thickness.
Second cross virial coefficients of benzene-gas mixtures from high pressure solubility measurements

Values of second cross virial coefficients have been determined from solubility measurements at high pressures for binary mixtures of benzene with He, H2, N2, Ar, CH4, and C2H4. The results of these measurements are compared with values obtained using newly developed high pressure gas-liquid chromatographic methods. The agreement between second cross virial coefficients obtained by these two different methods is found to be good.
A Comparison Study of Sensible and Latent Thermal Energy Storage Systems for Concentrating Solar Power Applications

Thermal energy storage (TES) provides a key opportunity to reduce the cost of concentrating solar power generation. In this article transient heat transfer performance and operational characteristics of sensible TES systems (made of liquid solar salt) and latent TES systems (made of sodium nitrate undergoing liquid-solid phase change), all enclosed in vertical annuli, are numerically simulated. The results show that the latent TES systems can operate with a much higher energy density than the sensible TES systems, and that compact latent TES systems are capable of offering both high energy density and a satisfactory charging/discharging rate.
A PDMS microfluidic spotter for fabrication of lipid microarrays

A PDMS microfluidic spotter system has been developed for the patterning of lipid microarrays that require individually addressing each spot area and high spot density. Microarray spot concentration and uniformity are improved by forming array spots through continuous flow whereby a greater amount of lipid in solution will come in contact with and have the opportunity to bind to the substrate surface. Additionally, flow deposition offers more control over spot formation, since the flow rates and deposition times could be uniquely varied for each spot, producing spots with unique concentrations on the surface. The system is significant in that it facilitates the fabrication of high-density arrays with more dilute lipid solutions, which are difficult and sometimes prohibitively expensive to isolate in sufficient concentration for solid pin and ink-jet spotting. Preliminary test deposition using a fluorescent dye has demonstrated a 5-fold increase in deposition density as compared to conventional pin spotting.
Predicting Competitive Response to P&G's Value Pricing Move: Combining Normative and Empirical Analyses

This research uses P&G's value pricing initiative as a context for testing the ability of a normative economic model to predict competitor and retailer response. We first estimate the response parameters of a demand function for each brand from the period before value pricing was initiated. We then formulate a dynamic Manufacturer-Stackelberg game theoretic model that includes P&G, a national brand competitor, and a retailer. The model takes P&G's move as given and prescribes the actions that competitors and the retailer should take with respect to price and promotion. We test the predictive power of the normative model by substituting the estimated response parameters into the model to obtain prescriptions for each competitor and the retailer, and then seeing whether these prescriptions are related to the actual moves taken by competitors and the retailer. We find that our economic model, coupled with empirical estimates of its response parameters, has significant predictive power. It is more accurate for competitive response than for retailer response, but the predictive power is statistically significant in both cases. Covariates such as category advertising, category purchase cycle, and multi-market contact also predict competitive response, but our economic model-based prescription is the most important predictor. Overall, the results suggest that competitor and retailer response to a significant policy change by a major "player" is predictable and at least partially rational in its dependence on response parameters processed through a dynamic game theoretic model.
Mechanism of band 3 dimer dissociation during incubation of erythrocyte membranes at 37 ∞C

The mechanism of dissociation of the stable dimer of band 3 was investigated during the incubation of isolated erythrocyte membranes or resealed ghosts at 37 degrees C. The kinetics of changes in the structural and functional integrity of the membrane domain of band 3 (MDB3) were measured and correlated with the change in the Stokes radius of band 3. MDB3 integrity was determined as follows: (1) by measuring the fluorescence emission spectrum of 4, 4'-di-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate (DIDS) bound covalently to MDB3; (2) by measuring the number of DIDS covalent binding sites present after incubation of unlabelled resealed ghosts; and (3) by measuring the anion transport V(max) by using the same resealed ghosts. Incubation of membranes at 37 degrees C caused the dissociation of band 3 dimers to monomers but only after a lag period lasting approx. 50 h. The observation of such a lag implies that dissociation involves a sequence of molecular events beginning with some type of initial process. We have discovered that this initial process involves a conformation change in MDB3. There was a shift in the fluorescence spectrum for DIDS-labelled band 3 and a decrease in the DIDS binding capacity and transport activity of the unlabelled protein. Incubation of membranes at 4 degrees C inhibited the conformational change in MDB3 and the dissociation of dimers. Furthermore, no conformational change in MDB3 was observed when erythrocytes were incubated at 37 degrees C. We suggest that MDB3 unfolding is the molecular event responsible for the subsequent dissociation of stable dimers of band 3 to monomers during the incubation of erythrocyte membranes at 37 degrees C. The monomers so generated are either not functional in anion exchange or they have an attenuated functionality. The absence of a conformational change for band 3 in erythrocytes might imply that haemolysis perturbs the membrane structure and somehow predisposes band 3 to the conformational change that occurs during incubation at 37 degrees C.
The 26S proteasome: ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis in the tunnel

The 26S proteasome is a self-compartmentalizing protease responsible for the degradation of intracellular proteins. This giant intracellular protease is formed by several subunits arranged into two 19S polar caps-where protein recognition and ATP-dependent unfolding occur-flanking a 20S central barrel-shaped structure with an inner proteolytic chamber. Proteins targeted to the 26S proteasome are conjugated with a polyubiquitin chain by an enzymatic cascade before delivery to the 26S proteasome for degradation into oligopeptides. As a self-compartmentalizing protease, the 26S proteasome circumvents proteins not destined for degradation and can be deployed to the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments. The 26S proteasome is a representative of emerging group of giant proteases, including tricorn protease, multicorn protease, and TPPII (tripeptidyl peptidase II).
Cell-Mediated Immune Effector Functions in Chickens

Abstract Cell-mediated immune responses form an important part of the protection against intracellular pathogens. The MHC Class I and Class II antigens are important for the proper presentation of degraded proteins to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and helper T cells, respectively. Recent developments in the knowledge of the molecular structure of the MHC in relation to antigen presentation are discussed. Although CTL are important, there is a paucity of information concerning their relevance for the control of viral diseases in poultry. A newly developed approach of stable transfection of viral genes into cell lines transformed by reticuloendotheliosis virus has shown promise as a method to define proteins, which are important for the induction of cell-mediated immunity.
High temperature crystal structure and DSC of Sn2P2S6

We report the single crystal X-ray diffraction of Sn 2 P 2 S 6 at 110°C. The crystals are monoclinic, with space group P 2 1 / n, a =9.362(2) A, b =7.493(1) A, c =6.550(3) A, β=91.17(3)°, and Z =2. The structure consists of P 2 S 6 −4 anions linked together via S−Sn contacts. Each Sn atom is coordinated to eight S atoms. The S−Sn distances range from 2.914–3.227 A. At room temperature, Sn 2 P 2 S 6 crystallizes in the space group P c and has a strong ferroelectric response. Using differential scanning calorimetry, the transition to the paraelectric state is determined to be 60±2°C. The DSC data are also consistent with the phase transition being second order. The major change in the structure results from movement of the tin atoms. The P 2 S 6 −4 units remain essentially unchanged. Neither the room temperature nor the high temperature phase exhibits a layered structure characteristic of the transition metal phosphorus chalcogenides, M 2 P 2 X 6 .
Depression and Social Functioning in Preschool Children with Chronic Medical Conditions

The increased risk of major depressive disorder1 as well as difficulties in social functioning2 among adults and older children with a chronic medical condition has been well documented. As many as 4% to 14% of school-aged children exhibit depressive symptoms within 3 months following the diagnosis of a medical illness.3–5 Medical conditions that limit physical activities or require frequent absences also have been associated with social problems such as being ignored or teased by peers.6,7 Because the psychosocial correlates of chronic medical illness are likely to vary based on the salient socioemotional challenges associated with a particular developmental stage,8 medical illness may have a unique impact on the critical neurobiological, emotional, social, and cognitive development occurring during the preschool period between 3 and 6 years of age.9,10 Preschoolers are on a steep developmental trajectory as evidenced by major shifts in capacity for reciprocal play, conflict resolution, and maintenance of emotional regulation and self esteem.11,12 Recent studies show that depressive syndromes and symptoms including sadness, irritability, anhedonia, whining, crying, and self-blame can be identified in children as young as 3 years old.13 Thus, we sought to investigate the psychosocial repercussions of chronic medical problems even among very young preschool-aged children. We hypothesized that preschool children with one or more chronic medical conditions would demonstrate more depressive symptoms as well as greater difficulty in social interactions than preschoolers without chronic health problems. Further, it was expected that the interaction between having at least one health condition and high rates of depressive symptoms would have a significant negative impact on preschoolers’ social relationships.
Optical vortex coronagraphs

Starlight transmitted through an optical vortex was observed to form a dark core in the image of the star despite atmospheric turbulence. This affords opportunities to use optical vortices in the hunt for extrasolar planets and zodiacal dust. Observations using a 60-inch f/16 telescope will be reported.