cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intertwining Operators for Semisimple Groups, II

The purpose of the present paper is to expand the use of intertwining operators for semisimple Lie groups. In an earlier form (see [20]), these operators were meromorphic continuations of integral operators and exhibited equivalences among nonunitary principal series representations, those induced from a minimal parabolic subgroup. We demonstrated that there was an intimate connection between these operators and the irreducibility of the principal series, on the one hand, and the unitarity of the analytically continued representations (the complementary series), on the other hand. In the intervening years we have generalized the setting for intertwining operators significantly, and we have learned of new applications. For the most part, the expansion in the setting is that minimal parabolic subgroups have now been replaced by arbitrary parabolic subgroups M A N , and the representations that are studied are induced from a representation of M A N that is irreducible unitary on M, is one-dimensional on A, and is trivial on N. The expanded theory allows us to determine the degree of reducibility of all series of representations appearing in the Plancherel formula of the group, and to study complementary series attached to them. Such intertwining operators have also now found major applications in classifying representations (see Langlands [29] and Knapp-Zuckerman [-25]) and appear to have significance for some problems in number theory. Our objective in this paper is threefold: to develop the analytic properties of intertwining operators in what seems to be the appropriate degree of generality, to give a dimension formula for the commuting algebras of the unitary representations induced when the representation of M is in the discrete series and the character of A is unitary (and to give some further insights into these representations), and to illustrate a technique for dealing with complementary series. To make it possible to be more specific, we introduce some notation. Let G be a reductive group whose identity component has compact center; the precise axioms for G are given in w 1. Fix a Cartan involution 0 for G, and let P be a parabolic subgroup of G. Then P c~ OP decomposes into the product of commuting subgroups M and A, where A is a vector group and M satisfies the
Bringing New Literacies into the Content Area Literacy Methods Course

Multiple states set coursework in content area literacy as a requirement for secondary teacher licensure (Romine, McKenna, & Robinson, 1996; Sheridan-Thomas, 2007). This paper discusses my Content Area Reading and Writing course designed for secondary preservice teachers who are in a range of disciplines: secondary English, science, mathematics, foreign language, social studies, art, music, and physical education.
Promoter Hypermethylation of Resected Bronchial Margins: A Field Defect of Changes?

Purpose: Histologically positive bronchial margins after resection for non-small cell lung cancer are associated with shortened patient survival due to local recurrence. We hypothesized that DNA promoter hypermethylation changes at bronchial margins could be detected in patients with no histological evidence of malignancy and that they would reflect epigenetic events in the primary tumor. Experimental Design: Bronchial margins, primary tumor, bronchoalveolar fluid, and paired nonmalignant lung were obtained from 20 non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent a lobectomy or greater resection. Disease-specific recurrence was the primary end point. The methylation status of p16, MGMT, DAPK, SOCS1, RASSF1A, COX2 , and RAR β was examined using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Results: All malignancies had methylation in at least one locus. Concordance of one gene with an identical epigenetic change in the tumor or bronchial margin was observed in 85% of patients. Only one patient had methylation at the bronchial margin for a gene that was not methylated in the corresponding tumor. Median time to recurrence was 37 months (range, 5–71 months). There were two local recurrences and five metastases. There were no significant correlations between DNA methylation in tumor, margins, or bronchoalveolar fluid specimens and either regional recurrence or distant metastases. Conclusions: Histologically negative bronchial margins of resected non-small cell lung cancer exhibit frequent hypermethylation changes in multiple genes. These hyper-methylation abnormalities are also present in the primary tumor and thus may represent a field defect of preneoplastic changes that occurs early in carcinogenesis.
Cultural Diversity, Country Size, And The IFRS Adoption Decision

In this paper, we empirically examine the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption decision of 61 countries in an attempt to determine why some countries have adopted IFRS while others, at least to this point in time, have chosen not to adopt. In particular, we examine the influence of cultural diversity and country size on the adoption decision. Our results indicate that the IFRS adoption decision is significantly related to the size of the country, while we are unable to document any cultural influences on the decision. Our chief result is that larger countries are less likely to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards than small countries. This result is consistent with the notion that larger countries have a well-established set of financial accounting and reporting standards already in place, and therefore would be reluctant to incur the costs of changing to an international set of standards.
Selection of best methods to calculate degradation rates of PV modules

Three different PV systems were evaluated to compute degradation rates using four different methods and the methods are: I–V measurement metered raw kWh, performance ratio (PR) and performance index (PI). I–V method, being an ideal and the best method for degradation rate computation, was compared to the results obtained from other three methods. The median degradation rates computed from kWh method were within ±0.15% from I–V measured degradation rates (0.9–1.37 %/year for three systems). The degradation rates computed from the PI method were within ±0.05% from the I–V measured rates for two systems but the calculated degradation rate was remarkably different (±1%) from the I–V method for the third system. The degradation rate computed from the PR method was within ±0.16% from the I–V measured rate for only one system but they were remarkably different (±1%) from the I–V measured rates for the other two systems. Thus, it was concluded that metered raw kWh method is the best practical method, after the I–V method and PI method (if ground mounted POA insolation and other weather data are available) for degradation computation as this method was found to be fairly accurate, easy, inexpensive and fast.
Philosophy of science for globalized privatization: Uncovering some limitations of critical contextual empiricism

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to uncover some of the limitations that critical contextual empiricism, and in particular Longino's contextualism, faces when trying to provide a normative account of scientific knowledge that is relevant to current scientific research. After presenting the four norms of effective criticism, I show how the norms have limited scope when dealing with cases of current scientific practices. I then present some historical evidence for the claim that the organization of science has changed in recent decades, and I argue that the uncovered limitations emerge from this larger phenomenon. Finally, I conclude by suggesting two ways to overcome the previously uncovered limitations.
Popular Constitutionalism as Presidential Constitutionalism? Some Cautionary Remarks

This essay, which focuses on Larry Kramer's book The People Themselves, makes three points. First, although Kramer makes popular constitutionalism the conceptual centerpiece of his book, it's not at all clear what popular constitutionalism is. Kramer's work can be read to embody two very different versions of popular constitutionalism: a populist sensibility model and a departmentalist model. Second, whichever model Kramer has in mind, he has performed a valuable service by reminding us that the meaning of the Constitution is not identical to the doctrines the Supreme Court uses to implement that meaning. Third, popular constitutionalism in 2006 may in practice mean presidential constitutionalism - an outcome that should give us cause for concern. The essay concludes with two brief case studies that illuminate this concern.
Emergency Department Evaluation of Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States, 2009-2010.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the dimensions of traumatic brain injury (TBI) evaluation in US emergency department (EDs) to inform potential application of novel diagnostic tests. SETTING: US EDs. PARTICIPANTS: National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey of ED visits in 2009 and 2010 where TBI was evaluated (1) and diagnosed either clinically or (2) with head computed tomographic (CT) scans. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional. RESULTS: TBI was evaluated during 4.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2-5.4) million visits per year; and head CT scan was performed in 82% of TBI evaluations (3.9 [95% CI, 3.4-4.4] million visits per year). TBI was diagnosed in 52% of evaluations (2.5 [95% CI, 2.1-2.8] million visits per year). Among those who received head CT scans, 9% had CT evidence of traumatic abnormalities. Among patients evaluated for TBI who had a Glasgow Coma Scale score recorded, 94.5% were classified as having mild TBI, 2.1% as moderate TBI, and 3.5% as severe TBI. Among patients with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, codes permitting the calculation of head Abbreviated Injury Scale scores 9.0%, 85.0%, 2.5%, 3.2%, 0.3%, and 0% had head Abbreviated Injury Scale scores of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Of patients evaluated for TBI, 31% had other head/face/neck injuries, 10% had spine and back injuries, 7% had torso injuries, and 14% had extremity injuries. CONCLUSION: The ED is the main gateway to medical care for millions of patients evaluated for TBI each year. Novel diagnostic tests are needed to improve ED diagnosis and management of TBI. Language: en
Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula as a cause for symptomatic superficial siderosis: A report of two cases and review of the literature

Background: Superficial siderosis (SS) is the occult deposition of hemosiderin within the cerebral cortex due to repeat microhemorrhages within the central nervous system. The collection of hemosiderin within the pia and superficial cortical surface can lead to injury to the nervous tissue. The most common presentation is occult sensorineural hearing loss although many patients have been misdiagnosed with diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis before being diagnosed with SS. Only one case report exists in the literature describing an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) as the putative cause for SS.
Translucent Alumina Produced by Slip-Casting Using a Gypsum Mold

Translucent Al2O3 ceramics could be successfully produced by slip casting using a gypsum mold, provided that CaSO4 impurities, which had penetrated into the green compacts from the gypsum mold, were removed by the wash of calcined compacts with HCl aqueous solution. Al2O3 ceramic samples were sintered at 1350°C for 2h under vacuum. The relative densities of the sintered Al2O3 ceramic compacts with the HCl treatment were slightly higher than those of the untreated samples. Grains in the HCl-treated samples grew homogeneously with about 1μm in diameter. The sintered Al2O3 ceramics with the HCl treatment were translucent. Transmittance values were measured by spectroscopy. Transmittance values in the HCl-treated samples increased from 0 to 12% as the wavelength increased from 300 to 900nm.
A CASE OF ATYPICAL ULCERATIVE COLITIS ACCOMPANIED WITH INTRACTABLE ANAL FISTULA

肛門周囲膿瘍を契機に重症化した非定型的潰瘍性大腸炎(以下UC) の症例を経験したので文献的考察を加え報告する.症例は24歳,男性.平成6年 (22歳)発症時より全大腸炎型のUCと診断され,治療により緩解していた.平成8年12月下旬に肛門周囲膿瘍を契機に炎症が再燃した.9時から3時方向にかけて坐骨直腸窩膿瘍を認め, seton法で膿瘍ドレナージを行った.ステロイド大量投与に反応せず下血が持続した.大量下血を認めたため,平成9年1月8日緊急手術(大腸亜全摘,一時的回腸瘻, S状結腸粘液瘻造設術)を行った.切除標本では上行結腸,下行結腸,S状結腸に区域性に縦走潰瘍を認めたが,病変間の粘膜は肉眼上健常にみえた.術後合併症を生じることなく経過したが,難治性痔瘻となった.痔瘻が治癒するまでまち,初回手術より8カ月後回腸嚢下部直腸吻合術を行った.以後痔瘻の再発はなく経過良好である.
A bioemulsifier produced by Candida albicans enhances yeast adherence to intestinal cells.

On decrit ici un bioemulsificateur produit par t-albicans qui augmente l'adherence des levures aux cellules epitheliales intestinales humaines et reduit l'adherence des levures aux cellules epitheliales buccales
A remark on Mumford’s compactness theorem

It is shown that a recent compactness theorem for Fuchsian groups, due to Mumford, remains valid for groups containing elliptic and parabolic elements.
Research on Modeling of Dual Output Phase-Shifting Transformers

Dual output phase-shifting transformer is an important component of interphase power controller(IPC).In existing steady state circuit model of dual output phase-shifting transforemer the interaction between impedances of the two eqivalent branches is not considered.Based on basic theory of power transformer,positive-negative-and zero-sequence equivalent circuits of dual output phase-shifting transformer are derived,and it is pointed out that there is mutual impedance between the equivalent impeadances of the two branches,and the mutual impedance cannot be ignored.By use of PSCAD4.2 software,a single-machine infinite bus system,which contains the equivelent circuit of a dual output phase-shifting transforemer with two branches and the mutual impedance between the two branches are taken into account,is simulated.Simulation results show that the proposed equivalent circuit is correct and is available for reference to the modeling of dual output phase-shifting transforemer.
Knowledge and perception on immunization of patients with diabetes mellitus among community public health practitioners

Objective To understand the knowledge and perception of community public health practitioners on immunization for patients with diabetes mellitus, and to make recommendations for the improvement of community diabetes care. Methods From each of the community immunization clinic in an urban area of Guanghzou, a public health practitioner was interviewed in depth. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the basic features of the data, and Chisquare test was used to compare proportions between different groups. Results Thirty-seven public health practitioners were interviewed. Twenty-four(64.9%) mentioned that influenza-associated pneumonia is particularly common for patients with chronic conditions. Twenty-three(62.2%) believed that mortality from influenza is high in patients with chronic conditions. Fifteen(40.5%) mentioned that patients with chronic conditions are at higher risk for pneumococcal disease.Only nine interviewees(24.3%) believed that patients with chronic conditions should be vaccinated against influenza. Most interviewees knew little about the efficacy and effectiveness of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.Barriers to reaching higher rates of influenza and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination in diabetic patients include poor public awareness, no target vaccination coverage, and worries about adverse events following immunization.Conclusion The community public health practitioners were aware of influenza and pneumococcal disease. We should take measure to improve influenza and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination in patients with diabetes mellitus include health education and training, greater resource inputs, and service improvement.
Superradiance: An Integrated Approach to Cooperative Effects in Various Systems

Abstract We have developed a novel method to describe superradiance and related cooperative and collective effects in a closed form. Using this method we derive a two-atom master equation in which any complexity of atomic levels, semiclassical coupling fields and quantum fluctuations in the fields can be included, at least in principle. As an example, we consider the dynamics of an initially inverted two-level system and show how even such in a simple system phenomena such as the initial radiation burst or broadening due to dipole–dipole interactions occur. Finally, we find that correlation only, not entanglement, is responsible for superradiance.
Abstract 5326: Intracellular bacterial delivery of a NIPP1-peptide kills tumor cells

Protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) is a cancer target because it is involved in many cell signaling pathways. Its activity is tightly regulated by its interaction partners, mainly via the RVxF-binding motif. RVxF-containing peptides deregulate PP1 and have therapeutic potential as antagonists of increased cancer kinase signaling. Because PP1 is responsible for more than half of the dephosphorylations on Ser/Thr sites, it is essential in all eukaryotic cells and it is difficult to target systemically. Moreover, delivering peptides to cells extracellularly is inefficient because of poor cell permeability and proteolytic instability. To specifically transport therapeutic peptides into cancer cells, we engineered bacteria to be intracellular delivery vectors. A bacterial delivery system (BDS) was designed by creating a strain that lyses after cell invasion and releases its contents into the cytoplasm of cancer cells. A BDS strain was then manipulated to express a peptide containing the RVxF motif of Nuclear Inhibitor of PP1 (NIPP1; AA 142-224). The therapeutic potential of this strain was tested on MCF-7 cell monolayers and on 3D tumor tissue. The BDS was cloned by inserting the bacterial phage lysis gene E under the control of the sseJ promoter, a Salmonella promoter that is activated after cell invasion. The specificity of the sseJ promoter was tested by inserting GFP under its control and infecting MCF-7 cancer cells with Salmonella containing the plasmid. All intracellular bacteria expressed GPF after 4 hours of infection, while no fluorescence was measured in the bacteria outside the mammalian cells. After infection, the created BDS lysed in 78% of invaded cells. BDS delivery of the NIPP1-peptide to MCF-7 cancer cells killed 41% of infected cells while infection with control, empty BDS did not result in any death. When treating tumor tissue with BDS expressing NIPP1-peptide, 39% of tumor tissue was killed after 9.5 hours, compared to 8% when treated with BDS alone. These results indicate that targeting phosphatases with intracellular peptide delivery by bacteria is feasible and reduces tumor tissue viability. Citation Format: Nele Van Dessel, Neil S. Forbes. Intracellular bacterial delivery of a NIPP1-peptide kills tumor cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5326. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5326
Do stringent environmental regulations cause firm relocations and job loss? A case study of the wood furniture industry in Southern California

Do stringent environmental regulations cause polluting companies to relocate from a particular region to avoid environmental compliance, resulting in job loss for communities left behind? We investigate this question through a case study of the wood furniture industry in Southern California. Since 1988, the wood furniture industry in the region has been heavily regulated by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) due to the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from coatings applied to furniture. VOCs are a precursor of ozone formation, a major air quality problem facing most urban areas. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, we found that the regulations caused some firms, particularly larger ones, to relocate after the initial implementation of Rule 1136. However, the industry adjusted to the regulations in the context of other circumstances, including cyclical economic trends, high business costs, the globalisation of the US wood furniture industry, and the emergence of viable low-VOC and water-based coatings. Using a regression model that controls for the business cycle and secular trends, we estimate that job levels in the industry in Southern California are about one-third lower due to AQMD's regulations.
Setting the Stage for Creativity: Upstream, Mid-stream, and Downstream

The most common question we get as researchers and practitioners is: how to instigate creativity in teams and organizations? Some managers are focused downstream, on the development of a product; others are focused upstream—such as how to start thinking big. However, managers often forget about the mid-stream process. In this chapter, we combine insights from scientific research with actual examples and case studies to identify specific stage-setting processes that leaders and managers need to take in order to keep the raft moving through the mid-stream rapids and get downstream, and finally ashore. We point out the key challenges at each point in the creative river and how to leverage the talents of the team and organization.
Microbial quality of agricultural water in Central Florida

The microbial quality of water that comes into the edible portion of produce is believed to directly relate to the safety of produce, and metrics describing indicator organisms are commonly used to ensure safety. The US FDA Produce Safety Rule (PSR) sets very specific microbiological water quality metrics for agricultural water that contacts the harvestable portion of produce. Validation of these metrics for agricultural water is essential for produce safety. Water samples (500 mL) from six agricultural ponds were collected during the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 growing seasons (46 and 44 samples respectively, 540 from all ponds). Microbial indicator populations (total coliforms, generic Escherichia coli, and enterococci) were enumerated, environmental variables (temperature, pH, conductivity, redox potential, and turbidity) measured, and pathogen presence evaluated by PCR. Salmonella isolates were serotyped and analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Following rain events, coliforms increased up to 4.2 log MPN/100 mL. Populations of coliforms and enterococci ranged from 2 to 8 and 1 to 5 log MPN/100 mL, respectively. Microbial indicators did not correlate with environmental variables, except pH (P<0.0001). The invA gene (Salmonella) was detected in 26/540 (4.8%) samples, in all ponds and growing seasons, and 14 serotypes detected. Six STEC genes were detected in samples: hly (83.3%), fliC (51.8%), eaeA (17.4%), rfbE (17.4%), stx-I (32.6%), stx-II (9.4%). While all ponds met the PSR requirements, at least one virulence gene from Salmonella (invA-4.8%) or STEC (stx-I-32.6%, stx-II-9.4%) was detected in each pond. Water quality for tested agricultural ponds, below recommended standards, did not guarantee the absence of pathogens. Investigating the relationships among physicochemical attributes, environmental factors, indicator microorganisms, and pathogen presence allows researchers to have a greater understanding of contamination risks from agricultural surface waters in the field.
OpenMPIR: Implementing OpenMP Tasks with Tapir

Optimizing compilers for task-level parallelism are still in their infancy. This work explores a compiler front end that translates OpenMP tasking semantics to Tapir, an extension to LLVM IR that represents fork-join parallelism. This enables analyses and optimizations that were previously inaccessible to OpenMP codes, as well as the ability to target additional runtimes at code generation. Using a Cilk runtime back end, we compare results to existing OpenMP implementations. Initial performance results for the Barcelona OpenMP task suite show performance improvements over existing implementations.
Sociocognitive Metalexicographic Parameters Of The First Two Editions Of Srpski Rječnik By Vuk Stefanović Karadžić

The present paper approaches two nineteenth-century editions of Serbian Dictionary by Vuk Stefanovic Karadžic from a sociocognitive metalexicographic perspective. Using a triangular communicative model of lexicographic work, the author analyzes sociohistorical factors, lexicographic strategies, and lexicographic elements of the aforementioned dictionary. A special attention is devoted to the diff erences between the two editions, which coincide in time with a broader shift from traditional philology toward linguistics.
Seven Years of Teaching Communication With the Patient-Centered Observation Form.

Background and objectives For years, family medicine has taught patient-centered communication through observations and observation checklists. We explored the utility of one checklist, the Patient-Centered Observation Form (PCOF), to teach and evaluate patient-centered communication in our family medicine residencies. Methods We conducted a mixed-method study of five University of Minnesota Family Medicine Residencies' seven years of experience teaching and evaluating residents' patient-centered communication skills. All programs have a behavioral health (BH) faculty-led observation curriculum that uses the PCOF to assess resident skills and give feedback. We conducted a BH faculty focus group and interviews, generated themes from the BH responses, and then queried family medicine (FM) faculty regarding these themes through an online survey. Results Ten BH faculty participated in the focus group/interviews, and 71% (25/35) of FM faculty completed the survey about themes derived from the BH interviews. The residencies complete between 1 to 11 observations per resident per year. Since implementation, four programs have continuously used the PCOF due to its versatility, design as a formative rather than summative feedback tool, and relative ease of use. BH faculty believe longitudinal observations with the PCOF resulted in improved resident patient-centered communication. Most importantly, all faculty described a shift in family medicine culture toward patient-centered communication. Time for observations and feedback is the primary curricular barrier. Conclusions Our findings support the utility of the PCOF for teaching and evaluating patient-centered communication in family medicine training.
Optimizing the Convolution Operation to Accelerate Deep Neural Networks on FPGA

As convolution contributes most operations in convolutional neural network (CNN), the convolution acceleration scheme significantly affects the efficiency and performance of a hardware CNN accelerator. Convolution involves multiply and accumulate operations with four levels of loops, which results in a large design space. Prior works either employ limited loop optimization techniques, e.g., loop unrolling, tiling, and interchange, or only tune some of the design variables after the accelerator architecture and dataflow are already fixed. Without fully studying the convolution loop optimization before the hardware design phase, the resulting accelerator can hardly exploit the data reuse and manage data movement efficiently. This paper overcomes these barriers by quantitatively analyzing and optimizing the design objectives (e.g., memory access) of the CNN accelerator based on multiple design variables. Then, we propose a specific dataflow of hardware CNN acceleration to minimize the data communication while maximizing the resource utilization to achieve high performance. The proposed CNN acceleration scheme and architecture are demonstrated by implementing end-to-end CNNs including NiN, VGG-16, and ResNet-50/ResNet-152 for inference. For VGG-16 CNN, the overall throughputs achieve 348 GOPS and 715 GOPS on Intel Stratix V and Arria 10 FPGAs, respectively.
Diderot and the Materiality of Posterity

Art decays over time, so why should artists put faith in posterity? This question became a major source of disagreement in the correspondence between Denis Diderot and the sculptor Etienne-Maurice ...
Applications of Multiple Intelligences in Recreation Group Leadership Class

This paper focuses on the need for college professors to become more reflective about student learning styles and abilities. Adopting the theory of Multiple Intelligence (MI) proposed by Gardner pr...
Generalized Stability Analysis of Channel Banks

A generalized stability analysis of homogeneous bank slopes is presented. Cohesion, angle of friction, soil density, slope angle, and height are taken into account. The factor of safety against failure, as calculated for a suitable failure circle by the Simplified Bishop method, is expressed in terms of a stability number. Generalized charts relating the factor of safety to the slope height are developed.
High assurance BPEL process models

An increasing number of software applications and business processes are relying upon the use of web services to achieve their requirements. This is due in part to the use of standardized composition languages like the Business Process Execution Language (BPEL). BPEL allows the process designer to compose a procedural workflow from an arbitrary number of available web services and supplemental “programming-like” activities (e.g., assigning values to variables). Such composition languages naturally bring concerns of reliability, consistency, and durability, let alone safety and security. Thus, there is a need for formal specification and analysis of BPEL compositions for high assurance satisfaction. We propose the use of Unified Modeling Language (UML) sequence diagrams as a means for analysis of BPEL process consistency and demonstrate our technique with two examples.
Dose-response relationship of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation in healthy humans: A proof of concept study.

Background Non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation has been shown to modulate cortical excitability in various studies. Similarly, recent preliminary studies suggest that transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) may engender a modulation effect on spinal and cortical neurons. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dose-response effects of tsDCS in healthy subjects and thereby lay groundwork for expanding treatment options for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods Nine healthy subjects received each of the following 2 tsDCS conditions: Anodal and cathodal, in random order with at least 1 week washout period between each session. In order to test safety and dose response, various current intensities were used (2, 2.5 and 3 mA) for 20 minutes. The active electrode was placed vertically over T10-T11, and the reference electrode was placed over the left shoulder. To evaluate corticospinal excitability, motor evoked potentials over soleus muscle elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation were measured. To assess spinal cord excitability, H- and M- wave over soleus muscle to calculate Hmax/ Mmax ratio were measured. Results Linear regression showed a dose response with cathodal tsDCS on motor evoked potentials measured from the left leg as well as with anodal tsDCS on Hmax/ Mmax ratio measured from the left leg. Conclusions These findings indicate tsDCS effects are dose-dependent. These effects should be investigated in a larger sample.
Misperceived energy use and savings

Perceptions of energy use and potential savings are rife with systematic and problematic errors. Now research shows that these misperceptions are more important predictors than actual savings for consumer acceptance of a demand-side response programme, potentially limiting the effectiveness of such programmes for both utilities and consumers.
Improving Transitional Care: The Role of Handoffs and Discharge Checklists in Hematologic Malignancies.

Background Transitional care from inpatient to outpatient settings is a high-risk time for medical errors and missed follow-up appointments. Discharge checklists and handoffs are effective tools that lead to improved quality of care and outcomes. Objectives The purpose of this project was to implement an evidence-based discharge checklist and handoff template to improve and standardize transitional care from hospital to home for patients with hematologic malignancies. Methods The advanced practice providers (APPs) completed the discharge checklist at least 24 hours prior to discharge. The APPs requested appointments through the electronic health record using the discharge handoff tool. Chi-square analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Findings Implementation of the discharge checklist resulted in a statistically significant increase in the number of patients who had a follow-up appointment scheduled prior to discharge. The discharge handoff tool standardized communication between inpatient and outpatient providers.
A Directly Modulated Quantum Dot Microring Laser Transmitter with Integrated CMOS Driver

We demonstrate an integrated heterogeneous quantum-dot laser transmitter directly modulated by a CMOS driver. Utilizing a developed co-simulation laser model enables the design of an asymmetric 2-tap equalizer to achieve a record 12 Gb/s operation.
Modulation of "Protective" Nicotine Perception and Use Profile by Flavorants: Preliminary Findings in E-cigarettes.

INTRODUCTION Characterizing flavors are widely available in e-cigarettes and motivate initiation and continued use. Flavors may enhance appeal and facilitate development of addiction to tobacco products through modulation of tobacco products' reinforcing or aversive actions. Palatable flavors (eg, fruit) may increase appeal through primary reinforcing properties. Menthol's cooling and anesthetic effects may increase appeal by counteracting nicotine's aversive effects. Genetics provide a method for modeling individual differences in sensitivity to nicotine's effects. A common polymorphism, rs16969968, encoded in the α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit gene (CHRNA5), is a well-recognized marker for smoking risk and reduces sensitivity to nicotine aversiveness. METHODS This pilot study tested how flavors impacted e-cigarette appeal and self-administration. In a single testing day, cigarette smokers (N = 32; 94% menthol-smokers) self-administered e-cigarettes containing e-liquids differing in nicotine level (0 mg/mL, 24 mg/mL) and flavor (unflavored, menthol, fruit-flavored) within directed and ad libitum e-cigarette paradigms. Subjective drug effects, number of puffs, rs16969968 genotype, plasma nicotine, and menthol glucuronide levels were collected. RESULTS Menthol partially ameliorated nicotine aversiveness; fruit did not. In nicotine's absence, fruit flavor increased self-reported preference and ad libitum use relative to menthol-containing or unflavored e-liquids. Individuals with high-smoking-risk rs16969968 genotype (N = 7) reported greater craving alleviation following directed administration of nicotine-containing e-liquids, showed a trend rating nicotine-containing e-liquids as less harsh, and self-administered more nicotine during ad libitum compared to individuals with low-smoking-risk genotype (N = 23). CONCLUSIONS While menthol countered aversiveness of nicotine-containing e-liquids, fruit flavor increased appeal of nicotine-free e-liquids. These preliminary findings suggest menthol and fruit flavor increase e-cigarettes' appeal through distinct mechanisms. IMPLICATIONS This study provides a detailed characterization of the effects of flavors (unflavored, menthol, fruit), nicotine (0 mg/mL, 24 mg/mL) and their interactions on the subjective drug effects and ad libitum self-administration of e-cigarettes. Genetics were used to assess these effects in higher-smoking-risk (diminished sensitivity to nicotine aversiveness) and lower-risk groups. Findings could inform impact of regulation of flavors or nicotine in e-cigarettes, and their impacts on vulnerable sub-populations.
Genetic divergence outpaces phenotypic divergence among threespine stickleback populations in old freshwater habitats

ABSTRACT Species such as threespine stickleback fish that are distributed across landscapes with divergent selective environments and that have diversified on different time scales can be valuable for understanding evolutionary processes. Here we synthesize high resolution genotypic and phenotypic data to explore a largely unstudied distribution of threespine stickleback populations living in marine and freshwater habitats along coastal and inland regions of northwestern Oregon. Because many inland aquatic habitats of Oregon were not glaciated during the last ice age, we hypothesized that some extant Oregon lake and river stickleback are descended from freshwater populations that were established long before the well-studied, postglacial freshwater populations of Alaska. Here we characterize the major phenotypic and genetic axes of differentiation in Oregon stickleback, and compare these patterns to their Alaska counterparts currently inhabiting regions that were covered by ice during the last glacial maximum. Phenotypic variation in Oregon stickleback is predictably partitioned between oceanic and freshwater habitats. However, we also found that genetic divergence in Oregon ecotypes is much greater than divergence among studied stickleback populations in Alaska. Additionally, we report a surprising phenotypic and genetic affinity between oceanic stickleback with freshwater populations that live far inland in two Oregon river basins.
Radical-Mediated Carbon Skeleton Formation in Cofactor and Natural Product Biosynthesis

Abstract The past decade has experienced an emergence of radical SAM enzymes that catalyze C-C bond formation reactions in a variety of pathways, including natural product and cofactor biosynthesis and RNA modifications. The radical mediated C-C bond formation reactions, in general, proceed through three major steps; radical initiation, C-C bond formation, and radical quenching. The mechanisms of radical quenching step are particularly diverse and as yet significantly under-explored. Therefore, this review summarizes the reported radical SAM enzyme-catalyzed C-C bond formation reactions with particular focus on the radical quenching mechanism. MoaA, which is involved in the biosynthesis of the pterin backbone structure of molybdenum cofactor (Moco), is discussed as a specific case. The history of the studies of Moco biosynthesis and functional and mechanistic characterization of MoaA highlight the challenge in the characterization of Moco biosynthetic pathway and the presence of an elaborate mechanism to control the radical reactions in the MoaA active site. Overall, this review aims to provide a comprehensive view of the mechanism of radical-mediated C-C bond formations and specific insights into the mechanism of action of MoaA, a representative member of C-C bond forming radical SAM enzymes.
Hello: A hybrid variant calling approach

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies that cost-effectively characterize genomic regions and identify sequence variations using short reads are the current standard for genome sequencing. However, calling small indels in low-complexity regions of the genome using NGS is challenging. Recent advances in Third Generation Sequencing (TGS) provide long reads, which call large-structural variants accurately. However, these reads have context-dependent indel errors in low-complexity regions, resulting in lower accuracy of small indel calls compared to NGS reads. When both small and large-structural variants need to be called, both NGS and TGS reads may be available. Integration of the two data types with unique error profiles could improve robustness of small variant calling in challenging cases. However, there currently does not exist a method integrating both types of data for small variant calling. We present a novel method that integrates NGS and TGS reads to call small variants. We leverage the Mixture of Experts paradigm which uses an ensemble of Deep Neural Networks (DNN), each processing a different data type to make predictions. We present improvements in our DNN design compared to previous work such as sequence processing using one-dimensional convolutions instead of image processing using two-dimensional convolutions and an algorithm to efficiently process sites with many variant candidates, which help us reduce computations. Using our method to integrate Illumina and PacBio reads, we find a reduction in the number of erroneous small variant calls of up to 30%, compared to the state-of-the-art using only Illumina data. We also find improvements in calling small indels in low-complexity regions.
Some Determinants of User Perceptions of Information Quality on the World Wide Web

Information quality problems may occur because of the ease with which information can be published on the Internet. The study proposed here examines the effect of a simple training intervention designed to sensitize users to potential problems with the quality of Internet-based information. A survey based on a framework identifying fifteen dimensions of information quality is being administered to 300 students. Preliminary results suggest that training designed to sensitize users to possible information quality problems and to help them assess the quality of Internet-based information has the potential to lead to more favorable perceptions of this information, at least in the case of perceptions of information accessed to perform some specific tasks. The results of the study have the potential to inform the design of training programs aimed at improving users’ understanding of the quality of Internet-based information.
Outcomes of C difficile infection in solid-organ transplant recipients: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2015-2016.

BACKGROUND Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at an increased risk for CDI. A recent study showed an overall improvement in mortality amongst hospitalized individuals with CDI, but it is unclear if this benefit extends to SOT recipients. METHODS We scrutinized the 2015 and 2016 National Inpatient Sample (NIS), the largest all-payer inpatient database in the United States for CDI data in patients with SOT. SOT was defined as any recipient who had received a heart, lung, liver, intestinal, kidney, pancreas, or combined thoracic and/or abdominal organ transplantation. Baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and concomitant diagnosis of pneumonia or urinary tract infection were adjusted for in our analysis. Primary outcomes included inpatient mortality, hospital length of stay and total hospital charges. RESULTS A total of 105 780 hospital discharges of SOT recipients were included. The incidence of CDI was 3554 (3.36%) among SOTs. CDI was associated with a higher inpatient mortality (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.56-2.20, P < .01), longer length of hospital stay (mean difference 5.07 days, 95% CI 4.43-5.71, P < .01) and higher total hospital charges (mean difference 43 958 US dollars, P < .01). CONCLUSION Our study found that CDI is associated with poorer overall outcomes among hospitalized SOT recipients. However, there was a possible improving trend of the outcomes when compare to previous studies.
Mortality differences among patients with in-hospital ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background In-hospital ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with a higher mortality rate than out-of-hospital STEMI. Quality measures and universal protocols for treatment of in-hospital STEMI do not exist, likely contributing to delays in recognition and treatment. Hypothesis To analyze differences in mortality among three subsets of patients who develop in-hospital STEMI. Methods This was a multicenter, retrospective observational study of patients who developed in-hospital STEMI at six United States medical centers between 2008 and 2017. Patients were stratified into three groups: (1) cardiac, (2) periprocedure, or (3) noncardiac/nonpostprocedure. Outcomes examined include time from electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition to cardiac catheterization lab arrival (ECG-to-CCL) and survival to discharge. Results We identified 184 patients with in-hospital STEMI (mean age 68.7 years, 58.7% male). Group 1 (cardiac) patients had a shorter average ECG-to-CCL time (69 minutes) than group 2 (periprocedure, 215 minutes) and group 3 (noncardiac/nonpostprocedure, 199 minutes). Compared to group 1, survival to discharge was lower for group 2 (OR 0.33, P = .102) and group 3 (OR 0.20, P = .016). After adjusting for prespecified covariates, the relationship between group and survival showed a similar trend but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Patients who develop in-hospital STEMI in the context of a preceding procedure or noncardiac illness appear to have longer reperfusion times and higher in-hospital mortality than patients admitted with cardiac diagnoses. Larger studies are warranted to further investigate these observations. Health systems should place an increased emphasis on developing quality metrics and implementing quality improvement initiatives to improve outcomes for in-hospital STEMI.
Utilization of a model hepatotoxic compound, diglycolic acid, to evaluate liver Organ-Chip performance and in vitro to in vivo concordance.

Abstract Microphysiological systems (MPS) are emerging as potentially predictive models for drug safety and toxicity assessment. To assess the utility of these systems, the Food and Drug Administration partnered with Emulate to evaluate the Human Liver Organ-Chip in a regulatory setting. Diglycolic acid (DGA), a known hepatotoxin, was evaluated in the Liver-Chip and compared to a multi-well plate format to assess the Liver-Chip's capabilities, limitations, overall performance, and concordance with other in vivo and in vitro studies. Cryopreserved primary human hepatocytes were exposed to DGA from 1 to 20 mM in Liver-Chips or traditional multi-well plates. We found that 10 mM or 20 mM of DGA was severely cytotoxic in both platforms, while 5 mM was mildly cytotoxic in Liver-Chips. Additionally, some hepatocyte functions were reduced with 5 mM DGA in Liver-Chips and 1 mM in well plates. Individual well effects were greater or occurred sooner than in the Liver-Chips. Examination of the performance of the Liver-Chip showed that variability was low for biochemical endpoints, but higher for imaging endpoints. Sensitivity and specificity were high. Only 3–4 Liver-Chips were necessary to detect an effect depending on the endpoint and effect size. The specifics of the experiment are found herein.
Customer Online Feedback with an Identity Versus No Identity: The Influence on Review Comments:

As customers’ consumption is increasingly dominated by technology-driven systems, online self-verification becomes an important aspect of customers’ online purchasing behavior and plays a significa...
Operating synergy and marketplace performance of dual-branded hotels

Abstract Dual-branded hotels have received great attention in the industry recently. Our study uniquely examines the dual branding effects in two dimensions of synergy (operation and marketplace) and the role of dual branding composition in creating synergy. Based on the property-level data, this study conducts a systematic analysis to verify these benefits using a fixed-effects model and a matched-sample analysis. There are three key findings. First, the benefit of dual branding mainly comes from operating synergy. Dual branding could lower revenue volatility for all dual-branded hotels and reduce operating costs for those paired with the same-class hotels. Second, dual branding on marketplace performance varies by property characteristics. Third, the anchoring effect is asymmetric. In a different-class dual-branded hotel pair, the higher-class hotel’s occupancy is anchored down but the lower-class hotel’s occupancy is not anchored up.