cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advance Care Planning for Older Homeless‐Experienced Adults: Results from the Health Outcomes of People Experiencing Homelessness in Older Middle Age Study

Older homeless-experienced adults have low engagement in advance care planning (ACP) despite high morbidity and mortality. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort of 350 homeless-experienced adults aged 50 and older in Oakland, California. We assessed the prevalence of potential surrogate decision-makers, ACP contemplation, discussions, and ACP documentation (surrogate designation, advance directives). We used multivariable logistic regression to examine factors associated with ACP discussions and documentation. The median age of the cohort was 59 (range 52-82), 75.2% were male, and 82.1% were black. Sixty-one percent reported a potential surrogate, 21.5% had discussed ACP, and 19.0% reported ACP documentation. In multivariable models, having 1 to 5 confidants versus none (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=5.8, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.7-20.0), 3 or more chronic conditions versus none (aOR=2.3, 95% CI=0.9-5.6), and a recent primary care visit (aOR=2.1, 95% CI=1.0-4.4) were associated with higher odds of ACP discussions and each additional 5 years of homelessness (aOR=0.7, 95% CI=0.5-0.9) with lower odds. Having 1 to 5 confidants (aOR=5.0, 95% CI=1.4-17.5), being black (aOR=5.5, 95% CI=1.5-19.5), and having adequate versus limited literacy (aOR=7.0, 95% CI=1.5-32.4) were associated with higher odds of ACP documentation and illicit drug use (aOR=0.3, 95% CI=0.1-0.9) with lower odds. Although the majority of older homeless-experienced adults have a potential surrogate, few have discussed or documented their ACP wishes; the odds of both were greater with larger social networks. Future interventions must be customized for individuals with limited social networks and address the instability of homelessness, health literacy, and the constraints of safety-net healthcare settings.
An Historical Perspective of Civic Engagement and Interpreting Cultural Diversity in Arrow Rock, Missouri

Since 1912, Arrow Rock, Missouri, has transformed itself from a small river town into a major heritage-tourism center through a grassroots historic preservation movement. The result has been that in 1963 Arrow Rock was recorded as a National Historic Landmark site, in 2006 the National Trust for Historic Preservation listed it as one of its “Dozen Distinctive Destination” sites, and in 2008 it was recognized as a “Preserve America Community.” Like many historic towns, Arrow Rock’s preservation and interpretation focused initially on its “white, male, and rich” heritage, ignoring the majority of its past citizens. Beginning in 1996, Arrow Rock has utilized public history and archaeology to develop new interpretive programs that address its African American heritage and that attempt to engage this previously marginalized descendant community.
Single Cell Cloning of Leishmania Parasites in Purine-Defined Medium: Isolation of Drug-Resistant Variants

A simple technique for the isolation of Leishmania donovani and Leishmania tropica promastigote clones derived from a single cell involves the use of semi-solid agar. Both species of Leishmania form discrete colonies at high efficiency in completely defined medium lacking serum. Visible colonies appear between eight and fourteen days. Viability of colonies transferred from semi-solid agar to liquid suspension culture is 100%. Using these techniques, we have isolated clonal populations of cells resistant to tubercidin and formycin b.
A randomized trial of dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine versus artemether–lumefantrine for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Mali

Artemether–lumefantrine (AL) and artesunate–amodiaquine are first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in many endemic countries, including Mali. Dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine (DHA–PQ) is also an alternative first-line artemisinin-based combination therapy, but only few data are available on DHA–PQ efficacy in sub-Saharan Africa. The main aim of this study was to compare clinical efficacy of DHA–PQ versus AL, using the World Health Organization (WHO) 42-day in vivo protocol. The efficacy of three-dose regimens of DHA–PQ was compared to AL combination in a randomized, comparative open label trial using the WHO 42-day follow-up protocol from 2013 to 2015 in Doneguebougou and Torodo, Mali. The primary endpoint was to access the PCR-corrected Adequate Clinical and Parasitological Responses at day 28. A total of 317 uncomplicated malaria patients were enrolled, with 159 in DHA–PQ arm and 158 in AL arm. The parasite positivity rate decreased from 68.4% (95% CI 60.5–75.5) on day 1 to 3.8% (95% CI 1.4–8.1) on day 2 for DHA–PQ and 79.8% (95% CI 72.3–85.7) on day 1 to 9.5% (95% CI 5.4–15.2) on day 2 for AL, (p = 0.04). There was a significant difference in the uncorrected ACPR between DHA–PQ and AL, both at 28-day and 42-day follow-up with 97.4% (95% CI 93.5–99.3) in DHA–PQ vs 84.5% (95% CI 77.8–89.8) in AL (p < 0.001) and 94.2% (95% CI 89.3–97.3) in DHA–PQ vs 73.4% (95% CI 65.7–80.2) in AL, respectively (p < 0.001). After molecular correction, there was no significant difference in ACPRc between DHA–PQ and AL, both at the 28-day and 42-day follow-up with 99.4% (95% CI 96.5–100) in DHA–PQ versus 98.1% (95% CI 94.5–99.6) in AL (p = 0.3) and 99.3% (95% CI 96.5–100) in DHA–PQ vs 97.4% (95% CI 93.5–99.3) in AL (p = 0.2). There was no significant difference between DHA–PQ and AL in QTc prolongation 12.1% vs 7%, respectively (p = 0.4). The results showed that dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine and artemether–lumefantrine were clinically efficacious on Plasmodium falciparum parasites in Mali.
Spliceosome factors target timeless (tim) mRNA to control clock protein accumulation and circadian behavior in Drosophila.

Transcription-translation feedback loops that comprise eukaryotic circadian clocks rely upon temporal delays that separate the phase of active transcription of clock genes, such as Drosophila period (per) and timeless (tim), from negative feedback by the two proteins. However, our understanding of the mechanisms involved is incomplete. Through an RNA interference screen, we found that pre-mRNA processing 4 (PRP4) kinase, a component of the U4/U5.U6 triple small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (tri-snRNP) spliceosome, and other tri-snRNP components regulate cycling of the molecular clock as well as rest:activity rhythms. Unbiased RNA-Sequencing uncovered an alternatively spliced intron in tim whose increased retention upon prp4 downregulation leads to decreased TIM levels. We demonstrate that the splicing of tim is rhythmic with a phase that parallels delayed accumulation of the protein in a 24 hr cycle. We propose that alternative splicing constitutes an important clock mechanism for delaying the daily accumulation of clock proteins, and thereby negative feedback by them. Editorial note This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter).
Averting Behavior Among Singaporeans During Indonesian Forest Fires

We estimate averting behavior in the form of increased electricity usage in Singapore during the haze caused by Indonesian forest fires. Our results indicate that increases in fire radiative power in Indonesia result in statistically significant increases in one- and two-day ahead electricity demand. Further results show that the Indonesian fires accounted for 0.5% of Singaporean electricity demand between February 2012 and August 2017 at a total cost of over $270 million. In addition, we find that the residential electricity share increases and the industrial share decreases during fire episodes, suggesting the increase in demand may be due to Singaporeans staying home and/or increasing their air conditioning use during these times. This averting behavior is persistent, not diminishing, during periods of frequent poor air quality.
Skunk River virus, a novel orbivirus isolated from Aedes trivittatus in the United States

The genomic organization and in vitro host range of a novel mosquito-associated orbivirus, designated Skunk River virus, is described. The virus was isolated from Aedes trivittatus collected in Iowa in the United States. Three recognized viruses were also recovered: Culex flavivirus (family Flaviviridae), Houston virus (family Mesoniviridae) and Umatilla virus (family Reoviridae). The genome of Skunk River virus contains 10 segments and its organization is characteristic of viruses in the genus Orbivirus (family Reoviridae). The coding region of each segment was fully sequenced, revealing that the greatest nucleotide identity was to the corresponding regions of Big Cypress orbivirus and Sathuvachari virus, two recently described mosquito-associated orbiviruses. The phylogenetic inference is in agreement with these findings. In vitro host range experiments revealed that Aedes, Anopheles and Culex cell lines, and select lepidopteran and rodent cell lines, are permissive to Skunk River virus replication. In conclusion, we provide evidence of a novel mosquito-associated orbivirus in Iowa.
Oxidation State of Uranium in A6Cu12U2S15 (A: K, Rb, Cs) Compounds.

Black single crystals of the title compounds are synthesized from mixtures of U, Cu, and S using Rb2S3 or M2S (M: K, Cs) as reactive flux (793—823 K, 7—8 d, 40 and 70 wt.% yield for the Rb and K compound, respectively).
To Sleep, Perchance to Survive?

Multicellular organisms exist in a sea of microbes. Survival is enabled by an immense diversity of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that maintain homeostasis with the microbiota. During pathogen infection, fruit fly survival varies directly with sleep. A newly-identified fruit fly sleep-regulator is also an AMP (Toda et al. Science 2019;363:509–515). Its characterization may clarify the association between sleep and surviving infection.
The three waves of Arctic urbanisation. Drivers, evolutions, prospects

The 2014 Arctic Human Development Report identified “Arctic settlements, cities, and communities” as one of the main gaps in knowledge of the region. This article looks at circumpolar urbanisation trends. It dissociates three historical waves of Arctic urbanisation: from the sixteenth century to the early twentieth century (the “colonial” wave), from the 1920s to the 1980s in the specific case of the Soviet urbanisation of the Arctic (the “Soviet” wave), and from the 1960s−70s to the present as a circumpolar trend (the “globalized” wave). It then discusses the three drivers of the latest urbanisation wave (resources, militarisation, and public services) and the prospects for Arctic cities’ sustainability in the near future.
An ANCOVA model for porosity and its uncertainty for oil reservoirs based on TORIS dataset

Abstract Porosity is one of the most important parameters to assess in-place oil or gas in reservoirs, and to evaluate recovery from enhanced production operations. Since it is relatively well-established to determine porosity using different laboratory and field methods, its value is usually determined at many locations across a reservoir as part of the common practice to capture reservoir heterogeneity and the variability in values. This suite of measurements and the distribution of values are most valuable for probabilistic reservoir assessments, and for spatial modeling if the exact data locations are known. Despite the importance of individual measurements to set the range of values for probabilistic studies, it is not always possible to access these data due to confidentiality. In most cases, commercial or publicly available databases that assessments may rely on usually report only mean values of porosity, like any other reservoir data, or they may not report a value at all. This makes both quantifying the mean value and the uncertainty around it difficult for probabilistic assessments. In this study, the TORIS (Tertiary Oil Recovery Information System) dataset of the National Petroleum Council and the U.S. Department of Energy was used to model porosity and the uncertainty around predicted values. TORIS is an integrated dataset of production data, reservoir properties, and project databases of crude oil reservoirs in the United States. The model presented in the paper was based on ANCOVA (Analysis of Co-Variance) of data from 1038 reservoirs from the TORIS dataset for porosity prediction, validation and testing for quantitative and qualitative parameters that may be readily available in most cases, and to estimate uncertainty around the mean values. This model also explored association of porosity values to different parameters, and to different depositional systems and diagenetic overprint conditions. Furthermore, an ANN (Artificial Neural Network) model was created to compare the predicted values of both models. Results showed that the ANN model was able to represent more of the variability, however it lacked the insights that might be gained from the ANCOVA model.
A Flight-Traceable Cryogenic Thermal System for Use in a Sample-Capture Flux-Pinned Interface

Flux-pinned interfaces for spacecraft have been studied for almost a decade for their dynamic properties that allow designers to shape the dynamic behavior of spacecraft relative to one another. However, the efficacy of these interfaces hinges on the requirement that the type-II superconductors in the interface first be cooled below their critical temperature in the presence of a magnetic field, then held below their critical temperature for the duration of the dynamic interaction. Ground-based research often relies on consumable liquid nitrogen to cool the superconductors, but little work has been published on a flight-traceable cryocooler-based solution to meet the thermal constraints. This work provides estimates of the mass, power, and performance of a system to facilitate trade studies for potential spacecraft applications. This paper details a thermal system designed to cool three 16 mm thick, 56 mm diameter Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide disks to below their critical temperature of 88 K for a ground-based testbed. Data collected on the device shows that it successfully provides the thermal environment required for the flux-pinned interface while consuming 105 W of power. A thermal model accurately predicts heat flows and temperatures in the device. This model applied to a space environment predicts a power consumption of 67 W in a spaceflight device.
Integral Kernels and Hölder Estimates for ∂̄ on Pseudocovnex Domains of Finite Type in C2

In 1969 H. Grauert and I. Lieb, and, independently, G. M. Henkin, introduced methods of integral representations on strictly pseudoconvex domains in order to construct and estimate solutions of the Cauchy-Riemann equations, in analogy to the classical Cauchy transform in one complex variable. (See [R2] for a comprehensive discussion and references.) Thereafter, partial results were obtained on convex domains (see, for example, [R1], [DWF], [A]). All these results made use of rather explicit holomorphic support functions at each boundary point of the domain. But as is well known since the discovery of the famous example of Kohn and Nirenberg in 1972 [KN], such support functions do not exist in general, even if the domain is of finite type in C2, as defined by Kohn [K]. Thus new methods are required in order to find suitable integral representations on domains of finite type.
Charge Transfer at Biotic/Abiotic Interfaces in Biological Electrocatalysis

Abstract In this opinion paper, we discuss the charge transfer at biotic/abiotic interfaces in man-made and biological electrochemical systems. Specifically, we will first introduce the heterogeneous charge transfer at the bioelectrode interface, followed by the intramolecular change transfer in peptide and protein structures, and finally discuss the extracellular charge transfer in electrogenic microorganisms. In addition to discussion of charge transfer mechanisms and synthetic structures/scaffolds required for it, a particular focus will be given to novel experimental designs that are able to bring new concepts and boost mechanism understanding and applications development. There are also discussions on the combination of modern computational techniques and experimental characterizations.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus ratti JH145.

ABSTRACT We report here the complete genome sequence of Streptococcus ratti strain JH145. Streptococcus ratti is a cariogenic species of mutans streptococcus that has been isolated from rat and human teeth. The strain JH145, derived from strain BHT-2, is interesting for oral health because it does not produce cariogenic lactic acid but shows robust biofilm production.
Mediation of Cartilage Matrix Degeneration and Fibrillation by Decorin in Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE To elucidate the role of decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan, in the degradation of cartilage matrix during the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS Three-month-old decorin-null (Dcn-/- ) and inducible decorin-knockout (DcniKO ) mice were subjected to surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) to induce post-traumatic OA. The OA phenotype that resulted was evaluated by assessing joint morphology and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) staining via histological analysis (n = 6 mice per group), surface collagen fibril nanostructure via scanning electron microscopy (n = 4 mice per group), tissue modulus via atomic force microscopy-nanoindentation (n = 5 or more mice per group) and subchondral bone structure via micro-computed tomography (n = 5 mice per group). Femoral head cartilage explants from wild-type and Dcn-/- mice were stimulated with the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in vitro (n = 6 mice per group). The resulting chondrocyte response to IL-1β and release of sGAGs were quantified. RESULTS In both Dcn-/- and DcniKO mice, the absence of decorin resulted in accelerated sGAG loss and formation of highly aligned collagen fibrils on the cartilage surface relative to the control (P < 0.05). Also, Dcn-/- mice developed more salient osteophytes, illustrating more severe OA. In cartilage explants treated with IL-1β, loss of decorin did not alter the expression of either anabolic or catabolic genes. However, a greater proportion of sGAGs was released to the media from Dcn-/- mouse explants, in both live and devitalized conditions (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION In post-traumatic OA, decorin delays the loss of fragmented aggrecan and fibrillation of cartilage surface, and thus, plays a protective role in ameliorating cartilage degeneration.
Tensile strength of calcite/HMWM and silica/HMWM interfaces: A Molecular Dynamics analysis

Abstract The mechanical behavior of interfaces between high molecular weight methacrylate (HMWM) and concrete minerals (calcite and silica) is investigated from a Molecular Dynamics (MD) perspective. MD simulations of pullout tests shows that interfaces debond at the surface of contact between HMWM and the mineral substrate, and that the interfacial strength decreases in the presence of moisture, under low strain rate, or at high temperature. Silica/HMWM interfaces are stronger than the calcite/HMWM interfaces. Additionally, the work of separation is mostly done by van der Waals forces, in agreement with previous studies. We use published experimental data at low strain rate along with our MD results at high strain rate to calibrate Richeton’s model and Johnson-Cook model. We show that, if more experimental results were available for validation, MD results could be extrapolated to predict the tensile modulus of HMWM at low strain rate and the HMWM/mineral interfacial strength for a broad range of temperatures and strain rates. The sensitivity analysis of the model confirms that HMWM should be applied on dry surfaces and in concrete exposed to lower temperatures. Additionally, MD results suggest that HMWM is more likely to last in concrete with high silica contents than in concrete with high calcite contents.
D-Dimer and Fibrin Degradation Products Impair Platelet Signaling: Plasma D-Dimer Is a Predictor and Mediator of Platelet Dysfunction During Trauma.

Background Platelet dysfunction often accompanies trauma-induced coagulopathy. Because soluble fibrin impairs platelet glycoprotein VI (GPVI) signaling and platelets of trauma patients can display impaired calcium mobilization, we explored the role of fibrinolysis on platelet dysfunction during trauma. Methods Convulxin-induced GPVI calcium mobilization was investigated in healthy platelet-rich plasma (PRP) pretreated with thrombin and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Blood samples from healthy participants (n = 7) and trauma patients (n = 22) were tested for platelet calcium mobilization, plasma D-dimer, platelet D-dimer binding (via flow cytometry), and platelet lumi-aggregometry. Results For healthy platelets, maximal platelet dysfunction was observed when cross-linked soluble fibrin (no tPA) or cross-linked fibrin degradation products (FDPs) were generated in suspension before convulxin stimulation. Lack of fibrin polymerization (inhibited by Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro [GPRP]) or lack of factor XIIIa cross-linking (T101-inhibited) restored GPVI signaling, whereas non-cross-linked FDPs only partially blocked signaling induced by convulxin. In addition, D-dimer added to healthy PRP impaired platelet aggregation and dense granule release induced by various agonists. Plasma D-dimer level was strongly correlated (R = 0.8236) with platelet dysfunction as measured by platelet calcium mobilization induced with various agonists. By 48 to 120 h after trauma, plasma D-dimer levels declined, and platelet function increased significantly but not to healthy levels. Trauma platelets displayed elevated D-dimer binding that was only partially reduced by αIIbβ3-inhibitor GR144053. After 60-minute incubation, washed healthy platelets resuspended in plasma from trauma patients captured approximately 10 000 D-dimer equivalents per platelet. Conclusions During trauma, D-dimer and FDPs inhibit platelets, potentially via GPVI and integrin αIIbβ3 engagement, contributing to a fibrinolysis-dependent platelet loss-of-function phenotype.
The Dutch Revolt and historical memory in the American Revolution

This article examines the influence of the Dutch Revolt on the American Revolution. Many historians have emphasized the contributions of English and Roman history in guiding American Revolutionarie...
Younger Age Is Associated with Improved Survival in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation Alone for Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) metastases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The role of liver transplantation to treat unresectable metastases from NET is controversial. We evaluated outcomes of all patients undergoing “isolated” liver transplantation (LT) for metastatic NETs in the USA, from October 1988 through June 2018 using the UNOS dataset. During the study period, 160,360 LTs were performed. Two hundred six adult patients underwent “isolated” LT for metastatic NETs. The mean (SD) age was 48.2 (11.7) years, ranging from 19 to 75 years; 117 (56.8%) patients were male. Overall 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year patient survival rates were 89.1%, 75.3%, 64.9%, and 46.1%, respectively. Tumor recurrence was seen in 70 of 206 patients who underwent LT (34%). The median time to recurrence was 28 months (range, 1 to 192 months) and median wait time for LT was 112 days. Tumor recurrence was significantly higher in transplanted patients waiting less than 6 months compared with those waiting more than 6 months (74.3% vs. 25.7%). Patients’ age ≤ 45 years had significantly better survival compared with those > 45 years (p = 0.03). Younger patients with carcinoid tumors had better survival but this trend was not observed in the non-carcinoid group. On multivariable analysis, recipient age, donor age, cold ischemic time MELD score, and tumor recurrence were significant predictors of poor patient survival. Waiting time longer than 6 months is associated to lower rates of tumor recurrence. Younger patients ≤ 45 years had significantly improved survival after LT for NET metastases.
Umbilical Artery Doppler Patterns and Right Ventricular Outflow Abnormalities in Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association of abnormal Doppler velocimetric patterns in the umbilical arteries (UAs) and right ventricular outflow tract abnormalities (RVOTAs) in twin- twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) cases. METHODS This retrospective study involved women who had laser surgery for TTTS between January 2012 and May 2018 at a single institution. The prevalence of an RVOTA in either twin was compared among TTTS cases in which both twins had positive end-diastolic flow (EDF) in the UA and those in which either twin had intermittent or persistent absent/reversed UA EDF. Nonparametric tests were used for comparisons. Logistic regression was performed to identify variables associated with an RVOTA in either twin, adjusted for moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation, right ventricular hypertrophy, right ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction, the Quintero stage, and other confounders. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS A total of 126 consecutive TTTS cases were included. Right ventricular outflow tract abnormalities were seen in 8.7% (11of 126) of cases, all in recipient twins. Significant differences in the rate of RVOTAs in the recipient twin were seen between TTTS cases with intermittent absent/reversed UA EDF and those with positive UA EDF (26.9% [7 of 26] versus 3.7% [3 of 82]; P = .002]. However, no significant differences were noted among the other study groups. Intermittent absent/reversed UA EDF was associated with a significantly increased risk for an RVOTA (adjusted odds ratio, 20.6 [95% confidence interval, 3.1-138]; P = .002) after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS Intermittent changes in vascular impedance to UA flow may contribute to the pathogenesis of acquired right-sided cardiac lesions in the recipient twin affected with TTTS.
Bridging the gap between the science of cultured meat and public perceptions

Abstract Background The environmental impact of meat consumption requires immediate action. Cultured meat—which is emerging through technologies to grow meat ex vivo—has exciting potential to offset the burden of livestock agriculture by providing an alternative method to sustainably produce meat without requiring individuals to become vegetarian. However, consumer uptake of cultured meat may be challenged by negative public perceptions. Scope and approach In this Review, we assert that the academic sector can play a vital role by understanding and communicating the science of cultured meat to the public. Here, we discuss how crosstalk between the science and technology of cultured meat and the behavioral sciences will be critical to overcome challenges in public perceptions, and ultimately to realize the environmental benefits of cultured meat. We identify research and outreach priorities for the academic sector as well as potential policy actions to achieve the maximum benefits of cultured meat for planetary health.
Yiddish in the City

In contrast to most national cultures, modern Yiddish culture came into being in geographically disconnected landscapes and without the support of a nation state. Recently, scholars have begun to t...
Propensity-adjusted cost analysis of radial versus femoral access for neuroendovascular procedures

Background Transradial artery (TRA) access for neuroendovascular procedures is associated with fewer complications than transfemoral artery (TFA) access. This study compares hospital costs associated with TRA access to those associated with TFA access for neurointerventions. Methods Elective neuroendovascular procedures at a single center were retrospectively analyzed from October 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019. Hospital costs for each procedure were obtained from the hospital financial department. The primary outcome was the difference in the mean hospital costs after propensity adjustment between patients who underwent TRA compared with TFA access. Results Of the 338 elective procedures included, 63 (19%) were performed through TRA versus 275 (81%) through TFA access. Diagnostic procedures were more common in the TRA cohort (51 of 63, 81%) compared with the TFA cohort (197 of 275, 72%), but the difference was not significant (p=0.48). The TRA cohort had a shorter length of hospital stay (mean (SD) 0.3 (0.5) days) compared with the TFA cohort (mean 0.7 (1.3) days; p=0.02) and lower hospital costs (mean $12 968 ($6518) compared with the TFA cohort (mean $17 150 ($10 946); p=0.004). After propensity adjustment for age, sex, symptoms, angiographic findings, procedure type, sheath size, and catheter size, TRA access was associated with a mean hospital cost of $2514 less than that for TFA access (95% CI −$4931 to −$97; p=0.04). Conclusion Neuroendovascular procedures performed through TRA access are associated with lower hospital costs than TFA procedures. The lower cost is likely due to a decreased length of hospital stay for TRA.
Body-Mounted Robotics for Interventional MRI Procedures

This article reports the development and initial cadaveric evaluation of a robotic framework for MRI-guided interventions using a body-mounted approach. The framework is developed based on modular design principles. The framework consists of a body-mounted needle placement manipulator, robot control software, robot controller, interventional planning workstation, and MRI scanner. The framework is modular in the sense that all components are connected independently, making it readily extensible and reconfigurable for supporting the clinical workflow of various interventional MRI procedures. Based on this framework we developed two body-mounted robots for musculoskeletal procedures. The first robot is a four-degree of freedom system called ArthroBot for shoulder arthrography in pediatric patients. The second robot is a six-degree of freedom system called PainBot for perineural injections used to treat pain in adult and pediatric patients. Body-mounted robots are designed with compact and lightweight structure so that they can be attached directly to the patient, which minimizes the effect of patient motion by allowing the robot to move with the patient. A dedicated clinical workflow is proposed for the MRI-guided musculoskeletal procedures using body-mounted robots. Initial cadaveric evaluations of both systems were performed to verify the feasibility of the systems and validate the clinical workflow.
Headache and musculoskeletal pain in school children are associated with uncorrected vision problems and need for glasses: a case-control study

Musculoskeletal pain and headache are leading causes of years lived with disability, and an escalating problem in school children. Children spend increasingly more time reading and using digital screens, and increased near tasks intensify the workload on the precise coordination of the visual and head-stabilizing systems. Even minor vision problems can provoke headache and neck- and shoulder (pericranial) pain. This study investigated the association between headaches, pericranial tenderness, vision problems, and the need for glasses in children. An eye and physical examination was performed in twenty 10–15 year old children presenting to the school health nurse with headache and pericranial pain (pain group), and twenty age-and-gender matched classmates (control group). The results showed that twice as many children in the pain group had uncorrected vision and needed glasses. Most children were hyperopic, and glasses were recommended mainly for near work. Headache and pericranial tenderness were significantly correlated to reduced binocular vision, reduced distance vision, and the need for new glasses. That uncorrected vision problems are related to upper body musculoskeletal symptoms and headache, indicate that all children with these symptoms should have a full eye examination to promote health and academic performance.
A DIRECT MEASUREMENT OF THE INTERGALACTIC MEDIUM OPACITY TO H I IONIZING PHOTONS

We present a new method to directly measure the opacity from H I Lyman limit (LL) absorption kappa{sub LL} along quasar sight lines by the intergalactic medium (IGM). The approach analyzes the average ('stacked') spectrum of an ensemble of quasars at a common redshift to infer the mean free path lambda{sup 912}{sub mfp} to ionizing radiation. We apply this technique to 1800 quasars at z = 3.50-4.34 drawn from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), giving the most precise measurements on kappa{sub LL} at any redshift. From z = 3.6 to 4.3, the opacity increases steadily as expected and is well parameterized by lambda{sup 912}{sub mfp} = lambda{sub 0} - b {sub l}ambda(z - 3.6) with lambda{sub 0} = (48.4 +- 2.1) h{sup -1}{sub 72} Mpc and b{sub l}ambda = (38.0 +- 5.3) h {sup -1}{sub 72} Mpc (proper distance). The relatively high lambda{sup 912} {sub mfp} values indicate that the incidence of systems which dominate kappa{sub LL} evolves less strongly at z > 3 than that of the Lyalpha forest. We infer a mean free path three times higher than some previous estimates, a result which has important implications for the photoionization rate derived from the emissivity of star-formingmore » galaxies and quasars. Finally, our analysis reveals a previously unreported, systematic bias in the SDSS quasar sample related to the survey's color targeting criteria. This bias potentially affects all z approx 3 IGM studies using the SDSS database.« less
Impacts of Organic Sorbates on the Ionic Conductivity and Nanostructure of Perfluorinated Sulfonic-Acid Ionomers

This study provides insights into structure-property relationships of Nafion membranes swollen with organic sorbates, revealing correlations between sorbate polarity, ionomer domain structure, and ionic conductivity. Swelling, nanostructure, and ionic conductivity of Nafion in the presence of short-chain alcohols and alkanes was studied by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray scattering, and voltammetry. Nafion equilibrated with alkanes exhibited negligible uptake and nanoswelling, while alcohols induced nanoscopic- to macroscopic- swelling ratios that increased with alcohol polarity. In mixed-sorbate environments including organics and water, alcohols preserved the overall ionomer domain structure but altered the matrix to enable higher sorbate uptake. Alkanes did not demonstrably alter the hydrated nanostructure or conductivity. Identifying the impacts of organic sorbates on structure-property relationships in ionomers such as Nafion is imperative as membrane-based electrochemical devices find applications in emerging areas ranging from organic fuel cells to the synthesis of fuels and chemicals.
Emitting less without curbing usage? Exploring greenhouse gas mitigation strategies in the water industry through load shifting

Abstract Growing interest in greenhouse gas mitigation strategies to address global climate change has resulted in the rapid expansion of renewable electricity sources. However, increasing power generation from variable renewable electricity sources, such as solar photovoltaics and wind turbines, has made balancing electricity supply and demand across the power grid more challenging. In some regions, high penetrations of variable renewables have also created electricity supply systems where electricity is significantly cleaner in hours when renewable energy is abundant, in comparison with peak demand hours when fossil fuel-based generation is often dominant. In the absence of cost-effective, utility-scale batteries, demand response strategies that leverage flexibility in electricity consumption have gained interest as readily available resources to address the temporal mismatch between renewable energy availability and high energy demand periods. The water industry (i.e., water supply and wastewater systems) includes industrial customers that are particularly attractive in terms of demand response potential as they can offer flexibility through large interruptible pumping loads, large water storage capacities, and energy generation potential. This study explores flexibility strategies in the water sector motivated primarily by the goal of reducing emissions, rather than cost. We present an illustrative case study demonstrating that strategically shifting 5% of the total daily average electricity load of a cluster of 97 water-supply electricity consumers in California across the year can reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 2–5%. In the end, important future research directions are discussed to support the implementation of flexibility measures in the water industry.
Geodesic bicombings on some hyperspaces

We show that if $(X,d)$ is a metric space which admits a consistent covex geodesic bicombing, then we can construct a conical bicombing on $CB(X)$, the hyperspace of nonempty, closed, bounded, and convex subsets of $X$ (with the Hausdorff metric). If $X$ is a normed space, this same method produces a consistent convex bicombing on $CB(X)$. We follow this by examining a geodesic bicombing on the nonempty compact subsets of $X$, assuming $X$ is a proper metric space.
Roles of PLCβ, PIP2 , and GIRK channels in arginine vasopressin-elicited excitation of CA1 pyramidal neurons.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a hormone exerting vasoconstrictive and antidiuretic action in the periphery and serves as a neuromodulator in the brain. Although the hippocampus receives vasopressinergic innervation and AVP has been shown to facilitate the excitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons, the involved ionic and signaling mechanisms have not been determined. Here we found that AVP excited CA1 pyramidal neurons by activation of V1a receptors. Functions of G proteins and phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) were required for AVP-elicited excitation of CA1 pyramidal neurons, whereas intracellular Ca2+ release and protein kinase C were unnecessary. PLCβ-mediated depletion of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2 ) was required for AVP-elicited excitation of CA1 pyramidal neurons. AVP augmented the input resistance and increased the time constants of CA1 pyramidal neurons. AVP induced an inward current in K+ -containing intracellular solution, whereas no inward currents were observed with Cs+ -containing intracellular solution. AVP-sensitive currents showed inward rectification with a reversal potential close to the K+ reversal potential, suggesting the involvement of inwardly rectifying K+ channels. AVP-induced currents were sensitive to the micromolar concentration of Ba2+ and tertiapin-Q, whereas application of ML 133, a selective Kir2 channel blocker had no effects, suggesting that AVP excited CA1 pyramidal neurons by depressing G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ channels. Activation of V1a receptors in the CA1 region facilitated glutamatergic transmission onto subicular pyramidal neurons, suggesting that AVP modulates network activity in the brain. Our results may provide one of the cellular and molecular mechanisms to explain the in vivo physiological functions of AVP.
FRAT1 peptide decreases Aβ production in swAPP751 cells

Abstract Recently, LiCl has been shown to inhibit amyloid β peptide secretion in association with diminished glycogen synthase kinase β (GSK3β) activity. However, it remains unclear if direct inhibition of GSK3β activity will result in decreased Aβ production. F requently r earranged in a dvanced T -cell lymphomas 1 (FRAT1) protein is a negative regulator of GSK3α/β kinase activity. To examine whether direct inhibition of GSK3α/β kinase activity can lower Aβ production, a FRAT1 peptide was expressed in swAPP751 cells that produce high levels of Aβ. Our data demonstrate that cellular expression of FRAT1 peptide in swAPP751 cells increases both GSK3α and β phosphorylation on Ser21 and Ser9, respectively, while inhibiting kinase activity of both isoforms. Moreover, as a result of FRAT1 expression, the production of both total Aβ and Aβ1-42 was significantly decreased. Thus, we provide evidence that direct regulation of GSK3α/β by FRAT1 peptide significantly decreases Aβ production in swAPP751 cells.
Practice Problems with Solutions 2

This chapter contains sections titled: Chapter 1 (Digital Logic and Microprocessor Design) and Chapter 2 (Case Study in Computer Design) Chapter 9 (Programming Languages) and Chapter 10 (Operating Systems) Chapter 4: Analog and Digital Computer Interactions
Factors Affecting Transition Reynolds Numbers on Models in Supersonic Wind Tunnels

2 Moeckel, W. E., Approximate Method for Predicting the Form and Location of Detached Shock Waves Ahead of Plane and Axially Symmetric Bodies, NACA TN No. 1921, July, 1949. 3 Laitone, E. V., Comments on Location of Detached Shocks and TruitVs Dilemma, Readers' Forum, Journal of the Aeronautical Sciences, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 64-65, January, 1954. 4 Laitone, E. V., Comments on a Method for Location of Detached Shock Waves Ahead of Plane Bodies, Readers' Forum, Journal of the Aeronautical Sciences, Vol. 20, No. 5, p. 360, May, 1953. 5 Laitone, E. V., A Study of Transonic Gas Dynamics by the Hydraulic Analogy, Journal of the Aeronautical Sciences, Vol. 19, No. 4, pp. 265-272, April, 1952.
Theory for a Control Architecture of Fuzzy Discrete Event Systems for Decision Making

Since we introduced a method for control of fuzzy discrete event systems (FDES) in 2001, we have been focusing our attention on medical applications. In this paper, we propose a new control architecture of FDES that includes a fuzzy objective generator for generating optimal control objectives online and an online optimal control scheme using both disablement and enforcement. The optimal control problem is nontrivial because its performance index is state dependent and hence not monotonic. Furthermore, the state space of a FDES is infinite in general. We show that our online approach can solve this problem efficiently. The architecture is general and can be used for decision making in many complex systems. We demonstrate the usefulness of the architecture by applying it to HIV/AIDS treatment planning, because it poses some of the most difficult treatment challenges in medicine. We build a FDES decision model from expert's knowledge, treatment guidelines, clinic trials, patient database statistics, and other information available in the medical literature. The system generates optimal control objectives for real patients from our database and applies our online approach to decide a regimen for each patient.
The TEACCH Curriculum for Teaching Social Behavior to Children with Autism

Problems in relating to others or in the social aspects of any task are such familiar components of the autism syndrome that they are included in all definitions of the disorder (e.g., American Psychiatric Association, 1980; National Society for Autistic Children, 1978; Rutter, 1978). in fact, the term autism is an expression of these very problems. Thus, the need to teach social skills is a familiar and fundamental issue for those concerned with autism.
The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility Investment, Assurance, and Perceived Fairness on Investors’ Judgments

The growth in demand for corporate social responsibility (CSR) information raises the question of how various CSR disclosure items are used by investors, an important stakeholder group driven by instrumental, moral, and relational motives. Prior research examines the instrumental motive to maximize individual shareholder wealth and the moral motive to actualize personal stewardship interests. We contribute to the literature by examining investors’ relational motive to realize positive stakeholder relationships within and between organizations and communities. The relational motive arises when investors look at a company’s treatment of other stakeholder groups as a heuristic to form a perception of how fairly they will also be treated by that company in the future, and thus invest in the company they perceive as fair. Fair treatment in the future matters to the investor who purchases stock from the company or via the capital markets in exchange for becoming a shareholder and thus a residual claimant of the company. As such, the investor expects future cash flows from holding and/or reselling the stock and expects to be treated fairly by the company in the future. We propose that investors, use as a fairness heuristic, CSR disclosure items – CSR investment level or CSR assurance – that represent the company’s commitment to its stakeholders, and that the resulting fairness perception affects the extent to which the CSR disclosure items influence their investment decision. Using responses from 113 investors in an online experiment, we find that fairness perceptions are higher when CSR investment is above (versus below) the industry average, and that fairness perceptions partially mediate the impact of the CSR investment level on investment amount allocations. We do not find that the presence (versus absence) of CSR assurance is used by investors as a fairness heuristic. Our results are robust to controlling for preferences for financial performance and hence investors’ instrumental motive, and to controlling for individual environmental attitudes, and hence investors’ moral motive. Implications for future research and public policy are discussed.
Review essay / Searching for a better understanding of race and ethnic differences in violent crime

Darnell F. Hawkins (ed.), Violent Crime: Assessing Race and Ethnic Differences Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2003, pp. 448.
Time optimal control of an experimental continuous stirred tank reactor

Abstract In this paper the methods for applying Pontryagin's Maximum Principle to determine the time-optimal control policies for both a linearized and non-linear continuous stirred tank reactor system are presented. Both the time optimal control to a desired operating steady-state and to a specified region about this steady-state are considered. The paper also describes the successful simulation and control of the experimental system of the exothermic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The reaction is catalyzed by iodide ion which is introduced in a potassium iodide solution. The system is controlled by varying the water flow through an internal cooling coil.
Observations on Effects of X-Irradiation on Achromobacter fischerii.

SummaryIt has been observed that the reproductive mechanism of A. fischerii is more sensitive to x-irradiation at all measured dosage levels than is the luminescent system of this organism. These findings indicate that cells sterilized by x-irradiation are capable of metabolic activity for a measurable length of time after exposure.