cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GLUT3 glucose transporter isoform in rat testis: localization, effect of diabetes mellitus, and comparison to human testis

Facilitative hexose transporter expression was compared in rat and human testes. In rat testis, only GLUT1 and GLUT3 proteins were expressed. By contrast, human testis expressed GLUT1 and GLUT3 in addition to GLUT5. Immunocytochemical studies showed that GLUT3 was expressed in all cells of the seminiferous epithelium of rat testis, including sperm. In human testis, GLUT3 was expressed exclusively in cells juxtaposed to the lumen of the seminiferous tubule and ejaculate sperm, a pattern of expression that was identical to that of GLUT5. Induction of insulinopenic diabetes mellitus in the rat did not alter the levels or the distribution of GLUT3 protein or mRNA in the testis. Moreover insulin treatment of the diabetic rats did not produce changes in GLUT3 mRNA or protein levels. The results show that rat and human testis express the high-affinity glucose transporter GLUT3, which allows for the efficient uptake of glucose. In addition, the testis may be protected from changes in glucose transporter expression in experimental diabetes.
Impact of Delayed Spark Restrike on the Dynamics of Cyclic Variability in Dilute SI Combustion

Spark-ignition (SI) engines can derive substantial efficiency gains from operation at high dilution levels. Additionally, the use of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for charge dilution also maintains compatibility with three-way catalysts by allowing stoichiometric operation. However, running high dilution levels increases the occurrence of misfires and partial burns, which induce higher levels of cyclic-variability in engine operation. This variability has been shown to have both stochastic and deterministic components. Factors such as in-cylinder turbulence and mixing-variations can be classified as stochastic; while, charge composition is the major source of the deterministic component through its non-linear effect on ignition and flame propagation characteristics. The use of these deterministic components has been previously explored to construct next-cycle control approaches that would allow stable operation near the edge of stability. Building on that work, this paper aims to understand the effect of spark strategies, specifically the use of a second spark (restrike) after the main spark, on engine operation at high dilution levels that were achieved using both excess air (i.e. lean combustion) and EGR.
Abstract 1155: Quantification of circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood using EGFR-targeting gold nanoparticles

Background: The prognostic significance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is of great clinical interest. HNSCCs are overwhelmingly EGFR positive. Objective: Our goal was to pilot nanotechnology to identify CTCs in human xenograft mouse model as a prelude to clinical use. Methods: Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)-gold nanocrystals (60 nm) were prepared by spectral encoding with a Raman reporter molecule and then stabilized and protected by low molecular weight polyethylene glycols (PEGs). Heterofunctional PEG was covalently conjugated to epidermal growth factor (EGF) peptide, a ligand that binds to EGFR with high specificity and affinity. To identify CTC in normal mouse blood, varying quantities of Tu212 cells were added into mice blood samples, then our nanoparticle was added to the sample and the presence of Tu212 cells were detected in vitro using laser excitation of the Raman reporters. Different types of cancer cells with variable EGFR expression were also examined in blood to confirm the specificity of the EGF-targeted SERS nanoparticles. Normal mouse blood served as the experimental control to account for non-specific binding. Results: The cellular uptake of the EGFR-targeting nanoparticle in high EGFR expression Tu212 cells was about 10-fold higher than that in low EGFR expression H460 cells in vitro, suggesting a specific EGFR targeting of the gold nanoparticle. Tu212 cells could be selectively labeled and quantified (5.6 × 10 4 nanoparticles/cell) at a concentration of approximately 10 cells per ml of normal mouse blood. Comparing the labeling of Tu212 cells by our nanoparticles with H460 cells in the mouse blood samples showed that the signal intensity in Tu212 cells was about 9-fold higher than that in H460 cells ((3750 ± 230 vs. 350 ± 120, respectively, p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1155.
The Ohio Judicial Council Embarks on a Survey of Justice

In 1923 the first state judicial council in this country was established in Ohio. The Massachusetts act providing for such a council was introduced earlier and formed the basis for the Ohio law, but it was not adopted until 1924. The judicial council provided for by the Ohio law was composed of the chief justice of the supreme court, two associate justices, the chief justice of the court of appeal, one common pleas judge, one municipal court judge, and three lawyers. The council was charged with the duty of making a continuous study of the organization, rules, methods of procedure, and practice of the judicial system of Ohio, as well as the work accomplished and results produced by that system and its various parts. The results of this continuous study were to be reported biennially to the legislature, with such recommendations for the modification of existing conditions as the council might see fit to make. The council was authorized also to submit suggestions for the consideration of the judges of the several courts with regard to rules, practice, and procedure. To accomplish its purposes, the council was authorized to hold public hearings, administer oaths, and require the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and documents. A witness giving false testimony, or failing to appear when duly summoned, was made subject to the same penalties to which a witness before a court is subject. The clerks of the various courts and other officials are required to submit to the council such reports as the council may prescribe.
Experimental Investigation of a Suborbital Reusable Booster Concept with a Body Flap

Reusable Boosters Systems (RBS) are potential concept for the future of responsive space access. This project investigates the static stability in the low subsonic flight regimes of a suborbital booster concept during the approach and pre-landing phases of flight prior to landing gear deployment. Subsonic wind tunnel testing is performed on a model of the reusable booster in order to determine the aerodynamic effects as well as static stability of the model for different control surface configurations. This model has some minor issues with longitudinal stability at higher angles of attack as well as directional stability which could be managed with feedback control systems. A body flap extending from the main fuselage is a design feature used to help control the vehicle’s pitch. The vehicle is capable of safe control through approach and landing using the control surfaces in place.
A cell cycle kinase with tandem sensory PAS domains integrates cell fate cues.

All cells must integrate sensory information to coordinate developmental events in space and time. The bacterium Caulobacter crescentus uses two-component phospho-signalling to regulate spatially distinct cell cycle events through the master regulator CtrA. Here, we report that CckA, the histidine kinase upstream of CtrA, employs a tandem-PAS domain sensor to integrate two distinct spatiotemporal signals. Using CckA reconstituted on liposomes, we show that one PAS domain modulates kinase activity in a CckA density-dependent manner, mimicking the stimulation of CckA kinase activity that occurs on its transition from diffuse to densely packed at the cell poles. The second PAS domain interacts with the asymmetrically partitioned second messenger cyclic-di-GMP, inhibiting kinase activity while stimulating phosphatase activity, consistent with the selective inactivation of CtrA in the incipient stalked cell compartment. The integration of these spatially and temporally regulated signalling events within a single signalling receptor enables robust orchestration of cell-type-specific gene regulation. The membrane-bound kinase CckA controls the activity of the Caulobacter crescentusmaster regulator CtrA, which in turn coordinates asymmetric cell division. Here, the authors show that CckA contains two sensory domains that have distinct sensitivities to fluctuations in cyclic-di-GMP concentration and subcellular niche.
Automated solid phase extractin and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography for determination of melamine in raw milk and dairy products

Objective:A approach for the determination of melamine in raw milk and dairy products by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography using automated solid phase extractin is described.Methods:Trichloroacetic acid solution was used to precipitate proteins and to dissociate the target analyte from the sample matrix.The extracted solution was cleaned-up with Oasis MCX SPE column using an automated solid phase extractin system.The HPLC separation was carried out on a Atlantis Hilic Silica column(4.6 mm×150 mm,3 μm) with acetonitrile-20 mmol/L ammonium acetate(90:10,v/v) as mobile phase at flow rate of 1.00 ml/min,and detected at UV 210 nm,then quantified by external standard calibration.Results:The limit of quantification(s/n=10) for melamine was 0.2 mg/kg.The recoveries were 87%～96% with the relative standard deviation of 0.8%～3.4%(n=5).Conclusion:This method is accurate and precise to detect melamine in raw milk and dairy products.
A Brief Archaeological Survey of the Lower Gila River

(1957). A Brief Archaeological Survey of the Lower Gila River. KIVA: Vol. 22, No. 2-3, pp. 1-13.
Cherenkov counters for the detection of gamma rays from active interrogation

Water-based Cherenkov counters are considered for remote detection of special nuclear materials with aid of active interrogation. We designed and manufactured a detector capable of gamma ray detection and demonstrated particle energy discrimination ability. Background reduction techniques based on energy threshold and photomultiplier tube multiplicity were implemented in particle detection. Both approaches resulted in a significant suppression of low-level background.
Tracking Structural Changes in the UCS Domain of the Myosin Chaperone UNC-45 by Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Molecular chaperones are commonly identified by their ability to suppress heat-induced protein aggregation. The muscle-specific molecular chaperone UNC-45 is known to be involved in myosin folding and is trafficked to the sarcomeres A-band during thermal stress. Using a combination of fluorescence, circular dichroism, limited proteolysis and mass spectroscopy to quantitatively analyze the effect of temperature on UNC-45 we previously found that the UCS domain undergoes significant structural changes in response to temperatures within a heat-shock range (Bujalowski, et al., FEBS let 2015). In order to further analyze the regions within the UCS domain that become exposed to the solvent we used fluorescent assays based on the environment-sensitive hydrophobic fluorescent dye, Bis-ANS. We found that UCS interacts with Bis-ANS in 2:1 stoichiometry at 25oC with an apparent Kd of 46nM. We found that the number of bound ANS molecules increases ∼10-fold when exposed to temperatures above 35oC. We found that Bis-ANS stably binds to the UCS domain after heating (indicated by the asymmetry in the heating and cooling curves). We further investigated temperature-induced structural changes tryptophan fluorescence. The UCS domain has three Trp residues, W783, W823 and W863. We found that the relative Trp fluorescence signal decreases of as the temperature was raised indicating a change from an hydrophobic to an aqueous environment. In order to quantify the energetics of the ANS-UCS interaction we used isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Analysis of the calorimetric titration profile showed a monotonic decrease in the exothermic heat of binding. From these data we estimated an N= 4 (number of binding sites) and DS= + 70 cal/mol/K, suggesting that hydrophobic forces are dominant in the binding of ANS to UCS. In order to approximately map the regions at which ANS binds in the UCS domain we used resonance energy transfer (FRET) between Trp residues and Bis-ANS. We found that as Bis-ANS is added, Trp fluorescence is quenched as energy is transferred to the extrinsic fluorophore in a concentration dependent fashion. We are using these techniques to map the key amino acid regions in the UCS domain that mediate its myosin-binding and chaperoning functions. This work was supported by the American Heart Foundation (AHA 13GRNT17290006) and the NIH (1R01GM118534 01).
A Multicenter, Randomized Trial of Ramped Position vs Sniffing Position During Endotracheal Intubation of Critically Ill Adults.

Background Hypoxemia is the most common complication during endotracheal intubation of critically ill adults. Intubation in the ramped position has been hypothesized to prevent hypoxemia by increasing functional residual capacity and decreasing the duration of intubation, but has never been studied outside of the operating room. Methods Multicenter, randomized trial comparing the ramped position (head of the bed elevated to 25°) with the sniffing position (torso supine, neck flexed, and head extended) among 260 adults undergoing endotracheal intubation by pulmonary and critical care medicine fellows in four ICUs between July 22, 2015, and July 19, 2016. The primary outcome was lowest arterial oxygen saturation between induction and 2 minutes after intubation. Secondary outcomes included Cormack-Lehane grade of glottic view, difficulty of intubation, and number of laryngoscopy attempts. Results The median lowest arterial oxygen saturation was 93% (interquartile range [IQR], 84%-99%) with the ramped position vs 92% (IQR, 79%-98%) with the sniffing position ( P = .27). The ramped position appeared to increase the incidence of grade III or IV view (25.4% vs 11.5%, P = .01), increase the incidence of difficult intubation (12.3% vs 4.6%, P = .04), and decrease the rate of intubation on the first attempt (76.2% vs 85.4%, P = .02), respectively. Conclusions In this multicenter trial, the ramped position did not improve oxygenation during endotracheal intubation of critically ill adults compared with the sniffing position. The ramped position may worsen glottic view and increase the number of laryngoscopy attempts required for successful intubation. Trial Registry ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02497729; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov
Responses of an Endangered Songbird to an Extreme Drought Event

Abstract Given natural variation in weather conditions and increased risk of drought associated with climate change, understanding how birds respond to fluctuations in precipitation is a necessary step toward development of more-effective, long-term management strategies for species of conservation concern. We compared behaviors and reproductive output of the federally endangered Vireo atricapilla (Black-capped Vireo, hereafter Vireo) during an extreme drought event and a year with moderate rainfall. During the drought, Vireos had lower pairing and territory success, delayed nest initiation, fewer re-nesting attempts, and lower nest-success. Brood parasitism by Molothrus ater (Brown-headed Cowbirds), which is one of the main threats to Vireo population persistence, was also greater during the drought year. Nest placement varied between years, with Vireos using the evergreen Juniperus asheii (Ashe Juniper) as a nest substrate more often when conditions were dry and the deciduous Diospyros texana (Texas Per...
Subwoofer and nanotube butterfly acoustic flame extinction

Nonchemical flame control using acoustic waves from a subwoofer and a lightweight carbon nanotube thermoacoustic projector was demonstrated. The intent was to manipulate flame intensity, direction and propagation. The mechanisms of flame suppression using low frequency acoustic waves were discussed. Laminar flame control and extinction were achieved using a thermoacoustic 'butterfly' projector based on freestanding carbon nanotube sheets.
Modulation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Controls CD4+ T-cell Activation and Antitumor Function.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an energy-sensing organelle with intimate ties to programming cell activation and metabolic fate. T-cell receptor (TCR) activation represents a form of acute cell stress and induces mobilization of ER Ca2+ stores. The role of the ER in programming T-cell activation and metabolic fate remains largely undefined. Gp96 is an ER protein with functions as a molecular chaperone and Ca2+ buffering protein. We hypothesized that the ER stress response may be important for CD4+ T-cell activation and that gp96 may be integral to this process. To test our hypothesis, we utilized genetic deletion of the gp96 gene Hsp90b1 in a CD4+ T cell-specific manner. We show that gp96-deficient CD4+ T cells cannot undergo activation-induced glycolysis due to defective Ca2+ mobilization upon TCR engagement. We found that activating naive CD4+ T cells while inhibiting ER Ca2+ exchange, through pharmacological blockade of the ER Ca2+ channel inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), led to a reduction in cytosolic Ca2+ content and generated a pool of CD62Lhigh/CD44low CD4+ T cells compared with wild-type (WT) matched controls. In vivo IP3R-inhibited CD4+ T cells exhibited elevated tumor control above WT T cells. Together, these data show that ER-modulated cytosolic Ca2+ plays a role in defining CD4+ T-cell phenotype and function. Factors associated with the ER stress response are suitable targets for T cell-based immunotherapies. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(8); 666-75. ©2017 AACR.
Self-regulation of bitterness across the lifespan

In this chapter, we address some of the psychological processes involved in the experience of bitterness. In particular, we discuss how goal failure can elicit feelings of bitterness and influence a person’s subjective well-being and physical health. In addition, we explore the role played by control attributions in the experience of bitterness and the importance of adaptive self-regulation for preventing the adverse consequences of bitterness on a person’s quality of life. Finally, we consider how bitterness may be experienced in the context of age-related increases of challenge and failure across the adult lifespan.
Regulation of PHAS-1 by insulin and IGF-1 in skeletal muscle cells

A34 Introduction: Protein synthesis is a complex process and key steps in translational control occur at the level of elF4F and p70S6 kinase regulation in eukaryotic cells. PHAS-1 protein plays a vital role as a translational repressor by inhibiting the formation of the elF4F complex. Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) play important roles in protein synthesis. Whereas their receptors (insulin receptors and IGF-1 receptors) may be structurally similar and that many of their downstream substrates may be alike; differences in the physiological functions of insulin and IGF-1 suggest that divergent signaling induced by insulin and IGF-1 may exist. Skeletal muscle cells are of particular interest, as they are both insulin-targeted cell types and are the normal counterpart of a childhood cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), of skeletal muscle origin. Moreover, the physiological upstream kinases of PHAS-1 are presently unknown. Thus, the current studyaims to increase understanding of PHAS-1 regulation by insulin and IGF-1 at the molecular level by investigating the signaling pathways involved. Methods: The protein expression patterns and their phosphorylation (activation) status of the several kinases upstream of PHAS-1 have been assessed in parallel to that of PHAS-1 by western blot analysis of stimulated skeletal muscle cells, namely C2C12 and L6. PHAS-1 susceptibility to pharmacological inhibitors of these kinases has also been investigated in these cells. Results: Our results using skeletal muscle cells have shown that the phosphorylation of PHAS-1 begins within 10 minutes upon insulin and IGF-1 induction, while it is being activated throughout the 96-hour of stimulation period. In addition, PHAS-1 susceptibility to pharmacological inhibitors of the several upstream kinases has been investigated in these cells, and have confirmed that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and to a lesser extent, the ERK/MAPK pathways have been activated in response to the insulin and IGF-1 stimulation. Conclusions: By the above means, we have assessed the contributions of each of the above kinases to the regulation of PHAS-1 under normal physiological circumstances. A corollary to the current study is that these upstream kinases (or targets) should also play a significant role in regulating protein synthesis induced by insulin and IGF-1 under pathological states. There is increasing evidence that insulin/IGF-1 are growth factors for tumor formation, of which mechanism may include enhanced DNA and protein synthesis, leading to dysregulated cell growth frequently observed in cancer. By defining these important targets, it is hoped that specific therapeutic pharmacological inhibitors can be developed for use in disease states such as cancer. The current data on skeletal muscle cells is anticipated to provide a vital underpinning for future investigation of PHAS-1 regulation by insulin/IGF-1 in RMS cells.
Design for Robust Aircraft Flight Control

A frequency-domain-based synthesis technique using pseudosliding-mode control has been previously introduced and exercised in the literature. The current research is aimed at presenting the design ...
Liberalization Policies and Welfare in a Financially Repressed Economy

The welfare effects of three types of liberalization policy--financial deregulation, relaxation of capital controls, and trade liberalization--are studied under the realistic assumption that in the short run all markets cannot be liberalized simultaneously. An intertemporal general equilibrium model with two traded goods is used to show that partial reforms, which in the long run are beneficial, may well cause welfare losses in the short run. Contrary to the standard view, raising the deposit rate may reduce welfare if tariffs are present, whereas tariffs can raise welfare when financial repression discourages saving.
Demonstration of Embedded Cu Trench RDL using Panel Scale Lithography and Photosensitive Dry Film Polymer Dielectrics

Abstract This paper presents the first demonstration of fine pitch embedded trench RDL on glass substrates using a new family of ultra-high resolution dry film photo-sensitive polymer dielectrics and a new large area panel scale lithography tool. The specific research targets are to demonstrate multilayer RDL scaling to 1um lines and vias at >200 I/Os per mm of die edge for 2.5D interposers and high density fan-out packages.
Mispredicting the endowment effect:: Underestimation of owners’ selling prices by buyer’s agents

People tend to value objects more simply because they own them. Prior research indicates that people underestimate the impact of this endowment effect on both their own and other people’s preferences. We show that underestimating the endowment effect and hence owners’ selling prices can lead to suboptimal behavior in settings with economic consequences. Subjects acting as “buyer’s agents” made suboptimally low offers for an owner’s commodity. Although buyer’s agents learned to make increasingly optimal (i.e., higher) offers over repeated interactions with an initial commodity, this learning did not generalize to interactions with a new commodity. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Perceptions of the Physical Education Doctoral Experience: Does Previous Teaching Experience Matter?

In the United States, physical education doctoral programs place great stock in recruiting students who have prior in-service teaching experience. However, little is known about how this experience influences perceptions of doctoral education. We conducted this cross-sectional, exploratory study to develop an initial understanding of how prior teaching experience and gender influence physical education doctoral students’ perspectives of program experiences. Participants included 60 physical education doctoral students (29 females, 31 males) who completed an online survey related to their experiences in doctoral education. Data were analyzed using 2 × 2 factorial ANOVAs, and the differences among study variables based on gender and prior teaching experience were examined. Females without experience had more positive perceptions of their program experiences than did those with experience. These results reinforce the role of prior socialization experiences in framing doctoral program socialization. Further research on the recruitment and education of doctoral students with and without teaching experience is warranted. Subscribe to TPE
CMOS-Compatible Optical Phased Arrays with Monolithically-Integrated Erbium Lasers

An electronically-steerable integrated optical phased array powered by an on-chip erbium-doped laser is experimentally demonstrated. This system represents the first demon­stration of a rare-earth-doped laser monolithically integrated with an active CMOS-compatible silicon photonics system.
Implementing a patient-centered walking program for residents in long-term care: A quality improvement project.

Background and purpose This quality improvement (QI) project was designed to increase walking activity for eligible residents in long-term care (LTC). Walking programs have positive benefits; however, they are underused in LTC. Methods The Model for Improvement and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were used to implement the key components including building a guiding coalition, environment and policy assessment, development of a patient-centered walking program protocol, staff education, mobility huddle to motivate and mentor staff, and ongoing evaluation and feedback. Results Of the 78 residents screened for walking activity, 13 (17%) were eligible. Data were collected weekly. After 20 weeks, 69% (n = 9) of the enrolled residents were still in the program. The majority of residents were provided walking activity between 60% and 90% of the time. None of the residents experienced a fall during the activity. Average adherence to documenting the activity was 79%. Conclusions The QI project provided the implementation and evaluation of a consistent walking program in a LTC setting. Implications for practice The project findings may assist nurse practitioners in implementing QI initiatives in LTC to increase walking activity of eligible residents and aid in evaluating those programs. However, leadership commitment and ongoing support are essential to sustain the effectiveness of a program.
Is leukocytospermia clinically relevant

Objective To evaluate the relationship between seminal leukocytes and abnormal semen parameters in a large population of infertility patients. Design Prospective clinical study. Setting Center for Reproductive Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. Patient(s) One thousand seven hundred ten male partners in infertile couples attending the Center for Reproductive Medicine. Main Outcome Measure(s) Seminal leukocyte concentrations, sperm count, motility and morphology, and the prevalence of samples with 6 motile sperm per ejaculate (a parameter defined by IVF as the most clinically significant predictor of male infertility). Result(s) There was a strong relationship between increasing leukocyte concentrations in semen and abnormal semen parameters. Statistically significant differences in sperm concentrations and morphology were observed at leukocytospermia thresholds of 5×10 5 and 2×10 6 granulocytes/mL, respectively. The percentage of suboptimal semen specimens as defined by IVF criteria ( 7 total motile sperm per ejaculate) significantly increased with increasing seminal granulocyte concentrations. A twofold increased prevalence in such suboptimal semen specimens was observed at the leukocytospermia threshold of 2×10 6 granulocytes/mL. Conclusion(s) There is a relationship between increasing seminal granulocyte concentrations and poor semen parameters. At seminal granulocyte concentrations>2×10 6 /mL, semen parameter abnormalities were observed that were both statistically and clinically significant.
Development and Age-Associated Changes in Extracellular Matrix of the Human Eye

Age-associated changes in the embryo occur from the moment of conception as a part of development. The cornea is no exception in reflecting the developmental changes in the process of growth and the wear and tear of the aging process. It is often possible to estimate the age of the cornea by histological study including electron microscopy, or by the newly developed immunohistochemical methods of monoclonal antibodies against developmentally regulated corneal antigens, using the immunofluorescent or immunoperoxidase staining. The morphologic age-related manifestations in the eye are well known, but details of the use of monoclonal antibodies as a tool detecting specific antigens of the cornea including the corneal extracellular matrix will be presented here.
POMDP and Hierarchical Options MDP with Continuous Actions for Autonomous Driving at Intersections

When applying autonomous driving technology to real-world scenarios, environmental uncertainties make the development of decision-making algorithms difficult. Modeling the problem as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) [1] allows the algorithm to consider these uncertainties in the decision process, which makes it more robust to real sensor characteristics. However, solving the POMDP with reinforcement learning (RL) [2] often requires storing a large number of observations. Furthermore, for continuous action spaces, the system is computationally inefficient. This paper addresses these problems by proposing to model the problem as an MDP and learn a policy with RL using hierarchical options (HOMDP). The suggested algorithm can store the state-action pairs and only uses current observations to solve a POMDP problem. We compare the results of to the time-to-collision method [3] and the proposed POMDP-with-LSTM method. Our results show that the HOMDP approach is able to improve the performance of the agent for a four-way intersection task with two-way stop signs. The HOMDP method can generate both higher-level discrete options and lower-level continuous actions with only the observations of the current step.
The Longitudinal Relationship Between Social Support and Physical Activity in Hispanics

Purpose:Social support has been identified as a determinant of physical activity (PA), but research has been primarily cross-sectional, with mixed findings for different Hispanic subgroups and limi...
Performance Comparison

A look at computational performance for an appoication running on an x86 CPU with Linux and Windows 95/98/NT, and how they compare
Evaluating computer science camp topics in increasing girls' confidence in computer science

In the field of computer science, there is an evident lack of women. Studies show that girls begin to lose interest in the field from early on, so it is important for initiatives to get girls interested in coding from a young age. There are many outreach initiatives for young girls in computer science, with a wide array of topics. To help increase the number of women in computer science, we held a coding camp for middle and high school girls and offered three topics to choose from. The three camp topics included Scratch, Python, and Unity, and each were a week long. In this paper we look at the impact of the camp and compare the strengths of weaknesses of each topic in increasing girls' interest in coding and confidence in their abilities related to computer science.
Prevalence of Bacteremia and Bacterial Meningitis in Febrile Neonates and Infants in the Second Month of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance Febrile neonates (persons in the first month of life) are believed to be at higher risk for bacteremia or bacterial meningitis than infants in their second month of life. However, the true prevalence is unclear. Objective To determine modern rates of bacteremia and bacterial meningitis in febrile neonates and infants in the second month of life presenting to an ambulatory setting. Data Sources A comprehensive, no-limit search was conducted in PubMed using previously published search terms in February 2015 and repeated in September 2016. Study Selection Abstracts and full texts were reviewed independently by several investigators. Studies were included if data regarding blood cultures or cerebrospinal fluid cultures from consecutive febrile infants in an ambulatory setting could be extrapolated within the age groups. To limit the analysis to the period after the availability of theHaemophilus influenzaetype b vaccination, studies that collected data before 1990 were excluded. Data Extraction and Synthesis Data were extracted in accordance with the Meta-analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guidelines via independent abstraction by several investigators. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess bias. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were prevalence rates of bacteremia and bacterial meningitis in febrile neonates and infants in the second month of life. In neonates, prevalence rates were also estimated in the era of group BStreptococcusintrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (after 1996). Results In total, 7264 abstracts were screened, resulting in 188 full-text manuscripts reviewed, with 12 meeting inclusion criteria (with 15 713 culture results). For febrile neonates, the prevalence of bacteremia was 2.9% (95% CI, 2.3%-3.7%;I2 = 50%; n = 5145) and the prevalence of bacterial meningitis was 1.2% (95% CI, 0.8%-1.9%;I2 = 27%; n = 3288). In neonates in the era after group BStreptococcusprophylaxis, the prevalence of bacteremia was 3.0% (95% CI, 2.3%-3.9%;I2 = 6%; n = 2055) and the prevalence of meningitis was 1.0% (95% CI, 0.4%-2.1%;I2 = 28%; n = 1739). For febrile infants in the second month of life, the prevalence of bacteremia was 1.6% (95% CI, 0.9%-2.7%;I2 = 78%; n = 4778) and the prevalence of meningitis was 0.4% (95% CI, 0.2%-1.0%;I2 = 33%; n = 2502). Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that febrile neonates have approximately twice the rate of bacteremia and meningitis as febrile infants in their second month of life.
Latina mothers' mental health and children's academic readiness: Moderation by maternal education

Abstract We tested a mediated-moderation model examining the association between Latina mothers' parenting stress and depression and children's academic skills approximately 4 years later, prior to kindergarten entry, whether mothers' positive parenting behaviors and children's self-regulation mediated those associations, and whether the mediated associations varied based on mothers' education. Participants were 714 low-income Latina mothers (M age at enrollment = 24 years; 78% Mexican; 59% foreign-born) and children (53% boys). Data were gathered across four time points: when the children were approximately 14, 24, and 36 months of age, and prior to kindergarten entry. Results revealed an inverse association between mothers' parenting stress and depression and children's academic skills mediated via parenting behaviors but only at certain maternal education levels. The findings highlight family processes by which Latina mothers who experience parenting stress and depression may adversely impact children's academic readiness for kindergarten, and how maternal education may buffer that association.
Generic language in scientific communication

Scientific communication poses a challenge: To clearly highlight key conclusions and implications while fully acknowledging the limitations of the evidence. Although these goals are in principle compatible, the goal of conveying complex and variable data may compete with reporting results in a digestible form that fits (increasingly) limited publication formats. As a result, authors' choices may favor clarity over complexity. For example, generic language (e.g., "Introverts and extraverts require different learning environments") may mislead by implying general, timeless conclusions while glossing over exceptions and variability. Using generic language is especially problematic if authors overgeneralize from small or unrepresentative samples (e.g., exclusively Western, middle-class). We present 4 studies examining the use and implications of generic language in psychology research articles. Study 1, a text analysis of 1,149 psychology articles published in 11 journals in 2015 and 2016, examined the use of generics in titles, research highlights, and abstracts. We found that generics were ubiquitously used to convey results (89% of articles included at least 1 generic), despite that most articles made no mention of sample demographics. Generics appeared more frequently in shorter units of the paper (i.e., highlights more than abstracts), and generics were not associated with sample size. Studies 2 to 4 (n = 1,578) found that readers judged results expressed with generic language to be more important and generalizable than findings expressed with nongeneric language. We highlight potential unintended consequences of language choice in scientific communication, as well as what these choices reveal about how scientists think about their data.
Resilience of zooplankton communities in temperate reservoirs with extreme water level fluctuations

The importance of zooplankton as a food resource for higher trophic levels, including threatened and endangered salmon species, highlights the need to improve our understanding of the mechanisms th...
Senorita: A Chorded Keyboard for Sighted, Low Vision, and Blind Mobile Users

Senorita is a novel two-thumb virtual chorded keyboard for mobile devices. It arranges the letters on eight keys in a single row by the bottom edge of the device based on letter frequencies and the anatomy of the thumbs. Unlike most chorded methods, it provides visual cues to perform the chording actions in sequence, instead of simultaneously, when the actions are unknown, facilitating "learning by doing". Its compact design leaves most of the screen available and its position near the edge accommodates eyes-free text entry. In a longitudinal study with a smartphone, Senorita yielded on average 14 wpm. In a short-term study with a tablet, it yielded on average 9.3 wpm. In the final longitudinal study, it yielded 3.7 wpm with blind users, surpassing their Qwerty performance. Low vision users yielded 5.8 wpm. Further, almost all users found Senorita effective, easy to learn, and wanted to keep use it.
Comprehensive characterization of copper oxide atomic layer deposition using water or ozone with enhanced bis-(dimethylamino-2-propoxide) copper delivery

Cu2O and CuO are promising p-type semiconductor materials, which show potential for a variety of applications from photovoltaics to high-Tc superconductors. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) presents an advantageous technique for the growth of copper oxide due to the ability to grow on a variety of substrate materials and geometries with atomic precision in thickness and high uniformity. The work presented here is a comprehensive study on the effect of boost and precursor delivery on the growth of copper oxide films using the same precursor and under the same reactor environment. This is critical to understanding the growth mechanism and properties of ALD grown copper oxide films using the same starting precursor while varying the coreactants. In this study, the deposition of copper oxide is performed using the precursor bis-(dimethylamino-2-propoxide) Cu(II) (Cudmap) and either water or ozone as a coreactant. Keeping the copper precursor pulse constant, CuO films were produced with ozone, while Cu2O films were obtained using water. Through conventional precursor delivery, a saturated growth rate of 0.19 and 0.045 A/cycle is established using ozone and water as coreagents, respectively. In order to enable more efficient precursor delivery, a vapor boost modification was implemented, which doubled the film growth rate to 0.38 A/cycle when using ozone, higher than previously reported. While there was no increased growth rate using the vapor boost with water, the growth rate could be doubled to 0.09 A/cycle by tripling the water dosage. In both cases, the as-deposited films were smoother when implementing a vapor boost and polycrystalline as deposited, which has not been previously observed for Cu2O films grown with Cudmap. From the results here, growth of CuO using ozone is most improved by using a Cudmap vapor boost delivery, indicating Cudmap limited growth, while Cu2O growth is limited by the water dosage.
Collagen-rich deposit formation in the sciatic nerve after injury and surgical repair: A study of collagen-producing cells in a rabbit model.

Introduction Posttraumatic scarring of peripheral nerves produces unwanted adhesions that block axonal growth. In the context of surgical nerve repair, the organization of the scar tissue adjacent to conduits used to span the gap between the stumps of transected nerves is poorly understood. The goal of this study was to elucidate the patterns of distribution of collagen-rich scar tissue and analyze the spatial organization of cells that produce fibrotic deposits around and within the conduit's lumen. Methods Employing a rabbit model of sciatic nerve transection injury, we studied the formation of collagen-rich scar tissue both inside and outside conduits used to bridge the injury sites. Utilizing quantitative immunohistology and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy methods, we measured cellular and structural elements present in the extraneural and the intraneural scar of the proximal and distal nerve fragments. Results Analysis of cells producing collagen-rich deposits revealed that alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts were only present in the margins of the stumps. In contrast, heat shock protein 47-positive fibroblasts actively producing collagenous proteins were abundant within the entire scar tissue. The most prominent site of transected sciatic nerves with the highest number of cells actively producing collagen-rich scar was the proximal stump. Conclusion Our findings suggest the proximal region of the injury site plays a prominent role in pro-fibrotic processes associated with the formation of collagen-rich deposits. Moreover, they show that the role of canonical myofibroblasts in peripheral nerve regeneration is limited to wound contracture and that a distinct population of fibroblastic cells produce the collagenous proteins that form scar tissue. As scarring after nerve injury remains a clinical problem with poor outcomes due to incomplete nerve recovery, further elucidation of the cellular and spatial aspects of neural fibrosis will lead to more targeted treatments in the clinical setting.
The Wages of Originalist Sin: District of Columbia v. Heller

This essay analyzes and critiques District of Columbia v. Heller, in which the Supreme Court ruled by a 5-4 vote that the Second Amendment of the Constitution protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia and to use that firearm for self-defense within the home. Justice Scalia's majority opinion in Heller strictly adheres to his belief that the Constitution should be interpreted by ascertaining its original meaning at the time it was adopted. Scalia believes that the Constitution has a static meaning and that changes in the world around us are of no relevance to constitutional interpretation. His exposition of the Second Amendment in Heller is bad history - simplistic analysis that ignores the complexities of historical research. And his refusal to examine any policy considerations regarding the Second Amendment renders its application a desultory matter, haphazard in function and cabined by outmoded notions.Justice Scalia's extreme version of originalism is based on the misguided belief that the original meaning of the Constitution is fixed in history and can be objectively determined by searching historical records. It is incorrect to believe that the Constitution can be interpreted simply by reference to the original understanding of the document. Blindly following the presumed meaning of constitutional provisions formulated in reaction to past conditions and attitudes that have long since changed does not, in the end, effectuate the original understanding. Nor is it very likely to be an effective means of dealing with contemporary problems. Justice Scalia's brand of originalism is dysfunctional, an instance of cultural lag whereby the meaning of the Constitution is left dormant while the world changes around it.The balancing approach advocated by Justice Breyer in Heller offers a more effective means to interpret the Second Amendment. Balancing is a realistic method of interpretation calling for informed decision-making that affords transparency and purposefulness to constitutional adjudication. While balancing does require judgment, the nature of the balancing process circumscribes judicial discretion by requiring careful identification of the relevant interests and an evaluation of the law's effect upon them. Above all, balancing is a purposive means of constitutional interpretation.
Right Ventricular Function and T1-Mapping in Boys With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Background Clinical management of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) relies on in-depth understanding of cardiac involvement, but right ventricular (RV) structural and functional remodeling remains understudied. Purpose To evaluate several analysis methods and identify the most reliable one to measure RV pre- and postcontrast T1 (RV-T1) and to characterize myocardial remodeling in the RV of boys with DMD. Study type Prospective. Population Boys with DMD (N = 27) and age-/sex-matched healthy controls (N = 17) from two sites. Field strength/sequence 3.0 T using balanced steady state free precession, motion-corrected phase sensitive inversion recovery and modified Look-Locker inversion recovery sequences. Assessment Biventricular mass (Mi), end-diastolic volume (EDVi) and ejection fraction (EF) assessment, tricuspid annular excursion (TAE), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), pre- and postcontrast myocardial T1 maps. The RV-T1 reliability was assessed by three observers in four different RV regions of interest (ROI) using intraclass correlation (ICC). Statistical tests The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare RV-T1 differences between DMD boys with negative LGE(-) or positive LGE(+) and healthy controls. Additionally, correlation of precontrast RV-T1 with functional measures was performed. A P-value Results A 1-pixel thick RV circumferential ROI proved most reliable (ICC > 0.91) for assessing RV-T1. Precontrast RV-T1 was significantly higher in boys with DMD compared to controls. Both LGE(-) and LGE(+) boys had significantly elevated precontrast RV-T1 compared to controls (1543 [1489-1597] msec and 1550 [1402-1699] msec vs. 1436 [1399-1473] msec, respectively). Compared to healthy controls, boys with DMD had preserved RVEF (51.8 [9.9]% vs. 54.2 [7.2]%, P = 0.31) and significantly reduced RVMi (29.8 [9.7] g vs. 48.0 [15.7] g), RVEDVi (69.8 [29.7] mL/m2 vs. 89.1 [21.9] mL/m2 ), and TAE (22.0 [3.2] cm vs. 26.0 [4.7] cm). Significant correlations were found between precontrast RV-T1 and RVEF (β = -0.48%/msec) and between LV-T1 and LVEF (β = -0.51%/msec). Data conclusion Precontrast RV-T1 is elevated in boys with DMD compared to healthy controls and is negatively correlated with RVEF. Level of evidence 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.