cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Bradykinin and Substance P on the Specialized Ventricular Conducting System of Dog Heart

The wide range of effects attributed to the biologically active polypeptides indicates fundamental actions upon excitable cells, and thus suggests the possibility that some of these substances might affect cardiac tissue. With this in mind, we studied the effects of bradykinin and of 6-glycine bradykinin on hydrocarbon-epinephrine cardiac arrhythmia in dogs. It was found that bigeminy, or coupled ventricular beats, evoked in this situation could temporarily be restored to normal sinus rhythm, apparently by direct action on the heart (Vick et al., 1965).
Haptically Guided Filtering for Reverse Engineering

Reverse engineering of mechanical systems often begins with large datasets produced from laser scanning of physical artifacts. Commonly it is necessary to remove noise and filter them; however, selecting noisy regions and preserving sharp edges on desired features is difficult using standard GUI interfaces. We demonstrate a haptic interface for marking and preserving features in noisy data and for performing local smoothing operations. The force-feedback provides a natural interface for these operations.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Highly reliable molecular-pore-stacking (MPS)/Cu interconnects using novel post-etching treatment (PET) for 28 nm-node and beyond

Effects of post-etching treatment (PET) in trench patterning and re-sputtering in barrier metal sputtering on low-k/Cu interconnects were investigated for the low-k of Molecular Pore Stacking (MPS). Optimized combination of PET and re-sputtering reduces wiring capacitance by 5% due to well controlled profile, resulted from hardening effect of the exposed MPS at the trench bottom. The developed process sequence achieves 10 times loger EM lifetime and eliminates early failure mode in the TDDB test. Thus, the novel process, featuring PET and re-sputtering, contributes to highly reliability for 28 nm node CMOS and beyond.
What you don't know really won't hurt you

Health promotion and disease prevention were established as the foci of a federal initiative by the 1979 Surgeon General's Report. As Fuchs [1974] notes, the greatest potential for health promotion and disease prevention is found in what people do and don't do to and for themselves. That is, the potential is in personal decisions about smoking, drinking, exercise, and so on. Following Mill, this raises a philosophical question: Why does society have an interest in these personal decisions? In the framework of applied welfare economics, the question is: Is there a demonstrated market failure that justifies public intervention? Other research attempts to quantify the external costs of personal health decisions [e.g., Manning et al., 1989]. My research addresses the importance of another type of market failure-lack of consumer information. Mandated warnings of potential health hazards on cigarette and alcohol packages clearly show that policy makers take this situation seriously. The usefulness of providing this type of information is less clear, however. Below, I report evidence that what people know about smoking, drinking, and exercise makes only a slight difference in their health behavior. This conclusion is echoed in the research literature on mass media and school-based health education
Fast Online Learning to Recommend a Diverse Set from Big Data

Building a recommendation system to withstand the rapid change in items' relevance to users is a challenge requiring continual optimization. In a Big Data scenario, it becomes a harder problem, in which users get substantially diverse in their tastes. We propose an algorithm that is based on the UBC1 bandit algorithm to cover a large variety of users. To enhance UCB1, we designed a new rewarding scheme to encourage the bandits to choose items that satisfy a large number of users. Our approach takes account of the correlation among the items preferred by different types of users, in effect, increasing the coverage of the recommendation set efficiently. Our method performs better than existing techniques such as Ranked Bandits [8] and Independent Bandits [6] in terms of satisfying diverse types of users.
Approaches to isolation and molecular characterization of disseminated tumor cells

// Mark Jesus M. Magbanua 1 , Rishi Das 1 , Prithi Polavarapu 1 and John W. Park 1 1 Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA Correspondence to: Mark Jesus M. Magbanua, email: // Keywords : disseminated tumor cells, disseminated cancer cells, micrometastatic cells, micrometastasis, minimal residual disease Received : May 05, 2015 Accepted : August 17, 2015 Published : September 10, 2015 Abstract Micrometastatic cells in the bone marrow, now usually referred to as “disseminated tumor cells (DTCs)”, can be detected in early stage cancer patients. It has been hypothesized that DTCs represent key intermediates in the metastatic process as possible precursors of bone and visceral metastases, and are indicators of metastatic potential. Indeed, multiple clinical studies have unequivocally demonstrated the prognostic value of these cells in breast and other cancers, as DTCs have been associated with adverse outcomes, including inferior overall and disease-free survival. Despite this established clinical significance, the molecular nature of DTCs remains elusive. The complexity of the bone marrow poses a unique challenge in the isolation and direct characterization of these rare cells. However, recent advances in rare-cell technology along with technical improvements in analyzing limited cell inputs have enabled the molecular profiling of DTCs. In this review, we discuss research featuring the isolation and genomic analysis of DTCs. Emerging work on the molecular characterization of DTCs is now providing new insights into the biology of these cells.
"Organizational languages, coordination, and firm structure"

This paper proposes and tests a new model for intergroup communication that offers a solution to the problem of coordinating the activities of specialist workers within and between firms. Previous ...
SC-14ASYMMETRY-DEFECTIVE OLIGODENDROCYTE PROGENITORS AS POTENTIAL CELL-OF-ORIGIN OF HYPERACTIVATED RAF-INDUCED MALIGNANT ASTROCYTOMAS

BACKGROUND: Studies show that the expression of an activating mutation of BRAF (BRAFV600E) in conjunction with Ink4a/Arf deletion, but not each alteration by itself, lead to formation of malignant astrocytoma (MA)-like tumors. Importantly, BRAFV600E occurs in 39% of pediatric MA and in 7.7% of adult glioblastomas with a preference for young adult patients, and the majority coincides with homozygous deletion of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) encoding Ink4a/Arf. Responses to pharmacologic inhibition of BRAFV600E in melanoma patients were stunning but led to rapid resistance. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism by which activated Raf signaling transforms adult neural progenitors into high-grade MA cells is needed to overcome resistance. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We hypothesize that BRAFV600E transforms Ink4a/Arf-depleted neural progenitor cells, by disrupting their asymmetric cell division, thereby initiating a cascade of events that fails to restrict cell fate determinants during division, alters cell fate, enhances proliferation and allows for other changes associated with neoplastic transformation. We use a Cre inducible mouse model of BRAFV600E, the BRafCA allele, and of Ink4a/ARf (Ink4a/Arf-loxP) in combination with fluorescence-activated cell sorting to isolate neural progenitor cells from the adult mouse brain subventricular zone. Enriched neural progenitor populations are subjected in vitro modified to express BRAFV600E and deleted Ink4a/Arf by adenovirus-Cre infection. Cell-culture-based assays determine their rate of asymmetric cell division, self-renewal, proliferation and their differentiation capacity. CONCLUSION: BRAFV600E expression causes a cell-type specific decrease in asymmetric cell division in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC). Asymmetry-defective in vitro modified OPC and OPC-like cells isolated from a tumor cell line are capable of forming tumors when injected into mice. We will present data from our ongoing search for critical molecular regulators and pathway(s) associated with BRAFVE-mediated disruption of asymmetric cell division and malignant transformation.
Marxism's Perspective of Conflicts in Value in the Globalization of the World

Conflicts in value exist between developed countries and developing countries in the globalization of the world. The causes for the conflicts in value are economic profit, cultural tradition, social system and so on. Facing these, we must carry forward marxism's value and promote the globalization of socialism.
Optimization of dynamic power consumption in multi-tier gate-level monolithic 3D ICs

Monolithic three-dimensional (3D) integration enables the most fine-grained integration of transistors by stacking very thin layers and fabricating monolithic inter-layer vias as small as local vias. Thus, monolithic 3D integration is expected to provide a higher degree of wirelength reduction, performance improvement, and power saving. Due to the prospective properties of the monolithic 3D integration technology, research on multilayer monolithic 3D integration that stacks more than two device layers is also ongoing. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that optimizes dynamic power consumption of gate-level monolithic 3D ICs. Under the same timing constraints, our algorithm reduces dynamic power consumption more effectively than a uniform-scaling-based placement algorithm. We also design multi-tier monolithic 3D ICs and show that our algorithm outperforms the uniform-scaling-based placement algorithm by 11.4% on average.
Integrated Omic Analysis of a Guinea Pig Model of Heart Failure and Sudden Cardiac Death.

Here, we examine key regulatory pathways underlying the transition from compensated hypertrophy (HYP) to decompensated heart failure (HF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a guinea pig pressure-overload model by integrated multiome analysis. Relative protein abundances from sham-operated HYP and HF hearts were assessed by iTRAQ LC–MS/MS. Metabolites were quantified by LC–MS/MS or GC–MS. Transcriptome profiles were obtained using mRNA microarrays. The guinea pig HF proteome exhibited classic biosignatures of cardiac HYP, left ventricular dysfunction, fibrosis, inflammation, and extravasation. Fatty acid metabolism, mitochondrial transcription/translation factors, antioxidant enzymes, and other mitochondrial procsses, were downregulated in HF but not HYP. Proteins upregulated in HF implicate extracellular matrix remodeling, cytoskeletal remodeling, and acute phase inflammation markers. Among metabolites, acylcarnitines were downregulated in HYP and fatty acids accumulated in HF. The correlation of transcrip...
Motor neuron mitochondrial dysfunction in spinal muscular atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic cause of infant mortality, predominantly affects high metabolic tissues including motor neurons, skeletal muscles and the heart. Although the genetic cause of SMA has been identified, mechanisms underlying tissue-specific vulnerability are not well understood. To study these mechanisms, we carried out a deep sequencing analysis of the transcriptome of spinal motor neurons in an SMA mouse model, in which we unexpectedly found changes in many genes associated with mitochondrial bioenergetics. Importantly, functional measurement of mitochondrial activities showed decreased basal and maximal mitochondrial respiration in motor neurons from SMA mice. Using a reduction-oxidation sensitive GFP and fluorescence sensors specifically targeted to mitochondria, we found increased oxidative stress level and impaired mitochondrial membrane potential in motor neurons affected by SMA. In addition, mitochondrial mobility was impaired in SMA disease conditions, with decreased retrograde transport but no effect on anterograde transport. We also found significantly increased fragmentation of the mitochondrial network in primary motor neurons from SMA mice, with no change in mitochondria density. Electron microscopy study of SMA mouse spinal cord revealed mitochondria fragmentation, edema and concentric lamellar inclusions in motor neurons affected by the disease. Intriguingly, these functional and structural deficiencies in the SMA mouse model occur during the presymptomatic stage of disease, suggesting a role in initiating SMA. Altogether, our findings reveal a critical role for mitochondrial defects in SMA pathogenesis and suggest a novel target for improving tissue health in the disease.
Use of Herpes Simplex Virus Vectors for Protection from Necrotic Neuron Death

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on use of herpes simplex virus vectors for protection from necrotic neuron death. Central to such neuron death are the excitatory amino acids (EAA) such as glutamate and aspartate. These are the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain, and they play vital roles in phenomena such as long-term potentiation in the hippocampus. Necrotic insults, such as global ischemia and infarct, seizure, or hypoglycemia, all result in excessive synaptic concentrations of EAAs, leading to excessive mobilization of free cytosolic calcium. The deleterious consequences of such excess include promiscuous overactivation of calcium-dependent proteases, lipases, and nucleases. The greatest pathologic significance is that the calcium excess leads to the generation of damaging radical oxygen species. The most important routes by which this occurs include calcium-dependent activation of xanthine oxidase, nitric oxide synthase, and phospholipase, or indirectly generate oxygen radicals. Energy plays a critical role in determining whether the EAAs and calcium subserve their normal physiologic roles or pathophysiologic ones. Necrotic neurological insults are energetic in nature, and they dramatically compromise the capacity of neurons to contain EAAs and calcium. During a necrotic insult, energy failure leads to depolarization and enhanced release of EAAs. The other topics discussed in the chapter are neuroprotection using monocistronic vectors and bicistronic vectors, additional neuroprotective strategies using HSV vectors, and cytopathic effects of HSV vectors.
Dynamic Modeling for the Separation of Rare Earth Elements Using Solvent Extraction: Predicting Separation Performance Using Laboratory Equilibrium Data

Industrial rare earth element (REE) separation facilities utilize acidic cation exchange ligands such as 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (PC88A) for solvent extraction processes. REE separations are costly and difficult due to their chemical similarities and subsequent low separation factors. Several empirical correlations are available in the literature to predict steady state extraction equilibria for various solvent systems. However, complete solvent extraction flow sheet design for REE separations requires complex scrubbing and stripping circuits to separate and produce individual pure species. Furthermore, dynamic modeling of extraction, scrubbing, and stripping in REE separations circuits will aid in process design, optimization, and management of process fluctuations. A dynamic MATLAB/SIMULINK REE equilibrium model has been coupled with dynamic acid balances to predict REE solvent extraction processes using laboratory equilibrium data. The model was used to predict a flow sheet ...
Investigation of Deaths and Injury of Prison Inmates

The death of a person who is incarcerated often raises public concern, family inquiries, and media attention, and such deaths require special handling. The careful investigation of deaths of indivi...
Comparing Brief Experimental Analysis and Teacher Judgment for Selecting Early Reading Interventions

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of brief experimental analysis (BEA) to identify early reading interventions for students in the primary grades and to compare teachers’ judgments about their students’ early reading intervention needs to BEA results. In addition, the research was conducted to explore how teachers make decisions regarding early reading intervention selection and evaluation. Three teachers and three elementary students (two kindergarten and one second grade) participated in the study. A BEA using a multielement design with mini-reversals was used to test the effects of four different interventions. Each teacher selected an intervention that she judged to be the most promising for her student. An extended analysis using an alternating treatments design compared the relative effects of the BEA-identified intervention and the teacher-identified intervention across time. The teachers were interviewed before and after selecting and implementing the interventions. The extended analysis results showed that the BEA-identified intervention was more effective than the teacher-identified intervention for all participants. Initial and final interview findings revealed that the teachers reported using data to make intervention decisions, but with limited specificity and in some cases, misjudgments. The results are discussed in regard to limitations and future research.
Smooth Surfaces for Multi-Scale Shape Representation

The skin of a set of weighted points in ld is defined as a differentiable and orientable (d}- 1)-manifold surrounding the points. The skin varies continuously with the points and weights and at all times maintains the homotopy equivalence between the dual shape of the points and the body enclosed by the skin. The variation allows for arbitrary changes in topological connectivity, each accompanied by a momentary violation of the manifold property. The skin has applications to molecular modeling and docking and to geometric metamorphosis.
Trading off solution quality for faster computation in DCOP search algorithms

Distributed Constraint Optimization (DCOP) is a key technique for solving agent coordination problems. Because finding cost-minimal DCOP solutions is NP-hard, it is important to develop mechanisms for DCOP search algorithms that trade off their solution costs for smaller runtimes. However, existing tradeoff mechanisms do not provide relative error bounds. In this paper, we introduce three tradeoff mechanisms that provide such bounds, namely the Relative Error Mechanism, the Uniformly Weighted Heuristics Mechanism and the Non-Uniformly Weighted Heuristics Mechanism, for two DCOP algorithms, namely ADOPT and BnB-ADOPT. Our experimental results show that the Relative Error Mechanism generally dominates the other two tradeoff mechanisms for ADOPT and the UniformlyWeighted Heuristics Mechanism generally dominates the other two trade-off mechanisms for BnB-ADOPT.
Markov Models for Coherent Signals: Extrapolation in the Frequency Domain

In this paper we describe a Markov model for a class of stochastic processes whose properties relate to a wide variety of situations in which time-frequency analysis is relevant. These include the production of sound and, in particular, music, frequency modulated digital communication systems, stimulated emission in atomic physics and other aspects of coherent light.More specifically, it provides a new point of view on some ideas explored over the years by Yutaka Yamamoto [1, 2, 3] and others [4] relating to the regeneration of sound from compressed versions obtained by band limiting and sampling. We frame this particular question as one of extrapolation in the frequency domain and argue that analytically tractable signal models can play a significant role in facilitating the reconstruction process. We also touch briefly on the data needed for parameter selection and model validation.
Male Lekking Duration and Mating Benefits in a Lek-Forming Hawaiian Drosophila

Variation in lekking duration of males of a Hawaiian Drosophila, D. grimshawi, was examined in laboratory enclosures. The relationship between variation in male lekking activity and number of eggs laid by females, proportion of eggs hatching, and total offspring production was investigated. Females mating highly active males laid fewer eggs and thus had lower offspring production than females mating less active males, even though other studies have shown that D. grimshawi females prefer more active males as mates. These results are discussed in terms of conflict between males and females over mating benefits and in trade-offs faced by males between lekking duration and offspring production per mating. Testis mass was not related to lekking activity levels, but males with heavier testes produced more offspring per mating, suggesting that males may vary in other ways that correlate with possible direct fitness gains for females.
Bad Odors, Nasty Dust, and Dangerous Bugs

Medical beliefs and discoveries profoundly shaped public health policies during the decades straddling the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This chapter describes how fomite and miasma theories led to quarantine and sanitation regulations. Cowpox vaccine and germ theory set the stage for the discovery of additional sera and vaccines, and immunization campaigns, as well as a safe and effective polio vaccine. Much of this development process involved children as test subjects.
Theoricity and homology: a reply to Roffe, Ginnobili, and Blanco

Roffe et al. (Hist Philos Life Sci, 2108. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40656-018-0208-z ) develop a rather creative line of response to Pearson's (Hist Philos Life Sci 32(4):475-492, 2010) critique of pattern cladisma response centering on a structuralist approach to the homology concept. In this brief reply I attempt to demonstrate, however, that Roffe, and Ginnobili, and Blanco subtly mis-characterize the target of Pearson's critique. The consequence of this mischaracterization is that even though the structuralist framework may help make sense of pattern cladism, it does not undermine Pearson's critique of it.
Remote Assessment, in Real-World Setting, of Tremor Severity in Parkinson's Disease Patients Using Smartphone Inertial Sensors

Current clinimetrics assessment of Parkinson's disease (PD) is insensitive, episodic, subjective, and provider-centered. Ubiquitous technologies such as smartphones promise to fundamentally change PD assessments. To enable frequent remote assessment of PD tremor severity, here we present a 39-month smartphone research study in a real-world setting without supervision. More than 15,000 consented participants used the smartphone application, mPower, to perform self-administered active tasks. In the scope of this abstract, we developed an objective smartphone measure of PD tremor severity called mPower Tremor Scores (mPTS) using machine learning. Efficacy, and reliability of mPTS was further tested and validated in a separate cohort in the real world and in-clinic setting. This study demonstrates the utility of using structured activities with built-in smartphone sensors to measure PD tremor severity remotely and objectively in a real-world setting using more than 1100 participants.
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988: Did They Change Corporate Behavior?:

The author examines the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, and some of the cases decided under each bill. A survey of the Chief Legal Counsels ...
Wrestling with Employment Status: Workers' Compensation Benefits for Professional Wrestlers

Severe injuries are all-too-common in the world of professional wrestling. Professional wrestlers must have serious athletic ability to perform these maneuvers and, sometimes, even the best wrestlers have accidents. The extremely physical nature of the sport creates a very high risk for injury in almost every match. Professional wrestlers also act during live broadcasts to engage the audience and move the story forward, much like in live theater. While some wrestling companies have policies of paying out-of-pocket for in-ring injuries, they are not currently required to do so. Because the sport is so dangerous and because of the duties required and the amount of control exercised by wrestling companies, professional wrestlers should be considered employees for the purpose of receiving workers’ compensation benefits. In the alternative, should they continue to be considered independent contractors, professional wrestlers should have the opportunity to join a union, such as the Screen Actor’s Guild or the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, without first having to appear in a film or other television show.
Medicine Beneath Your Feet: A Biocultural Examination of the Risks and Benefits of Geophagy

Geophagy is the intentional consumption of earth. Although widely documented among vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women, the causes and consequences of geophagy remain poorly understood. Relevant literature was, therefore, reviewed to describe geophagy across species, geographies, life stages, and disease states. After a brief consideration of hypothesized etiologies, the potential harmful and beneficial consequences of geophagy are described, considering current evidence for each. Data available to date suggest that the greatest potential risks of geophagy include toxicity or heavy metal poisoning, and diseases resulting from consumed clays binding nutrients and beneficial pharmaceuticals in the gut. Evidence also suggests that geophagy may be beneficial by protecting against harmful pathogens and toxins through two distinct physiological pathways. Future research should explore causal relationships between geophagy and iron deficiency, as well as investigate the biological and psychosocial conditions that govern geophagy.
Very Severe Hypertriglyceridemia in a Large US County Health Care System: Associated Conditions and Management.

Context Patients with very severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride levels ≥2000 mg/dL; 22.6 mmol/L) require aggressive treatment. However, little research exists on the underlying etiologies and management of very severe hypertriglyceridemia. Objective We hypothesized (i) very severe hypertriglyceridemia in adults is mostly associated with secondary causes and (ii) most patients with very severe hypertriglyceridemia lack appropriate follow-up and treatment. Design We queried electronic medical records at Parkland Health and Hospital Systems for lipid measurements in the year 2016 and identified patients with serum triglyceride levels ≥2000 mg/dL (22.6 mmol/L). We extracted data on demographics, underlying causes, lipid-lowering therapy, and follow-up. Results One hundred sixty-four serum triglyceride measurements were ≥2000 mg/dL (22.6 mmol/L) in 103 unique patients. Of these, 60 patients were admitted to the hospital (39 for acute pancreatitis). Most were Hispanic (79%). The major conditions associated with very severe hypertriglyceridemia included uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (74%), heavy alcohol use (10%), medication use (7%), and hypothyroidism (2%). Two patients were known to have monogenic causes of hypertriglyceridemia. After the index measurement of triglycerides ≥2000 mg/dL (22.6 mmol/L), the use of triglyceride-lowering drugs increased, most prominently the use of fish oil supplements, which increased by 80%. However, in follow-up visits, hypertriglyceridemia was addressed in only 50% of encounters, and serum triglycerides were remeasured in only 18%. Conclusion In summary, very severe hypertriglyceridemia was quite prevalent (∼0.1% of all lipid measurements) in our large county health care system, especially in Hispanic men. Most cases were related to uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and follow-up monitoring was inadequate.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria in solid organ transplant.

Purpose of reviewNontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emerging pathogens of concern especially in solid organ transplant candidates and recipients. This review aims to address diagnostic challenges, new and emerging treatment options, and infection prevention.Recent findingsThe incidence of NTM inf
Association of area social determinants of health with prostate cancer mortality.

49Background: Validated clinical nomograms prognosticate survival for men with metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer. In addition to clinical factors, significant disparities in survival in...
Regulation of B-cell function by NF-kappaB c-Rel in health and disease

B cells mediate humoral immune response and contribute to the regulation of cellular immune response. Members of the Nuclear Factor kappaB (NF-κB) family of transcription factors play a major role in regulating B-cell functions. NF-κB subunit c-Rel is predominantly expressed in lymphocytes, and in B cells, it is required for survival, proliferation, and antibody production. Dysregulation of c-Rel expression and activation alters B-cell homeostasis and is associated with B-cell lymphomas and autoimmune pathologies. Based on its essential roles, c-Rel may serve as a potential prognostic and therapeutic target. This review summarizes the current understanding of the multifaceted role of c-Rel in B cells and B-cell diseases.
Food cravings: Associations with dietary intake and metabolic health

Abstract Food cravings are a desire for specific foods which, if uncontrolled may lead to excess energy intake and weight gain. However, information on the relation between food cravings, dietary intake, and indices of metabolic health is limited. This study used baseline data from females (n = 229; aged 40.9 ± 0.7 years; BMI 34.7 ± 6.4 kg/m2) who were dependents of active duty and retired military personnel, and enrolled in the Healthy Families Healthy Forces weight loss and maintenance study. Measures obtained included food cravings using the Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait (which provides a habitual and stable measure of food cravings), dietary composition and eating patterns from three 24-h dietary recalls and the Stanford 7-day Physical Activity Recall, body composition from anthropometric measures, cardiometabolic risk factors from blood measures, and demographic information from questionnaires. Linear, quantile, or logistic regression models were used to examine the association of total food craving scores on dietary intake, and indices of metabolic health. In individuals reporting plausible energy intake (n = 146; 2210 ± kcals/day) higher food craving scores were associated with a lower diet quality (P
Risk-Sensitive Rate Correcting for Dynamic Heterogeneous Networks: Autonomy and Resilience

This work is proposing a unified framework for dynamic and heterogeneous networks from a control engineering standpoint. Adaptive learning and risk-sensitive policies illustrate ways of dealing with: i) state-space realization to account for heterogeneous flow rates, bottleneck links with rate allocating routers or switches, and coupling between queue regulation, stochastic and time lag effects; ii) centralized rate-based stabilization with explicit congestion indication feedback via partially noisy observations; iii) performance risk mitigation enabled by Minimal-Cost-Variance control theory; and iv) distributed adaptation based on companion window flow control mechanisms at sources. The expected results will help to reveal new insights on systematic designs and rigorous analysis of adaptive and scalable learning and management schemes for coordinated resilience across all layers and elements in networked systems.
Interactive Temporal Digital Forensic Event Analysis

Current digital forensic tools and applications lack the capability to visually present high-level system events and their associated low-level traces in a user interpretable form. This chapter describes the Temporal Analysis Integration Management Application (TAIMA), an interactive graphical user interface that renders graph-based information visualizations for digital forensic event reconstruction. By leveraging correlation and abstraction as core functions, TAIMA reduces the manual, labor-intensive efforts needed to conduct timeline analyses during digital forensic examinations. A pilot usability study conducted to evaluate TAIMA supports the claim that correlation and abstraction of low-level events into high-level system events can enhance digital forensic examinations.
Development of an integrated 3R end-effector with a cartesian manipulator for pruning apple trees

Abstract Robotic pruning is a potential solution to address the issues of labor shortages and high associated costs, but it has challenges due to the unstructured working environment. For successful robotic pruning, target branches have to be reached with fewer spatial requirements for the end-effector cutter and the manipulator. A three-rotational (3R) degrees of freedom (DoF) end-effector was designed considering maneuvering, spatial, mechanical, and horticultural requirements. Simulations were conducted with the end-effector to investigate the reachable workspace, the cutter frame orientation, and the manipulability index. The simulation results suggested that the proposed design has a spherical reachable workspace with a void due to the presence of a physical constraint of the linear arm. The manipulability index was determined to be independent of the rotation of the first and last joint of the end-effector. The prototype of the proposed end-effector was integrated with a cartesian manipulator. An Arduino-based control system was developed along utilizing a Matlab graphical user interface (GUI). A series of field tests were conducted on ‘Fuji’/Bud. 9 apple trees with trellis-trained architecture. The field tests validated the simulation results, and the end-effector successfully cut branches up to ~25 mm diameter at wide range of orientations. This study provides the foundation for future investigations of branch accessibility for pruning with an integrated 3R end-effector and a cartesian manipulator system following a collision free trajectory.
Design of Auxiliary Circuit Elements for Achieving Zero Voltage Switching in a Wireless Power Transfer System

The auxiliary resonant commutated pole (ARCP) is being used to achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS) of power switches for improved efficiency and/or to reduce dv/dt at the switch node for better electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance and overall system reliability. This paper shows how an ARCP circuit can be used in a wireless power transfer system to achieve ZVS. Detailed analysis of ARCP circuit operation is presented to determine the requirements for achieving ZVS in the main switches of a wireless electric vehicle charging system. Based on this analysis, a design algorithm is developed to optimize the design of the ZVS assisting circuit components. The designed ARCP achieves soft switching of the MOSFETs in the primary inverter of an 85 kHz, 10 kW series-series compensated, stationary wireless power transfer system.
Deep Learning for Network Traffic Classification.

Monitoring network traffic to identify content, services, and applications is an active research topic in network traffic control systems. While modern firewalls provide the capability to decrypt packets, this is not appealing for privacy advocates. Hence, identifying any information from encrypted traffic is a challenging task. Nonetheless, previous work has identified machine learning methods that may enable application and service identification. The process involves high level feature extraction from network packet data then training a robust machine learning classifier for traffic identification. We propose a classification technique using an ensemble of deep learning architectures on packet, payload, and inter-arrival time sequences. To our knowledge, this is the first time such deep learning architectures have been applied to the Server Name Indication (SNI) classification problem. Our ensemble model beats the state of the art machine learning methods and our up-to-date model can be found on github: \url{this https URL}
Worth the Risk? Modeling Irrational Gambling Behavior

In math class, expected value is often used when deciding whether or not a game is worth playing. A common refrain is that games with negative expected value should be avoided. However, nearly all games of chance have a negative expected value, and a simple expected value analysis fails to explain why these games are so popular. In this article, we consider three psychological factors leading to irrational gambling behavior - the illusion of control, hypersensitivity to reward, and beginner's luck - and explore how these factors affect an otherwise purely rational model of gambling behavior.
Environmental Factors in the Early Screening of Children at Risk

The task of developmental screening has been to seek measures that will identify children who are at a high risk for having later problems. Traditional screening measures have focused on child behavior, the rationale being that the best way to predict how children will perform in the future is to examine how they perform in the present. The past and the present may well be the best predictors of the future for individuals with demonstrated stable continuities in behavior. However, when young children are the target, such stabilities are difficult to find (Seifer & Sameroff, 1984), for infancy is a period of transitions. Within the first 3 years of life, the child is transformed from a being who is completely dependent on the caregiving environment to one who has mobility, language, and a sense of self and others.
Microstructure and Toughness of High-Strength Aluminum Alloys

The toughness of wrought, high-strength aluminum alloys is related to the amount, type, and morphology of coarse (larger than about 1 μm) constituent particles, intermediate size (about 0.02 to 0.5 μm) dispersoids, and fine (down to about 0.001 μm) precipitates. High toughness can be attained by minimizing the size and volume fraction of constituent particles, increasing the interdispersoid distance, refining the intragranular precipitate in 2XXX alloys, and controlling the intergranular precipitate in 7XXX alloys. For highest toughness in 7XXX alloy products where low residual stress is desired, rapid quenching followed by the minimum amount of cold work required for mechanical stress relief is recommended.
Missing Observations: A Simultaneous Approach versus Interpolation by Related Series

The simultaneous estimation of missing obseroations with the parameters of a model is compared to separately interpolating existing data by application of related series to estimate missing obseroations prior to estimation of model param­ eters. Missing obseroations are simulated on a com­ plete time series. The basis of the comparison is the deviations between estimates of model param­ eters when no obseroations are missing and esti­ mates of the same model parameters when the simulated missing obseroations are estimated. No support for favoring the simultaneous approach over the two-step interpolation approach is found.
Quasi-polynomial Time Approximation Algorithm for Low-Degree Minimum-Cost Steiner Trees

In a recent paper [5], we addressed the problem of finding a minimum-cost spanning tree T for a given undirected graph G=(V,E) with maximum node-degree at most a given parameter B>1. We developed an algorithm based on Lagrangean relaxation that uses a repeated application of Kruskal’s MST algorithm interleaved with a combinatorial update of approximate Lagrangean node-multipliers maintained by the algorithm.
Magnetic properties of R Fe 2 Zn 20 and R Co 2 Zn 20 ( R = Y , Nd , Sm , Gd – Lu )

Magnetization, resistivity and specific heat measurements were performed on single crystals of RFe$_2$Zn$_{20}$ and RCo$_2$Zn$_{20}$(R = Y, Nd, Sm, Gd - Lu). Whereas LuCo$_2$Zn$_{20}$ and YCo$_2$Zn$_{20}$ manifest unremarkable, metallic behavior, LuFe$_2$Zn$_{20}$ and YFe$_2$Zn$_{20}$ manifest behaviors characteristic of nearly ferromagnetic Fermi liquids. When the well defined $4f$ local moments (Gd$^{3+}$ - Tm$^{3+}$) were embedded into this strongly polarizable host, they all manifest enhanced, ferromagnetic ordering and the values of $T_{\mathrm{C}}$ for RFe$_2$Zn$_{20}$ (R = Gd - Tm) scale with the de Gennes factor. In addition, the data on the RFe$_2$Zn$_{20}$ compounds indicate a small crystal electronic field (CEF) effect, compare with the interaction energy scale. On the other hand, the local moment bearing members of RCo$_2$Zn$_{20}$ (R = Nd, Sm, Gd - Tm) manifest weak magnetic interactions and the magnetic properties for R = Dy - Tm members are strongly influenced by the CEF effect on the R ions. The magnetic anisotropy and specific heat data for the Co series were used to determine the CEF coefficient of R ion in the cubic coordination. These CEF coefficients, determined for the Co series, are consistent with the magnetic anisotropy and specific heat data for the Fe series, which indicates similar CEF effects for the Fe and Co series. Such analysis, combined with specific heat and resistivity data, indicates that for R = Tb - Ho, the CEF splitting scale is smaller than their $T_{\mathrm{C}}$ values, whereas for ErFe$_2$Zn$_{20}$ and TmFe$_2$Zn$_{20}$ the $4f$ electron loses part of its full Hund's rule ground state degeneracy above $T_{\mathrm{C}}$. YbFe$_2$Zn$_{20}$ and YbCo$_2$Zn$_{20}$ manifest typical, but distinct heavy Fermion behaviors associated with different Kondo temperatures.
A Historical Perspective on Off-Label Medicine: From Regulation, Promotion, and the First Amendment to the Next Frontiers

This book chapter surveys the history of comprehensive federal regulation of pharmaceutical and medical devices, introduces the concept and context of off-label medicine, and highlights the First Amendment free speech debates over promotion of off-label uses.
Analyzer for profile measurement of a beam from a magnicon electron gun

Summary from only given, as follows. A key parameter in determining the efficiency of a magnicon amplifier is the quality of the electron beam used to drive the device, and in particular the diameter of the electron beam and its matching into the axial magnetic field. The electron gun for the 11.4 GHz magnicon amplifier experiment at NRL is an ultrahigh-convergence Pierce-type gun designed to produce a 480-kV, 210-A electron beam of diameter less than 2 mm. A novel beam analyzer has been built to characterize this beam, with a design based on a similar analyzer used for measuring the beam of an earlier magnicon. The analyzer allows the beam profile to be monitored as changes are made in the magnetic flux linking the cathode, and with changes in the bias on the cathode focus electrode. The analyzer makes use of ten graphite apertures that are mounted at 30/spl deg/ intervals on an off-axis rotating drum, so that only a single aperture will intercept beam current at one time. The drum is rotated by a stepper motor, and its precise rotation is read out to an accuracy of better than 0.1/spl deg/ using a digital shaft encoder, permitting spatial measurements with an accuracy of better than 60 microns. The apertures are spaced at 1-cm intervals along the beam axis, a spacing that permits resolution of beam scalloping and centroid displacement effects. These apertures are designed to measure only the position of the beam edges, since interception of the maximum current density of up to 12 kA/cm/sup 2/ would destroy the graphite apertures. The analyzer also includes two ten-cm graphite tubes, of 4 and 8 mm inner diameter, at the remaining two angular stations, for use in measuring the net transmitted and intercepted current. This paper will describe the calibration of the beam analyzer, and its application to the measurement of the magnicon electron beam.
Metabolic Interlock THE DUAL FUNCTION OF A FOLATE PATHWAY GENE AS AN EXTRA-OPERONIC GENE OF TRYPTOPHAN BIOSYNTHESIS

Abstract A mutation denoted as trpX defines a previously unrecognized cistron whose gene product, subunit-X, has a catalytic role in two biochemical pathways. Experiments with strains carrying this mutation provided insight into the following gene-enzyme relationships in Bacillus subtilis. 1. The trpX locus codes for a subunit component (subunit-X) of the anthranilate synthase aggregate which appears to confer catalytic reactivity with glutamine. 2. Subunit-X is also a component of p-aminobenzoate synthase in the pathway of folate biosynthesis. 3. A mutation of trpX is not located in the previously described tryptophan operon, showing no linkage by DNA transformation or PBS1 transduction to the various genes located in or near the tryptophan gene cluster of B. subtilis. However, the synthesis of subunit-X is controlled by tryptophan. The synthesis of subunit-X varies coordinately with respect to the other enzymes of the tryptophan operon throughout a large fraction of the time course of the derepression interval; subunit-X is synthesized discoordinately, however, at both very low and very high enzyme levels (semicoordinate repression). A mutant which synthesizes a faulty subunit-X requires a derepressed level of subunit-X in order to synthesize sufficient folate and tryptophan to support growth. Exogenous tryptophan inhibits growth in the mutant because the repression of the synthesis of an already deficient subunit-X by tryptophan results in folate starvation. The mutant enzyme cannot utilize glutamine, the normal physiological substrate, as a nitrogen source in the anthranilate synthase reaction. However, the mutant enzyme retains a substantial level of ammonia-reactive activity, a result which provides suggestive evidence that ammonia may serve in vivo as an amino donor for tryptophan synthesis.
Relativistic Schrodinger Equations for Particles of Arbitrary Spin

Relativistic wave equations in the Schr\"odinger form $\frac{i\ensuremath{\partial}\ensuremath{\psi}}{\ensuremath{\partial}t}=H\ensuremath{\psi}$ for particles of nonzero mass and arbitrary spin are investigated. The wave function $\ensuremath{\psi}$ is taken to transform according to the representation $D(0,s)\ensuremath{\bigoplus}D(s,0)$ of the homogeneous Lorentz group, a unique spin $s$ for the particle being thereby assured without the aid of any supplementary condition. It is shown that the requirement that the Schr\"odinger equation be invariant under the operations of the Poincar\'e group, as well as under space and time inversions and charge conjugation, restricts the possible choices of $H$ (as a function of the operators representing the above symmetry operations) to a well-defined class which shrinks to a unique possibility (coinciding with the Hamiltonian derived by Weaver, Hammer, and Good) when a further regularity condition of a physical nature is imposed: namely, that the Hamiltonian have a unique finite limit in the rest system of the particle. In this process, an ambiguity which exists initially in the definition of operators representing time reversal and charge conjugation gets eliminated. The Hamiltonian itself is obtained in explicit form for particles of any spin.