cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuro-Fuzzy Actor Critic Reinforcement Learning for determination of optimal timing plans

The purpose of timing plan optimization is to decrease delay and increase the overall performance of transportation network. This paper presents an agent-based reinforcement learning framework to train optimization agents to take appropriate actions according to perceived traffic states. Neuro-Fuzzy Actor-Critic Reinforcement Learning (NFACRL) method is applied in isolated intersection control. The control agent gets knowledge of traffic states after the learning process and determines the optimal phase durations required to minimize vehicle delay at a given intersection.
Simultaneous soft agar cloning of ascites and solid tumor specimens from patients with ovarian cancer

Concurrent Cloning Efficiencies (CE) of both ascites and solid tumor samples from 36 patients with ovarian carcinoma were studied using the soft agar assay. The CE of both were highly variable (range, 0-1.234% and 0-0.802%, respectively). There was marked intrapatient and interpatient heterogeneity in the CE. Of the 36 tested, comparative CE were evaluable in 29. CE was 0 in both solid tumor and ascites in one patient. CE was 0 in four other ascites samples from four patients. In other 24, the relative CE of solid tumor/ascites from each patient ranged from 0.066 to 435. In the 29 patients with samples of ascites and a solid tumor evaluable for concurrent CE, the median colony counts of solid tumors was more than tenfold higher than ascites. The solid tumors obtained from 31 patients had a significantly higher CE than tumor cells obtained from ascites samples from 32 patients. Solid tumors were significantly better than ascites for in vitro testing based on the data that 75% (27/36) of solid tumors and only 31% (11/36) of ascites formed greater than or equal to 30 colonies. The drug sensitivity profiles of tumor cells from a solid tumor and ascites of the same patient appear similar. Based on these observations, it may be more cost and labor effective to do soft agar in vitro chemotherapy assays using a solid tumor than ascites in ovarian carcinoma.
Stable silencing of SNAP-25 in PC12 cells by RNA interference

Background SNAP-25 is a synaptic protein known to be involved in exocytosis of synaptic vesicles in neurons and of large dense-core vesicles in neuroendocrine cells. Its role in exocytosis has been studied in SNAP-25 knockout mice, in lysed synaptosomes lacking functional SNAP-25 and in cells after treatment with botulinum toxins A or E that specifically cleave SNAP-25. These studies have shown that SNAP-25 appears to be required for most but not all evoked secretion. In order to further study the role of SNAP-25 in catecholamine secretion from PC12 cells we have used the recently developed technique of RNA interference to generate PC12 cell lines with virtually undetectable levels of SNAP-25. RNA interference is the sequence-specific silencing or knockdown of gene expression triggered by the introduction of double-stranded RNA into a cell. RNA interference can be elicited in mammalian cells in a number of ways, one of which is by the expression of small hairpin RNAs from a transfected plasmid. Selection of stably transfected cell lines expressing a small hairpin RNA allows one-time characterization of the degree and specificity of gene silencing and affords a continuing source of well-characterized knockdown cells for experimentation.
Palmitoylation of p59fyn is reversible and sufficient for plasma membrane association.

Abstract Members of the Src family of protein tyrosine kinases are localized to subspecialized regions of the plasma membrane. Herein we show that the N-terminal SH4 region of the Src family member p59fyn (Fyn) is both necessary and sufficient for targeting of Fyn and heterologous proteins to the plasma membrane and detergent-insoluble subdomains. Attachment of the first 16 amino acids of Fyn to a normally cytosolic protein, beta-galactosidase, resulted in distinct plasma membrane localization of the chimeric protein. Mutation of the palmitoylation site (cysteine-3) within Fyn16-beta-galactosidase or wild-type Fyn abrogated plasma membrane localization, resulting in redistribution of the mutant proteins into intracellular membranes. Substitution of the SH4 motif within Fyn with heterologous sequences from other palmitoylated proteins (G alpha o and GAP43) revealed that the presence of palmitate is sufficient to direct plasma membrane localization independent of surrounding amino acid sequences and myristate. Palmitoylated Fyn chimeras were also enriched in the Triton X-100-resistant matrix, whereas nonpalmitoylated forms of these proteins were detected in the detergent-soluble fraction. The palmitate moiety on Fyn exhibited a half-life of 1.5-2 h. In contrast, the half-life of the polypeptide backbone was 8 h, indicating that palmitoylation is a reversible modification. These studies establish that the palmitoylated SH4 sequence of Fyn can be used to specifically target proteins to the plasma membrane in a reversible manner.
Livenotes: a system for cooperative and augmented note-taking in lectures

We describe Livenotes, a shared whiteboard system and educational practice that uses wireless communication and tablet computing to support real-time conversations within small groups of students during lectures, independent of class size. We present an interface design that enables group members to interact with one another by taking lecture notes cooperatively, as well as to augment student note-taking by providing instructor slides in the background to annotate over. Livenotes was designed to facilitate more efficient, stimulating modes of learning that other collaborative approaches do not. We report how the system impacts cooperative learning in an undergraduate class and how students interacted with background slides in the workspace. We conclude with directions for improving the system and learning practice.
Knockdown of hypothalamic RFRP3 prevents chronic stress-induced infertility and embryo resorption

Whereas it is well established that chronic stress induces female reproductive dysfunction, whether stress negatively impacts fertility and fecundity when applied prior to mating and pregnancy has not been explored. In this study, we show that stress that concludes 4 days prior to mating results in persistent and marked reproductive dysfunction, with fewer successful copulation events, fewer pregnancies in those that successfully mated, and increased embryo resorption. Chronic stress exposure led to elevated expression of the hypothalamic inhibitory peptide, RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP3), in regularly cycling females. Remarkably, genetic silencing of RFRP3 during stress using an inducible-targeted shRNA completely alleviates stress-induced infertility in female rats, resulting in mating and pregnancy success rates indistinguishable from non-stress controls. We show that chronic stress has long-term effects on pregnancy success, even post-stressor, that are mediated by RFRP3. This points to RFRP3 as a potential clinically relevant single target for stress-induced infertility.
Everolimus for astrocytomas in tuberous sclerosis

1274 www.thelancet.com Vol 381 April 13, 2013 tuberous sclerosis and associated subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA). Such results justifi ably buoy some hope in the use of inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) for the treatment of SEGAs, yet could relay an incomplete picture. As in all of medicine, providers must weigh the known risks and benefi ts of each proposed intervention within the context of the natural history of each disease. One of the more concerning complications of SEGAs include the development or worsening of hydrocephalus, which often requires treatment in the form of neurosurgical shunt placement. Although hydrocephalus was an inclusion criterion, and relative ventricular size was followed up throughout the study, Franz and colleagues do not specify the proportion of patients within the total everolimus cohort, relative to placebo, who either independently developed new, worsening, or improved hydrocephalus or who required shunt placement. These data, which were reported in an earlier, similarly designed, single-institution study on everolimus use in SEGAs, would be of vital importance to neuro-oncologists as they weigh the relative risks and benefi ts of everolimus. Additionally, a more uniform approach to the assessment of hydrocephalus, with standardised ventricular measurements such as the Evans ratio to defi ne hydrocephalus rather than the use of variable qualitative assessments, might further strengthen future studies to defi ne the eff ect of everolimus on patients with tuberous sclerosis and SEGA.
A decade of piezoresponse force microscopy: progress, challenges, and opportunities

Coupling between electrical and mechanical phenomena is a near-universal characteristic of inorganic and biological systems alike, with examples ranging from piezoelectricity in ferroelectric perovskites to complex, electromechanical couplings in electromotor proteins in cellular membranes. Understanding electromechanical functionality in materials such as ferroelectric nanocrystals and thin films, relaxor ferroelectrics, and biosystems requires probing these properties on the nanometer level of individual grain, domain, or protein fibril. In the last decade, piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) was established as a powerful tool for nanoscale imaging, spectroscopy, and manipulation of ferroelectric materials. Here, we present principles and recent advances in PFM, including vector and frequency-dependent imaging of piezoelectric materials, briefly review applications for ferroelectric materials, discuss prospects for electromechanical imaging of local crystallographic and molecular orientations and disorder, and summarize future challenges and opportunities for PFM emerging in the second decade since its invention
Challenges with AST/ALT ratio in acetaminophen poisoning – the authors reply

To the Editor: We appreciate the comments from Dr. Lucyk and colleagues, and we generally agree with their approach to patients with paracetamol (APAP) poisoning.As they point out, we did not expli...
Demonstration of 40-Gb/s Packet Routing Using All-Optical Header Processing

We show simultaneous forwarding of two optical packets through a 2times2 spatial switch at 40 Gb/s using only two ultrafast nonlinear interferometers. This demonstrates a scalable all-optical header processing architecture applicable for general network topologies and can lead to reduced size, weight, and power requirements as compared with electronic solutions. Clear open eye diagrams were observed and a packet error rate of 10-6, comparable with current electronic router error rates, was measured for the entire system
Public library users, nonusers, and type of library use

A telephone survey of library users and nonusers was conducted in one county of a Southwestern state. Prediction of li- brary use versus nonuse and three aspects of library use (frequency, diversity, and duration) were each based upon different groups of variables. Five types of library use were defined. Present patterns of library use and emerging library-related opportunities suggest that a more accurate description of public librarians could be opportunity providers rather than information providers.
The Role of Scintigraphy in Confirmation of Suspected Brain Death

We present a case illustrating how cerebral perfusion scintigraphy can be used to assist in crucial medical decision making in the intensive care setting for patients who are maintained on life support but are clinically suspected to have brain death. Cerebral perfusion scintigraphy can confirm brain death but cannot be used to diagnose it. (99m)Tc-HMPAO and (99m)Tc-ethylcysteinate dimer are the preferred imaging agents since they cross the blood-brain barrier.
A computation-based analysis of photon-induced fission

A single burst of radiation created by 100-ns pulsed power can be used to induce photofission in fissionable material. In NRL experiments, the 8-MV Mercury bremsstrahlung spectrum irradiates a depleted-uranium plate several meters from the diode, and the resulting delayed-fission neutrons are measured. In this work, the LSP particle-in-cell code is used to model electron flow in the vacuum feed and diode, and the ITS Monte-Carlo codes are used to extract the x-ray spectrum from the diode and transport it to the DU plate. The delayed-fission-neutron yield is determined from the known dependence of the fission cross-section on photon energy. In this calculational chain, the only free parameter is the fraction of ions flowing in the diode, which affects the orbits of electrons impacting the bremsstrahlung converter. The ion fraction therefore determines the radial and angular distributions of x-rays emitted by the converter, which in turn, determine the DU neutron yield, the radial x-ray distribution emitted by the anode, and the angular distribution of x-ray dose. These three experimental measurements are compared to the modeling to determine the ion fraction that gives the best agreement between the measurements and computations: about 0.4% for the experiments discussed here.
Bringing the benefits of information technology to underserved populations: An introduction to ICTD for the library community:

Information and communication technologies and development (ICTD) is a field that has grown largely outside the purview of public libraries. In bringing information access and services to communities with fewer economic and social resources, the organizations and innovations emanating from the ICTD community have much to offer libraries. While libraries, too, offer a largely untapped vehicle for those in the ICTD community, the aim of this article is to introduce the defining features, tenets, and focus areas of ICTD, and to provide examples of how partnering with ICTD could benefit libraries. ICTD actors include government, development agencies, foundations, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and academic institutions. ICTD activities encompass research and development, national and community-based deployments, policy engagement, and social activism. The article concludes with a discussion of the overlap with telecenters, with its attendant opportunities and risks, and other suggestions for libraries when partnering with ICTD.
Individually Addressable Conducting Polymer Nanowires Array

A facile technique for fabrication of individually addressable, conducting polymer nanowire arrays of controlled dimension, high aspect ratio, and site-specific positioning using electrodeposition between electrodes in channels created on semiconducting and insulating surfaces that can be easily scaled up is reported. In addition, the ability to create “arrays” of conducting polymer nanowires of same or different materials on the same chip has been demonstrated. The fidelity, quality, and electrical properties of single polypyrrole and polyaniline nanowires have been examined by SEM and I−V characteristics. Dendrite-free conducting polymer nanowires completely confined within the channels with full dimension control were observed. I−V characteristic of such nanowires show the ohmic nature of the contact with Au electrode.
Multiple-Scale Spatio–Temporal Variability of Precipitation over the Coterminous United States

Abstract The spatio–temporal variability of precipitation over the United States using a 30-yr, gridded hourly precipitation dataset is studied. Orthogonal wavelet transform is applied to the time series at each grid box to capture the temporal scales of fluctuation at 17 different timescales ranging from 2 h to 15 yr. Rotated principal component analysis is then applied to the transformed series to identify spatial coherence of the temporal scales of fluctuations. The results indicate that the energy of the fluctuations shows an approximate power-law relationship with respect to scale in most regions. The spatial organization of the temporal variability shows coherence at distinct scales identified as the subdiurnal (2–16 h), synoptic (16 h–22 days), seasonal (42 days–1 yr), and climatic mode (15 yr). The synoptic scale explains the largest spatial variance of the fluctuations in precipitation and is spatially coherent; the subdiurnal mode is spatially less coherent. The seasonal mode is dominant over th...
Predicting Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Larval Injury to Rotated Corn with Pherocon AM Traps in Soybeans

Crop rotation for portions of east central Illinois and northern Indiana no longer adequately protects corn (Zea mays L.) roots from western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. Seventeen growers in east central Illinois monitored western corn rootworm adults in soybean (Glycine max L.) fields with unbaited Pherocon AM traps during 1996 and 1997. In the following years (1997 and 1998), growers left untreated strips (no insecticide applied) when these fields were planted with corn. Damage to rotated corn by rootworms was more severe in untreated than in treated strips of rotated corn, ranging from minor root scarring to a full node of roots pruned. Densities of western corn rootworms in soybean fields from 1996 were significantly correlated with root injury to rotated corn the following season. Adult densities from 1997 were not significantly correlated with root injury in 1998, due to heavy precipitation throughout the spring of 1998 and extensive larval mortality. Twenty-eight additional growers volunteered in 1998 to monitor rootworm adults in soybean fields with Pherocon AM traps based on recommendations that resulted from our research efforts in 1996 and 1997. In 1999, these 28 fields were rotated to corn, and rootworm larval injury was measured in untreated strips. Based on 1996-1997 and 1998-1999 data, a regression analysis revealed that 27% of the variation in root injury to rotated corn could be explained by adult density in soybeans the previous season. We propose a sampling plan for soybean fields and a threshold for predicting western corn rootworm larval injury to rotated corn.
Brief comments for the continuation method by A.F. Filippov for solution continuation on a discontinuity set

The conventional existence-uniqueness theorems are not applicable for differential equations with right hand sides as discontinuous state functions. This is the case for the systems with discontinuous controls and sliding modes, when state trajectories belong to discontinuity surfaces. Many authors offered their methods of deriving sliding mode equations, or solution continuations on the discontinuity surfaces Due to uncertainties of right hand sides of the original equations the proposed methods led to different solutions. These methods are compared, the reasons of ambiguity are discussed in the paper. It is assumed that any solutions is under the umbrella of the method proposed by A.F. Filippov.
Timescales of crustal magma reservoir processes: insights from U-series crystal ages

The dynamic processes operating within crustal magma reservoirs control many aspects of the chemical composition of erupted magmas, and crystals in volcanic rocks provide a temporally constrained archive of these changing environments. In this review, I compile 238 U– 230 Th ages of accessory phases and 238 U– 230 Th– 226 Ra ages of bulk mineral separates of major phases. These data document that crystals in individual samples can have ages spanning most of the history of a volcanic centre. Age populations for accessory phases show protracted pre-eruptive crystal residence times but few crystals predate magmatic activity at a given centre. These data have been interpreted in the context of residence times of the host magmas or timescales of the storage of crystals within a largely crystalline portion of the reservoir system. In contrast, less than half of the bulk separate 238 U– 230 Th– 226 Ra ages for major phases are more than 10 kyr older than the eruption. Many of these apparently conflicting observations of ages of major and accessory phases can be reconciled within the context of a model where a crystal mush was remobilized during processes leading to eruption. Overall, the compiled data show that crystals contain rich archives of magmatic processes in crustal reservoirs, especially when combined with other crystal-scale geochemical data.
Basic science aspects of research in environmental health.

(1968). Basic Science Aspects of Research in Environmental Health. Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal: Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 66-68.
Spatial Segmentation of Imaging Mass Spectrometry Data with Edge-Preserving Image Denoising and Clustering

In recent years, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-imaging mass spectrometry has become a mature technology, allowing for reproducible high-resolution measurements to localize proteins and smaller molecules. However, despite this impressive technological advance, only a few papers have been published concerned with computational methods for MALDI-imaging data. We address this issue proposing a new procedure for spatial segmentation of MALDI-imaging data sets. This procedure clusters all spectra into different groups based on their similarity. This partition is represented by a segmentation map, which helps to understand the spatial structure of the sample. The core of our segmentation procedure is the edge-preserving denoising of images corresponding to specific masses that reduces pixel-to-pixel variability and improves the segmentation map significantly. Moreover, before applying denoising, we reduce the data set selecting peaks appearing in at least 1% of spectra. High dimensional dis...
Advanced Instrumentation Technology for the Integrated-High-Performance-Turbine-Engine-Technology and High-Cycle-Fatigue Programs

This paper presents an overview of current research efforts aimed at improving turbine-engine structural-instrumentation capabilities. Emphasis is placed on non-intrusive concepts that will be applicable to the advanced engines currently in use, or concepts being developed for initial operational testing shortly after the turn of the century. Technologies to be described include: blade-tip deflection sensors to determine dynamic stress, thermographic phosphors to measure metal temperature, pressure-sensitive paints and air etalons to measure dynamic pressure, and micro-electro-mechanical systems to assess a variety of parameters. Advantages, potential problems and limitations of each system are presented, and an assessment of the applicability of each system to either the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology or the High Cycle Fatigue initiative is made.Copyright © 1998 by ASME
Test-Retest Reliability of a Computerized Adaptive Depression Screener.

Objective:Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) provides improved precision and decreased test burden compared with traditional, fixed-length tests. Concerns have been raised regarding reliability of CAT-based measurements because the items administered vary both between and within individuals over time. The study measured test-retest reliability of the CAT Depression Inventory (CAT-DI) for assessment of depression in a screening setting where most scores fall in the normal range.Methods:A random sample of adults (N=101) at an academic emergency department (ED) was screened twice with the CAT-DI during their visit. Test-retest scores, bias, and reliability were assessed.Results:Fourteen percent of patients scored in the mild range for depression, 4% in the moderate range, and 3% in the severe range. Test-retest scores were without significant bias and had excellent reliability (r=.92).Conclusions:The CAT-DI provided reliable screening results among ED patients. Concerns about whether changes in item present...
200 SERUM MARKER OF FIBROSIS I IS THE STRONGEST INDEPENDENT PREDICTOR OF DIASTOLIC FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED SYSTOLIC HEART FAILURE.

Background Severe diastolic dysfunction, known as restrictive filling pattern, has been correlated with worse outcome in patients with advanced systolic heart failure. However, the degree of diastolic dysfunction in these patients is highly variable. The major determinants of diastolic function in patients with advanced systolic heart failure have not been well described. Methods We enrolled 40 patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) Results Mean age was 58.7 ± 13.9 years. Mean LVEF was 25.1 ± 6.4%. Female and ischemic etiology of systolic dysfunction was present in 28% and 48%, respectively. Mean PICP levels were significantly higher in patients with severe diastolic dysfunction (DD) versus the nonsevere group, 1,308.31 ± 466.79 ng/mL versus 864.97 ± 366.19 mg/mL, respectively (p Conclusion In patients with advanced systolic heart failure, PICP, a serum marker of fibrosis, is significantly higher in those with severe diastolic dysfunction. Among parameters tested, PICP is the strongest independent predictor of diastolic function.
Research on Electric Power Communication Network Planning and Simulation Technology and its Typical Applications

During the new developing periods,how to evaluate the adaptability of the network structure for the traffic demand is a critical task.Based on the Shanxi’s power communication network "12th Five Plan",this paper simulates such three traffic protection modes as "No Protection","1+1 Protection"and "Differentiation Protection" by means of PSCPlanner software.Then it analyzes the adaptability of the network structure for the given traffic demand by calculating PTR and LLR indexes.Finally,this paper puts forward the service list scheme of Shanxi province power communication backbone network.
Clinical Observation of Fiberform in Treatment of Functional Constipation in Children

Objective:To study the efficacy and safety of Fiberform in treatment of functional constipation in children under 4 years old. Methods:A total of 75 children with functional constipation were enrolled in this randomized and comparative trial.There were 38 patients received general therapy,which consisted of defecation habit practice,increasing in number of dietary fiber,enough water drinking, suitable exercise and psychotherapy.And the other 37 patients in the treatment group received oral Fiberform on the base of general therapy for 2 weeks.Results:The normalization of the stool form,frequency of defecation and main digestive symptoms in the patients treated with Fiberform was significantly higher in comparison with the control group (P0.05).The mean Bristol score of stool was similar in the two groups,there was no difference (P0.05).After 2 weeks,the total efficacy rates were 100% and 78.9% in the treatment group and the control group respectively.There was significant difference between the two groups (P0.01).After 4 weeks,they were 100% and 97. 4% respectively.There was no significant difference (P0.05).There was no side-effect in both groups.Conclusions:Fiberform is safe and effective in treatment of functional constipation in children.
Problem Solving and Problem Abstraction

People spend a great deal of time solving problems, often without consciously thinking about them. For example, when you go grocery shopping, you may encounter and solve a number of problems without paying attention to them. You might be looking for cream of asparagus soup. You have techniques that you use to find this particular flavor of soup. You probably don’t look for it among the frozen pizzas. You may ask someone where it can be found to narrow your search. You might ask, “Where is the cream of asparagus soup?” and be told, “The soups are on aisle four,” in which case you would go there and search among the soups. You probably wouldn’t respond with, “That’s fine, but I want to know where the cream of asparagus soup is!”
Mannitol for the prevention of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity: A retrospective comparison of hydration plus mannitol versus hydration alone in inpatient and outpatient regimens at a large academic medical center.

Background Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is a dose limiting adverse effect that occurs in nearly one-third of patients. Mannitol administration has been used as a means to negate this toxicity. Data regarding the efficacy of mannitol use in this context are conflicting and limited. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of mannitol on renal function and describe the incidence of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods This study is a quasi-experimental retrospective analysis approved by the Institutional Review Board of inpatient and outpatient adults receiving cisplatin doses ≥40 mg/m2. The primary outcome was mean change in serum creatinine from baseline. Secondary outcomes included incidences of various grades of nephrotoxicity. Results A total of 313 patients (95 treated with mannitol and 218 without) were evaluated. The average increase in serum creatinine (mg/dL) was lower in patients who received mannitol versus those who did not (0.30 vs. 0.47; 95% confidence interval for difference, 0.03 to 0.31; P = 0.02). Grade 2 or higher nephrotoxicity occurred less frequently in patients who received mannitol versus those who did not (8% vs. 17%; P = 0.04). Non-gynecologic regimens and those who received doses ≥70 mg/m2 of cisplatin had lower rates of grade 2 or higher nephrotoxicity with mannitol (6% vs. 23%; P = 0.001, and 7% vs. 22%; P = 0.03, respectively). Conclusion The use of mannitol reduces the incidence and severity of nephrotoxicity in patients treated with cisplatin. The results of the study suggest mannitol may be most effective when used with non-gynecologic regimens and with cisplatin doses ≥70 mg/m2.
A Double-Sided Jamming Game with Resource Constraints

In this article, we study the problem of power allocation in teams of mobile agents in a conflict situation. Each team consists of two agents who try to split their available power between the tasks of communication and jamming the nodes of the other team. The agents have constraints on their total energy and instantaneous power usage. The cost function is the difference between the rates of erroneously transmitted bits of each team. We present a 2-level game formulation: At the higher level, the agents solve a continuous-kernel power allocation game at each instant. Based on the communications model, we present sufficient conditions on the physical parameters of the agents for the existence of a Pure Strategy Nash Equilibrium for the continuous-kernel power allocation game. At the lower level, we have a zero-sum differential game between the two teams and use Isaacs’ approach to obtain necessary conditions for the optimal trajectories. The optimal power allocation scheme obtained at the upper level is used to solve the lower level differential game. This gives rise to a games-in-games scenario which is one of the first such phenomena documented in the literature.
Subject-specific and Population-averaged Continuation Ratio Logit Models for Multiple Discrete Time Survival Profiles

SUMMARY Subject-specific and population-averaged continuation ratio logit models are presented for multivariate discrete time survival data. The models characterize data from a psychological experiment by using a quadratic polynomial relationship across time that depends on a time-independent condition. A multivariate normal random effects distribution is imposed on intercept, linear and quadratic terms in the subject-specific model, which is fitted by using a combination of Gibbs sampling and buffered stochastic substitution. Variance components that tend towards 0 are addressed in this context. In addition, generalized estimating equations estimates of the parameters in the population-averaged model are compared with analogous estimates for the mixed effects model.
Measuring and visualizing learning with Markov Models

In this paper we introduce new tools for measuring and visualizing the learning process of students in large classes where students are required to use a computer-supported problem solving learning environment (PSLE) either in class or as homework. These learning environments give students unlimited opportunities to propose a solution to the problem and give them immediate feedback. We show how to create a graphical representation, the Problem Solving Markov Model (PSMM), of the set of all attempted solutions proposed by the class. Each node in the PSMM consists of an equivalence class of attempted solutions and each edge corresponds to a transition from one attempted solution to another in one step. The edges are typically labeled with the number of times a students went directly from one attempted solution to the next, or with the probability of going between the two nodes. We give examples from two tools: CalcTutor for Calculus problems, and Spinoza for Java or Python programming, and we provide several pedagogical applications of PSMMs which give the instructor a simple way to obtain a highly nuanced understanding of mastery of the problem solving process for individual students and for the class as a whole.
Major Depressive Disorder

Major depression is an illness that affects how individuals feel about themselves, those closest to them, and the world around them. Those with major depression often feel worthless about their future, lose interest in their daily activities, and show a profound decrease in their capacity to experience pleasure. In addition, patients with major depression show changes in fundamental biological processes that regulate sleep, appetite, sexual activity, autonomic function, and neuroendocrine activity. These behavioral and physiological changes closely resemble those that occur as adaptive responses to threatening or stressful situations. Thus, depression, like the stress response, involves relatively stereotyped behaviors as well as alterations in metabolism, growth, reproduction, and food intake. This article reviews common metabolic, endocrine, and neurobiological mechanisms underlying both stress system activity and the syndromes of major depression.
Unforeseen Consequences: Culture-Independent Diagnostic Tests and Epidemiologic Tracking of Foodborne Pathogens

The increasing use of culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs) to detect enteric pathogens, driven in large part by the desire to improve clinical service, is having unexpected consequences for epidemiologic studies of foodborne pathogens in the United States.…
Control of Electric Potentials — Maintenance and Modulation

A stationary PD of a certain magnitude appears to be required for normal metabolic activity of the cell, and presumably also for “normal” permeability of the cell membrane to various solutes. Accordingly, perturbations of the PD are usually associated with alterations of cellular functions, in particular of the plasma membrane (Katz, 1966; Harold, 1977). It is often difficult, however, to tell which comes first, i.e., whether a change in PD causes a change in permeability or vice versa, or whether both changes are coinciding results of some other change, for instance in the concentration of certain ions. It is also possible that permeability changes that occur with changes in PD may in reality result from alterations in the static phase boundary PD at the membrane surfaces, even though the latter are not directly related to membrane permeability.
Use, Training, and Opinions About Effectiveness of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Adult Liver Transplantation Among Anesthesiologists in the United States.

STUDY OBJECTIVE Describe transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) use, preparatory training and opinions about clinical importance, and future training pathways in a sample of liver transplant anesthesiologists. DESIGN Online survey questionnaire. SETTING Liver Transplant Centers in the United States. PARTICIPANTS Director of Liver Transplant Anesthesia or designated alternate respondent. RESULTS A total of 79 Directors or alternates from 111 (71%) centers were identified. There were 56 responses (71%) representing 433 transplant anesthesiologists who cared for 63.3% of liver transplant cases performed in 2015. Basic TEE certification was reported more frequently (64%) than advanced (53.6%). At least one team member used TEE in over 90% of responding centers. Most respondents (83.9%) agreed TEE provided unique and valuable clinical information but were equally divided about future training pathways (on the job learning vs basic TEE certification). CONCLUSION TEE use in liver transplantation is growing with a substantial increase in basic TEE certified users. Transplant anesthesiologists support basic certification but an equal number believe there should be more applied training at the site of care.
Enhancing Clustering by Exploiting Complementary Data Modalities in the Medical Domain

Data Clustering has been an active area of research in many different application areas, with existing clustering algorithms mostly focusing on partitioning one modality or representation of the data. In this study, we delineate and demonstrate a new, enhanced data clustering approach whose innovation is its exploitation of multiple data modalities. We propose BI-NMF, a bi-modal clustering approach based on Non Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) that clusters two differing data modalities simultaneously. The strength of our approach is its combining of multiple aspects of the data when forming the final clusters. To assess the utility of our approach, we performed several experiments on two distinct biomedical datasets with two modalities each. Comparing the clusters of BI-NMF with NMF clusters of single data modality, we observed consistent performance enhancement across both datasets. Our experimental results suggest that BI-NMF is advantageous for boosting data clustering.
Surgical Treatment of Infertility

During the past decades, society has had an increasing awareness of the importance of the problems affecting reproduction.1 Significant efforts have been devoted to improving our understanding at the basic level of the physiology of reproduction as well as its clinical applications in curbing or regulating fertility for the benefit of the very fertile segment of the population. Moreover, extension of such efforts also has been directed toward restoring or enhancing the anatomy and the physiology of those afflicted with misfortunate barrenness. Thus, such efforts have been equated to a double-edged sword—one edge aimed at increasing and the other at decreasing the fertility potential.
Recent progress in the commercialization of the Li Foil multi-wire proportional counter neutron detectors

Abstract The scarcity and rising cost of 3He gas has introduced a push in alternative neutron detector technologies. The Li foil multi-wire proportional counter (Li Foil MWPC) neutron detectors have shown promise as a 3He replacement technology. Large, gas-filled proportional counters with five layers of 75 µm thick 6Li foils have been built and characterized, yielding over 55% thermal neutron detection efficiency, with the possibility of increasing the efficiency above 70% with ten 96% enriched 6Li foil layers. Most recently, a backpack radiation detector (BRD) was fabricated, equipped with four Li Foil MWPC devices. The neutron sensitivity-to-weight ratio of the Li Foil MWPC devices was first optimized using MCNP6 by simulating the angular response to an ANSI-moderated-252Cf source positioned 1.5 m away from the devices. The simulated neutron sensitivity results were compared and benchmarked to that of the commercially-available Thermo-Fisher PackEye v. 1.0 that contains two 14 in. long, 2 in. diameter, 2.5 atm 3He tubes. The experimental efforts studied the performance of the Li Foil MWPCs in the backpack instrument configuration. Fabrication advancements were implemented to the Li Foil MWPC devices to increase the device manufacturability and improve the commercialization capabilities. These advancements included weight reduction, new hermetic sealing techniques, optimizing active area, and anode wire cost reduction. The Li Foil MWPC BRD was evaluated as a part of a PNNL test campaign for neutron sensitivity where 0.36 cps/ng of 252Cf at 1.5 m was measured. The gamma-ray rejection ratio (GRR) of the BRD was also evaluated, yielding a measured value of 3.1 × 10−8 for a 137Cs exposure rate of 50 mR/Hr. Further evaluations were performed under the PNNL test campaign including detector response to neutron sources of 252Cf, AmBe, AmLi and WGPu, detector angular response, and the gamma absolute rejection ratio in the presence of neutrons (GARRn).
Work Value Differentiation and Profile Elevation: What Do They Predict?

The current study examined work value differentiation and profile elevation (PE). Using a sample of 251 college students who provided data on the O*NET Work Importance Profiler online, it was found...
Coflow Deadline Scheduling via Network-Aware Optimization

Several cloud or data-parallel applications involve coflow scheduling, which controls a set of flows under the same semantic meaning with a common goal. Due to such common goal, optimizing each flow using the standard flow scheduling approaches does not necessarily lead to good coflow performance. Therefore, numerous methods and systems are proposed to focus on coflow scheduling problem.However, the current coflow scheduling designs are based on simple heuristics or observations. The absence of the optimum makes it hard to adjudge their absolute effectiveness. In this work, we derive the optimal solution to the coflow deadline satisfaction problem (CDS), which maximizes the number of satisfied coflow deadlines, from a mixed integer linear program formulation.We further show that CDS is not only NP-hard to solve but also intractable to approximate with a fixed approximation ratio (unless P=NP). As such, the use of heuristics is justified. We then develop optimization-based methods to approach the problem offline and online. The proposed methods are simulated and compared against the optimum, along with some state-of-the-art designs, and the results suggest that our methods are much closer to the optimum than the existing ones, especially when we have more room to schedule.
Crypto Assets and Insider Trading Law’s Domain

An extensive literature evaluates whether and how best to regulate “insider” trading. Far less attention has been given to what sorts of assets should be subject to insider trading regulation to begin with – just equity securities, all sorts of investments, or some point in between? This Article offers a theory of the domain of insider trading law. It does so in the context of a contemporary controversy: whether insider trading law applies, and should apply, to crypto assets such as Bitcoin. It shows that crypto assets are within the domain of insider trading law, alongside securities and commodities – but that many other familiar investment assets lie beyond the domain.
Aggressively Helpful: A Case Study of Innovative Outreach to Special Library Patrons

This article is written by Kris Turner is the Associate Director of Public Services at the University of Wisconsin Law Library. He holds a MLS from the University of Wisconsin. He is currently atte...
Learning in Artificial and Biological Neural Networks

The dominant biological approach to the problem of learning was discussed in Section 1.2. We saw that, in neurobiology, emphasis is put on the experimental proof of long-term changes in neural network parameters, mainly parameters of synaptic transmission. In neurocomputing, the approach is completely different.
9 – Radiant Energy Exchange

This chapter discusses radiant energy exchange. There are many important processes for which absorption and emission are negligible except at phase interfaces, and as terrestrial radiant energy exchange is always quasi-steady, the specific intensity equation can be simplified. In treating the problem of radiant energy exchange between black bodies, it is convenient to define a view factor, F u . The view factor can be defined as the fraction or radiant energy leaving the i th surface, which is incident upon the j th surface. Often the view factor is denoted by F i = j or F A i →A j to clearly indicate that the radiant energy is emitted by the i th surface and is incident upon the j th surface. One can solve some simple gray body exchange problems without matrix methods if one employs what is known as the method of successive reflections. Even though the method has limited application, it provides a very nice picture of the radiant energy exchange process, and as such it can serve to strengthen one's understanding of radiant heat transfer.
Similarity Metric for Millions of Unlabeled Face Images

Lately, image classification with unknown labels has been the focus of many research related to social media and cyber-security. In order to cluster images into labels, a similarity metric is used to compare images and based on the output a decision is made. In this article, we propose a Convolution Neural Network (CNN) based metric that achieves state of the art results. The proposed approach learns the priority features that differentiate two given input faces. The metric is trained on MSCeleb (10M faces of 100k individuals) and VGGFace2 (3.3M faces of 9k individuals) then tested using LFW (13 K faces of 5,749 individuals), MSCeleb, and VGGFace2 datasets. The network is evaluated through $F_{\beta}$ measure and accuracy. The metric proposed in this paper achieves state of the art $F_{\beta}$ measure of 0.94 for LFW benchmark.
Chapter 7 – Adult Issues in Policing

Publisher Summary State and federal law enforcement personnel investigate crimes that are committed by troubled individuals. This has led to the criminal profiling of offenders. The profiling is defined as a technique, which serves to identify the major personality and behavioral characteristics of an offender based on an analysis of the crime the offender committed. This process generally involves seven steps: (1) evaluation of the criminal act itself, (2) comprehensive evaluation of the specifics of the crime scene(s), (3) comprehensive analysis of the victim, (4) evaluation of preliminary reports, (5) evaluation of the medical examiner's autopsy protocol, (6) development of a profile with critical offender characteristics, and (7) investigative suggestions predicated upon construction of the profile. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has done a great deal of research in the area of criminal profiling. Special agents in the FBI have developed, through archival and current case information, typical characteristics likely to be found in particular types of offenders. More common techniques of profiling offenders come from acquiring detailed information from a criminal population convicted of committing the same or similar crimes.
The effects of neighborhood social ties and networks on mental health and well-being: A qualitative case study of women residents in a middle-class Korean urban neighborhood

Despite the general understanding of the significance of neighborhood social capital on mental health, our understanding of the mechanisms of these effects is limited. This study thus explores the characteristics of neighborhood social ties and networks experienced by women residents in their urban neighborhood in the Seoul metropolitan area, Korea, and how these social relationships contributed to their mental health and well-being. We draw on a phenomenological qualitative study conducted in 2016, which included interviews with 18 full-time or part-time housewives with children. The participants in this study experienced the neighborhood social networks and ties as unessential but supportive relationships, as an extension of mothering, and as a source of stressful social comparisons. With these characteristics, the social relationships had both positive and negative effects on the participants' mental health and well-being because they provided social support but also generated everyday stress. This study illustrates an example of the complex link between neighborhood social capital and mental health. It also contributes to our understanding of the everyday processes that influence the health and well-being of women, highlighting the possible oppressive attributes of neighborhood communities.