cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pseudo-Fourier imaging (PFI): a technique for spatial encoding in MRI

In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), spatial discrimination is usually achieved with selective excitation and/or Fourier encoding. While these approaches are favorable in most situations, it is sometimes desirable to have an approach that takes advantage of both selective excitation and Fourier encoding. Here, the authors describe the theory and experimental results of a new technique, which they call pseudo-Fourier imaging (PFI), that provides a flexible combination of both approaches. The technique is based on a windowed Fourier transform that expands the continuous object spatial distribution in terms of coherent states. A detailed description of the proposed technique is presented here. The practical implementation of this technique is described and shown to be achieveable using a set of selective excitations combined with a number of Fourier encoding steps. Then, the signal-to-noise ratio of the new technique is derived to show that it can be varied at will anywhere in the range between the ratios for selective excitation and Fourier encoding. Finally, the experimental results of implementing the technique are presented and some potential applications of the technique such as volume imaging, dynamic imaging and magnetic resonance angiography are discussed.
Assisted reproduction in Indonesia: policy reform in an Islamic culture and developing nation

This article considers how religious and economic factors shape assisted reproductive technology (ART) policy in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country. Infertility clinic policies are grounded on both the views of the country's powerful Islamic coalition and those of the worldwide Islamic community. Indonesian government officials, physicians, and Islamic scholars have expressed concern over who can use ART and which procedures can be performed. Indonesia has also faced economic challenges related to ART, including inadequate health insurance coverage, inequitable access to ART, and maintenance of expensive ART infrastructure. The prohibitive price of infertility treatment and regional differences in the provision of health care prohibit most Indonesians from obtaining ART. In the absence of a shift in religious mores and a rapid reduction in poverty and inequality, Indonesia will need to adopt creative means to make ART both more available and less necessary as a solution to infertility. This paper suggests policy reforms to promote more affordable treatment methods and support preventative health programmes to reduce infertility rates. This country-specific analysis of the laws and customs surrounding ART in Indonesia reveals that strategies to reduce infertility must be tailored to a country's unique religious and economic climate.
Thermal Design and Optimization Methodology for Integrated Power Electronics Modules

A methodology was developed and implemented to optimize the design layout for i Integrated pIower eIlectronics mI odules (IPEMs) by considering both the electrical and thermal performances. This paper is primarily focused on the thermal aspects, which were analyzed using three-dimensional (3D) computational software tools. Implementation of the design methodology resulted in a 70 percent reduction in the common mode current, a 4 percent reduction in the size of the geometric footprint, and a 7°C reduction in the maximum temperature rise for the case studied, thus, providing an increase in the IPEM’s overall performance. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1849233#
Stability enhancement of a distribution network comprising a fuel cell and a microturbine

The paper demonstrates that distributed generators, namely a fuel cell and a microturbine, could cause instability of electric power distribution systems following fault conditions. A control algorithm is then proposed to enhance transient stability in case of large disturbances. The control algorithm consists of (1) disconnecting the fuel cell during the fault and (2) implementing fixed structure decentralized solid oxide fuel cell reconnection controllers and fixed structure decentralized power system stabilizer for the microturbine generator. The stabilizer parameters are tuned using a Swarm optimization technique.
Patterns of functional diversity across an extensive environmental gradient: vertebrate consumers, hidden treatments and latitudinal trends

Over the last two decades, although much has been learned regarding the multifaceted nature of biodiversity, relatively little is known regarding spatial variation in constituents other than species richness. This is particularly true along extensive environmental gradients such as latitude. Herein, we describe latitudinal gradients in the functional diversity of New World bat communities. Bat species from each of 32 communities were assigned to one of seven functional groups. Latitudinal gradients existed for the richness, diversity and scaled-dominance of functional groups. No significant patterns were observed for evenness of functional groups. Measures of functional diversity were different in magnitude and increased towards the equator at a faster rate than expected given the underlying spatial variation in species richness. Thus, latitudinal gradient in species richness alone do not cause the latitudinal gradient in functional diversity. When variation in species composition of the regional fauna of each community was incorporated into analyses, many differences between observed and simulated patterns of functional diversity were not significant. This suggests that those processes that determine the composition of regional faunas strongly influence the latitudinal gradient in functional diversity at the local level. Nonetheless, functional diversity was lower than expected across observed sites. Community-wide responses to variation in the quantity and quality of resources at the local level probably contribute to differences in functional diversity at local and regional scales and enhance beta diversity.
Bravo/Nr-CAM is closely related to the cell adhesion molecules L1 and Ng-CAM and has a similar heterodimer structure.

Diverse cell-surface molecules of the nervous system play an important role in specifying cell interactions during development. Using a method designed to generate mAbs against neural surface molecules of defined molecular weight, we have previously reported on the surface protein, Bravo, found in the developing avian retinotectal system. Bravo is immunologically detected on developing optic fibers in the retina, but absent from distal regions of the same fibers in the tectum. We have isolated cDNA clones encompassing the entire coding region of Bravo, including clones containing five alternative sequences of cDNA. These putative alternatively spliced sequences encode stretches of polypeptide ranging in length from 10-93 amino acids and are predicted to be both extra- and intracellular. The deduced primary structure of Bravo reveals that, like the cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) chicken Ng-CAM and mouse L1, Bravo is composed of six Ig-like domains, five fibronectin type III repeats, a transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic region. Recently, the cDNA sequence of a related molecule, Nr-CAM, was reported and its possible identity with Bravo discussed (Grumet, M., V. Mauro, M. P. Burgoon, G. E. Edelman, and B. A. Cunningham. 1991. J. Cell Biol. 113:1399-1412). Here we confirm this identity and moreover show that Bravo is found on Muller glial processes and end-feet in the developing retina. In contrast to the single polypeptide chain structure of Nr-CAM reported previously, we show that Bravo has a heterodimer structure composed of an alpha chain of M(r) 140/130 and a beta chain of 60-80 kD. As with L1 and Ng-CAM, the two chains of Bravo are generated from an intact polypeptide by cleavage at identical locations and conserved sites within all three molecules (Ser-Arg/Lys-Arg). The similar domain composition and heterodimer structure, as well as the 40% amino acid sequence identity of these molecules, defines them as an evolutionarily related subgroup of CAMs. The relationship of Bravo to molecules known to be involved in cell adhesion and process outgrowth, combined with its pattern of expression and numerous potential isoforms, suggests a complex role for this molecule in cell interactions during neural development.
Robust power oscillator design for inductive-power link applications

Microelectronic devices are widely used in biomedical applications such as infusion pumps, artificial organs, dialysis machines, cochlear and dental implants, etc. For continuous operation of implantable medical devices, the implanted units need to be powered up from an external source. Use of implantable batteries poses potential battery fluid leakage and biohazard. Unlike the batteries, wireless power transmission shows better promises for implanted micro devices. Previously reported differential cross-coupled power oscillator based scheme showed more than 90% link efficiency designed in a 0.5-μm standard CMOS process. However, the variation of mutual coupling between the link coils affects the resonance condition and lowers the power-added efficiency of the power oscillator. To make the power oscillator robust, injection-locking mechanism is incorporated with the differential power oscillator. The new injection-locked differential oscillator can lock the frequency with the variation of coupling coefficient by injecting weak differential current signals. Simulation results indicate that with the injection-locking, the oscillation frequency and the power-added efficiency are improved by 4.18% and 24.4%, respectively compared to the regular power oscillator structure for a coupling coefficient of 0.4.
Candidates, Competition, and the Partisan Press: Congressional Elections in the Early Antebellum Era

Congressional elections have occurred every 2 years since the nation’s founding, yet we know surprisingly little about these electoral contests outside of the modern era. This is unfortunate as our...
A play and joint attention intervention for teachers of young children with autism: A randomized controlled pilot study

The aim of this study was to pilot test a classroom-based intervention focused on facilitating play and joint attention for young children with autism in self-contained special education classrooms. Thirty-three children with autism between the ages of 3 and 6 years participated in the study with their classroom teachers (n = 14). The 14 preschool special education teachers were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) symbolic play then joint attention intervention, (2) joint attention then symbolic intervention, and (3) wait-list control period then further randomized to either group 1 or group 2. In the intervention, teachers participated in eight weekly individualized 1-h sessions with a researcher that emphasized embedding strategies targeting symbolic play and joint attention into their everyday classroom routines and activities. The main child outcome variables of interest were collected through direct classroom observations. Findings indicate that teachers can implement an intervention to significantly improve joint engagement of young children with autism in their classrooms. Furthermore, multilevel analyses showed significant increases in joint attention and symbolic play skills. Thus, these pilot data emphasize the need for further research and implementation of classroom-based interventions targeting play and joint attention skills for young children with autism.
ON THE THEORY OF KIRCHHOFF'S METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY.

Abstract A measure of unification is achieved for the purpose of analyzing the steady current flows through elongated cylinders of general section which are activated by a pair of small electrodes on the end faces and are relevant to a scheme of Kirchhoff for determining the electrical conductivity of homogeneous materials; and this features, in a central role, the harmonic Green's function which satisfies a Neumann condition on the boundary of an infinitely long duct whose section duplicates that of the appropriate cylinder. The utility of a Green's function formalism is brought out with specific numerical details in the respective cases of circular and square cross-sections.
Wood surface modification by in-situ sol-gel deposition of hybrid inorganic–organic thin films

Interest in the use of nanoparticles of iron, titanium, aluminum, and zinc oxides in transparent coatings for wood is increasing. Such nano-composite coatings have the potential of not only preserving the natural color of the wood, but also stabilizing the wood surface against the combined degradative effects of sunlight and moisture. The nanoparticles can be used as additives to coating formulations or deposited directly as thin films on a substrate. Thin film deposition can be accomplished by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor or by sol-gel deposition. This paper describes sol-gel deposition of a hybrid inorganic-organic thin film on wood using a mixture of metal-organic precursors and its effect on weathering properties of the wood surface.
Improving Schools through a Response to Intervention Approach: A Cross-Case Analysis of Three Rural Schools:

Wliile the basic tenets of the Rtl model are well-established in the literature, few studies have been conducted to describe its implementation in rural schools. We conducted a qualitative study in three rural schools that had been designated as pilot sites by our state department of education. A cross-case analysis of the data collected through interviews, observations, and document reviews indicated positive changes, including (a) increased use of databased decision-making, (b) increased collaboration among general and special educators, (c) development of a common knowledge base around Rtl, (d) re-definition of principals' roles, and (e) promising trends on statewide tests of reading achievement.
Force Feature Spaces for Visualization and Classification

Distance-preserving dimension reduction techniques can fail to separate elements of different classes when the neighborhood structure does not carry sufficient class information. We introduce a new visual technique, K-epsilon diagrams, to analyze dataset topological structure and to assess whether intra-class and inter-class neighborhoods can be distinguished. We propose a force feature space data transform that emphasizes similarities between same-class points and enhances class separability. We show that the force feature space transform combined with distance-preserving dimension reduction produces better visualizations than dimension reduction alone. When used for classification, force feature spaces improve performance of K-nearest neighbor classifiers. Furthermore, the quality of force feature space transformations can be assessed using K-epsilon diagrams.
Structural mechanism of voltage-dependent gating in an isolated voltage-sensing domain

The transduction of transmembrane electric fields into protein motion has an essential role in the generation and propagation of cellular signals. Voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) carry out these functions through reorientations of positive charges in the S4 helix. Here, we determined crystal structures of the Ciona intestinalis VSD (Ci-VSD) in putatively active and resting conformations. S4 undergoes an ~5-A displacement along its main axis, accompanied by an ~60° rotation. This movement is stabilized by an exchange in countercharge partners in helices S1 and S3 that generates an estimated net charge transfer of ~1 eo. Gating charges move relative to a ''hydrophobic gasket' that electrically divides intra- and extracellular compartments. EPR spectroscopy confirms the limited nature of S4 movement in a membrane environment. These results provide an explicit mechanism for voltage sensing and set the basis for electromechanical coupling in voltage-dependent enzymes and ion channels.
Pair-rule expression of the Drosophila fushi tarazu gene: a nuclear receptor response element mediates the opposing regulatory effects of runt and hairy

The segmentation genes runt and hairy are required for the proper transcriptional regulation of the pair-rule gene fushi tarazu during the blastoderm stage of Drosophila embryogenesis. The expression of different fushi tarazu reporter genes was examined in runt and hairy mutant embryos, as well as in runt over-expressing embryos in order to identify DNA elements responsible for mediating these regulatory effects. The results indicated that runt and hairy act through a common 32 base-pair element. This element, designated as fDE1, contains a binding site for a small family of orphan nuclear receptor proteins that are uniformly expressed in blastoderm embryos. The pair-rule expression of reporter gene constructs containing multimerized fDE1 elements depends on activation by runt and repression by hairy. Examination of reporter genes with mutated fDE1 elements provided further evidence that this element mediates both transcriptional activation and repression. Genetic experiments indicated that the opposing effects of runt and hairy were not due solely to cross-regulatory interactions between these two genes and that fDE1-dependent expression is regulated by factors in addition to runt and hairy.
Clearance from the respiratory tract.

Abstract Clearance is an essential component of the defense system of the respiratory tract. Alterations in the clearance of insoluble particles have been shown to provide a sensitive indicator of response due to exposure to various inhaled materials. This paper reviews clearance mechanisms, the significance of clearance changes, and the methodology used to assess them.
Identification of a tetrameric hedgehog signaling complex.

Hedgehog (Hh) signal transduction requires a large cytoplasmic multi-protein complex that binds microtubules in an Hh-dependent manner. Here, we show that three members of this complex, Costal2 (Cos2), Fused (Fu), and Cubitus interruptus (Ci), bind each other directly to form a trimeric complex. We demonstrate that this trimeric signaling complex exists inDrosophila lacking Suppressor of Fused (Su(fu)), an extragenic suppressor of fu, indicating that Su(fu) is not required for the formation, or apparently function, of the Hh signaling complex. However, we subsequently show that Su(fu), although not a requisite component of this complex, does form a tetrameric complex with Fu, Cos2, and Ci. This additional Su(fu)-containing Hh signaling complex does not appear to be enriched on microtubules. Additionally, we demonstrate that in response to Hh Ci accumulates in the nucleus without its various cytoplasmic binding partners, including Su(fu). We discuss a model in which Su(fu) and Cos2 each bind to Fu and Ci to exert some redundant effect on Ci such as cytoplasmic retention. This model is consistent with genetic data demonstrating that Su(fu) is not required for Hh signal transduction proper and with the elaborate genetic interactions observed among Su(fu), fu,cos2, and ci.
67 – Cytokine Biology

Cytokine biology is infiltrating all aspects of surgical science, as it becomes evident that these mediators are intimately involved in the inflammatory response. With the current sequencing of the human genome, the number of cytokines discovered has increased dramatically. Immunoadhesins and antibodies are two examples of anticytokine-based therapies. The study of cytokine biology has also revealed how some cytokines can counteract the action of other cytokines. This takes advantage of the property that the synthesis of most proinflammatory cytokines is tightly regulated at the level of gene transcription, and they often induce the synthesis of other cytokines that act in an allosteric manner to suppress their synthesis. With the recent explosion in the number of identified cytokines, it is recognized that cytokines can rarely be classified according to their biological function. Rather, most cytokines have overlapping, pleiotropic biologic activities, dependent on what other cytokines and mediators are present in the milieu at that time. What is generally agreed on, however, is that cytokines are protein messengers that convey information among and within cells via specific receptor molecules. Furthermore, cytokines signal to immune and somatic tissues the presence of inflammation, and in doing so, regulate key components of the innate and acquired immune responses. Cytokine signaling can occur in an endocrine, paracrine, autocrine, and juxtacrine fashion, dependent on the cytokine and the current environment in which the cytokine is produced. This is an important consideration when attempting to measure cytokines in biologic fluids, such as the blood, bronchoalveolar lavage, or cerebrospinal fluid.
Submarine groundwater discharge in Northern Monterey Bay, California: Evaluation by mixing and mass balance models

Abstract Monterey Bay, California (CA) receives nutrients from multiple sources, including river discharge, upwelling of deep water, and submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). Here we evaluate the relative importance of these sources to Northern Monterey Bay with a mixing model that integrates radium isotopes ( 224 Ra, 223 Ra, 228 Ra) and nutrient concentrations (SiO 4 , NO 3 , and PO 4 ). We also apply a radium isotope based mass balance model to determine SGD and associated nutrient fluxes to Monterey Bay at four sites. Our findings indicate that SGD is a relatively consistent source of nutrients across locations and seasons to Northern Monterey Bay, with fluid input on the order of 10–50 L min − 1 m − 1 of coastline, and the greatest impact of SGD fluxes is close to shore. In contrast, nutrient inputs from rivers and upwelling are more variable spatially and temporally. SGD nutrient fluxes are lower where seawater intrusion into coastal aquifers may limit flow of nutrient-rich meteoric groundwater into the coastal ocean.
CTA collateral score predicts infarct volume and clinical outcome after endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke: a retrospective chart review.

Background Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to emergent large-vessel occlusion (ELVO) has a poor prognosis. Objective To examine the hypothesis that a better collateral score on pretreatment CT angiography (CTA) would correlate with a smaller final infarct volume and a more favorable clinical outcome after endovascular therapy (EVT). Methods A retrospective chart review of the University of Tennessee AIS database from February 2011 to February 2013 was conducted. All patients with CTA-proven LVO treated with EVT were included. Recanalization after EVT was defined by Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score ≥2. Favorable outcome was assessed as a modified Rankin Score ≤3. Results Fifty patients with ELVO were studied. The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 17 (2–27) and 38 of the patients (76%) received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. The recanalization rate for EVT was 86.6%. Good clinical outcome was achieved in 32% of patients. Univariate predictors of good outcome included good collateral scores (CS) on presenting CTA (p=0.043) and successful recanalization (p=0.02). Multivariate analysis confirmed both good CS (p=0.024) and successful recanalization (p=0.009) as predictors of favorable outcome. Applying results of the multivariate analysis to our cohort we were able to determine the likelihood of good clinical outcome as well as predictors of smaller final infarct volume after successful recanalization. Conclusions Good CS predict smaller infarct volumes and better clinical outcome in patients recanalized with EVT. These data support the use of this technique in selecting patients for EVT. Poor CS should be considered as an exclusion criterion for EVT as patients with poor CS have poor clinical outcomes despite recanalization.
A bistable biomolecular network based on monomeric inhibition reactions

We model an experimentally plausible implementation of a synthetic RNA-based biochemical toggle switch proposed in previous work by the authors. We show that the system structure is suited to exhibit multistationarity for arbitrary choice of the parameters. The network is based on in vitro transcription and nucleic acid strand displacement reactions. It is composed of two distinct RNA polymerases producing mutually inhibiting RNA aptamers. The aptamer inhibitors create an overall positive loop, where regulation is achieved by modulating the activity of the polymerases rather than the promoter activity. Inhibition occurs via stoichiometric binding of RNA monomers to enzymes and is not a cooperative phenomenon; the only nonlinearities in the differential equations are given by second order reaction rates. Enzyme activity is recovered in the presence of DNA strands that displace the aptamers from their target, and mediate their degradation; recovery is also a bimolecular binding process. Numerical analysis shows that the system admits bistability in a wide range of parameters.
Brittle to Ductile Transition in Intermetallic Alloys

Two distinct approaches are commonly invoked to explain the brittle to ductile transition of a material in the presence of a crack. In one approach, dislocation mobility plays the key role. In the other approach, the competition between crack tip dislocation nucleation and cleavage failure plays the key role. The two approaches are reconciled in the present study.
Institutional Degeneration and Economic Crisis: The Case of Spain

The economic crisis has had an earth-shattering effect in Spain at all levels: economic, political, institutional, and social. There are different interpretations about the causes of the crisis. Most of the analyses on the economic crisis in Spain have concerned themselves with phenomena like mismanaged banks, excessive debts, the bubble in the real estate sector, or the loss of competitiveness. Others have sought to explain the crisis as a byproduct of European Monetary Union (EMU) integration. This paper moves beyond those explanations and argues that a fundamental reason for the crisis is rooted in the process of institutional degeneration that preceded the crisis.
Analysis on genetic features of influenza B virus in Jinan from 2009 to 2012

Objective To analyse genetic distribution of type and subtype of influenza virus,and to study the genetic features of hemagglutinin( HA) and neuraminidase( NA) of influenza B virus. Methods All 2442 throat swabs,collected from influenza-like patients in 2 influenza sentry hospitals,were detected by real-time one step RT-PCR. A total of 27 strains of influenza B virus were isolated in Jinan from 2009 to 2012. The genes of hemagglutinin 1( HA1) and neuraminidase( NA) were sequenced and analysed by phylogenetic comparison and genetic diversity using the bioinformatics software. Results Influenza B virus was the dominant type from 2010 to 2012. The genetic analysis of HA1 gene revealed that 16 strains were included in Victoria branch and 11 strains were included in Yamagata branch. The gene mutation rate of Victoria-like HA1 gene was 1. 6% and Yamagata-like HA1 gene was 0. 9%,respectively. Comparing the Victoria-like HA1 gene strains with the vaccine strain B /Brisbane /60 /200,12 sites of amino acid mutation were found. Comparing the Yamagata-like HA1 gene strains with the vaccine strain B /Florida /4 /2006,9 sites of amino acid mutation were found. The genetic analysis of NA gene revealed that all viruses were included in the Yamagata branch. The NA genes of either Victoria-like HA1 gene strains or Yamagata-like HA1 gene strains were Yamagata origin. The genes that came from three branches in NA gene phylogenetic tree had 53 sites of amino acid mutation compared with the vaccine strain B /Yamagata /16 /1988. Conclusions The influenza B virus isolated from 2009 to 2012 have changed in genetic character.
Changes in the rotational axes of the tibiofemoral joint caused by resection of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Kinematic alignment is a method of aligning implants in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that strives to restore the native flexion-extension (F-E) and longitudinal rotation (LR) axes of the tibiofemoral joint. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is typically resected at the time of TKA, which might change the position, and orientation of these axes from that of the native knee. Our objective was to determine whether resecting the ACL causes changes in the F-E and LR axes. A custom designed and validated instrumented spatial linkage (ISL) measured the F-E and LR axes in nine cadaveric knees before and after ACL resection. Changes in these axes were computed for knee flexion from 0° to 120°. For the F-E axis, the two statistically significant yet relatively small changes were internal rotation of 0.5° (p = 0.02) and posterior translation of 0.3 mm (p = 0.04). For the LR axis, the statistically significant and relatively large change was medial translation of 2.1 mm (p = 0.01). Changes to the LR axis in both medial-lateral position and varus-valgus orientation varied widely; 77% of a population of knees would have a medial-lateral position change greater than 1 mm, and 53% of a population of knees would have a varus-valgus orientation change greater than 1°. Knowledge of changes of the F-E and LR axes caused by resecting the ACL provides an important baseline for determining the changes in these axes caused by kinematic alignment and mechanical alignment of bi-cruciate retaining, posterior cruciate retaining, and posterior cruciate substituting implants. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:886-893, 2017.
Pioglitazone Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Promotes Dopaminergic Neuronal Survival in the Nigrostriatal System of Rats after Diffuse Brain Injury

Abstract Increasing evidence suggests that traumatic brain injury (TBI) may raise the risk of developing late-onset Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently, the peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist pioglitazone has been demonstrated to be neuroprotective in animal models of neurodegeneration. The present study investigates the vulnerability of the nigrostriatal system after TBI, and intervention with pioglitazone treatment. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to sham or moderate midline fluid percussion brain injury (mFPI), followed by an intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg pioglitazone or vehicle beginning 30 min after the injury and subsequently every 24 h for 5 days. Following injury, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokine were acutely increased in the striatum and substantia nigra within 6 h. Dopaminergic axonal damage and microglial activation were revealed using immunohistochemistry in the medial forebrain bundle at 1 day post-injury. Microglial activation ident...
Fast strong planning for fully observable nondeterministic planning problems

The ability to find strong solutions to fully observable nondeterministic (FOND) planning problems, if they exist, is desirable because unlike weak and strong-cyclic solutions, strong solutions are guaranteed to achieve the goal. However, only limited work has been done on FOND planning with strong solutions. In this paper, we present a sound and complete strong planning algorithm and incorporate it into our planner, FIP, which has achieved outstanding performance on strong cyclic planning problems. This new strong planning approach enables FIP to first search for strong solutions, and then search for strong-cyclic solutions only if strong solutions do not exist. We conduct extensive experiments to evaluate the new strong planning approach to (1) find a strong solution if one exists and (2) determine the non-existence of a strong solution. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of our planner to Gamer and MBP, the two best-known planners capable of solving strong FOND planning problems, on a variety of benchmark problems. Not only is our planner on average three orders of magnitude faster than Gamer and MBP, but it also scales up to larger problems.
Analysis of Regression Dependence in 2 × n Bivariate Distributions And Some Applications in Contingency Tables

The notions of positive regression dependence and total positivity of order two among discrete bivariate distributions is examined vis-a-vis other well-known notions of dependence. The extreme points of the set of all bivariate 2 × n distributions in which Y is regression dependent on X are enumerated. Some applications to testing of hypothesis are given.
Common Denominators and Potential Modes of Communication

This chapter seeks common denominators in work communities that allow for sites of potential union and collaboration. Mayock suggests that employees can unite or “bond” around the work. The author examines inclusiveness in formal and informal settings and in institutional documents to recommend ways in which administrators can hear and incorporate seemingly opposing voices into the language of the workplace. Atul Gawande’s “power of negative thinking” is highlighted to foment a consciously critical approach to institutional communication.
The Good Intention Gap: Poverty, Anxiety, and Implications for Political Action

At least 2 in 5 U.S. citizens live in high financial insecurity, leaving them vulnerable to economic shocks and stress. This paper identifies a mechanism linking poverty to turnout, showing that financial stress influences political behavior by influencing cognition and decision-making. I provide foundational evidence for a Good Intention Gap in political participation: Poor people want to take political action, but, consistent with the broader psychological effects of stress, financial anxiety taxes the brain’s cognitive resources. Taxed mental bandwidth and short-sighted decision-making reduce one’s capacity to follow through on intentions to participate.I show that experimentally-induced financial anxiety decreases long-term strategic thinking in ways that are increasingly at odds with policy preferences. When political action is easy and immediate, financial anxiety increases participation due to increased issue salience; however, when action is delayed, financial anxiety mediates decreased turnout, especially among the poor. Nationally representative data show that financial stress correlates with the Good Intention Gap via a mechanism of forgetting, while competing explanations for lower participation among the poor find little support.
Cost Effectiveness of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKIs) Therapy in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) in Comparison to Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) Based on the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database from 2002 to 2011

Background The introduction of Imatinib in 2001 has brought a paradigm shift in the management of CML. Patients on TKI therapy continue to require hospitalizations, however, for progressive disease, treatment side effects and other unrelated causes. In our study we compared the cost of inpatient health care, mortality, length of stay (LOS) and complications for patients who had stem cell transplants to those on TKI therapy. Methods We queried the NIS database from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality between 2002-2011 using ICD-9 code 205.1 for CML in the primary and secondary diagnosis fields. Patients 18 years or older were included in the analysis. Cost of hospitalization was adjusted for inflation in reference to 2011 and cost to charge ratio. We analyzed the trend in hospitalizations, cost and mortality. Linear and logistic regression models were generated to evaluate multivariate predictors of LOS, cost, mortality and complications. Odds ratios and odds estimates were generated comparing the group that underwent HSCT to the group that was treated with TKI therapy. We compared three groups: patients admitted for the transplant procedure (BMT procedure), patients readmitted post HSCT, and patients treated with TKIs. Multivariate analysis for complications from CML included splenic infarct, septic shock, splenomegaly, blast crises and DIC. Complications of graft versus host disease and graft rejection were included as they were complications of allogeneic transplant that warranted hospitalization. Age-related comorbidities, such as atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, and acute and chronic renal failure were also analyzed to further delineate the reason for hospitalization. A p value of Results A total of 38,950 hospitalizations (weighted n= 19,1285) were analyzed (male 54.6% and age 65.9±0.08). There was a decrease of 81.96 % in mortality from 2002 to 2011 (p Discussion Patients on TKI therapy have a lower mortality, average length of stay and hospitalization cost compared to the transplant group. The main reasons for hospital admission for patients on TKI therapy were age-related comorbidities, rather than complications of CML. The mortality in the TKI group was lower than the HSCT group. However, the yearly cost of TKI therapy must be taken into account for health care costs of non-transplant patients. At present, Imatinib costs $92,000/ year and Dasatinib $118,000/year. Hence, Imatinib therapy for even 4 years would be more expensive than a transplant. Therefore, TKI therapy provides improved mortality and shorter length of hospital stay at the cost of a net higher expense. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Examining Factors that Influence Intent to Adopt Data Science

ABSTRACTData science is a relatively new and emerging field with strong job growth projections. In this work, we develop a new theoretical model based on the theory of planned behavior and the IS Success Model in order to understand public perceptions about data science. Specifically, we aim to determine the potential impact and if the public views data science as beneficial to organizations and society and whether this in turn leads to an intent to use data science. In order to answer the aforementioned questions, we develop a definition of data science derived from current, state-of-the-art literature. Next, we test our theoretical model via a survey instrument that adapts relevant constructs from academic literature. Results indicate support for our model and subsequent hypotheses which show that information quality and system quality impact social norms and behavioral control which in turn influences perceived benefits of data science which influences the intent to use data science. Our model can be e...
Analysts' Influence on Managers' Guidance

ABSTRACT Analysts ask managers for forward-looking information in one-third of quarterly conference calls; most frequently, seeking earnings per share guidance. In this study, we examine the long-term consequences of analysts' questions on future manager disclosure choices. Using six types of commonly provided guidance, we find that when analysts request new guidance or ask about prior guidance, managers are more likely to provide similar guidance in future quarters. When analysts do not ask about prior guidance, managers are less likely to provide that type of guidance in the future. This effect is long-lasting, spills over into earnings announcements, and is strongest for firms with the most severe information problems. Our results provide evidence that analysts shape managers' disclosure choices in meaningful ways.
Shrinkage and strength development of alkali-activated fly ash-slag binary cements

Abstract This paper evaluates the effect of fly ash and slag proportions and the type of activating solution on shrinkage and strength development of alkali-activated binary fly ash-slag mixtures (mortar and paste), cured at room temperature. Three different volumetric ratios of slag/fly ash were considered: 10%, 15%, and 20%. Two activators with different pH and modulus, n = (SiO2/Na2O)mol were utilized. The liquid to solid volume ratio of all binders was maintained at 0.75. The results showed that while the addition of slag significantly shortens the time of setting (up to 178 min), and increases the compressive strength (up to 93%) and bulk modulus (up to 43%), it also results in higher autogenous shrinkage, but smaller mass loss during drying. Measured drying shrinkage of mixtures with various slag contents was similar, likely due to counteracting effects of binder stiffness and degree of saturation. Fly ash-slag binders activated at higher pH exhibited larger chemical shrinkage, but lower autogenous (up to 21%) and drying shrinkage (up to 47%) magnitude.
Early onset and persistence of metabolic alterations in exhausted T cells is regulated by PD-1

Dynamic reprogramming of metabolism is essential for T cell effector function and formation of memory. However, regulation of cellular metabolism in exhausted T cells in chronic infections and cancer is poorly understood. Here we found that as early as the first week of chronic LCMV infection, before severe T cell dysfunction becomes established, virus-specific CD8 T cells are already unable to match the bioenergetic demands of effector CD8 T cells generated during acutely resolving LCMV infection. Suppression of T cells bioenergetics involves restriction of glucose uptake and utilization, despite the up-regulation of multiple other metabolic pathways. The inhibitory receptor PD-1 controlled the development of this early glycolytic defect as well as mitochondrial mass and quality in the presence of persisting mTOR signaling. The suppression of glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism in exhausted T cells persists into established chronic infection. Therapeutic reinvigoration of exhausted T cells by PD-L1 blockade reprogrammed the metabolism of PD-1 Int but not the terminal PD-1 Hi subset of exhausted T cells. These data highlight a key metabolic control event early in T cell exhaustion that precedes major transcriptional changes. Our findings also suggest that manipulating metabolism in combination with checkpoint blockade may enhance therapeutic outcomes.
The Boomerang Attack

This paper describes a new differential-style attack, which we call the boomerang attack. This attack has several interesting applications. First, we disprove the of t-repeated claim that eliminating all high-probability differentials for the whole cipher is sufficient to guarantee security against differential attacks. Second, we show how to break COCONUT98, a cipher designed using decorrelation techniques to ensure provable security against differential attacks, with an advanced differential-style attack that needs just 216 adaptively chosen texts. Also, to illustrate the power of boomerang techniques, we give new attacks on Khufu-16, FEAL-6, and 16 rounds of CAST-256.
Honokiol is a FOXM1 antagonist

Honokiol is a natural product and an emerging drug for a wide variety of malignancies, including hematopoietic malignancies, sarcomas, and common epithelial tumors. The broad range of activity of honokiol against numerous malignancies with diverse genetic backgrounds suggests that honokiol is inhibiting an activity that is common to multiple malignancies. Oncogenic transcription factor FOXM1 is one of the most overexpressed oncoproteins in human cancer. Here we found that honokiol inhibits FOXM1-mediated transcription and FOXM1 protein expression. More importantly, we found that honokiol's inhibitory effect on FOXM1 is a result of binding of honokiol to FOXM1. This binding is specific to honokiol, a dimerized allylphenol, and was not observed in compounds that either were monomeric allylphenols or un-substituted dihydroxy phenols. This indicates that both substitution and dimerization of allylphenols are required for physical interaction with FOXM1. We thus demonstrate a novel and specific mechanism for FOXM1 inhibition by honokiol, which partially may explain its anticancer activity in cancer cells.
Global Versus Momentary Osteoarthritis Pain and Emotional Distress: Emotional Intelligence as Moderator.

Background Pain and emotional well-being are complexly associated both globally and in the moment. Emotional regulation strategies may contribute to that complexity by shaping the pain-well-being association. Purpose Using emotional intelligence (EI) as an integrative conceptual framework, this study probed the role of emotional regulation in the associations of osteoarthritis pain with emotional well-being in varying time frames. Perceived attention to, clarity, and regulation of emotions were examined as predictors of well-being, and as moderators of the well-being-pain association, at global and momentary (within-day) levels. Methods In a microlongitudinal study, 218 older adults with physician-diagnosed knee osteoarthritis self-reported global pain, depressive symptoms, and EI (mood attention, clarity, and repair). Momentary pain and positive and negative affect were then assessed four times daily for 7 days. EI subscales were examined as moderators of the pain-well-being association at global and momentary levels, controlling demographics and general health. Results Global and momentary pain were positively associated with mood clarity and negatively with attention, but not with repair. Clarity and repair negatively predicted depression, and buffered effects of pain on depression. Momentary negative affect was negatively predicted by mood clarity and repair; again, clarity and mood repair buffered effects of momentary pain on negative affect. Only mood repair predicted positive affect, with no interactions emerging. Conclusions Attention to mood states exacerbates the experience of pain in both short and long terms. In contrast, both mood clarity and ability to repair moods appear important to both momentary and longer-term emotional well-being.
Perioperative Factors Influence the Long-Term Outcomes of Children and Adolescents with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) often carries long-term sequelae following surgical intervention. We hypothesized that early perioperative factors are associated with long-term adverse right ventricular (RV) remodeling, diminished exercise capacity, and increased morbidity. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients operated for TOF that underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study (CMR), exercise stress test (EST), and detailed review of past medical history. Outcome variables included measures of RV size, and function, maximal work rate, and oxygen consumption, and interim hospitalizations, surgeries, and catheterizations. Thirty-nine subjects were included. Age at surgical repair was 0.3 ± 0.3 years and age at testing was 9.7 ± 1.4 years. On CMR, there was borderline RV dilation with moderate pulmonary insufficiency (PI) [RF 32% (8; 43)] and normal RV ejection fraction [60% (55; 67)]. On EST, there was low percent-predicted maximal oxygen consumption (77 ± 20%), and percent-predicted maximal work rate (84 ± 23%). On multivariable analysis, mechanical ventilation and Blalock–Taussig (BT) shunt prior to complete surgical repair were associated with the number of future hospitalizations. Duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and prior BT shunt were associated with future catheterizations. Prior BT shunt was a predictor of worse RVEF, while duration of mechanical ventilation and use of transannular patch were predictors of worse PI. Longer duration of mechanical ventilation (or LOS) was associated with worse maximal work rate. Surgical and perioperative factors may portend long-term RV remodeling and outcome in TOF. Further studies are warranted to explore these associations and potential underlying mechanisms.
ClipWorks: a tangible interface for collaborative video editing

We introduce a simple, tangible interface for sequencing digital videos that combines the intuitiveness of physical film editing with the flexibility of current digital video editors. Users interact with the interface by moving around physical clip and effect blocks, with options to preview their built video, save videos, and import new videos. This project aims to engage users in basic video editing, foster collaboration, and build digital storytelling literacy.