cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immobilization and Skeletal Muscles

Skeletal muscle and immobilization are linked in a dual causal relationship. Muscle paralysis is an obvious cause of immobilization. On the other hand, when muscles are immobilized by extraneous forces they undergo changes which may permanently affect their structure and function.
Implications of Polarized Deuterium-Tritium Plasmas for Toroidal Fusion Reactors

Spin polarization of the plasma deuterons and tritons in a magnetic fusion reactor can result in an increase in the fusion reactivity and variation of the angular distribution of emission of the fu...
Optimal Design and Synthesis of Algal Biorefinery Processes for Biological Carbon Sequestration and Utilization with Zero Direct Greenhouse Gas Emissions: MINLP Model and Global Optimization Algorithm

We develop a novel superstructure of algal biorefinery processes for biological carbon sequestration and utilization, encompassing off-gas purification, algae cultivation, harvesting and dewatering, lipid extraction, remnant treatment, biogas utilization, and algal oil upgrading stages. Based on the superstructure, we propose a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model to minimize the unit carbon sequestration and utilization cost and apply a tailored branch-and-refine algorithm based on successive piecewise linear approximation to globally optimize the resulting nonconvex MINLP problem efficiently. The minimum unit carbon sequestration and utilization cost of $1.48/ton of CO2 is obtained when the diesel price is $3.91/gal and feed gas is delivered to the biorefinery only during daytime at a flow rate of 5003.46 ktons/year corresponding to the carbon dioxide emission rate of a 600 MW coal-fired power plant. The resulting algal biorefinery design reuses all the CO2 produced within the process, lead...
Study of the Al 27 ( He 3 , p ) Si 29 and Al 27 ( He 3 , p γ ) Si 29 Reactions

The levels of ${\mathrm{Si}}^{29}$ have been studied by measuring angular distributions of the ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}({\mathrm{He}}^{3}, p){\mathrm{Si}}^{29}$ reaction. A few states, in particular the level at 8.310 MeV (the analog of the ${\mathrm{Al}}^{29}$ ground state), were strongly excited with an orbital angular momentum transfer $L=0$ leading to states with $J={\frac{3}{2}}^{+}, {\frac{5}{2}}^{+}$, and possibly ${\frac{7}{2}}^{+}$. The $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decay of some of these levels has been studied by $p\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidences. They all showed a very similar $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decay, namely, a preference to decay to those few positive-parity states that are also strongly populated in the (${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$, $p$) reaction. From the radiative decay of the 8.310-MeV level and other evidence, we conclude that the ${\frac{5}{2}}^{+}$ state at 4.906 MeV contains the major portion of the antianalog strength. The coincidence data also contained events from ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}({\mathrm{He}}^{3}, d\ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{Si}}^{28}$. Analysis of these results showed that it was consistent with previous measurements.
Precision Agricultures Application Research and Discussion in Sanjiang Plain

Composition and enforcement steps of precision agriculture technology were expounded. Enforceable feasibility and fields of precision agriculture were analyzed,according to present situation of farm production in Sanjiang plain. It has actuality significance that precision agriculture technology was enforced Sanjiang plain at first,to Its expansion in land reclanation region and all country.
Cost-sensitive spectral clustering for photo-thermal infrared imaging data

This paper analyzes the noise-free but highly overlapped and imbalanced data set involving six analytes. We explored the principal components in the feature space to observe which spectral bands contribute the most contrast or data spreading. We also compared the principal component analysis (PCA) results and the corresponding k-means clustering algorithm results generated using lower PCs, i.e. PC4 and PC5 to see how it compares to using a combination of top principal components (PCs), i.e. PC1 and PC2. Specifically, we revealed the data in PC1-PC2 space, PC1-PC3 space, PC2-PC3 space, and PC4-PC5 space, respectively. Then we used the K-mean clustering algorithm to classify them into six clusters. We developed an algorithm to automatically determine the classifiers associated with each cluster. The algorithm can accurately determine which clustering corresponds to which analyte. We also conducted the clustering performance evaluation by calculating the probability of detection (POD), false alarm rate (FAR), accuracy, precision, and recall. This process was facilitated by developing an automatic algorithm to determine the true positive (TP), false negative (FN), false positive (FP), and true negative (TN), which are components of the above performance evaluation matrices. In addition, we compared the clustering abilities with different combination of principal components. Moreover, we investigated the false alarms to see if they are always the same samples, and if so, which ones. The experimental results demonstrated that top principal components (PCs) have higher clustering accuracy than the lower PCs. In addition, the principal component analysis and K-means clustering algorithm are efficient algorithms for achieving dimensional reduction and clustering on the high dimensional and imbalanced data set.
An electrocardiographic survey of the aged.

In a short-term study, 38% of a group of hospital and clinic patients at least 75 years of age were found to have normal resting electrocardiograms. Other surprising findings were a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation than of atrial premature contractions, a relatively low incidence of acute or residual myocardial infarction, and a very low incidence of digitalis intoxication among the patients treated with this drug.
Neurobiology of early life stress and visceral pain: translational relevance from animal models to patient care

Background Epidemiological studies show that females are twice as likely to receive a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) than their male counterparts. Despite evidence pointing to a role for sex hormones in the onset or exacerbation of IBS symptoms, the mechanism by which ovarian hormones may predispose women to develop IBS remains largely undefined. On the other hand, there is a growing body of research showing a correlation between reports of early life stress (ELS) and the diagnosis of IBS. Current treatments available for IBS patients target symptom relief including abdominal pain and alterations in bowel habits, but are not directed to the etiology of the disease. Purpose To better understand the mechanisms by which sex hormones and ELS contribute to IBS, animal models have been developed to mirror complex human experiences allowing for longitudinal studies that investigate the lifelong consequences of ELS. These preclinical models have been successful in recapitulating ELS-induced visceral pain. Moreover, in female rats the influence of cycling hormones on visceral hypersensitivity resembles that seen in women with IBS. Such studies suggest that rodent models of ELS may serve as pivotal tools in determining (i) the etiology of IBS, (ii) novel future treatments for IBS, and (iii) improving individualized patient care. The current review aims to shed light on the progress and the challenges observed by clinicians within the field of gastroenterology and the preclinical science aimed at addressing those challenges in an effort to understand and more efficiently treat functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in both children and adults.
Fractures of the Proximal Humerus

Proximal humerus fractures represent the third most common osteoporotic fracture and occur most frequently in the elderly as the result of low-energy falls. Although the majority of these injuries can be treated nonoperatively with good outcomes, the twenty-first century has seen a dramatic trend toward increasing surgical treatment in the developed world. However, recent high-quality literature comparing nonoperative to operative treatment has shown equivalent functional outcomes, which further underscores the important role of nonoperative management. When surgery is indicated, the full armamentarium of surgical treatment for proximal humerus fractures includes interfragmentary suture, percutaneous pinning or screw fixation, locked intramedullary nailing, non-locking or locking plate fixation, and primary shoulder arthroplasty. Availability of implants may limit treatment options in the austere setting. If operative intervention is required, fractures with minimal displacement can be fixed percutaneously. When available, locked intramedullary nails and locking plates provide angular stable fixation necessary to maintain anatomic reduction, especially in osteoporotic bone. A subset of fractures not amenable to internal fixation may benefit from hemiarthroplasty; however, anatomic reduction and healing of the tuberosities is critical for a favorable outcome. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has recently gained popularity for treatment of proximal humerus fractures in patients with pre-existing rotator cuff dysfunction or as a salvage procedure following failed first-line treatment. Exercising judicious surgical indications and utilizing sound surgical techniques when appropriate will maximize clinical outcomes while minimizing complications and need for revision surgery.
Humanitas Emptor: Reconsidering Recent Trends and Policy in Science Teacher Education

We are facing a plethora of educational mandates, trends and policies in science teacher education. Such issues are intricately connected, are arguably synergistic with one another though not neces...
Analyse par observation microscopique des défauts des pièces moulées en polymères cristallins

The study of the structure of crystalline material is a useful tool to reduce rejects, optimize moulding conditions and improve the quality of the moulded components. However, once a fairly good thin section has been prepared, it is not always easy to interpret what is seen in the structure and to pinpoint the reason of failure. Experience is needed to be able to identify what has gone wrong in the production, tooling or even designing.A thin section of 5-20 µm prepared from a moulded component does not permit a statement about the quality of a whole series. However, if parts fail in testing or in use, an analysis of the structure of a thin section from such a part in comparison to a good one will be of great help in recognizing the possible cause of failure and hence preventing them in the future.
How broadcast data reveals your identity and social graph

Networks rely on broadcasts and multicasts for some of the most basic services such as auto-configuration. In the recent past, application layer protocols have increasingly made use of the broadcast mechanism. Examples of these applications include Dropbox, Spotify or BitTorrent Sync. Given that broadcasts can be seen by every device in a broadcast domain, information that can be gleaned from this traffic is trivially accessible by a passive observer. Therefore, an obvious question is: what does broadcast and multicast traffic reveal about a device, a user or a group in a network?
The Influence of Marcellus Shale Extraction Emissions on Regionally Monitored Dry Reactive Nitrogen Deposition.

Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the United States (U.S.) from large stationary sources, such as electric generating units, have decreased since 1995, driving decreases in nitrogen deposition. However, increasing NOx emissions from emerging industries, such as unconventional natural gas (UNG) extraction, could offset stationary source emission reductions in shale gas producing regions of the U.S. The Marcellus Shale in the northeastern U.S. has seen dramatic increases in the number of wells and associated natural gas production during the past 10 years. In this study, we examine the potential impacts of shale gas development on regional NOx emission inventories and dry deposition fluxes to Clean Air Status and Trends (CASTNET) sites in Pennsylvania and New York. Our results demonstrate that the current distribution of CASTNET sites is ineffective for monitoring the influence of Marcellus well NOx emissions on regional nitrogen deposition. Despite the fact that existing CASTNET sites are not influence...
Current and emerging topical therapies for atopic dermatitis

The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) involves epidermal barrier dysfunction and T helper cell type 2 (Th2) lymphocyte-driven inflammation. Cytokines, such as interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-13, are important in this reaction. They stimulate B cells to produce immunoglobulin E, causing atopic disease. This process has been well characterized, and new therapies for AD, such as phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE-4) inhibitors, Th2-expressed chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule antagonists, and Janus kinase inhibitors, work by antagonizing this cellular pathway. Recently, there have been many advances in treatment strategies and novel therapies for AD. This review summarizes the clinical evidence supporting the use of current and emerging topical treatments for AD, as well as their safety and efficacy profiles. Crisaborole, a novel PDE-4 inhibitor, is of particular note because phase III clinical trials were recently completed, as summarized here. It is prudent for dermatologists to be current with updates in the field because therapies are constantly changing. In addition to the academic interest, this results in improvement of patient care and advancement of the field.
Improving Communication, Building Trust are Seen as Keys to Fixing Relationships between Local Jurisdictions and the State Government

This report presents the opinions of Michigan’s local government leaders regarding the relationships between their local jurisdictions and the State government, including particular factors that affect State-local relations, how those relations could be improved, and levels of trust. The findings in this report are based on statewide surveys of local government leaders in the Fall 2016 wave of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS).
Customized positive PEG linkers for the delivery of antisense molecules

4731 Introduction: Targeting genes has elicit significant effort over last two decades. Initial effort has focused on first generation of oligonucleotide based molecules as potential therapeutics for various human diseases. Recent progresses in oligonucleotide chemistry helped to introduce second and third generation antisense technology such as locked nucleic acid (LNA) and silencing RNA (siRNA). Effective systemic delivery of this type of molecules is still the biggest hurdle to fully realize their therapeutic potential in clinic. Short half-life and poor cellular uptake of highly negative charged feature of oligonucleotides has resulted suboptimal efficacy in xenograft models. To overcome these challenges, here we want to report the development of new Customized positively charged PEG linkers and their application to enhance the cellular uptake of antisense oligonucleotide, including LNA. Procedure: Customized positively charged PEG linkers were made by incorporating either peptide fragments, or synthetic positive moieties into the backbone of PEG polymer. These PEG polymers were then converted to releasable, tail-free linkers using proprietary technologies before conjugated with antisense oligonucleotides. The PEG-oligo conjugates were tested for their stability in buffer and plasma. Subsequently, in vitro protein inhibition and target gene down-regulation studies were conducted using Western Blot and Real-Time PCR techniques in a panel of tumor cell lines with and without transfection agents. Summary of Data: The PEG-oligo conjugates are stable under physiological buffer conditions and have shown greatly enhanced stability towards certain nucleases such as phosphodiesterase I (59-exonuclease), phosphodiesterase II (39-exonuclease), and nuclease P1 (endonuclease) in vitro. All the PEG-oligo conjugates have demonstrated a controlled release of native antisense molecule in rat plasma. More importantly, PEG-oligo conjugates have shown dose-dependent and specific target gene down-regulation documented by both Western blot and Real-Time PCR studies. Conclusions: PEGylation of oligonucleotide using Customized positively charged PEG linkers has improved the in vitro stability of oligo molecules and released native antisense at different rates in plasma. The in vitro activity of PEG-oligo is dose dependent and more efficient than native molecule, especially in the absence of transfection agents. Safety, efficacy and down-modulation of target gene will be determined using PEG-oligo conjugates in preclinical models. Customized positively charged PEG linkers may provide a unique approach for the more efficient in vivo delivery of antisense molecules including LNA to fully realize its therapeutic potential.
Indicators of LGB Affirmative Training: An Exploratory Study of Family Therapy Faculty Members

ABSTRACTThis qualitative study investigated the indicators that family therapy faculty used to determine the extent to which their programs were lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) affirmative. The sample for this study consisted of 71 faculty members from accredited family therapy programs who completed an online survey. The thematic analysis revealed five categories: (1) Teaching, Supervision, and Research; (2) Presence of LGB Faculty, Students, and Clients; (3) Values and Beliefs of Faculty and Students; (4) Overall Program Environment; and (5) Not LGB Affirming. While many of the indicators were reflective of the recommendations in the existing literature on LGB affirmative training, there were a wide range of indicators identified.
Interethnic Contact in Integrated Churches: Mediation without Transformation of Majority-Roma Relations in Central Europe:

While intergroup contact and group position scholars have found that individuals can maintain prejudice despite associational contact and affective ties, this study finds that integrated organizati...
Yersinia pestis Targets the Host Endosome Recycling Pathway during the Biogenesis of the Yersinia-Containing Vacuole To Avoid Killing by Macrophages

ABSTRACT Yersinia pestis has evolved many strategies to evade the innate immune system. One of these strategies is the ability to survive within macrophages. Upon phagocytosis, Y. pestis prevents phagolysosome maturation and establishes a modified compartment termed the Yersinia-containing vacuole (YCV). Y. pestis actively inhibits the acidification of this compartment, and eventually, the YCV transitions from a tight-fitting vacuole into a spacious replicative vacuole. The mechanisms to generate the YCV have not been defined. However, we hypothesized that YCV biogenesis requires Y. pestis interactions with specific host factors to subvert normal vesicular trafficking. In order to identify these factors, we performed a genome-wide RNA interference (RNAi) screen to identify host factors required for Y. pestis survival in macrophages. This screen revealed that 71 host proteins are required for intracellular survival of Y. pestis. Of particular interest was the enrichment for genes involved in endosome recycling. Moreover, we demonstrated that Y. pestis actively recruits Rab4a and Rab11b to the YCV in a type three secretion system-independent manner, indicating remodeling of the YCV by Y. pestis to resemble a recycling endosome. While recruitment of Rab4a was necessary to inhibit YCV acidification and lysosomal fusion early during infection, Rab11b appeared to contribute to later stages of YCV biogenesis. We also discovered that Y. pestis disrupts global host endocytic recycling in macrophages, possibly through sequestration of Rab11b, and this process is required for bacterial replication. These data provide the first evidence that Y. pestis targets the host endocytic recycling pathway to avoid phagolysosomal maturation and generate the YCV. IMPORTANCEYersinia pestis can infect and survive within macrophages. However, the mechanisms that the bacterium use to subvert killing by these phagocytes have not been defined. To provide a better understanding of these mechanisms, we used an RNAi approach to identify host factors required for intracellular Y. pestis survival. This approach revealed that the host endocytic recycling pathway is essential for Y. pestis to avoid clearance by the macrophage. We further demonstrate that Y. pestis remodels the phagosome to resemble a recycling endosome, allowing the bacterium to avoid the normal phagolysosomal maturation pathway. Moreover, we show that infection with Y. pestis disrupts normal recycling in the macrophage and that disruption is required for bacterial replication. These findings provide the first evidence that Y. pestis targets the host endocytic recycling pathway in order to evade killing by macrophages.
A novel association between a beetle and a snake: Parasitism of elaphe obsoleta by nicrophorus pustulatus

AbstractWhile studying the nesting ecology of black rat snakes (Elaphe obsoleta [Say]; Serpentes: Colubridae) in eastern Ontario, we discovered that their eggs regularly contained larvae of the burying beetle Nicrophorus pustulatus (Herschel) (Coleoptera: Silphidae). The beetle appears to be a parasitoid of the snakes, which may make this the first documented case in which a vertebrate is the host of a parasitoid. Up to 100% of snake eggs in a nest were destroyed by beetles, indicating that N. pustulatus may be a significant, and heretofore unrecognized source of egg mortality for oviparous snakes. Evidence suggests that the association between these two species is well established, and that the beetle may also attack other species of oviparous snakes. Identification of snake eggs as the substrate for reproduction by N. pustulatus solves the mystery of where this species breeds. Also, the large amount of available biomass in communal black rat snake nests may explain why N. pustulatus is so fecund relativ...
Effect of high flow transnasal dry air on core body temperature in intubated human subjects

Abstract Purpose Early initiation of hypothermia is recommended in the setting of cardiac arrest. Current hypothermia methods are invasive and expensive and not applicable in ambulatory settings. We investigated the evaporative cooling effect of high flow transnasal dry air on core esophageal temperature in human volunteers. Methods & results A total of 32 subjects (mean age 53.2 ± 9.3 yrs., mean weight 90 ± 17 kg) presenting for elective electrophysiological procedures were enrolled for the study. Half of the subjects were men. Following general anesthesia induction, high flow (30 LPM) medical grade ambient dry air with a relative humidity ∼20% was administered through a nasal mask for 60 min. Core temperature was monitored at the distal esophagus. Half of the subjects (16/32) were subject to high flow air and the remainder served as controls. Over a 1-h period, mean esophageal temperature decreased from 36.1 ± 0.3 °C to 35.5 ± 0.1 °C in the test subjects (p Conclusion Transnasal high flow dry air through the nasopharynx reduces core body temperature. This mechanism can be harnessed to induce hypothermia in patients where clinically indicated without any deleteriouseffects in a short time exposure.
The heavy metal budget of an urban rooftop farm.

Abstract Urban rooftop agriculture is a growing enterprise in the US with the goal of providing high quality, healthy, locally grown produce for city dwellers. However, air pollution abatement and the purification of stormwater are among the ecosystem services emphasized in studies of conventional green roofs. If rooftop farms actually capture pollutants, then accumulation of heavy metals in the soil could pose a problem over time. This study reports the heavy metal concentrations in soil, atmospheric deposition, and drainage output of 8 metals from the Brooklyn Grange Navy Yard Farm, rooftop vegetable farm in New York City, USA. Drainage of Pb and Mn were 6% and 14% of atmospheric bulk deposition, respectively, meaning that the Grange could be a net sink for Pb and Mn. Although there were small scale hotspots in the soil, farm-wide averages for heavy metal concentrations never exceeded guideline levels, and relatively low concentrations of Pb and Ba in the soil suggest that rooftop soils may be less vulnerable to contamination related to traffic and construction. In comparison to the growing seasons, we found relatively high concentrations of Pb and Cr in the soil during fallow periods when the soil was bare. To reduce the atmospheric deposition of heavy metals to soil, it is important to cover the soil with mulch, and discard the used mulch and unmarketable portion of vegetables, instead of recycling them via composting for soil amendments.
Cord Blood Vitamin D Levels and Early Childhood Blood Pressure: The Healthy Start Study.

Background Vitamin D deficiency is associated with cardiovascular events among adults, but it is unclear whether early‐life vitamin D deficiency influences cardiovascular risk factors in children. ...
Testosterone Recovery Profiles After Cessation of Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer.

Abstract Introduction Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is frequently used in the treatment of prostate cancer worldwide. Variable testosterone (T) recovery profiles after ADT cessation have been cited. Aim To evaluate T recovery after cessation of ADT. Methods We reviewed our institutional prospectively maintained database of patients with prostate cancer who received ADT. Serum early morning total T (TT) levels, collected at baseline and periodically after ADT cessation, were analyzed. Patient age, baseline T level, duration of ADT, and presence of diabetes and sleep apnea were selected as potential predictors of T recovery. 3 metrics of T recovery after 24 months of ADT cessation were analyzed: return to non-castrate level (TT > 50 ng/dL), return to normal (T > 300 ng/dL), and return back to baseline level (BTB). Multivariable time-to-event analysis (Cox proportional hazards), χ2 test, logistic regression model, and Kaplan-Meier curve were performed to define impact of the above predictors on time and chance of T recovery. Main Outcome Measures Time and chance of T recovery to non-castrate level (TT > 50 ng/dL), return to normal (T > 300 ng/dL), and return BTB. Results 307 men with a mean age of 65 ± 8 years were included. Mean duration of ADT was 17 ± 25 months, and median follow-up was 31 ± 35 months. Mean TT values were 379 ng/dL at baseline and 321 ng/dL at >24 months. At 24 months after cessation of ADT, 8% of men remained at castrate level, 76% returned to TT >300 ng/dL, and 51% had returned BTB. Lower baseline T levels (TT 6 months were associated with a lower likelihood of recovery to normal TT at 24 months. Age >65 years and receiving ADT for >6 months were significantly associated with a slower T recovery. Clinical Implications T recovery after ADT is not certain and may take longer than expected. Considering the range of side effects of low T, we believe that these findings must be discussed with patients before initiating such therapies. Strengths & Limitations Our strengths consisted of a relatively large database, long follow-up, and clinically meaningful endpoints. Limitations included the retrospective design of the study. Conclusion T recovery rates after ADT cessation vary according to patient age, ADT duration, and baseline T levels. Approximately one-quarter of patients failed to normalize their TT level, and one-tenth of men remained at castrate levels 24 months after ADT cessation. Nascimento B, Miranda EP, Jenkins LC, et al. Testosterone Recovery Profiles After Cessation of Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer. J Sex Med 2019;16:872–879.
Experimental Nonlinear Dynamics of a Post-buckled Composite Laminate Plate

Composite laminate materials are prevalent in the aerospace industry as programmable high-strength structural options. An increased focus on high-speed and space flight demands an understanding of composite materials subject to extreme combined thermal, aeroelastic and acoustic loading. Under such conditions constrained composite panels may buckle, thus exhibiting nonlinear structural behavior. This study focuses on a unidirectional carbon fiber epoxy composite laminate plate, a surrogate for more complex composite structures, with four stable static equilibria under fixed-fixed, free-free boundary conditions. The experiment includes pre- and post-buckled modal analysis as well as characterization of the nonlinear response due to transverse excitation. An electrodynamic shaker excites the plate at varying frequencies and loading amplitudes. The dynamic response of the post-buckled plate is measured with the 3D dynamic digital image correlation (DIC) technique combined with a laser vibrometer. The results show single-well and coexisting responses for the four stable equilibria along with chaotic snap through between equilibria. The experimental results of the pre-buckled plate modal analysis are compared to an analytical solution based on classical laminate plate theory (CLPT) and the equation of motion for transverse vibration of laminated plates. Future efforts include modeling and analyzing carbon fiber laminates with respect to damage initiation and material degradation due to high-stress snap through response.
Graphical Model Transformation Analysis for Cognitive Computing and Machine Learning on the SpiNNaker Chip Multiprocessor

The SpiNNaker is a parallel neuromorphic hardware architecture that enables a wide variety of computations to be performed in a distributed, event-based manner. The authors have previously shown large speedups for performing MCMC inference using spiking neurons on the SpiNNaker as well as the Parallella, an open-source parallel computing device. Both architectures provide platforms for performing innovative low-power computations, and there are other massively parallel chip multiprocessor platforms arriving in the future. This paper explores a complexity analysis for the algorithms in the automated framework developed to take a binary Bayesian network the whole way from reading in its text file description and transforming the network for parallel MCMC sampling to performing sampling on the SpiNNaker. Although it is focused on the SpiNNaker, many of these principles apply when using other neuromorphic chip multiprocessors, as this algorithmic flow has already been used with the Parallella after some modifications.
Zinc concentrations in teeth of female walruses reflect the onset of reproductive maturity

Age at maturity is an important parameter in many demographic models and, for some species, can be difficult to obtain using traditional methods. Incremental growth structures act as biological archives, recording information throughout an organism's life and possibly allowing for the reconstruction of life history events. Concentrations of zinc (Zn) in animal tissues are known to be linked to life history, physiology and reproduction and may be retained in incremental growth structures. This study reconstructed lifetime Zn concentrations in teeth (n = 93) of female Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) collected from 1932-2016. Zn displayed a characteristic pattern of accumulation, with a change point marking the beginning of a lifelong, linear increase in Zn concentrations. We hypothesized that this change point marks the onset of reproductive maturity. The age at which the change point occurred (agecp) was estimated by counting tooth cementum growth layers. These estimates closely matched literature values of timing of first ovulation in female walruses. Total number of ovulations (estimated from ovary corpora counts from paired tooth/ovary specimens) was closely related to reproductive lifespan (total lifespan - agecp; R2 = 0.70). Further, agecp tracked changes in Pacific walrus population size as a proportion of carrying capacity, decreasing when the population was depleted by commercial hunting and peaking when carrying capacity was exceeded. This novel approach will aid walrus management, and is likely applicable to other species, offering a potentially powerful tool for research, management and conservation of wildlife populations.
Uniform nonparametric inference for time series

Abstract This paper provides the first result for the uniform inference based on nonparametric series estimators in a general time-series setting. We develop a strong approximation theory for sample averages of mixingales with dimensions growing with the sample size. We use this result to justify the asymptotic validity of a uniform confidence band for series estimators and show that it can also be used to conduct nonparametric specification test for conditional moment restrictions. New results on the validity of heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation consistent (HAC) estimators with increasing dimension are established for making feasible inference. An empirical application on the unemployment volatility puzzle for the search and matching model is provided as an illustration.
Using big data to retrospectively validate the COMPASS-CAT risk assessment model: considerations on methodology

External validation is a prerequisite in order for a prediction model to be introduced into clinical practice. Nonetheless, methodologically intact external validation studies are a scarce finding. Utilization of big datasets can help overcome several causes of methodological failure. However, transparent reporting is needed to standardize the methods, assess the risk of bias and synthesize multiple validation studies in order to infer model generalizability. We describe the methodological challenges faced when using multiple big datasets to perform the first retrospective external validation study of the Prospective Comparison of Methods for thromboembolic risk assessment with clinical Perceptions and AwareneSS in real life patients-Cancer Associated Thrombosis (COMPASS-CAT) Risk Assessment Model for predicting venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer. The challenges included choosing the starting point, defining time sensitive variables that serve both as risk factors and outcome variables and using non-research oriented databases to form validated definitions from administrative codes. We also present the structured plan we used so as to overcome those obstacles and reduce bias with the target of producing an external validation study that successfully complies with prediction model reporting guidelines.
AgRP neurons control compulsive exercise and survival in an activity-based anorexia model.

Hypothalamic agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and neuropeptide Y-expressing neurons have a critical role in driving food intake, but also in modulating complex, non-feeding behaviours1. We interrogated whether AgRP neurons are relevant to the emergence of anorexia nervosa symptomatology in a mouse model. Here we show, using in vivo fibre photometry, a rapid inhibition of AgRP neuronal activity following voluntary cessation of running. All AgRP neuron-ablated, food-restricted mice die within 72 h of compulsive running, while daily activation of AgRP neurons using a chemogenetic tool increases voluntary running with no lethality of food-restricted animals. Animals with impaired AgRP neuronal circuits are unable to properly mobilize fuels during food-restriction-associated exercise; however, when provided with elevated fat content through diet, their death is completely prevented. Elevated fat content in the diet also prevents the long-term behavioural impact of food-restricted fit mice with elevated exercise volume. These observations elucidate a previously unsuspected organizational role of AgRP neurons, via the mediation of the periphery, in the regulation of compulsive exercise and its related lethality with possible implications for psychiatric conditions, such as anorexia nervosa. When placed in an activity-based anorexia paradigm, mice with altered AgRP circuit function recapitulate characteristics of anorexia nervosa, including a reduction in food intake, compulsive exercise and death.
A generalizable hybrid search framework for optimizing expensive design problems using surrogate models

Experimental optimization of physical and biological processes is a difficult task. To address this, sequential surrogate models combined with search algorithms have been employed to solve nonlinea...
Do Stronger Collective Property Rights Improve Household Welfare? Evidence from a Field Study in Fiji

Summary Extensive previous work has analyzed the functioning of collective ownership institutions, arguing that such institutions can better govern common pool resources under some conditions than private or state ownership. However, empirical research regarding the impact of stronger collective ownership rights on household welfare is limited. Exploiting a natural experiment, this article uses a unique dataset to examine the impact of collective fisheries ownership on household income and food consumption in Fiji. Strengthening collective ownership rights improves household welfare as indicated by food consumption, but does not increase monetary income. Income improvements are instead attributable to Nongovernmental organization (NGO) project support.
Design of Highly Active and Stable Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reactions

A new design strategy for the development of bifunctional electrocatalysts capable of catalyzing both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is proposed. In this strategy, the MnOx lattice is doped with either electropositive (Sr, Ba) or electronegative (Bi, Pb) elements that results in the coincorporation of electron-rich donor (Mn2+) and electron-poor acceptor (Mn4+) defects in the same parent (Mn3+) lattice. These defects effectively catalyze the reduction (ORR) and oxidation (OER) processes on the same electrode surface. This study is based on the results of a previous study on Mn2O3 that showed Mn2+ and Mn4+ as the active sites for ORR and OER processes, respectively. Our results show that BiMnOx is the most promising bifunctional catalyst with OER/ORR activities that are comparable to the individual activities of state-of-the-art commercial Pt or RuO2 catalysts. Stability tests show the catalyst to be stable for more than 3 h of continuous OER or ORR polarization. This work provides a pathway for the individual tuning of defects to control electrocatalytic activities, which opens up new possibilities for the rational design of many perovskite-based oxides.
Point of Care Testing, Your Cardiologist, and Affairs of the Heart

Background Point-of-care testing (POCT) has applications across medical specialties and holds promise to improve patient care. While cardiovascular medicine has been attractive for POCT applications in recent years, little is known about how cardiovascular health professionals perceive them. Objective The objective of our study was to examine differences in perceptions and attitudes towards POCTs between cardiovascular health professionals compared to other healthcare professionals. Methods We surveyed healthcare professionals to assess perceptions of POCT usage and their benefits and concerns between October 2019 and March 2020. Questions regarding POCT perceptions were assessed on a 5-point Likert scale. Results We received a total of 148 survey responses; of the responders, 52% were male, 59% were physicians, and 50% worked in a hospital setting. We found that cardiology professionals were less likely, compared to other specialties, to view POCTs as improving patient management or reducing errors. These cardiology professionals were not constrained by resources or a lack of investment opportunities to implement these technologies. Conclusion This study provides a better understanding of perceptions about POCTs among healthcare specialists. To improve patient outcomes through the adoption and usage of POCTs, greater collaboration is advised among key industry and healthcare stakeholders.
Stomata and Measurement of Stomatal Resistance

The two main parts of a plant that control its water status are the roots, where water enters, and the stomata on the leaves, where water exits. The chapter focuses on stomata. The stomata are apertures in the epidermis, each bounded by two guard cells. In Greek, stoma means “mouth,” and the term is often used with reference to the stomatal pore only. Esau uses the term stoma to include the guard cells and the pore between them, and the chapter uses her definition. Stomata occur in vascular plants. Vascular plants include the lower vascular plants such as horsetails ( Equisetum ), ferns (Class Filicinae), gymnosperms, and angiosperms. The angiosperms are the flowering plants, and the group consists of the two large classes of Monocotyledoneae (monocotyledons) and Dicotyledoneae (dicotyledons). By changes in their shape, the guard cells control the size of the stomatal aperture. The aperture leads into a substomatal intercellular space, the substomatal chamber, which is continuous with the intercellular spaces in the mesophyll. In many plants, two or more of the cells adjacent to the guard cells appear to be associated functionally with them and are morphologically distinct from the other epidermal cells. Such cells are called subsidiary, or accessory cells. The stomata are most common on green aerial parts of plants, particularly the leaves. They also can occur on stems, but less commonly than on leaves.
Intertemporal consumer surplus in lagged-adjustment demand models: An application to natural gas pricing

Abstract Applied welfare analyses of policy options typically measure surplus as a single-period ‘snapshot’ or a flow over time assuming stationary supply and demand curves. These curves, however, generally are not independent of time; therefore, the effects of various policy changes are likely to differ in type and magnitude over time as adjustments are made. This paper presents an algorithm for calculating the welfare effects of a policy change in the context of commonly used lagged-adjustment demand models. An example, involving natural gas price decontrol, is presented. In this example, assuming stationary demand curves would overestimate lost consumer surplus by 15%.
Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome: A Review of 27 New Cases

Objective To describe the clinical findings in patients with acute idiopathic blind spot enlargement (AIBSE). Methods Medical record review of 27 patients with AIBSE (without sufficient optic nerve head swelling to cause blind spot enlargement) seen in 2 academic neuro-ophthalmology units. Results All patients were women aged between 19 and 53 years. Twenty-three patients reported positive visual phenomena. Visual acuity was normal in 16 patients. All patients had enlarged blind spots of variable size and density. Dyschromatopsia and afferent pupil defects were prevalent. Ophthalmoscopic features included uveitis, mild optic nerve swelling, granularity of macular pigment, subretinal white dots, and peripapillary pigment disturbances. Twelve of the 13 patients who underwent fluorescein angiography had optic disc staining and 5 had retinal pigment epithelial lesions with late staining. Full-field electroretinogram results were normal in 8 of 9 patients, although focal electroretinogram results were abnormal in 8 of 9 patients. Photopsia always decreased but visual fields did not improve. Six patients experienced recurrence. Conclusions The clinical features of AIBSE include photopsia, visual field defects, abnormal findings from fundoscopic and fluorescein angiography, and abnormal results of focal electroretinography. The disease affects the peripapillary retina and may cause an afferent pupillary defect. The striking predilection for the peripapillary retina suggests a local etiologic factor and distinguishes AIBSE from the multiple evanescent white dot syndrome. Unlike patients with multiple evanescent white dot syndrome, recovery of visual field did not occur in patients with AIBSE.
USA metropolitan network value opportunities

System costs of SONET, next-generation SONET and WDM transparent ring with 2.5 and 10 Gb/s bit rates are compared for metro applications. WDM ring technology offers significant cost reduction compared to other approaches.
The Development of Conditional Reasoning: An Iffy Proposition

Publisher Summary This chapter attempts to make some sense of the competing claims concerning conditional-reasoning competence. The competence model is based on the natural deduction approach to standard logic; modus ponens and the schema for conditional proof provide inference rules for simple conditionals and, together with the recognition of the constraints imposed by universal quantification, they provide a model for reasoning with universally quantified conditionals. Piaget's account of conditional reasoning is inadequate on logical grounds, that is, it confuses simple and quantified conditionals, but it is possible to make fairly clear empirical predictions when quantifiers are assumed. Ennis and Brainerd have argued that Piaget's account of formal operational thought is wrong because children have some ability to evaluate conditional syllogisms correctly. However, Piaget argued that successful performances on many conditional reasoning tasks can be obtained without a formal operational appreciation of the conditional. Given that the class-inclusion logic structure of concrete operational thought should be sufficient for reasoning with simple conditionals; this does not appear to be a warranted dismissal of the theoretical expectations. Rather, the appropriate assessment of formal operational competency with conditionals appears to concern performances in judging universally quantified conditionals.
Word-to-Word Models of Translational Equivalence

Parallel texts (bitexts) have properties that distinguish them from other kinds of parallel data. First, most words translate to only one other word. Second, bitext correspondence is noisy. This article presents methods for biasing statistical translation models to reflect these properties. Analysis of the expected behavior of these biases in the presence of sparse data predicts that they will result in more accurate models. The prediction is confirmed by evaluation with respect to a gold standard -- translation models that are biased in this fashion are significantly more accurate than a baseline knowledge-poor model. This article also shows how a statistical translation model can take advantage of various kinds of pre-existing knowledge that might be available about particular language pairs. Even the simplest kinds of language-specific knowledge, such as the distinction between content words and function words, is shown to reliably boost translation model performance on some tasks. Statistical models that are informed by pre-existing knowledge about the model domain combine the best of both the rationalist and empiricist traditions.
Mean Times and the Inverse Matrix

The entries of the negative inverse of an n×n compartmental matrix A have an important physical interpretation — namely that of „mean residence times.— For this section, we use the open compartmental model given by \( {\dot x = Ax,t \geq 0,} \) where A is invertible. Moreover, we suppose there is a bolus input of tracer at time zero so that x(0) = x0 ≠ 0.