cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A position paper on statistical inference techniques which integrate neural network and Bayesian network models

Some statistical methods which have been shown to have direct neural network analogs are surveyed here; we discuss sampling, optimization and representation methods which make them feasible when applied in conjunction with, or in place of, neural networks. We present the foremost of these, the Gibbs sampler, both in its successful role as a convergence heuristic derived from statistical physics and under its probabilistic learning interpretation. We then review various manifestations of Gibbs sampling in Bayesian learning; its relation to "traditional" simulated annealing; specializations and instances such as EM; and its application as a model construction technique for the Bayesian network formalism. Next, we examine the ramifications of advances in Markov chain Monte Carlo methods for learning by backpropagation. Finally we consider how the Bayesian network formalism informs the causal reasoning interpretation of some neural networks, and how it prescribes optimizations for efficient random sampling in Bayesian learning applications.
Chasing Arcs in Cuprate Superconductors

Important clues to the origin of high-temperature superconductivity in cuprate compounds lie within the normal phase of these compounds, which forms above the transition temperature T c. One unusual feature of the normal phase is the presence of a pseudogap; depending on the momentum of the charge carrier, its excitation energy is either zero or finite ( 1 ). Two reports in Science , by Pushp et al. ( 2 ) in June and by Lee et al. ( 3 ) on page 1099 of this issue, have used scanning tunneling microscopy to provide dramatic new insights into the pseudogap phase and to elucidate how the electronic excitations, both above and below T c, differ for different values of the carrier momentum.
Stability, bifurcations and edge oscillations in standing pulse solutions to an inhomogeneous reaction-diffusion system

We consider a class of inhomogeneous systems of reaction-diffusion equations that includes a model for cavity dynamics in the semiconductor Fabry–Perot interferometer. By adapting topological and geometrical methods, we prove that a standing pulse solution to this system is stable in a certain parameter regime, under the simplification of homogeneous illumination. Moreover, we explain two bifurcation mechanisms which can cause a loss of stability, yielding travelling and standing pulses, respectively. We compute conditions for these bifurcations to persist when inhomogeneity is restored through a certain general perturbation. Under certain of these conditions, a Hopf bifurcation results, producing periodic solutions called edge oscillations. These inhomogeneous bifurcation mechanisms represent new means for the generation of solutions displaying edge oscillations in a reaction-diffusion system. The oscillations produced by each inhomogeneous bifurcation are expected to depend qualitatively on the properties of the corresponding homogeneous bifurcation.
Epoxy adhesive and process enhancement on delamination related IC and packaging reliability problems: An evaluation study I

The surface modification of bare Cu leadframe surfaces by heat treatment, or plasma cleaning, or the coupling of both treatments, either before die-attach, encapsulation, or before both processes, as a means to combat package reliability issue especially delamination of mode I & II were investigated. The effectiveness of these treatments were gauged with contact angle measurements: before, after and during post treatment ageing period of 24hrs. Prototype units were assembled and subjected to pre-condition of 85degC/85RH for 168hrs follow-up with 3 times reflow (peak temperature at 260degC for 20-40sec, MSLI). CSAM is used to interpret the performance of the epoxy adhesion on the pre-treated surfaces. The treatments were found to be effective in overcoming the delamination of mode I & II.
Genetic variants at chromosome 8q24, colorectal epithelial cell proliferation, and risk for incident, sporadic colorectal adenomas.

Three polymorphic sites at chromosome 8q24 (rs7837328, rs10808555, rs6983267) have been associated with risk for colorectal adenomas. It was also previously reported that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6983267 may enhance Wnt signaling, which regulates cell proliferation. To investigate associations between the 8q24 variants and colorectal epithelial cell proliferation in the normal-appearing colorectal mucosa, as well as with colorectal adenoma, we analyzed data from a previously conducted pilot, colonoscopy-based case–control study of incident, sporadic colorectal adenoma (n = 90 cases, 132 controls). Proliferation was measured in biopsies of the normal-appearing mucosa of the rectum, sigmoid colon, and cecum using immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The direct associations of each SNP with colorectal adenoma were consistent with those in previous reports. For all three SNPs, proliferation tended to be higher among those homozygous for the risk alleles compared to those heterozygous or homozygous for the nonrisk alleles combined; among the controls, proliferation was 32.1% higher (P = 0.23) for those with the rs10808555 GG genotype, 16.4% higher (P = 0.16) for those with the rs7837328 AA genotype, and 6.5% higher (P = 0.52) for those with the rs6983267 GG genotype. These preliminary findings, which are consistent with previously reported direct associations between genetic variants at chromosome 8q24 and risk for colorectal adenoma, suggest that the genetic variants may also be associated with higher levels of colorectal epithelial cell proliferation, thus providing support for further investigation of the hypothesis that 8q24 variants may increase risk via enhanced Wnt signaling. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating transport in the WRF model along the California coast

Abstract. This paper presents a step in the development of a top-down method to complement the bottom-up inventories of halocarbon emissions in California using high frequency observations, forward simulations and inverse methods. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography high-frequency atmospheric halocarbons measurement sites are located along the California coast and therefore the evaluation of transport in the chosen Weather Research Forecast (WRF) model at these sites is crucial for inverse modeling. The performance of the transport model has been investigated by comparing the wind direction and speed and temperature at four locations using aircraft weather reports as well at all METAR weather stations in our domain for hourly variations. Different planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes, horizontal resolutions (achieved through nesting) and two meteorological datasets have been tested. Finally, simulated concentration of an inert tracer has been briefly investigated. All the PBL schemes present similar results that generally agree with observations, except in summer when the model sea breeze is too strong. At the coarse 12 km resolution, using ERA-interim (ECMWF Re-Analysis) as initial and boundary conditions leads to improvements compared to using the North American Model (NAM) dataset. Adding higher resolution nests also improves the match with the observations. However, no further improvement is observed from increasing the nest resolution from 4 km to 0.8 km. Once optimized, the model is able to reproduce tracer measurements during typical winter California large-scale events (Santa Ana). Furthermore, with the WRF/CHEM chemistry module and the European Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) version 4.1 emissions for HFC-134a, we find that using a simple emission scaling factor is not sufficient to infer emissions, which highlights the need for more complex inversions.
A TCAD Framework for Development and Manufacturing

The semiconductor manufacturing engineer is often faced with the problems of process integration, equipment control, parametric yield diagnosis, process centering, worst-case design, and device parameter extraction. These problems require the use of technology CAD (TCAD) tools across a spectrum of speed and accuracy. We have developed a specialized TCAD framework to integrate the required tools and auxiliary software into a system that is convenient for everyday use. The initial work was embodied in the PREDITOR system, and has now evolved into pdFab, a commercial product. In this paper, we will describe the PREDITOR and pdFab systems, and show experimental results of using pdFab on industrial problems.
I02 Effect of CAG length on motor scores of children at risk for huntington's disease

Background Simple sequence repeats such as triple repeats in the genome are dynamic mutations that contribute to normal variation in behavioural traits, but when expanded beyond a threshold, cause neurologic disease. In the case of HD, the effects of CAG repeat have often been studied in the context of gene-expansion, however the effects of CAG repeat on brain function in the normal range have not been studied. The KidsHD program evaluates children (ages 6–18 years) who are at risk for HD (no children manifesting symptoms, no JHD included). For research purposes only, participants are genotyped and separated into gene-expanded (GE) and those that are non gene-expanded (GNE). This sample provides a rich opportunity to study the entire spectrum of CAG repeat length in relationship to a specific brain function—motor skills. Methods The Physical and Neurological Evaluation of Subtle Signs (PANESS) is a standardised assessment of fine and gross motor coordination. Higher scores indicate poorer motor coordination. Skilled raters (blind to gene status) evaluated each participant. A total of 35 GNE (CAG range 15–34) and 34 GE (CAG range 39–59) participants were assessed. Pearson Correlations controlling for age and sex were calculated to evaluate the relationship between length of CAG repeat and PANESS scores. Results In the GNE group, there was a significant negative correlation indicating that the greater the CAG repeat, the better the motor coordination, r=−0.39, p=0.02. In the GE group, there was a significant positive correlation, r=0.37, p=0.03 indicating that the higher the CAG repeat, the worse the motor coordination. Conclusions Length of CAG repeat in the Huntintin gene is directly related to motor performance in both normal and expanded ranges. The relationship between CAG repeat in the normal range supports the notion that this type of dynamic mutation serves an important function in modulating brain development and function.
Detection of Aperiodically Embedded Synchronization Patterns on Rayleigh Fading Channels

Correct reception of synchronization patterns aperiodically embedded in random data is vital for robust data transmission. In this letter, we derive general metrics and high-signal-to-noise ratio approximations to the metrics for random-length frames transmitted over Rayleigh fading channels. Simulation results are presented for commonly used modulation schemes with coherent and noncoherent demodulation
Snoring, sleep quality, and sleepiness across attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder subtypes.

Questionnaire (PSQ) and the Children’s Sleep-Wake Scale (CSWS). Only the ADHD-HI diagnosis was associated with an increased likelihood of chronic snoring. Sleep quality was poorer among children with ADHD than controls; however, there were no differences in sleep quality across ADHD subtypes. Sleepiness was greater in children with ADHD, especially the ADHD-I Type. Conclusions: Chronic snoring may be a correlated feature in only a subgroup of the ADHD population, possibly those more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD-HI. Although children with ADHD have poorer sleep quality and greater daytime sleepiness, these 2 features of ADHD are not closely related.
Dynamic and steady state studies of phenol biodegradation in pure and mixed cultures

The microbial degradation of phenol by pure and mixed cultures of Pseudomonas putida was studied in batch, phenol-stat, and continuous culture systems. In the continuous culture runs, both steady state and transient experiments were performed. From these experiments, a model for the kinetic behavior of the organisms was evolved and an analysis performed on the stability and dynamic behavior of pure and mixed cultures. The results indicate that it should be possible to achieve phenol removal from wastewaters down to levels of 1-2 ppm in a single state system. However, because of the effect of substrate inhibition on kinetic behavior of the microorganisms, long lasting transients can occur. The transient behavior of such systems cannot be solely determined from mumax or Ks parameters, but must include a consideration of the transient size and response characteristic of the organism.
A 7 Gb/s Embedded Clock Transceiver for Energy Proportional Links

A rapid-on/off transceiver for embedded clock architecture that enables energy proportional communication over the serial link is presented. In an energy proportional link, energy consumed by serial link is proportional to the amount of data communicated. Energy proportionality can be achieved by scaling the serial link power linearly with the link utilization, and fine grained rapid power state transition (rapid-on/off) is one such technique which can achieve this objective. In this paper, architecture and circuit techniques to achieve rapid-on/off in PLL, transmitter and receiver are discussed. Background phase calibration technique in PLL and CDR phase calibration logic in receiver enable instantaneous lock on power-on. The proposed transceiver demonstrates power scalability with a wide range of link utilization and, therefore, helps in improving overall system efficiency. Fabricated in 65 nm CMOS technology, the 7 Gb/s transceiver achieves power-on-lock in less than 20 ns. Proposed PLL achieves power-on-lock in 1 ns. The transceiver achieves power scaling by 44 $\times$ (63.7 mW-to-1.43 mW) and energy efficiency degradation by only 2.2 $\times$ (9.1 pJ/bit-to-20.5 pJ/bit), when the effective data rate (link utilization) changes by 100 $\times$ (7 Gb/s-to-70 Mb/s). The proposed transceiver occupies an active die area of 0.39 mm $^{2}$ .
The Marjuman trilobite Cedarina Lochman: thoracic morphology, systematics, and new species from western Utah and eastern Nevada, USA

Cedarina schachti n. sp. from the Marjuman (Cedaria Zone) Weeks Formation of western Utah, USA, provides the first information on thoracic morphology within the genus. Its thorax is radically different from those of species of Cedaria Walcott, with which Cedarina Lochman has been classified in Cedariidae Raymond, but strikingly similar to those of plesiomorphic remopleuridoideans grouped in the paraphyletic Richardsonellinae Raymond. If Cedarina and the remopleuridoideans are genuinely related it follows that 1) Cedariidae as traditionally conceived is paraphyletic; 2) Cedarina is a plesiomorphic sister taxon of the remopleuridoideans; and 3) the remopleuridoideans are not a component of the Order Asaphida. Silicified material of a second new species, C. clevensis from the Marjuman (Crepicephalus Zone) Lincoln Peak Formation of eastern Nevada, confirms the presence of a long thoracic axial spine and provides the first information on ontogenetic development and ventral morphology within the genus.
New Fields in Molecular Spectroscopy

As an introduction to the lectures that follow in this Symposium, some general comments on overall directions in which spectroscopy has recently moved may be useful. These new developments increase the power of experimental techniques in exploring all aspects of molecular structure. At the same time, they provide exciting challenges to theoretical chemists in interpreting and rationalizing new data that is emerging.
Abstract 194: Epigenetic And Neuro-glia-vascular Alternations After Stroke In Type-1 Diabetes

Background and Purpose: Diabetes is a major risk factor for ischemic cerebrovascular disease that increases morbidity and mortality in type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) population. The undefined mechanism for diabetic stroke severity delayed the therapeutic options to deal with this clinically relevant problem. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism of severity during diabetic stroke by observing epigenetic, neuro-glia-vascular components of the brain with regard to non-diabetic stroke. Methods: To test this hypothesis we employed 8-10 weeks old male diabetic Ins2+/- Akita (genetic T1DM) and wild type mice. The experimental mice groups were: 1) sham, 2) IR, 3) shamAkita, and 4) IRAkita. Mice were subjected to ischemic injury (40 min) followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Infarct area was measured with TTC. The brain tissues were analyzed for inflammation, glial, neuronal, vascular, MMP-9 expressions and global epigenetic alterations (5-methylcytosine, 5-mC and 5-hydroxymethylcytosin...
ADOBE I: THE PROPERTIES OF ADOBE

The uses, composition and properties of adobe are briefly reviewed and the processes contributing to the deterioration of adobe structures are assessed. Understanding of these processes must precede selection of effective preservation methods.
Tibial Combs and Proboscis Cleaning in Mosquitoes

Proboscis cleaning by Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) is described. The cleaning structures consist of comblike patches of setae located on the anterior surface of the apex of the foretibiae. The tibial combs of A. aegypti and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say were examined with the scanning electron microscope. They were found to be complex structures, each composed of 3 distinct series of setae.
Classifying coloring graphs

Given a graph G , its k -coloring graph is the graph whose vertex set is the proper k -colorings of the vertices of G with two k -colorings adjacent if they differ at exactly one vertex. In this paper, we consider the question: Which graphs can be coloring graphs? In other words, given a graph H , do there exist G and k such that H is the k -coloring graph of G ? We will answer this question for several classes of graphs and discuss important obstructions to being a coloring graph involving order, girth, and induced subgraphs.
Ambient Air Pollution in China: Predicting a Turning Point

One of the most debatable questions among developmental economists and sinologists today is the question that deals with the time it would take China to reduce its current ambient air pollution levels to the levels acceptable by the World Health Organization. Some studies suggest that an increase in the standard of living would improve the environmental situation, a phenomenon that is termed the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). The objective of this study is to estimate the EKC and identify major factors leading to ambient air pollution in China during 2004–2013. We use time-series panel data in 27 provinces to estimate the variability in the levels of ambient air pollution as measured by particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Some policy implications are drawn.
Metabolic Syndrome Case

1. To review the criteria for the metabolic syndrome and the obesity assessment according to metabolic risk factors. 2. To understand the benefit of weight loss and lifestyle modification. 3. To review risk appropriate weight loss goals for individuals with the metabolic syndrome.
Non-linear optical properties of a coherent array of sub-micron SiO2 spheres (opal) implanted with Si nano-clusters

The optical properties of a coherent array of sub-micron spheres (opal) gained an increased interest in recent year.
Sci-Hub: What Librarians Should Know and Do about Article Piracy

The high cost of journal articles has driven many researchers to turn to a new way of getting access: "pirate" article sites. Sci-Hub, the largest and best known of these sites, currently offers instant access to more than 58 million journal articles. Users attracted by the ease of use and breadth of the collection may not realize that these articles are often obtained using stolen credentials and downloading them may be illegal. This article will briefly describe Sci-Hub and how it works, the legal and ethical issues it raises, and the problems it may cause for librarians. Librarians should be aware of Sci-Hub and the ways it may change their patrons' expectations. They should also understand the risks Sci-Hub can pose to their patrons and their institutions.
What’s in the Pipeline for Melasma and Vitiligo

Melasma is a common and challenging pigmentary condition which is continually being studied to better understand its pathogenesis, clinical features, risk factors, and treatments. New tools are emerging for analyzing melasma and its response to treatment. New topical, oral, and injectable treatments, as well as procedural treatments, are being investigated as monotherapies and as combination therapies for melasma. Vitiligo profoundly impacts quality of life for patients suffering from this psychologically devastating disease. Major recent advances have been made in pathomechanisms involved in the destruction of melanocytes in vitiligo. These advances place oxidative stress and autoimmunity at the forefront of the pathogenesis of this disease. Given these advances, multiple new therapies are in the pipeline for both stabilization and repigmentation of vitiligo. There are currently many new treatments being studied for melasma and vitiligo. As larger, controlled trials are conducted for both of these conditions; there is hope on the horizon for new safe and effective treatment options.
Energy Derivatives and Symmetry

Calculation of molecular energy derivatives represents now a very significant part of electronic structure studies. Theoreticians have at their disposal powerful tools for calculating molecular geometries, reaction pathways, and first- and second- order properties. The early work of Pulay (1) using ab initio wavefunctions, and of McIver and Komornicki (2) using semi-empirical wavefunctions, has been extended to the calculation of second and even third derivatives for a wide variety of wavefunctions (3–12), including multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock, configuration interaction, and perturbation wavefunctions. It is worth noting that the treatment of electron correlation effects is quite extended and accurate with these wavefunctions, but also that extended basis sets including polarization functions are often used. All of these features lead to quantum chemical studies of high accuracy and reliability.
Vincristine Saturation of Cellular Binding Sites and Its Cytotoxic Activity in Human Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells: mechanism of inoculum effect

Abstract Vincristine (VCR) is an active agent in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We evaluated the relationship between the cytotoxic activity of VCR and the degree of VCR saturation of cellular drug binding sites, using the MOLT-3 ALL cell line. When MOLT-3 cells at a density of 1 × 10 6 or 1 × 10 8 cells/mL of pH-controlled medium were exposed to VCR for 1 hr, its cytotoxic activity on cells at high density was 10-fold less than on cells at low density (inoculum effect). The number of VCR binding sites measured by Scatchard analysis was 9.25 × 10 6 /cell. At high cell density, the saturation of VCR binding sites was one log order less than that at low density. Irrespective of cell density, curves of cell-kill versus the degree of VCR saturation of the cellular binding sites overlapped each other. Minimal cytotoxic activity was observed at 0.3% VCR saturation, and nearly maximal cytotoxic activity occurred at about 25% saturation, with the ic 50 at about 4% saturation. These data show that the VCR-induced cell-kill effect is dependent on the degree of saturation of VCR binding sites rather than on the extracellular VCR concentration. The lesser cell-kill on cells at high density can be explained by the lack of drug molecules to sufficiently saturate cellular binding sites. This phenomenon may be responsible, at least in part, for the poor chemotherapeutic outcome of ALL patients with high leukocyte counts at presentation.
Modeling Telecommunication Networks with the Use of Reference Graphs

In this paper, an algorithm for finding graphs with parameters of Reference Graphs was presented. During the Reference Graphs search, it was found that in most cases with a specific number of nodes and equal degrees of nodes, there is more than one graph with identical baseline parameters, the diameter and average path length, and the number of these graphs increases with the increase of the number of nodes and their degree. To clarify where these differences are occurring, it was decided to define the characteristics of the comparable structures that could affect the transmission properties.
A metric for measuring power efficiency and data throughput in mobile ad hoc networks

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in the realm of sensor networks. However, most of the ongoing research is centered on protocol development or data del...
Inhaled Fasudil Lacks Pulmonary Selectivity in Thromboxane-Induced Acute Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborn Lambs.

Introduction:Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a potentially deadly disease for infants and adults with few existing medical interventions and no cure. In PH, increased blood pressure in the pulmonary...
Williams Syndrome: Neuropsychological Findings and Implications for Practice

Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic disorder resulting from a deletion on Chromosome 7. Individuals with WS exhibit distinct physical features such as facial abnormalities, hypercalcemia, and congenital heart disease. Psychosocial characteristics include an outgoing, friendly personality, excellent conservational skills, and mild to moderate mental retardation. Neuroanatomical findings related to WS indicate that the overall size of the cerebrum is reduced although there is proportionately no lateralized volume reduction. Additionally, individuals with WS have a smaller corpus callosum and an enlarged neocerebellum. Observed neuropsychological characteristics form a distinct profile of strengths and weaknesses. In general, strengths are demonstrated in linguistic skills and facial processing, despite overall cognitive impairment and visuo–spatial processing deficiencies. Further research is needed on the relationship between brain structure and function of individuals with WS in order to elucidate the brain systems that contribute to the observed neuropsychological sequelae. Implications for the provision of school psychological services and educational planning of children with WS are provided.
Role of Membrane Fluidity in the Expression of Biological Functions

Biological membranes are composed of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. It is generally agreed that proteins are the components most directly responsible for the great diversity of functions displayed by natural membranes while the lipids, arranged in a bimolecular leaflet, provide a highly impermeable and supportive matrix for the proteins. Some of the membrane proteins, the so-called integral membrane proteins, extend into the hydrophobic regions of the lipid bilayer and are exposed on at least one of the membrane surfaces or may span the lipid bilayer and be exposed on both surfaces. Other membrane proteins, the peripheral proteins, are noncovalently attached to the membrane surface and do not extend significantly into hydrophobic regions of the membrane. The carbohydrates reside on the membrane surface, covalently attached to proteins or lipids. The lipid bilayer is not a static structure but can exist in different dynamic states in which the lipid molecules exhibit different degrees of rotational, segmental, and lateral mobilities. When mobility is high, the membrane is said to be in a high fluid state and free membrane proteins can readily translate and rotate in the lipid bilayer.
Effects of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of a TiMoNbAl alloy

Critical aerospace, petrochemical, and marine applications demand high strength, formable materials which are resistant to corrosion, stress corrosion, and hydrogen embrittlement. Modern B titanium alloys are candidates for many such applications due to their excellent strength, toughness, formability, and resistance to general corrosion [1-5]. Furthermore, titanium's compact surface oxide film limits hydrogen entry and the underlying B matrix has a high solubility for hydrogen [6-7]. However, both model binary B titanium alloys as well as early developmental B alloys (Ti-13V-11Cr-3AI) can be susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement [8-15]. Hydrogen has also been implicated as the embrittling species in aqueous environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) of r,.a and B alloys [16-20]. Current understanding of the controlling hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms in B-titanium alloys is insufficient to enable critical, damage tolerant applications [21]. The present research seeks to define the effects of a range of internal hydrogen concentrations on the room temperature mechanical properties of the peak aged B titanium alloy, TIMETAL 21S.
Muscle glycogen concentrations and response to diet and exercise regimes in Warmblood horses with type 2 Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy

Type 1 polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM1) is a glycogen storage disorder of known cause whereas the basis for type 2 PSSM (PSSM2) is unknown. The same diet and exercise regime prescribed for PSSM1 is recommended for PSSM2; however, the benefit of these recommendations for PSSM2 is undocumented. The objectives of this study were to determine traits of PSSM2 Warmblood horses (WB), determine the changes in exercise responses that occur with a recommended low-starch/fat-supplemented diet and exercise regime, and determine if glycogen concentrations correspond to the severity of signs. Owners of PSSM2 WB (2008–2016), completed a retrospective questionnaire regarding their horse. Glycogen concentrations were analyzed in skeletal muscle of PSSM2 WB (n = 36) obtained prior to recommendations and in control WB with no evident myopathy (n = 23). Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, McNemar’s tests with Bonferroni correction and Mann Whitney testing were utilized. Abnormal exercise responses reported by owners, began at approximately 6 years of age and included a decline in performance, a reluctance to collect and reluctance to go forward in over 50% of horses. With the recommended diet and exercise regime, 80% of PSSM2 WB owners reported an overall improvement with significant decreases in the proportion of horses showing a decline in performance and rhabdomyolysis. However, 53% of PSSM2 WB were still not advancing as expected with reluctance to go forward and collect persisting in approximately one third of horses. Median muscle glycogen concentrations did not differ between PSSM2 WB and WB with no evident myopathy. PSSM2 WB with the highest glycogen concentrations were significantly more likely to show a decline in performance than those with lower glycogen concentrations. In conclusion, diet and exercise recommendations ideal for PSSM1 improve but do not eliminate the decline in performance and reluctance to go forward under saddle characteristic of PSSM2.
5-Aminothiophene-2,4-dicarboxamide analogues as hepatitis B virus capsid assembly effectors.

Abstract Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a major health threat. Current FDA-approved drugs do not cure HBV. Targeting HBV core protein (Cp) provides an attractive approach toward HBV inhibition and possibly infection cure. We have previously identified and characterized a 5-amino-3-methylthiophene-2,4-dicarboxamide (ATDC) compound as a structurally novel hit for capsid assembly effectors (CAEs). We report herein hit validation through studies on absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties and pharmacokinetics (PK), and hit optimization via analogue synthesis aiming to probe the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and structure-property relationship (SPR). In the end, these medicinal chemistry efforts led to the identification of multiple analogues strongly binding to Cp, potently inhibiting HBV replication in nanomolar range without cytotoxicity, and exhibiting good oral bioavailability (F). Two of our analogues, 19o (EC50 = 0.11 μM, CC50 > 100 μM, F = 25%) and 19k (EC50 = 0.31 μM, CC50 > 100 μM, F = 46%), displayed overall lead profiles superior to reported CAEs 7–10 used in our studies.
Neighborhood selections by young adults: Evidence from a panel of U.S. adolescents

ABSTRACTThe number of neighborhoods with diverse mixtures of the major ethnic and racial groups is increasing. There is also work that suggests that young adults are more open to integration and th...
Mechanistic investigation via QCM-D into the color stability imparted to betacyanins by the presence of food grade anionic polysaccharides

Abstract The known ability of select anionic polysaccharides (gum arabic, beet pectin, xanthan gum, and sodium alginate) to improve shelf and thermal color stabilities of beet betalains at mild (pH 5) and typical beverage acidity (pH 3.2) is highlighted and studied herein. Mechanisms imparting stability are investigated by in-solution particle size, zeta-potential, and auto-fluorescence measurements coupled with quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) binding studies. Sodium alginate and xanthan gum best preserved red hues in aqueous solutions through accelerated shelf storage (40 °C) at both pH. However, while alginate complexes improved thermal stability at pH 3.2, xanthan gum-pigment mixtures had the poorest of all polysaccharides at 55 °C. Beet pectin showed stabilizing effects at pH 5.0 only. The highly negative zeta potentials of alginate and xanthan pigment mixtures at both pH and beet pectin mixtures att pH 5.0 suggests a negative charge environment created by polysaccharide uronic acid substituents may aid color stabilization. Particle size data further suggest sodium alginate forms soluble complexes with beet extracts. QCM-D showed purified betacyanin binds irreversibly and most significantly to surfaces coated with the more negative and linear polysaccharides, alginate or xanthan gum. Pigment binding to heavily branched polysaccharides (gum arabic and beet pectin) was not significant and was reversible. Furthermore, dissipation changes plotted against frequency change suggest betacyanin binding to alginate and xanthan gum is more rigid at pH 3.2 than at pH 5.0, and suggests betalain stability at low pH may be imparted by strong irreversible association between these polysaccharides and the pigment.
STING pathway stimulation results in a differentially activated innate immune phenotype associated with low nitric oxide and enhanced antibody titers in young and aged mice.

Abstract Background One of the most concerning public health issues, related to vaccination and disease prevention, is the inability to induce durable immune responses following a single-dose immunization. In this regard, the nature of the inflammatory environment induced by vaccine adjuvants can negatively impact the resulting immune response. To address these concerns, new strategies to vaccine design are needed in order to improve the outcomes of immune responses, particularly in immunologically disadvantaged populations. Methods Comparisons of the scope of innate immune activation induced by TLR agonists versus cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) was performed. Their effects on the activation characteristics (e.g., metabolism, cytokine secretion) of bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were studied. In addition, the differential effects on in vivo induction of antibody responses were measured. Results As compared to TLR ligands, the stimulation of BMDCs with CDNs induced distinctly different metabolic outcomes. Marked differences were observed in the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the cytokine BAFF. These distinct differences were correlated with improved (i.e., more rapid and persistent) vaccine antibody responses in both aged and young mice. Conclusions Our results illustrate that the innate immune pathway targeted by adjuvants can critically impact the outcome of the immune response post-vaccination. Specifically, CDN stimulation of APCs induced an activation phenotype that was characterized by decreased innate effector molecule production (e.g., NO) and increased BAFF. This was attributed to the induction of an innate inflammatory environment that enabled the host to make the most of the existing B lymphocyte potential. The use of adjuvants that differentially engage mechanisms of innate immune activation would be particularly advantageous for the generation of robust, single dose vaccines. The results of this study demonstrated that CDNs induced differential innate activation and enhanced vaccine induced antibody responses in both young and aged mice.
Malignant Adnexal Neoplasms

Malignant adnexal neoplasms are rare tumors derived from apocrine, eccrine, sebaceous and follicular adnexal structures. Herein, the malignant tumors of eccrine differentiation will be reviewed. The histological features that distinguish these neoplasms from each other and from benign tumors, as well as the features that are found when these tumors locally invade neighboring tissue and/or metastasize, are discussed.
A machine learning approach for packet loss prediction in science flows

Abstract Science networks and their hosted applications require large and frequent data transfers, but these transfers are subject to network performance degradation, including queuing delays and packet drops. However, well known network dynamics along with limited instrumentation access complicate the creation of an accurate method that predicts different performance aspects of data transfers. In this study, we develop a lightweight machine learning tool to predict end-to-end packet retransmission in science flows of arbitrary size. We also identify the minimum set of necessary path and host measurements needed as input features in our predictor in order to achieve high accuracy. In our evaluation process our predictor demonstrated low training times and was able to provide accurate estimates (97%–99%) for packet retransmissions of data transfers of arbitrary sizes. The results also manifest that the our solution was able to predict retransmit behavior reasonably well (66%) even for previously unseen data if training and testing datasets had similar statistics.
Deep Learning for Functional Brain Connectivity: Are We There Yet?

The detection of behavioral disorders rooted in neurological structure and function is an important research goal for neuroimaging communities. Recently, deep learning has been used successfully in diagnosis and segmentation applications using anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) . One of the reasons for its popularity is that with repeated nonlinear transformations, the algorithm is capable of learning complex patterns in the data. Another advantage is that the feature selection step commonly used with machine learning algorithms in neuroimaging applications is eliminated which could lead to less bias in the result. However, there has been little progress in the application of these black-box approaches to functional MRI (fMRI) . In this study, we explore the use of deep learning methods in comparison with conventional machine learning classifiers as well as their ensembles to analyze fMRI scans. We compare the benefits of deep learning against an ensemble of classical machine learning classifiers with a suitable feature selection strategy. Specifically, we focus on a clinically important problem of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Functional connectivity information is extracted from fMRI scans of ADHD and control patients (ADHD-200), and analysis is performed by applying a decision fusion of various classifiers—the support vector machine, support vector regression, elastic net, and random forest. We selectively include features by a nonparametric ranking method for feature selection. After initial classification is performed, the decisions are summed in various permutations for an ensemble classifier, and the final results are compared with the deep learning-based results. We achieved a maximum accuracy of 93.93% on the KKI dataset (a subset of the ADHD-200) and also identified significantly different connections in the brain between ADHD and control subjects. In the blind testing with different subsets of the target data (Peking-1), we achieved a maximum accuracy of 72.9%. In contrast, the deep learning-based approaches yielded a maximum accuracy of 70.5% on the Peking-1 dataset and 67.74% on the complete ADHD-200 dataset, significantly inferior to the classifier ensemble approach. With more data being made publicly available, deep learning in fMRI may show a strong potential but as of now deep learning does not provide a magical solution for fMRI-based diagnosis.
Prioritizing Amyloid Imaging Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease via Learning to Rank

We propose an innovative machine learning paradigm enabling precision medicine for AD biomarker discovery. The paradigm tailors the imaging biomarker discovery process to individual characteristics of a given patient. We implement this paradigm using a newly developed learning-to-rank method \(\mathop {\mathtt {PLTR}}\limits \). The \(\mathop {\mathtt {PLTR}}\limits \) model seamlessly integrates two objectives for joint optimization: pushing up relevant biomarkers and ranking among relevant biomarkers. The empirical study of \(\mathop {\mathtt {PLTR}}\limits \) conducted on the ADNI data yields promising results to identify and prioritize individual-specific amyloid imaging biomarkers based on the individual’s structural MRI data. The resulting top ranked imaging biomarker has the potential to aid personalized diagnosis and disease subtyping.
A PATHWAY TO HOMEOWNERSHIP? EVIDENCE FROM THE IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986

The impact of legal status on economic outcomes has been well documented in the literature with most research focused on labor market outcomes such as wages and occupational mobility. In this paper, I utilize the exogenous variation created the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 to estimate the effect of amnesty polices on homeownership among undocumented immigrants. Using a regression discontinuity framework, the results suggest that the IRCA increased homeownership rates of eligible immigrants by around 4 percentage points relative to ineligible immigrants. Moreover, an extension to the main analysis suggests that immigrants ineligible for the IRCA adjusted their household formation by increasing the rates of coresidency. (JEL J61, R23, R31)
National prospective cohort study describing how financial stresses are associated with attrition from surgical residency.

Abstract Background Attrition from general surgery residency is high with a national rate of 20%. We evaluated potential associations between financial considerations and attrition. Methods National prospective cohort study of categorical general surgery trainees. Results Of the 1048 interns who started training in 2007, 681 (65%) had complete survey and follow-up data. In logistic regression, those with higher starting attending salary expectations (>$300K) were more likely to leave training (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–6.9). Women with a partner who earned more (>$50K/year) were more likely to leave training (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.6–10.5). In a subgroup of interns undecided about their future practice setting (academic, community, private practice, industry), those with less debt (≤$100K) were more likely to leave training (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.2). Conclusions Several financial matters were associated with attrition. Addressing these financial concerns may help decrease attrition in surgical training and improve surgical training.
Risk of Incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Objective To examine the risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) versus the risk among 4 different comparison cohorts. Methods Using a large US commercial insurance database, Optum Clinformatics Data Mart (2005-2017), we identified patients with RA based on ≥2 diagnoses for RA and use of ≥1 disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. We selected 4 comparison cohorts with ≥2 disease-specific diagnoses and ≥1 dispensing of disease-specific drugs: 1) general non-RA patients, 2) patients with hypertension, 3) patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and 4) patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The index date was the disease-specific drug dispensing date. Patients with RA were matched to the comparator cohorts (except PsA) for age as of the index date, sex, and index date. The primary outcome was incident type 2 DM, defined as a new diagnosis of type 2 DM plus a new dispensing of antidiabetic drugs. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model estimated hazard ratios of incident type 2 DM among RA versus each of the comparison cohorts, accounting for >40 baseline covariates. Results A total of 449,327 RA, general non-RA, hypertension, OA, or PsA patients were selected. During the median of 1.6 (range 0.6-3.3) years of follow-up, the incidence rate of type 2 DM was the lowest in the RA cohort (7.0 per 1,000 person-years) and highest (12.3 per 1,000 person-years) in the hypertension cohort. After adjusting for >40 baseline covariates, we found that RA was associated with a 24-35% lower risk of incident type 2 DM compared to 4 comparison groups. Conclusion In this large population-based cohort study, patients with RA had a lower rate of incident type 2 DM compared to the general non-RA, hypertension, OA, and PsA cohorts.
Proposal of Chip-Scale Generation and Verification of Photonic Dimers

A semiconductor chip to generate and verify the photonic dimers, a quantum photonic state, is proposed and analyzed, even in the limit of a low efficiency.
The AD Knowledge Portal: A Repository for Multi-Omic Data on Alzheimer's Disease and Aging

The AD Knowledge Portal (adknowledgeportal.org) is a public data repository that shares data and other resources generated by multiple collaborative research programs focused on aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this article, we highlight how to use the Portal to discover and download genomic variant and transcriptomic data from the same individuals. First, we show how to use the web interface to browse and search for data of interest using relevant file annotations. We demonstrate how to learn more about the context surrounding the data, including diagnostic criteria and methodological details about sample preparation and data analysis. We present two primary ways to download data-using a web interface, and using a programmatic method that provides access using the command line. Finally, we show how to merge separate sources of metadata into a comprehensive file that contains factors and covariates necessary in downstream analyses. © 2020 The Authors. Basic Protocol 1: Find and download files associated with a selected study Basic Protocol 2: Download files in bulk using the command line client Basic Protocol 3: Working with file annotations and metadata.
Plasma Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease in African Americans

Background/objective The aim of this study was to determine if plasma concentrations of 5 surrogate markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and neuroinflammation are associated with disease status in African Americans. Methods We evaluated 321 African Americans (159 AD, 162 controls) from the Florida Consortium for African-American Alzheimer's Disease Studies (FCA3DS). Five plasma proteins reflecting AD neuropathology or inflammation (Aβ42, tau, IL6, IL10, TNFα) were tested for associations with AD, age, sex, APOE and MAPT genotypes, and for pairwise correlations. Results Plasma tau levels were higher in AD when adjusted for biological and technical covariates. APOEɛ4 was associated with lower plasma Aβ42 and tau levels. Older age was associated with higher plasma Aβ42, tau, and TNFα. Females had lower IL10 levels. Inflammatory proteins had strong pairwise correlations amongst themselves and with Aβ42. Conclusion We identified effects of demographic and genetic variants on five potential plasma biomarkers in African Americans. Plasma inflammatory biomarkers and Aβ42 may reflect correlated pathologies and elevated plasma tau may be a biomarker of AD in this population.