cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Energy Consumption of Fast Convergecast in Wireless Networks

Kesselman and Kowalski (JPDC '06) have proposed a simple distributed randomized algorithm for fast convergecast in wireless networks. The Kesselman-Kowalski algorithm works in a synchronized mode under the assumptions that all wireless nodes have variable transmission range, each can learn the distance to the closest active neighbor at any time, and all have a special collision detection (CD) capability so that a transmitting node can detect a collision within its transmission range.They prove that their algorithm finishes in O(log n) expected timeslots and that, assuming the nodes are located in a Euclidean plane, the total energy used is O(n log n) times the minimum energy of a (not necessarily fast) convergecast. They also provide instances where an Omega(n/log n) gap exists between the energy of any fast (that is, with O(\log n) timeslots) convergecast, and the minimum energy convergecast. We prove that, when compared to the most energy efficient fast convergecast, the Kesselman-Kowalski algorithm uses O(log^2 n) times the optimum energy. With the additional assumption that n, or a good estimate of it, is known, we modify the Kesselman-Kowalski algorithm such that it also finishes in O(log n) expected timeslots, and uses O(n) times the energy of a minimum energy convergecast. We also provide a centralized algorithm which produces a fast convergecast using n/log n times the minimum energy convergecast.All the above bounds (including those from Kesselman-Kowalski) assume that the energy spent for sending a packet from a node to another is proportional to the square of the Euclidean distance between the two nodes.
Expansion corner effects on hypersonic shock wave/turbulent boundary-layer interactions

An experimental program has been conducted to investigate the behavior of hypersonic shock wave/ turbulent boundary-layer interactions in the vicinity of an expansion corner. Tests were run in the Calspan 96-in. shock tunnel at nominal Mach 11.5 freestream conditions for a unit Reynolds number of approximately 18 x 106/ft. Fully turbulent boundary layers were generated with a flat plate, and oblique shocks were generated with a planar shock generator canted at angles of 10, 12, and 15 deg relative to the freestream. Shock-impingement points were varied to create impingement points upstream, in the vicinity, and downstream of an expansion corner with an angle that was similar in magnitude to the shock generator. Wall static pressure and heat transfer were measured in the region of the shock interaction to determine the effects of the expansion corner on the character of the shock wave/boundary-layer interaction. Detailed data have been generated for comparison with computational codes and to enable a better understanding of hypersonic inlet design.
Systemic Diseases Associated with Retinal Dystrophies

Inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) may occur in isolation or as part of a multi-systemic condition. Ocular manifestations may be the presenting symptom of a syndromic disease and can include retinitis pigmentosa, cone-rod dystrophy, or maculopathy. Alternatively, patients affected with syndromic disease may already have other systemic manifestations at the time retinal disease is diagnosed. Some of these systemic diseases can cause significant morbidity. Here, we review several of these syndromic IRDs and their underlying genetic causes. Early recognition and referral for systemic evaluation and surveillance may lead to early intervention and an improved outcome. Obtaining a molecular diagnosis can be beneficial in securing a definitive diagnosis, especially in cases with atypical presentations. A genetic diagnosis may also be informative with regard to prognosis and potential therapies. Effective management and rehabilitation for patients with syndromic retinal dystrophy requires a comprehensive genetic-based team approach involving patients, family members, ophthalmologists, primary care physicians, and geneticists.
Characteristics of Radiology Training Programs in Europe in Comparison with Those in The United States

Often in matters of comparison of health care between the U.S. and elsewhere I take a critical view of the American product. Not this time. I want to say straight out that after a visit to participate in the annual meeting of an organization called Management in Radiology, which is an association of European radiologists akin in purpose and purview to the Society of Chairman of Academic Radiology Departments (SCARD) in the US, I came away with the conviction that in our country we prepare our residents much better than they do in every country in Europe. Our training paradigms are evidently more extensive in scope, more uniform in content and more committed to the education of radiologists of the future than is the case in most European countries. We have incorporated into them standardized instruments and policies for review and surveillance that are mostly lacking on the other side of the North Atlantic.
A self-adaptive handoff decision algorithm for densely deployed closed-group femtocell networks

Due to the high traffic demand in cellular networks, femtocells are considered as one promising solution for providing cellular traffic offloading and better indoor coverage. However, coexistence of femtocells with macrocell networks introduces special challenges to mobility management. In particular, since indoor and unplanned deployment of femtocells usually suffers abrupt signal drop due to mutipath propagation, wall penetration loss, and shadowing, unnecessary handoffs and ping-pong effects may happen frequently, which severely degrades the quality of connections and user experience. On the other hand, offloading in femtocells requires a high cell utilization. Therefore, handoff decision algorithms should be carefully designed to trigger proper handoffs and fulfill the different requirements of macro-to-femto and femto-to-macro handoffs. In this paper, we propose a location history based adaptive handoff decision algorithm to address the special challenges of indoor and unplanned deployment of femtocells. Our proposed algorithm uses the neighboring cell list in dense femtocell networks to obtain the location of users. Based on the user location history, a new concept, handoff frequency of occurrence, is introduced to assist intelligent handoff decision-making. The hysteresis margin in our proposed handoff decision criteria can be adaptively adjusted to meet various handoff requirements. Simulation results show that our proposed location history based adaptive handoff decision algorithm can significantly improve the femtocell utilization and handoff failure rate. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first adaptive handoff decision algorithm that considers specific challenges of indoor deployment of femtocells.
Automatic Segmentation of Mechanically Inhomogeneous Tissues Based on Deformation Gradient Jump

Variations in properties, active behavior, injury, scarring, and/or disease can all cause a tissue's mechanical behavior to be heterogeneous. Advances in imaging technology allow for accurate full-field displacement tracking of both in vitro and in vivo deformation from an applied load. While detailed strain fields provide some insight into tissue behavior, material properties are usually determined by fitting stress-strain behavior with a constitutive equation. However, the determination of the mechanical behavior of heterogeneous soft tissue requires a spatially varying constitutive equation (i.e., one in which the material parameters vary with position). We present an approach that computationally dissects the sample domain into many homogeneous subdomains, wherein subdomain boundaries are formed by applying a betweenness based graphical analysis to the deformation gradient field to identify locations with large discontinuities. This novel partitioning technique successfully determined the shape, size and location of regions with locally similar material properties for: (1) a series of simulated soft tissue samples prescribed with both abrupt and gradual changes in anisotropy strength, prescribed fiber alignment, stiffness, and nonlinearity, (2) tissue analogs (PDMS and collagen gels) which were tested biaxially and speckle tracked (3) and soft tissues which exhibited a natural variation in properties (cadaveric supraspinatus tendon), a pathologic variation in properties (thoracic aorta containing transmural plaque), and active behavior (contracting cardiac sheet). The routine enables the dissection of samples computationally rather than physically, allowing for the study of small tissues specimens with unknown and irregular inhomogeneity.
The Supreme Court Forces a U-Turn: The Fate of American Trucking

This Essay comments on the Supreme Court's decision in Whitman v. American Truckings Associations v. Browner, 531 U.S. 457 (2001) and on the District of Columbia Circuit Court's response in American Trucking Associations v. EPA, 283 F.3d 355 (D.C. Cir. 2002). The Essay suggests that Whitman is incorrect in suggesting that EPA decision-makers may not internally consider cost data; Whitman should be read as rejecting the proposed canon that statutes ought to be construed as allowing consideration of costs. Justice Breyer's concurring opinion, suggesting that the Clean Air Act ought to be construed as rejecting standards that would lead to deindustralization, is inconsistent with his reasoning about why the Act does not allow consideration of costs; Whitman's rejection of the claim that the Clean Air Act's standard-setting provisions violate the delegation doctrine is sound, and illustrates the tension between ensuring both accountability and rationality in agency decision-making; Whitman uses questionable reasoning in invalidating EPA's proposed approach to implementing revised air quality standards, and so unnecessarily hampers EPA's discretion on remand; the D.C. Circuit's rather cavalier approach on remand to whether EPA's decision-making was arbitrary is difficult to reconcile with its original opinion invalidating EPA's approach on delegation doctrine grounds, and is questionable in its reasoning.
Capsaicin-treated rats permanently overingest low- but not high-concentration sucrose solutions

The effect of capsaicin-induced chemical ablation of visceral afferents on 1-h liquid sucrose consumption was investigated in food-deprived rats. We first show that although 10% sucrose is permanen...
Maternal literacy practices and toddlers’ emergent literacy skills:

Maternal emergent literacy practices during shared-reading interactions with 18–36-month-old toddlers were examined. The investigation of emergent literacy behaviours of both mothers and toddlers i...
The Correction of Dental Centre Line Discrepancies Using an Edgewise Appliance

This paper deals with dental centre line discrepancies and the treatment mechanics for their correction when using an edgewise appliance.
Conversion Reactions and Personality Traits

2 previously supported hypotheses were tested with 30 Ss showing conversion reactions. Relations between their symptoms and personality traits as identified by the Personality Assessment System (PAS) were studied. The results support the hypotheses and provide further evidence of the usefulness of the PAS in studying patient groups.
Analysis on Results of Cockroach Density Monitoring,Qingdao City,2010-2012

Objective To understand cockroach distribution,density and seasonal dynamics,so as to provide scientific basis for its control and prevention. Methods At the three monitoring points,monitoring was carried out once a month in the mid-month during 2010-2012.The population distribution,density and seasonal fluctuation of cockroach were surveyed using night sticky trap method in residential areas,hotels,eating houses,markets and hospitals. Results A total of 6 480pieces of glue cockroach were placed,and 6 466pieces were reclaimed,5 759cockroaches,were captured.The average cockroach density was 0.89cockroaches/sheet.There were two cockroach species:Blattella germanica and Periplaneta japonica.Blattella germanica was predominant.The peak of mean cockroach density was 1.36cockroaches/sheet in August.The density in markets was 1.24cockroaches/sheet,which was the highest in different condition. Conclusion The density of cockroach should be controlledby using the seasonal and climatic changes influence on the growth and decline of cockroach and combining with environmental management.
[Dietary patterns and hyperglycemia in a follow-up study in Nanjing city].

Objective To investigate the association between dietary patterns and the risk of developing hyperglycemia in Nanjing.Methods Using multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling,the baseline survey was conducted on local residents older than 30 years in 7 communities from 2 urban districts from June to September 2007 in Nanjing.The total eligible subjects were 3376.Excluding the 476 previously diagnosed hyperglycemia patients,2900 non-hyperglycemia subjects were used as the baseline sample for the follow-up survey from June to September 2010.Using specially designed food frequency questionnaire (FFQ),factor analysis was applied to identify food patterns.Multivariable linear and Cox regression models were used to analyze the association between different dietary patterns and risk of hyperglycemia.Results The follow-up rate was 72.2％,with 2093 subjects participated the follow-up survey in 3 years.Three-year cumulative incidence of hyperglycemia was 7.5％ (158/2093).The incidence rate was 7.1％ (62/873) for males and 7.9％ (96/1220) for fcmales,but the differences were not statistically significant (x2 =0.43,P =0.513).Five dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis:condiment,animal and plant protein,traditional healthy,sweet food and alcohol drinking.By multivariable linear regression,on average,an increase in traditional healthy pattern and sweet food pattern of 1 unit was associated with a-0.054,0.050 mmol/Lincrease in fasting blood glucose,respectively,and the differences were both statistically significant (t =-2.38,2.27,respectively,P values were both less than 0.05).By multivariable Cox regression,the pattern sweet food was positively significantly associated with hyperglycemia risk in men.The incidence of hyperglycemia was 4.7％ (14/295) for the lowest tertile of the factor score (T1),and 9.7％ (26/269) for the highest tertile of the factor score (T3) (T3:T1:RR =1.88,95％ CI:1.04-3.54).The pattern traditional healthy was inversely associated with hyperglycemia risk in women.The incidence of hyperglycemia was 10.7％ (45/421) for T1 and 6.3％ (21/335) for T3 (T3:T1:RR =0.59,95％ CI:0.35-0.99).Conversely,a statistically significant positively association was observed for the pattern alcohol drinking in women.The incidence of hyperglycemia was 8.1％ (38/472) for T1 and 11.1％ (33/297) for T3 (T3:T1:RR =1.35,95％ CI:0.84-2.16).Conclusion Dietary patterns are associated with hyperglycemia.The sweet food pattem is a risk factor for hyperglycemia in men.In women,healthy dietary pattern is healthy and the alcohol drinking pattern is a risk factor for hyperglycemia. Key words: Hyperglycemia; Diet; Follow-up studies; Factor analysis
Parallelizing neural network training for cluster systems

We present a technique for parallelizing the training of neural networks. Our technique is designed for parallelization on a cluster of workstations. To take advantage of parallelization on clusters, a solution must account for the higher network latencies and lower bandwidths of clusters as compared to custom parallel architectures. Parallelization approaches that may work well on special purpose parallel hardware, such as distributing the neurons of the neural network across processors, are not likely to work well on cluster systems because communication costs to process a single training pattern are too prohibitive. Our solution, Pattern Parallel Training, duplicates the full neural network at each cluster node. Each cooperating process in the cluster trains the neural network on a subset of the training set each epoch. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach by implementing and testing an MPI version of Pattern Parallel Training for the eight bit parity problem. Our results show a significant speed-up in training time as compared to sequential training. In addition, we analyze the communication costs of our technique and discuss which types of common neural network problems would benefit most from our approach.
Novel materials for oxygen sensing technologies

The paper reviews the state-of-the-art in oxygen sensing, focusing on low power technologies suitable for portable applications. Employment of novel materials in electrochemical, optical, acoustic and resistive oxygen sensing structures, substantiated by extensive theoretical considerations and experimental data, is discussed. Merits and drawbacks of each technology are presented, together with possible means of optimization.
Uzbek-English and Turkish-English Morpheme Alignment Corpora.

Morphologically-rich languages pose problems for machine translation (MT) systems, including word-alignment errors, data sparsity and multiple affixes. Current alignment models at word-level do not distinguish words and morphemes, thus yielding low-quality alignment and subsequently affecting end translation quality. Models using morpheme-level alignment can reduce the vocabulary size of morphologically-rich languages and overcomes data sparsity. The alignment data based on smallest units reveals subtle language features and enhances translation quality. Recent research proves such morpheme-level alignment (MA) data to be valuable linguistic resources for SMT, particularly for languages with rich morphology. In support of this research trend, the Linguistic Data Consortium (LDC) created Uzbek-English and Turkish-English alignment data which are manually aligned at the morpheme level. This paper describes the creation of MA corpora, including alignment and tagging process and approaches, highlighting annotation challenges and specific features of languages with rich morphology. The light tagging annotation on the alignment layer adds extra value to the MA data, facilitating users in flexibly tailoring the data for various MT model training.
Motor competence and characteristics within the preschool environment

Abstract Objectives Environmental characteristics within preschools that influence children’s motor competence are largely unknown. The purpose of the present study was to examine the contribution of various preschool environmental characteristics to children’s locomotor, object control, and total gross motor scores. Design Cross-sectional, observational study of 3–5 year-old children (n = 229) from 22 preschools in South Carolina. Methods The Children’s Activity and Movement in Preschool Study (CHAMPS) Motor Skills Protocol assessed MC. Preschool directors provided information regarding policies and practices. The research team measured playgrounds and classrooms, and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised assessed preschool quality. Time spent in open space and electronic media use were also assessed using direct observation. The aforementioned variables predicted children’s object control, locomotor, and total gross motor scores. Results Classroom size/child ratio, teacher education, playground size, electronic media use, and trips to outside organizations emerged as significant predictors of locomotor score and total motor score. The object control model was non-significant. Conclusions Preschools may be able to promote motor competence by allowing children more time in open spaces, structured activity experiences, and by expanding existing outdoor playground space whenever possible.
L’appui modifie-t-il la consolidation après enclouage centro-médullaire des fractures diaphysaires du tibia

Abstract Introduction There is no consensus regarding postoperative weight-bearing (WB) assignment after treatment of tibial shaft fractures with an intramedullary nail. This study aims to determine if the postoperative WB assignment after tibia intramedullary nail placement alters healing. Methods Closed AO type 42A fractures treated with a reamed statically-locked intramedullary nail over a 10-year period were retrospectively reviewed from injury at 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months intervals until union or revision. Patients were categorized according to postoperative weight-bearing assignment: weight-bearing-as-tolerated (WBAT) or non-weight-bearing (NWB). Patients with additional diagnoses that confound routine fracture healing were excluded. Postoperative radiographic union scores for tibial fractures (RUST), coronal/sagittal angulations, and length were compared between different weight-bearing groups. Union was defined as a RUST ≥ 10 at a painless fracture site. Results A total of 83 patients achieved union (32 WBAT, 51 NWB). Both WB groups had similar preoperative demographics. Average age was 37 ± 13 years and follow-up averaged 1.3 ± 0.2 years. There were no significant differences in average time to radiographic union between NWB versus WBAT groups (5.5 vs. 6.1 months, respectively; P = 0.208) nor radiographic healing at 2, 3, and 6-month intervals (P = 0.631). There were two nonunions and one fracture shortened in the NWB group. There were no reoperations for symptomatic or broken hardware in either cohort. Conclusion Immediate WBAT after statically-locked intramedullary nail placement in simple tibial shaft fractures does not alter the time until or course of radiographic union. Level of evidence IV.
Testing three pathways to substance use and delinquency among low-income African American adolescents.

Objective Mounting literature suggests that parental monitoring, risky peer norms, and future orientation correlate with illicit drug use and delinquency. However, few studies have investigated these constructs simultaneously in a single statistical model with low income African American youth. This study examined parental monitoring, peer norms and future orientation as primary pathways to drug use and delinquent behaviors in a large sample of African American urban adolescents.
Reasoning strategies with rational numbers revealed by eye tracking.

Recent research has begun to investigate the impact of different formats for rational numbers on the processes by which people make relational judgments about quantitative relations. DeWolf, Bassok, and Holyoak (Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 144(1), 127–150, 2015) found that accuracy on a relation identification task was highest when fractions were presented with countable sets, whereas accuracy was relatively low for all conditions where decimals were presented. However, it is unclear what processing strategies underlie these disparities in accuracy. We report an experiment that used eye-tracking methods to externalize the strategies that are evoked by different types of rational numbers for different types of quantities (discrete vs. continuous). Results showed that eye-movement behavior during the task was jointly determined by image and number format. Discrete images elicited a counting strategy for both fractions and decimals, but this strategy led to higher accuracy only for fractions. Continuous images encouraged magnitude estimation and comparison, but to a greater degree for decimals than fractions. This strategy led to decreased accuracy for both number formats. By analyzing participants’ eye movements when they viewed a relational context and made decisions, we were able to obtain an externalized representation of the strategic choices evoked by different ontological types of entities and different types of rational numbers. Our findings using eye-tracking measures enable us to go beyond previous studies based on accuracy data alone, demonstrating that quantitative properties of images and the different formats for rational numbers jointly influence strategies that generate eye-movement behavior.
Effects of partial La filling and Sb vacancy defects on CoS b 3 skutterudites

Over the past decade, the open frame (``cagey'') structure of $\mathrm{CoS}{\mathrm{b}}_{3}$ skutterudite has invited intensive filling studies with various rare-earth elements for delivering state-of-the-art midtemperature thermoelectric performance. To rationalize previously reported experimental results and provide new insight into the underexplored roles of La fillers and Sb vacancies, ab initio density functional theory studies, along with semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory calculations, are performed for pristine $\mathrm{CoS}{\mathrm{b}}_{3}$ of different lattice settings and La-filled $\mathrm{CoS}{\mathrm{b}}_{3}$ with and without Sb's mono- and divacancy defects. The effects of spin-orbit coupling (SOC), partial La filling, Sb vacancy defects, and spin polarization on the electronic and thermoelectric properties are systematically examined. The SOC shows minor effects on the electronic and thermoelectric properties of $\mathrm{CoS}{\mathrm{b}}_{3}$. The peculiar quasi-Dirac band in the pristine $\mathrm{CoS}{\mathrm{b}}_{3}$ largely survives La filling but not Sb vacancies, which instead introduce dispersive bands in the band gap region. The non-spin-polarized and spin-polarized solutions of La-filled $\mathrm{CoS}{\mathrm{b}}_{3}$ are nearly degenerate. Importantly, the band structure, density of states, and Fermi surface of the latter are significantly spin polarized, giving rise to spin-dependent thermoelectric properties. Seebeck coefficients directly calculated as a function of chemical potential are interpreted in connection with the electronic structures. Temperature-dependent Seebeck coefficients derived for the experimentally studied materials agree well with available experimental data. Seebeck coefficients obtained as a function of charge carrier concentration corroborate the thermoelectrically favorable role at high filling fractions played by the Fermi electron pockets associated with the degenerate valleys in the conduction bands, and also point toward a similar role of the Fermi hole pockets associated with the degenerate hills in the valence bands. These results serve to advance the understanding of $\mathrm{CoS}{\mathrm{b}}_{3}$ skutterudite, a class of materials with important fundamental and application implications for thermoelectrics and spintronics.
Association of Aortic Root Dilation from Early Adulthood to Middle Age with Cardiac Structure and Function: The CARDIA Study

Background The human aorta dilates with advancing age. However, the association between progressive aortic dilation with aging and cardiac remodeling has not been established in studies of community-dwelling adults. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that there would be a relationship between aortic size increase over the early adult life span with left ventricular (LV) structural remodeling and subclinical LV dysfunction in middle age, even in the absence of overt cardiovascular and valvular disease. Methods Included were Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study participants ( N = 2,933) aged 23 to 35 years with available transthoracic echocardiographic measurements during 20 years of follow-up. Multivariate linear regression models assessed sex-specific associations between 20-year change in aortic root diameter with LV structure and function. Results Larger aortic root diameter at 20-year follow-up was associated with greater LV mass (2.77 vs 2.18 g/mm in men and women, respectively, P Conclusions Progressive increase in aortic root diameter from early adulthood to middle age was associated with increased LV mass and LV concentric remodeling in both sexes and impaired diastolic function predominantly in women.
The Institution of Art in Postmodernity: Autonomy and Critique

Ales Debeljak's project in Reluctant Modernity is to trace the develop ment of the institution of art in its different historical forms. The term "institution of art," adapted from Peter B?rger (1984), encompasses the gatekeeping system of editors, critics, art dealers, curators, galleries, muse ums and universities, as well as the larger production and reception context for art which includes socially accepted ideas about art. In tracing this development, Debeljak hopes "to understand the historical change of the social function of art" (20), particularly between the modern and postmod ern periods. Debeljak's concern with postmodernism stems, however, from con cerns that transcend the question of art, per se. In a beautifully written Preface, he discusses his initial fascination with postmodernism in the con text of Slovenian public struggles of the 1980's. "In this frame," he writes, "postmodernism came to be viewed as the awakening of a liberating critique against communism, construed as a 'meta-narrative' that had finally run its course" (ix). Yet as it played out during the 1991 war which resulted in the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia, postmodernism had nearly tragic political consequences. The particularism which once appeared an inherent critique of overarching social systems now paralyzed reasoned argument. This moral bankruptcy in the face of war exposed the underside of postmod ernism?the lack of standards which are necessary for judgment and the limits to a freedom which cannot express solidarity. Much like the Frankfurt School theorists at an earlier period in European history, confronted with
Perturbative Quantum Field Theory and L∞-algebras

L∞−morphisms are investigated from the point of view of perturbative quantum field theory, as generalizations of Feynman expansions. Ideas from TQFT and Hopf algebra approach to renormalization are exploited. It is proved that the algebra of graphs with Kontsevich graph homology differ- ential and Kreimer's coproduct is a DG-coalgebra. The weights of the corresponding expansions are proved to be cycles of the DG- coalgebra of Feynman graphs, leading to graph cohomology via the cobar construc- tion. Moreover, the moduli space of L-infinity morphims (partition functions/QFTs) is isomorphic to the cohomology of Feynman graphs. The weights constructed via integrals over configuration spaces represent a pro- totypical example of "Feynman integrals". The present cohomological point of view aims to construct the coefficients of formality morphisms using an algebraic machin- ery, as an alternative to the analytical approach using integrals over configuration spaces. It is also expected to yield a categorical formulation for the Feynman path integral quantization, which is presently sketched in the context of L∞-algebras.
Models and mechanisms of repeat expansion disorders: a worm’s eye view

The inappropriate genetic expansion of various repetitive DNA sequences underlies over 20 distinct inherited diseases. The genetic context of these repeats in exons, introns and untranslated regions has played a major role in thinking about the mechanisms by which various repeat expansions might cause disease. Repeat expansions in exons are thought to give rise to expanded toxic protein repeats (i.e. polyQ). Repeat expansions in introns and UTRs (i.e. FXTAS) are thought to produce aberrant repeat-bearing RNAs that interact with and sequester a wide variety of essential proteins, resulting in cellular toxicity. However, a new phenomenon termed 'repeat-associated nonAUG dependent (RAN) translation' paints a new and unifying picture of how distinct repeat expansion-bearing RNAs might act as substrates for this noncanonical form of translation, leading to the production of a wide range of repeat sequence-specific-encoded toxic proteins. Here, we review how the model system Caenorhabditis elegans has been utilized to model many repeat disorders and discuss how RAN translation could be a previously unappreciated contributor to the toxicity associated with these different models.
Deriving temperature-dependent material models for structural steel through artificial intelligence

Abstract Structural steel undergoes significant metallurgical and physio-chemical degradation under fire conditions. This degradation is often represented by temperature-dependent material models commonly adopted in fire codes and standards. A closer look into such models reveals few surprising, and to some extent, concerning facts. For instance, presentation of temperature-induced degradation in structural steel properties substantially varies across different fire codes. This not only causes inconsistences among researchers/practitioners with regard to carrying out fire resistance analysis, but also hinders ongoing standardization efforts. Further, and despite recent advancements in material science over the past few decades, code adopted temperature-dependent material models have not been updated nor revised. In order to promote a harmonized fire assessment methodology and to ensure realistic prediction of fire performance of steel structures, this paper utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools to derive temperature-dependent thermal and mechanical material models for structural steel. The validity of the proposed models in predicting thermal and structural response of steel structures is demonstrated through number of case studies carried out using a highly nonlinear finite element model developed in ANSYS simulation environment.
In vivo assessment of extracellular pH of joint tissues using acidoCEST-UTE MRI

Background: Degradation of cartilage and meniscus may be mediated by changes in extracellular pH. The purpose of this study was to optimize saturation powers used with the acidoCEST magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique with a 3D ultrashort echo time readout (acidoCEST-UTE) and to demonstrate feasibility of the method for measuring pH in cartilage and meniscus in vivo . Methods: Magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry and ratio of radiofrequency (RF) power mismatch at different powers were evaluated in cartilage and meniscus tissue phantoms for iopamidol and iohexol. Using optimized RF powers, the acidoCEST-UTE MRI sequence was used to assess pH of joint fluid and tissues in four patients after direct intra-articular administration of iodinated contrast. Results: In the phantoms, the ratio of powers 0.54/1.10 µT showed the strongest correlation with pH. In vivo acidoCEST-UTE pH measurements of intra-articular fluid were similar to electrode measurements of the contrast agent (7.22 vs . 7.1 for iopamidol, respectively; 7.65 vs . 7.5 for iohexol, respectively). As measured with the acidoCEST-UTE technique, overall mean cartilage pH was significantly lower than overall mean meniscus pH (6.60 vs . 6.72, respectively; P=0.043). Conclusions: AcidoCEST-UTE MRI after direct intra-articular administration of either iopamidol or iohexol can be used to measure cartilage and meniscus pH in vivo .
Dislocation cross slip in molecular crystal cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (β-HMX)

In this work, we explore the mechanism of cross-slip in the low symmetry molecular crystal cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (β-HMX)—a secondary explosive. Cross-slip is well studied and understood in high symmetry crystals but virtually uninvestigated in molecular crystals. To this end, we use molecular simulations and observe that only screw dislocations with the [100] Burgers vector may cross-slip effectively. The process involves the (011), (010), (001), and ( 01 1 ¯ ) planes and takes place in both the positive and negative directions of dislocation motion in each of the respective slip systems. Resolved shear stresses larger than ∼0.6 of the critical resolved shear stress are necessary in at least two of the planes in order to activate cross-slip. The application of pressure does not prevent cross-slip from taking place. The phenomenon occurs at elevated pressures in the same slip systems as at zero pressure. However, due to the limited number of slip systems involved, cross-slip does not appear to be of central importance in β-HMX and, of course, remains relevant only as long as the dislocation-based mechanism of plasticity is not replaced by the shear localization mode, which becomes dominant at high pressure, under strong shock conditions.In this work, we explore the mechanism of cross-slip in the low symmetry molecular crystal cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (β-HMX)—a secondary explosive. Cross-slip is well studied and understood in high symmetry crystals but virtually uninvestigated in molecular crystals. To this end, we use molecular simulations and observe that only screw dislocations with the [100] Burgers vector may cross-slip effectively. The process involves the (011), (010), (001), and ( 01 1 ¯ ) planes and takes place in both the positive and negative directions of dislocation motion in each of the respective slip systems. Resolved shear stresses larger than ∼0.6 of the critical resolved shear stress are necessary in at least two of the planes in order to activate cross-slip. The application of pressure does not prevent cross-slip from taking place. The phenomenon occurs at elevated pressures in the same slip systems as at zero pressure. However, due to the limited number of slip systems involved, cross-slip does not appea...
Comparison of Single Instance and General Case Instruction in Teaching a Generalized Vocational Skill

Using a multiple baseline mirror design, the relative effectiveness of two instructional strategies for teaching the crimping/cutting of biaxle electronic capacitors was investigated. Four severely...
Between Martin Luther and Martin Luther King: James Pennington's Struggle for 'Sacred Human Rights' Against Slavery

This Article outlines the human rights theories of nineteenth-century abolitionist and civil rights leader James Pennington. Born into slavery in Maryland, Pennington escaped North and became the first African American to attend Yale. As an ordained Presbyterian clergyman, educator, orator, author, and activist, he adapted traditional Protestant rights theories explicitly to include the rights of all, re- gardless of race. He emphasized the authority and freedom of the individual con- science as foundational to human rights. He advocated a central role for covenantal institutions including church, state, family, and school as essential for fostering a law and culture of human rights. And he defended the right of all to disobey unjust laws and resist tyrannical regimes. Pennington bridged these theories in novel ways with pacifist teachings, anticipating by more than a century the American civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King, Jr., and others. Though largely forgotten by historians, Pennington was well known and influential among his contemporaries. His life and work represent an important step in the development of law, religion, and human rights.
Evaluation of Local Binary Pattern Algorithm for User Authentication with Face Biometric

In the ever-changing world of computer security and user authentication, the username/password standard is becoming increasingly outdated. Using the same username and password across multiple accounts and websites leaves a user open to vulnerabilities, and the need to remember multiple usernames and passwords feels very unnecessary in the current digital age. Authentication methods of the future need to be reliable and fast, while maintaining the ability to provide secure access. Augmenting traditional username-password standard with face biometric is proposed in the literature to enhance the user authentication. However, this technique still needs an extensive evaluation study to show how reliable and effective it will be under different settings.Local Binary Pattern (LBP) is a discrete yet powerful texture classification scheme, which works particularly well with image classification for facial recognition. The system proposed here strives to examine and test various LBP configurations to determine their image classification accuracy. The most favorable configurations of LBP should be examined as a potential way to augment the current username and password standard by increasing their security with facial biometrics.
Racial/ethnic disparities in emergency department wait times in the United States, 2013-2017

Abstract Background Previous research shows that Black and Hispanic patients have longer ED wait times than White patients, but these data do not reflect recent changes such as the Affordable Care Act. In addition, previous research does not account for the non-normal distribution of wait times, wherein a sizable subgroup of patients seen promptly and those not seen promptly experience long wait times. Methods We utilized National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) datasets (2013–2017) to examine mean ED wait time comparing visits by Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients to White patients. Using a two-part regression model, we adjusted for patient, hospital, and health system factors, and estimated differences, for each of five triage levels, in (a) likelihood of waiting at least 5 min and (b) difference in wait time among those not seen promptly. Results Our cohort included 38,800 White, 14,838 Black, 10,619 Hispanic, and 1257 Asian patient visits. Black (triage level 3) and Hispanic (triage levels 3 and 4) patients had longer mean wait times than White patients. Adjusted likelihood of not being seen promptly was lower among Blacks (triage levels 3, 4 and 5), Hispanics (triage level 5) and Asians (triage level 5) compared to Whites. Among those waiting at least 5 min, adjusted wait time was longer among Blacks in triage level 3 (5.2 min, 95% CI, 1.3 to 9.0) and level 4 (2.5 min, 95% CI, 0.2 to 4.9), Hispanics in triage level 4 (4.7 min, 95% CI, 1.7 to 7.7) and Asians in triage level 5 (16.3 min, 95% CI, 0.6 to 31.9) compared to Whites. Conclusions Minority patients were less likely to wait to be seen, but waited longer if not seen promptly. These data exhibit that ED wait time disparities persist for African American and Hispanic patients and extend this observation to Asian patients.
Traktionsstromrichter mit Zweipunkt- oder Dreipunktstellglied? Eine Gegenüberstellung

Dieser Beitrag stellt eine Gegenuberstellung von Zweipunkt- und Dreipunktstellgliedern in Traktionsantriebssystemen fur Bahnanwendungen vor. Dabei werden Aspekte wie das Gesamtsystemverhalten, Spannungsausnutzung, Verluste im Umrichter und Fahrmotor sowie die Bereiche Zuverlassigkeit, Verfugbarkeit, Wartbarkeit und Wirtschaftlichkeit beleuchtet. Die Gegenuberstellung der beiden Stellglieder wird am Beispiel eines EMU-Antriebssystems (Electrical Multiple Unit) mit dem zugehorigen Streckenprofil und daraus resultierenden Arbeitspunkten diskutiert.
International Labour Migration in the Context of the Eurasian Economic Union: Issues and Challenges of Kyrgyz Migrants in Russia

Integration of the Kyrgyz Republic into the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the resulting socioeconomic impacts are amongst contemporary Kyrgyzstan’s most acute and hotly debated topics. This paper is focused on international labour migration and describes the situation of Kyrgyz labour migrants in light of their new legal status in Russia. The objective of this work is to provide a deeper and more holistic understanding of the contemporary issues and challenges confronted by Kyrgyz migrant workers in Russia. Specific consideration is extended to an analysis of the impact of the recent Russian economic crisis on Kyrgyz labour migration, and the mitigating role played by the EAEU for Kyrgyz workers. This paper also highlights the importance for Kyrgyz labour migrants to educate themselves about their new legal rights in relation to Kyrgyzstan’s Accession Status in the EAEU, and more generally the need for further study on the evolving socioeconomic realities of Kyrgyz labour migrants abroad.
Dog Nomads: Canid Economy and Athapaskan-Pueblo Exchange

Testimonies of early Spanish chroniclers consistently emphasize the Athapaskan practice of long-distance trade with Pueblo communities aided by hundreds of pack dogs. Despite being the subject of n...
Marginal improvement in survival among patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in the second-line antiandrogen therapy era

Since 2004, multiple blockbuster drugs have been approved for men with metastatic prostate cancer. Nevertheless, it has been reported that no improvement in survival was observed between 2004 and 2009. Herein, we have analyzed the SEER database to assess the survival outcome of metastatic prostate cancer patients since 2000. The results demonstrated that there was an improvement in both overall and prostate cancer-specific survival for 4 months among men diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer from 2010 to 2016 when compared to those in the pre-2010 period. Interestingly, this survival benefit was limited to patients with bone and visceral metastasis (M1b and M1c stages). Collectively, our observation suggests that despite the new treatment agents such as second-line antiandrogen therapies introduced in the modern era, the improvement in survival of metastatic prostate cancer patients has been surprisingly small.
A novel approach for usability evaluation of mobile applications

Mobile applications (apps) have been massively developed and released in recent years. In this competitive market, the users’ adoption of the app or satisfaction greatly depends on its usability. T...
Netnography: Evolution, trends, and implications as a fuzzy front end tool

Since its inception in 1995, Netnography has undergone notable shifts from its most fundamental premises and assumptions to its procedures and applications. Through a study and evaluation of a timeline of relevant literature, this paper explores the elements that have evolved since 1995, what has caused such shifts to take place, and what the future of Netnography may look like and its implications for the product development process as a Fuzzy Front End tool. The analysis revealed that Netnography is effectively applied during Phases 1 and 2 of the Fuzzy Front End. Although Netnography may prove valuable in the opportunity identification phase, particularly given the relative ease with which it can be used to identify lead users, it is not a sufficient tool to replace conventional FFE tools. Its evolution is found to be directly related to the respective evolution of computer-mediated communications and the online infrastructure. Netnography has expanded to include more automated and passive applications and will continue to evolve as a tool as long as the online consumer environment and respective behaviors continue to change.
Challenges in Evaluating Community-Based Health and Social Intervention: The Case of Prenatal Care Outreach

Prenatal care outreach is receiving growing attention as one component of multi-faceted strategies necessary to reduce infant mortality and low birth weight. This paper examines challenges in evaluating community-based prenatal care outreach programs, describes two studies that have successfully addressed such challenges, and offers recommendations to community agency administrators and program staff regarding reasonable approaches to integrating evaluation into program activities.
Electron beam disruption due to ion release from targets-comparison between computer calculations and observations

Summary form only given, as follows. Experiments have been performed on the first axis of the DARHT electron beam accelerator to study the effects on the beam of ion emission from surfaces struck by electrons. Calculations using the two-and three-dimensional Lsp particle-in-cell code were performed to compare with experimental results. Two-dimensional calculations, which allow the release of ions when the impacted surface temperature increases by 400 K accurately replicate experimental results showing beam blow-up downstream of the surface just after ion emission. Three-dimensional calculations show the onset of a hose instability after beam blow up in agreement with observations. The frequency of this instability indicates a large component of H/sup +/ ions, which may come from the "cracking" of desorbed water. Calculations in support of experiments to identify the desorbed species are presented.