cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Training neural networks with policy gradient

Neural networks are a powerful function approximation tool which has the ability to model any function with arbitrary precision. For any function as a black box, it is able to reconstruct the function given the target and the input data. However, there are problems where the target is at least partially unknown. In such cases it is impossible for a traditional neural network to compute the gradient of the system. This problem is evident in sparse autoencoder systems where lateral inhibitions are required. Lateral inhibitions are usually imposed with extra lateral connections among nodes in the immediate vicinity of the hidden layer. However, it is computationally expensive, and results in a very complex architecture which is not scalable to real world problems. Thus it is often necessary to achieve structural constraints without such complexity limitations. Similar situation arises in case of multi-label classification problems without a known target. In such cases only an evaluation is accessible to the network, which states whether the sample was correctly classified or not. In this problem, it is necessary to derive the gradient for this partial information to solve the problem. The proposed model solves such problems using policy gradient algorithms. This approach allows for imposing any arbitrary non-differentiable constraints on the neural network system by deriving the required gradient from a system of rewards. Furthermore a novel form of sparsity with lateral inhibitions over the entire hidden layer is proposed. It is shown that the proposed model is not only able to achieve a much tighter and sparser representation, it also achieves similar or better results than traditional forms of sparsity.
Tourette syndrome: a disorder of the social decision-making network

Tourette syndrome is a common neurodevelopmental disorder defined by characteristic involuntary movements, tics, with both motor and phonic components. Tourette syndrome is usually conceptualized as a basal ganglia disorder, with an emphasis on striatal dysfunction. While considerable evidence is consistent with these concepts, imaging data suggest diffuse functional and structural abnormalities in Tourette syndrome brain. Tourette syndrome exhibits features that are difficult to explain solely based on basal ganglia circuit dysfunctions. These features include the natural history of tic expression, with typical onset of tics around ages 5 to 7 years and exacerbation during the peri-pubertal years, marked sex disparity with higher male prevalence, and the characteristic distribution of tics. The latter are usually repetitive, somewhat stereotyped involuntary eye, facial and head movements, and phonations. A major functional role of eye, face, and head movements is social signalling. Prior work in social neuroscience identified a phylogenetically conserved network of sexually dimorphic subcortical nuclei, the Social Behaviour Network, mediating many social behaviours. Social behaviour network function is modulated developmentally by gonadal steroids and social behaviour network outputs are stereotyped sex and species specific behaviours. In 2011 O'Connell and Hofmann proposed that the social behaviour network interdigitates with the basal ganglia to form a greater network, the social decision-making network. The social decision-making network may have two functionally complementary limbs: the basal ganglia component responsible for evaluation of socially relevant stimuli and actions with the social behaviour network component responsible for the performance of social acts. Social decision-making network dysfunction can explain major features of the neurobiology of Tourette syndrome. Tourette syndrome may be a disorder of social communication resulting from developmental abnormalities at several levels of the social decision-making network. The social decision-making network dysfunction hypothesis suggests new avenues for research in Tourette syndrome and new potential therapeutic targets.
Effects of simulated-spanwise-ice shapes on airfoils - Experimental investigation

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effect of simulated-spanwise-ice shapes on airfoil aerodynamics. The simulated ice shapes were tested on the NACA 23012 and the NLF 0414 airfoils at Re = 1.8 million. The ice shapes produced very different results on the two airfoils. The effects of the simulated ice shapes were much more severe on the NACA 23012, with a Cf,mx as low as 0.25 for the ice shape with a height to chord ratio of 0.0139. The lowest C,,,, measured for the NLF 0414 with same ice shape was 0.68. The effect of the simulated ice shape on the flap hinge moment was much more severe on the NACA 23012 than. on the NLF 0414. The NACA 23012 effects were more severe due to the large adverse pressure gradients at the ice-shape location. Various simulated ice shape size and geometries were investigated on the NACA 23012. The aerodynamic penalties (in C, Cd, C,, and C,) became more severe as the height to chord ratio of the simulated ice shape was increased from 0.0056 to 0.0139. The variations in the simulated ice shape geometry also had measurable effects on the airfoil aerodynamics.
Di-μ-hydroxido-κO:O-μ-trifluoro-methane-sulfonato-κO:O'-bis-[(5,5'-dimethyl-2,2-bipyridine-κN,N')(η-penta-methyl-cyclo-penta-dien-yl)ytterbium(III)] tetra-phenyl-borate 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2-bipyridine.

The title compound, [Yb2(CF3O3S)(C10H15)2(OH)2(C12H12N2)2](C24H20B)·C12H12N2, crystallizes as a half-sandwich complex with a bridging trifluoro­methane­sulfonate as well as two bridging hydroxide groups. The bound bipyridine ligands have N—C—C—N torsion angles of 13.1 (9) and −12.1 (8)°. The structure also contains an uncoordinated 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine molecule with an N—C—C—N torsion angle of 169.5 (7)°. The triply bridged Yb centers are 3.5990 (4) A apart. The Yb—N bond lengths are in the range 2.389 (6)–2.424 (5) A.
Hypoxia-mediated down regulation of the cell cycle phosphatase Cdc25A in colon cancer cells

1976 Hypoxia plays a critical role in the progression of solid tumors and their response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Transient hypoxia followed by reoxygenation is a common feature of many solid tumors and develops as a result of inefficient vascular development and an abnormal vascular architecture. Here we demonstrate that in the colon cancer cell line HCT116, exposure to hypoxia (1% oxygen) resulted in decreased protein levels of the cell cycle phosphatase Cdc25A by 6 hours and persisted up to 48 hours. Similar decreases were not observed in the other Cdc25 isoforms Cdc25B and Cdc25C suggesting that hypoxia specifically decreased Cdc25A protein levels. In the absence of the tumor suppressor p53, Cdc25A degradation was shown to occur slower than in wild type HCT116 cells, suggesting that p53 may play a role in the negative regulation of the Cdc25A phosphatase. The upstream regulators of Cdc25A Chk1 and Chk2 were phosphorylated within one hour of exposure to hypoxia and were sustained up to 24 hours. Using Chk2 -/- HCT116 cells we found that the decrease in Cdc25A protein levels was at least partially dependent on the upstream regulator Chk2. We show for the first time that hypoxia can specifically decrease protein levels of the cell cycle phosphatase Cdc25A in colon cancer cells. We propose that hypoxia decreased Cdc25A levels in cancer cells through a mechanism involving the upstream regulators Chk1 and Chk2 and p53 which has recently been proposed to regulate Cdc25A expression and may influence cell cycle regulation and ultimately cell survival. This work was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (CA52995)
Respiratory failure in a diabetic ketoacidosis patient with severe hypophosphatemia

Phosphate is essential in regulating human metabolic processes, and severe hypophosphatemia can induce neurologic and hematological complications and result in respiratory failure and cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, correction of severe hypophosphatemia can be pivotal in the management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). We report the case of a 14-year-old female who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and referred to our institute for treatment of DKA. Although the patient received fluid and continuous insulin administration according to the current DKA treatment protocol, generalized tonic seizures and cardiac arrest developed. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the patient recovered and was stable. Within 16 hours after DKA treatment, the patient developed respiratory failure with severe hypophosphatemia that required mechanical ventilation. Concurrent neurologic evaluation revealed no specific abnormalities. The patient recovered without any complications after correcting the hypophosphatemia. We suggest vigilant monitoring of the phosphate level in DKA patients and active replacement when required.
Where the (Moving) Sidewalk Ends: Images of Wasted Americana in the Pre-apocalyptic World

Apocalyptic narratives focusing on urban wastelands have become ever-present in twenty first century media. Artists Stephen Crompton and Corey George capture images that evoke similar emotional tenor, drawing on the despair of a world where humanity’s impact on the landscape are in drawn-out states of death and reclamation by nature. While Crompton’s photo series The American Mall focuses on the slow decline of malls across America, George’s Alas, Babylon series details the casualties of the boom-and-bust cycles in the housing industry in Florida. Their photos bookend the same kinds of devastation seen in post-apocalyptic fiction, but also show America in a state of pre-apocalyptic decay. This chapter argues how the work of Crompton and George offers an additional intervention in understanding the widespread appeal of apocalyptic narratives.
5.05 – Oxygen – Dynamics and Biogeochemical Consequences

Dissolved oxygen is a keystone molecule that is involved in the production, consumption, and cycling of organic matter and inorganic elements in the aquatic environment. The majority of multicellular plants and animals in coastal aquatic ecosystems require oxygen for proper physiological functioning, and the biogeochemical cycling of many important inorganic elements is highly oxygen dependent. Consequently, spatial and temporal variations in oxygen, and the forces that control such variation, are of central importance in the study of coastal ecology and biogeochemistry. Recent human-associated increases in the extent and severity of oxygen depletion (i.e., hypoxia and anoxia) in coastal waters worldwide have substantially altered both the distribution of aquatic organisms and the related biogeochemical cycling of organic matter and inorganic elements. Future changes in anthropogenic nutrient management and realizations of predicted climate change scenarios will likely exacerbate low-oxygen conditions and the associated effects on coastal biogeochemistry. In this chapter, we review the distribution, dynamics, and controls on oxygen in coastal aquatic ecosystems, with special emphasis on the implications of oxygen dynamics for the cycling of organic and inorganic materials in water columns and sediments. We include an overview of eutrophication and other factors driving oxygen depletion in coastal waters and the resulting changes to the cycling of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, and manganese. Concluding discussions emphasize the central role that oxygen plays in modulating responses of coastal ecosystems and associated biogeochemical processes in relation to eutrophication and global climate change.
An Introduction to Market Failures

This chapter deals with the market failure complications neglected in the simplified model presented in chapter 2. An overview is given first, and then issues related to specific market failures are discussed. The discussion employs the proposition more fully developed in chapter 6 that the market failure argument neglects the difficulties of implementation. These problems are clear enough that they can be sensed before the full criticism is presented.
Postoperative Complications Of Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Release of the transverse carpal ligament is the most common surgery performed on the hand. The overall postoperative rate ranges from 1 to 25%. Followed by injury to the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve, a painful or hypertrophic scar is the most common complication of the open technique. Incomplete release of the transverse ligament is the most frequent problem following the endoscopic or limited-incision technique.
Aberrant phenotypic expression of MUC17 is associated with aggressive behavior of colorectal adenocarcinomas

987 Background: Mucins are the major secreted glycoprotein of gastrointestinal tract including the colon and the rectum. Aberrant expression of mucins has been known to play a role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Increased expression of MUC17, a recently identified membrane tethered mucin, was reported in pancreatic tumor tissues and in cancer cell lines of pancreas and colon. Nevertheless, the staining patterns of MUC17 and their clinical significance in colorectal adenocarcinomas (CRCs) have not been studied. Methods: One hundred and thirty six patients, who underwent surgical resection for CRC and had not received any pre- or -post surgery therapy, were selected for this study. Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue specimens from these patients were evaluated for phenotypic expression of MUC17 using rabbit polyclonal antibody and horse-radish peroxidase detection method. The expression levels and patterns were correlated with different clinicopathologic features and patient outcomes. Results: In our study, MUC17 was localized to the cytoplasm, specifically in supra-nuclear position (punctate pattern), in all benign colonic epithelial tissues. In contrast, we observed two distinct patterns either punctate (60 of 136, 44%) or diffuse cytoplasmic (76 of 136, 56%) staining in tumor tissues. The cases in which the tumors exhibited diffuse cytoplasmic pattern were considered to be aberrant expressors of MUC17. The aberrant expression of MUC17 was significantly correlated with poor tumor differentiation (χ2, P=0.021) and with larger tumor size (χ2, P=0.011). Also, patients whose tumors demonstrated loss of punctate staining (diffuse cytoplasmic) patterns of MUC17 had a trend towards poor overall patient survival (logrank, P=0.072).Conclusion:These preliminary results suggest that the loss of punctate immunostaining pattern of MUC17 is associated with an aggressive behavior of colorectal adenocarcinomas and poor patient survival. This work is supported by funds from the National Institute of Health/National Cancer Institute (RO1-CA98932-01, 2U54-CA118948-03, U01CA111294, and the Early Detection Research Network, U24-CA086359).
Nanoscale Electronic Structure Characterization in CIGS with Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy

Electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) within a monochromated scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) was used to provide electronic structure characterization of CuIn 1-x Ga x Se 2 (CIGS) solar cells. Two applications within this context were explored: spatially-resolved bandgap profiling using a newly-developed and simplified analysis approach, and detection of sub-gap defect states with high energy and spatial resolution. The simplified STEM-EELS bandgap profiling method was found to closely track nominal bandgap trends calculated from compositional data, with only a small, fixed offset (0.35 eV). Sub-gap energy levels in two different CIGS samples were identified at EV + 0.43 eV and EV + 0.56 eV, 0.56 eV, exactly consistent (i.e.< 0.01 eV discrepancy) with trap states measured via conventional deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) in both cases. Furthermore, direct correlation between STEM-EELS and scanning DLTS (S-DLTS) measurements made at the same sample site providing strong confirmation that the energy levels detected via STEM-EELS are indeed the same trap levels detected via (S-)DLTS.
OncotypeDX Recurrence Score Does Not Predict Nodal Burden in Clinically Node Negative Breast Cancer Patients

OncotypeDX recurrence score (RS)® has been found to predict recurrence and disease-free survival in patients with node negative breast cancer. Whether RS is useful in guiding locoregional therapy decisions is unclear. We sought to evaluate the relationship between RS and lymph node burden. Patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent sentinel lymph node dissection from 2010 to 2015 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were excluded if they were clinically node positive or if they received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. RS was classified as low ( 30). The association between RS, lymph node burden, and disease recurrence was evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed in R version 3.4.0; p < 0.05 was considered significant. A positive SLN was found in 168 (15%) of 1121 patients. Completion axillary lymph node dissection was performed in 84 (50%) of SLN-positive patients. The remaining 84 (50%) patients had one to two positive SLNs and did not undergo further axillary surgery. RS was low in 58.5%, intermediate in 32.6%, and high in 8.9%. RS was not associated with a positive SLN, number of positive nodes, maximum node metastasis size, or extranodal extension. The median follow-up was 23 months. High RS was not associated with locoregional recurrence (p = 0.07) but was significantly associated with distant recurrence (p = 0.0015). OncotypeDX RS is not associated with nodal burden in women with clinically node-negative breast cancer, suggesting that RS is not useful to guide decisions regarding extent of axillary surgery for these patients.
Influence of Rapid Cooling Rate and Homogenization Temperature on the Ferrite Content and Microstructures of CD3MWCuN Castings

The influence of homogenization temperature and rapid cooling rate on the ferrite content and microstructures of CD3MWCuN was investigated using BSE-SEM images. For these experiments CD3MWCuN was homogenized at six different temperatures 1000 °C, 1050 °C, 1100 °C, 1150 °C, 1205 °C, and 1250 °C for 4 hours followed by air-cooling and water quenching. In addition to these samples two temperatures, namely 1150 °C and 1205 °C, were chosen and samples were cooled at the varying rates of 500 °C/h, 750°C/h, 850 °C/h, and 1000 °C/h. Determination of the resulting ferrite/austenite ratio revealed that homogenization temperature plays the dominant role in determining the final ferrite content. Slower cooling rates drop the amount of ferrite in a linear manner that is approximately constant for the different homogenization temperatures studied. An equation is proposed to predict the ferrite content covering the homogenization temperatures from 1000 °C to 1250 °C given that the initial ferrite amount present at the homogenization T is known.
A case of Pneumocystis pneumonia, with a granulomatous response and vitamin D-mediated hypercalcemia, presenting 13 years after renal transplantation.

Vitamin D-mediated hypercalcemia is an uncommon complication of Pneumocystis infection. A granulomatous response resulting from Pneumocystis infection is also atypical. In this report, we describe an exceptional case of granulomatous Pneumocystis pneumonia associated with vitamin D-mediated hypercalcemia, in a patient who presented unusually late after renal transplantation. The patient's hypercalcemia resolved with treatment of the infection.
Characterizing BRCA1 Variants Using Multiplex Functional Assays

Individuals with deleterious germline mutations in the tumor suppressor gene BRCA1 are at an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancers that are associated with poor disease outcomes. While cancer screenings have helped identify BRCA1 variants in patients, there is not enough information on many of these variants to determine if they are deleterious and thus link them with disease predisposition. To infer the cancer risk of these variants of uncertain significance (VUS), many functional assays have been developed to characterize variant BRCA1 protein functions. In this review, we will discuss the assays that have been used to examine the function of variant BRCA1 proteins and how functional assays are increasing throughput from methods that test one variant at a time to multiplexed formats. Multiplex assays utilizing homology-directed repair (HDR) and saturation genome editing (SGE), among others, have been able to evaluate more thoroughly BRCA1 variants and functional regions. Based on these new developments in BRCA1 functional assays, we will also discuss the need for more multiplexed assays to increase confidence in functional interpretation and other potential approaches for better classifying BRCA1 VUS.
Nonoptic pathway tumors in children with neurofibromatosis type 1

Objective To define the radiologic features and natural history of nonoptic pathway tumors (non-OPTs) in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Methods We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 64 children with NF1 harboring 100 probable non-OPTs. Age at diagnosis, sex, tumor location, number of tumors, symptomology, concurrent OPT, radiographic progression (defined as qualitative and quantitative increases in size), and treatment were assessed. Tumor volumes were measured from initial presentation until treatment or end of disease progression. Results Sixty-three percent of probable non-OPTs progressed over time, where radiographic progression was concomitantly associated with clinical progression. Fifty-two percent of patients had incidentally identified probable non-OPTs. Twenty-five percent of patients were symptomatic at initial diagnosis, all of whom harbored tumors that grew on subsequent scans and required tumor-directed therapy. There were no clinical differences between probable non-OPTs localized to the brainstem vs other locations with respect to age, sex, concurrent optic pathway glioma, symptomology, and treatment. The average time from diagnosis to stabilization or decrease in tumor size was 2.34 years (SD, 2.15 years). Nineteen biopsied lesions were all histopathologically confirmed as tumor. Six children (9%) had deep extensive tumors, who presented earlier (mean age at diagnosis, 3.88 years), required multiple treatments, and had a shorter mean progression-free survival (48 months). Conclusions Over half of children with NF1 in this study developed probable non-OPTs, the majority of which were clinically and radiographically progressive. While brainstem and nonbrainstem gliomas share similar clinical features and natural history, deep extensive tumors comprise a distinct aggressive group of tumors that warrant close attention.
Software Safety Progress at NASA

Abstract NASA has developed guidelines for development and analysis of safety-critical software. These guidelines are documented in a Guidebook. The guidelines represent a practical “how to” approach, for software developers and safety analysts. They provide guidance in the implementation of NASA Software Safety Standard NSS-1740.13. This paper discusses methods in general use, resulting in the NASA guidelines for safety critical software development and analysis
Performance Analysis and Shape Optimization of an Impingement Microchannel Cold Plate

Optimization of liquid-cooled heatsinks (cold plates) is of critical importance due to their widespread application in high-performance electronic packages consisting of heterogeneous integrated systems, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and on-chip hotspots. In this study, the thermo-hydraulic performance of a commercial microchannel impingement cold plate is analyzed in detail. Impingement cold plates are preferred over parallel flow cold plates due to their lower pressure drop where there is no restriction on space (i.e., where flow can enter perpendicular to the electronic board). Splitting the flow into two branches cuts the flow rate and the path into half, which leads to a lower pressure drop through the channels. Since the fins of the present commercial cold plate (considered as the baseline design) are tilted, the effect of the fin tilt angle on the hydraulic and thermal performance of the cold plate is also studied. The response surface method (RSM) is used to optimize the geometry of the fins and impinging inlet. The results of optimization show that hydraulic resistance can be reduced by 50% without a remarkable change in thermal resistance. The effect of the geometric parameters on the cold plate thermo-hydraulic performance is studied using the computational fluid dynamics results at the RSM design points. The variation in the cold plate coefficient of performance with the coolant flow rate and inlet temperature is compared for the baseline design and a selected optimal design. Finally, the effect of impinging inlet geometry on the chip temperature profile is also examined.
Geospatial Cyberinfrastructure for Regional Economic Growth

Cyberinfrastructure (CI) has potential to assist economic activities that involve real-time data analytics. Important challenges include the integration of essential geospatial principles (such as spatial constraints in assessing events) with CI to offer a promising pathway for solving complex problems and improving just-in-time decision-making practices for economic success. As a new contribution to extend the effectiveness of CI, we propose a novel geospatial CI (GCI) that provides support for making immediate business decisions by conducting vehicular traffic data acquisition, analysis, and distribution. Important features of the proposed GCI include heuristic traffic data portals (DPs), real-time analytic engine (AE), Cloud-Fog-Mist computing, distribution mechanism (DM), and business model (BM). According to the preliminary results through MATLAB and Python simulation using synthetic workload, the proposed GCI assists increase profit up to 90% and 70% for a fast food restaurant and a gas station, respectively. The proposed GCI can be extended for sustaining regional economic growth through the adoption of emerging technologies such as Internet-of-Things (IoT).
Participation in payments for ecosystem services programs in the Global South: A systematic review

Abstract This article presents a systematic review of the factors and motivations that explain participation in payments for ecosystem services (PES) programs in the Global South. PES are voluntary conservation incentive programs and participation is determined by eligibility, willingness, and ability to participate. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we review 78 studies and summarize how willingness (financial and non-financial motivations) and ability (based on the capital assets framework) to participate are measured and the direction of influence of these variables. An increasing number of studies assess the role of both financial and non-financial motivators on PES participation. Financial and non-financial motivators, including pro-social, pro-environmental, and risk reduction, positively influence willingness to participate. Most studies consider the role of at least one capital asset in determining ability to participate in PES programs. In general, participants in PES programs have more capital assets than non-participants. Our findings suggest that the theory behind how PES mechanisms work needs to be updated to account for more complex behavioral theories and a wider set of factors and motivations. Results from this systematic review can be used to inform the design of PES programs and help shed light on why PES programs achieve their environmental or socioeconomic objectives.
Navigating legality: transnational mixed-status families and the U.S. family-based immigration system

As ‘legal’ immigrants, Mexicans with U.S. lawful permanent resident status have the rare opportunity to petition for immigrant visas for certain eligible family members. This article draws on multi...
Sensory cue reactivity: Sensitization in alcohol use disorder and obesity

Neuroimaging techniques to measure the function of the human brain such as electroencephalography (EEG), positron emission tomography (PET), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), are powerful tools for understanding the underlying neural circuitry associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and obesity. The sensory (visual, taste and smell) paradigms used in neuroimaging studies represent an ideal platform to investigate the connection between the different neural circuits subserving the reward/executive control systems in these disorders, which may offer a translational mechanism for novel intervention predictions. Thus, the current review provides an integrated summary of the recent neuroimaging studies that have applied cue-reactivity paradigms and neuromodulation strategies to explore underlying alterations in neural circuitry as well in treatment strategies in AUD and obesity. Finally, we discuss literature on mechanisms associated with increased alcohol sensitivity post-bariatric surgery (BS) which offers guidance for future research to use sensory percepts in elucidating the relation of reward signaling in AUD development post-BS.
Digital Droplet PCR for SARS-CoV-2 Resolves Borderline Cases.

OBJECTIVES: The Bio-Rad SARS-CoV-2 ddPCR Kit (Bio-Rad Laboratories) was the first droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay to receive Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization approval, but it has not been evaluated clinically. We describe the performance of ddPCR-in particular, its ability to confirm weak-positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) results. METHODS: We clinically validated the Bio-Rad Triplex Probe ddPCR Assay. The limit of detection was determined by using serial dilutions of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in an artificial viral envelope. The ddPCR assay was performed according to the manufacturer's specifications on specimens confirmed to be positive (nâ =â 48) or negative (nâ =â 30) by an FDA-validated reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay on the m2000 RealTime system (Abbott). Ten borderline positive cases were also evaluated. RESULTS: The limit of detection was 50 copies/mL (19 of 20 positive). Forty-seven specimens spanning a range of quantification cycles (2.9-25.9 cycle numbers) were positive by this assay (47 of 48; 97.9% positive precent agreement), and 30 negative samples were confirmed as negative (30 of 30; 100% negative percent agreement). Nine of 10 borderline cases were positive when tested in triplicate. CONCLUSIONS: The ddPCR of SARS-CoV-2 is an accurate method, with superior sensitivity for viral RNA detection. It could provide definitive evaluation of borderline positive cases or suspected false-negative cases.
Examining the Disconnect in Youth Pathways and Court Responses: How Bias Invades Across Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Sexual Orientation:

Understanding court-involved girls’ pathways has been an important area of inquiry among feminist criminologists, and is especially crucial through an intersectional lens. This research highlights ...
Bacterial cellulose integrated irregularly shaped microcapsules enhance self-healing efficiency and mechanical properties of green soy protein resins

Soy protein isolate (SPI)-based self-healing thermoset resins were prepared using either poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) porous microspheres (MSs) and spherical microcapsules (MCs) or elongated MCs containing a combination of ground bacterial cellulose (GBC) and SPI as the healing agent. Spray emulsification, combined with solvent evaporation technique, was used to prepare MCs and MSs. The technique resulted in two MC morphologies: one primarily consisting of a mixture of porous MSs and spherical MCs and the other consisting of elongated MCs with aspect ratios as high as 50, depending on the surfactant and GBC amount used. While porous MSs made the resin stronger, they did not contribute to self-healing since they could not retain the healant. Part of the GBC, added during MC preparation, got successfully encapsulated into MCs to form strong GBC/SPI composite healtant. Most of the remaining GBC stayed on MC surfaces and was seen to enhance the MC/resin interfacial adhesion which, in turn, contributed to increased self-healing efficiency. Overall results indicated that resins with 20 wt% elongated MCs exhibited self-healing efficiencies of about 45% in strength and 59% in toughness. The results suggest that the integration of GBC in the healant could also work in other resin systems to enhance their self-healing efficiencies.
Improved Tracking and Docking of Industrial Mobile Robots Through UKF Vision-Based Kinematics Calibration

Performing an open-loop movement, or docking, for an industrial mobile robot (IMR), is a common necessary procedure when relying on environmental sensors is not possible. This procedure precision and outcome, solely depend on the IMR forward kinematic and odometry correctness, which is tied to the kinematics parameters, depending on the IMR kind. Calibrating the kinematic parameters of an IMR is a time consuming and mandatory procedure, since the mechanical tolerances and the assembly procedure may introduce a large variation from the nominal parameters. Furthermore, calibration inaccuracies might introduce severe inconsistencies in tasks such as localization, mapping, and navigation in general. In this work, we focus on the so-called kinematic parameter calibration. We propose the use of the unscented Kalman filter to perform a calibration procedure of the geometrical kinematic parameters of a mobile platform. The mobile platform is externally tracked during the calibration phase, using a fixed temporary external sensor that retrieves the position of a visual tag fixed to the platform. The unscented Kalman filter, using the calibration phase collected data, estimates the enlarged system state, which is comprised of the parameters that have to be estimated, the platform odometry and the visual tag position. The method can either be used online, to identify parameters and monitor their value while the system is operating, or offline, on logged data. We validate this method on two different devices, a 4 mecanum-wheel IMR, and a Turtlebot 3, using a camera to track the movement trough a reference chessboard, for then comparing the original path to its corrected version.
Persistence cycles for visual exploration of persistent homology.

Persistent homology is a fundamental tool in topological data analysis used for the most diverse applications. Information captured by persistent homology is commonly visualized using scatter plots representations. Despite being widely adopted, such a visualization technique limits user understanding and is prone to misinterpretation. This paper proposes a new approach for the efficient computation of persistence cycles, a geometric representation of the features captured by persistent homology. We illustrate the importance of rendering persistence cycles when analyzing scalar fields, and we discuss the advantages that our approach provides compared to other techniques in topology-based visualization. We provide an efficient implementation of our approach based on discrete Morse theory, as a new module for the Topology Toolkit. We show that our implementation has comparable performance with respect to state-of-the-art toolboxes while providing a better framework for visually analyzing persistent homology information.
Integrated pilot - Optimal augmentation synthesis for complex flight vehicles: Experimental validation

The purpose of this work is to present an experimental validation via fixed-base simulation of analytical methods for predicting handling qualities of flight vehicles. Different augmented dynamics are considered and analytical predictions of performance and pilot rating obtained. A flight simulation is then performed and comparison between experiment and theoretical data is shown.
Theism and the Meaning of Life

AbstractTheists are inclined to assert that human life would be meaningless if there was no personal immortality and God did not exist. The present paper aims to evaluate the truth of this claim. The author first explores the conception of meaning that is at the roots of the theistic position. After pointing out some difficulties with it, the author shows that, on a plausible alternative interpretation of what it is for an activity to have meaning, human life would fully qualify as meaningful even if it were not inscribed in a universal divine plan.
Using floor toppings to control flanking transmission

The control of flanking transmission using floor toppings was discussed. Addition of toppings increased or decreased propagation losses across the floor relative to the bare floor, according to vibration maps. The change in propagation loss was a function of the type of topping and the orientation of the joists in the floor to which it was applied.
Preparation of Large Scale Magnesium Alloy Billets by LFEC Processing

In this paper, in-situ temperature measurement was carried out in Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Casting (LFEC) processing for AZ80-1Y alloy to investigate the heat transfer behavior during solidification. The effects of the electromagnetic conditions (frequency and the intensity), casting velocity, cooling water flow, together with the casting temperature on the sump and the mushy zone were investigated in detail.
Classification and Performance of Reconfigurable Architectures

Recently, several systems have been designed which use reconfigurable logic to perform general purpose computation. While the number of these systems being constructed continues to increase, their relationship to conventional architectures is not clear. This paper proposes a model which unifies traditional instruction set architectures with reconfigurable architectures. From this model, four major architectural categories of reconfigurable machines are given. From this classification, issues of performance, programmability and scalability are addressed.
The neuronal nicotinic α4β2 receptor has a high maximal probability of being open

Background and purpose: A fundamental property of transmitter-gated ion channels is the probability a channel will be open (Popen) when stimulated by a concentration of agonist that elicits a maximal response. This value is critical for interpreting steady-state concentration–response relationships in terms of channel activation, and for understanding the actions of drugs that potentiate responses. We used analysis of non-stationary noise to estimate the maximal probability the nicotinic α4β2 receptor is open. Experimental approach: HEK293 cells stably transfected to express human α4β2 nicotinic receptors were studied using whole-cell voltage clamp. Nicotinic agonists (acetylcholine, nicotine, cytisine and 5-iodo A-85380) were applied, and the relationship between variance of the elicited whole-cell current and mean current was analysed. Key results: The variance did not increase linearly with the mean current. For acetylcholine and nicotine the relationship between variance and mean indicates that the maximal Popen is greater than 0.8. The number of agonist-activatable channels was estimated to be about 1000 per cell. The mean single channel conductance at −60 mV was indistinguishable when currents were elicited by acetylcholine (18 pS), nicotine (17 pS) or 5-iodo A-85380 (17 pS), whereas the value for cytisine was larger (24 pS). Conclusions and implications: The neuronal nicotinic α4β2 receptor has a maximal probability of being open that is greater than 0.8. This conclusion applies to the receptor containing three α4 and two β2 subunits (the low-sensitivity stoichiometry), but may not apply to the receptor containing two α4 and three β2 subunits (the high-sensitivity stoichiometry). This article is commented on by Papke, pp. 1903–1905 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00868.x
Mathematics of Finance

Investment and financing decisions require the valuation of investments and the determination of yields on investments. Necessary for the valuation and yield determination are the financial mathematics that involve the time value of money. With these mathematics, we can translate future cash flows to a value in the present, translate a value today into a value at some future point in time, and calculate the yield on an investment. The time-value-of-money mathematics allow the financial decision-maker to evaluate and compare investments and financing arrangements. Keywords: time value of money; simple interest; compound interest; interest on accumulated interest; interest on interest; growth rate; return; arithmetic average return; geometric average return; compound average annual return; true return; annual percentage rate; continuous compounding; discount factor; ordinary annuity; future value annuity factor; present value annuity factor; loan amortization; perpetuity; annuity due; deferred annuity; nominal interest rate; annual percentage rate; effective annual rate; loan amortization; fully amortizing loan; amortization; balloon payments; yield; internal rate of return
Techniques for the Study of Homogenization in Compacts of Blended Powders

The production of alloys by powder metallurgy may be accomplished by conventional powder processing of prealloyed powders or by the processing of compacted blends of powders. The latter method necessarily requires the insertion of a homogenization step in the processing sequence. In general, the homogenization is achieved through solid-state inter-diffusion of the components in the compacted blend.
A Review of “The Fires: How a Computer Formula, Big Ideas, and the Best of Intentions Burned Down New York City—and Determined the Future of Cities”

Fires have destroyed cities for centuries. The Fires relates the origins and consequences of fires to the nature of the built environment, city planning, building codes, and the politics of finance...
Novel Use of Tolvaptan in a Pediatric Patient With Congestive Heart Failure Due to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Successful management of hyponatremia in heart failure patients requires a multifaceted approach in order to preserve end-organ function. We describe the novel use of a selective vasopressin receptor antagonist, tolvaptan, for management of hyponatremia in a 17-year-old Caucasian male with severe Duchenne muscular dystrophy, congestive heart failure (CHF), and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The medical history was significant for recurrent admissions for hyponatremia secondary to adrenal crises, which was also exacerbated by his CHF. After initiation of tolvaptan and its extended administration, he had no further hyponatremia-related admissions and no adverse reactions. The complexity of this combination of conditions is presented, and the efficacy of the drug and the rationale behind the treatment approach is discussed.
En bloc incorporation of coatomer subunits during the assembly of COP-coated vesicles

The cDNA encoding epsilon-COP, the 36-kD subunit of coatomer, was cloned from a bovine liver cDNA library and sequenced. Immunoblotting with an anti-epsilon-COP antibody showed that epsilon-COP exists in COP-coated vesicles as well as in the cytosolic coatomer. Using the cloned cDNA, recombinant His6- tagged epsilon-COP was overexpressed in cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, from which metabolically radiolabeled coatomer was purified by taking advantage of the His6 tag. Radiolabeled coatomer was employed to establish that all the subunits of the coatomer enter coated vesicles as an intact unit.
A Theory of Truth that Prefers Falsehood

We introduce a subclass of Kripke's fixed points in which falsehood is the preferred truth value. In all of these the truthteller evaluates to false, while the liar evaluates to undefined (or overdefined). The mathematical structure of this family of fixed points is investigated and is shown to have many nice features. It is noted that a similar class of fixed points, preferring truth, can also be studied. The notion of intrinsic is shown to relativize to these two subclasses. The mathematical ideas presented here originated in investigations of so-called stable models in the semantics of logic programming.
Some Suggestions for Teaching About Normal Approximations to Poisson and Binomial Distribution Functions

In this article we review two historical approximations to the Poisson and binomial cumulative distribution functions (CDFs); that is, the Wilson–Hilferty and Camp–Paulson approximations. Both of these approximations reduce to standard normal formulas that produce very accurate estimates of the Poisson and binomial CDFs, and are thus quite simple to implement. Additionally, in an upper-division undergraduate or master’s level probability and inference course, the derivation of these approximations presents a nice opportunity to introduce and study the distributional relationships between the gamma and Poisson CDFs, and the binomial, beta, and F CDFs. This article presents the basic theorems and lemmas needed to derive each approximation, along with some relevant examples that compare and contrast the precision of these approximations with their large-sample, limiting normal counterparts.
The Circadian Rhythm of Thermoregulation in Japanese Quail. II. Multioscillator Control

Most biochemical, physiological, and behavioral processes in vertebrates show significant daily rhythms. Under constant conditions, these rhythms exhibit an endogenous periodicity around 24 h showing that they are driven by an internal circadian clock. In Japanese quail, the circadian clock driving activity and body temperature rhythms is functionally organized as a dual-oscillator system. Under certain conditions, such as switching birds from light:dark (LD) 12:12 to continuous darkness (DD), the body temperature rhythm splits into two circadian components that free-run independently before recoupling in a normal phase-relationship. The behavior of the activity rhythm parallels that of the body temperature rhythm, supporting the hypothesis that both rhythms are driven by the same set of oscillators. In some instances, recoupling fails to occur and birds continue to exhibit two circadian components that free-run independently. Dual-oscillator control of body temperature was observed in normal birds, pinea...
Social comparison as a mediator of response shift.

Abstract Previous research in the domain of social comparison theory has suggested that the same factors that have been hypothesized as antecedents to response shift, primarily significant life events, also prompt an increase in interest in social comparison. Based on this research, it is suggested that social comparison, or more specifically, change in social comparison, is a mediator of the relation between significant life events and the change in self-perspective - or response shift — that they often produce. Evidence supporting this claim is reviewed and new data are presented. Finally, the implications of this mediational relation, including those relevant to the design of interventions, are discussed.
The Practical Importance of Antitumor Bioassay Responses in Carcinogen Risk Assessment1

The author discusses how the negative correlation between tumor types is of interest from a mechanistic standpoint and may also have importance in the interpretation of carcinogenic responses. Estimating the low dose effects of a carcinogen by extrapolation of the cancer response which is dominant at high doses, may underestimate the total cancer risk at lower doses. The author assess that if there is a susceptible subgroup in the treated population, the mortality-corrected incidence data could give the mistaken impression that the carcinogen has a beneficial anti-cancer action, whereas in fact it is only substituting one kind of cancer for another at an earlier time.