cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Arcing Rate for a High Voltage Solar Array: Theory and Experiments

All solar arrays have biased surfaces which can be exposed to the space environment. It has been observed that when the array bias is less than a few hundred volts negative, then the exposed conductive surfaces may undergo arcing in the space plasma. Ground based and flight experiments are reviewed, and common results are extracted. A theory for arcing has been developed on these high voltage solar arrays which ascribes the arcing to electric field runaway at the interface of the plasma, conductor and solar cell dielectric. The theory is compared in detail to the flight experiment and shown to give a reasonable explanation for the data. Upcoming flight experiments to expand the arcing data base are described.
Development of a robust deep recurrent neural network controller for flight applications

Inspired by research in the deep learning community, we demonstrate the effectiveness of optimizing a deep recurrent neural network with gated recurrent unit modules to control a sophisticated and highly nonlinear flight vehicle. We present an optimization procedure that leverages ideas from Lyapunov funnels and robust nonlinear control to create a robust and high performance controller that tracks time-varying trajectories. The controller is trained to negate uncertainties in the aerodynamic tables which leads to significant error reduction compared to typical baseline controllers for flight control systems. Simulation results provide encouraging evidence for the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Online to Offline Business: Urban Taxi Dispatching with Passenger-Driver Matching Stability

In the Online to Offline (O2O) taxi business (e.g., Uber), the interests of passengers, taxi drivers, and the company may not align with one another, since taxis do not belong to the company. To balance these interests, this paper studies the taxi dispatch problem for the O2O taxi business. The interests of passengers and taxi drivers are modeled. For non-sharing taxi dispatches (multiple passenger requests cannot share a taxi), a stable marriage approach is proposed. It can deal with unequal numbers of passenger requests and taxis through matching them to dummy partners. Given dummy partners, stable matchings are proved to exist. Three rules are presented to find out all possible stable matchings. For sharing taxi dispatches (multiple passenger requests can share a taxi), passenger requests are packed through solving a maximum set packing problem. Packed passenger requests are regarded as a single request for matching taxis. Extensive real data-driven experiments demonstrate how well our approach performs. The proposed algorithms have a limited performance gap to the literature in terms of the dispatch delay and the passenger satisfaction, but they significantly improve upon existing algorithms in terms of the taxi satisfaction.
The working alliance and Clinician-assisted Emotional Disclosure for rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract Objectives The working alliance predicts improvement following general psychotherapy, but how it operates in brief interventions conducted with medically ill patients is unknown. Also, the role of the working alliance may differ in emotion-focused versus educational interventions. Methods We report secondary analyses of a randomized clinical trial (Keefe et al.) [35], in which patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) received four nurse-provided sessions of either a) Clinician-assisted Emotional Disclosure (CAED), which emphasized the disclosure, expression, and processing of emotions related to stressful events; or b) Arthritis Education (AE), which provided basic education about RA. The Working Alliance Inventory was completed by both patient and nurse after each session. Patients were evaluated on multiple health measures at baseline and 1, 3, and 12 months post-treatment. Results Analyses compared the alliance between interventions and related the alliance to outcomes within interventions. Patients in CAED reported a lower alliance than patients in AE. Interestingly, in CAED, lower alliance ratings predicted better outcomes (improved functioning, lower pain behaviors, lower inflammation, lower daily stress), whereas in AE, the working alliance was largely not predictive of outcomes. Conclusion Having nurses encourage emotional disclosure among patients with RA reduced the patients' working alliance, but a lower alliance nonetheless predicted better patient outcomes, perhaps reflecting successful engagement in an intervention that is emotionally and relationally challenging. The level and predictive validity of the working alliance likely depends on patient, provider, and intervention factors, and further study of the working alliance in psychosocial interventions in the medical context is needed.
Arizona Registered Dietitians Show Gaps in Knowledge of Bean Health Benefits.

Registered Dietitians (RDs) promote nutrition practices and policies and can influence food consumption patterns to include nutrient dense foods such as beans. Although many evidence-based health benefits of bean consumption (e.g., cholesterol reduction, glycemic control) have been demonstrated, there is limited research on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of RDs regarding the inclusion of beans in a healthy diet. To fill this existing research gap, this cross-sectional survey explored the perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes of 296 RDs in Arizona, USA, toward beans. The RDs largely held positive attitudes toward the healthfulness of beans and were aware of many health benefits. Some gaps in awareness were evident, including effect on cancer risk, intestinal health benefits, folate content, and application with celiac disease patients. RDs with greater personal bean consumption had significantly higher bean health benefit knowledge. Twenty-nine percent of the RDs did not know the meaning of ‘legume’, and over two-thirds could not define the term ‘pulse’. It is essential that RDs have up-to-date, evidence-based information regarding bean benefits to provide appropriate education to patients, clients, and the public.
H2O absorption thermometry accuracy in the 7321–7598 cm−1 range studied in a heated static cell at temperatures up to 1723 K

Abstract Gas temperature may be inferred by comparing smoothed measurements of absorption spectra spanning >100 cm−1 to smoothed simulations of the same. Using this thermometry approach in a heated static cell at temperatures up to 1723 K, we studied H2O vapor absorption near 7450 cm−1, dominated by features in the R-branch of the v1 + v3 absorption band. In a first experiment, the cell was operated at 1200–1723 K and 0.0235 bar, while a commercial external cavity diode laser scanned the 7321–7598 cm−1 range. Temperatures inferred from the measured spectra using BT2 simulations were, on average, within 2 K of the actual cell temperature and fell within the limits of error (±0.5% of reading) for the thermocouple used to monitor gas cell temperature. Temperatures inferred using HITEMP2010 simulations were, on average, 38 K lower than actual cell temperatures. In a second experiment, the cell was operated at 296–1723 K and 1 bar while a swept-wavelength laser monitored the 7347–7536 cm−1 range at 10 kHz repetition rate. Temperatures inferred using BT2 simulations were within 3 K of the actual cell temperatures, within the limits of error for the gas cell thermocouple measurements.
Web Services and Legacy Databases

In addition to developing a stand-alone web application, it is possible to connect to other web applications to simplify processing the user’s data. Such a web application is known as a web service. For instance, there are services for calculating shipping costs, for accepting online payments and for finding maps. These services are not designed to interface with a user, but rather to interact with other web applications.
User satisfaction determinants: The role of hardware and procedural components

Computer based information systems (IS) are comprised of five components: hardware, software, data, people, and procedures. Instruments to measure overall user satisfaction with IS have focused on ...
Infrared, Raman, and ultraviolet absorption spectra and theoretical calculations and structure of 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoropyridine in its ground and excited electronic states

Infrared and Raman spectra of 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoropyridine (TFPy) were recorded and vibrational frequencies were assigned for its S0 electronic ground states. Ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to complement the experimental work. The lowest electronic excited state of this molecule was investigated with ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy and theoretical CASSCF calculations. The band origin was found to be at 35,704.6 cm-1 in the ultraviolet absorption spectrum. A slightly puckered structure with a barrier to planarity of 30 cm-1 was predicted by CASSCF calculations for the S1(π,π*) state. Lower frequencies for the out-of-plane ring bending vibrations for the electronic excited state result from the weaker bonding within the pyridine ring.
Thinking Practice: Method, Pedagogy, Power and the Question of a Black Queer Theology

Abstract: This article considers what kinds of questions are at the heart of a black queer theology, and acts as an introduction to this special issue of Modern Believing. Taking up blackness and q...
Characterization of membrane vesicles released by Mycobacterium avium in response to environment mimicking the macrophage phagosome.

Aim To investigate the formation of Mycobacterium avium membrane vesicles (MVs) within macrophage phagosomes. Materials & methods A phagosome model was utilized to characterize proteomics and lipidomics of MVs. A click chemistry-based enrichment assay was employed to examine the presence of MV proteins in the cytosol of host cells. Results Exposure to metals at concentrations present in phagosomes triggers formation of bacterial MVs. Proteomics identified several virulence factors, including enzymes involved in the cell wall synthesis, lipid and fatty acid metabolism. Some of MV proteins were also identified in the cytosol of infected macrophages. MVs harbor dsDNA. Conclusion M. avium produces MVs within phagosomes. MVs carry products with potential roles in modulation of host immune defenses and intracellular survival.
Retrospective cohort analysis of maxillary overdentures retained by unsplinted implants

Abstract Statement of problem Implant therapy involving an unsplinted 2-implant–retained overdenture is well defined as a successful treatment for a patient with an edentulous mandible. However, a similar unsplinted implant therapy supporting a maxillary overdenture is not well characterized. Purpose The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate maxillary overdentures retained by 4 unsplinted implants measuring implant survival, overdenture survival, and patient-reported outcomes. Material and methods Participants who had received an unsplinted implant-retained maxillary overdenture were included in the study. Participants presented for one denture recall appointment, during which comprehensive examination, including radiographs, was performed and clinical findings were recorded. Participants also completed the Oral Health Impact Profile-49 (OHIP-49) and a 20-item visual analog scale (VAS) satisfaction questionnaire. Nonparametric statistical tests were used to compare OHIP-49 and VAS scores across age, sex, time since overdenture insertion, mandibular dental status, smoking status, maxillary mucosal health, and overdenture hygiene. Results For the 44 participants, 3 of 4 implants failed in 1 individual. The cumulative implant survival rate was 98% (97.7% patient level). No prosthetic failures (that is, overdenture replacement) occurred, indicating a 100% prosthesis survival rate. The mean ±standard deviation OHIP-49 severity score was 23.6 ±26.0, and the mean ±standard deviation total VAS score was 179.2 ±29.4. Increased age was associated with lower OHIP-49 severity score (P=.036), and participants with unhealthy oral mucosa or denture stomatitis demonstrated significantly higher OHIP-49 severity scores (P=.003). Conclusions In this retrospective evaluation, unsplinted implant-retained maxillary overdenture therapy was associated with high implant and prosthetic survival, as well as high patient satisfaction and quality of life. Age, sex, maxillary mucosal health, and mandibular dental status resulted in significant differences with respect to oral health–related quality of life and patient satisfaction, indicating that this treatment option may be ideal for certain patients.
Language Proficiency and Dominance Considerations When Working With Spanish–English Bilingual Adults

Purpose As the Hispanic population continues to increase within the United States, there is a pressing need to incorporate rigorous and efficient clinical assessments of language dominance and prof...
Early elementary grade dual language learners from Spanish-speaking homes struggling with English reading comprehension: The dormant role of language skills.

[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported online in Journal of Educational Psychology on Dec 23 2019 (see record 2019-80143-001). In Table 4, the Spanish vocabulary coefficients were not placed under the correct models. In Table 5, coefficients for the home language use and home language composite were not placed under the correct models. Additionally, the coefficient for constant under Model 2/Fall should be 2.06** (.78). All versions of this article have been corrected.] This study investigated contributors of English reading comprehension outcomes among predominantly U.S.-born 1st- and 3rd-grade (N = 73) dual language learners (DLLs) from Spanish-speaking, low-income homes who attend English-only instructional schools in the Southern region of the United States, which is experiencing historic rates of school-age DLL enrollment. We investigated the utility of various conceptualizations of vocabulary, namely English-only, Spanish-only, and specifically Spanish–English conceptually scored receptive vocabulary, in understanding DLLs’ reading comprehension. We first examined whether a gap was evident between the various conceptualizations of vocabulary and English word reading. Then, using structural equation modeling, we investigated the influence of the various conceptualizations of vocabulary on English reading comprehension, accounting for English word reading skills. Finally, we examined the potential contributions of DLLs’ home language environments. Results revealed that the gap between English word reading and vocabulary varied as a function of the conceptualization of vocabulary. Further, English word reading emerged as the robust contributor to children’s English reading comprehension, with no significant influence of receptive vocabulary, regardless of how it was conceptualized. Finally, and contributing to a nascent area of research, attention to DLLs’ home language use practices suggests that the productive language domain (i.e., children’s own home language use) may represent an important contributor to English reading comprehension among DLLs from Spanish-speaking homes. We discuss theoretical and practical implications. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Deep Learning for Asphyxiated Infant Cry Classification Based on Acoustic Features and Weighted Prosodic Features

Asphyxia is a respiratory injury that leads to a serious damage for infants. Early detection of asphyxia using Artificially Intelligent technology helps in reducing infant mortality rate when compared to traditional medical diagnosis, which is time consuming. In this paper, we propose a novel method through generating weighted prosodic features combined with acoustic features to form a merged feature matrix to classify asphyxiated baby crying effectively. The weights of the prosodic features are trained at the frame level with labeled data and can be optimized using deep learning approach with neural networks. The novel merged feature matrix is established with both acoustic and weighted prosodic features. The matrix has good ability to capture the diversity of variations within infant cries, especially for asphyxiated samples. Our method has the benefits of keeping the robustness and resolution of the classification model simultaneously. The effectiveness of this approach is evaluated on Baby Chillanto Database. Our method yields a significant reduction of 3.11%, 3.23%, and 1.43% absolute classification error rate compared with the results using single acoustic features, single prosodic features, and both acoustic and prosodic features, respectively. The testing accuracy in our method reaches 96.74%, which outperforms all other related studies on asphyxiated baby crying classification.
Race in Film

This chapter examines race in film through exploring what the author calls “cinema beyond the veil.” This involves addressing several themes. The first is historical—namely, the story of racial portraits in film. The second is hermeneutical—that is, interpreting the portrayal of race in film. The third is philosophical—pertaining particularly to the aesthetic quality of film where race emerges. And the fifth is political—whether race can be in film without subordinating aesthetic aims to political imperatives. Conceptual tools rallied in the service of this analysis include audiovisuality, allegory, monstrosity, political aesthetics, and potentiated double consciousness.
Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar

We provide a tripartite overview of HPSG, a constraint-based model-theoretic framework for grammatical representation widely used for both theoretical research and computational implementations of natural language grammars. We begin with a condensed survey of the descriptive machinery assumed in the theory, focusing on the feature-based encoding of grammatical properties and the form of constraints regulating the specification of values for these features in complex syntatic structures, with illustrations from various local and nonlocal dependencies exhibited in a range of grammatical constructions. The following section explores in some detail the logical and formal foundations of the descriptive apparatus, centered on the crucial ontological distinction between, on the one hand, formal objects embodying the properties of linguistic expressions, and on the other, descriptions of those objects. We conclude with a review of HPSG-based processing, including the motivations behind such work, the different computational approaches and systems, as well as current strands of research.
The interprofessional Veterans Affairs Quality Scholars program pre- and postdoctoral nurse fellow outcomes.

Abstract Background The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Quality Scholars (VAQS) program, an interprofessional fellowship that includes pre- and postdoctoral nurses, aims to inspire practice change leaders. Fellows participate in a national curriculum, lead improvement/research teams, and establish professional development plans with expert mentor guidance. Purpose To describe the distinctive elements of the VAQS program, nurse fellow outcomes, and accomplishments of nurse alumni as leaders, researchers, and educators. Methods Data were reviewed and aggregated from past and current fellow surveys. Findings Nurse fellows completed research and improvement projects that benefitted both the VA and the local health systems. Scholarly outcomes include publications, conference presentations, grant submissions, teaching/leading quality improvement, and research initiatives. Graduates transition to positions as nurse scientists, academic faculty, and operational leaders. Discussion Fellows contribute to the strategic priorities of local and national VA and external health care organizations providing a pipeline of health system expert leaders, educators, and researchers. Conclusion Doctoral nursing fellowship experiences build human capital for enhancing the science of improvement and implementation, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership.
Theoretically Validated Complexity Metrics for UML State Machine Models

The primary purpose of software design is to reduce the complexity of software systems and to abstract the details to aid in comprehension. Design languages, such as UML, offer increased flexibility and alternatives for designers. However, there are no clear objective guidelines to help software designers select alternatives that reduce model complexity and improve their comprehensibility. Current model complexity metrics are often dependent exclusively on the number of model elements without appropriately considering the complexity of these elements and their interactions. In this paper, we introduce novel complexity metrics for UML state machines models. The proposed approach and metrics are formulated by estimating a complexity rate for each element in the state machine model. The paper presents an in-depth theoretical validity evaluation using Briand s theoretical property-based framework to ensure the correctness of the metrics. The proposed complexity metrics satisfy four of the five Briand’s properties.
Family Closeness and Mentor Formation among Black Youth

The current study examined how primary caregivers’ close relationships with adult relatives may have influenced their adolescent children’s formation of familial mentoring relationships. Using survey data from 216 Black American youth (59% girls), quantitative findings indicated that when primary caregivers had more really close relationships with adult relatives, their children also reported more really close relationships with adult relatives. In turn, having more really close relationships with adult kin was associated with youth having a familial mentor. Interviews were conducted with a subsample of 24 youth, along with their primary caregiver, and an additional adult family member (72 interviews in total). Qualitative analyses were conducted to better understand how primary caregivers may facilitate relationships between their children and adult relatives. Qualitative findings indicated that primary caregivers both directly and indirectly facilitated these relationships by modeling relational closeness and permitting interactions among their children and adult relatives. Importantly, qualitative findings also highlighted the role of youth agency in creating and maintaining close intergenerational bonds. Overall, findings suggest that primary caregivers may play an influential role in shaping the nature of their children’s relationships with adult relatives. Moreover, findings suggest that youth who lack close ties with adult relatives may benefit from intentional efforts by their primary caregivers to facilitate these relationships.
The marginal diagnostic benefit of pancreatic cancer molecular profiling after germline testing.

10513Background: Germline genetic testing is now universally recommended for patients (pts) with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) for purposes of both familial screening and therapeutic guid...
A qualitative comparison of parent and childcare provider perceptions of communication and family engagement in children's healthy eating and physical activity.

BACKGROUND Parents and childcare providers play a substantial role in the development of health behaviours among the children they care for. In order to ensure the optimal growth and development of children, communication and family engagement in childcare is critical. Previous studies examining parent or provider perceptions about healthy eating or physical activity have explored these concepts individually and/or have only included only parents or providers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare childcare provider and parent perceptions of communication regarding healthy eating and physical activity as well as use of best practice strategies on family engagement for these topics. METHODS Childcare providers (n = 12) in childcare centres or a family childcare home and a parent (n = 12) of a child they provide care for participated in a semi-structured interview guided by the Social Ecological Model. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and uploaded to NVivo for data analysis. Data were analysed using a directed content analysis. Three trained qualitative researchers developed a codebook and then compared responses between parents and providers. RESULTS Similarities in provider and parent responses included agreement on healthy eating; influences on child development; parents being the most influential on children's healthy eating; how they identified physical activity opportunities; and the use of family engagement principles. Differences that arose included parents' roles in promoting children's physical activity; challenges for parents in promoting healthy eating and physical activity; and providers' encouragement of physical activity. Importantly, few parents mentioned providers were top influences on their child's healthy eating or physical activity. Providers also mentioned having difficult conversations with parents was challenging. CONCLUSIONS Future efforts are needed to (1) help parents understand the providers' role in the development of their child's health behaviours and (2) strengthen efforts to engage families in healthy behaviours outside of childcare facilities.
Global Maps of Atmospheric Water Vapor, Cloud Water, and Rainfall Derived From Nimbus-7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer Data: A Case Study

Atmospheric water vapor, cloud water, and rainfall rates have been inferred previously from radiometric observations from earth orbit in the microwave region using 1.0, 1.4, and 1.6 cm wavelength channels of the NEMS and ESMR radiometers on board the Nimbus-5 and the SCAMS radiometer on board the Nimbus-6. The payload of the recently launched Nimbus-7 satellite includes a ten-channel radiometer, the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) (Nimbus-7/SMMR) which receives both horizontal and vertical polarizations at the wavelengths 0.8, 1.4, 1.7, 2.7 and 4.6 cm. The additional channels on the Nimbus-7/SMMR permit better estimates of the atmospheric water vapor and cloud water since ocean surface variations can be taken into account properly. The algorithm used in obtaining the improved retrievals of these parameters is described, and some representative global maps of the atmospheric water vapor and cloud water derived from Nimbus-7/SMMR data are presented. Rainfall rate retrievals are also improved with the use of 0.8 and 1.7 cm channels in conjunction by extending the range of sensitivity of the method. Again, example using the Nimbus-7/SMMR data are presented.
Extent of extracapsular spread: a critical prognosticator in oral tongue cancer.

BACKGROUND Extracapsular spread (ECS) of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck to regional lymph nodes is the most reliable predictor of poor treatment outcomes. Recently, the authors have shown that ECS is significantly associated with higher rates of locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis, and decreased survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (SCCOT). The purpose of this review was to determine if the degree of ECS impacts distant metastasis rates and survival. METHODS Two hundred sixty-six patients treated for SCCOT with surgery +/− adjuvant radiotherapy from 1980–1995 were reviewed. The setting was a tertiary referral center. The extent of ECS on histopathologic review of involved lymph nodes was measured from the capsular margin to the farthest perinodal extension in mm. Extent of ECS and the number of pathologic lymph nodes with or without ECS were analyzed for disease-free interval, survival rates, and distant metastases. RESULTS No differences in the survival of patients with ECS of ≤ 2 mm or > 2 mm was found (P = 0.92). Patients with both ECS and multiple positive lymph nodes had decreased overall survival (P = 0.0003), disease-specific survival (P = 0.0005), and a shorter disease-free interval (P = 0.019) when compared with those with a single positive lymph node with ECS. Those with multiple ECS+ lymph nodes had the worst prognosis (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Based on these findings, the authors recommended that all patients with SCCOT with ECS or multiple positive lymph nodes with or without ECS on pathologic review be considered for clinical trials that intensify regional and systemic adjuvant therapy. Cancer 2003;97:1464–70. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11202
Health‐related quality of life from a prospective randomised clinical trial of robot‐assisted laparoscopic vs open radical cystectomy

Objective To compare health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcomes for robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) with those of traditional open radical cystectomy (ORC) in a prospective randomised fashion. Patients and Methods This was a prospective randomised clinical trial evaluating the HRQoL for ORC vs RARC in consecutive patients from July 2009 to June 2011. We administered the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Vanderbilt Cystectomy Index questionnaire, validated to assess HRQoL, preoperatively and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively. Scores for each domain and total scores were compared in terms of deviation from preoperative values for both the RARC and the ORC cohorts. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the association between the type of radical cystectomy and HRQoL. Results At the time of the study, 47 patients had met the inclusion criteria, with 40 patients being randomised for analysis. The cohorts consisted of 20 patients undergoing ORC and 20 undergoing RARC, who were balanced with respect to baseline demographic and clinical features. Univariate analysis showed a return to baseline scores at 3 months postoperatively in all measured domains with no statistically significant difference among the various domains between the RARC and the ORC cohorts. Multivariate analysis showed no difference in HRQoL between the two approaches in any of the various domains, with the exception of a slightly higher physical well-being score in the RARC group at 6 months. Conclusions There were no significant differences in the HRQoL outcomes between ORC and RARC, with a return of quality of life scores to baseline scores 3 months after radical cystectomy in both cohorts.
Studying religion today: Controversiality and ‘objectivity’ in the sociology of religion

The salience of issues of ‘objectivity’ in the study of religion is presently increasing in the context of enhanced religious conflict, controversy and overt politicization. These issues arise and ramify on various levels: epistemological, ethical, existential and interpersonal. As students of religion are increasingly impelled to ‘become part of their data’, they need to consider whether a value-neutral ‘scientific’ study of religion can remain viable in a period of religious tumult? Feminism, Liberation Theology and concern over the perceived persecution of stigmatized religious minorities (‘cults’) represent three orientations which are currently shaping the sociology of religion in the United States.
Near-time-optimal neural control of discrete-time systems

Investigates theoretical foundations for the use of artificial neural networks for closed-loop approximation of time-optimal control policies. The results are obtained using elementary properties of continuous mappings, with almost no assumptions on smoothness of state transition function f. The developments are greatly simplified by assumption of certain uniqueness properties satisfied for sampled continuous time systems controlled in zero-hold fashion. The results presented guarantee existence of time-optimal feedback approximation using networks with discontinuous Heaviside activation functions. Unfortunately, while such networks are attractive from the theoretical point of view, there are hardly any efficient training algorithms available for them. The architecture dominating in practice is that with smooth sigmoidal activation functions, and most training methods are derivatives of the celebrated backpropagation algorithm. Therefore, there is a need to investigate exactly for what kind of control problems it is possible to apply the sigmoidal networks. The presented results constitute a step in this direction, but further studies are necessary. By strengthening the assumptions on the form of the controlled system, it should be possible to improve the results presented here, and to eliminate the residual set on which the approximate controller may fail.
Tracking of real-valued Markovian random processes with asymmetric cost and observation

We study a state-tracking problem in which the background random process is Markovian with unknown real-valued states and known transition probability densities. At each time step the decision-maker chooses a state as an action and accumulates some reward based on the selected state and the actual state. If the selected state is higher than the actual state, the actual state is fully observed in expense of overutilization cost. Otherwise, the decision-maker has to pay underutilization cost and could only observe the actual state partially (that it is higher than the selected state). Thus, the decision-maker faces asymmetries in both cost and observation. The goal is to select the actions in order to maximize the total expected discounted reward over infinite horizon. We model this problem as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process and formulate it in two different ways: (i) belief-based, and (ii) sequence-based. In the sequence-based formulation, only two parameters matter to define the sequence of actions, the last fully observed state and the time passed from the last observation. We prove key structural properties of the optimal policy including a lower bound on the optimal sequence. Further, for a specific form of processes we present an upper bound on the optimal sequence. Both lower and upper bound sequences have percentile threshold structure and are monotonically increasing with respect to the last fully observed state.
99mTc-sulfur colloid SPECT/CT for quantitative imaging of global and regional liver function in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

584 Objectives Liver function assessment is critical in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient care and may be enhanced by quantitative imaging surrogates. Global and regional variability in 99mTc-sulfur colloid (SC) SPECT/CT liver uptake was tested for association to Child-Pugh (CP) score and prior therapy in HCC patients. Methods 12 HCC patients with variable CP score (A5-B9) and prior liver therapy underwent SC SPECT/CT scans. Reconstructed SPECT images were corrected for scatter, collimator blur and attenuation. Gross tumor volume (GTV), anatomic liver volume (ALV) and spleen were contoured on CT. Liver-to-spleen SC uptake ratios were calculated: maximum (L/Smax), mean (L/Smean) and total (L/Stotal). Functional liver volumes (FLV) were created by SC uptake thresholds within ALV. Heterogeneity was assessed by coefficient of variation in SC uptake (CVALV) and liver-to-spleen uptake ratio CV (L/SCV). Wilcoxon sign-rank tested image parameters across all patients and non-parameteric ANOVA tested differences between patient groups (CP score or prior treatment). Results FLV were smaller than ALV (FLV/ALV=53%, p Conclusions Quantitative sulfur colloid SPECT/CT liver uptake distinguishes between patients with differential liver function. These imaging parameters may aid in personalization of HCC radiotherapy and delineation of functional avoidance volumes.
Does Wells score documentation really prevent excessive CTPA requests in a teaching hospital? A retrospective study in 800 patients

Introduction: CTPA is the recommended diagnostic modality for pulmonary embolism and the Well9s score is a well-known measure of pre-test probability. We undertook a retrospective audit to examine the correlation between Wells score > 4 and CTPA positivity. Methods: We obtained all CTPA requests undertaken in a teaching hospital between January and August 2013. Our hospital CTPA requests are made electronically requiring clinical details, Wells score and D-Dimer. If the Wells score is > 4 then a PE is considered likely and D-dimer is not required. Excluding duplicate requests or cancelled scans left a total of 800 requests. Of these, 747 CTPAs and 53 V/Q scans were performed (data excluded). Of these 747 CTPAs we had data from the initial request forms including Wells score and D-dimer for 693 of these patients. Results: 747 CTPAs were performed during the study period. Of those, 1% (7) were equivocal, 83% (619) negative and 16% (121) positive. Of the positive CTPA scans 13 were excluded as request form details were not recorded leaving a total of 108. 72% (78) of these patients had a Well9s score of > 4, 28% (30) had a Wells score of 4. 22% (126) had a Wells score of Conclusion: Despite having an online requesting system which takes a high pre-test probability (Wells>4) into account, excessive CTPA requests were made. This presents an interesting finding and we plan to re-audit after conducting training sessions on the use of the Wells score.
Some Characteristics of Metal Mirrors and a New Gonioreflectometer

A study of the reflection characteristics of over a hundred mirrors of thirty-seven kinds has been made to get data that will permit both a comparison of mirrors and of the various methods and instruments for testing them. Tests were made of specular reflectance at angles from 15 degrees to 82.5 degrees and a new gonioreflectometer was built particularly for this work. The angular distribution data were used to compute average reflectances, and this was done in three different manners that represent three different points of view as to what average reflectance means. A number of alloys of aluminum were made and tested in an endeavor to improve on pure aluminum, and the entire group of mirrors was retested a number of times to determine the degree of permanence of the various metals.
We Cannot Allow a Wikipedia Gap

Editing Wikipedia is probably the best way for historians of science to spend their working hours. I became an historian of science because the history (and philosophy and sociology) of science (and medicine and technology) touches on virtually every important social and political issue in the modern world. I wanted to help put the field where it ought to be, at the center of any program of liberal and/or scientific education—part of the baseline of cultural literacy. When I entered grad school, it was a great letdown to realize just how small a part of academic life involves reaching beyond the walls of academe. Public service is not part of the scholar social role until one reaches full professor, if ever. But while my original motivation to edit Wikipedia was an impulse toward service (along with the desire for an audience), that is not primarily why it is incumbent upon scholars in the history of science and her sister fields to join me...
The Impact of Race and Ethnicity on the Identification Process for Giftedness in Utah

Many gifted education experts have found that Black, Hispanic, and Native American students are less likely to be identified for gifted programs than Asian American and White students. A study was conducted to ascertain the degree of underrepresentation of these groups in gifted programs in Utah. Using state-collected data from 14,781 students in six representative school districts in Utah, it was found through multiple logistic regression analysis that there was no statistically significant difference in the likelihoods that Black, Hispanic, or Native American students and White students would be identified as gifted; Asian American and Pacific Islander students were more likely to be identified as gifted than White students. After controlling for academic achievement and SES, it was found that all diverse demographic groups of students were more likely to be identified as gifted than White students, although the differences did not reach statistical significance for multiracial or Native American studen...
Fundus Autofluorescence at 594 nm and Comparison with Near Infrared Reflectance and Fluorescence Imaging

A scanning laser autofluorescent technique at 594 nm reveals features at retinal locations seen with near infrared reflectance and polarization imaging techniques. The autofluorescence from melanin is too weak to account for 594 nm autofluorescence.
Enhanced proliferation of H-1 virus in livers of rats infected with Cysticercus fasciolaris.

The present report developed from a preceding one [1] showing that the adult rat liver, ordinarily refractive to infection by Toolan's H-1 virus [2], could be rendered receptive by partial hepatectomy. This procedure results in a vigorous reparative activity, and the regenerating tissue thus becomes a favored target for a virus with an affinity for replicating cells. It seemed possible that Cysticercus fasciolaris, which is the larval form of the feline tapeworm Taenia taeniaeformis and induces an increase in mitotic activity throughout the liver of the rat, its natural host, might act in a similar manner in enhancing proliferation of the H-1 virus.
Use of radiofrequency current to ablate accessory connections in children.

BACKGROUND Several investigators have recently ablated electrophysiologically mapped accessory connections in the adult human myocardium by using radiofrequency current. To examine the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency current for ablation of accessory connections in children, 20 consecutive patients (age, 3-18 years) with preexcitation and/or supraventricular tachycardia were evaluated by electrophysiological study. METHODS AND RESULTS Nineteen of the 20 patients were completely studied and demonstrated accessory connections. After identification of the earliest retrograde atrial activation site, a steerable 7F catheter (with a 4-mm-long electrode at the distal tip) was placed within the ventricular cavity ipsilateral to the accessory connection and positioned at the atrioventricular valve annulus directly opposite the earliest point of retrograde atrial activation. Radiofrequency current was delivered at 50-65 volts for 10-60 seconds at a frequency of 500 kHz. Radiofrequency pulses were delivered for two to 26 trials. Upon completion of radiofrequency trials, repeat electrophysiological testing was performed. Thirteen of 19 subjects (68%) experienced definite successful ablation of their accessory pathway; an additional patient had probable successful ablation, yielding an overall success rate of 74%. Eighty-seven percent of individuals with a left-sided pathway had permanent ablation and 100% with a manifest left-sided pathway experienced successful ablation. Only 29% of the first seven patients had a successful result; in contrast, 92% of the next 12 patients had successful interruption of their accessory pathways. After ablation, 4-day continuous electrocardiographic telemetry disclosed no significant arrhythmias. CPK enzyme rises peaked at 12-24 hours. The rise was excessive and associated with general anesthesia in five patients. The isoenzyme MB fraction rose mildly in five other patients and returned to normal within 72 hours. No clinical or electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial ischemia was detected. Follow-up for 4-12 months indicates no return of preexcitation or tachycardia in any patient whose accessory connection was successfully ablated. CONCLUSIONS This experience indicates that radiofrequency current is an effective and safe technique for ablation of accessory connections in children.
Supercritical fluid chromatography of selected oestrogens.

Abstract The separation of selected oestrogens (oestrone, equilin, α-oestradiol, β-oestradiol and d -equilenin) using capillary supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) was studied. Three different stationary pahses (SB-methyl-100, SB-biphenyl-30 and SB-cyanopropyl-50) were studied for the separation of the compounds. A baseline separation of the oestrogens was achieved on a SB-cyanopropyl-50 column using a carbon dioxide density gradient at an oven temperature of 73°C. Typical analysis time on a 7 m column was 21 min. Retention times of each oestrogen decreased with an increase in either mobile phase density or oven temperature. Accuracy and precision of the SFC method were in the 1–5.5% range. The SFC method was applied to three different dosage forms containing oestrogens.
Development of a tandem affinity phosphoproteomic method with motif selectivity and its application in analysis of signal transduction networks

Phosphorylation is an important post-translational modification that is involved in regulating many signaling pathways. Of particular interest are the growth factor mediated Ras and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways which, if misregulated, can contribute to the progression of cancer. Phosphoproteomic methods have been developed to study regulation of signaling pathways; however, due to the low stoichiometry of phosphorylation, understanding these pathways is still a challenge. In this study, we have developed a multi-dimensional method incorporating electrostatic repulsion-hydrophilic interaction chromatography (ERLIC) with tandem IMAC/TiO2 enrichment for subsequent phosphopeptide identification by LC/MS/MS. We applied this method to PDGF-stimulated NIH 3T3 cells to provide over 11,000 unique phosphopeptide identifications. Upon motif analysis, IMAC was found to enrich for basophilic kinase substrates while the subsequent TiO2 step enriched for acidophilic kinase substrates, suggesting that both enrichment methods are necessary to capture the full complement of kinase substrates. Biological functions that were over-represented at each PDGF stimulation time point, together with the phosphorylation dynamics of several phosphopeptides containing known kinase phosphorylation sites, illustrate the feasibility of this approach in quantitative phosphoproteomic studies.
Habitual sleep durations and health in a 50–65 year old population

Abstract Several studies have suggested that individuals with long or short sleep durations are at greater risk for adverse outcomes relative to individuals sleeping 7–8 hours a night. The mechanisms leading to these results have never been fully explained, but individual differences in how long an individual sleeps are usually considered to reflect lifestyle rather than disease. Alternatively, individuals may sleep a particular amount because of characteristics of their sleep physiology. In this study, we examined population-based data on the associations between sleep duration and several symptoms of sleep-related disease, reported snoring and daytime sleepiness. Results from 1877 independently living individuals between the ages of 50 and 65 years suggested that long, but not short, sleep durations were related to greater reported snoring. Higher levels of reported snoring and daytime sleepiness, but not habitual sleep duration, were related to measures of disease and lower psychosocial function. We suggest that future epidemiologic studies use such additional items as potential indicators of sleep-related disease.
Cytogenetic characterization of the L5178Y TK+/− 3.7.2C mouse lymphoma cell line

Abstract The cytogenetic characterization of the L5178Y TK +/− 3.7.2C mouse lymphoma cell line was carried out, utilizing G-banded metaphase chromosomes, to provide a karyotypic basis for the precise delineation of induced rearrangements in TK −/− mutants. Band-pattern measurements were used to construct ideograms which represent the position, number, size and staining intensity of the chromosome bands. The TK +/− 3.7.2C cell line has been shown to provide quantitation of forward mutations induced at the autosomal thymidine kinase (TK) locus in this cell line. Chromosome analysis of the TK +/− 3.7.2C cell line and derived TK −/− mutants has become important in demonstrating that the TK +/− → TK −/− assay may detect and distinguish between chromosomal events and smaller, perhaps point-mutation, events in mutant colonies.