cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Analysis of Solids by High-Resolution 1H NMR

1H CRAMPS and MAS-only NMR experiments have been examined systematically from a quantitative point of view. Silicone rubber was characterized as a proton NMR intensity standard and found to be successful in quantitative analysis for typical solids. Important parameter variations involved in the CRAMPS experiment, especially for quantitative analysis, are discussed. The application of the silicone rubber intensity standard for quantitative 1H NMR analysis (spin-counting) to silica is described, demonstrating the utility and power of 1H NMR for quantitative analysis.
Three varieties of realism in computer graphics

This paper describes three varieties of realism that need to be considered in evaluating computer graphics images and defines the criteria that need to be met if each kind of realism is to be achieved. The paper introduces a conceptual framework for thinking about realism in images, and describes a set of research tools for measuring image realism and assessing its value in graphics applications.
Endosonography and endosonography-guided biopsy of upper-GI-tract tumors using a curved-array echoendoscope.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) with a curved-array transducer and to determine the value of endosonography-guided biopsy.
CSF3R T618I is a highly prevalent and specific mutation in chronic neutrophilic leukemia

Truncation mutations of the receptor cytoplasmic domain for colony-stimulating factor 3 (CSF3R) are frequently seen in severe congenital neutropenia, whereas activating missense mutations affecting the extracellular domain (exon 14) have been described in hereditary neutrophilia and chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL). In order to clarify mutational frequency, specificity and phenotypic associations, we sequenced CSF3R exons 14–17 in 54 clinically suspected cases of CNL (n=35) or atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML; n=19). Central review of these cases confirmed WHO-defined CNL in 12 patients, monoclonal gammopathy (MG)-associated CNL in 5 and WHO-defined aCML in 9. A total of 14 CSF3R mutations were detected in 13 patients, including 10 with CSF3RT618I (exon 14 mutation, sometimes annotated as CSF3R T595I). CSF3RT618I occurred exclusively in WHO-defined CNL with a mutational frequency of 83% (10 of 12 cases). CSF3R mutations were not seen in aCML or MG-associated CNL. CSF3RT618I was also absent among 170 patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF; n=76) or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML; n=94). SETBP1 mutational frequencies in WHO-defined CNL, aCML, CMML and PMF were 33, 0, 7 and 3%, respectively. Four CSF3RT618I-mutated cases co-expressed SETBP1 mutations. We conclude that CSF3RT618I is a highly sensitive and specific molecular marker for CNL and should be incorporated into current diagnostic criteria.
Impact of Malarial Infection on Metabolism and Thermorégulation in the Fence Lizard Sceloporus occidentalis from Oregon

Abstract We examined the influence of reduced hemoglobin concentrations resulting from malarial infection on metabolism and thermoregulation in the Fence Lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis. Malarial infections diminish the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, depressing hemoglobin concentrations by as much as 25%. Lizards collected from Oregon were screened for Plasmodium mexicanum. Malaria-infected and uninfected lizards were placed on a temperature-controlled treadmill at preferred body temperature (35°C) and induced to walk at constant speed for 5 min (0.7 m min−1) or sprint maximally to exhaustion (<2 min of activity). Excess oxygen consumption during recovery was over 30% higher in infected lizards when compared to uninfected lizards following similar levels of activity. Malarial infection significantly elevated blood lactate levels following sprint or endurance activity (20 and 36% elevation, respectively) when compared to uninfected lizards. Malarial infection significantly increased preferred body ...
Prospective reference theory: Toward an explanation of the paradoxes

This article develops a variant of the expected utility model termed prospective reference theory. Although the standard model occurs as a limiting case, the general approach is that individuals treat stated experimental probabilities as imperfect information. This model is applied to a wide variety of aberrant phenomena, including the Allais paradox, the overweighting of low-probability events, the existence of premiums for certain elimination of risks, and the representativeness heuristic. The prospective reference theory model predicts most of the observed behavioral patterns rather than being potentially reconcilable with such phenomena.
Shallow low‐velocity zone of the San Jacinto fault from local earthquake waveform modelling

SUMMARY We developed a method to determine the depth extent of low-velocity zone (LVZ) associated with a fault zone (FZ) using S-wave precursors from local earthquakes. The precursors are diffracted S waves around the edges of LVZ and their relative amplitudes to the direct S waves are sensitive to the LVZ depth. We applied the method to data recorded by three temporary arrays across three branches of the San Jacinto FZ. The FZ dip was constrained by differential traveltimes of P waves between stations at two side of the FZ. Other FZ parameters (width and velocity contrast) were determined by modelling waveforms of direct and FZ-reflected P and S waves. We found that the LVZ of the Buck Ridge fault branch has a width of ∼150 m with a 30–40 per cent reduction in Vp and a 50–60 per cent reduction in Vs. The fault dips 70 ± 5 ◦ to southwest and its LVZ extends only to 2 ± 1 km in depth. The LVZ of the Clark Valley fault branch has a width of ∼200 m with 40 per cent reduction in Vp and 50 per cent reduction in Vs. The Coyote Creek branch is nearly vertical and has a LVZ of ∼150 m in width and of 25 per cent reduction in Vp and 50 per cent reduction in Vs. The LVZs of these three branches are not centred at the surface fault trace but are located to their northeast, indicating asymmetric damage during earthquakes.
An Optimizing Compiler for Parallel Chemistry Simulations

Well designed domain specific languages enable the easy expression of problems, the application of domain specific optimizations, and dramatic improvements in productivity for their users. In this paper we describe a compiler for polymer chemistry, and in particular rubber chemistry, that achieves all of these goals. The compiler allows the development of a system of ordinary differential equations describing a complex rubber reaction - a task that used to require months - to be done in days. The generated code, like much machine generated code, is more complex than human written code, and stresses commercial compilers to the point of failure. However, because of knowledge of the form of ODEs generated, the compiler can perform specialized common sub-expression and other algebraic optimizations that simplifies the code sufficiently to allow it to be compiled (eliminating all but 6.9% of the operations in our largest program) and to provide five times faster performance on our largest benchmark codes.
A dynamical study of gap formation in x-pinch plasmas at 80 kA

This paper presents a dynamical study of vacuum gap formation in X-pinch plasmas at 80 kA pulsed power generator. Diagnostics include multiple frame laser interferometry to recover quantitative information, as well data from X-ray diodes, laser Schlieren imaging, time-integrated X-ray pinhole cameras, and a gated XUV framing camera. The velocity with which the gap opens can be determined from laser Schlieren images, and measures 1.4times106 and 1.2times106 cm/s for 2- and 4-wire tungsten X-pinches, respectively. In addition, electron density profiles recovered throughout the gap formation process allows analysis of the mass density evolution in the radial direction.
Wage compression and wage inequality between black and white males in the United States, 1940-1960

The gap between the mean wages of black men and white men in the United States narrowed substantially between 1940 and 1950. There was, however, almost no change in this wage gap between 1950 and 1960. Some of this discontinuity in the path of black progress can be explained by general changes in the wage structure—wage compression in the 1940s and slight expansion in the 1950s. However, most of the gains of the 1940s were driven by race-specific factors, including increasing relative wages controlling for worker characteristics. These race-specific gains ceased in the 1950s.
Patient Ethnicity and the Identification of Anxiety in Elderly Primary Care Patients

OBJECTIVES: To examine the role of ethnicity and primary care physician (PCP) identification of anxiety in older adults. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey conducted between 2001 and 2003. SETTING: Primary care offices in the Baltimore, Maryland, area. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 330 adults aged 65 and older from Maryland primary care practices with complete information on psychological status and physician assessments. MEASUREMENTS: PCPs were asked to rate anxiety on a Likert scale. Patient interviews included measures of psychological status and patient use of psychotropic medications. RESULTS: Older black patients were less likely than older white patients to be identified as anxious (unadjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.18–0.64) and less likely to be taking psychotropic medications (unadjusted OR=0.40, 95% CI=0.20–0.81). In multivariate models that controlled for potentially influential characteristics including depression and anxiety symptoms, the association between identification (OR=0.30, 95% CI=0.15–0.61) with patient ethnicity remained significantly unchanged. CONCLUSION: PCPs were less likely to identify older black Americans as anxious than white patients. An understanding of the role of ethnicity in the identification of anxiety is important for the screening and management of anxiety in elderly people.
Changes to Charge and Defects in Dielectrics from Ion and Photon Fluences during Plasma Exposure

Based on this, it is our contention that, within the dielectric, beyond the ion penetration depth, photons are responsible for the damage in this region, while on the surface, the damage is primarily caused by ions. Here, the two sources of damage generated during plasma processing will be considered to determine the effects of ion and photon fluences on the damage. They are charge accumulation and defect-state formation. This article establishes the roles of photons and ions in charge accumulation and defect-state formation in dielectric materials. In order to determine this, electron-spin resonance ESR spectroscopy measurements were made to detect the modifications of the interfacial defect states and surface potential measurements with a Kelvin probe were used to detect the charge accumulation. Previously, VUV and UV exposures from synchrotron radiation and HgAr lamp have been shown to be responsible for the interlayer defect-state modifications in the dielectrics. 12 As a test sample, we used atomic-layer-deposited 20-nm-thick HfO2 on 100Si. Note that the dielectric sample is ultrathin which guarantees a modification of the interfacial defects. The resistivity of silicon substrate is 4000 cm which is needed to obtain effective ESR measurements. 13 An electron cyclotron resonance plasma system 9 was utilized to provide the plasma exposure of the dielectric films. Argon plasma was used to minimize the creation of free radicals, 14 so that the ion and photon bombardments were the primary sources of potential damage. To vary the ion and photon fluences, pressure and microwave power were scanned between ranges of 5 and 30 mTorr and 100 and 400 W, respectively. The pressure was varied using a mass-flow controller. For any combination of pressure and power, the ion flux can be calculated using the continuity equation 15 as i = nivi = nisuB 1
Sweetclover-Weevil Feeding Deterrent B: Isolation and Identification

Deterrent B, a compound apparently involved in the resistance of Melilotus infesta to the sweetclover weevil Sitona cylindricollis, has been isolated from leaves by a combination of preparative paper chromatography, sublimation, and crystallization. The compound has been identified as ammonium nitrate. Isolated deterrent B and ammonium nitrate have identical feeding deterrent activities. Although the deterrent principle was isolated as the ammonium salt, nitrate ion is probably responsible for the deterrent activity in vivo.
Ischemic Nephropathy: Where Are We Now?

Identification and reversing the loss of kidney function beyond occlusive disease of the renal arteries poses a major clinical challenge. Recent studies indicate that atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis develops as a function of age and is commonly associated with other microvascular disease, including nephrosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy. The risks of renal artery stenosis are related both to declining kidney function and to accelerated cardiovascular disease, with increased morbidity and mortality. Newer drugs, including agents that block the renin-angiotensin system, have improved the level of BP control for renovascular hypertension. Progressive renovascular disease during medical therapy can produce refractory hypertension, congestive heart failure, and renal failure with tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Recent studies indicate a complex interplay of oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and activation of fibrogenic cytokines as a result of experimental atherosclerosis and renal hypoperfusion. Advances in imaging and interventional devices offer major new opportunities to prevent progressive loss of kidney function. Recent series indicate that although 25 to 30% of patients with impaired renal function can recover glomerular filtration after revascularization, many have no apparent change in kidney function and 19 to 25% experience a significant loss of kidney function, in some cases as a result of atheroemboli. To select patients who are most likely to benefit from vascular intervention, clinicians should understand the pathophysiology of developing ischemic nephropathy and the potential hazards of revascularization in the setting of diffuse atherosclerotic disease. Further research should be directed toward identification of critical disease, regulation of fibrogenesis, and the interaction with other atherosclerotic processes.
Development of an atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma needle for melanoma cell research

An atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma needle has been developed to study the potential impact of plasma on melanoma cancer cells. The device operates at a frequency of 113 kHz with the plasma sustaining electrode at a potential of approximately 2.5 kV ac and a power less than 1.5W. The plasma is generated by ionizing helium gas with flow rates in the range of 1–9.7 L/min. The plasma needle was applied to cultured metastatic 1205Lu melanoma cells as well as Human Primary Keratinocytes (HEK) within an inverted microscope chamber. Time lapse photography was utilized to record cell death. Preliminary results show approximately a 5-fold killing effect of the melanoma cells as compared to keratinocytes.
Critical phenomena and breaking drops: Infinite idealizations in physics

Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics are related to one another through the so-called "thermodynamic limit'' in which, roughly speaking the number of particles becomes infinite. At critical points (places of physical discontinuity) this limit fails to be regular. As a result, the "reduction'' of Thermodynamics to Statistical Mechanics fails to hold at such critical phases. This fact is key to understanding an argument due to Craig Callender to the effect that the thermodynamic limit leads to mistakes in Statistical Mechanics. I discuss this argument and argue that the conclusion is misguided. In addition, I discuss an analogous example where a genuine physical discontinuity---the breaking of drops---requires the use of infinite idealizations.
EFFECTS OF HYDROPHOBICITY-INDUCING ROUGHNESS ON MICRO-FLOWS

The effect of three-dimensional roughness on pressure-driven flow of water through a microchannel is examined using a finite volume numerical model. In the case of roughness created by the presence of microposts on the channel walls, the pressure drop is found to increase as a function of the height of the microposts. However, in the case where the space between the microposts is free of shear (for example, when air or vapor is trapped between the micro-roughness elements), the pressure drop decreases. This is a model of superhydrophobic surfaces, such as the lotus leaf surface. It is found that there is a critical configuration of the microchannel that can lead to drag reduction even when microposts are present.
A Novel Software Implementation Concept for Power Quality Study

A novel concept for power quality study is proposed. The concept integrates the power system modeling, classifying, and characterizing of power quality events, studying equipment sensitivity to the event disturbance and locating the point of event occurrence into one unified frame. Both Fourier and wavelet analyses are applied for extracting distinct features of various types of events as well as for characterizing the events. A new fuzzy expert system for classifying power quality events based on such features is presented with improved performance over previous neural network-based methods. A novel simulation method is outlined for evaluating the operating characteristics of the equipment during specific events. A software prototype implementing the concept has been developed in MATLAB. The voltage sag event is taken as an example for illustrating the analysis methods and software implementation issues. It is concluded that the proposed approach is feasible and promising for real world applications.
Towards Recognition of Humans and their Behaviors from Space and Airborne Platforms: Extracting the Information in the Dynamics of Human Shadows

This paper proposes the use of shadows and shadow dynamics for the recognition of humans and human behavior. ldquoShadow biometricsrdquo may be a useful addition to the biometrics arsenal; shadows can be used in isolation, or in addition to the dasiadirectpsila (body) observation. Shadows may offer significantly more information could be obtained (larger image areas and more behavioral dynamics details) than in a direct observation of humans from above. Thus, shadow biometrics enables dasiaabove-the-headpsila remote biometrics, based on which future space/airborne imaging systems may be able to recognize and track suspects (such as wanted terrorists) by analyzing shadow dynamics (e.g. gait). Beyond the recognition of humans, the movement dynamics may offer information on specific types of behavior, such as those of suicide bombers, rioters or other aggressive individuals. The paper describes the image processing and feature analysis steps and illustrates them with examples.
Pre-clinical versus clinical medical students’ attitudes towards the poor in the United States

This study assessed the poverty-related attitudes of pre-clinical medical students (first and second years) versus clinical medical students (third and fourth years). First through fourth year medical students voluntarily completed the Attitude Towards Poverty scale. First and second year students were classified together in the preclinical group and third and fourth year students together in the clinical group. A total of 297 students participated (67% response rate). Statistically significant differences were noted between pre-clinical and clinical students for scores on the subscales personal deficiency (P<0.001), stigma (P=0.023), and for total scores (P=0.016). Scores across these subscales and for total scores were all higher in the clinical group. The only subscale which did not show statistical significance between pre-clinical and clinical students was the structural perspective. Medical students in their clinical training have a less favorable attitude towards the poor than their preclinical counterparts.
C–H Activation of Methyltrioxorhenium by Pincer Iridium Hydride To Give Agile Ir–Re Bimetallic Compounds

C–H activation of the CH3 group on methyltrioxorhenium (MTO) by [PNPIrH2]+ (1) affords the bimetallic complex [PNP(H)Ir-μ(CH2)-μ(O)-Re(O)2]+ (2). Investigation of the mechanism revealed that C–H activation is the rate-determining step, and it is preceded by MTO coordination to 1 followed by the release of H2. Reversible isomerization of 2 to [PNP(Me)(CH3CN)Ir-ReO3][PF6] (3) is observed when the solvent is exchanged from noncoordinating to coordinating and vice versa. While the Ir–Re bond in 2 is supported by two bridging ligands, oxo and alkylidene (CH2), the Ir–Re bond in 3 is not supported by any bridging ligands. Hence, the reversibility between these two structural isomers defines the agile nature of the Ir–Re metal–metal bond.
Copper Ulsi Interconnect Technology

Recently IBM announced the first implementation of full copper ULSI wiring in a CMOS technology, to be manufactured on its high-performance 0.22 um CMOS products this year. Features of this technology will be presented, as well as functional verification on CMOS chips. To reach this level, extensive yield, reliability, and stress testing had to be done on test and product-like chips, including those packaged into product modules. Data will be presented fom all aspects of this testing, ranging from experiments designed to promote Cu contamination of the MOS devices, to temperature/humidity/bias stressing of assembled functional modules. The results in all areas are shown to be equal to or better than standards set by our current AI(Cu)/Wstud technology. This demonstrates that the potential problems associated with copper wiring that have long been discussed can be overcome.
La ‘mutilation anthropologique’ et le réalignement de la littérature camerounaise Cilas Kemedjio

‘Anthropological mutilation’ and the reordering of Cameroonian literature I argue in this article that the postcolonial existential wound, otherwise referred to by Eboussi Boulaga as the anthropological mutilation, represents the intertextual nexus that bridges the generational gap in Francophone Cameroonian literature. The tragic malaise, rooted in absurdity and the dire state of the postcolonial condition, echoes anxieties expressed by earlier generations of Cameroonian writers in the 1950s about engaged literature. The article is therefore an exercise in detecting commonalities and discontinuities that weave a shared national literary tradition. Among the commonalities, the presence of jazz, the writing of the anticolonial struggle stand out while innovations are to be found in the epidemic manifestation of madness and the disintegration of the basic social fabric visible in the form of incest.
Pregnancy in sensitized kidney transplant recipients: a single-center experience.

Background We aimed to examine the clinical outcomes of sensitized pregnant kidney transplant recipients. Methods A retrospective cohort study of female patients who received kidney transplant at Montefiore transplant center between June 1, 2009 through December 31, 2014 and had a documented pregnancy in our system. Results We found that 11 women had pregnancies during this period with a median age of 36 yr (range 22, 39). Pregnancies occurred at a median of 3.1 yr (1.1, 8.7) after transplantation. Pre-pregnancy patients’ median serum creatinine levels and spot urine protein/creatinine ratio were 1.1 mg/dL (1.1, 2.1) and 0.55 g/d (0, 1.2), respectively. Eight patients were sensitized with panel reactive antibody (PRA) levels > 0% and three had PRA of 0%. The sensitized group had a higher incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes; one stillbirth and two second trimester miscarriage. During a median follow-up of 2.3 yr (1.2, 4) after delivery, three high PRA patients (37%) developed antibody-mediated rejection that led to graft loss. Conclusions We observed an increased risk of rejection, graft loss, and adverse pregnancy outcomes in sensitized kidney recipients.
Determining Optimal Discharge and Optimal Penstock Diameter in Water Turbines

Minimizing water consumption for producing hydropower is critical given that overuse of flows for energy production may result in a shortage of flows for other purposes such as irrigation and navigation. This paper presents a dimensional analysis for finding optimal flow discharge and optimal penstock diameter when designing impulse and reaction water turbines for hydropower systems. The objective of this analysis is to provide general insights for minimizing water consumption when producing hydropower. This analysis is based on the geometric and hydraulic characteristics of the penstock, the total hydraulic head, and the desired power production. As part of this analysis, various dimensionless relationships between power production, flow discharge, and head losses were derived. These relationships were used to draw general insights on determining optimal flow discharge and optimal penstock diameter. For instance, it was found that for minimizing water consumption, the ratio of head loss to gross head should not exceed about 15%. An example of application is presented to illustrate the procedure for determining optimal flow discharge and optimal penstock diameter for an impulse turbine. It is worth mentioning that this paper presents part of the material published by the author in Leon and Zhu (2014).
LCDs modeling by 2 x 2 and 4 x 4 propagation matrix methods and by generalized geometrical optics approximation

The authors present recent results on modeling of the electrooptics of various LCDs (liquid crystal displays) as a function of applied voltage and viewing angle by a newly formulated fast 2*2 propagation matrix method and the generalized geometrical optics approximation (GGOA). Good agreement between the 2*2 and 4*4 matrix methods and the GGOA is demonstrated. In general, GGOA's results are the same as those obtained by the 2*2 method, and the maximum discrepancy between the 2*2 and 4*4 matrix methods is less than 3%. However, the computation time for the 2*2 propagation matrix is less than one half that of the faster 4*4 propagation matrix. In addition, a simple analytic formula for calculating the electrooptics as a function of viewing angle is obtained. An improved 4*4 propagation matrix method to eliminate the Fabry-Perot effects was also obtained. >
Pixel super-resolution in digital in-line holography

We report a new holographic microscope using pixel super-resolution algorithm. In our method, a sequence of low resolution images are acquired by a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor in digital inline holography system and the resolution is limited by the sensor pixel size. Then the super-resolution algorithm is applied to the low resolution images to get the image with much higher resolution that beyond the Nyquist criteria. We perform both numerical simulation and experiments to demonstrate our method with US Air Force Target used as the sample. The sample is randomly moved in the sample plane and a set of holograms are captured by the camera in inline holographic system. We use two methods to reconstruct the sample image. In the first method, super-resolution algorithm is applied with the low resolution holograms to get the high resolution hologram. Then the high resolution hologram is reconstructed using auto-focusing algorithm to get the high resolution sample image. In the second method, the raw holograms are directly reconstructed to get a set of low resolution sample images, then the super-resolution algorithm is applied to get the high resolution sample image. We observed that the above mentioned two methods can get similar results in both numerical stimulation and experiments. We believe that the combination of pixel super-resolution algorithm and digital in-line holography can be very useful to implement a compact low-cost microscope with high resolution.
What You Do Know Can Hurt You: An Instructional Case Requiring Application of Professional Standards to an Ethical Dilemma Facing an Auditor and Tax Preparer

SUMMARY: This instructional case, based on a real-life experience, introduces students/professionals to an ethical dilemma faced by a CPA who serves as both an auditor and a tax preparer for related parties. The CPA becomes aware of a large amount of gambling activity undertaken by an individual income tax client who is employed as the executive director of the local branch of a national charitable organization. The local branch also happens to be an audit client of the CPA. Through the case, students/professionals gain an understanding of and appreciation for a realistic ethical dilemma faced by a CPA who also prepares personal income tax returns for related parties. To help the CPA resolve the issues in this case, students/professionals must understand and apply relevant professional standards, including the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, AU-C Section 240 “Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit,” and IRS Circular 230 “Regulations Governing Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service...
Statistical Modeling of the Default Mode Brain Network Reveals a Segregated Highway Structure

We investigate the functional organization of the Default Mode Network (DMN) – an important subnetwork within the brain associated with a wide range of higher-order cognitive functions. While past work has shown the whole-brain network of functional connectivity follows small-world organizational principles, subnetwork structure is less well understood. Current statistical tools, however, are not suited to quantifying the operating characteristics of functional networks as they often require threshold censoring of information and do not allow for inferential testing of the role that local processes play in determining network structure. Here, we develop the correlation Generalized Exponential Random Graph Model (cGERGM) – a statistical network model that uses local processes to capture the emergent structural properties of correlation networks without loss of information. Examining the DMN with the cGERGM, we show that, rather than demonstrating small-world properties, the DMN appears to be organized according to principles of a segregated highway – suggesting it is optimized for function-specific coordination between brain regions as opposed to information integration across the DMN. We further validate our findings through assessing the power and accuracy of the cGERGM on a testbed of simulated networks representing various commonly observed brain architectures.
Development of a smartphone app and device to reduce tack coat tracking

In this study, tracking (the pick-up of tack coats by construction vehicle tires during construction activities) resistance of Oregon slow-setting grade and “New” engineered emulsions were investig...
MRI-Based topographic parcellation of human cerebral white matter and nuclei II. Rationale and applications with systematics of cerebral connectivity.

We describe a system for parcellation of the human cerebral white matter and nuclei, based upon magnetic resonance images. An algorithm for subdivision of the cerebral central white matter according to topographic criteria is developed in the companion manuscript. In the present paper we provide a rationale for this system of parcellation of the central white matter and we extend the system of cerebral parcellation to include principal subcortical gray structures such as the thalamus and the basal ganglia. The volumetric measures of the subcortical gray and white matter parcellation units in 20 young adult brains are computed and reported here as well. In addition, with the comprehensive system for cerebral gray and white matter structure parcellation as reference, we formulate a systematics of forebrain connectivity. The degree to which functionally specific brain areas correspond to topographically specific areas is an open empirical issue. The resolution of this issue requires the development of topographically specific anatomic analyses, such as presented in the current system, and the application of such systems to a comprehensive set of functional-anatomic correlation studies in order to establish the degree of structural-functional correspondence. This system is expected to be applied in both cognitive and clinical neuroscience as an MRI-based topographic systematics of human forebrain anatomy with normative volumetric reference and also as a system of reference for the anatomic organization of specific neural systems as disrupted by focal lesions in lesion-deficit correlations.
Adasa: A Conversational In-Vehicle Digital Assistant for Advanced Driver Assistance Features

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) come equipped on most modern vehicles and are intended to assist the driver and enhance the driving experience through features such as lane keeping system and adaptive cruise control. However, recent studies show that few people utilize these features for several reasons. First, ADAS features were not common until recently. Second, most users are unfamiliar with these features and do not know what to expect. Finally, the interface for operating these features is not intuitive. To help drivers understand ADAS features, we present a conversational in-vehicle digital assistant that responds to drivers' questions and commands in natural language. With the system prototyped herein, drivers can ask questions or command using unconstrained natural language in the vehicle, and the assistant trained by using advanced machine learning techniques, coupled with access to vehicle signals, responds in real-time based on conversational context. Results of our system prototyped on a production vehicle are presented, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving driver understanding and usability of ADAS.
Derecho: Fast State Machine Replication for Cloud Services

Cloud computing services often replicate data and may require ways to coordinate distributed actions. Here we present Derecho, a library for such tasks. The API provides interfaces for structuring applications into patterns of subgroups and shards, supports state machine replication within them, and includes mechanisms that assist in restart after failures. Running over 100Gbps RDMA, Derecho can send millions of events per second in each subgroup or shard and throughput peaks at 16GB/s, substantially outperforming prior solutions. Configured to run purely on TCP, Derecho is still substantially faster than comparable widely used, highly-tuned, standard tools. The key insight is that on modern hardware (including non-RDMA networks), data-intensive protocols should be built from non-blocking data-flow components.
Investigating Optimizing Mirror Orbits for Dark-side Illumination

When a planet is tidally locked with its star, the same side always faces the star; thus one side is always dark. This synchronization occurs quickly for potentially habitable Earth-like planets orbiting dim, low-mass stars. Korpela, Sallmen, & Leystra Greene (2015; KSG) suggest that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations may put large-scale mirror fleets in orbit around such exoplanets to reflect starlight to the dark side of the planet. They might also use such mirrors to alter the climate of their own or another planet. Radiation pressure (RP) will be important for such large, lightweight mirrors, but research on satellite orbit stability typically neglects its effects. The long-term goal of this research is to determine fuel-efficient satellite orbits in situations where RP is important. We use Python and REBOUND to simulate mirrors orbiting an Earth-like exoplanet in the habitable zone for a variety of stars. Our simulations use two settings: â€œAlways RPâ€ always reflects starlight towards the planetâ€™s center while â€œNighttime RPâ€ only does so on its dark side. We found mirrors survive longer when initially orbiting face on to the star compared to edge on. We present a selection of results illustrating how RP affects the mirrorâ€™s survival time.
“Drums Rumble Within”: Embodied Experiences of Temples in the East and on the London Stage

“'Drums Rumble Within': Embodied Experiences of Temples in the East and on the London Stage” demonstrates how Eastern temple noises viscerally shake listeners’ bodies. While Hindu temples were interpreted by Anglo-European travelers as an Eastern form of Christian church—complete with large “church” bells—Muslim mosques, by contrast, were understood as “demonic.” Muslim “temples” staged in the early modern English theater, as in Robert Greene’s Alphonsus, were accompanied by the loud rumble of the kettledrum. The large kettledrums that sounded in India and on the early modern stage produce soundwaves so palpable that their vibrations resonate simultaneously from outside and within the body; in staging this effect, the theater replicates the phenomenological experience that travel writers record of their own bodily sensations in transcultural encounters.
Switching on single-molecule magnet properties of homoleptic sandwich tris(pyrazolyl)borate dysprosium(iii) cations via intermolecular dipolar coupling.

Two new homoleptic DyIII compounds [Dy(TpMe2)2][DyCl3(TpMe2)]·CH2Cl2 (1) and [Dy(TpMe2)2]I (3) as well as a heteroleptic (NMe4)[DyCl3(TpMe2)] (2) (TpMe2 = tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) species are reported. Magnetic studies revealed that 1 is a single-molecule magnet (SMM) with an energy barrier of Ueff = 80.7 K with τ0 = 6.2 × 10−7 s under a zero applied field. Compound 3 exhibits a Ueff of 13.5 K with τ0 = 1.6 × 10−6 s under a 0.08 T applied field. Ab initio CASSCF + RASSI-SO calculations were performed to further investigate the magnetic behavior of complexes 1–3. The results support experimental magnetic data for 1 and 3 and indicate that an intermolecular dipolar interaction of (zJ = −0.1 cm−1) is responsible for the SMM behavior of 1.
Imlifidase Inhibits HLA Antibody-mediated NK Cell Activation and Antibody-dependent Cell-mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC) In Vitro.

Background Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is an important pathway responsible for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). Imlifidase (IdeS) cleaves human IgG into F(ab')2 and Fc fragments, potentially inhibiting ADCC. Here we examined the effect of IdeS on allo-antibody-mediated NK cell activation (Allo-CFC) and ADCC in vitro. Methods For Allo-CFC, normal whole blood was incubated with third-party peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) pretreated with anti-HLA antibody positive (HS) or negative (NC) sera to measure IFNγ+ NK cell%. For ADCC, normal PBMCs were incubated with Farage B (FB) cells with HS or NC sera to measure 7-AAD+ lysed FB cell%. To assess the effect of IdeS on these assays, serum-treated PBMCs (Allo-CFC-1) and serum used for PBMC pretreatment (Allo-CFC-2) in Allo-CFC, and serum used for ADCC were preincubated with IdeS. Sera from IdeS-treated patients were also tested for Allo-CFC (Allo-CFC-3). Results IFNγ+ NK cell% were significantly elevated in HS versus NC sera in Allo-CFC-1 (10 ± 3% versus 2 ± 1%, P = 0.001), Allo-CFC-2 (20 ± 10% versus 4 ± 2%, P = 0.01) and 7AAD+ FB cell% (11 ± 3% versus 4 ± 2%, P = 0.02) in ADCC. These were significantly reduced by IdeS treatment. Patient sera with significantly reduced anti-HLA antibody levels at 1 day postimlifidase lost the capacity to activate NK cells in Allo-CFC-3, but those at 1-3 months postimlifidase regained the capacity. Conclusions IdeS inhibited NK cell activation and ADCC in vitro and in treated patients. These results and reported inhibition of complement activating anti-HLA antibodies by IdeS suggest its possible role in treatment of AMR.
Monetary Policy Implementation: Making Better and More Consistent Use of the Federal Reserve's Balance Sheet

Since December 2015, the Federal Reserve has operated a new “floor system” in which it brings about desired changes in its targeted federal funds rate by managing the interest rate it pays on bank reserves and other short‐term liabilities. The design of this new system reflects the tendency of Fed officials to view monetary policy as affecting the economy through Keynesian” interest rate channels. From this Keynesian perspective, policy actions that change the size of the balance sheet are seen as tools for influencing credit market conditions that operate in addition to and independently of the Fed's monetary policy stance. The alternative monetarist framework proposed by the author views monetary policy and its effects as operating through the interaction between money supply and demand. Use of this framework makes clear that, even under a floor system, monetary policy actions designed to affect the aggregate price level and the rate of inflation must be accompanied sooner or later by traditional open market operations that have implications for the size and composition of the Fed's balance sheet. Use of the monetarist framework also underscores the likelihood that the Fed, by paying interest on reserves, has unknowingly contributed to the restrictiveness of its own monetary policies since the financial crisis, a period during which inflation has run consistently below target. More generally, the monetarist framework downplays the importance of the zero lower interest rate bound and suggests that monetary policy could be conducted more effectively by adopting and adhering to a consistent, rule‐like manner during good times and bad.
The effects of diets varying in fibre sources on nutrient utilization, stool quality and hairball management in cats

Pet food companies use fibrous ingredients in cat foods to aid weight and hairball management. Miscanthus grass could be an alternative novel fibre source for cat foods. The objectives of this work were to determine the effects of Miscanthus grass as a fibre source on nutrient utilization, stool quality and hairball management in cats. Dry extruded cat foods (average chemical composition; digestibility trial: 94.54% dry matter-DM, 34.47% crude protein-CP, 11.67% crude fat, 7.06% ash and 13.04% total dietary fibre-TDF; and hairball trial: 94.88% DM, 34.60% CP, 11.30% crude fat, 7.02% ash and 9.77% TDF) were fed to 12 cats for a 9-day (digestibility trial) or 16-day (hairball trial) adaptation period followed by a 5-day total faecal collection period. Digestibility trial was performed as a replicated Latin square design, and the hairball trial was performed as a switchback design. In general, the cats fed the beet pulp diet (BPD) had higher DM, organic matter, gross energy and TDF digestibility than cats fed Miscanthus grass (MGD) or cellulose (CED) diet (p < .05). However, CP digestibility was lower for cats fed BPD (82.1 vs. 84.7 and 85.1%, respectively, for BPD, MGD and CED). These differences could be due to the differences in dietary fibre content and(or) composition. Faecal scores were lower for cats fed BPD (2.84) compared with MGD (3.32) and CED (3.21; p < .05). No effects due to fibre were reported on the faecal hairball variables, with the exception of less total hair weight and hair clumps per gram of dry faeces for cats fed Miscanthus grass (MGH) compared with control diet (COH; p < .05). In conclusion, Miscanthus grass could be used as an alternative ingredient to cellulose in cat diets.
The Effects of Nonresponse and Sampling Omissions on Estimates on Various Topics in Federal Surveys: Telephone and IVR Surveys of Address-Based Samples

With declining response rates and challenges of using RDD sampling for telephone surveys, collecting data from address-based samples has become more attractive. Two approaches are doing telephone interviews at telephone numbers matched to addresses and asking those at sampled addresses to call into an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to answer questions. This study used in-person interviewing to evaluate the effects of nonresponse and problems matching telephone numbers when telephone and IVR were used as the initial modes of data collection. The survey questions were selected from major US federal surveys covering a variety of topics. Both nonresponse and, for telephone, inability to find matches result in important nonresponse error for nearly half the measures across all topics, even after adjustments to fit the known demographic characteristics of the residents. Producing credible estimates requires using supplemental data collection strategies to reduce error from nonresponse.
Tele-mental health with marginalized communities in rural locales: Trainee and supervisor perspectives

The provision of mental health care via technology has been used successfully for several years with rural communities The COVID-19 pandemic, however, led to a substantial surge in usage of tele-mental health as therapists sought to maintain continuity of care for their clients when in-person sessions became unsafe and the need for services increased Based on our experience with tele-mental health, especially synchronous digital video conferencing, in an underserved rural state as 2 trainees and a supervisor, we offer our perspective on considerations for tele-mental health with clients from marginalized communities Three themes are explored: utilizing a multicultural lens, being an advocate, and promoting flexibility within fidelity (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Independent component analysis of synaptic density 11C-UCB-J PET in Alzheimer’s disease identifies networks correlated with cognitive impairment

343 Objectives: Synaptic loss is a primary pathology in Alzheimer9s disease (AD) and correlates best with cognitive impairment as found in postmortem studies (1). Previously, we observed in vivo synaptic density loss as measured with PET and 11C-UCB-J (radiotracer for synaptic vesicle protein 2A, SV2A) in hippocampus and throughout the cortex (2). Here, we used independent component analysis (ICA), a data-driven method that identifies independent sources (networks) by linearly unmixing the observed signal into maximally independent components. The aim is to apply ICA, which does not use subject group information, to synaptic density PET data to identify brain networks associated with cognitive deficits in AD. Methods: 11C-PIB PET was performed to determine brain amyloid status. A structural T1-weighted MR was acquired to exclude structural abnormalities and for PET co-registration and analysis. 11C-UCB-J binding to SV2A was measured in 38 AD (24 dementia, 14 mild cognitive impairment) and 19 cognitively normal (CN) participants. 11C-UCB-J distribution volume ratio values were calculated using SRTM2 (population-fixed k29) with whole cerebellum as reference, registered into MNI space and smoothed (8-mm Gaussian). Based on previous SV2A ICA, 18 independent components (IC) were extracted. Subject loadings per IC were compared between groups using unpaired t-tests. Pearson9s correlations were used to assess relationships between loading weights and cognitive measures: logical memory II (LMII), Rey auditory verbal learning test (RVLT-delay), clinical dementia rating sum of boxes (CDR-sob), mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Results: For 8 ICs, we observed significant differences in loading weights between CN and AD groups, including a component (IC01) located in hippocampus and temporal lobe (Fig. 1). Within the AD/MCI group, loading weights for IC02, located in the right parietal-temporal lobe (Fig. 2), correlated with LMII (R2: 0.13, p=0.025), and RVTL-delay (R2: 0.13, p=0.027). For IC03, located in the left parietal hemisphere (Fig. 3), loading weights correlated with CDR-sob (R2: 0.23, p=0.0028) and MMSE (R2: 0.13, p=0.024). Conclusions: We demonstrated that ICA could define coherent spatial patterns of synaptic density. Furthermore, commonly used cognitive measures correlate significantly with loading weights for two of such networks within only the AD/MCI group. Further studies will explore whether ICA-based networks might be more sensitive than conventional ROI-based analysis. References: (1) Terry RD, Masliah E, Salmon DP, et al. Physical basis of cognitive alterations in alzheimer’s disease: Synapse loss is the major correlate of cognitive impairment. Ann Neurol. 1991;30:572-580. (2) Chen M-K, Mecca AP, Naganawa M, et al. Assessing Synaptic Density in Alzheimer Disease With Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2A Positron Emission Tomographic Imaging. JAMA Neurol. July 2018.