cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parallel strip fed antenna with extremely wide bandwidth

In this paper, we propose a simple extremely wideband antenna fed by a parallel strip transmission line. Two individual radiating elements are integrated together in a way inspired by the log periodic antenna array concept. Metamaterials based antennas are used as the radiating elements. The proposed antenna is designed on FR4 substrate and successfully operates in the 0.68GHz to 120GHz frequency range covering the ultra-wideband (UWB) operating bandwidth of 3.1GHz to 10.6GHz as well as VHF band.
Coexistence of VoIP and TCP in wireless multihop networks

When supporting both voice and TCP in a wireless multihop network, there are two conflicting goals: to protect the VoIP traffic and to completely utilize the remaining capacity for TCP. We investigate the interaction between these two popular categories of traffic and find that many solution approaches, such as enhanced TCP variants, priority queues, bandwidth limitation, and traffic shaping, do not always achieve the coexistence goals. Enhanced TCP variants (Reno, Vegas, C-TCP, CUBIC, Westwood) generally fail to protect VoIP in wired-wireless multihop scenarios. Priority schemes, including those built into the 802.11 MAC such as RTS/CTS or 802.11e, do not account for the interference nature of wireless multihop. Finally, bandwidth shaping and window control are valid tools to control TCP, but come with their own trade-offs.
Optimal transforms for multispectral and multilayer image coding

Multispectral images are composed of a series of images at differing optical wavelengths. Since these images can be quite large, they invite efficient source coding schemes for reducing storage and transmission requirements. Because multispectral images include a third (spectral) dimension with nonstationary behavior, these multilayer data sets require specialized coding techniques. The authors develop both a theory and specific methods for performing optimal transform coding of multispectral images. The theory is based on the assumption that a multispectral image may be modeled as a set of jointly stationary Gaussian random processes. Therefore, the methods may be applied to any multilayer data set which meets this assumption. Although the authors do not assume the autocorrelation has a separable form, they show that the optimal transform for coding has a partially separable structure. In particular, they prove that a coding scheme consisting of a frequency transform within each layer followed by a separate KL transform across the layers at each spatial frequency is asymptotically optimal as the block size becomes large. Two simplifications of this method are also shown to be asymptotically optimal if the data can be assumed to satisfy additional constraints. The proposed coding techniques are then implemented using subband filtering methods, and the various algorithms are tested on multispectral images to determine their relative performance characteristics. >
Regulation of nonsmall‐cell lung cancer stem cell like cells by neurotransmitters and opioid peptides

Nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading type of lung cancer and has a poor prognosis. We have shown that chronic stress promoted NSCLC xenografts in mice via stress neurotransmitter-activated cAMP signaling downstream of beta-adrenergic receptors and incidental beta-blocker therapy was reported to improve clinical outcomes in NSCLC patients. These findings suggest that psychological stress promotes NSCLC whereas pharmacologically or psychologically induced decreases in cAMP may inhibit NSCLC. Cancer stem cells are thought to drive the development, progression and resistance to therapy of NSCLC. However, their potential regulation by stress neurotransmitters has not been investigated. In the current study, epinephrine increased the number of cancer stem cell like cells (CSCs) from three NSCLC cell lines in spheroid formation assays while enhancing intracellular cAMP and the stem cell markers sonic hedgehog (SHH), aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH-1) and Gli1, effects reversed by GABA or dynorphin B via Gαi -mediated inhibition of cAMP formation. The growth of NSCLC xenografts in a mouse model of stress reduction was significantly reduced as compared with mice maintained under standard conditions. Stress reduction reduced serum levels of corticosterone, norepinephrine and epinephrine while the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and opioid peptides increased. Stress reduction significantly reduced cAMP, VEGF, p-ERK, p-AKT, p-CREB, p-SRc, SHH, ALDH-1 and Gli1 in xenograft tissues whereas cleaved caspase-3 and p53 were induced. We conclude that stress neurotransmitters activate CSCs in NSCLC via multiple cAMP-mediated pathways and that pharmacologically or psychologically induced decreases in cAMP signaling may improve clinical outcomes in NSCLC patients.
Psychosocial aspects of living with cancer: a review of the literature.

Up until several years ago, little systematic effort was directed at developing an empirically based understanding of issues pertinent to psychosocial aspects of living with cancer. Recently, howev...
College Attendance and Choice of College Majors Among Asian‐American Students

Objective. This study explores how various measures, ranging from assimilation, to human capital, to family capital, and Holland's career-development theories, affect Asian-American students' choice of college majors. To test our hypotheses, we examine choice of college major using a unique measure based on the early earning potential of a large number of specific majors. Methods. Our data come from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS88). We use the Heckman selection approach to adjust for the nonrandom selection of college attendance and choice of college majors. Results. The findings of the study show little difference between Asian men and white men. On the other hand, there are significant differences among women. Conclusions. Chinese, Filipino, and Southeast Asian women are all more likely to choose more lucrative college majors than white women, controlling for all the other factors. Interestingly, effects of our assimilation, psychological, and some of the family capital measures are quite different for men than for women.
Experimental Measurements of the Adsorption of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas mendocina Onto Fe-Oxyhydroxide-Coated and Uncoated Quartz Grains

In this study, we compared the adsorption of the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis with adsorption of the gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas mendocina onto Fe-oxyhydroxide-coated and uncoated quartz grains as a function of pH and bacteria: mineral mass ratio. We studied metabolically-inactive cells in order to focus on the initial bacterial attachment mechanisms. The data show that the presence of Fe-oxyhydroxide-coatings on quartz surfaces significantly enhances the adsorption of bacteria and that in general the extent of adsorption decreases with increasing pH and with decreasing bacteria: mineral mass ratio. B. subtilisadsorbs to a greater extent than does P. mendocina onto the surface of the Fe-coated quartz. The adsorption behavior appears to be controlled by the overall surface charge of both bacterial and mineral surfaces. We model the adsorption data using a semi-empirical chemical equilibrium model that accounts for the site speciation of the adsorbing surfaces. Models describing bacteri...
Introducing an industry oriented graduate course: Testing of digital systems

According to the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS), for more than four decades, the semiconductor industry has distinguished itself by the rapid pace of improvements in its products. However, the cost of the increased functionality of components, circuits, and systems, is the requirement of more verification and test of the electronic products. In current projects, verification engineers outnumber designers, with the ratio reaching two or three to one for the most complex designs. Additionally, the present globalization trends and needs are driving the universities worldwide, to find new avenues in the programs that they are offering, to be attractive to their prospective students. Addressing the above mentioned matters, an industry oriented graduate course “Testing of Digital Systems” was created and offered for the first time in the academic year 2009–2010 at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, Indiana. The paper presents the rationale, integration of the new course in the ECE curricula, description of the course and laboratory activities developed around an industrial grade Automatic Test Equipment, preliminary assessment plans and conclusions.
Lu2O3:Eu3+ nanoparticles and processed ceramics: Structural and spectroscopic studies

Europium-doped lutetium oxide (Lu2O3:Eu3+) nanophosphors were synthesized via modified combustion technique using urea as the fuel and metal nitrates as oxidants. The pellets prepared from the calcined nanocrystalline powders were vacuum sintered up to 1750 °C leading to very translucent ceramic. The products were characterized by x-ray diffraction to ascertaun phase purity. The microstructures reveal the nanocrystalline nature of the powders. We have illustrated the crystallite size dependence and the influence of Eu3+ activation of Lu2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphors on Raman scattering. We have also demonstrated the particle size dependence of emission characteristics of nanophosphors and ceramics. Our results suggest that although the processed ceramics display superior emission characteristics, the nanocrystalline phosphor powders calcined at 1100 °C also display reasonably good emission characteristics, illustrating the possibility of their applications in display technology.
Internal Thoracic Artery and Radial Artery T-Grafting: Operative Technique and Long-Term Results

The RA is eminently useful because of its size, length, handling qualities, freedom from dissection, and simultaneous harvest with other conduits. Harvest complications have been limited to injury to the superficial radial nerve in 9%. When used as a T-graft, complete revascularization can be achieved in most patients with two conduits. Potential drawbacks are spasm, which is adequately treated with intraluminal papaverine, and competitive coronary flow causing a loss of patency if the coronary stenosis is less than 70–80%. Hypoperfusion has been rare and secondary to mechanical problems, but not conduit spasm or intrinsic inadequacy of the T-graft.
Tyranny in the Infrastructure

Activists are pleased that the CDA went down. In this rant, I worry over the politics of what might rise up in its place. One target of this attack is PICS (Platform for Internet Content Selection.) PICS is a regulator, this essay argues. As with any regulator, we need to be careful about the politics of its rules.
A Journey to Save on Travel Expenses: The Intentional Buying Process of Consumers on Opaque-Selling Websites

The method of opaque-selling websites provides leisure travelers an option to lower their travel expenses. Through this method, travelers blindly make a reservation at a profoundly discounted price with limited product information available. Compared with booking hotels through a transparent travel website, consumers may perceive a higher level of uncertainty when purchasing through opaque-selling websites. This study aimed to examine consumers’ intentional buying process while booking hotels through opaque-selling websites. The results indicate that (a) consumers’ perceived risks include hotel performance and website credibility; (b) perceived risks and perceived benefits had different influences on purchase intentions; (c) value assessment played a vital role that transformed consumers’ perceptions toward purchase intentions; and (d) consumers’ risk propensity only influenced their perceived risks and benefits of booking, yet past experience affected all factors except purchase intentions. The insight f...
Genetic Testing for Eye Diseases: A Comprehensive Guide and Review of Ocular Genetic Manifestations from Anterior Segment Malformation to Retinal Dystrophy

Genetic eye diseases are a heterogeneous group that collectively involve every facet of the eye, ocular adnexa and visual system. An individual condition within this group may be rare or common, have an isolated finding or be part of a syndrome, may severely threaten survivability, significantly affect vision or may have no bearing on visual morbidity. There have been treatment successes and safety reports in clinical trials involving vector-based ocular gene therapies, and there are currently a significant number of loci and genes known to contribute to human ocular disease, many of which have been recently discovered due to recent advances in the field of molecular genetics. In addition to obtaining a medical history and performing a comprehensive ocular exam, acquiring a detailed family history, ordering and interpreting specialized vision function tests and genetic laboratory results appropriately, and having knowledge of the ocular genetic features within the diverse categories of ophthalmic genetic conditions are essential components in effectively managing the patients and their families. With the promise of treatment trials, patients’ interest and need for a molecular diagnosis will be on the rise and clinicians need to be prepared.
ROLE OF PROTEASOMES IN ANTIGEN PRESENTATION

Recent studies have demonstrated that the proteasome, in addition to functioning in the complete degradation of cell proteins, is the source of most antigenic peptides presented to the immune system on major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-class I molecules. In this process, intracellular and viral proteins are degraded in the cytosol to 8- to 9-amino acid fragments, which are then transported into the endoplasmic reticulum, where they become associated with MHC-class I molecules and are thus delivered to the cell surface. A variety of evidence has shown that the proteasome and ATP-ubiquitin-dependent pathway are critical in this process: (1) In cells, selective inhibitors of proteasome function inhibit the bulk of protein degradation and thus prevent the generation of peptides necessary for class I presentation and the appearance of MHC on the cell surface. (2) Mutations that block ubiquitin conjugation prevent the generation of an antigenic peptide. (3) Modifications that lead to rapid degradation of a protein by the ubiquitin pathway enhance antigen presentation. (4) gamma-Interferon (gamma-IFN) induces new proteasome subunits, LMP2 and LMP7, encoded in the MHC region that are incorporated in place of constitutive proteasome subunits. Their incorporation does not affect rates of protein breakdown but causes changes in peptidase activities, i.e. they increase rates of cleavage after basic and hydrophobic residues and decrease cleavage after acidic residues. Transfections of cells with LMP2 or LMP7 cause similar changes in these peptidase activities as are caused by gamma-IFN. These modifications in peptidase activities should enhance the production of those types of peptides which are preferentially transported into endoplasmic reticulum and selectively bound to MHC-class I molecules.
Refractive Index and Thermo‐Optic Coefficients of Ge‐As‐Se Chalcogenide Glasses

Seventeen glasses in the Ge-As-Se ternary glass-forming region have been fabricated and analyzed to provide input for optical design data and to establish composition- and structure-based relationships to aide development of novel chalcogenide glasses with tailored optical functionality. While known that Ge addition to binary As-Se glasses enhances the mean coordination number (MCN) of the network and results in increased Tg and decreased CTE, this work highlights the impact on optical properties, specifically mid-wave (λ = 4.515 μm) index and thermo-optic coefficient (dn/dT). Trends in property changes were correlated with an excess or deficiency of chalcogen content in the glassy network as compared to stoichiometric compositions. Transitions in key optical properties were observed with the disappearance of Se–Se homopolar bonds and creation of As–As homopolar bonds which are associated with the Se-rich and Se-deficient regions near the stoichiometry, respectively. A second transition was observed with the creation of GeSe ethane-like structures, which are only present in strongly Se-deficient networks. Fitting dn/dT values with a simplified version of the thermal Lorentz–Lorenz formulation yielded a linear relation between the quantity (n−3∙dn/dT) and the CTE, which can be used to predict compositions with the near-zero dn/dT required for athermal optical systems.
Mountain and Valley Winds of Lee Vining Canyon, Sierra Nevada, California, U.S.A.

Observations have been made in a major, eastern canyon of the Sierra Nevada, and are the first documentation of the mountain and valley wind system in this range. The topography of the "Eastside" of the Sierra Nevada is unique, producing some interesting flow patterns. Surface and upper-air data have been collected during summer and winter from 1994 through 1997. The mountain wind
Management of Renal Masses and Localized Renal Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: Several options exist for management of clinically localized renal masses suspicious for cancer, including active surveillance, thermal ablation and radical or partial nephrectomy. We summarize evidence on effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of these treatment approaches for patients with a renal mass suspicious for localized renal cell carcinoma.Materials and Methods: We searched MEDLINE®, Embase® and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1, 1997 through May 1, 2015. Paired investigators independently screened articles to identify controlled studies of management options or cohort studies of active surveillance, abstracted data sequentially and assessed risk of bias independently. Strength of evidence was graded by comparisons.Results: The search identified 107 studies (majority T1, no active surveillance or thermal ablation stratified outcomes of T2 tumors). Cancer specific survival was excellent among all management strategies (median 5-year survival 95%). Loc...
Construction of Recombinant AcNPV Expressing CSFV E2 Protein

In this study,we constructed two recombinant AcNPVs,containing CSFV E2 gene,which could secrete CSFV E2 protein in infected Sf9 cells.Then,the recombinant viruses were injected into silkworm chrysalis and hemolymph was collected 7 days after injection for western-blot analysis of CSFV E2 protein.The results showed that CSFV E2 protein was expressed successfully in silkworm chrysalis.This work was expected to provide a new way for expressing CSFV E2 protein.
Cinema 2001: Despite Hobbits, Hallucinations, and Artificial Sweeteners, Kubrick Re-Emerges

AbstractDespite the greater attention paid to Oscar™ winners (A Beautiful Mind.) and money-making fantasy adventures (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings), a more significant film from 2001 is likely to be the posthumous “collaboration” between Kubrick and Spielberg in A.I. Artificial Intelligence, largely forgotten a year after its release. Although some reviews were scathing, blaming Spielberg for suger-coating Kubrick’s uncompromising critiques of human nature, it is possible that this film does carry a quite dark message given its focus on the shallowness of purpose in human life that can be reduced to a (mechanical) child’s obsession with becoming real so that it can be loved. The seeming fairytale ending may be read as Spielbergian (overly) sweet, but it may also be seen as Kubrickian horror as this desperate Pinocchio-like robot is all that remains of human culture in a distant, icy future.
Evaluation of a "walk-through" ladder top design during ladder-roof transitioning tasks

This study evaluated the effect of an extension ladder "walk-through" top design on kinetic and kinematic behaviors and the outward destabilizing forces induced on the ladder during transitioning at elevation. Thirty-two male participants performed stepping tasks between a ladder top and a roof at simulated elevation in a surround-screen virtual-reality system. The experimental conditions included a "walk-through" and a standard ladder top section supported on flat and sloped roof surfaces. Three force platforms were placed under the ladder section and in the roof to measure propulsion forces during transitions. A motion measurement system was used to record trunk kinematics. The frictional demand at the virtual ladder base was also calculated. The results indicate that under optimal ladder setup (angle 75.5 °), the frictional demand at the ladder base remains relatively small for all experimental conditions. Also, the "walk through" ladder top eased the ladder-to-roof transitions but not the roof-to-ladder transitions.
Behavioral experiments in email filter evasion

Despite decades of effort to combat spam, unwanted and even malicious emails, such as phish which aim to deceive recipients into disclosing sensitive information, still routinely find their way into one's mailbox. To be sure, email filters manage to stop a large fraction of spam emails from ever reaching users, but spammers and phishers have mastered the art of filter evasion, or manipulating the content of email messages to avoid being filtered. We present a unique behavioral experiment designed to study email filter evasion. Our experiment is framed in somewhat broader terms: given the widespread use of machine learning methods for distinguishing spam and non-spam, we investigate how human subjects manipulate a spam template to evade a classification-based filter. We find that adding a small amount of noise to a filter significantly reduces the ability of subjects to evade it, observing that noise does not merely have a short-term impact, but also degrades evasion performance in the longer term. Moreover, we find that greater coverage of an email template by the classifier (filter) features significantly increases the difficulty of evading it. This observation suggests that aggressive feature reduction—a common practice in applied machine learning—can actually facilitate evasion. In addition to the descriptive analysis of behavior, we develop a synthetic model of human evasion behavior which closely matches observed behavior and effectively replicates experimental findings in simulation.
Fully integrated optical coherence tomography, ultrasound, and indocyanine green-based fluorescence tri-modality system for intravascular imaging

We present a tri-modality imaging system and fully integrated tri-modality probe for intravascular imaging. The tri-modality imaging system is able to simultaneously acquire optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound (US), and fluorescence imaging. Moreover, for fluorescence imaging, we used the FDA-approved indocyanine green (ICG) dye as the contrast agent to target lipid-loaded macrophages. We conducted imaging from a male New Zealand white rabbit to evaluate the performance of the tri-modality system. In addition, tri-modality images of rabbit aortas were correlated with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) histology to check the measurement accuracy. The fully integrated miniature tri-modality probe, together with the use of ICG dye suggest that the system is of great potential for providing a more accurate assessment of vulnerable plaques in clinical applications.
Functionally Relevant Brain Alterations in Polysubstance Users: Differences to Monosubstance Users, Study Challenges, and Implications for Treatment

Abstract Polysubstance use (PSU) refers to the simultaneous or concurrent use of more than one addictive substance. Polysubstance users comprise the largest subgroup of both substance users and treatment seekers in the developed world today. However, little is known about the neuroadaptations and cognitive deficits associated with chronic misuse of multiple substances, brain changes with abstinence, and the relationship of these deficits to treatment outcome. As most previous research has been conducted on individuals ostensibly using a single substance, its results may not generalize well to the majority of substance users today. The dearth of knowledge on neuropathological mechanisms and potential interactions of simultaneously abused substances possibly contributes to the low treatment success in individuals with PSU. After brief overviews of the neuropsychological and brain imaging research on the abuse of single drugs, we review the corresponding literature on PSU. Distinct differences in neuropsychological and brain measures between mono- and polysubstance users have functional significance and may demand different treatment approaches. This chapter also discusses the challenges and promises of including polysubstance users in clinical research.
Gum Arabic promotes oxidation and ester hydrolysis

We studied the interactions between gum Arabic and select catecholic compounds like caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and catechol. We observed that GA is capable of promoting the auto-oxidation of the above-mentioned compounds into darkly colored pigments without the addition of redox-sensitive cations. Gum Arabic appeared to be unique among polysaccharide-based materials as many other types of polysaccharides promote the oxidation of the above-mentioned compounds only in the presence of redox cations like Fe 2+ or Cu 2+ . RP-HPLC and SEC chromatographic techniques were employed to monitor the reactions and to observe the formation of high molecular mass, pigmented materials from gum Arabic and all three catecholic compounds. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis revealed that, despite their darkly colored appearances, the gum Arabic/pigment materials synthesized contain mostly gum Arabic and very little pigment. As chlorogenic acid is an ester of caffeic acid, we studied the capacity of gum Arabic to promote ester hydrolysis using acetylsalicylic acid as the model compound. We observed that gum Arabic did promote the hydrolysis of acetylsalicylic acid into salicylic acid. However, in all our experiments involving the pigment formation between gum Arabic and chlorogenic acid, we did not observe any evidence that chlorogenic acid was hydrolyzed leading to the release of caffeic acid during these reactions. In addition, we observed that heat treatment of gum Arabic did not affect its pro-oxidizing capability, but it did negatively affect its capability to hydrolyze salicylic acid. Thus, these two types of chemical reactivity present in the gum Arabic material may be associated with different components of the gum Arabic material.
Buckyballs conjugated with nucleic acid sequences identifies microorganisms in live cell assays

Rapid identification of bacteria can play an important role at the point of care, evaluating the health of the ecosystem, and discovering spatiotemporal distributions of a bacterial community. We introduce a method for rapid identification of bacteria in live cell assays based on cargo delivery of a nucleic acid sequence and demonstrate how a mixed culture can be differentiated using a simple microfluidic system. C60 Buckyballs are functionalized with nucleic acid sequences and a fluorescent reporter to show that a diversity of microorganisms can be detected and identified in live cell assays. The nucleic acid complexes include an RNA detector, targeting a species-specific sequence in the 16S rRNA, and a complementary DNA with an attached fluorescent reporter. As a result, each bacterium can be detected and visualized at a specific emission frequency through fluorescence microscopy. The C60 probe complexes can detect and identify a diversity of microorganisms that include gram-position and negative bacteria, yeast, and fungi. More specifically, nucleic-acid probes are designed to identify mixed cultures of Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus sanguinis, or Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The efficiency, cross talk, and accuracy for the C60 probe complexes are reported. Finally, to demonstrate that mixed cultures can be separated, a microfluidic system is designed that connects a single source-well to multiple sinks wells, where chemo-attractants are placed in the sink wells. The microfluidic system allows for differentiating a mixed culture. The technology allows profiling of bacteria composition, at a very low cost, for field studies and point of care.
11 – Steam oxidation in steam boiler and turbine environments

: Steam oxidation is important to the successful long-term operation of steam boilers and turbines. The detrimental consequences of oxide scale formation are section loss, reduced heat transfer, and the possibility of oxide spallation. Subjects important to the understanding of steam oxidation are presented, including a description of the environment found in steam boilers and turbines, oxidation thermodynamics, oxidation kinetics, scale morphologies, and scale spallation. In most cases the discussion is focused on existing power plants, but due to interest in advanced ultra-supercritical (A-USC) power production, additional information will also be given for these systems. Related topics will be introduced on steam oxidation management, spallation models, and future trends.
Effect of Soil Temperature, Injection Depth, and Rate of Metam Sodium Efficacy in Fine-Textured Soils with High Organic Matter on the Management of Verticillium Wilt of Potato

Metam sodium is a widely used soil fumigant for Verticillium wilt management in most potato production regions of the United States. Environmental concerns regarding volatilization losses have led to restrictions on the use of metam sodium. The potato industry adapted to these restrictions by replacing metam sodium applications through sprinkler irrigation with shank injection applications of the fumigant. Previous research established parameters for effective shank application of metam sodium based on soil temperature, injection depth and rate of fumigation. However, these recommendations were based on research conducted under coarse-textured soil conditions with a low organic matter (OM) content ( 2.5%. Therefore, it is important to know whether metam sodium fumigation recommendations for coarse-textured soils can be adapted to fine-textured soils. Two field trials were conducted using a split strip-block design for studying metam sodium efficacy in managing wilt. In both years, metam sodium injection depth and soil temperature at the time of injection did not result in significant differences in any study variable evaluated. All metam sodium fumigation rates significantly (P < 0.05), lowered Verticillium microsclerotia, reduced wilt severity, and improved tuber yield compared to non-treated plots. However, significant differences among fumigation rates were not observed across any variable evaluated. A relatively low rate of 373 l/ha is as effective as higher metam sodium rates for effective control of Verticillium wilt. Results presented here suggest that current metam sodium recommendations for shank injection applications in coarse-textured soils can be implemented in field soils with a fine texture and higher OM content.
Educating Children with Learning Problems: A Shared Responsibility

In the past several years, Americans have recognized the fact that we have expected too little of our students, and often we get what we expect. As a nation, we have seen this as a challenge, and we have begun to respond. One of this administration's first priorities was to establish a National Commission on Excellence in Education. We asked it to help us chart a new course which would permit us to correct the mistakes of the past.
Particulates and Phytoplankton Biomass

The total particulate load of a water body can be divided into living and nonliving fractions. The living fraction is influenced by nutrients. The nonliving fraction, however, is jointly determined by biological factors such as the rate of production of biological detritus and by abiotic factors such as silt content of the lake’s water supply. It is essential that the particulate functions be disentangled as well as possible before any causal analysis is attempted. Here we show the patterns of particulate concentrations in Lake Dillon and the contributions of identifiable fractions to these patterns.
SPECIES OF MEAT ANIMALS | Sheep and Goats

Sheep and goats have been important to humans for thousands of years and continue to play important economic, geographical, and cultural roles. This article seeks to provide information regarding the current state of scientific evidence on the various factors affecting live animal productivity, carcass traits and palatability, and acceptance as perceived by consumers.
Herbert Herbert: His Corneal Pits and Scleral Slits

Purpose To evaluate the life and professional work of the English ophthalmologist Herbert Herbert (1865–1942). Design Historical study. Methods The main sources for this investigation are Herbert's approximately 65 published papers and 3 monographs. Other sources are contemporary publications by other ophthalmologists and secondary historical reviews of this period. Written communications with some of Herbert's descendants revealed previously unknown information about his life. Results Herbert is now remembered for his description of the eponymously named limbal corneal pits as a sign of trachoma. This finding is essentially pathognomic of trachoma and was welcomed as a sign that could reliably diagnose trachoma from other external diseases. He also described the sinuous outline of the upper lid margin, sometimes called Herbert's sign, as a diagnostic finding of trachomatous infection. His diagnostic acumen in the field of trachoma has justly stood the test of time. However, his interest in trachoma was peripheral to his main professional work, which was the study of glaucoma filtration surgery, then in its early development from 1900 to 1920. He was among the major pioneers in the development of original techniques for this surgery. He emphasized the use of small incision sclerotomy to produce an even and diffuse filtration bleb, rather than the large incision sclerectomy proposed by other surgeons, which he felt produced too large and thin a filtering bleb subject to complications. This point has also stood the test of time. However, he erred in developing and championing the use of deliberate iris inclusion into the filtering sclerotomy (iridencleisis) to prevent closure of the sclerotomy, a technique that was questioned at that time and eventually discredited. The iris-free procedure of corneoscleral trephination developed by his contemporary Robert H. Elliot became the preferred glaucoma filtering procedure until the introduction of peripheral iridectomy with scleral cautery (thermal sclerostomy) in the 1950s and then trabeculectomy in the 1970s. Conclusions Herbert should be remembered as an astute and original observer and as an innovative surgeon who developed some of the pioneering techniques in glaucoma filtering surgery.
ProdSumNet: reducing model parameters in deep neural networks via product-of-sums matrix decompositions

We consider a general framework for reducing the number of trainable model parameters in deep learning networks by decomposing linear operators as a product of sums of simpler linear operators. Recently proposed deep learning architectures such as CNN, KFC, Dilated CNN, etc. are all subsumed in this framework and we illustrate other types of neural network architectures within this framework. We show that good accuracy on MNIST and Fashion MNIST can be obtained using a relatively small number of trainable parameters. In addition, since implementation of the convolutional layer is resource-heavy, we consider an approach in the transform domain that obviates the need for convolutional layers. One of the advantages of this general framework over prior approaches is that the number of trainable parameters is not fixed and can be varied arbitrarily. In particular, we illustrate the tradeoff of varying the number of trainable variables and the corresponding error rate. As an example, by using this decomposition on a reference CNN architecture for MNIST with over 3x10^6 trainable parameters, we are able to obtain an accuracy of 98.44% using only 3554 trainable parameters.
D-Amphetamine Exposure Differentially Disrupts Signaling Across Ontogeny in the Zebrafish.

Background: Prescriptive and illicit amphetamine (AMPH) use continues to increase along with the likelihood that during an individual's lifetime, the drug deleteriously influences the growth and connectivity of behavior circuits necessary for survival. Throughout ontogeny, neural circuits underlying these behaviors grow in complexity, gradually integrating many sensory inputs that trigger higher order coordinated motor responses. In the present study, we examine how AMPH disrupts the establishment of these circuits at critical neurodevelopmental periods, as well as the communication among established survival circuits. Materials and Methods: Zebrafish embryos (from 1 hpf) were raised in AMPH solutions, growth parameters and escape behavior were assessed at 24 and 48 hpf, and spinal cord tissues analyzed for differences in excitatory-inhibitory signaling balance among treatments. Adult fish were fed an acute dosage of AMPH over an 11-day conditioned place preference (PP) paradigm during which behaviors were recorded and brain tissues analyzed for alterations in dopaminergic signaling. Results: AMPH negatively affects embryonic growth and slows the execution of escape behavior, suggesting an imbalance in locomotor signaling. Although local spinal circuits provide primary escape modulation, no differences in inhibitory glycinergic, and excitatory glutamatergic signaling were measured among spinal neurons. AMPH also influenced place preference in adult zebrafish and resulted in the increased expression of dopamine signaling proteins (DRD1) in brain areas governing survival behaviors.
Giant Thickening of the Gastric Mucosa With Acid Hypersecretion and Protein-Losing Gastropathy

Summary A 46-year-old man had giant thickening of the gastric mucosa and hypoalbuminemia. In vivo labeling of plasma proteins with 51 CrCl 3 revealed gastrointestinal protein clearance about 36 times normal due to protein exudation from the stomach. He also had marked gastric hypersecretion of acid and pepsin in contrast to the hyposecretory state usually seen in Menetrier's disease. Chronic abdominal discomfort and recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding eventually required total gastrectomy. Histologically, the stomach showed a mixture of hyperplasia of oxyntic and zymogen cells with cystic degeneration in some areas.
Influence of feeding structures and early development on foraging guild assignment in four co-occurring fishes (Family Sciaenidae)

The use of a functional guild, which distills organisms into groups based on a shared role within an ecosystem, is a beneficial tool for fisheries management because it reduces data complexity, streamlines statistical analyses, and places species in an ecosystem context by defining their functional role within a community. However, few studies consider the ramification of ontogeny on guild assignments and assume species occupy a static foraging guild throughout their lives. The aim for this study was to examine the development of feeding structures and diet in four, closely related species of sciaenids (Family Sciaenidae) that forage in the water column throughout their life history (1) to determine if the structures needed to exploit microhabitat use of the water column are present at early ontogenetic stages and (2) to assess guild transitions using a hierarchical clustering approach. Significant differences were only detected in ascending process length and cb1 gill raker count among the examined sciaenids. Larimus fasciatus consumed zooplankton throughout ontogeny and possessed a shorter ascending process and a greater number of cb1 gill rakers. Cynoscion nebulosus transitioned from zooplanktivory in the larval period to piscivory as an early juvenile and possessed a longer ascending process and fewer cb1 gill rakers. Bairdiella chrysoura and C. regalis were both zooplanktivorous as early juveniles and consumed more epibenthic (benthic crustaceans and worms) prey and possessed more elongate gill rakers compared to C. nebulosus. Foraging studies that combine diet and morphological analyses are needed to place individuals into foraging guilds while capturing key life history transitions that influence foraging habits and guild assignment.
Smarter Modeling to Enable a Smarter Insulin.

> I dream things that never were, and I say “Why not?” > > —George Bernard Shaw Pancreatic β-cells secrete insulin to maintain physiological health. While the glucose level is the principle driver of insulin secretion, β-cells also respond to other regulatory inputs including circulating metabolites (most notably amino acids), regulatory hormones, gut peptides, and neurotransmitters. Insulin secretion increases when glucose levels are high, thereby increasing total body glucose utilization and suppressing endogenous glucose production. Of critical importance, insulin secretion is suppressed when glucose levels are low, which protects against life-threatening hypoglycemia. There have been remarkable advances to enhance efficacy and safety of insulin therapy since the discovery of insulin 100 years ago. Insulin pharmacokinetics has been optimized through both formulation and modification of the peptide itself. Sophisticated mechanical devices can provide continuous insulin delivery and continuous glucose monitoring. Pancreatic islets can be transplanted, and bihormonal pumps more closely mimic normal physiology. Despite technological advances, most insulin-dependent patients do not achieve physiological glucose control. The risk of severe hypoglycemia is particularly troublesome because it limits the ability to safely achieve optimal glycemic control, which in turn makes it harder to protect against the long-term risk of microvascular complications (1,2). To underscore this point, half of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) cohort experienced severe hypoglycemia (∼40 episodes per 100 patient-years) (3). Furthermore, self-reported severe hypoglycemia is associated with 3.4-fold increased risk of death during a 5-year follow-up period (4). The pursuit of a glucose-responsive insulin (GRI) therapy is an ambitious technical objective. In type 2 diabetes, incretin therapy enhances insulin secretion when glucose levels are high but does not cause hypoglycemia because it does not promote insulin secretion when glucose levels are low. Similarly, GRI technology aims to mimic the ability of β-cells …
A Strategic Framework for Task Automation in Professional Services

Professional service jobs exist at the high end of the skill ladder; thus, some have assumed that highly trained professional workers are relatively immune to being replaced by automation. However,...
Predictors of Survival After Liver Transplantation in Patients With the Highest Acuity (MELD ≥40).

Objective To identify factors that accurately predict 1-year survival for liver transplant recipients with a MELD score ≥40. Background Although transplant is beneficial for patients with the highest acuity (MELD ≥40), mortality in this group is high. Predicting which patients are likely to survive for >1 year would be medically and economically helpful. Methods The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database was reviewed to identify adult liver transplant recipients from 2002 through 2016 with MELD score ≥40 at transplant. The relationships between 44 recipient and donor factors and 1-year patient survival were examined using random survival forests methods. Variable importance measures were used to identify the factors with the strongest influence on survival, and partial dependence plots were used to determine the dependence of survival on the target variable while adjusting for all other variables. Results We identified 5309 liver transplants that met our criteria. The overall 1-year survival of high-acuity patients improved from 69% in 2001 to 87% in 2016. The strongest predictors of death within 1 year of transplant were patient on mechanical ventilator before transplantation, prior liver transplant, older recipient age, older donor age, donation after cardiac death, and longer cold ischemia. Conclusions Liver transplant outcomes continue to improve even for patients with high medical acuity. Applying ensemble learning methods to recipient and donor factors available before transplant can predict survival probabilities for future transplant cases. This information can be used to facilitate donor/recipient matching and to improve informed consent.
Bilateral mucosal flap septal perforation repair in the adolescent.

Abstract Introduction Perforations of the nasal septum are rare in the pediatric age group. High success rates for attempted perforation closure utilizing mucosal flap techniques in adults are frequently reported. This study reviews our experience with pediatric patients diagnosed with a septal perforation who underwent attempted closure during adolescence. Our endonasal bilateral mucosal flap technique is present. Methods This study is an observational case series with retrospective chart review of a single surgeon's experience of attempted septal perforation repair utilizing bilateral mucosal flaps with an interposition graft in patients diagnosed with a perforation prior to age 19. The study period was from November 1991 to April 2019. Patient demographics, perforation characteristics (etiology, symptoms and size), surgical closure technique and outcomes are presented. Results Twenty-three patients (13 females) met the study criteria. Mean age at diagnosis was 14.3 (range, 3–18) years. Crusting (82.6%), nasal obstruction/congestion (60.9%) and epistaxis (47.8%) were the most frequent reported symptoms at presentation. Fourteen patients who underwent attempted closure during adolescence had a minimum of three months follow-up. Mean age at the time of bilateral mucosal flap repair was 17.4 (range, 13–19) years. Mean perforation length was 14.2 (range, 8-22) mm and mean height 10.6 (range, 5-15) mm. Complete closure was noted in all but one patient (92.8%) at the time of last follow-up, mean 16.9 (range, 3–92) months. Every patient noted partial to complete resolution in presenting symptoms. Four patients required revision surgery to address persistent postoperative obstruction. Conclusion Our experience demonstrates septal perforation repair utilizing a bilateral mucosal flap technique can be successfully employed in the adolescent patient.