cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-agent team formation: solving complex problems by aggregating opinions

It is known that we can aggregate the opinions of different agents to find high-quality solutions to complex problems. However, choosing agents to form a team is still a great challenge. Moreover, it is essential to use a good aggregation methodology in order to unleash the potential of a given team in solving complex problems. In my thesis, I present two different novel models to aid in the team formation process. Moreover, I propose a new methodology for extracting rankings from existing agents. I show experimental results both in the Computer Go domain and in the building design domain.
Warty Dyskeratoma of the Eyelid.

15. Sommer A, Tielsch JM, Katz J, et al. Racial differences in the cause-specific prevalence of blindness in east Baltimore. N Engl J Med 1991;325:1412–7. 16. Dreer LE, Girkin CA, Campbell L, et al. Glaucoma medication adherence among African Americans: program development. Optom Vis Sci 2013;90:883–97. 17. Dreer LE, Girkin C, Mansberger SL. Determinants of medication adherence to topical glaucoma therapy. J Glaucoma 2012;21:234–40. 18. Boulware LE, Cooper LA, Ratner LE, et al. Race and trust in the health care system. Public Health Rep 2003;118:358–65. 19. Saha S, Komaromy M, Koepsell TD, Bindman AB. Patient-physician racial concordance and the perceived
Zur Beschleunigung des Lernens genetischer Algorithmen mittels unscharfer Regelsprachen

Unscharfe Classifiersysteme sind evolutionsgesteuerte Ma-schinenlernsysteme, die eine unscharfe Regelbasis, einen genetischen Algorithmus und eine Bewertungsfunktion integrieren. In diesem Beitrag wird gezeigt, das die Rechenkomplexitat eines Classifiersystems durch die syntaktische Struktur der vom Produktionsregelinterpreter verwendeten formalen Sprache L bestimmt wird. Von besonderem Interesse ist dabei, die Rechenkomplexitat eines unscharfen Classifiersystems mit der entsprechenden Version eines klassischen Classifiersystems zu vergleichen. Mittels eines solchen Vergleichs kann dann gezeigt werden, das unscharfe Classifiersysteme theoretisch einen unendlichen Speed-Up im Vergleich zu klassischen Classifiersystemen Hefern. Sogar praktische Rechnerimplementierungen unscharfer Classifiersysteme, die ja unscharfe Classifiersysteme nur approximieren, lernen betrachtlich schneller als klassische Classifiersysteme.
Blasphemy and terrorism in the Muslim world

ABSTRACTThis article examines the effect of blasphemy laws on Islamist terrorism in Muslim-majority countries. Although passed with the ostensibly noble purpose of defending religion, I argue that blasphemy laws encourage terrorism by creating a culture of vigilantism in which terrorists, claiming to be the defenders of Islam, attack those they believe are guilty of heresy. This study empirically tests this proposition, along with alternative hypotheses, using a time-series, cross-national negative binomial analysis of 51 Muslim-majority states from 1991–2013. It finds that states that enforce blasphemy laws are indeed statistically more likely to experience Islamist terrorist attacks than countries where such laws do not exist. The statistical analysis is supplemented with a brief case study of blasphemy laws and terrorism in Pakistan. The conclusion situates the findings in the context of policy.
Experiment design and in vivo Kd measurement for 18F-MK6577: A glycine transporter 1 radiotracer

427 Objectives The glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1) is a target for drug development in the treatment of cognitive impairment. A promising GlyT1 radiotracer 18F-MK6577 has recently been reported [1, 2]. To further characterize this tracer, we performed a novel multi-infusion paradigm to measure its in vivo equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) in baboons. Methods For each baboon (n=2), two 300-min dynamic PET scans were carried out on 2 days. Each scan included one bolus+infusion of 18F-MK6577 and two separate 90-min unlabeled MK6577 infusions, starting at 120 and 210 min. Arterial samples were drawn to determine the input function and free fraction. Images were registered to a baboon MR template. Distribution volumes (VT) for each voxel or ROI were determined at 3 equilibrium stages (60-120, 150-210, 240-300 min) and fitted to obtain Kd based on 2 assumptions: (1) Kd and non-displaceable binding VND are uniform, (2) Kd is uniform but VND varies. Fits were performed at ROI or voxel level for individual baboons or jointly. Results TACs showed 3 distinct equilibrium states. Bmax images showed the expected GlyT1 distribution. Kd values based on different assumptions and datasets (Table 1) were similar across animals and methods and consistent with literature in vitro values (IC50 1.99 nM, Ki 1.15 nM [1]) Conclusions A multi-infusion paradigm of radiolabeled and unlabeled MK6577 was developed and applied, allowing determination of its in vivo Kd and producing high-quality Bmax images.
Comparison of the Effects of Central Acting Drugs on Prolactin Release in Young and Old Male Rats

AbstractThe effects of several central acting drugs on prolactin (PRL) secretion were compared in young (3-4 months) and old (18-19 months) Sprague-Dawley male rats. Administration of the catecholamine synthesis inhibitor, methyl-DOPA, or the dopamine receptor blocker, haloperidol, produced a significantly greater increase in plasma PRL in the old than in the young rats. Stimulation of the serotonergic system by quipazine or enhancement of opioid activity by morphine produced a significantly greater rise in plasma PRL in the young than in the old male rats. Administration of the specific opiate antagonist, naloxone, reduced plasma PRL levels more in old than in young male rats. but this difference was not significant. Measurement of pituitary content and concentration of PRL revealed that both were significantly greater in old than in young male rats. These results suggest that hypothalamic dopamine continues to be an important inhibitor of PRL release in old male rats, whereas serotonin and the opiates b...
Thermodynamics of water condensation on a primary marine aerosol coated by surfactant organic molecules.

A large subset of primary marine aerosols can be initially (immediately upon formation) treated using an “inverted micelle” model. We study the thermodynamics of heterogeneous water condensation on such a marine aerosol. Its hydrophobic organic coating can be processed by chemical reactions with atmospheric species; this enables the marine aerosol to serve as a nucleating center for water condensation. The most probable pathway of such “aging” involves atmospheric hydroxyl radicals that abstract hydrogen atoms from organic molecules coating the aerosol (first step), the resulting radicals being quickly oxidized by ubiquitous atmospheric oxygen molecules to produce surface-bound peroxyl radicals (second step). Taking these two reactions into account, we derive an expression for the free energy of formation of an aqueous droplet on a marine aerosol. The model is illustrated by numerical calculations. The results suggest that the formation of aqueous droplets on marine aerosols is most likely to occur via Ko...
CTL0511 from Chlamydia trachomatis Is a Type 2C Protein Phosphatase with Broad Substrate Specificity

ABSTRACT Protein phosphorylation has become increasingly recognized for its role in regulating bacterial physiology and virulence. Chlamydia spp. encode two validated Hanks9-type Ser/Thr protein kinases, which typically function with cognate protein phosphatases and appear capable of global protein phosphorylation. Consequently, we sought to identify a Ser/Thr protein phosphatase partner for the chlamydial kinases. CTL0511 from Chlamydia trachomatis L2 434/Bu, which has homologs in all sequenced Chlamydia spp., is a predicted type 2C Ser/Thr protein phosphatase (PP2C). Recombinant maltose-binding protein (MBP)-tagged CTL0511 (rCTL0511) hydrolyzed p -nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP), a generic phosphatase substrate, in a MnCl 2 -dependent manner at physiological pH. Assays using phosphopeptide substrates revealed that rCTL0511 can dephosphorylate phosphorylated serine (P-Ser), P-Thr, and P-Tyr residues using either MnCl 2 or MgCl 2 , indicating that metal usage can alter substrate preference. Phosphatase activity was unaffected by PP1, PP2A, and PP3 phosphatase inhibitors, while mutation of conserved PP2C residues significantly inhibited activity. Finally, phosphatase activity was detected in elementary body (EB) and reticulate body (RB) lysates, supporting a role for protein dephosphorylation in chlamydial development. These findings support that CTL0511 is a metal-dependent protein phosphatase with broad substrate specificity, substantiating a reversible phosphorylation network in C. trachomatis. IMPORTANCE Chlamydia spp. are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens responsible for a variety of diseases in humans and economically important animal species. Our work demonstrates that Chlamydia spp. produce a PP2C capable of dephosphorylating P-Thr, P-Ser, and P-Tyr and that Chlamydia trachomatis EBs and RBs possess phosphatase activity. In conjunction with the chlamydial Hanks9-type kinases Pkn1 and PknD, validation of CTL0511 fulfills the enzymatic requirements for a reversible phosphoprotein network. As protein phosphorylation regulates important cellular processes, including metabolism, differentiation, and virulence, in other bacterial pathogens, these results set the stage for elucidating the role of global protein phosphorylation in chlamydial physiology and virulence.
Advances in adjuvant therapy of colon cancer

Surgical resection is the primary curative modality for colon cancer, but outcomes are variable and dependent on risk of recurrence. Currently, stage and a variety of clinicopathologic risk factors are used to estimate recurrence risk. Adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended for most patients with stage III disease and high-risk patients with stage II disease to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve outcomes. Fluoropyrimidines with and without oxaliplatin have proven benefit, but there is no effect of other agents including irinotecan, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, or anti-epidermal growth factor agents in this setting. Emerging research has led to the identification of molecular markers including microsatellite instability, BRAF, 18q deletion, and CDX2. In addition, a variety of multigene panels are now available to better assess risk of recurrence. This narrative article discusses known clinicopathologic risk factors, emerging molecular markers and multigene panels, and evidence to support systemic therapy in the adjuvant setting.
Association Between Testosterone Replacement Therapy and the Incidence of DVT and Pulmonary Embolism: A Retrospective Cohort Study of the Veterans Administration Database

Background Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) prescriptions have increased several-fold in the last decade. There have been concerns regarding a possible increased incidence of DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) with TRT. Few data support the association between TRT and DVT/PE. We evaluated the incidence of DVT and PE in men who were prescribed TRT for low serum total testosterone (sTT) levels. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study, conducted using data obtained from the Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure. We compared the incidence of DVT/PE between those who received TRT and subsequently had normal on-treatment sTT levels (Gp1), those who received TRT but continued to have low on-treatment sTT (Gp2), and those who did not receive TRT (Gp3). Those with prior history of DVT/PE, cancer, hypercoagulable state, and chronic anticoagulation were excluded. Results The final cohort consisted of 71,407 subjects with low baseline sTT. Of these, 10,854 did not receive TRT (Gp3) and 60,553 received TRT. Of those who received TRT, 38,362 achieved normal sTT (Gp1) while 22,191 continued to have low sTT (Gp2). The incidence of DVT/PE was 0.5%, 0.4%, and 0.4% in Gp1, Gp2, and Gp3, respectively. Univariate, multivariate, and stabilized inverse probability of treatment weights analyses showed no statistically significant difference in DVT/PE-free survival between the various groups. Conclusions This study did not detect a significant association between testosterone replacement therapy and risk of DVT/PE in adult men with low sTT who were at low to moderate baseline risk of DVT/PE.
Clinical application of 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping system in radiofrequency catheter ablation in children with arrhythmia

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping system(Carto mapping system and Ensite mapping system)in radiofrequency catheter ablation(RFCA)in children with arrhythmia.Methods Twenty-two children with arrhythmia,including 9 cases of atrial tachyarrhythmia(AT),4 cases of atriobentricular reentrant tachycardia(AVRT),5 cases of premature ventricular contraction(PVC),and 4 cases of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia(IVT),underwent RFCA,which were guided by Carto mapping system or Ensite mapping system(Ensite Array and Ensite NavX).Results Under the guidance of 3-dimensional electroanato-mical mapping system,the ablation site were accurately identified in all cases.There were no serious complications during and after operation.After RFCA,no cases can be irritated again.All cases were followed up for 6 to 24 months.Only one case of AT in Ensite Array had a recurrence,which can be controlled by antiarrhythic drugs.Conclusions RFCA guided by Carto mapping system or Ensite mapping system in children with arrhythmia is efficacious and safe,especially suitable for complicated,untolerated,nonsustained arrhythmias.
Metastatic carcinoma of the prostate presenting radiographically as lymphoma.

Abstract Anterior mediastinal and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy is rarely clinically evident in patients with metastatic carcinoma of the prostate. We report a case in which the nodal disease was suggestive of the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma. Immunohistochemical stain for prostate specific antigen was useful in assuring the diagnosis.
Peripheries of Belonging: Military Recruitment and the Making of a ‘Minority’ in Wartime Iraq

In the hinterlands of Mesopotamia in 1915, facing the daunting task of securing the province of Basra and advancing towards Baghdad, British officials charged with the success of the Mesopotamian c...
Nutritional Support in the Setting of Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolism Syndrome (PICS)

The Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolism syndrome (PICS) is a new phenotype of survivors of critical illness that occurs after major inflammatory insults such as sepsis, severe postoperative complication, and trauma. These chronically, critically ill patients suffer from dismal outcomes but little is known about how to prevent or treat this syndrome. Through a recently awarded P50 grant the University of Florida aims to produce translational research to understand the etiology and therapeutic intervention for PICS. In creating awareness of nutritional supplementation for PICS, we hope to bring attention and understanding that this unique phenotype cannot be viewed as the ordinary ICU patient. Nutritional support for PICS can be developed using certain supplementations. Through specialized immunonutrition, anabolic nutrition, and inference we can make from Burn, Cachexia, and Sarcopenia, intensivist can start on the path to treating PICS patients. These supplements come in the form of pro-resolving mediators, leucine, and arginine.
Stochastic hybrid systems approach to modeling dynamics of cell size

A ubiquitous feature of all living cells is their growth over time followed by division into two daughter cells. How a population of genetically identical cells maintains size homeostasis, i.e., a narrow distribution of cell size, is an intriguing fundamental problem. We model size using a stochastic hybrid system, where a cell grows exponentially over time and probabilistic division events are triggered at discrete time intervals. Moreover, whenever these events occur, size is randomly partitioned among daughter cells. We first consider a scenario, where a timer (i.e., cell-cycle clock) that measures the time since the last division event regulates cellular growth and the rate of cell division. Analysis reveals that such a timer-driven system cannot achieve size homeostasis, in the sense that, the cell-to-cell size variation grows unboundedly with time. To explore biologically meaningful mechanisms for controlling size we consider two different classes of models: i) a constant growth rate and size-dependent division rate and ii) a constant growth rate and division rate that depends both on the cell size and timer. We show that each of these strategies can potentially achieve bounded intercellular size variation, and derive closed-form expressions for this variation in terms of underlying model parameters. Finally, we discuss how different organisms have adopted the above strategies for maintaining cell size homeostasis.
Abstract IA27: T-cell transfer therapy targeting somatic mutations in human gastrointestinal cancers

Accumulating correlative evidence suggests that the clinical responses observed in some patients with cancer after treatment with checkpoint inhibitors or adoptive T-cell therapy are mediated by T cells that target cancer mutations. More direct evidence that mutation-reactive T cells can mediate antitumor activity in humans was recently demonstrated in a patient with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma who experienced tumor regression after receiving a highly enriched population CD4+ T cells targeting a mutation in the ERBB2IP protein uniquely expressed by her cancer. Thus, strategies to identify and harness the mutation-reactive T-cell response may provide clinical benefit to some patients with cancer. To this end, we used a next-generation sequencing approach combined with high-throughput immunologic screening and found that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from 29/32 patients with metastatic gastrointestinal (GI) cancers contained CD4+ and/or CD8+ T cells that recognized at least one neoepitope derived from somatic mutations expressed by the patient9s own tumor. Most of the immunogenic mutations were unique and patient specific, however we also identified HLA-C*08:02-restricted CD8+ T cells from two patients with colorectal cancer that targeted the KRASG12D hotspot driver mutation found in many human cancers. Treatment of one of these patients with ~1.1 x 1011 KRASG12D-reactive T cells led to the regression of all metastatic lesions, but one lesion progressed 9 months after therapy. This lesion was resected and found to have loss of the chromosome 6 haplotype that encoded the HLA-C*08:02 allele thereby providing the tumor with a direct mechanism of immune escape from the transferred HLA-C*08:02-restricted KRASG12D-reactive T cells. The treatment of ten additional patients with variable frequencies of TIL targeting predominantly one patient-specific mutation has been largely ineffective. Thus, TIL therapy targeting somatic mutations can mediate tumor regression in some patients with metastatic GI cancers but most patients have not responded. We are currently investigating strategies to enhance the efficacy of T-cell transfer therapy against cancer mutations. Citation Format: Eric Tran. T-cell transfer therapy targeting somatic mutations in human gastrointestinal cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2016 Oct 20-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2017;5(3 Suppl):Abstract nr IA27.
Incidence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Outpatient Study Cohort, 2000-2013.

BACKGROUND There are few recent studies of incident hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in the United States. METHODS We studied HIV Outpatient Study (HOPS) participants seen in 9 HIV-specialty clinics who had ≥1 clinical encounter during 2000-2013 and ≥2 HCV-related tests, the first of which was a negative HCV antibody test (Ab). Hepatitis C virus incident cases were identified by first positive HCV Ab, viral load, or genotype. We assessed rates of incident HCV overall, by calendar intervals, and by demographic and HIV risk strata, and we explored risk factors for incident HCV using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS The 1941 eligible patients (median age 40 years, 23% female, 61% men who had sex with men [MSM], and 3% persons who injected drugs [PWID]) experienced 102 (5.3%) incident HCV infections for an overall incidence of 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-1.30) per 100 person-years (py). Hepatitis C virus incidence decreased from 1.83 in 2000-2003 to 0.88 in 2011-2013 (P = .024), with decreases observed (P < .05) among PWID and heterosexuals, but not among MSM. Overall, MSM comprised 59% of incident cases, and PWID were at most risk for incident HCV infection (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] for PWID = 4.62 and 95% CI = 2.11-10.13; for MSM, aHR = 1.48 and 95% CI = 0.86-2.55 compared with heterosexuals). CONCLUSIONS Among HIV-infected patients in care during 2000-2013, incidence of HCV infection exceeded 1 case per 100 py. Our findings support recommendations for annual HCV screenings for HIV-infected persons, including persons with only MSM risk, to enable HCV diagnosis and treatment for coinfected individuals.
KLHL41 stabilizes skeletal muscle sarcomeres by nonproteolytic ubiquitination

Maintenance of muscle function requires assembly of contractile proteins into highly organized sarcomeres. Mutations in Kelch-like protein 41 (KLHL41) cause nemaline myopathy, a fatal muscle disorder associated with sarcomere disarray. We generated KLHL41 mutant mice, which display lethal disruption of sarcomeres and aberrant expression of muscle structural and contractile proteins, mimicking the hallmarks of the human disease. We show that KLHL41 is poly-ubiquitinated and acts, at least in part, by preventing aggregation and degradation of Nebulin, an essential component of the sarcomere. Furthermore, inhibition of KLHL41 poly-ubiquitination prevents its stabilization of nebulin, suggesting a unique role for ubiquitination in protein stabilization. These findings provide new insights into the molecular etiology of nemaline myopathy and reveal a mechanism whereby KLHL41 stabilizes sarcomeres and maintains muscle function by acting as a molecular chaperone. Similar mechanisms for protein stabilization likely contribute to the actions of other Kelch proteins.
Precision Oncology beyond Targeted Therapy: Combining Omics Data with Machine Learning Matches the Majority of Cancer Cells to Effective Therapeutics.

Abstract: Precision oncology involves identifying drugs that will effectively treat a tumor and then prescribing an optimal clinical treatment regimen. However, most first-line chemotherapy drugs do not have biomarkers to guide their application. For molecularly targeted drugs, using the genomic status of a drug target as a therapeutic indicator has limitations. In this study, machine learning methods (e.g., deep learning) were used to identify informative features from genome scale omics data and to train classifiers for predicting the effectiveness of drugs in cancer cell lines. The methodology introduced here can accurately predict the efficacy of drugs, regardless of whether they are molecularly targeted or non-specific chemotherapy drugs. This approach, on a per-drug basis, can identify sensitive cancer cells with an average sensitivity of 0.82 and specificity of 0.82; on a per-cell line basis, it can identify effective drugs with an average sensitivity of 0.80 and specificity of 0.82. This report describes a data-driven precision medicine approach that is not only generalizable but also optimizes therapeutic efficacy. The framework detailed herein, when successfully translated to clinical environments, could significantly broaden the scope of precision oncology beyond targeted therapies, benefiting an expanded proportion of cancer patients. Implications: Developing the capability of mapping cancer cells to effective therapeutics is the foundation of precision oncology. This paper presents an integrative machine learning framework for predicting cancer cell sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs based on multiple omics data from cancer cells.
Factors of Professional Learning Community Implementation and Effect on Student Achievement

Professional learning communities (PLCs) promote collaboration among school personnel in an effort to stimulate student learning. Using data obtained from a larger statewide initiative in Missouri,...
Transport of Fluid by Renal Tubules

A large fraction of the fluid filtered by glomerular nephrons does not appear in the urine and, therefore, must be absorbed by the renal tubules. In addition, as already noted (vide supra; Chap. 3), the rate of fluid excretion in some nonmammalian vertebrates is determined, in part, by secretion by the renal tubules. The extent to which these processes have been studied or are understood in mammalian and nonmammalian vertebrates varies greatly, but some general patterns can be ascertained.
Tensile behavior of ultra-high performance concrete: Analytical model and experimental validation

Abstract An analytical model is proposed to predict the tensile behavior of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) considering the pullout behavior of single fiber in matrix. The fiber pullout behavior is modeled from the work mechanisms of stress transfer at the matrix-fiber interface. The effect of fiber orientation, fiber snubbing, and matrix spalling on the tensile responses of UHPC is investigated by a parametric study, and a fiber reinforcement efficiency function α is derived to describe the combined effect. The fiber characteristics, interfacial bond strength, and fiber reinforcement efficiency show significant influence on the tensile strength and ascending branch of tensile stress-crack width curves, while some other model coefficients affect the shape of curves. The accuracy of the proposed analytical model is validated with the experimental direct tension test of UHPC, and good agreements are achieved between the analytical and experimental tensile responses. An underestimated tensile strength is observed when the prediction model is utilized with a lower volume fraction of fiber due to less group effect. The analytical model proposed can be used to effectively predict the tensile behavior of UHPC once their basic constituent material properties and single fiber pullout data are known and to better design the UHPC in tension.
Cost-Utility Analysis of Surgical Decompression Relative to Injection Therapy for Chronic Migraine Headaches

Background Common treatments for chronic migraine headaches include injection of corticosteroid and anesthetic agents at local trigger sites. However, the effects of therapy are short term, and lifelong treatment is often necessary. In contrast, surgical decompression of migraine trigger sites accomplishes the same goal yet demonstrates successful long-term elimination of chronic migraines. Objectives Our primary objective was to perform a cost-utility analysis to determine which patients would benefit most from available treatment options in a cost-conscious model. Methods A cost-utility analysis was performed, taking into consideration costs, probabilities, and health state utility scores of various interventions. Results Injection therapy offered a minor improvement in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) compared with surgical decompression (QALY Δ = 0.6). However, long-term injection therapy was significantly costlier to society than surgical decompression: injection treatment was estimated to cost $106,887.96 more than surgery. The results of our cost-utility analysis thus conferred a positive incremental cost-utility ratio of $178,163.27 in favor of surgical decompression. Conclusions Surgery provides a durable intervention and has been shown in this study to be extremely cost effective despite a very minor QALY deficit compared with injection therapy. If patients are identified who require treatment in the form of injections for less than 8.25 years, they may fall into a group that should not be offered surgery.
Investigating the effect of indoor thermal environment on occupants’ mental workload and task performance using electroencephalogram

Abstract Workers' performance in indoor offices can be greatly affected by the thermal condition of the environment. However, this effect can be difficult to quantify, especially when the thermal stress is a moderate increase or decrease in temperature and the work productivity cannot be directly measured. Subjects' high motivation to perform well under experimental conditions also causes difficulties in comparing their performance in different thermal environments. In order to overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a method to investigate the effect of the indoor thermal conditions on occupants' performance by studying occupants' mental workload measured by the electroencephalography (EEG) when they perform standardized cognitive tasks. An experiment integrating EEG mental workload measurement and cognitive tasks was implemented on 15 subjects. EEG data were collected while subjects were performing four cognitive tasks on computers. Based on previous studies, we propose a mental workload index calculated from the frontal theta and parietal alpha frequency band power. Within-subject comparisons were performed to investigate whether subjects' mental workload is statistically different under three different thermal environments, representing thermal sensations of slightly cool, neutral, and slightly warm. The results show that the effect of thermal environment varies across different individuals. By comparing the mental workload index among different thermal environments, we found that the slightly warm environment resulted in a relatively higher mental workload than the other two environments to achieve the same performance. The study provides promising insights into how the thermal environment influences occupants’ performance by affecting their mental workload from the neurophysiological perspective.
1971 Population genetic theory of density-dependent natural selection

Abstract MacArthur's ideas about r- and K-selection, as he called it were only semi-quantitative ( MacArthur, 1962 ; MacArthur and Wilson, 1967). While the logistic equation was referenced in MacArthur's 1962 paper, his 1967 book with E.O. Wilson developed verbal theories of r- and K-selection. This verbal theory discusses repeated reproduction as a K-selected strategy even though the logistic model has no age-structure ( Pianka, 1970 , 1972 ). Roughgarden (1971) developed explicit single locus population genetic models and then made predictions for the outcome of evolution at high and low densities which could then be subject to experimental tests.
Breaking new ground? The dual (PhD-DNP) doctoral degree in Nursing

Abstract Purpose 1) Provide background information on the PhD-DNP dual doctoral degree, specifically historical perspectives and existing programs; 2) Describe one PhD-DNP program as an exemplar to illustrate program data challenges and solutions; and 3) Discuss the national landscape of the dual doctoral degree program. Principal results PhD-DNP dual doctoral degree programs have existed for 10 years; there are five known programs nationally. Reported here for one dual doctoral degree program are data collected from the program's inception (2010) through 2019. These data include demographic program characteristics, time to degree, and achievements during and after the program. Challenges pertaining to mentorship, progression to degree, socialization and student productivity also are described. Strategies for moving the dual degree forward nationally depend on a collaborative effort for data generation and collection from existing PhD-DNP programs. These data can be instrumental for seeking funding for dual doctoral degree programs. Conclusions The dual PhD-DNP degree has not yet gained a foothold nationally. There is demand for the program by nursing doctoral students and availability of these programs is slowly increasing. National nursing leaders and organizations can consider developing metrics and collecting data that will lend support to future funding initiatives for the dual degree.
PARQR: Automatic Post Suggestion in the Piazza Online Forum to Support Degree Seeking Online Masters Students

As enrollment numbers in online courses increase, students, instructors, and teaching assistants have difficulty finding needed information in online forums because of the number of posts, resulting in duplicate posts that exacerbate the problem. We introduce PARQR, a recommendation tool that suggests relevant contributions as participants compose their posts. We investigate the use of PARQR in five online degree-seeking courses. We survey 74 students and interview five teaching assistants to understand their experience with online forums and PARQR. We compare the differences between using and not using PARQR for an online course assignment. PARQR users found the tool to be useful for navigating online forums, and PARQR was effective in reducing the number of posts (0.291 vs. 0.506 posts per active student) and duplicate posts (17.8% vs. 25.6%) in an online course. These results suggest that PARQR makes on-line forums more efficient for users to find needed information.
Emergence of Clade III Candida auris of African Origin in Los Angeles

ABSTRACT Candida auris is an emerging multi-drug resistant yeast responsible for invasive infections among hospitalized patients. We described a case series of C. auris isolated in the Los Angeles area from an ongoing outbreak. Genomic analysis showed a single Clade III lineage of African origin in all 6 cases since 2019.
A meta-analytic review of emotional intelligence in gifted individuals: A multilevel analysis

Abstract Some research has examined emotional intelligence among gifted individuals, but these individual studies have provided mixed results. The present meta-analysis aimed to clarify the nature of the relationship between emotional intelligence and giftedness. Hedge's unbiased g was used as the effect size metric, and a 3-level multilevel meta-analytic approach was applied, due to the dependency among the effect sizes obtained from the same study. The analyses used 81 effect sizes, from 17 published studies, and indicated that there was a significant difference between gifted and non-gifted participants in terms of emotional intelligence in favor of gifted individuals (g = 0.120, p = .023, 95% CI [0.031, 0.208]). The moderator analyses revealed that gifted individuals tended to be more emotionally intelligent when emotional intelligence is measured based on ability, but not trait models. The implications and limitations of the findings are discussed.
Active discovery information systems

Abstract As new forms of information are increasingly “active” (i.e., media can change form and is not limited by location, user, or purpose) traditional information practices are shifting to meet the nature of media and the search expectations patrons bring to the library. Although not found in library literature, active discovery information systems encompass how we organize and make discoverable the evolving and emerging materials we handle. This paper addresses a gap in the literature for real-world applications of libraries implementing non-traditional organization and discovery systems. Specifically, the Sitterwerk Library in St. Gallen, Switzerland, is profiled as an example of a library that utilizes patron engagement and technology to change how information is organized and accessed. The systems reflect how we internally process and organize information in order to learn. Provided is a discussion on the implications of active discovery information systems, as well as possible active discovery information systems.
No-go Theorem for Acceleration in the Hyperbolic Plane.

In recent years there has been significant effort to adapt the key tools and ideas in convex optimization to the Riemannian setting. One key challenge has remained: Is there a Nesterov-like accelerated gradient method for geodesically convex functions on a Riemannian manifold? Recent work has given partial answers and the hope was that this ought to be possible. Here we dash these hopes. We prove that in a noisy setting, there is no analogue of accelerated gradient descent for geodesically convex functions on the hyperbolic plane. Our results apply even when the noise is exponentially small. The key intuition behind our proof is short and simple: In negatively curved spaces, the volume of a ball grows so fast that information about the past gradients is not useful in the future.
Spinal cord injury in sexual and gender minority individuals.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals face disparate access to and outcomes within healthcare, however little is known about spinal cord injury (SCI) in SGM populations. The term SGM is used...
A wide supply voltage and low-rx noise envelope tracking supply modulator IC for LTE handset power amplifiers

A high efficiency envelope tracking supply modulator IC for LTE handset use is presented. It is fabricated using 0.35 um CMOS with optional 6-V-MOSFETs, and operates at a wide supply voltage range from 2.9 to 6.0 V. This enables the supply modulator to be directly connected to a lithium-ion battery. The switching noise of the supply modulator is carefully designed to meet the received band (Rx) noise requirement. An envelope tracking power amplifier (ET-PA) consisting of the modulator IC and an InGaP/GaAs-heterojunction-bipolar-transistor (HBT) PA-IC is examined with 1.95-GHz-band, 10-MHz bandwidth long-term-evolution (LTE) up-link signal. Despite a use of high-breakdown-voltage CMOS process for the modulator, the ET-PA achieves a power-added efficiency (PAE) of 33.4% at an output power of 26 dBm with an adjustment channel leakage power ratio (ACLR) of −35 dBc. In comparison with a conventional PA, the PAE has improved 3.0 and 7.3% at an output power of 26 and 20 dBm, respectively. The Rx noise is −134 dBm/Hz.
Using ground reaction forces from gait analysis: body mass as a weak biometric

Ground reaction forces generated during normal walking have recently been used to identify and/or classify individuals based upon the pattern of the forces observed over time. One feature that can be extracted from vertical ground reaction forces is body mass. This single feature has identifying power comparable to other studies that use multiple and more complex features. This study contributes to understanding the role of body mass in identification by (1) quantifying the accuracy and precision with which body mass can be obtained using vertical ground reaction forces, (2) quantifying the distribution of body mass across a population larger than has previously been studied in relation to gait analysis, and (3) quantifying the expected identification capabilities of systems using body mass as a weak biometric. Our results show that body mass can be measured in a fraction of a second with less than a 1 kilogram standard deviation of error.
AUTONOMY ARCHITECTURES FOR A CONSTELLATION OF SPACECRAFT

This paper describes three autonomy architectures for a system that continuously plans to control a fleet of spacecraft using collective mission goals instead of goals of command sequences for each spacecraft. A fleet of self-commanding spacecraft would autonomously coordinate itself to satisfy high level science and engineering goals in a changing partially-understood environment-making feasible the operation of tens of even a hundred spacecraft (such as for interferometer or magnetospheric constellation missions).
Reasoning with textual cases

This paper presents methods that support automatically finding abstract indexing concepts in textual cases and demonstrates how these cases can be used in an interpretive CBR system to carry out case-based argumentation and prediction from text cases. We implemented and evaluated these methods in SMILE+IBP, which predicts the outcome of legal cases given a textual summary. Our approach uses classification-based methods for assigning indices. In our experiments, we compare different methods for representing text cases, and also consider multiple learning algorithms. The evaluation shows that a text representation that combines some background knowledge and NLP combined with a nearest neighbor algorithm leads to the best performance for our TCBR task.
The Paradox of Federal Sector Labor Relations: Voluntary Unionism Without Collective Bargaining Over Wages and Employee Benefits

Federal sector unionism is a paradox. Despite the outlawry of union-security provisions and strikes, sharp limits on the scope of collective bargaining (outside the U.S. Postal Service and airport air traffic controllers), and the absence of card-check certification, federal employees join unions and pay dues. The union membership rate is lower than in state and local governments but considerably higher than in the private sector. Somewhat fewer employee pay dues than are covered by collective agreements but the free-riding effect is smaller than one would expect. The federal sector suggests a model of relatively low-stakes unionism and collective bargaining that perhaps should be considered as an alternative by labor organizations and policymakers. The federal-sector mode may, however, require certain features that are not readily replicable in the private sector: the absence of a right to strike in favor of some measure of interest arbitration as a deadlock-breaking device, an absence of employer opposition, and statutory employment protections.
Just How Stable Are Escape Rhythms after Atrioventricular Junction Ablation

Background: Atrioventricular (AV) node ablation with implantation of a permanent pacemaker is an established mode of therapy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. However, concern exists regarding subsequent dependency on an entirely paced rhythm and the possible sequela of unheralded pacemaker failure. Data regarding escape rhythm lability, an important feature of pacemaker dependency, are limited. Aims and Methods: The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to determine the characteristics of escape rhythms at predefined serial time intervals following AV node ablation and pacemaker implantation, and (2) to identify risk factors predictive of unstable escape rhythms. Patients undergoing AV node ablation and pacemaker implantation were assessed for the presence or absence of an escape rhythm during pacemaker interrogation at five predetermined serial time points. Baseline demographics and comorbid conditions were evaluated as potential predictors of those with labile escape rhythms. Results: Seventy-nine percent of the 96 patients studied had an underlying escape rhythm (≥30 beats per minute) immediately postablation. Although the percentage of patients with an escape rhythm increased at each follow-up interval, the number of patients who consistently demonstrated an escape rhythm declined with each follow-up, with 28% of patients lacking an escape rhythm at some time point, i.e., labile escape rhythm. There were no significant predictors of a labile escape rhythm. Conclusion: Among patients who have undergone AV node ablation and pacemaker implantation, 72% have a stable escape rhythm over time, but others are at risk for pacemaker dependency, as predicted by an underlying absent or labile escape rhythm. (PACE 2010; 939–944)
Firewire: standard computer industry interconnect for test and measurement AutoTestCon '98

Do you know what Firewire is? If not, you soon will. IEEE 1394, or Firewire, is an up-and-coming electronics industry standard that will soon be in wide use for interconnecting a massive variety of electronic equipment. It will be used for connecting CD-ROMs and scanners to computers, and it will be used for connecting VCRs, DVDs and satellite dishes to digital televisions. How does this affect Test & Measurements? This paper discusses Firewire, along with it's lower-end companion, USE, and how they can be and are being utilized in T&M applications to replace T&M specific technologies, such as IEEE 488, and MXI. The advantages-and disadvantages-of these new technologies are discussed along with what the Test & Measurement industry should do to support these new technologies.
On the comparability of pharmacotherapy and behavior therapy for chronic insomnia. Commentary and implications.

Objectives: Recently, we undertook an empirical review using meta-analytic techniques to assess the extent to which these therapeutic strategies produce comparable outcomes. No differences between the two therapeutic strategies were found, except for sleep latency (SL). Behavior therapy demonstrated a greater reduction in latency to sleep onset as compared to pharmacotherapy. In the present paper, we provide a brief summary of our meta-analysis and then (1) critically review the outcomes and (2) place the findings into a larger context that takes into account what factors represent barriers to treatment and how can we insure that in the future patients will have increased access to behavioral sleep medicine services.
Radiolabeled and near-infrared fluorescent fibrinogen derivatives create a system for the identification and repair of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Background Gastrointesintal hemorrhage is often difficult to localize. A test that does not depend on active bleeding might prove clinically useful. We tested 2 novel fibrinogen (FBG)-based contrast agents for their ability to localize gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage after bleeding stopped. 125 I-FBG permits gamma ray–based preoperative or intraoperative scanning, and near-infrared (NIR) flourescent FBG (FBG800) permits real-time intraoperative visualization of active clot. Methods Bovine FBG was radiolabeled with 125 I or conjugated to the NIR fluorophore CW800. Sites of bleeding were created by gastrotomy, mucosal resection of the stomach, or laceration of a mesenteric vessel; then 1.7 mg/kg FBG800 or 15 μCi/kg 125 I-FBG was injected intravenously into mice, rabbits, or pigs 30 minutes before or after injury. Sites of active clot were quantified by using gamma counting and were also imaged by using invisible NIR light intraoperatively, for up to 3 hours postinjection. Results After an injection of either 125 I-FBG or FBG800, sites of prior bleeding could be identified in the absence of active bleeding. Blood clearance was such that a signal-to-background ratio of 2.0 or greater could be achieved within 20 minutes after injection. A similarly labeled human serum albumin did not accumulate at any site, with an SBR of 1.0 or less. Conclusions Both radiolabeled (preoperative gamma scanning) and NIR fluorescent (intraoperative real-time imaging) FBG can be used in experimental situations to identify the location of prior bleeding in the absence of active bleeding. Taken together, these contrast agents create a system for the identification and control of obscure GI bleeding.
The human telomere‐associated protein TIN2 stimulates interactions between telomeric DNA tracts in vitro

Human TIN2 interacts with the telomeric-DNA-binding protein TRF1, suppresses telomere elongation in telomerase-positive cells, and may control telomere length by modulating telomere structure. To test the latter idea, we developed an in vitro assay, using biotinylated telomeric DNA probes and streptavidin–agarose, to quantify the ability of TRF1 and TIN2 to stimulate interactions of telomeric DNA tracts with each other (probe clustering). This assay revealed that TRF1 alone had weak probe-clustering activity, but TIN2 stimulated activity fivefold to tenfold. A dominant-negative TIN2 mutant protein that increased telomere length in vivo disrupted probe clusters formed by TRF1 and TIN2, suggesting that the ability to stimulate telomeric DNA interactions is important for telomere-length regulation. Unlike TRF1, TIN2 did not form homodimers. We propose that TIN2 alters the conformation of TRF1, which favours a tertiary telomeric structure that hinders telomerase from gaining access to telomeres.