cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Grading of CNS neoplasms using continuous arterial spin labeled perfusion MR imaging at 3 Tesla

Purpose To differentiate glioma grade based on blood flow measured using continuous arterial spin labeled (CASL) perfusion MRI, implemented at 3 Tesla for improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spin labeling effect. Materials and Methods CASL perfusion images were obtained preoperatively in 26 patients with brain neoplasms (19 high-grade gliomas (HGGs; WHO grades 3 and 4) and seven low-grade gliomas (LGGs; WHO grades 1 and 2)). The mean and maximum tumor blood flow (TBF and TBFmax) were calculated in the neoplasm, including surrounding infiltrating tumor vs. edema. Measures normalized to global CBF (nTBF and nTBFmax) were also obtained. Results Normalized measures of TBFmax provided the best distinction between HGG and LGG groups (Wilcoxon rank sum test, P = 0.01). Seventeen of 19 HGGs showed nTBFmax > 1.0, and 15 of 19 showed nTBFmax > 1.3. Four of seven LGGs showed nTBFmax 50 mL/100 g/min (mean ± SD = 94.9 ± 71.7 mL/100 g/min). All but one LGGs showed TBFmax ≤ 50 mL/100 g/min (mean ± SD = 42.8 ± 22.0 mL/100 g/min). Conclusion CASL perfusion MRI provides a quantitative, noninvasive alternative to dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MR methods for evaluating gliomas. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Component based simulation modeling with Simkit

This paper demonstrates how to use Simkit to create discrete event simulation models using a component framework. The component framework is based on a listener design pattern especially useful for simulation models. The objects created are called Listener Event Graph Objects, so the component framework is called LEGO. Simkit is an open source package written in Java.
Evolution of Mushroom Mitochondrial DNA: Suillus and Related Genera

Mapping studies were performed with 18 cloned probes on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 15 species ofSuillus and four species from three related genera of fleshy pore mushrooms (Boletaceae). WithinSuillus, mtDNAs vary in size from 36 to 121 kb, differ in gene order by only one major rearrangement, and have diverged in nucleotide sequence within the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene region by up to 2.9%. Three additional gene orders exist in related genera. Two of the three can be transformed into the predominantSuillus order by either one or two rearrangements. The fourth requires two to three rearrangements to be converted to any of the others. The minimum estimates of nucleotide divergence within the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene region vary from 8.3% to 11% in comparisons betweenSuillus and these related species. Trees based on restriction-site and size differences within the mitochondrial ribosomal RNA genes were consistent with the hypothesized sequence of genome rearrangements and provide suggestive evidence for a major expansion of the mitochondrial genome withinSuillus. Structural and sequence changes in mtDNA provided information about phylogenetic relationships within the Boletaceae.
Just like a family? Recalling the relations of production in the textile industries of Surat and Bhiwandi, 1940-60

This paper explores discourses about industry by looking at the representations of the past formulated by owners, workers and trade union leaders in the cities of surat and Bhiwandi. Drawing upon literature on social memory as well as upon Scott's discussion of 'weapons of the weak', it argues that current circumstances of different social groupings in these cities and their views of prospects for change in the future have a profound effect on the ways they view owner-employer relations before 1960. A particular focus here is with the willingness of different participants in the textile industry to accept a portrayal of past relations as having been 'like a family'. For workers, nostalgic attitudes and more critical recollections both serve as means ofcontesting a present characterised by serious strains between capital and labour, by serious fears of losing work, and by widely shared perceptions that collective action is futile: These views of history are contrasted with those of owners on the one hand a...
The social construction of social construction: implications for theories of nationalism and identity formation

Although most contemporary theories of nationalism and identity formation rest on some form of social constructivism, few theorists of nationalism and identity formation interrogate social constructivism as a social construction – a social science concept “imposed” on the non-self-consciously constructivist behaviors of people, who generally do not believe they are engaging in construction. Since social constructivism – unless it is a metaphysics about what is real – is really about the concept of social construction, the first task of constructivists is to ask not how various populations have engaged in social construction but how social construction should be defined. As this article shows, constructivism is at best a run-of-the-mill theoretical approach – perfectly respectable, but no different from any other theoretical approach in the social sciences. It is only when social constructivism makes outlandishly radical claims – that all of reality or all of social reality is constructed – that it is unus...
Statistical model-based algorithms for image analysis

In this paper, two-dimensional stochastic linear models are used in developing algorithms for image analysis such as classification, segmentation, and object detection in images characterized by textured backgrounds. These models generate two-dimensional random processes as outputs to which statistical inference procedures can naturally be applied. A common thread throughout our algorithms is the interpretation of the inference procedures in terms of linear prediction residuals. This interpretation leads to statistical tests more insightful than the original tests and makes the procedures computationally tractable. This paper also examines a computational structure tailored to one of the algorithms. In particular, we describe a processor based on systolic arrays that realizes the object detection algorithm developed in the paper.
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a grossly visible (≥1 cm), mucin-producing neoplasm that arises in the main pancreatic duct and/or its branches. Patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm can present with symptoms caused by obstruction of the pancreatic duct system, or they can be asymptomatic. There are 3 clinical subtypes of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm: main duct, branch duct, and mixed. Five histologic types of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm are recognized: gastric foveolar type, intestinal type, pancreatobiliary type, intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm, and intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm. Noninvasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms are classified into 3 grades based on the degree of cytoarchitectural atypia: low-, intermediate-, and high-grade dysplasia. The most important prognosticator, however, is the presence or absence of an associated invasive carcinoma. Some main duct-intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms progress into invasive carcinoma, mainly tubular adenocarcinoma (conventional pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma) and colloid carcinoma. Branch duct-intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms have a low risk for malignant transformation. Preoperative prediction of the malignant potential of an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm is of growing importance because pancreatic surgery has its complications, and many small intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, especially branch duct-intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, have an extremely low risk of progressing to an invasive cancer. Although most clinical decision making relies on imaging, a better understanding of the molecular genetics of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm could help identify molecular markers of high-risk lesions. When surgery is performed, intraoperative frozen section assessment of the pancreatic resection margin can guide the extent of resection. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms are often multifocal, and surgically resected patients should be followed for metachronous disease.
Simultaneous Fatigue and Combustion Exposure of a SiC/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composite:

A melt-infiltrated (MI) woven ceramic matrix composite consisting of a silicon carbide matrix reinforced by boron nitride coated Hi-Nicalon type STM SiC fiber, Hi-Nic-S/BN/SiC, was tested under tension-tension fatigue loading in combination with combustion conditions representative of those experienced by hot-section components such as turbine blades and vanes in modern gas turbine engines. The burner rig fatigue data and fracture surfaces were analyzed for the effects of oxidation on life, failure, and damage mechanisms. These test results were then compared with those obtained from similar fatigue tests performed in a standard furnace under laboratory air environment. Fatigue life in the combustion condition was lower by an order of magnitude in comparison to the isothermal furnace results across the range of applied stress, and so demonstrates the importance of representative combined environment testing in conjunction with fundamental load testing. The observed difference in fatigue performance is att...
Luminol-Enhanced Chemiluminescence for Evaluation of Type III Group B Streptococcal Opsonins in Human Sera

A luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) assay was developed to evaluate type III group B streptococcal opsonins. Sera from 11 adults that contained high (greater than 25 microgram/ml), intermediate (3-24 microgram/ml), or low (less than 2 microgram/ml) antibody concentrations were assessed by CL, indirect immunofluorescence (IF), and bactericidal assays. Total CL activity correlated with antibody concentration (P less than 0.005), IgG- and C3-IF values, and phagocytic and bactericidal indices. Heat-stable CL activity correlated with antibody concentration (P less than 0.0001) and was related to IgG-IF values and phagocytic indices. Significant bactericidal activity was demonstrated in all sera containing greater than 2 microgram of antibody/ml, but no bactericidal activity was observed in heat-inactivated sera. Adsorption of heated sera with type III group B Streptococcus abolished CL activity, whereas CL values of MgEGTA-chelated sera were approximately 80% of untreated sera. Thus, type-specific antibody in addition to heat-labile serum factors, including those of the alternative complement pathway, contribute to opsonization of type III group B Streptococcus.
Market Facilities and Agricultural Marketing: Evidence from Tamil Nadu, India

This article analyzes the effect of facilities and infrastructure available at the marketplace on a farmer's decision to sell at the market. The econometric estimation shows that the likelihood of sales at the market increases significantly with an improvement in market facilities and a decrease in travel time from the village to the market. The results suggest that wealth reduces a farmer's cost of accessing market facilities more than it increases her/his opportunity cost of leisure. The policy simulation indicates that the marginal benefits from an improvement in market facility will favor the poorer farmers in the context of India.
Differential control of ventilation among inbred strains of mice

The role genetic factors play in ventilatory control was examined by challenging eight inbred strains of mice to acute hypercapnia under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Age-matched mice were expos...
LEFT AXIS DEVIATION AS A RISK MARKER IN PATIENTS WITHOUT ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE

Previous studies on the prognostic value of left axis deviation in patients with or without ischemic heart disease are inconclusive. Using the Myocardial Infarction Data Acquisition System (MIDAS), a statewide database of hospitalized patients, we studied long-term outcomes of left axis deviation in
Therapy for Condyloma Acuminatum: A Review

Condyloma acuminatum (genital warts) is a sexually transmitted disease in which the lesions appear as cauliflower-like growths in or around the genitals, rectum, and/or crural creases. This disease is caused by papilloma viruses (DNA viruses belonging to the herpes group). Genital wart viruses are morphologically similar to skin wart viruses. Five distinct human papilloma viruses may be responsible for genital wart formation [1]. The wart virus invades cells (assisted by the microscopic degree of trauma occurring during coitus), enters the nucleus, replicates, and sheds viral particles, which are the source of new lesions. The incubation period is approximately one to two months, but eightto nine-month incubation periods have been recognized. The growth of condylomata acuminata is poorly understood. Warmth and moisture accelerate the growth of warts. Defects in cell-mediated immunity may predispose people to the development of warts. Pregnancy can also accelerate wart growth. Spontaneous regressions occur, especially in women postpartum. Epidemiologically, condyloma acuminatum is an infectious disease with a sexual mode of transmission. Genital warts have age and sex distributions similar to those of gonorrhea. Between 50% and 70% of exposed [2] sexual partners have or develop genital warts. The association between genital wart infection and other sexually transmitted diseases is well documented. Between 20%o and 25%o of women with genital warts also have gonorrhea and/or trichomoniasis, and patients with genital warts also may have syphilis and chlamydial infections. In homosexual men with perianal warts, concurrent gonococcal or syphilitic infection has been observed. Moreover, reports have indicated metastatic changes in warts with the appearance of Buschke-Lowenstein tumors, cervical neoplasia [3-7], and perianal malignancies [8].
Reversible acylation and inhibition of aggregation of platelets by substituted maleic anhydrides.

The antiprostaglandin action of aspirin due to the acetylation of the enzyme prostaglandin synthetase is manifested by inhibition of the so-called release reaction and consequent abolition of secondary-phase aggregation. The maleic anhydrides, a series of reversible acylating agents, have now been shown to produce the aspirin-type defect in platelet aggregation. The antiplatelet effect of aspirin is irreversible. With 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride, however, the antiplatelet effect disappeared in approximately 80 min at 25°. Hence the persistence of the lesion when caused by aspirin results from the stability of the acetyl linkage formed in its reaction with prostaglandin synthetase. This suggests that the modification occurs at either a lysine or an NH2-terminal amino group. That such is the case was confirmed by the observation that 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride and 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride, both amino-specific acylating agents, were able to effect the aspirin-type lesion. Thus, upon deacylation, prostaglandin synthetase regains its activity and platelet function returns to normal. Accordingly, it may be possible to develop a clinically acceptable, reversible acylating agent with short-acting, aspirin-like effects.
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis in patients with end stage renal disease--two case reports and a brief review.

Chronic renal failure is a risk factor fortuberculosis. In the past five years we have identifiedtwo cases of tuberculosis in our dialysis population.The first patient, showed chronic failure to thrive onhemodialysis. An enlarged cervical lymph node wasbiopsied and, although no acid fast bacilli (AFB) wereseen, a culture grew Mycobacterium tuberculosum (TB). Her chest X-ray did not show evidence of pasttuberculosis. The second patient was a long timesmoker who presented with an enlarged cervical node,which was biopsied. AFB were not seen on her biopsy,but her culture grew TB. Extrapulmonary TB is commonin patients with ESRD, and lymph node involvement isthe most common extrapulmonary presentation. Screening with the purified protein derivative (PPD)is not helpful in ESRD patients, since defects in cellmediated immunity are common. A high index ofsuspicion for TB is warranted in patients with ESRD.
Osteogenic Sarcoma: Systemic Chemotherapy Options for Localized Disease

Treatment for osteosarcoma, the most common malignant tumor of bone in children and adolescents, has not changed in decades. Treatment is multimodal, employing neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by aggressive and complete surgical resection to achieve negative margins and a prolonged course of adjuvant chemotherapy. The primary tumor is usually successfully managed via surgery, but micrometastases are likely present in most patients at diagnosis. Death is the result of tumor recurrence in the lungs or more rarely in other bones despite aggressive treatment regimens and is likely attributable to innate resistance to chemotherapy. Better therapies are desperately needed. The three most active agents—high-dose methotrexate, doxorubicin, and cisplatin—commonly referred to as “MAP,” form the backbone of therapy. After 2 cycles of MAP, surgical resection is performed of all sites of disease if possible. Histologic response following neoadjuvant chemotherapy is prognostic in non-metastatic osteosarcoma, but augmentation of adjuvant therapy for poor responders with additional agents (ifosfamide, etoposide) has not improved outcome. Inclusion of immunotherapy into treatment regimens is promising. Specifically, liposome-encapsulated muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (L-MTP-PE), a macrophage and monocyte activator, improved 10-year overall survival for patients with localized disease, with a similar pattern of response in patients with metastatic disease. L-MTP-PE (mifamurtide) is approved and in widespread use in Europe and elsewhere but has not been approved for use by the Federal Drug Administration in the USA. Identifying novel targeted therapies to improve outcomes for patients with osteosarcoma remains an area of active research.
Axoplasmic Transport in Relation to Nerve Fiber Regeneration

This chapter represents a general review of the relationship of transport to regeneration. Views of how nerves regenerate have for some time been connected with the concept that transport supplies the materials required by the growing fibers. At first, when only slow transport was known, the similarity of the rates of transport and of regeneration at approximately several millimeters per day appeared to indicate their direct association. The more recent recognition of a faster rate of axoplasmic transport raised the question of how rapid transport might be related to regeneration. Currently, two general views are held: (1) that there is more than one transport system present in nerve fibers, one for slow transport, which is mainly responsible for the outgrowth of the major structural elements of the fiber, and another system mainly responsible for the rapid transport of membranous constituents of the axon and nerve terminal processes, and (2) that both rapid and slow transport are accomplished by one transport mechanism, a concept termed the “unitary hypothesis.” In this chapter, I present an analysis of how the components needed for regeneration can be supplied on the basis of the unitary hypothesis. Another aspect of regeneration that is related to the transport mechanism is how a supply of materials can be provided to one subset of neuntes growing or regenerating from a single neuron rather than to all the neurite branches supplied by the cell body. As is discussed below, this is entailed in the phenomenon of “routing,” which can be accounted for by the same transport mechanism.
Effect of pharmacist intervention on improving antidepressant medication adherence and depression symptomology: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Depression is a widespread disease with effective pharmacological treatments, but low medication adherence. Pharmacists play a key role in supporting medication adherence in patients with depression given their accessibility to patients. Purpose The aim of this review was to systematically evaluate the impact of pharmacist interventions on adherence to antidepressants and clinical symptomology among adult outpatients with depressive disorders. Methods A systematic review of controlled trials (both randomized and non-randomized) was conducted. Studies were obtained through a search of PubMed, Academic Search Premier, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies which included a pharmacist intervention to improve medication adherence in outpatients age 17 and above with a depressive disorder diagnosis and antidepressant treatment were included. Twelve publications met inclusion criteria, representing a total of 15,087 subjects: 1379 (9%) intervention and 13,708 (91%) control. Results The interventions in each selected publication included some level of in-person counseling and education to promote antidepressant adherence. The pooled odds ratio for medication adherence at 6 months was 2.50 (95% CI 1.62 to 3.86). There were no significant differences noted in subgroup meta-analyses except study location (US, Middle East or Europe) and setting. Only one of the identified studies reported statistically significant impacts of the pharmacist intervention on patient depression symptoms. Conclusions The findings suggest that pharmacist interventions can enhance patient adherence to antidepressant medication in adult outpatients. However, this review failed to demonstrate a positive effect of these interventions on clinical symptoms. Additional longitudinal research is recommended to investigate the multidimensional relationships between pharmacist interventions, patient adherence, and clinical outcomes. Article synopsis Pharmacists play a key role in supporting medication adherence in patients with depression given their accessibility to patients. The purpose of this review was to systematically evaluate the impact of pharmacist interventions on adherence to antidepressants and clinical symptomology among adult outpatients with depressive disorders. A systematic review of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials was conducted of the twelve studies which met inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that pharmacist interventions can enhance patient adherence to antidepressant medication in adult outpatients. However, this review failed to demonstrate a positive effect of these interventions on clinical symptoms.
(Association) Football and Newfoundland’s national identity: 1878–1915

This article shows how (Association) football contributed to the development of a Newfoundland national identity in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Some clubs, the Natives and later Terra Nova and Cabot, went even further: they sought to overcome denominational cleavages, something the Newfoundland Natives’ Society had tried to do in the political field in the 1840s. In the end, their effort was unsuccessful because football on the island, in replicating the English model, came to be dominated by clubs formed by the alumni of the local denominational schools.
Effects of Macrostructure on the Performance Of Alnico Permanent Magnets

The effects of casting texture, grain orientation and grain size upon the performance of Alnico permanent magnets is described. Single-crystal specimens were produced by special sintering and grain coarsening techniques to study the effect of crystal orientation. In addition to texture and orientation effects, an analysis of the results indicates that the permanent magnet performance is impaired by a refinement of the grain size.
DATA SCIENCE: A PRIMER

ABSTRACT Data science is a newly emerging field of science that deals with the task of extracting useful information and gaining insight from huge data. Its main objective is to reveal the characteristics of natural, human, and social phenomena using data. It provides the user with an ability to analyze large data collections. The purpose of this paper is to briefly present a primer on data science.
Cytogenetic results of choroidal nevus growth into melanoma in 55 consecutive cases.

Abstract Purpose To investigate the cytogenetic results of choroidal nevus with photographically-documented transformation into choroidal melanoma. Methods Retrospective analysis of 55 consecutive patients who underwent fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for DNA isolation and whole genome array based assay for chromosomes 3, 6, and 8 analysis prior to plaque radiotherapy. Tumors with abnormalities in chromosomes 3 and 8 were considered high-risk for metastasis. Results At diagnosis of choroidal nevus the mean patient age was 57 years (median 57, range 10–83 years). All patients were Caucasian and 36 (65%) were female. At the time of nevus diagnosis, the mean tumor basal diameter was 7.4 mm (median 6.5, range 1.5–18.0 mm) and tumor thickness was 2.2 mm (median 2.2, range 0.5–3.9 mm). The mean interval between diagnosis of choroidal nevus and transformation into choroidal melanoma was 58 months (median 42, range 3–238 months). At the time of melanoma diagnosis, the mean tumor basal diameter was 9.7 mm (median 9.0, range 5.0–19.0) and tumor thickness was 3.5 mm (median 3.4, range 1.3–8.1). Cytogenetic analysis of FNAB-isolated melanoma revealed 25 patients (45%) with high-risk and 30 (55%) with low-risk cytogenetic findings. The rate of tumor growth into melanoma was inversely related to high-risk cytogenetic profile (p = 0.03) as those with fast transformation ≤ 1 year showed high-risk in 80% compared to those with slow transformation > 1 year whoshowed high-risk profile in only 38%. Fast transformation into melanoma conferred a relative risk (RR) of 2.116 for high-risk cytogenetic profile, compared to slow transformation. Conclusions Choroidal nevus with rapid transformation into melanoma within 1 year is significantly more likely to demonstrate high-risk cytogenetic profile, at risk for metastatic disease, compared to those with slow transformation.
Evidence for a Category of Electroreceptors in the Lateral Line of Gymnotid Fishes

A glass capillary ultramicroelectrode was inserted into the exposed lateral line nerve of otherwise intact Gymnotus and Hypopomus. Spike activity of single fibers was recorded while the fish maintained the normal continuous discharge of the weak electric organs. The only activity in the fibers here reported is a short burst of spikes at 200 to 500 per second, following each discharge (3 to 30 per second) of the electric organ. The number of spikes in a burst changed systematically as conductive objects came near. A small conductive object right over the receptor decreased the number; when the object was just in front of or behind the receptor, it increased the number. Moderate water currents or stroking the skin with a soft brush caused no spikes. It is concluded that these fibers serve as true electroreceptors.
The structure and function of chromatin.

Biochemical and genetic studies have produced a vast fund of knowledge concerning gene action and regulation in prokaryotes. In these organisms the DNA is exposed rather nakedly to the world, protected primarily by the cell membrane. In eukaryotes the DNA seems far better shielded, being enmeshed in histone and nonhistone proteins and sequestered behind both the cell and the nuclear membrane. These differences have led to a considerable degree of caution in the application of this knowledge of prokaryotes to problems of gene regulation in eukaryotes, and rightly so. There are, however, several observations which suggest that higher organisms may have picked up a number of fundamental genetic tricks from their lowly predecessors. It has frequently been suggested that eukaryotes must do things differently from prokaryotes, until proven otherwise. It may be prudent to reverse this line of thought and suggest that they do things the came until proven different. The following similarities suggest this. (1) T he basic genetic dogmas concerning DNA replication, transcription, andlation are similar, (2) The genetic code is the same. (3) Both systems appear to make use of cyclic AMP as a basic mediator for, humoral or diffusible, signals. (4) In both systems DNA synthesis may be controlled at membranes. (5) Both make use of different types of RNA polymerase and RNA polymerase cofactors. (6) Recent studies of polylysine binding to chromatin suggest the eukaryotic DNA may not be so thoroughly enmeshed. in Protein as once thought. (7) The visualization of genes in action by electron microscopic techniques intimates that genes are spaced and read in a similar manner. And finally, (8) merely because the clustering of related genes is unusual in higher organisms is no reason in itself to totally discard the promoter-operator-repressor concept as a way of regulating single structural genes. This system has provided an immense amount of data concerning the manner in which proteins interact with specific DNA sequences to control the attachment and utilization of RNA polymerase. It is hard to imagine that eukaryotes, being presented with such a superb mechanism for controlling DNA transcription, would totally discard it and opt for something different. It is far more likely that they would build on to this solid foundation.
On Optimal Computations Using Perceptrons

This paper discusses optimal solutions for implementing arbitrary Boolean functions using perceptrons. It starts by presenting neural structures and their biological inspirations, while mentioning the simplifications leading to artificial neural networks. The state-of-the-art when using neural networks as universal approximators, as well as size optimal perceptron solutions are shortly overviewed. Afterwards we detail a result of Horne and Hush (1994), showing that a neural network of perceptrons restricted to fan-in 2 can implement arbitrary Boolean functions, but requires O(2^n/n) perceptrons in O(n) layers. This result is generalised to arbitrary fan-ins, and used to prove that all the relative minimums of size are obtained for sub-linear ('small') fan-in values. On one side, this result shows a limitation of using perceptrons to implement arbitrary Boolean functions. On the other side, the result is in good agreement with hardware (i.e. VLSI implementations), where the area and the delay are directly related to fan-ins (and to the precision of the synaptic weights). The main conclusion is that discrete VLSI-efficient solutions are connectivity (fan-in) limited even when using perceptrons
Do Largest Basal Tumor Diameter and the American Joint Committee on Cancer's Cancer Staging Influence Prognostication by Gene Expression Profiling in Choroidal Melanoma.

PURPOSE To evaluate the prognostication of choroidal melanoma (CM) by the gene expression profiling (GEP) test. DESIGN Cohort study. METHODS Retrospective review of 293 CM patients from 2 centers. RESULTS Of 293 patients, 132 (45%) were class 1A by GEP, 63 (22%) were class 1B, and 98 (33%) were class 2. Class 2 tumors had more ciliary body involvement and greater largest basal dimension (LBD), and were thicker. GEP results and increasing LBD were independently predictive of time to metastasis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis estimated the probability of 3-year metastasis-free survival (MFS) of 0.99 in class 1A, 0.90 in class 1B, and 0.60 in class 2. The probability of 3-year MFS was 0.49 in class 2 patients with LBD ≥ 12 mm vs 1.00 in those with LBD < 12 mm, 0.89 in class 1B with LBD ≥ 12 mm vs 0.93 in those with LBD < 12 mm, and 0.99 in class 1A with LBD ≥ 12 mm vs 1.00 in those with LBD < 12 mm. In American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I CMs, the probability of 3-year MFS was 1.0 for class 1A and 1B, and 0.79 for class 2. In stage II CMs, the probability of 3-year MFS was 0.99 for class 1A, 0.89 for class 1B, and 0.61 for class 2. In stage III CM, the probability of 3-year MFS was 1.0 for class 1A, 0.60 for class 1B, and 0.41 for class 2. CONCLUSIONS GEP testing provided significant prognostic information for CM. Class 2 tumors with LBD ≥ 12 mm and class 2 and 1B tumors with AJCC stage III showed significantly worse prognosis.
Interpretações analítica, fenomenológica e pragmatista da oficina da física: uma hermenêutica comparativa na perspectiva peirciana

With illustrative reference to the “philosophy of physics,” the article parses the differences among Analytic, Continental, and Pragmatist schools as eidetic cultures and competing guild-practices in professional philosophy today. Peirce’s philosophy looms large as not only relevant to the philosophy of physics but also to a comparative hermeneutic of the three schools. His cosmomorphism has vital ties with the history of philosophy, ties that are generally lacking in the contemporary scholastic camps.
Self-report assessment of antagonism

Abstract The present chapter focuses on the options available for the assessment of antagonism via self-report. Although periodically maligned due to concerns about lack of insight or intentional distortion, self-report questionnaires are very commonly used in research and clinical settings. Despite these concerns, they also have a strong degree of validity support. The current chapter explores a number of the most commonly used assessments of general traits, including the NEO Personality Inventory—Revised and the HEXACO Personality—Revised, as well as those of more maladaptive ends of the dimension such as the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 and the Five Factor Model of Personality Disorder scales. We primarily focus on contrasting the coverage of the latent space by these measures, including their specification of lower order facets.
The beginnings of a formal language for conceptual analysis of processes in macro-chemistry

I present a formal language that imposes a structure on processes in macro-chemistry. Each symbol in the language invites a type of analysis that is carried out either by looking into the semantics if the language or by looking at the context. Every formal language has assumptions underlying it. The assumptions made in developing the formal language are meant to help with conceptual analysis by inviting certain types of question.
AN INNOVATIVE PLATFORM BASED ON WEARABLE SENSOR TO QUANTIFY FRAILTY PHENOTYPES

This study evaluated an innovative wearable sensor based platform (instrumented trail-making task, iTMT) to quickly quantify frailty phenotypes, without the need of walking test. 61 older adults (age=72.8 ± 9.9years, BMI=27.4±4.9kg/m2) were recruited and assessed by Fried Frailty Criteria to determine frailty phenotypes. All subjects participated the iTMT test by standing in front of a computer, wearing a wearable sensor on the front lower shin. The sensor tracked the subject’s ankle movement and projected it on a computer-screen as a moving cursor at real-time. The subject rotated the ankle joint to navigate the cursor to reach 5 indexed circles (including numbers 1-to-3 and letters A&B placed in random orders) in the alternative order of numbers and letters. The iTMT required coordination of brain and body movement, testing subject’s cognitive-motor function. The sensor quantified ankle-rotation biomechanics during the test. All subjects completed the iTMT with average time less than 3 minutes. The ankle-rotation velocity generated during the test distinguished between the presence and absence of Slowness phenotype (Cohen’s effect size d=1.40, p<0.001). The decline of ankle-rotation velocity determined the presence of Exhaustion phenotype (d=0.98, p=0.003). The ankle-rotation power generated during the test determined the presence of Weakness phenotype (d=1.38, p<0.001). The ankle-velocity variability determined the presence of Inactivity phenotype (d=0.90, p<0.001). This study demonstrated the feasibility and validity of the iTMT to quantify frailty phenotypes. This new platform is time-efficient and doesn’t require walking test. It’s more practical for routine assessment in small and busy clinics among patients with mobility limitation.
Can You Really Backdoor Federated Learning

The decentralized nature of federated learning makes detecting and defending against adversarial attacks a challenging task. This paper focuses on backdoor attacks in the federated learning setting, where the goal of the adversary is to reduce the performance of the model on targeted tasks while maintaining good performance on the main task. Unlike existing works, we allow non-malicious clients to have correctly labeled samples from the targeted tasks. We conduct a comprehensive study of backdoor attacks and defenses for the EMNIST dataset, a real-life, user-partitioned, and non-iid dataset. We observe that in the absence of defenses, the performance of the attack largely depends on the fraction of adversaries present and the "complexity'' of the targeted task. Moreover, we show that norm clipping and "weak'' differential privacy mitigate the attacks without hurting the overall performance. We have implemented the attacks and defenses in TensorFlow Federated (TFF), a TensorFlow framework for federated learning. In open-sourcing our code, our goal is to encourage researchers to contribute new attacks and defenses and evaluate them on standard federated datasets.
Changes in Academic Productivity: Implications for Clinical Laboratory Research and Development

A recent report from the Council of Scientific Affairs of the American Medical Association indicated that the introduction of managed healthcare had a substantially negative influence on the academic productivity of clinical faculty in academic health centers (1). Consistent with this finding is the observed change in the number of scientific abstracts presented during the Annual Meeting of the AACC (2). As can be seen, over the last 4 years there has been a substantial 30% decrease in the number of abstracts received and accepted from all sources, including academia and industry (Fig. 1⇓ , A and B). This decline does not correlate to a change in the abstract rejection rate, which has remained relatively constant (∼20%) since 1992 (Fig. 1C⇓ ). Figure 1. Indicators of AACC academic productivity from 1992 through 1999. Comparison of abstract volume ( A and B ) and abstract acceptance rate ( C ) for the AACC annual meetings with student participation ( D ), COMACC-approved clinical chemistry training programs …
Rheological and Molecular Characterizations of Tire Rubber Modified Asphalt Emulsion

The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical, molecular, and rheological properties of different asphalt emulsions including a newly introduced tire-rubber modified asphalt emulsion (CRS-...
Learning to Use Benefit-Cost Arguments: A Microgenetic Study of Argument-Counterargument Integration in an Undergraduate Seminar Course.

This microgenetic case study explores how an undergraduate student (Nolan) in a second-year seminar mastered an argument weighing scheme and used it to organize his writing. The students in this seminar completed argumentation vee diagrams (AVDs) prior to discussing controversial issues. Students also completed preessays and postessays on a different topic without using AVDs. Through the AVDs, students were provided with critical, evaluative questions related to designing solutions and weighing arguments against counterarguments. In separate work, we report that the intervention was effective in increasing the number of refutations related to the critical questions (Nussbaum & Dove, 2018). Nolan showed particularly strong growth, and this case study analyzes his discourse to generate qualitative insights and hypotheses into his development. Using the conceptual framework of argument-counterargument integration (Nussbaum, 2008b), we analyzed Nolan’s written artifacts and discussions to better understand how his proficiency with using the argument scheme developed over time. Our results suggest that Nolan initially displayed piecemeal use of the scheme, but over time, Nolan learned to articulate general principles and to integrate these with specific points regarding benefits and costs, as well as with solution-oriented design statements that further reduced disadvantages. Use of the scheme spontaneously transferred to a novel topic. Extensive engagement in ethical discussions, along with studying ethical theory and answering critical questions on AVDs, may have contributed to his development. Theoretical and practical implications related to teaching argumentative writing in conjunction with oral discourse are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
The comment gap: Affective publics and gatekeeping in The New York Times’ comment sections:

This study examines journalists’ gatekeeping and audiences’ participation in The New York Times’ (NYT) comment sections. The concepts of affective publics and news gap informed a qualitative conten...
A bi-material concept for periodic dissipative lattices

Abstract Structural periodic lattices made of two or more dissimilar materials can be viewed conceptually in terms of a spectrum of structure types, bounded by stretch-dominated lattices of a single material at one end and tensegrities of tensile and compressive struts at the other. The present study probes the unexplored domain within this lattice-tensegrity spectrum with a focus on dissipative bi-material lattices. To begin, a primitive structural motif that exhibits the desired behavior is identified and its compressive response is analyzed. A 2D multi-cell lattice based on the primitive motif is designed and several material variants are fabricated and tested. Analysis of test results addresses effects of finite node dimensions, constraints on strut rotation at the nodes, free edges, and friction with the loading platens as well as limits dictated by rupture of tensile struts or buckling or yielding of compressive struts. The study culminates with guidelines on design of bi-material lattices with high strength and high straining capability.
Bank of Russia at the Cross-roads: Should Monetary Policy Be Eased?

Recent slowdown of economic growth forces Russian political authorities to seek for policy measures to support economic activity, and monetary expansion is considered as one of possible alternatives. During the post-crisis period monetary authorities of advanced economies have relied heavily on different sorts of monetary stimulus. Thus it is sometimes argued that Russia should better use such kind of experience and shift to aggressive monetary easing. This view is mostly wrong since it demonstrates misunderstanding of the goals of the monetary easing policy implemented in advanced economies and also ignores the differences between Russia and advanced countries with respect to macroeconomic conditions.
Cervical kyphosis: A predominant feature of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta type 5.

Abstract Objectives Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders of connective tissue that cause skeletal fragility and extra-skeletal manifestations. Classically, four different types of OI were distinguished. Type 5 OI was added due to its distinct clinical and radiographic features. In 2012, two independent groups identified a recurrent heterozygous c.-14C>T mutation in IFITM5 as the responsible genetic change for this type of OI. To our knowledge, cervical kyphosis has not been identified in the literature as a finding in type 5 OI patients. This is a retrospective review of a cohort of patients with type 5 OI and a description of associated cervical spine deformity. Methods After institutional review board approval, a retrospective review identified 13 patients with type 5 OI. Clinical, radiologic, and genetic data from 2002 to 2020 were reviewed. Results We identified 13 patients with clinical diagnosis of type 5 OI. Twelve had molecular confirmation and the classic IFITM5, c.14C>T gene mutation was identified. The remaining individual did not undergo genetic testing. Dentinogenesis imperfecta was observed in one patient, while blue sclerae or hearing loss were not present. All patients had at least one fracture and four underwent intramedullary rodding. Radiologic features included subphyseal metaphyseal radiodense line in 12/13 patients (92%), interosseous membrane calcification in seven of 13 patients (54%) (more commonly noted in the upper extremities), and hypertrophic callus in six of 13 patients (46%). Thoracolumbar spinal deformities were seen in six of 13 patients (46%) with two of these individuals requiring surgery. Cervical kyphosis was noted in nine of 13 individuals (69%) ranging in age from 3 months to 22 years. Anterior wedging of the cervical vertebral bodies was noted in the absence of any fractures. Six of nine individuals demonstrated listhesis of C2-C3 or C3-C4 segment. Magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed and reviewed in patients with cervical kyphosis and subluxation; three patients showed narrowing of spinal canal without cervical cord compression and one asymptomatic patient showed impingement of the spinal cord. Conclusions Cervical kyphosis appears to be a common feature of type 5 OI. It can be a presenting and apparently life-long association and does not appear to be caused by vertebral body fractures. Evaluation for cervical kyphosis should be performed in patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of type 5 OI. Furthermore, if cervical kyphosis is noted in an individual with OI, type 5 OI should be considered. Level of evidence: IV.
Exploring the Oxidation States of Neptunium with Schiff Base Coordination Complexes.

A pair of neptunium Schiff base coordination complexes, NpVIO2L(MeOH) and NpIVL2 {H2L = N,N′-bis[(4,4′-diethylamino)salicylidene]-1,2-phenylenediamine}, have been synthesized and analyzed by severa...
Snowflake porous multi-metal oxide nanocatalysts from metallocene@metal organic framework precursors

We report a general approach to prepare ‘snowflake’ porous metal oxide nanostructured catalysts using tailored precursors consisting of metallocenes embedded within MOFs via thermal treatment under air. The resulting well-dispersed multi-metallic nanocatalysts show improved activity for ammonia synthesis at low temperature.
Sleep and functional capacity in adults: Cross-sectional associations among self-report and objective assessments.

Abstract Objectives This study examined the relationship between self-reported and objectively measured sleep and functional capacity in adults. Design Cross-sectional. Participants Data were from the Midlife in the United States study. The sample consisted of men and women (n = 664) aged 25-83 who completed telephone interviews, questionnaires, and an overnight clinic stay. Measurements Sleep was assessed by self-report (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) and by objective measures (sleep latency, duration, wake after sleep onset [WASO], and midpoint/midpoint variability) from 7 consecutive days of actigraphy. Functional capacity was assessed by self-report of limitations and measured gait speed, grip strength, and chair stands. Results In linear regression models adjusting for demographic and health factors, better self-reported sleep quality predicted fewer reported limitations, stronger grip, quicker gait, and faster chair stands (all P 8 hours) sleep duration and a more variable sleep schedule predicted lower grip strength (p Conclusions The present results suggest that subjective and objective sleep measures capture distinct aspects of sleep that are independently related to functional capacity. The variance in functional measures explained by sleep variables, though small, was comparable to other risk factors for functional impairment (eg, obesity), underscoring the importance of associations between sleep and optimal function in adults.
Caste: the origins of our discontents: by Isabel Wilkerson, New York, Random House, 2020, xv+476 pp, $32.00 hardcover, ISBN 978-0593230251

Isabel Wilkerson wants us to know that something is fundamentally wrong with America. In a country said to be teeming with opportunity, a core tenet of the American Dream is that America is a merit...