cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of Digital FSK and PSK Using a First-Order Phase-Locked Loop

A classical problem in digital frequency-shifted keyed (FSK) demodulation is the evaluation of the bit error probability performance when an estimator-correlator that incorporates a phaselocked loop (PLL) is employed. Although some attention has been devoted to this problem in the past, an accurate account of the mechanism which produces decision errors has not yet been advanced. This paper examines a special case, viz., a first-order PLL preceded by a wideband IF filter, of the above problem using a new approach which is based upon the renewal Markov process theory and the Meyr distribution. In particular, the ad hoc approach of invoking the Gaussian assumption on the decision variable and patching it with a correction term based on Rice's click theory is not used. Rather, the effective noise is properly characterized by unfolding the renewal Markov process associated with the loop phase error. As a slight extension of the results, the performance of the above PLL detector operating on low data rate PSK is given and demonstrated to be approximately 3 dB superior to that of FSK reception. The theory and analysis presented herein apply to the special case where the bandwidth of the IF filter preceding the first-order PLL is required to be several times the data rate because of frequency uncertainties due to channel Doppler and oscillator instabilities, but the frequency deviation to data rate ratio may be chosen small (if desired) to optimize system error probability performance. In addition to presenting results for the case where the oscillator instabilities are assumed absent and channel Doppler is prefectly tuned out at the receiver oscillator, the effects of small residual Doppler on bit error probability performance is considered. In all cases tested, excellent agreement was obtained between theory and computer simulation results.
Morbidity of the Arterial Switch Operation

Background The arterial switch operation (ASO) has become a safe, reproducible surgical procedure with low mortality in experienced centers. We examined morbidity, which remains significant, particularly for complex ASO. Methods From 2003 to 2011, 101 consecutive patients underwent ASO, arbitrarily classified as "simple" (n = 52) or "complex" (n = 49). Morbidity was measured in selected complications and postoperative hospitalization. Three outcomes were analyzed: ventilation time, postextubation hospital length of stay, and a composite morbidity index, defined as ventilation time + postextubation hospital length of stay + occurrence of selected major complications. Complexity was measured with the comprehensive Aristotle score. Results The operative mortality was zero. Twenty-five major complications occurred in 23 patients: 6 of 25 (12%) in simple ASO and 19 of 49 (39%) in complex ASO ( p = 0.002). The most frequent complication was unplanned reoperation (15 vs 6, p = 0.03). No patients required permanent pacing. The complex group had a significantly higher morbidity index and longer ventilation time and postextubation hospital length of stay. In multivariate analysis, factors independently predicting higher morbidity were the comprehensive Aristotle score, arch repair, bypass time, and malaligned commissures. Myocardial infarction caused one sudden late death at 3 months. Late coronary failure was 2%. Overall survival was 99% at a mean follow-up of 49 ± 27 months. Conclusions In this consecutive series without operative mortality, morbidity was significantly higher in complex ASO. The only anatomic incremental risk factors for morbidity were aortic arch repair and malaligned commissures, but not primary diagnosis, weight less than 2.5 kg, or coronary patterns.
Student-Described Engagement with Text: Insights Are Discovered from Fourth Graders.

This article reports on a research study investigating student-described engagement with selfselected text in a classroom where a core reading program (in the context of this study meaning instruction based primarily on manuals and commercial textbooks) comprised the majority of their literacy instruction. Fourth grade students were invited to characterize their responses to their self-selected reading within focus group discussions. Data instruments included audio taped focus group discussions, student photographs, observational field notes, and students’ literature. Implementing the constant comparative method for data analysis, outcomes were determined and implications for classroom practice suggested.
Effects of microwave irradiation on Attagenus unicolor (Brahm) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and the physical and chemical properties of wool

A nonchemical method is reported for the disinfestation of all life stages of the black carpet beetle Attagenus unicolor (Brahm) on wool. This method is based on microwave irradiation using a 2.54 GHz frequency multimode microwave oven op erating at full power (1580 AC watts). All life stages (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) of the black carpet beetle were exposed to microwaves. The results showed that two minutes of microwave exposure was sufficient to kill (100% mortality) all life stages with minimal effects on the physical and chemical properties of the wool.
Joining Risks and Rewards

The dichotomy between risk analytics and pricing is well known amongst financial practitioners and researchers. For risk analysis, such as computing value at risk and credit exposures, expectations of future values must be computed under the real world measure. For pricing, expectations are computed under a risk neutral measure. This means that for calculations such as value at risk (VaR) and credit exposures (EEs, EPEs, etc) on derivative portfolios, risk factors are evolved to the horizon date under the real world measure, at which point the portfolio is repriced under a risk neutral measure.Simulation under the real world measure followed by repricing under a risk neutral measure is computationally intensive, especially when the repricing requires Monte Carlo. Because of the computational effort involved, shortcuts are often taken. One common shortcut is to assume the real world measure is the risk neutral measure, so that calculations can be done under one measure. This particular shortcut is especially problematic as it leads to results varying wildly depending on the numeraire chosen.Here we detail methods of avoiding this problem by combining the real world measure with the risk neutral measure. We present an application to risk analytics which speeds up the calculations by orders of magnitude, changing O(n^2) calculations to O(n) with a far smaller scaling constant. This allows the computation of exposures under the real world measure, obviating the need for the dangerous practice of computing exposures under a risk neutral measure.
Heat flux observations in the mesopause region above Haleakala

Horizontal and vertical heat fluxes between 85 and 100 km were computed using temperature and wind profiles observed on 21 October 1993 by the Na Wind/Temperature lidar operated at Haleakala during the ALOHA-93 Campaign. On this night a warm layer developed between 85 and 90 km. The temperature increased by almost 40 K near 88 km, reaching a maximum of approximately 235 K at 1030 UT before decreasing throughout the remainder of the 5 h observation period. This substantial temperature increase was associated with a large amplitude wave, possibly the diurnal tide, and with a sporadic Na layer. The meridional wind field exhibited a strong vertical shear zone within the warm layer and sporadic Na layer which briefly exceeded the shear instability limit of ≈ 42 m/s/km at the time the temperature reached maximum. The vertical heat flux was directed upward within the warm layer reaching maximum at 88 km and downward above resulting in strong flux convergence. The average heat fluxes between 85 and 100 km were 2.5±2.4 K m/s (vertical), 77±25 K m/s (zonal), and −19±20 K m/s (meridional). The maximum heating rate associated with the convergence of vertical heat flux was 11±4.1 K/h at 91 km. The average heating rate between 85 and 100 km was 1.9±0.8 K/h.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: New Concepts in Pelvic Floor Anatomy

As the field of reconstructive pelvic surgery continues to evolve, with descriptions of new procedures to repair pelvic organ prolapse, it remains imperative to maintain a functional understanding of pelvic floor anatomy and support. The goal of this review was to provide a focused, conceptual approach to differentiating anatomic defects contributing to prolapse in the various compartments of the vagina. Rather than provide exhaustive descriptions of pelvic floor anatomy, basic pelvic floor anatomy is reviewed, new and historical concepts of pelvic floor support are discussed, and relevance to the surgical management of specific anatomic defects is addressed.
Human Rights-Based Approaches to Clinical Social Work

Rights-based vs. Conventional Needs-based Approaches to Clinical Social Work.- Rights-based Approach to Working with Torture Survivors.- Rights-based Clinical Practice with Survivors of Human Trafficking.- Intimate Partner Violence and a Rights-based Approach to Healing.- The Use of Self in Engaging in Rights-based Clinical Practice.
Influence of Mineral -Polymer Interactions on Molecular Mechanics of Polymer in Composite Bone Biomaterials

Nanocomposite bone materials of polymers and hydroxyapatite are widely investigated for bone replacement. The mechanical properties of the composites determine the use of these as implant materials. The molecular phenomenon at the interface between mineral and polymer is known to have significant contribution on overall mechanical response of composites. Understanding behavior of interfaces under applied load, and the load transfer mechanisms will lead to development of superior biomaterial composites with desired properties. We have performed Steered Molecular Dynamics (SMD) simulations on the composite system consisting of hydroxyapatite and polyacrylic acid. Our simulations describe the detailed molecular mechanisms responsible at the interface with applied load. Our SMD simulations also indicate that the polymer shows significant changes when it interacts with the mineral. The load-deformation behavior of polymer has shown that the polymer is stiffer when it is interacting with mineral. The binding and unbinding events are also calculated during load transfer in polymer. This work describes specific molecular mechanism responsible for mechanical behavior in composites used as bone biomaterials.
Spectra and structure of phosphorus-boron compounds: IV. Vibrational spectra of solid trifluorophosphineborane

Abstract The Raman spectra of F 3 PBH 3 and F 3 PBD 3 have been recorded (2500-10 cm −1 ) of the liquids (−80°C) and solids (−196°C) as well as the infrared spectra (4000-33 cm −1 ) of the solids. In the spectrum of the solid state many of the 10 B and 11 B fundamentals were clearly defined and it was also possible to assign the BH 3 torsional frequency from the infrared and Raman spectra of the solids. A complete vibrational assignment is proposed and a normal coordinate calculation carried out. The force constant of 2.46 mdyn A −1 for the P-B stretching mode is consistent with the short P-B bond; this constant is compared to the similar quantity for several other phosphorus-boron compounds. All of the E modes for the “free” molecule are shown to be split by the site symmetry which indicates that the molecules occupy C s or C 1 sites. The large number of observed lattice modes is consistent with two or more molecules per primitive cell. The torsional frequency was observed at 224 cm −1 and 167 cm −1 in hydrogen and deuterium compounds in the solid, respectively. These frequencies gave a periodic barrier of 4.15 kcal mole −1 for F 3 PBH 3 and 4.31 kcal mole −1 for F 3 PBD 3 . CNDO/2 calculations have been carried out for F 3 PBH 3 and the isoelectronic F 3 SiCH 3 molecule in both the staggered and eclipsed forms and the dipole and barrier origins are discussed.
Identification and Characterization of Novel Broad-Spectrum Inhibitors of the Flavivirus Methyltransferase

Flavivirus methyltransferase (MTase) is essential for viral replication. Here we report the identification of small molecules through virtual screening that putatively bind to the SAM-binding site of flavivirus MTase and inhibit its function. Six of these computationally predicted binders were identified to show significant MTase inhibition with low micromolar inhibitory activity. The most active compounds showed broad-spectrum activity against the MTase proteins of other flaviviruses. Two of these compounds also showed low cytotoxicity and high antiviral efficacy in cell-based assays. Competitive binding analyses indicated that the inhibitors performed their inhibitory function through competitive binding to the SAM cofactor binding site of the MTase. The crystal structure of the MTase-inhibitor complex further supports the mode of action and provides routes for their further optimization as flavivirus MTase inhibitors.
Analysis effect of the global fund tuberculosis control project in Zhaotong city in the first round

Objective To analyze the effect of the global fund tuberculosis control project in Zhaotong city in the first round. Methods The article is analyzed on the basis of the China fund quarterly and the tuberculosis management information system data of the China disease prevention and control system that are reported by each county and district from 2003 to 2007. Results In 2004,the project covers 10 impoverished counties(regions)and the cover degree was up to 100%. The case-detection rate of the new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients reached 127.22%.The sputum negative conversion rate of smear positive patients was 88.46% and 95.75% at the end of February and March and the cure rate of the smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis was 91.76%. Conclusion The effect of the project is good. Each project indicator has reached the design requirements.
Epidemiology of Rabies in Yunfu City in 2003

Objective To study the epidemiology of rabies in Yunfu City i n 2003, and to provide basis for prevention and control of the disease. Methods Cases of rabies of Yunfu City were collected. The epidemiological characterist ics with refer to the place, time, distribution, and the immune responses after infection were analyzed. Results There were 22 cases of rabies reported in 200 3 and all died. 14 cases (63.63%) did not receive any injection of rabies vacci ne. 8 cases had injection history and only 1 case received a full course of inj ection. In 20 cases of rabies with history of exposure, 16 cases (72.72%) devel oped symptoms in 5 to 30 days after exposure. Conclusions Regular vaccination could not stop the development of the disease. The propaganda must be strengthen ed, educating people to promptly and properly treat the wound of dog bite, and t o receive injection of anti-rabies immunoglobin or anti-rabies vaccine and also rabies vaccine to prevent the development of hydrophobia.
Development Strategy of Sericulture and Countermeasures in Zhejiang Province During "11~(th) 5-plan"

The period during 11th 5-year-plan will be the important strategic period for steady development of Zhejiang sericulture based on the analysis of sericulture development and limited factors in Zhejiang province. The development plan, objectives and the countermeasures of Zhejiang sericulture during 11th 5-yearplan were discussed.
Automated Activity Interventions to Assist with Activities of Daily Living.

Over the last decade there has been a significant growth of research endeavors in the area of ambient intelligence or smart environments. An anticipated increase in the older adult population around the globe and an increase in health care expenditures as a result, has increased the demand of smart health assistance systems. Along with the classical problems of remote health monitoring and activity tracking, delivering in-home interventions to residents for timely reminders or brief instructions to ensure successful completion of daily activities, is receiving a significant amount of attention in the community. In this chapter, the problem of delivering in-home interventions has been described in detail and some of the prospective approaches have been compared and contrasted. The approaches, details and challenges mentioned in this chapter revolve around a prototypic model of an automated prompting system, namely PUCK, which is an on-going project at the Center for Advanced Studies in Adaptive Systems at Washington State University. The previous study done on this project investigated the application of machine learning techniques to identify appropriate timing of prompts based on data provided by off-the-shelf sensors. The fundamental machine learning problem faced while learning the timing of prompts is that the class of training instances that represent prompt situations is under represented as compared to no-prompt situations. While a method was originally proposed to deal with this problem, popularly known as learning from imbalanced class distributions in this chapter a novel Cluster-Based Under-sampling (CBU) approach is proposed that shows promising results.
Oxidations and Reductions

Reductions and oxidations are chemical transformations where electrons have been added or removed from a molecule. In organic chemistry, oxidation or reduction may not actually involve electron transfer, but rather may involve a change in oxidation number that is associated with the number of bonds an atom has to less electronegative atom like a hydrogen or to an atom that is more electronegative. The oxidation number or “oxidation state” of the molecule is relative and is indicative of the type of chemistry that carbon atom, and thus that molecule, is susceptible to. There have been many methods developed to effect the change of oxidation number or that change the oxidation state as a result of some other desired structural change. Although not usually considered significant in the same way that a carbon–carbon bond forming transformation may be, oxidations and reductions constitute a powerful tool in organic chemistry and provide us with a great opportunity to better understand the driving forces that make it possible to prepare the compounds that are such an important part of our everyday lives.
Runge—Kutta Methods

This chapter discusses the Runge–Kutta methods applicable to initial value systems of first-order ordinary differential equations. A numerical approximation to the solution of an initial value system is obtained. Given an ordinary differential equation and an initial value, the value of the dependent variable may be found at the next desired value of the independent variable by calculating several intermediate values. The Butcher array is a convenient way in which to represent all of the information in a Runge–Kutta method for the equation y′ = f ( x,y ), y ( x 0 ) = y 0 . To obtain accurate numerical results when using any method, an estimate of the local error must be obtained. This can be done by the standard technique of re-computing the answer with the step size halved, but this requires lots of additional computation.
Abstract 3563: Ras-mediated regulation of cytochrome c-induced caspase activation is dependent on the status of extracellular matrix attachment

Hyperactivating mutations in Ras are found in a significant percentage of cancers, with a particularly high frequency in pancreatic and colon carcinomas. The hyperactivation of Ras drives a vast number of distinct downstream signaling pathways that play an important role in disease progression. One outcome of overactive oncogenic Ras signaling is the inhibition of anoikis, a form of apoptotic cell death caused by detachment from the extracellular matrix (ECM). It is well-established that one mechanism of anoikis inhibition by Ras involves impaired mitochondrial cytochrome c release. In addition, here, we have found that Ras-mediated anoikis inhibition can also occur downstream of mitochondrial cytochrome c release. Our data suggest that anoikis inhibition following cytochrome c release is not dependent on changes in the abundance of the Apaf-1, pro-caspase-9, or pro-caspase-3. Instead, our data suggest that Ras signaling leads to an inhibition in the ability of caspase-9 to bind Apaf-1 which thereby inhibits proper formation of the apoptosome and caspase activation. Interestingly, in stark contrast to the inhibition of cytochrome c-induced apoptosis in ECM-detached cells, the overexpression of oncogenic Ras in ECM-attached cells results in enhanced sensitivity to exogenous cytochrome c. This sensitization was found to be due to upregulation of apoptosomal proteins (e.g. Apaf-1, pro-caspase-9) in an ERK/MAPK dependent manner. In aggregate, our data suggest that in addition to inhibiting the release of cytochrome c in both attachment and detachment, oncogenic Ras drives additional mechanisms that prevent apoptosome formation and caspase activation in detachment. Furthermore, our data support a model whereby ECM-attached cells containing oncogenic Ras mutations could be selectively eliminated by cytochrome c or agents that mimic its action. Citation Format: Chelsea M. McCallister, Raju Rayavarapu, Nicholas Pagani, Brendan Heiden, Melissa Shaw, Sydeny Shuff, Zachary T. Schafer. Ras-mediated regulation of cytochrome c-induced caspase activation is dependent on the status of extracellular matrix attachment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3563.
Determination of macro, essential trace elements, toxic heavy metal concentrations, crude oil extracts and ash composition from Saudi Arabian fruits and vegetables having medicinal values

Abstract The concentrations of essential elements (Mg, Ca, Na, K, Fe, Zn, Se, Al, Ni, and Cu) and toxic heavy metals (Pb, As, Cr, Cd, and Cr) from Saudi Arabian fruits and vegetables were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry (ICP/OES). Two types of butters, Caralluma munbayana and Caralluma hesperidum, Vigna ( Vigna unguiculata ), common fig ( Ficus carica ), Annona seeds ( Annonaceae seeds ), Annona fruits ( Annonaceae fruits ), Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare ) , and Fennel flowers ( Nigella sativa ) were investigated, because they are used by indigenous groups as traditional medicines with Soxhlet-extraction and dry-ashing protocol. The estimated daily dietary element intake in food samples was further calculated in order to evaluate the element dietary intake and fruit and vegetable consumption pattern of the indigenes of Saudi Arabia. The crude oil and ash compositions varied widely, but suggested that most of the foods were good sources of oils and minerals. The figures-of-merit of the ICP-OES calibration curves were excellent with good linearity ( R 2 > 0.9921). The use of ICP-OES in this study allowed the accurate analysis and the detection of the elements at low levels. Essential elements (K, Ca, Na, and Mg) had the highest concentrations while toxic heavy metals (As, Pb, and Cd) had the lowest in the foods. Essential element pairs (Mg-Na, Mg-Ca, Fe-Al) were highly correlated, suggesting that these foods are sources of multiple nutrients. Toxic element pairs (Pb-Cd, Pb-As, and Cd-As), however, were poorly correlated in the foods, suggesting that these elements do not have a common source in these foods. Average consumption of these foods should provide the recommended daily allowances of essential elements, but will not expose consumers to toxic heavy metals. The ICP-OES method was validated by determining method detection limits and percent recoveries of laboratory-fortified blanks, which were generally 90–100%.
Biotransformation of uranium complexed with organic ligands

Natural ligands can affect the bacterial metabolism and reductive precipitation of uranium. The metabolism of metal-organic complexes by bacteria depends upon the type of complex formed between the metal and organic ligand. For example, Fe(III) forms a bidentate complex with citric acid, and was readily metabolized by Pseudomonas fluorescens under aerobic conditions, whereas the binuclear complex formed between U and citric acid was recalcitrant. When supplied with an electron donor, anaerobic bacteria reduced U(VI)-citrate to U(IV)- citrate with little precipitation of uranium. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy analysis showed that the reduced uranium was present in solution as mononuclear U(IV)-citrate complex. These results suggest that when reduced uranium is complexed with organic ligands, it can be mobile.
Farewell to Villages: Forced Urbanization in Rural China

With rapid urbanization in China, settlement patterns are changing dramatically. While there is a large body of research on changes in Chinese cities, we know relatively little about the countryside despite the profound transformation that is taking place in rural China. At the turn of the 21st century, the traditional rural Chinese settlement—natural villages—are being systematically demolished, and villagers are being resettled into apartments and urban communities at an astonishing scale and speed. Unprecedented forced urbanization with profound socioeconomic and spatial transformation is taking place in much of rural China. This chapter aims to understand the dynamics and impact of the rapid urbanization of rural China by taking rural Jiangsu Province as a case study. The author argues that local governments’ thirst for more construction land for economic development under the strict land use management system and land-based revenue system is the root cause for this forced urbanization in rural China, which is further driven by the central government’s call for developing the socialist new countryside. While villagers may benefit from the improved housing conditions, they suffer serious social and economic consequences. This forced urbanization is especially detrimental to the elderly and the poor, which overshadows the campaign for a modern countryside and a harmonious society.
Low-impact sports activities are feasible after meniscus transplantation: a systematic review.

To determine sports activities achieved after meniscus transplantation and if associations exist between sports activity levels and transplant failure or progression of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (OA). A systematic search was performed using PubMed and Cochrane online databases. Inclusionary criteria were English language, clinical trials published from 1996 through May 2017, minimum 2 years of follow-up, and sports activity data reported. Twenty-eight studies were included in which 1521 menisci were implanted into 1497 patients. The mean age was 34.3 ± 6.7 years, and the mean follow-up was 5.0 ± 3.7 years. Details on sports activities were provided in 7 studies (285 patients) that reported 70–92% of patients returned to a wide variety of sports activities. Mean Tegner activity scores were reported in 24 investigations. The mean score was <5 in 58% of these studies, indicating many patients were participating in light recreational activities. There was no association between mean Tegner scores and transplant failure rates. A moderate correlation was found between failure rates and mean follow-up time (R = 0.63). The effect of sports activity levels on progression of tibiofemoral OA could not be determined because of limited data. Only two studies determined whether symptoms occurred during sports activities; these reported 1/38 (3%) and 5/69 (7%) patients had knee-related problems. It appeared that the majority of individuals returned to low-impact athletic activities after meniscus transplantation. The short-term follow-up did not allow for an analysis on the effect of return to high-impact activities on transplant failure rates or progression of OA. IV.
Evaluation of video game interfaces

The interface is an essential part of every video game. However, research in the understanding of the modern game player's preferences is lacking. This paper reports the preliminary findings from the evaluation of a computer game user interfaces that determines specific user preferences.
Managing Outcomes for Satisfaction

What makes us either persist or lose interest in a goal and what makes us feel good about our accomplishments? For many years psychological research focused primarily on the effects of external consequences on behavior (rewards, punishments, and indifference) while educators tried valiantly to maintain a belief in the importance of intrinsic satisfactions of learning. Now, there is ample evidence to support both positions as being important to understanding why people are or are not satisfied with the consequences of their behaviors. These issues are the basis for this chapter’s focus on conditioning theory, interactions between extrinsic reinforcement, and cognitive evaluation as they relate to satisfaction and continuing motivation.
Analysis of Optimal Transport Related Misfit Functions in Seismic Imaging

We analyze different misfit functions for comparing synthetic and observed data in seismic imaging, for example, the Wasserstein metric and the conventional least-squares norm. We revisit the convexity and insensitivity to noise of the Wasserstein metric which demonstrate the robustness of the metric in seismic inversion. Numerical results illustrate that full waveform inversion with quadratic Wasserstein metric can often effectively overcome the risk of local minimum trapping in the optimization part of the algorithm. A mathematical study on Frechet derivative with respect to the model parameters of the objective functions further illustrates the role of optimal transport maps in this iterative approach. In this context we refer to the objective function as misfit. A realistic numerical example is presented.
Structure and Expression of Genes Encoding the Soybean 7S Seed Storage Proteins

The 7S seed storage proteins (vicilins) of soybean (Glycine max) are trimeric holoproteins that accumulate during the cotyledon and maturation stages of seed development. The α’, α and β subunits represent the majority of the subunits. To a lesser degree another group of subunits (the γ subunits) are also found in the vicilin proteins. The synthesis of each of these subunits is differentially regulated. Several of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) encoding these subunits contain identical nucleotide sequences, but also unique sequences specific for the individual subunits.
Structure Determination of Proteins by X-Ray Diffraction

The arrangement of atoms within protein molecules, as determined by X-ray diffraction of single crystals, forms some of the basic data for many spectroscopic, protein engineering, and computation studies. In this chapter, the terminology used in protein crystallography is explained and a brief description is given of how a protein structure is determined. Further, some ideas are discussed on how to judge X-ray data and the resulting protein structure and how to compare the data derived by X-ray diffraction with data obtained by other methods.
Clark L. Hull's Behaviorism

Publisher Summary This chapter explains Clark Leonard Hull's behaviorism. In 1929, Hull (1884–1952) devoted his academic efforts toward developing a sophisticated version of behaviorism that was fully committed to the language and orientations of stimulus–response (S–R) psychology. As behaviorism enters a new second century, and as cognitive science and neuroscience have come to be dominant influences in psychology, it is time to reflect on the forces that motivated Hull's attempt. Hull is perhaps best known for principles of behavior. In his principles , he described a set of formal axioms constituting a logical system from which hypotheses about mammalian behavior could be deduced. This was to be the first of a planned three-volume effort. The intellectual roots of Hull's planned behavioristic theory lay in a diverse set of important ideas concerning behavior and the nature of theory. He also included a strong focus on behavior as an adaptive process, and on the role of motivation in energizing and directing behavior, reflecting the influences of Charles Darwin and Sigmund Freud, respectively. And finally the most important thing in Hull's surviving influence is perhaps the scientific style and tradition: the willingness to provide explicit and falsifiable predictions from a set of hypotheses derived from the existing literature.
Toward adaptive proton therapy guided with a mobile helical CT scanner.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of image-guided adaptive proton therapy (IGAPT) with a mobile helical-CT without rails. Method CT images were acquired with a 32-slice mobile CT (mCT) scanning through a 6 degree-of-freedom robotic couch rotated isocentrically 90 degrees from an initial setup position. The relationship between the treatment isocenter and the mCT imaging isocenter was established by a stereotactic reference frame attached to the treatment couch. Imaging quality, geometric integrity and localization accuracy were evaluated according to AAPM TG-66. Accuracy of relative stopping power ratio (RSPR) was evaluated by comparing water equivalent distance (WED) and dose calculations on anthropomorphic phantoms to that of planning CT (pCT). Feasibility of image-guided adaptive proton therapy was demonstrated on fractional images acquired with the mCT scanner. Results mCT images showed slightly lower spatial resolution and a higher contrast-to-noise ratio compared to pCT images from the standard helical CT scanner. The geometric accuracy of the mCT was 95% on dose computed on mCT, with respect to dose calculation on pCT. Conclusion Our study has demonstrated that the geometric integrity, image quality and RSPR accuracy of the mCT are sufficient for IGAPT.
Near Real-Time Robotic Grasping of Novel Objects in Cluttered Scenes

In this paper, we investigate the problem of grasping novel objects in unstructured environments. Object geometry, reachability, and force closure analysis are considered to address this problem. A framework is proposed for grasping unknown objects by localizing contact regions on the contours formed by a set of depth edges generated from a single view 2D depth image. Specifically, contact regions are determined based on edge geometric features derived from analysis of the depth map data. Finally, the performance of the approach is successfully validated by applying it to the scenes with both single and multiple objects, in both MATLAB simulation and experiments using a Kinect One sensor and a Baxter manipulator.
Who are online learning leaders? Piloting a leader identification method (LIM)

Abstract An asynchronous online discussion forum has been a prevalent means of collaborative online learning. Yet, it remains challenging for instructors to identify who and how students emerge as learning leaders. To overcome this challenge, this study aims to: (a) conceptualizing learning leadership in the context of online asynchronous discussions, (b) proposing a Leader Identification Method (LIM), and (c) testing the proposed method by using empirical data on how learning leaders behave differently from their peers in terms of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement. Assuming that learning leaders emerge from social interactions in online discussions and drawing on the literature on leadership and social network analysis, we conceptualized three types of learning leadership roles: full facilitator, transactional facilitator, and attractive facilitator. These leadership roles are assumed to be associated with learners' levels of engagement in behavior, cognition, and emotions. To that end, we developed the LIM that factors in learners' behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement. Using a case study method to test the LIM, we collected two cohorts' online interaction data, as well as the data on the cohorts’ behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement. The results established the reliability and validity of the LIM. Specifically, compared to non-leaders, the learning leaders exerted more transformational leadership, higher cognitive engagement, and more frequent emotional expression. The LIM pave the foundation for identifying learning leadership and providing pedagogical support to foster learning leadership development in online collaboration.
Filtered Density Function Implementation in a Discontinuous Spectral Element Method

An overview of the current state of progress in the large eddy simulation of turbulent combustion using the filtered density function (FDF) coupled with a discontinuous spectral element method is presented. It is assumed that the reader has some prior knowledge of the FDF method and its implementation in other codes. The unique challenges presented by the discontinuous spectral element method are outlined, and their solutions are described in the context of variable-density flows. Specifically, we discuss approaches for interpolating Eulerian quantities to particle locations, searching for particles on an unstructured grid, and constructing filtered quantities on collocation points. Sample results are presented to demonstrate the algorithm’s efficacy and a discussion follows describing the future of the method.
A Novel Modulation and Multiplexing Technology for Reducing Out-of-Band Leakage Based on Multicarrier Schemes

In this paper, a novel modulation and multiplexing technology for reducing out-of-band leakage is proposed for multicarrier schemes based on CP-OFDM. The proposed method is to spread data of N layers with N selected spreading codes, then multiplex them into a data sequence and transmit it on 2K subcarriers. The N spreading codes, which can suppress out-of-band leakage, are selected out from a complete set of mutual orthogonal spreading codes. The simulation results show that the data modulation and multiplexing technology effectively reduces interference with neighboring frequency bands or adjacent sub-bands for different numerologies and so significantly improves spectrum efficiency
Association of Vitamin D Status and Other Clinical Characteristics With COVID-19 Test Results

Importance Vitamin D treatment has been found to decrease the incidence of viral respiratory tract infection, especially in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Whether vitamin D is associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence is unknown. Objective To examine whether the last vitamin D status before COVID-19 testing is associated with COVID-19 test results. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study at an urban academic medical center included patients with a 25-hydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol level measured within 1 year before being tested for COVID-19 from March 3 to April 10, 2020. Exposures Vitamin D deficiency was defined by the last measurement of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol less than 20 ng/mL or 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol less than 18 pg/mL before COVID-19 testing. Treatment changes were defined by changes in vitamin D type and dose between the date of the last vitamin D level measurement and the date of COVID-19 testing. Vitamin D deficiency and treatment changes were combined to categorize the most recent vitamin D status before COVID-19 testing as likely deficient (last level deficient and treatment not increased), likely sufficient (last level not deficient and treatment not decreased), and 2 groups with uncertain deficiency (last level deficient and treatment increased, and last level not deficient and treatment decreased). Main Outcomes and Measures The outcome was a positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test result. Multivariable analysis tested whether vitamin D status before COVID-19 testing was associated with testing positive for COVID-19, controlling for demographic and comorbidity indicators. Results A total of 489 patients (mean [SD] age, 49.2 [18.4] years; 366 [75%] women; and 331 [68%] race other than White) had a vitamin D level measured in the year before COVID-19 testing. Vitamin D status before COVID-19 testing was categorized as likely deficient for 124 participants (25%), likely sufficient for 287 (59%), and uncertain for 78 (16%). Overall, 71 participants (15%) tested positive for COVID-19. In multivariate analysis, testing positive for COVID-19 was associated with increasing age up to age 50 years (relative risk, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09;P = .02); non-White race (relative risk, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.26-5.12;P = .009), and likely deficient vitamin D status (relative risk, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.12-2.81;P = .02) compared with likely sufficient vitamin D status. Predicted COVID-19 rates in the deficient group were 21.6% (95% CI, 14.0%-29.2%) vs 12.2%(95% CI, 8.9%-15.4%) in the sufficient group. Conclusions and Relevance In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, likely deficient vitamin D status was associated with increased COVID-19 risk, a finding that suggests that randomized trials may be needed to determine whether vitamin D affects COVID-19 risk.
Redundant Neurons and Shared Redundant Synapses for Robust Memristor-based DNNs with Reduced Overhead

The dominating computational workload in the inference phase of deep neural networks (DNNs) is matrix-vector multiplication. An arising solution to accelerate the inference phase is to perform analog matrix-vector multiplication using memristor crossbar arrays (MCAs). A key challenge is that stuck-at-fault defects may degrade the classification accuracy of the memristor-based DNNs. A common technique to reduce the negative impact of stuck-at-faults is to utilize redundant synapses, i.e, each row in a weight matrix is realized using two (or r) parallel rows in an MCA. In this paper, we propose to handle stuck-at-faults by inserting redundant neurons and by sharing redundant synapses. The first technique is based on inserting redundant neurons to surgically repair neurons connected to rows and columns in the MCAs with many stuck-at-faults. The second technique is focused on sharing redundant synapses between different neurons to reduce the hardware overhead, which generalizes (1:r) synapse redundancy in previous studies to (q:r) synapse redundancy. The experimental results demonstrate new trade-offs between robustness and hardware overhead without requiring the neural networks to be retrained. Compared with state-of-the-art, the power and area overhead for a neural network can be reduced with up to 16% and 25%, respectively.
Guardianship and End-of-Life Care for Veterans with Dementia in Nursing Homes

Background/objectives Experts have suggested that patients represented by professional guardians receive higher intensity end-of-life treatment than other patients, but there is little corresponding empirical data. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting and participants Among veterans aged 65 and older who died from 2011 to 2013, we used Minimum Data Set assessments to identify those who were nursing home residents and had moderately severe or severe dementia. We applied methods developed in prior work to determine which of these veterans had professional guardians. Decedent veterans with professional guardians were matched to decedent veterans without guardians in a 1:4 ratio, according to age, sex, race, dementia severity, and nursing facility type (VA based vs non-VA). Measurements Our primary outcome was intensive care unit (ICU) admission in the last 30 days of life. Secondary outcomes included mechanical ventilation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the last 30 days of life, feeding tube placement in the last 90 days of life, three or more nursing home-to-hospital transfers in the last 90 days of life, and in-hospital death. Results ICU admission was more common among patients with professional guardians than matched controls (17.5% vs 13.7%), but the difference was not statistically significant (adjusted odds ratio = 1.33; 95% confidence interval = .89-1.99). There were no significant differences in receipt of any other treatment; nor was there a consistent pattern. Mechanical ventilation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were more common among patients with professional guardians, and feeding tube placement, three or more end-of-life hospitalizations, and in-hospital death were more common among matched controls. Conclusion Rates of high-intensity treatment were similar whether or not a nursing home resident with dementia was represented by a professional guardian. This is in part because high-intensity treatment occurred more frequently than expected among patients without guardians.
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) cue reactivity in dual users: A combined analysis.

Abstract Background Cigarette smokers report increases in smoking urge in response to exposure to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and dual users, i.e. smokers who also vape ENDS, may exhibit greater cue reactivity than exclusive smokers. The current investigation examined reactivity to a variety of ENDS cues across a large sample of cigarette smokers and dual ENDS users. Methods Young adult smokers (N = 345; > 5 cigarettes per day) were recruited between 2013–2019 for participation in a series of within-subjects laboratory-based studies. Participants completed surveys before and after exposure to a confederate-delivered control cue (water) and an active cue, including cigarette or ENDS cues ranging from first generation “cigalikes” to a fourth generation “pod-mod”. Main outcomes were post-cue changes in desire for combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and smoking behavior as determined by the smoking latency portion of the Smoking Lapse Paradigm after cue exposure. Results Relative to smokers who do not use ENDS, dual users demonstrated higher baseline desire for ENDS and greater ENDS cue reactivity (across product types) in terms of post-cue increases in smoking urge and shorter latency to smoking choice. In contrast, reactivity to the cigarette cue was similar across groups. Conclusions Dual users show heightened ENDS cue reactivity on smoking urge and behavior relative to never users of ENDS, regardless of the type of ENDS cue. Given their reactivity to both cigarette and ENDS cues, it may be difficult for dual users to transition to exclusive vaping or quit tobacco product use altogether.
Computer-assisted Tomographic Acoustic Microscopy for Subsurface Imaging

Computer-assisted ultrasonic tomography has received much attention in recent years. Acoustic microscopy is an important branch of non-destructive evaluation which provides high-resolution imaging of the detailed structure of an object. STAM (Scanning Tomographic Acoustic Microscope) is a system capable of producing tomographic images by scanning the source or rotating the specimen to generate a sequence of tomographic projections. This system has advantages over conventional approaches, especially for complex objects with planar structure such as integrated-circuit chips. An earlier paper provided the analysis and the reconstruction algorithms for the signal processing of planar tomographic systems including an algorithm for “back-and-forth” propagation. This paper summarizes the modifications and revisions of this latter algorithm as applied to microscopic digital imaging. Two different schemes of rotation to acquire STAM data and the corresponding reconstruction procedures are described. Simulations are presented which demonstrate the resolving capability of the STAM system.