cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interference Competition and Optimal Host Selection in the Parasitic Wasp, Biosteres longicaudatus

The influence of parasitoid female Biosteres longicaudatus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) densities on their mortality, oviposition, and superparasitization (>1 egg per host) and on progeny sex ratio was evaluated. Three tests were conducted. (1) One ovipositional unit test: each group of 150, 100, and 50 5-day-old, mated parasitoid females was given Anastrepha suspensa Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae) larvae (hosts) in single ovipositional units 20, 10, 5 cm in diameter, respectively, to provide corresponding densities of 0.5, 1.1, and 2.5/cm2. (2) Two ovipositional unit test: parasitoid and host numbers were the same as in (1), but two similar ovipositional units were used. (3) Similar to (2), but one of the ovipositional units contained house fly, Musca domestica L., larvae. Aggression, mortality, superparasitization, and male progeny increased with parasitoid density. Mean oviposition was inversely related to parasitoid density. Large females (>3.5 mm) laid more eggs than small ones (<3.5 mm) when only the preferred fruit fly larvae were provided. However, when house fly larvae were also available, small females oviposited primarily in these hosts to decrease competition. Thus, through this optimal foraging strategy, they laid as many eggs as large females.
Mechanistic Insight into Electrochemical Synthesis of LaNi5 in a Eutectic CaCl2-NaCl Melt at 850°C

LaNi5 alloy powders were prepared by electro-deoxidation of the oxide precursors in a eutectic CaCl2-NaCl melt at 850°C. The reduction pathway from the mixture of La3Ni2O7 and NiO to LaNi5 was studied by examination of partially reduced samples using XRD, SEM and EDX analysis, which were obtained by interrupting the reduction process after different reduction times. The first stage of the reaction involved the rapid formation of Ni and of LaOCl, then LaOCl and La2O3 were electrochemically reduced and alloyed with Ni particles nearby along with their surface. The morphology of LaNi5 particles reduced for the different durations of reduction can be changeable.
Fetal aneuploidy screening with cell-free DNA in late gestation

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical use of NIPT at gestational ages of 23 weeks and above.Methods: A cohort of 5579 clinical patients with singleton gestations of 23 weeks or greater submitting a blood sample for NIPT in an 18-month period were selected for this study. Clinical outcomes were requested for samples with NIPT results indicating fetal aneuploidy and compared with NIPT findings to confirm concordance or discordance.Results: A review of clinical indications revealed that a significantly (p < 0.0001) larger proportion of late-gestation samples indicated abnormal ultrasound findings with or without other indications, 6.2% and 42.1%, compared with early-gestation samples, 1.8% and 6.0%, respectively. Of 5372 reported late-gestation samples, 151 (2.8%) were reported as aneuploidy detected or suspected. In late-gestation samples, the overall observed positive predictive value (PPV) for NIPT was 64.7%, with an observed PPV of 100% in the subset of cases with multiple cli...
Transfer Learning of Distance Metrics by Cross-Domain Metric Sampling across Heterogeneous Spaces.

The problem of transfer learning has recently been of great interest in a variety of machine learning applications. In this paper, we examine a new angle to the transfer learning problem, where we examine the problem of distance function learning. Specifically, we focus on the problem of how our knowledge of distance functions in one domain can be transferred to a new domain. A good semantic understanding of the feature space is critical in providing the domain specific understanding for setting up good distance functions. Unfortunately, not all domains have feature representations which are equally interpretable. For example, in some domains such as text, the semantics of the feature representation are clear, as a result of which it is easy for a domain expert to set up distance functions for specific kinds of semantics. In the case of image data, the features are semantically harder to interpret, and it is harder to set up distance functions, especially for particular semantic criteria. In this paper, we focus on the problem of transfer learning as a way to close the semantic gap between different domains, and show how to use correspondence information between two domains in order to set up distance functions for the semantically more challenging domain.
Towards More Generic Aspect-Oriented Programming: Rethinking the AOP Joinpoint Concept.

In aspect oriented programming, the concepts of joinpoint and pointcut have always been central and have, as their names imply, been centered around the idea of a point in a program’s execution. Furthermore, in practical terms this has often been synonymous with points in the static representation of the program where invocation of advice can be inserted. We present here ideas for rethinking both of these, most significantly presenting the idea of redefining a joinpoint to be an interval of program execution. This redefinition cleans up some concepts in AOP and opens the door to new ideas and mechanisms for future AOP research to consider.
Immunologic Alterations in Patients with Prostatic Carcinoma

AbstractThe state of cell-mediated immunity was evaluated in 41 patients with prostatic carcinoma by determining their ability to demonstrate delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity with dinitrochlorobenzene and recall antigens, and to mount an inflammatory response to croton oil, as well as by measuring changes in monocyte chemotactic response. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those with localized disease and those with metastatic carcinoma.Monocyte chemotactic response provides an in vitro quantitative measure of effector cell function and was significantly depressed in the entire group of prostatic cancer patients as compared to non-cancer controls (p less than 0.05). Patients with metastatic carcinoma had a greater defect than those with localized disease (p less than 0.025). After radical prostatectomy a group of patients with localized disease tended to show improvement in monocyte chemotactic response (p less than 0.025).The ability of patients to develop a delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity res...
Slow sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms are associated with poorer academic performance in children with ADHD

Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptoms may confer risk for academic impairment in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We investigated SCT in relation to academic performance and impairment in 252 children (ages 6-12, 67% boys) with ADHD. Parents and teachers completed SCT and academic impairment ratings, and achievement in reading, math, and spelling was assessed. Simultaneous regressions controlling for IQ, ADHD, and comorbidities were conducted. Total SCT predicted parent-rated impairments in writing, mathematics, and overall school but not reading. Parent-rated SCT Slow predicted poorer reading and spelling, but not math achievement. Teacher-rated SCT Slow predicted poorer spelling and math, but not reading achievement. Parent-rated SCT Slow predicted greater academic impairment ratings across all domains, whereas teacher-rated SCT Slow predicted greater impairment in writing only. Age and gender did not moderate these relationships with the exception of math impairment; SCT slow predicted math impairment for younger but not older children. Parent and teacher SCT Sleepy and Daydreamy ratings were not significant predictors. SCT Slow appears to be uniquely related to academic problems in ADHD, and may be important to assess and potentially target in intervention. More work is needed to better understand the nature of SCT Slow symptoms in relation to inattention and amotivation.
The pathways of thiamine biosynthesis. Separation, purification, and identification of some precursors of the pyrimidine moiety of thiamine produced by neurospora crassa auxotrophs.

Abstract Certain thiamine-requiring strains of Neurospora crassa produced several compounds which served to satisfy the nutritional requirement of Enterobacter aerogenes PD1 for the pyrimidine moiety of thiamine. These compounds were separated, purified, and identified on the basis of chromatographic, electrophoretic, and spectral data, as well as data obtained by bioautographic ultramicroqualitative analytical procedures. The compounds were the 5-formyl, 5-methoxymethyl, 5-aminomethyl, and 5-hydroxymethyl derivatives of 2-methyl-4-aminopyrimidine.
Resolving Conformations of Acetylproline-NH2 by Coherent 2D IR Spectroscopy

Coherent 2D IR techniques with various pulse sequences and polarization conditions reveal new spectral features associated with multiple conformations of acetylproline-NH2 in CDCl3.
The Plurality of Politics in Post-Revolutionary Iran

Te Persian Puzzle, Eternal Iran, and Hidden Iran: these are three among the cavalcade of trade books that publishers have trotted out to explain Iran to general audiences as we mark the passage of 30 years since the Islamic Revolution.1 The starting point, as these titles show, is that the Islamic Republic is an enigma. And so it remains when the reader puts down these books: the authors discuss post-revolutionary Iranian politics as if they are too complex to be understood by nonexperts and without specific knowledge of the personalities and motivations of the Islamic Republic’s leadership. Iran is sui generis, an ancient, proud civilization fraught with contradictions and tensions inscrutable to those unschooled in the Persian politesse called ta‘arrof or the wily bargaining of the bazaar. Add the volatile element of Shiite Islam to the mix—embodied in turbans and veils that cover and “hide”—and you’ve got a “puzzle” indeed.
Review of Rogan, Mary, Prison Policy in Ireland: Politics, Penal-Welfarism and Political Imprisonment (London: Routledge, 2011)

Review of Mary Rogan's Prison Policy in Ireland: Politics, Penal-Welfarism and Political Imprisonment, in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Books.
Acute Chest Syndrome In Transgenic Mouse Models of Sickle Cell Disease Triggered by Free Heme

Abstract 944 Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is the leading cause of death among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). It is a process of devastating acute lung injury that evolves from multiple exacerbating events including vaso-occlusive pain crises, infection and fat emboli. ACS results in pulmonary infiltration, hypoxemia, and occlusions in the pulmonary microcirculation. Hitherto, experimental models of ACS have been lacking, and molecular targets of therapy remain to be identified. Clinical studies indicate that most patients diagnosed with ACS hemolyse during the acute phase of the syndrome, which highlights a role for circulating heme/hemin in this process. Since the deleterious effects of hemin are defined by increased vascular permeability, we tested the hypothesis that acute elevation of circulating hemin would increase pulmonary microvascular leakage sufficiently to trigger ACS. Adult transgenic mice expressing exclusively human sickle hemoglobin (Hb SS), and control Hb AS and Hb AA mice were intravenously injected with hemin (70 micromoles/kg body weight), and cardiopulmonary function assessed in real-time using a mouse pulse oximeter. Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the SS mice reduced significantly (p = 0.02) to 84.1 ± 5.6 % from a normal baseline value of 98.6 ± 0.3 %, within 25 minutes of administration of i.v. hemin, while SpO2 in control AS and AA mice remained unchanged. Consistent with changes in cardiopulmonary function, all the SS mice (n=14) succumbed to hemin, within 2 hours, while all control AS and AA mice survived, and remained alive several weeks after the experiment (log-rank survival test, p= Disclosures: Ofori-Acquah:Emory University : Patents & Royalties.
Efficacy of Acellular Nerve Allografts in Trigeminal Nerve Reconstruction.

Purpose During trigeminal nerve repair, a gap is sometimes encountered that prevents the tension-free apposition of nerve endings. The use of a processed acellular nerve allograft is a novel technique that shows promise in overcoming this problem. The goal of the present study was to support the slowly evolving body of evidence that acellular processed nerve allografts (Avance; Axogen, Alachua, FL) are a viable alternative to autogenous nerve grafting and the use of conduits for reconstructing defects of the trigeminal nerve. Patients and Methods The study design consisted of a retrospective review of the medical records of patients referred to Rutgers School of Dental Medicine for management of trigeminal nerve injuries from July 2008 to August 2014. Sixteen patients met the inclusion criteria for the present study. All patients underwent nerve grafting using a processed nerve allograft. All operations were performed by the same surgeon (V.Z.). Serial neurosensory testing was performed by 1 clinician (V.Z.) in a standardized fashion. The primary outcome variable was the interval to functional sensory recovery as defined by the Medical Research Council Scale. Results The participants ranged in age from 16 to 62 years (mean 32). Of the 16 patients, 12 were female (75%) and 4 were male (25%), and 3 were smokers (18.75%) and 13 were nonsmokers (81.25%). One half of the patients (n = 8; 50%) underwent surgery on the inferior alveolar nerve, and 8 (50%) underwent surgery on the lingual nerve. The most common mechanism of injury was impacted third molar removal (n = 9; 56.25%) Of the 16 patients, 15 (93.75%) achieved functional sensory recovery during the study period. Conclusions The results of the present study support the hypothesis that processed nerve allografts are effective in reconstructing small (
Previously Unpublished Selections from “The Log of the Dirigo: March 1, 1912–July 26, 1912”

In 1912, Charmian and Jack London sailed aboard the windjammer Dirigo, a 3,000-ton steel-hulled ship carrying coal from Baltimore to Seattle (Figure 1). Charmian kept a log of their 148-day journey...
Laws as Implied Contract Terms: The Divergent Approaches and a Proposed Solution

The great majority of state and federal courts accept the common law rule that courts in construing contracts may incorporate relevant, unmentioned laws as implied contract terms. Dating back to the early nineteenth century, this principle of contract construction is said to be a basic legal concept of longstanding and accepted use. Despite the doctrine’s pervasive theoretical and practical importance as a silent factor in every contract, courts have failed to articulate a consistent, convincing policy and doctrinal rationale. Most courts also have overlooked numerous doctrinal deficiencies, gaps, and contradictions and they have not acknowledged the decisions restricting or even rejecting the precept. Similarly, no commentator has provided an in-depth treatment even though there are nearly 1200 decisions on this topic. This Article is the first effort in the literature to undertake a comprehensive descriptive and normative analysis of what will be called the “implied incorporation doctrine.” Replete with presumptions and legal fictions, the principle is an uneasy merger of the rules of statutory and contract construction. This problematic melding of statutory and contractual principles is the main reason for the divergent approaches and doctrinal contradictions. After canvassing the key issues surrounding the principle, I will propose a uniform formulation that better maintains the legal and logical differences between laws and contract.
Effect of Thermomechanical Post-Processing on Chain Orientation and Crystallinity of Electrospun P(VDF-TrFE) Nanofibers

Abstract The electromechanical coupling behavior in piezoelectric polymers strongly depends on their morphology. The electromechanical coupling is defined as the conversion between electrical energy and mechanical energy in piezoelectric materials. Geometry (nanofibers, films, etc.) as well as fabrication methods, and post-processing affect crystallinity, orientation, and size of the crystallites, and alignment of the chains in semicrystalline structure of these polymers. This study reports on the effects of thermal annealing and stretching (drawing) as two post-processing treatments on mechanical and piezoelectric properties of P(VDF-TrFE) (poly[(vinylidenefluoride)-co-trifluoroethylene]) nanofibers produced by electrospinning process. Tensile test, X-ray diffraction and 2D WAXD, DSC, polarized FTIR, and piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) were utilized to investigate the post-processing – morphology – property relationship in these nanofibers. The results show that annealing and stretching (drawing) improved elastic modulus and strength of the nanofibers by more than two times, while piezo response of single fiber increased by ∼1.7 times, which overall resulted in ∼5.5 times enhancement in electromechanical coupling factor. Comparison between two post-processing treatments revealed that annealing had more effect on improvement of thermomechanical coupling factor as compared to drawing.
WBSCR16 Is a Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Important for Mitochondrial Fusion

Regulated inter-mitochondrial fusion/fission is essential for maintaining optimal mitochondrial respiration and control of apoptosis and autophagy. In mammals, mitochondrial fusion is controlled by outer membrane GTPases MFN1 and MFN2 and by inner membrane (IM) GTPase OPA1. Disordered mitochondrial fusion/fission contributes to various pathologies, and MFN2 or OPA1 mutations underlie neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we show that the WBSCR16 protein is primarily associated with the outer face of the inner mitochondrial membrane and is important for mitochondrial fusion. We provide evidence of a WBSCR16/OPA1 physical interaction in the intact cell and of a WBSCR16 function as an OPA1-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF). Homozygosity for a Wbscr16 mutation causes early embryonic lethality, whereas neurons of mice heterozygous for the mutation have mitochondria with reduced membrane potential and increased susceptibility to fragmentation upon exposure to stress, suggesting roles for WBSCR16 deficits in neuronal pathologies.
Abstract 4693: Fc effector bioassays enable faster and quantitative measurement of ADCC and ADCP mechanisms of action

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cell-mediated phagocytosis (ADCP) are recognized as important mechanisms of action (MOA) of therapeutic antibodies. Primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are routinely used in traditional bioassays to measure potency, stability of antibody drugs in ADCC and ADCP. However these methods are labor intensive and highly variable. Here we report the development of a luciferase-based reporter assay that measures activation of effector cells via cross-linking of Fc receptors with target cell-bound antibodies. We will discuss functional cell-based Fc effector reporter bioassays developed to measure Human FcgRIIIa (V158 and F158 variants), Human FcgRIIa (H131 and R131 variants), Human FcgRI as well as Mouse FcgRIV and FcgRIII. Compared to primary cell-based assays these reporter bioassays are less variable, easier to use and provide more consistent analysis of the important MOAs that are critical to for drug development programs. In qualification studies, performed in accordance with ICH guidelines for antibody screening and characterization, we tested the bioassays for specificity, accuracy, precision and linearity. Citation Format: Zhi-Jie Jey Cheng, Rich Moravec, Aileen Paguio, Denise Garvin, Gopal B. Krishnan, Frank Fan, Mei Cong. Fc effector bioassays enable faster and quantitative measurement of ADCC and ADCP mechanisms of action [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4693. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4693
Using spatial characteristics to aid automation of SOM segmentation of functional image data

We propose a new similarity measure, Combined Connectivity and Spatial Adjacency (CCSA), to be used in hierarchical agglomerative clustering (HAC) for automated segmentation of Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs, Kohonen [1]). The CCSA measure is specifically designed to assist segmentation of large, complex, functional image data by exploiting general spatial characteristics of such data. The proposed CCSA measure is constructed from two strong indicators of cluster structure: the degree of localization of data points in physical space and the degree of connectivity of SOM prototypes (as defined by Tacdemir and Merenyi [2]). The new measure is expected to enhance cluster capture in large functional image data cubes such as hyperspectral imagery or fMRI brain images, where many relevant clusters exist with widely varying statistical properties and in complex relationships both in feature space and in physical (image) space. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach using the CCSA measure on progressively complex synthetic spatial data and on real fMRI brain data.
Effects of a 24-h naproxen dose on hydration and electrolyte measures during moderate-intensity cycling in the heat

Few controlled laboratory studies have examined the negative effects non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can have on fluid–electrolyte balance during exercise. Our objective was to determine whether a 24-h naproxen dose negatively affected hydration and electrolyte measures before, during, and 3 h after 90 min of cycling in a hot or ambient environment. Using a double blind, randomized and counterbalanced cross-over design, 11 volunteers (six male, five female) completed four trials, with conditions as follows: (1) placebo and ambient, (2) placebo and heat, (3) naproxen and ambient, and (4) naproxen and heat. We found no statistically significant differences among experimental conditions for any dependent measures. Though not statistically significant, mean fluid volume was higher and urine volume was lower during naproxen trials compared with placebos. Mean aggregate plasma sodium was <135 mmol/L at all time points and did not significantly change over time. Overall plasma potassium significantly incre...
Why macrophages cannot LAP up TB

M. tuberculosis causes an enormous worldwide burden of disease. Its success depends upon subverting the antimicrobial capacity of macrophages. We have known for decades that M. tuberculosis impairs phagosomal trafficking to avoid lysosomal degradation, but the mechanism is unclear. Recent work has described a phagolysosomal pathway called LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP), in which LC3 associates with microbe-containing phagosomes. Macrophage pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) initiate LAP, and NADPH oxidase and RUBCN/RUBICON are required for LAP. We discovered that CpsA, an exported M. tuberculosis virulence factor, blocks LAP by interfering with recruitment of CYBB/NOX2 (cytochrome b-245, beta polypeptide) to the mycobacterial phagosome. In macrophages and in mice, M. tuberculosis mutants lacking cpsA are successfully cleared by NADPH oxidase and the ensuing LC3-associated lysosomal trafficking pathway. CpsA belongs to the LytR-CpsA-Psr family, which is found widely in Gram-positive bacilli. This family is known for its enzymatic role in cell wall assembly. However, our data suggest that CpsA inhibits CYBB oxidase independently of a cell wall function. Thus, CpsA may have evolved from an enzyme involved in cell wall integrity to an indispensable virulence factor that M. tuberculosis uses to evade the innate immune response.
The lowest-order weak Galerkin finite element method for the Darcy equation on quadrilateral and hybrid meshes

Abstract This paper investigates the lowest-order weak Galerkin finite element method for solving the Darcy equation on quadrilateral and hybrid meshes consisting of quadrilaterals and triangles. In this approach, the pressure is approximated by constants in element interiors and on edges. The discrete weak gradients of these constant basis functions are specified in local Raviart–Thomas spaces, specifically R T 0 for triangles and unmapped R T [ 0 ] for quadrilaterals. These discrete weak gradients are used to approximate the classical gradient when solving the Darcy equation. The method produces continuous normal fluxes and is locally mass-conservative, regardless of mesh quality, and has optimal order convergence in pressure, velocity, and normal flux, when the quadrilaterals are asymptotically parallelograms. Implementation is straightforward and results in symmetric positive-definite discrete linear systems. We present numerical experiments and comparisons with other existing methods.
Cleavage activates dispatched for Sonic Hedgehog ligand release

As an embryo develops, its cells divide many times until they specialize to become distinct cell types that make up the tissues and organs. To do so, the cells need to communicate, and some send signals by making and releasing proteins that travel to more distant cells. One such signaling pathway is called Hedgehog signaling. This pathway is necessary so that the tissue and organs develop properly. If faulty, it can stop the embryo from developing properly and even lead to diseases such as cancer. Hedgehog signaling is initiated by the Hedgehog protein, which needs to be released from the cells that produce the message to transport the signal to the target cells. A protein called Dispatched helps Hedgehog to get free and travel to its destination. Without Dispatched, Hedgehog cannot be released and the embryos will not develop. Now, Stewart, Marada et al. wanted to find out if and how Dispatched itself is controlled by studying embryo cells of mice. The results showed that a protein called Furin activates Dispatched by splitting it at a specific point. When the break-point on Dispatch was genetically modified, Furin could no longer cleave the protein. As a consequence, Dispatched did not reach the correct location within cells to help Hedgehog move away from signal-releasing cells. This suggests that Furin is an essential protein of the Hedgehog pathway. A next step will be to see if this is also the case in humans. Some cancer cells can produce large amounts of Hedgehog protein, which makes tumors grow faster. A better understanding of Hedgehog signaling may help to find new cancer therapies that can block this pathway in cancer cells.
Health literacy and surgery expectations in total hip and knee arthroplasty patients.

Abstract Objectives This study assessed patients’ health literacy and expectations for total hip (THA) and total knee (TKA) replacement surgery, and compared health literacy levels of patients and their caregivers. Methods A convenience sample of 200 THA/TKA participants, patients and their caregivers, participated in this study. Results Results demonstrated no statistical difference in health literacy between patients and their caregivers. However, patients with lower health literacy had significantly lower expectations for walking after surgery. Conclusions Practices should be aware that caregivers may not be any better equipped to consume and use complicated patient education materials than the patient they are assisting. Additionally, lower health literacy, rather than or in addition to race or social factors, may contribute to disparities in opting for THA/TKA because of lower expectations for walking after surgery. Practice implications Healthcare practices should develop patient educational materials that are easy for all patients and caregivers to understand, especially those with low health literacy. Additional patient education and counseling may help patients with low health literacy realistically align their expectations and mitigate barriers to consenting to surgery due to low expectations.
Deregulation, Technological Change, and Labor Relations in Telecommunications

Technological change and industry deregulation have promoted the development of cooperative labor relations arrangements in U.S. telecommunications. With the entry of non-union competitors and the continuous adoption of labor-saving technology in the industry, union membership and AT&T’s market share have been jeopardized, compelling labor and management to resolve their divergent interests and address their mutual concerns.
Language and the Learning Crisis: Evidence of Transfer Threshold Mechanisms in Multilingual Reading in South India

This paper provides evidence for a non-linear relationship between local language and English reading scores in multilingual South India. The mechanism suggests that being taught English prematurel...
Nitrogen balances and impacts on the algae cultivation-extraction-digestion-cultivation process

Abstract Anaerobic digestion of lipid extracted algae is a method for recycling nutrients to a cultivation system. Growth of algae on recycled nitrogen from these systems has been demonstrated. This study focuses on how the initial nitrogen concentration impacts each stage of an integrated cultivation-extraction-digestion-cultivation process; and how the nitrogen is distributed in each step. The entire process was performed at five different initial nitrogen concentrations, ranging from nutrient deplete to excess. Algae production and lipid content were measured to evaluate the impact of initial nitrogen concentration. A thorough nitrogen mass balance for every step of the process was completed. The results show that initial nitrogen concentration had significant impacts on the whole process. The nitrogen recoveries through the nutrient recycle process were all approximately 65% regardless of initial nitrogen concentration. All nitrogen balances closed within experimental error. The largest losses of nitrogen occurred in the extraction and cultivation steps.
On Gas Ingression of Hermetic Packages

In this paper, a closed-form mathematic equation that governs gas ingression of hermetic packages is derived from first principles and applied to moist air and water vapor ingression conditions. The equation models internal gas partial pressure change as a function of time, external conditions, and package characteristics. The equation provides the theoretical basis for direct comparisons of ingression behaviors of different gases into hermetic packages. Comparing the rates of internal air pressure increase due to air ingression and water vapor partial pressure buildup due to water vapor ingression, the authors theorize that vacuum decay may present a greater challenge to the performance of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices within hermetic packages than that of water vapor content induced corrosion failures. This paper also examines gas ingression of hermetic enclosures with multiple layers of seals.
Package-on-Package Micro-BGA Microstructure Interaction with Bond and Assembly Parameter

Package on Package (PoP) technology can play a vital role in advanced packaging for various reasons. The use of a thin interposer allows for tighter wiring ground rules and can reduce die-to-die latency when placing either multiple die on a single interposer or placing multiple interposers on a larger carrier laminate. This assembly technology can also be of benefit for heterogeneous integration applications. The main challenge for bond and assembly process development with organic to silicon bonding, particularly with thin organic interposers, is to overcome solder join defects (non-wets, bridges) created by highly warped components. To address this issue, two different assembly process flows were developed, namely process A (chip first) and process B (laminate first) with PoP type test vehicle hardware. The assembly was composed of a 23X29mm die with 185µm pitch SAC solder connected to an organic interposer of 37.5X37.5mm dimension and 0.7mm thickness. The bottom side of the interposer, with either CuOSP or NiPdAu pads, was soldered to a 68.5X68.5mm carrier laminate of 1.8mm thickness and CuOSP pads with SAC 305 µBGA solder balls of 0.4mm pitch. To ensure bond and assembly integrity, over 30 cross-sections were performed on the modules from these two process sequences. µBGA's were of first interest as warpage issues forced a thorough optimisation of joining parameters. Microstructure appears with undeniable variations between process sequences and interposer pad surface finishes. Cross-polarized microscopy observation and etching of cross-sections, with over 2500 µBGA characterized, showed that process flow A microstructure was mostly constituted by very large and few grains of beta-Sn phase compared to mainly small interlaced grains for process flow B. IMC's with "chip first" (process flow A) assembly were composed of rare AgSn crystals and several CuSn filaments, which were also observed on "laminate first" (process flow B), but only with NiPdAu interposer pads. Also, for process sequence B with NiPdAu pads, thick plates of AgSn were observed, as opposed to very thin sheets with CuOSP pads. Interim cross-section in the bond and assembly process flows allowed the formulation and verification of a hypothesis on the mechanism that leads to a "laminate first" atypical microstructure. Cooling rates during reflow and interposer pad surface finish will change all the kinetics of intermetallic nucleation and produce eccentric growth. A thorough mechanism understanding will allow a proper process parameter intervention to modulate a desired microstructure from a reliability stand point.
Rules and Reliability: How Arbitrators Decide Cases

Any robust account of how arbitrators decide cases must grapple with the roe of rules on several levels. Not just the “hard law” of treaties, statutes and cases, but also the “soft law” of professional guidelines elaborated by stake-holders in the arbitral community, addressing matters like witness examination and document production. With an aim to explore the interaction of law and arbitral decision-making, this essay takes several real life scenarios as prisms through which to separate themes about how rules affect arbitrator fidelity to the parties’ shared ex ante expectations.
Logics of Imprecise Comparative Probability

Abstract This paper studies connections between two alternatives to the standard probability calculus for representing and reasoning about uncertainty: imprecise probability and comparative probability. The goal is to identify complete logics for reasoning about uncertainty in a comparative probabilistic language whose semantics is given in terms of imprecise probability. Comparative probability operators are interpreted as quantifying over a set of probability measures. Modal and dynamic operators are added for reasoning about epistemic possibility and updating sets of probability measures.
Machines Judging Humans: The Promise and Perils of Formalizing Evaluative Criteria

Over the past decade, algorithmic accountability has become an important concern for social scientists, computer scientists, journalists, and lawyers [1]. Exposes have sparked vibrant debates about algorithmic sentencing. Researchers have exposed tech giants showing women ads for lower-paying jobs, discriminating against the aged, deploying deceptive dark patterns to trick consumers into buying things, and manipulating users toward rabbit holes of extremist content. Public-spirited regulators have begun to address algorithmic transparency and online fairness, building on the work of legal scholars who have called for technological due process, platform neutrality, and nondiscrimination principles. This policy work is just beginning, as experts translate academic research and activist demands into statutes and regulations. Lawmakers are proposing bills requiring basic standards of algorithmic transparency and auditing. We are starting down on a long road toward ensuring that AI-based hiring practices and financial underwriting are not used if they have a disparate impact on historically marginalized communities. And just as this "first wave" of algorithmic accountability research and activism has targeted existing systems, an emerging "second wave" of algorithmic accountability has begun to address more structural concerns. Both waves will be essential to ensure a fairer, and more genuinely emancipatory, political economy of technology. Second wave work is particularly important when it comes to illuminating the promise & perils of formalizing evaluative criteria.
Comparing Articulatory Consistency Between Native and Second Language Speakers

This paper presents a comparison between the articulatory configurations of native English speakers and native Mandarin speakers speaking English. Data is taken from the Marquette Electromagnetic Articulography corpus of Mandarin Accented English (EMA-MAE), which includes 20 native English and 19 native Mandarin speakers, focusing on vowel trajectories from isolated word data. A comparison is made between English vowels that have corresponding vowels in Mandarin, versus those that do not, with results supporting the idea that variability of articulator positioning in L2 speakers is larger for vowels that are unique to English than for those that have corresponding vowels in the native language.
A case report of esophageal ectopic thymus in a child and literature review

Objective To report one rare pediatric case of esophageal ectopic thymus (EET) and review the relevant literatures. Methods The clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of one child with EET were reviewed. And systematic searches of the relevant literatures were performed for " ectopic thymus" , " children" and " infant" in the databases of China Knowledge Network, Weipu, Wanfang and PubMed. Results One girl was admitted with vomiting and transient suffocation for 24 hours. Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) indicated a substantial mass at upper esophagus. During operation, tumor was located in esophageal lumen. Final histopathologic diagnosis was consistent with EET. She was discharged at Day 8 postoperatively. During a follow-up period of 3 months, there was no occurrence of vomiting, dysphagia or other discomforts. And upper gastrointestinal radiography indicated that esophageal mucosal folds remained intact and esophagus was not narrowed or dilated. Fifty-three cases of EET were collected from the literature search. Ectopic thymus occurred in neck (n=34) and thyroid (n=18). Most cases could be detected by ultrasound and their clinical symptoms were not obvious. Sometimes a painless mass was present around neck or thyroid. And the complication of EET was rare. Conclusions Ectopic thymus is extremely rare in esophageal lumen and ultrasonic detection is often not feasible. It is necessary to confirm mediastinal thymus preoperatively. Especially for infants and toddlers, radical thymectomy results in immune dysfunction. Esophageal endoscopy and angiography may aid in pinpointing the location of lesion. Key words: Thymus gland; Dystopia; Esophagus
Alien vs. Predator: Brain Inspired Sparse Coding Optimization on Neuromorphic and Quantum Devices

Machine Learning has achieved immense progress by exploiting CPUs and GPUs on classical computing hardware. However, the inevitable end of Moore's Law on these devices requires the adaptation and exploration of novel computational platforms in order to continue these advancements. Biologically accurate, energy efficient neuromorphic systems and fully en-tangled quantum systems are particularly promising arenas for enabling future advances. In this work, we perform a detailed comparison on a level playing field between these two novel substrates by applying them to an identical challenge.We solve the sparse coding problem using the biologically inspired Locally Competitive Algorithm (LCA) on the D-Wave quantum annealer and Intel Loihi neuromorphic spiking processor. The Fashion-MNIST data set was chosen and dimensionally-reduced by sparse Principal Component Analysis (sPCA). A sign flipped second data set was created and appended to the original in order to give each class a mean zero distribution, effectively creating an environment where the data could not be linearly separated. An early in time normalization technique for Loihi is presented along with analysis of optimal parameter selection and unsupervised dictionary learning for all three variations. Studies are ongoing, but preliminary results suggest each computational substrate requires casting the NP-Hard optimization problem in a slightly different manner to best capture the individual strengths, and the new Loihi method allows for more realistic comparison between the two.
Boron and barium incorporation at the 4H-SiC/SiO2 interface using a laser multi-charged ion source

A laser multicharged ion source was used to perform interfacial treatment of the 4H-SiC/ SiO2 interface using B and Ba ions. A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (wavelength λ = 1064 nm, pulse width τ = 7 ns, and fluence F = 135 J/cm2) was used to ablate B and Ba targets to generate multicharged ions. The ions were deflected by an electrostatic field to separate them from the neutrals. The multicharged ions were used for nanometer layer growth and shallow ion implantation in 4H-SiC. Several metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors (MOSCAP) were fabricated with a combination of B and Ba at the SiC/SiO2 interface. High-low C–V measurements were used to characterize the MOSCAPs. The B interfacial layer reduced the MOSCAP flatband voltage from 4.5 to 0.04 V, while the Ba layer had a negligible effect.
Covid-19 impact on the doctor-patient relationship: Patient perspectives on emergency physician empathy and communication

Objective To investigate in how the current COVID-19 pandemic affects patient's perceptions of emergency physician empathy and communication. Methods Patients cared for by Emergency Department physicians with the lowest satisfaction scores were surveyed within one week of discharge via phone. Using questions from the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) survey, patients rated their satisfaction with their Emergency provider's empathy and communication on a scale of 1 to 5 and provided feedback on how the patient-provider interaction could be improved. Demographic data and patient responses to CARE survey questions were compared between pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 time. Patient's open-ended responses were analyzed for themes related to the impact of COVID-19 on the patient-provider relationship. Results Patient median quantitative scores were 5 (4-5) across all five questions of pre-COVID-19 and 5 (4-5) during COVID-19 for all questions except two (showing care and compassion), median 5(5-5). Female patients rated provider empathy and communication lower than mens. There was no differences across age strata. A shift in provider focuses to COVID-19 only care (N=3), and an understanding of the stress on healthcare processes (N=13) from open-ended responses themes emerged of patients who want to minimize interactions within the emergency department (N=3). Conclusions The external factor of the current pandemic did not negatively impact patient's satisfaction scores. Many patients express leniency and gratitude for emergency providers during this challenging time. Their responses seem to mirror current societal views of frontline healthcare workers.
Ischemic brain injury in diabetes and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Abstract Diabetes is a widespread disease characterized by high blood glucose levels due to abnormal insulin activity, production, or both. Chronic diabetes causes many secondary complications including cardiovascular disease: a life-threatening complication. Cerebral ischemia-related mortality, morbidity, and the extent of brain injury are high in diabetes. However, the mechanism of increase in ischemic brain injury during diabetes is not well understood. Multiple mechanisms mediate diabetic hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia-induced increase in ischemic brain injury. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress mediates both brain injury as well as brain protection after ischemia-reperfusion injury. The pathways of ER stress are modulated during diabetes. Free radical generation and mitochondrial dysfunction, two of the prominent mechanisms that mediate diabetic increase in ischemic brain injury, are known to stimulate the pathways of ER stress. Increased ischemic brain injury in diabetes is accompanied by a further increase in the activation of ER stress. As there are many metabolic changes associated with diabetes, differential activation of the pathways of ER stress may mediate pronounced ischemic brain injury in subjects suffering from diabetes. We presently discuss the literature on the significance of ER stress in mediating increased ischemia-reperfusion injury in diabetes.
Effect of Mica on K O Compressibility of Two Soils

The effect of mica content on the compressibility of a sand and a silt under conditions of zero lateral yield consolidation was investigated. The sand tested was the medium, uniform, subangular Chattahoochee River sand, and the silt was a residual soil from the Atlanta, Georgia area. A special lateral deformation sensor was designed to be placed on a triaxial test sample and limit the lateral deformation to less than 0.001% Mixtures of from 0% to 50% mica in sand and 0% to 50% mica in silt were tested. The results of the sand series showed that for a given initial void ratio the compressibility was significantly increased by the addition of a small amount of mica, but K O was not affected. For the silt series, partially saturated samples were formed under light static compaction. The results of the series showed no significant effect of mica content on the compressibility; however, there was a tendency for an increase in the coefficient of earth pressure at rest with increasing mica content.
Chapter 1 Rejoinder: Meaning, Data, and the Diagnosis of Cognitive Competence

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the functions of memory and the nature of underlying representations in memory. Fivush and Morton focus on fundamental issues that must be dealt with in any complete account of cognitive development. Their characterizations of the context-specificity view of memory prompt a number of comments. Fivush argues cogently that people do not just have memory, but rather that they use memory to accomplish things in the world. Their success in doing so depends in great part upon their perception of the task or setting as a meaningful one. Morton addresses the issue of uses of memory and focuses on memory as “the repository of experience.” From this vantage point, he takes general event representations to be the “basic stuff of memory.” If memory is approached primarily in terms of the child's making sense of the world, one runs the risk of overlooking one of the most critical of developmental acquisitions—namely, the emerging capability to behave intentionally and effectively in a wide range of setting. Indeed, one of the major accomplishments of the elementary school years is the ability to deploy skillfully a broad arsenal of mnemonic techniques in many different contexts, some of which would appear to be quite lacking in meaning. An examination of the full range of children's memory performance in a wide variety of settings is simply necessary for any understanding of the development of memory. And understanding development is a magnificent obsession.