cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microsatellite and mitochondrial genetic differentiation of Anopheles arabiensis (Diptera: Culicidae) from western Kenya, the Great Rift Valley, and coastal Kenya.

The population genetic structure of the African malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis from western Kenya, the Great Rift Valley, and coastal Kenya was investigated using 12 microsatellite loci and a partial sequence of mtDNA dehydrogenase gene subunit 5 (ND5). The mean number of alleles and the observed heterozygosity were similar for the mosquito populations from the three regions as revealed by the microsatellite data. A total of 30 polymorphic sites in the ND5 gene defined 39 haplotypes. Six haplotypes were shared among four populations from the three distinct ecological conditions, and they constituted 92% of the total number of individuals sequenced. Mitochondrial haplotype and nucleotide diversity were high. Microsatellite markers within polymorphic inversions revealed a level of genetic differentiation (FST 0.116) four to seven times higher than markers outside inversions (FST 0.016) or inside fixed inversions (FST 0.027). Mitochondrial ND5 gene sequences did not reveal significant genetic differentiation for the same four populations (ST �0.008). The contrasts in the level of genetic differentiation between microsatellite markers inside polymorphic inversions, the mitochondrial ND5 gene, and microsatellite markers outside inversions suggest that the level of genetic differentiation in An. arabiensis populations across the Great Rift Valley varies significantly among different areas of the genome. Variations in the degree of genetic differentiation with respect to the chromosomal location of microsatellite markers may result from intrinsic characteristics of the markers, demographic or historic factors affecting these populations, and the possible adaptive significance of chromosomal inversions to climatic conditions.
Inverse optimal homography-based visual servo control via an uncalibrated camera

A robust inverse optimal adaptive visual servo controller is described that asymptotically regulates a camera's pose to a desired pose despite uncertainty in the time-varying distance from the camera to the target and parametric uncertainty in the camera calibration matrix. A high gain robust inverse optimal controller asymptotically stabilizes the rotation error system, whereas, an inverse optimal adaptive controller is shown to stabilize the translation error by compensating for the unknown depth and camera calibration parameters. A Lyapunov-based stability analysis is used to examine the stability and an inverse optimal analysis is used to determine the optimality of the developed controller.
Dynamically Optimizing FPGA Applications by Monitoring Temperature and Workloads

In the past, field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuits only contained a limited amount of logic and operated at a low frequency. Few applications running on FPGAs consumed excessive power. Today, the temperature of FPGAs are a major concern due to increased logic density and speed. Large applications with highly pipelined datapaths can ultimately generate more heat than the package can dissipate. For FPGAs that operate in controlled environments, heat sinks and fans can be used to effectively dissipate heat from the device. However, FPGA devices operating under harsher thermal conditions in outdoor environments, or in systems with malfunctioning cooling systems need a thermal management control system. To address this issue, we had previously devised a reconfigurable temperature monitoring system that gives feedback to the FPGA circuit using the measured junction temperature of the device. Using this feedback, we designed a novel dual frequency switching system that allows the FPGA circuits to maintain the highest level of throughput performance for a given maximum junction temperature. This paper extends the previous work by additionally making this adaptive frequency mechanism workload aware and evaluating power and latency performance under bursty workload conditions. Our working system has been implemented on the field programmable port extender (FPX) platform developed at Washington University in St. Louis. Experimental results with a scalable image correlation circuit show up to a 30% saving in power for bursty workloads and up to a 2x factor improvement in latency performance as compared to a system without thermal or workload feedback. Our circuit provides power efficient high performance processing of bursty workloads, while ensuring the device always operates within a safe temperature range
tert‐Butyl Peracetate

[107-71-1] C6H12O3 (MW 132.16) InChI = 1S/C6H12O3/c1-5(7)8-9-6(2,3)4/h1-4H3 InChIKey = SWAXTRYEYUTSAP-UHFFFAOYSA-N (radical initiator; often used in the presence of a metal catalyst or photoactivator; free radical initiator for polymer synthesis; common reagent in the metal-mediated acetoxylation of activated CH bonds) Alternate Names: peroxyacetic acid, tert-butyl ester; acetyl tert-butyl peroxide; tert-butyl peroxyacetate; ethaneperoxoic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester; Esperox 12MD; Kayabutyl A; Kayabutyl A 50T; Luperox 7M75 or 7M50; Lupersol 70; NSC 118417; Perbutyl A; Trigonox F; Trigonox F-C 50. Physical Data: commercially available as a solution (typically in aliphatic hydrocarbons, 50–75 wt%); colorless to slight yellow liquid; density = 0.83 g mL−1 at 25 °C; flash point = 37 °C. Solubility: soluble in most organic solvents. Highly soluble in hydrocarbon, ethereal, or chlorinated solvents. Preparative Methods: acylation of a tert-butyl hydroperoxide with acetyl chloride or acetic anhydride.1 It can also be synthesized from tert-butyl hydroperoxide and acetic acid in the presence of trifluoroacetic anhydride.2 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: as with other organic peroxides, significant care should be taken to minimize rapid, exothermic decomposition that leads to violent and potentially harmful reactions. Decomposition can be triggered by heat, light, and metal contaminants.3 tert-Butyl peracetate has a detected onset temperature of 102 °C and a heat of decomposition of −201 kJ mol−1.4 Recommended storage in a tightly sealed container at 4–23 °C away from heat sources. Contact with skin and eyes or by inhalation should be avoided.
INTRAPULMONARY CONCENTRATIONS OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS

There is uniform agreement that antimicrobial concentrations at the site of infection are relevant to clinical efficacy. However, measurement of antimicrobial concentrations at the site of lower respiratory infection is limited by methodologic problems. Historically, this was attempted by the measurement of concentrations in lung tissue specimens obtained during surgery. Antimicrobial concentrations were also frequently measured in sputum and bronchial secretions. Currently, antimicrobial concentrations are determined in various lung compartments, including bronchial mucosal tissue, epithelial lining fluid (ELF), and alveolar macrophages. Antimicrobial concentrations determined in ELF and alveolar macrophages probably represent the best estimate of concentrations at the site of infection, but improvements in methodology and correlation with clinical efficacy are still needed. This article reviews the methodology used to determine drug concentrations in the various specimens derived from the lung, and explores the clinical relevance of the measurements. Comparisons of the lung penetration of different antimicrobial agents are provided.
SCALE Code Validation for Prismatic High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors

Using experimental data published in the International Handbook of Evaluated Reactor Physics Benchmark Experiments for the fresh cold core of the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor, a compre...
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Regulates IL-10 and Resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Corneal Infection

IL-10 is important in the resistance response of BALB/c mice to experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa corneal infection. However, the cellular mechanisms by which this anti-inflammatory cytokine is regulated remain unknown. Because the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates IL-10 in other disease models, the present study tested its role in bacterial keratitis. After infection, corneas of rapamycin versus control-treated BALB/c mice showed worsened disease, and real-time RT-PCR confirmed that mTOR mRNA levels were significantly decreased. Rapamycin treatment also increased clinical score, polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) infiltration (determined by myeloperoxidase assay), and bacterial load, but it diminished PMN bactericidal activity. Inhibition of mTOR also led to elevated mRNA and protein levels of IL-12p40, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and inducible NO synthase, whereas mRNA and protein levels of IL-10, its regulator/effector STAT-3, and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (a proinflammatory cytokine regulator) were decreased. Furthermore, mTOR inhibition reduced levels of proapoptotic caspase-3 and increased levels of B cell lymphoma-2 (antiapoptotic), indicative of delayed apoptosis. mTOR inhibition also altered genes related to TLR signaling, including elevation of TLR4, TLR5, and IL-1R1, with decreases in IL-1R-associated kinase 1 and an inhibitor of NF-κB, NF-κB inhibitor-like 1. Rapamycin treatment also increased levels of IFN-γ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein, β, a gene that regulates expression of preprotachykinin-A (the precursor of substance P). Collectively, these data, as well as a rescue experiment using rIL-10 together with rapamycin, which decreased PMN in cornea, provide concrete evidence that mTOR regulates IL-10 in P. aeruginosa-induced bacterial keratitis and is critical to balancing pro- and anti-inflammatory events, resulting in better disease outcome.
Assessment of the performance of ablative insulators under realistic solid rocket motor operating conditions

Ablative insulators are used in the interior surfaces of solid rocket motors to prevent the mechanical structure of the rocket from failing due to intense heating by the high-temperature solid-propellant combustion products. The complexity of the ablation process underscores the need for ablative material response data procured from a realistic solid rocket motor environment, where all of the potential contributions to material degradation are present and in their appropriate proportions. For this purpose, the present study examines ablative material behavior in a laboratory-scale solid rocket motor. The test apparatus includes a planar, two-dimensional flow channel in which flat ablative material samples are installed downstream of an aluminized solid propellant grain and imaged via real-time X-ray radiography. In this way, the in-situ transient thermal response of an ablator to all of the thermal, chemical, and mechanical erosion mechanisms present in a solid rocket environment can be observed and recorded. The ablative material is instrumented with multiple micro-thermocouples, so that in-depth temperature histories are known. Both total heat flux and thermal radiation flux gauges have been designed, fabricated, and tested to characterize the thermal environment to which the ablative material samples are exposed. These tests not only allow different ablative materials to be compared in a realistic solid rocket motor environment but also improve the understanding of the mechanisms that influence the erosion behavior of a given ablative material.
Interventions designed using quality improvement methods reduce the incidence of serious airway events and airway cardiac arrests during pediatric anesthesia.

Summary Background Although serious complications during pediatric anesthesia are less common than they were 20 years ago, serious airway events continue to occur. Based on Quality Improvement (QI) data from our institution, a QI project was designed to reduce the incidence of serious airway events and airway cardiac arrests. Methods A quality improvement team consisting of members of the Department of Anesthesia was formed and QI data from previous years were analyzed. The QI team developed a Smart Aim, Key Driver Diagram, and specific Interventions that focused on the accessibility of emergency drugs, the use of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants for endotracheal intubation in children 2 years and younger, and the presence of anesthesia providers until emergence from anesthesia in high-risk patients. Results The percentage of cases where muscle relaxants were utilized in children 2 years and younger for endotracheal intubation and where atropine and succinylcholine were readily available increased at both our base and outpatient facilities. Over the 2.5-year study period, the incidence of serious airway events and airway cardiac arrests was reduced by 44% and 59%, respectively compared to the previous 2-year period. Conclusion We utilized QI methodology to design and implement a project which led to greater standardization of clinical practice within a large pediatric anesthesia group. Based on an understanding of system issues impacting our clinical practice, we designed and tested interventions that led to a significant reduction in the incidence of serious airway events and airway cardiac arrests.
A Schematic Description of the Dynamics of Glass Transition by the Coupling Model

The research of glass transition has a long history that can be traced back to the Babylonians who documented their recipe of making glasses from dessert sand, and to the study of dynamics of alkali silicate glass and a natural polymer by R. Kohlrausch in Gottingen in mid 1800’s at the time of Gauss. Since then, glass transition and its phenomena were found in many kinds of materials. Glass transition is a general phenomenon found in many different kinds of materials including inorganic substances with widely different chemical compositions, organic small molecules, synthetic polymers, side chain liquid crystalline polymers, metallic compounds, plastic crystals, and some biomaterials. The thermodynamic and dynamic properties of glass-forming liquids and glasses are similar, falling into well-defined patterns [1,2] to suggest some common fundamental physics are at work. The lure of uncovering the basic physics of glass transition has led many scientists from various disciplines to join in the research. Many modern experimental techniques have been applied to study glass transition in more previously known and newly discovered glass-formers. The explosive increase of research activities has significantly expanded the data and enriched the phenomenology. More anomalous observed properties of the dynamics of glass transition found [2] make the task even more challenging, and helpful in guiding us eventually to a truly satisfactory understanding of glass transition. Here I stress the importance of being constantly aware of all the established experimental facts and particularly the anomalous properties, in any attempt to construct theory or explanation of glass transition. It is a much easier task to construct a theory of glass transition if only a subset of the experimental facts and anomalous properties are considered. Certainly this is a reasonable and good start, but the theory is unsatisfactory for one of the following reasons. (1) At the very least, the task is incomplete if the theory does not address or has not addressed the other remaining anomalous properties. (2) The theory is limited in scope because it does not have any prediction to address them. (3) The theory can be brought to address them but unfortunately the predictions contradict them. The last
"Madam, methinks i see him living yet" (John Milton, 1644): predicting full recovery after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Doing and saying nothing are great powers but they should not be abused .—Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord, First Prince de Benevent ([1][1]) Management of patients presenting with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a perennially vexing problem because no categorical predictors of
The Inability of Prostate Specific Antigen Index to Enhance the Predictive Value of Prostate Specific Antigen in the Diagnosis of Prostatic Carcinoma

AbstractThe prostate specific antigen (PSA) level has become an important but imperfect means of detecting prostatic carcinoma. PSA index (serum PSA normalized to estimated gland volume) has been suggested to improve the performance characteristics of PSA alone. In an attempt to confirm this observation, we compared serum PSA alone to the PSA index in 218 men undergoing systematic random prostatic needle biopsy. Total gland PSA index as well as nontransition zone PSA index were calculated using several constants for the estimated contribution to the serum PSA from the transition zone. The Mann-Whitney nonparametric analysis was performed to account for differences in variances within the data set.For the patient population as a whole, all methods of testing were approximately equivalent in the ability to provide a statistically significant (p <0.01) stratification between patients with benign and malignant biopsies. In patients with a serum PSA level of 4.1 to 10.0ng./ml. none of the tests was able to dis...
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Esters. Development of an Efficient Catalyst and Processes for Synthesising (R)-1,2-Propanediol and 2-(l-Menthoxy)ethanol

A ruthenium catalyst for the reduction of esters by hydrogenation has been developed. Processes for the hydrogenation of esters have also been developed for (R)-1,2-propanediol and 2-(l-menthoxy)ethanol. The catalyst shows good catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of esters in methanol. Methyl lactate was reduced at 30 °C and gave turnover numbers (TON) up to 4000. The optical purity of the (R)-1,2-propanediol made by the hydrogenation of methyl (R)-lactate was higher than that via the asymmetric hydrogenation of hydroxyacetone. A hydrogenation process to replace the lithium aluminum hydride (LAH) reduction used in the production of 2-(l-menthoxy)ethanol was developed.
Computational Models for Multicomponent Diffusion in Polymeric Materials

Situations where a polymeric material is exposed to a solvent mixture so that the different components within the mixture can diffuse into the polymer are common both in industrial applications and in biological processes. Often one of the components is taken up preferentially and its presence affects the diffusion properties of the remaining components. The problem of accounting for processes of this type has not been dealt with in a systematic way. This may in part be due to the difficulty of characterizing experimentally the separate diffusion behavior of the various components: data of this kind are now becoming available for simple binary mixtures. In order to model this class of problems, a lattice model involving a polymer matrix (M) and two diffusing components (A and B) has been introduced. The Monte Carlo evolution of the system has been examined for different values of the local A-M, B-M and A-B interactions. These results shed light on the microscopic origin of selective uptake.
Turbulent pressure signature reduction using turbulent boundary layer suction control

Turbulent boundary layers exert a dynamic pressure signal on nearby surfaces which can adversely effect the performance of engineering systems. These pressure fluctuations contain a broad spectrum of scales that convect downstream at different speeds. The concept of removing energy from the large scale structures by the use of boundary layer suction is experimentally investigated at Reynolds numbers based on the momentum thickness ranging from 2000 to 4000. The characteristic scales and pressure signatures of turbulence in the boundary layer are analyzed before and after the application of suction. Fourier analysis shows that the peak energy containing region of the turbulent pressure spectrum collapses via outer scaling variables. The mean convective speed of coherent velocity structures in the boundary layer are shown to be 75% of the free stream velocity. The power spectral densities of control cases are presented in a noise scaling to show the reduction of the turbulent pressure signatures resulting from low boundary layer suction intensitites. Finally, the RMS pressure reduction of the largest energy containing structures is calculated to be as high as 50% at low suction intensities.
Research Issues to Forward a Policy Agenda in Support of Family–School Partnerships

Opportunities exist at the intersection of research and policy to advance evidence-based practices that have been identified by family–school partnership scholars to promote healthy well-being in children and families. Policy makers and researchers can work collaboratively to incorporate existing research evidence into large-scale, population-based policy efforts intended to support child and family well-being. Using an iterative approach, they can also work jointly to inform a policy-relevant research agenda related to family–school partnerships. The purpose of this chapter is to describe how researchers might interface with various individuals in the policy arena to affect change at a broad population level. This chapter (a) describes knowledge utilization by decision makers; (b) suggests an approach for developing a research agenda; (c) identifies elements of research that are relevant for influencing and informing policy; and (d) suggests mechanisms for sharing research results and engaging with the policy community. Additionally, the multiple roles available to family–school partnership researchers should they wish to engage in the policy arena are described.
Interventions in Complex Congenital Heart Disease: The Exciting Potential of Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The electrocardiogram (ECG) and fluoroscopy were essential in the development of pediatric cardiology as a subspecialty by providing a means to study congenital heart disease. Surgical repair for congenital heart disease was first performed by Robert Gross in 1938 to ligate a patent ductus [(1)][1
Linear Partial Differential Equations

In this chapter, more PDE models are solved using separation of variables. These are the wave, Laplace and heat/diffusion equations. MatLab codes are then implemented for all these models.
Extra–central nervous system target for assessment and treatment in refractory anti–N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis

Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate-type glutamate receptor autoimmune encephalitis can arise in the setting of ovarian teratoma and often responds to resection. When it occurs in the absence of tumor, failure to respond to treatment may be more likely, and affected patients often require intensive care. To further understand the mechanisms and potential management, we present findings from an autopsy conducted on a young woman who died of refractory autoimmune encephalitis of this type. Rituximab was administered 70 days before death, and both 37 and 14 days before death, CD19+ lymphocytes were only 0.1% of blood cells. Ten sessions of plasmapheresis were performed after rituximab treatment. Nonetheless, the autoantibodies were present in serum 4 days before death, demonstrating ongoing antibody production. The hippocampus and medial temporal lobe demonstrated inflammation with T cell and prominent microglial involvement, but no plasma cells or plasmablasts were found there, or anywhere in the brain, despite an extensive search. Examination of lymph node tissue identified many plasma cells along sinusoids. These findings demonstrate that the antibody-producing cells are long-lived and can reside in lymphoid tissue. Awareness of continuing antibody production, the extra-central nervous system site, the indication for cytotoxic therapy, and the potential for biopsy assessment may lead to more effective treatment.
Switching and Memory Effects in Thin Amorphous Chalcogenide Films — Thermophonic Studies

We review the behavior of amorphous chalcogenide switching and memory devices, with emphasis on an experiment that measures the acoustic response of a thermophonic cell enclosing an electrically pulsed device. Here the response of the cell is measured simultaneously with the current and voltage versus time profiles. The results clearly demonstrate the fundamentally electronic nature of the switching transition, surprisingly even in thick films. Further, the results concur with a model where the sample heats during the delay time; the heating causes the fields to rearrange and a critical value is reached near an electrode, whereby a carrier generation process is encouraged.
An Introduction to Womanist Biblical Interpretation

An Introduction to Womanist Biblical Interpretation functions as a primer to the role of womanism within the sub-discipline of African American biblical hermeneutics. From the perspective of a trai...
Comments on “covariance-invariant digital filtering—a better digital processing technique for ground motion studies,” by J. E. Ehrenberg and E. N. Hernandez

Ehrenberg and Hernandez (1981) have presented a novel recursive digital algorithm for computing the relative displacement of a single degree-of-freedom linear oscillator subjected to a digitized ground motion record. Their stated aim is to achieve an accurate and numerically efficient algorithm which will allow the displacement response spectrum at several oscillator frequencies to be computed in real time by a microprocessor system. They compare their algorithm, the "covariance-invariant filter" with the "bilinear z filter" proposed by Stagner and Hart (1970), and show that the new algorithm gives better accuracy for a given ratio fs/fn, where fs and fn are the sample and oscillator frequencies, respectively, and that the improvement in relative accuracy becomes greater as f~/fn is decreased. Alternatively, for a given accuracy and oscillator frequency, the ground motion can be sampled at a lower rate for their algorithm, thereby ensuring it is more efficient computationally than the bilinear z filter.
Erosion of Steep River Banks and Time Evolution Towards Equilibrium Channel Shape

A numerical analysis of the time evolution of straight river channels is presented. The bed and bank, material is taken to be coarse, non-cohesive and uniform in size. As a result of the interaction of the flow and the bed, the cross-sectional shape of the river evolves in time toward a dynamic equilibrium shape. This equilibrium is characterized by constant width, vanishing sediment transport in the transverse direction, and small but non-vanishing streamwise transport rate of bed sediment. The model successfully describes the time relaxation of an initially trapezoidal channel toward the equilibrium shape, as evidenced by comparison with experimental data.
The Effect of Filtered Speech on Speaker Height and Weight Identification.

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relative importance of portions of the broadband speech spectrum in speaker height and weight identification in an attempt to provide more evidence on the specific acoustic cues that function in such identification tasks. A total of 30 speakers, 15 females and 15 males, recorded a standard prose passage. Three master tapes were constructed from these recordings, representing the three experimental conditions in the study: unfiltered, 255 Hz low-pass filtered, and 255 Hz high-pass filtered tapes. A total of 30 judges participated in three sessions, one for each of the three master tapes. In each session they were asked to make direct estimations of the height and weight of each speaker as well as to indicate the overall confidence for their height and weight judgments at the end of each session by means of a seven-point confidence rating scale. The order of presentation of the tapes was counterbalanced so that six orders were used, with five judges assigned to each of the six order groups, Results indicate that speaker height and weight identification accuracy is not significantly affected by filtering of the speech signal. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Abstract 322: Incubation With Histone Deacetylases 3 and 4 or p300/CREB Binding Protein Associated Factor Does Not Significantly Alter Cardiac Sarcomere Function

Recent studies have suggested that treatment of skinned cardiac trabeculae with a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor increases calcium sensitivity, measured as the calcium required for half maximal force development (pCa50). The proposed mechanism is the acetylation of sarcomeric proteins by an endogenous histone acetyl transferase, p300/CREB binding protein associated factor (pCAF). As a test of this proposed mechanism, we treated skinned cardiac myocytes from 8 rat left ventricles (LV) with supra-physiological concentrations of pCAF, with Acetyl COA as an acetyl group donor, and supra-physiological concentrations of constitutively active forms of HDACs 3 and 4, and examined the force-calcium relation. Myocytes were prepared from frozen rat LV samples by gentle homogenization in rigor solution (mM: 50 Tris, 1 EGTA, 100 KCl, 2 MgCl2, 2 DTT and a protease inhibitor cocktail) containing 0.1% Triton X-100. The myocyte homogenates were washed and resuspended in relaxing solution (mM: 5 MgATP, 10 Creatine phosphate, 40 K-Propionate and 10-6 Ca-EGTA) divided into four 300 µl aliquots, One was an untreated control and three were treated with either i) HDAC3/Ncor or HDAC4 , ii) pCAF + 1mM Acetyl CoA, or ii) 1mM Acetyl CoA. Force-calcium relationships were determined in mixtures of relaxing and activating solution (mM: 5 MgATP, 10 Creatine phosphate, 0.5 K-Propionate, 10-1.5 Ca-EGTA) to give 6 calcium concentrations between 10-9 and 10-3.5 mM. While HDAC 3 or 4 treatment tended to decrease calcium sensitivity, and pCAF+Acetyl COA, and Acetyl COA alone, tended to increase calcium sensitivity compared to controls, we found no statistically significant effects of HDAC3 or 4, or pCAF on the calcium sensitivity, maximum developed force or co-operativity of the myocytes (ANOVA, n=8, P
Correction: Films of bacteria at interfaces: three stages of behaviour.

Correction for ‘Films of bacteria at interfaces: three stages of behaviour’ by Liana Vaccari et al., Soft Matter, 2015, 11, 6062–6074.
Data-Driven method for assessing skill-opportunity recognition in open procedural problem solving environments

Our research goal is to use data-driven methods to generate the basic functionalities of intelligent tutoring systems. In open procedural problem solving environments, the tutor gives users a goal with little to no restrictions on how to reach it. Knowledge components refer to not only skill application, but also applicable skill-opportunity recognition. Syntax and logic errors further confound the results with ambiguity in error detection. In this work, we present a domain independent method of assessing skill-opportunity recognition. The results of this method can be used to provide automatic feedback to users as well as to assess users problem solving abilities.
Reflexes, Rhythms, and Posture

One important function of sensory input to the CNS is to rapidly trigger relatively stereotyped movements designed to maintain posture or avoid injury. As we shall see, the proper spatial and temporal coordination of agonist and antagonist muscle contractions leading to reflex movements is encoded by synaptic circuits contained entirely within the spinal cord and brain stem. Although these lower circuits are activated by sensory input, they are also under the influence of descending axons from the brain. In fact, most reflexes depend for their full execution on contributions from brain stem structures. In such long-loop reflexes, the sensory data are conveyed to the brain stem and processed to generate the appropriate motor signals, which are then sent back down to the lower motor apparatuses to augment the excitation and inhibition of motoneurons.
Intelligence: Defined as Neurocognitive Processing

Although several definitions of intelligence have been set forth for over a century, the definition of intelligence as a constellation of neurocognitive processes such as Planning, Attention, Simultaneous and Successive processes is unique and theory driven. There is a growing need for neurocognitive measures to evaluate and explain function, to facilitate prognosis, and most importantly guide intervention. Luria’s PASS theory offers a blueprint for defining the basic neurocognitive processes underlying human performance, behavior and intelligence. Appreciation and application of this processing model as a framework for assessment is an essential tool necessary to not only understand children’s learning and behavior, but to guide and develop effective intervention.
The use of a Higher Order Basis in Computational Electromagnetics

The objective of this short course is to illustrate the basic principles of a higher order basis in computational electromagnetics. The basic principles will be illustrated through its application in the solution of integral equations and in finite elements. Basically use of a higher order basis not only provides the continuity of the current but also of the charge in an integral equation setting. This results in partial elimination of the breakdown at very low frequency. Also, the number of unknowns to approximate a given problem is dramatically reduced. In addition, the defect at an internal resonant frequency in the analysis of a closed body is highly localized without seriously affecting the solution and therefore one can use an EFIE formulation rather than a CFIE. Typically, for a higher order basis, only 10�20 unknowns per wavelength squared of surface area are needed, leading to a reduction of an order of the magnitude of the size of the impedance matrix that needs to be solved. Hence, problems using the subsectional basis that require a supercomputer to solve can easily be solved on a laptop computer. Also, electrically large problems can easily be handled using modest computer resources, whereas the same problems cannot be solved on large computers using the sub sectional basis because the matrix sizes will be extremely large! For example, if one wishes to analyze a metallic cube with each dimension of four times the wavelength, using 10 subsections per wavelength in a piecewise sub sectional basis will lead to a total of approximately 57,600 unknowns, whereas with the higher order basis, it will use approximately 2700 unknowns and the total solution time on a laptop PC will be less than a minute! When applying this methodology to the finite element method it will be seen that similar improvement is not only achieved in the computational procedures but also the rate of convergence is highly accelerated. Many other interesting and salient features of the higher order basis are also discussed in this presentation.
Variable Resolution Dynamical Cores with Full Physics

Abstract : The long-term goal of this project is to maintain the leading edge of the Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models by improving the existing US Navy mesoscale atmospheric forecast model, the Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS 1) and, at the same time continue developing the next generation model with an ability for prediction across spatial and temporal scales. There are two main objectives, one for each target. First, to continue development of the next generation model, the Spectral Element (SE) model, built on the Element Based Galerkin (EBG) method and evaluate detailed simulations in two-dimensions (2D) and preliminary tests in three dimensions (3D). The primary focus is on adding physical parameterizations, with some effort directed toward the model infrastructure. Second, to improve the current generation version of COAMPS by implementing a recently developed implicit damping in the top sponge layer for stability purposes. The overarching objective is to develop a dynamical core suitable for the unified approach in support of NWP.
Gain and Phase Margin-Based Design for Continuous-Time Plants

In this chapter, we introduce an approach to the robust design of PID controllers for continuous-time plants based on gain and phase margin specifications. This design is based on a simple parametrization of constant magnitude and constant phase loci of the PID controller. This parametrization produces ellipses and straight lines for first-order and PI controllers and cylinder and plane for PID controllers. These geometric figures are computed by considering a prescribed but arbitrary gain crossover frequency and prescribed but arbitrary phase margin for the closed-loop system with the given plant. These graphical representations enable the retrieval of PI, PID, and first-order controller designs with simultaneous specifications on gain and phase margins.
Guest Editorial TDMR IIRW Special Section

The IEEE International Integrated Reliability Workshop (IIRW) is a unique event that takes place every year at the beautiful Fallen Leaf Lake, Tahoe, CA, USA. This workshop brings together reliability engineers and researchers from around the world, to exchange ideas over four days in a relaxed, friendly, and informal environment. The workshop focuses on the recent advances in research concerning semiconductor device reliability and its different challenges. Topics include transistor reliability [time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB), bias temperature instability (BTI), hot carrier (HC)], electromigration, chip-to-package interactions, emerging memory reliability, and many others. In 2018, IIRW hosted the inaugural Reliability Experts Forum where dozens of reliability experts around the world gathered in a day-long discussion to debate about the different reliability challenges facing advanced field-effect transistors (FETs). The first panel discussion focused on HC degradation. Moderated by Stanislav Tyaginov from imec, the HC discussion was initiated by Dr. Stew Rauch, presenting the energy-driven framework to explain hot carrier degradation. Next, Dr. Jen-Hao Lee presented an overview of HC degradation and self-heating challenges in advanced FinFETs, followed by Dr. Miaomiao Wang who presented HC effects in advanced CMOS devices 5 nm and beyond. Finally, Dr. Chetan Prasad from Intel presented some future areas of focus for HC degradation. The second panel was moderated by Prof. Luca Larcher and focused on TDDB. This discussion was started by Dr. Joe McPherson, who presented the field-driven electrochemical model, which was followed by Dr. Ernest Wu and a presentation of the energy-driven TDDB model and the clustering model. Dr. Chetan Prasad then presented an overview of TDDB in high-k advanced technology nodes. This panel also included Prof. Alex Shluger who presented an atomic level description of the defects and their generation process as it related to TDDB. Lastly, Prof. Kin Leong Pey presented his innovative work in physical characterization of dielectric breakdown. The last panel discussion focused on BTI and was moderated Dr. Jason Campbell. The discussion started with Dr. James Stathis, who introduced the topic and the various physics models that aim to explain BTI. Next, the reaction-diffusion based framework and BAT tool were presented by Prof. Souvik Mahapatra. Then, Prof. Tibor Grasser presented the defect centric framework followed by a detailed discussion of the two frameworks and their implications. Dr. Gennadi Bersuker then discussed the role of electron trapping/detrapping in BTI. Finally, Dr. Tanya Nigam talked about BTI from a circuit perspective, where she showed that no frequency dependence has been observed up to multiple Gigahertz of frequency. All three panel discussions simulated great discussions with the audience and brought up the points of consensus and differences in every topic, which helped provide many clarifications to different concepts.
Penile Prosthesis Implantation in an Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex Patient: A Case Report.

Abstract Penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) is a definitive treatment option for patients with medically refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). It is a safe, reliable operation with high patient satisfaction and few complications. We report a novel case of an adult patient with exstrophy-epispadias complex who underwent PPI for ED and discuss the surgical challenges presented by the unique anatomic constraints of this condition. Sotimehin AE, Burnett AL. Penile Prosthesis Implantation in an Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex Patient: A Case Report. Sex Med 2019;7:540–542.
SearcHD: A Memory-Centric Hyperdimensional Computing With Stochastic Training

Brain-inspired hyperdimensional (HD) computing emulates cognitive tasks by computing with long binary vectors—also know as hypervectors—as opposed to computing with numbers. However, we observed that in order to provide acceptable classification accuracy on practical applications, HD algorithms need to be trained and tested on nonbinary hypervectors. In this article, we propose SearcHD, a fully binarized HD computing algorithm with a fully binary training. SearcHD maps every data points to a high-dimensional space with binary elements. Instead of training an HD model with nonbinary elements, SearcHD implements a full binary training method which generates multiple binary hypervectors for each class. We also use the analog characteristic of nonvolatile memories (NVMs) to perform all encoding, training, and inference computations in memory. We evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of SearcHD on a wide range of classification applications. Our evaluation shows that SearcHD can provide on average $31.1\times $ higher energy efficiency and $12.8\times $ faster training as compared to the state-of-the-art HD computing algorithms.
Remodeling of Crossbridges Controls Peptidoglycan Cross-linking Levels in Bacterial Cell Walls

Cell walls are barriers found in almost all known bacterial cells. These structures establish a controlled interface between the external environment and vital cellular components. A primary component of cell wall is a highly crosslinked matrix called peptidoglycan (PG). PG cross-linking, carried out by transglycosylases and transpeptidases, is necessary for proper cell wall assembly. Transpeptidases, targets of b-lactam antibiotics, stitch together two neighboring PG stem peptides (acyl-donor and acyl-acceptor strands). We recently described a novel class of cellular PG probes that were processed exclusively as acyl-donor strands. Herein, we have accessed the other half of the transpeptidase reaction by developing probes that are processed exclusively as acyl-acceptor strands. The critical nature of the crossbridge on the PG pep-tide was demonstrated in live bacterial cells and surprising promiscuity in crossbridge primary sequence was found in various bacterial species. Additionally, acyl-acceptor probes provided insight into how chemical remodeling of the PG crossbridge (e.g., amidation) can modulate cross-linking levels, thus establishing a physiological role of PG structural variations. Together, the acyl-donor and -acceptor probes will provide a versatile platform to interrogate PG crosslinking in physiologically relevant settings.
Is multiphase gas cloudy or misty

Cold $T \sim 10^{4}$K gas morphology could span a spectrum ranging from large discrete clouds to a fine `mist' in a hot medium. This has myriad implications, including dynamics and survival, radiative transfer, and resolution requirements for cosmological simulations. Here, we use 3D hydrodynamic simulations to study the pressure-driven fragmentation of cooling gas. This is a complex, multi-stage process, with an initial Rayleigh-Taylor unstable contraction phase which seeds perturbations, followed by a rapid, violent expansion leading to the dispersion of small cold gas `droplets' in the vicinity of the gas cloud. Finally, due to turbulent motions, and cooling, these droplets may coagulate. Our results show that a gas cloud `shatters' if it is sufficiently perturbed out of pressure balance ($\delta P/P\sim 1$), and has a large final overdensity $\chi_{\mathrm{f}}\gtrsim 300$, with only a weak dependence on the cloud size. Otherwise, the droplets reassemble back into larger pieces. We discuss our results in the context of thermal instability, and clouds embedded in a shock heated environment.
Evaluating the educational effectiveness of an 8-week patient management course for surgical interns: A nine-year analysis.

Abstract Introduction Our general surgery program mandates an 8-week “intern school” (IS) for matriculating surgery interns. The course consists of a pre-test, didactics, and a post-test. We hypothesized IS exam performance would correlate with American Board of Surgery In Training Examination (ABSITE) scores.∖ Methods This was a retrospective analysis of IS pre- and post-tests and ABSITE scores for all OHSU surgery interns from 2010 to 2018. McNemar’s, chi-square, and Pearson tests were calculated. Results The pre and post-test pass rate for 293 interns was 26% vs. 86% (p Discussion IS improves exam performance, but IS test scores do not correlate with ABSITE scores, and the program is not a means to identify interns at risk of poor ABSITE performance.
Bradyzoite and sexual stage development

Abstract Advances in our understanding of bradyzoite biology, the regulation of the tachyzoite to bradyzoite transition, and the programs driving differentiation have been facilitated by the identification of markers and the application of genetic approaches and imaging-based tools to this asexual life cycle stage involved in chronic infection. While originally thought to be static, evidence has accumulated that cysts are dynamic structures and that bradyzoites within cysts are heterogeneous. The formation of the cyst wall is an early event in differentiation, and its composition is now being elucidated. Significant advances in our understanding of the sexual cycle have also occurred, resulting in the development of both cell culture and murine systems that recapitulate the sexual cycle. This advance addresses a major bottleneck for investigations and has opened the gates to a broader dissection of the sexual life cycle stages.
Measurements of Localization and Photonic Band Gap Systems in Two-Dimensions

We report the results of experimental investigations of two dimensional periodic and random scattering systems. The systems consist of arrays of dielectric cylindrical scatterers bounded on top and bottom by conducting sheets. We present the results of measurements made on defect modes created by removing part or all of a scatterer from an otherwise perfect lattice. We also present a series of measurements made on localized modes created by randomly removing an increasing number of scatterers. Discussion of applications for photonic band gap structures is included.
Inferential comprehension differences between narrative and expository texts: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Inferential comprehension is necessary to connect ideas in a text together in a meaningful manner. There have been multiple studies on inferential comprehension involving texts of different genres (narrative and expository), but not a coherent overview of the findings of inferential comprehension by genre. The purpose of this study is to provide a coherent overview by conducting a meta-analysis of the findings of inferential comprehension by genre. A systematic review of the literature yielded 18 reports with 19 independent studies involving 1714 participants in which inferential comprehension was compared by genre. Based on robust variance estimation, scores on measures of inferential comprehension were higher for narrative texts than expository texts (g = .36, p = .02). This effect did not vary depending on whether inferential comprehension was assessed during or after reading, whether the texts for each genre were matched for readability, whether the reader was an adult or child, and whether the inference connected different ideas in the text (text connecting) or the text to background knowledge (knowledge based). Potential explanations of genre differences in inferential comprehension and future directions for research are discussed.