cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving student performance using automated testing of simulated digital logic circuits

JLSCircuitTester helps automate the testing and grading of circuits built using digital logic simulators. With many simulators, the testing and grading of circuits is tedious and time consuming enough that students do not test their circuits thoroughly. JLSCircuitTester addresses this problem by simplifying the means by which users specify sets of input and expected output values. In addition, it automatically verifies that the circuit under test produces the correct output. The projects submitted during the pilot semester contained approximately half as many errors as the previous semester's projects. The automatic evaluation has also simplified the grading of those projects.
The Internship Supply and Demand Issue: Graduate Student's Perspective

James A. Haley Veterans Affairs Hospital, Tampa, FloridaThe increasing gap between the number of internship applicants and the number ofstudents applying for internship is of great concern for psychology graduate studentsand the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS). APAGSsees this concern as multifaceted and has been involved in a variety of efforts to addressthis imbalance since the early 1990s. This article outlines in greater detail APAGSview of the internship supply and demand concern, how this problem affects students,and how APAGS has worked to address the issue. It also presents APAGS recommen-dations for advancing psychologys collective efforts to address this concern.Keywords:
Exercise and gene expression: physiological regulation of the human genome through physical activity

The current human genome was moulded and refined through generations of time. We propose that the basic framework for physiologic gene regulation was selected during an era of obligatory physical activity, as the survival of our Late Palaeolithic (50 000–10 000 BC) ancestors depended on hunting and gathering. A sedentary lifestyle in such an environment probably meant elimination of that individual organism. The phenotype of the present day Homo sapiens genome is much different from that of our ancient ancestors, primarily as a consequence of expressing evolutionarily programmed Late Palaeolithic genes in an environment that is predominantly sedentary. In this sense, our current genome is maladapted, resulting in abnormal gene expression, which in turn frequently manifests itself as clinically overt disease. We speculate that some of these genes still play a role in survival by causing premature death from chronic diseases produced by physical inactivity. We also contend that the current scientific evidence supports the notion that disruptions in cellular homeostasis are diminished in magnitude in physically active individuals compared with sedentary individuals due to the natural selection of gene expression that supports the physically active lifestyle displayed by our ancestors. We speculate that genes evolved with the expectation of requiring a certain threshold of physical activity for normal physiologic gene expression, and thus habitual exercise in sedentary cultures restores perturbed homeostatic mechanisms towards the normal physiological range of the Palaeolithic Homo sapiens. This hypothesis allows us to ask the question of whether normal physiological values change as a result of becoming sedentary. In summary, in sedentary cultures, daily physical activity normalizes gene expression towards patterns established to maintain the survival in the Late Palaeolithic era.
Petrogenesis of picritic mare magmas: Constraints on the extent of early lunar differentiation

Calculations of isobaric batch, polybaric batch, and polybaric fractional melting have been carried out on a variety of proposed lunar and terrestrial source region compositions. Results show that magmas with a generally tholeiitic character—plagioclase and high-Ca pyroxene crystallize before low-Ca pyroxene reflecting relatively high Al2O3 concentrations (>12 wt%)—are the inevitable consequence of anhydrous partial melting of source regions composed primarily of olivine and two pyroxenes with an aluminous phase on the solidus. Low-Al2O3 magmas (<10 wt%), as typified by the green picritic glasses in the lunar maria require deep (700–1000 km), low-Al2O3 source regions without an aluminous phase. The difference between primitive and depleted mantle beneath mid-ocean ridges amounts to less than 0.1 wt% Al2O3, whereas formation of the green glass source region requires a net loss of between 1.5 and 2.5 wt% Al2O3. Basalt extraction cannot account for fractionations of this magnitude. Accumulation of olivine and pyroxene at the base of a crystallizing magma ocean is, however, an effective method for producing the necessary Al2O3 depletions. Both olivine-rich and pyroxene-rich source regions can produce the picritic magmas, but mixing calculations show that both types of source region are likely to be hybrids consisting of an early- to intermediate-stage cumulate (olivine plus enstatite) and a later stage cumulate assemblage. Mass balance calculations show that refractory element-enriched bulk Moon compositions contain too much Al2O3 to allow for the deep low-Al2O3 source regions even after extraction of an Al2O3-rich (26–30 wt%) crust between 50 and 70 km thick.
Avellino Corneal Dystrophy: Clinical Manifestations and Natural History

Purpose: The pathologic features of a variant of granular corneal dystrophy has been described in which the presence of lattice changes in addition to characteristic granular lesions has been documented. The authors investigated the mode of inheritance, natural history, and clinical manifestations of this dystrophy. Methods: A family with this condition was investigated, and a pedigree was established. Family members underwent ophthalmic examination, and ophthalmic history was obtained. In addition, pathologic examination of corneal tissue from affected patients was performed. Results: Similar to the four previously described cases, this family also traced its origins to Avellino, Italy. This autosomal dominant condition affected 27 of 92 family members, ranging in age from 5 to 77 years. Granular deposits were the earliest and most common manifestations. Lattice lesions were present in some patients with granular lesions. Older patients had anterior stromal haze between deposits, which impaired visual acuity. Recurrent granular deposits were noted in donor corneal tissue after penetrating keratoplasty for this condition. Pathologic examination of corneal tissue from affected patients confirmed the presence of hyaline material seen in granular dystrophy as well as fusiform deposits of amyloid, similar to those seen in lattice dystrophy type I. Conclusion: This study establishes the natural history and clinical manifestations of this condition.
Relative biological effectiveness of radium and other alpha emitters in CF No. 1 female mice.

Summary1. Plutonium 239, polonium 210, uranium 233, and thorium 228 were 20 times as effective as radium 226 in killing 50% of a population of CF No. 1 female mice in 20 to 100 days after intravenous administration. At levels approaching those that produced no effect, polonium was 3 times as effective, plutonium was equally effective, and uranium 233 was slightly less effective than radium in decreasing the expectation of life. The ratios relative to radium of the proportion of mice that developed malignant bone tumors after the latent period were 7:1 for plutonium and 2:1 for uranium 232. Uranium 233 and polonium were less effective than radium in this instance. 2. On the basis of these criteria, the best present estimate of the relative biological effectiveness at near-tolerance levels in CF No. 1 female mice is 7 (plutonium 239):3? (polonium 210): 2, (uranium 232): 1 uranium 233): 1 (radium 226).
Varenicline attenuates some of the subjective and physiological effects of intravenous nicotine in humans

Rationale Varenicline, a partial nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, is approved for smoking cessation. A few preclinical studies examined the pharmacological effects of varenicline, alone or in combination with nicotine. How varenicline affects the pharmacological effects of pure nicotine has not been examined in humans. The goal of this study was to characterize varenicline’s actions on nicotine’s dose-dependent effects in abstinent smokers.
Dentists' attitudes and practices related to diabetes in the dental setting

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine general dentists' attitudes and practices related to patients with diabetes, a major public health issue with oral complications. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey of 265 randomly selected general dentists who were Delta Dental providers in California, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Results: Sixty-one percent of respondents believed that addressing diabetes was important to their role as a dentist, 86 percent advised patients with diabetes about periodontal risks, 18 percent provided diabetic-related services, 47 percent reported they knew how to assess for diabetes, and 42 percent felt well prepared to intervene with patients with diabetes. Adjusting for number of patients with diabetes and adult patients seen in the past month, dentists' formal training in diabetes assessment and management [odds ratio (OR) = 4.0, P = 0.000, confidence interval (CI) = 1.9, 8.5], and belief in the importance of their role as a dentist to intervene with patients with diabetes (OR = 1.6, P = 0.011, CI = 1.1, 2.3) were both significant factors in providing services for patients with diabetes. Similarly, dentists' formal training (OR = 3.0, P = 0.02, CI = 1.2, 7.3) and belief in the importance of their role (OR = 1.9, P = 0.00, CI = 1.3, 2.6) were both significant factors in advising patients with diabetes about periodontal risk associated with diabetes. Conclusions: Formal training and personal beliefs are important factors related to dentists' behavior toward patients with diabetes in the dental setting.
Recommendations for palliative and bereavement care in the NICU: a family-centered integrative approach

Technological advances have increased our ability to detect a life-threatening, life-limiting or lethal problem early in pregnancy, leaving parents months to anticipate a death or a prematurely born infant. Babies can also be born with unanticipated problems that could lead to death. In either scenario, perinatal palliative care should be offered as a strategy for family support. Since the preponderance of professional training focuses on saving lives, many health professionals are uncomfortable with palliative care. This article's purpose is to define best practices for the provision of family-centered perinatal and neonatal palliative care and provision of support to bereaved families experiencing anticipated and unanticipated life-limiting conditions or death of their infant. An overview of core concepts and values is presented, followed by intervention strategies to promote an integrated family-centered approach to palliative and bereavement care. The concluding section presents evidence-based recommendations.
Altered Appetite-Mediating Hormone Concentrations Precede Compensatory Overeating After Severe, Short-Term Energy Deprivation in Healthy Adults

BACKGROUND Adaptive responses of appetite-mediating hormones to negative energy balance are thought to contribute to a counterregulatory response that drives weight regain, but they have not been studied while controlling for reduced diet volume. OBJECTIVE In this secondary analysis, we aimed to determine the effects of short-term, severe energy deprivation (ED) on appetite and appetite-mediating hormone concentrations. METHODS Twenty-one adults with a mean ± SD age of 21 ± 3 y and body mass index of 25 ± 3 kg/m(2) consumed isovolumetric diets provided over separate 48-h periods while increasing habitual energy expenditure by 1683 ± 329 kcal/d through light- and moderate-intensity exercise. Energy intake was matched to energy expenditure to maintain energy balance (EB) (-44 ± 92 kcal/d) or was <10% of energy expenditure to generate a -3696 ± 742-kcal/d energy deficit. Postprandial appetite, glucose, insulin, acyl ghrelin, peptide YY, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) responses and ad libitum energy intake were measured as secondary outcomes after both experimental periods. RESULTS Fasting insulin (-56% ± 42%) and acyl ghrelin (-60% ± 17%) concentrations decreased during ED but not during EB (condition-by-time interaction; P-interaction ≤ 0.01), whereas fasting leptin concentrations decreased more during ED compared with during EB (-47% ± 27% compared with -20% ± 27%; P-interaction = 0.05). Postprandial insulin (57% ± 63%; P < 0.001), GLP-1 (14% ± 28%; P = 0.04), and PP (54% ± 52%; P < 0.001) areas under the curve (AUCs) were higher, whereas the acyl ghrelin AUC was lower (-56% ± 13%; P < 0.001) after ED compared with after EB. After ED, self-rated appetite was greater, and ad libitum energy intake was 811 kcal/36 h (95% CI: 184, 1439 kcal/36 h) higher relative to after EB (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Short-term, severe ED suppressed acyl ghrelin concentrations and increased postprandial anorexigenic hormone concentrations. These effects preceded compensatory overeating, suggesting that in adults without obesity, altered sensitivity to appetite-mediating hormones may contribute to an adaptive counterregulatory response during the initial stages of negative EB. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01603550.
Online Learning for Inexact Hypergraph Search

Online learning algorithms like the perceptron are widely used for structured prediction tasks. For sequential search problems, like left-to-right tagging and parsing, beam search has been successfully combined with perceptron variants that accommodate search errors (Collins and Roark, 2004; Huang et al., 2012). However, perceptron training with inexact search is less studied for bottom-up parsing and, more generally, inference over hypergraphs. In this paper, we generalize the violation-fixing perceptron of Huang et al. (2012) to hypergraphs and apply it to the cube-pruning parser of Zhang and McDonald (2012). This results in the highest reported scores on WSJ evaluation set (UAS 93.50% and LAS 92.41% respectively) without the aid of additional resources.
Combining Prophylactic Oophorectomy with Mastectomy Does Not Adversely Affect Surgical Outcomes: Results from the NSQIP Database

METHODS: We retrospectively compared consecutive patients (n1⁄4159) at a single center who underwent mandibulectomy reconstruction with free fibula flaps, for whom CAD/CAM+CTA (n1⁄438), CTA-only (n1⁄464), or neither technology (n1⁄457) were used over a 7-year period (2008 to 2015). We used logistic regression analysis to identify potential associations between patient and reconstructive factors and postoperative outcomes.
{Bis[5-methyl-3-(trifluoro-meth-yl)pyrazol-1-yl]borato}{tris-[5-methyl-3-(trifluoro-meth-yl)pyrazol-1-yl]borato}cobalt(II): a structure containing a B-H⋯Co agostic inter-action.

The title compound, [Co(C10H10BF6N4)(C15H13BF9N6)], is a neutral CoII complex which contains one each of the anionic ligands, bis­(3-trifluoro­methyl-5-methyl­pyrazol-1-yl)borate (Bp) and tris­(3-trifluoro­methyl-5-methyl­pyrazol-1-yl)borate (Tp). A distorted octa­hedral coordination geometry results from ligation of an H atom, which is part of an agostic B—H⋯Co inter­action (H⋯Co = 2.17 A), and by five imine N atoms, two from a Bp ligand and three from a Tp ligand. In the crystal, mol­ecules form layers parallel to the (10\overline{1}) planes, and the layers are linked along the a axis by C—H⋯F hydrogen bonds. An intra­molecular C—H⋯F inter­action also occurs.
Class Counts: The transformation of the American class structure, 1960–1990

Two opposed images have dominated discussions of the transformation of class structures in developed capitalist societies. The first of these is associated with the idea that contemporary technological changes are producing a massive transformation of social and economic structures that are moving us towards what is variously called a “post-industrial society” (Bell 1973), a “programmed society” (Touraine 1971), a “service society” (Singelmann 1978; Fuchs 1968) or some similar designation. The second image, rooted in classical Marxist visions of social change, argues that in spite of these transformations of the “forces of production,” we remain a capitalist society and the changes in that class structure thus continue to be driven by the fundamental “laws of motion” of capitalism. The post-industrial scenario of social change generally envisions the class structure becoming increasingly less proletarianized, requiring higher and higher proportions of workers with technical expertise and demanding less mindless routine and more responsibility and knowledge. For some of these theorists, the central process underwriting this tendency is the shift from an economy centered on industrial production to one based on services. Other theorists have placed greater stress on the emancipatory effects of the technical–scientific revolution within material production itself. In either case the result is a trajectory of changes that undermines the material basis of alienation within production by giving employees progressively greater control over their conditions of work and freedom within work.
Bayesian Interpretations of Regularization for Models with Many Predictors: An Introduction for Management Researchers

This manuscript provides a tutorial for management researchers on modern methods of regularization. Regularization methods are tools to help researchers avoid overestimating the coefficients of individual predictor variables in multiple regression, especially in high-dimensional problems. Such methods introduce some bias into estimates, at greatly reduced variance: regularized models will typically fit somewhat worse in-sample but will generalize better than unregularized models out-of-sample. These regularization techniques can be implemented using a classical, Frequentist methods, but have natural implementations using a hierarchical Bayesian approach. We provide the Bayesian interpretation of the most common Frequentist regularization techniques, the ridge and the lasso. We describe the theory in elementary terms, and provide worked examples to demonstrate how regularized estimates can be obtained using the freely available R statistical computing environment and JAGS Bayesian analysis engine.
Citrate Ions Enhance Taste Responses to Amino Acids in the Largemouth Bass

Citrate ions enhance taste responses to amino acids in the largemouth bass. The glossopharyngeal (IX) taste system of the largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, is highly selective to amino acids ...
Influence of Sow Milk Flavor on Feeding Behavior and Feed Intake of Weaner Piglets

Four weaner piglets were used in a 4-day experiment to investigate the effects of dietary milk flavor on feeding behavior and feed consumption of weaner piglets by free-choice method.The four pigs were fed in the same pen with four feeders,two feeders for test diet with flavor at 400 mg/kg while two feeders for control diet with no flavor.Each day the places of the feeders were exchanged.Each piglet was considered as a replicate.Feed intake was recorded each day and feeding behavior was recorded for 96 h continuously by monitoring camera.Results showed that sow milk flavor significantly increased the average daily intake frequency by 19.5%(P0.01),intake time by 9.6%(P0.05) and average feed intake per second by 9.5%(P0.05),respectively,compared with the control diet.The feed intake and intake time per visit were lower than those of the control group(P0.05).Compared with the control diet,the average daily feed intake of the test diet was increased by 18.1%(P0.05).The results indicate that the sow milk flavor could increase feed intake by increasing the average daily intake frequency,intake time and intake speed.
Ability of implants of polymer-entrapped antiprogesterone antiserum to absorb and deplete progesterone from serum of the pregnant rat

A highly specific antiprogesterone antiserum (APA) produced by immunization of sheep with an 11 α -hydroxyprogesterone hemisuccinate-thyroglobulin conjugate was purified, and the IgG fraction was entrapped within a polysiloxane matrix. The matrix immobilized APA but allowed penetration and binding of progesterone (P) to the APA. In this entrapped form APA implanted intraperitoneally in rats on the tenth day of pregnancy resulted in a decline in serum P from 50 to 12ng/ml within 12hours and to less than 2ng/ml within 36hours. Free serum P measured by equilibrium dialysis fell to less than 02ng/ml at 36hours. Concomitant with the decline in serum P was a rise in both serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and eventual fetal resorption.
Cerebellar Ataxia with Celiac Disease

A case of clinical and electrophysiologic improvement following a gluten-free diet in a 34-year-old man with a 7-year history of slowly progressive ataxia is reported from the University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy.
Pre-Emancipation archaeology: Does it play in Selma, Alabama?

This paper is a first-person narrative of one archaeologist’s struggle to achieve public participation in the archaeology of pre-emancipation Alabama. This account details the difficulties of working in a polarized community, famous both for its plantation past and its 20th-century racial strife. Successful participation by local African Americans was only possible after the archaeologist’s academic interest in slavery took a back seat to the needs of the community. Ten years of failures and some successes are summarized. Concluding remarks outline the lessons learned.
Design and simulation of a graphene DEPFET detector

Graphene field effect transistors (GFETs) fabricated on undoped semiconductor substrates have shown promise for sensing ionizing radiation with a potential of high sensitivity, low noise, low power, and room temperature operation. Radiation detection with GFET is based on the high sensitivity of graphene resistivity on local electric field perturbations caused by ionized charges generated in an electrically biased radiation absorbing semiconductor substrate. Those charges are drifted to the neighborhood of graphene by the gate voltage applied across the detector. GFET radiation sensors can be fabricated on a variety of substrates, exploiting their distinct material properties, to address different application regimes. The current simple GFETs lack the functionality of efficiently removing ionized charges accumulated underneath graphene after signal readout, which results in a slow response to irradiation cut-off and therefore compromises the ability to operate in the pulse mode. In order to overcome this limitation, we propose here a more advanced device architecture, namely, graphene DEPFET.
Advanced Simulation and Computing Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Implementation Plan, Revision 0

The Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP) is a single, highly integrated technical program for maintaining the surety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile. The SSP uses past nuclear test data along with current and future non-nuclear test data, computational modeling and simulation, and experimental facilities to advance understanding of nuclear weapons. It includes stockpile surveillance, experimental research, development and engineering (DE to quantify critical margins and uncertainties (QMU); and to resolve increasingly difficult analyses needed for the SSP. Moreover, ASC has restructured its business model from one that was very successful in delivering an initial capability to one that is integrated and focused on requirements-driven products that address long-standing technical questions related to enhanced predictive capability in the simulation tools. ASC must continue to meet three objectives: Objective 1 - Robust Tools. Develop robust models, codes, and computational techniques to support stockpile needs such as refurbishments, SFIs, LEPs, annual assessments, and evolving future requirements. Objective 2 - Prediction through Simulation. Deliver validated physics and engineering tools to enable simulations of nuclear weapons performance in a variety of operational environments and physical regimes and to enable risk-informed decisions about the performance, safety, and reliability of the stockpile. Objective 3 - Balanced Operational Infrastructure. Implement a balanced computing platform acquisition strategy and operational infrastructure to meet Directed Stockpile Work (DSW) and SSP needs for capacity and high-end simulation capabilities.
A Comparative Analysis of the Radiological Consequences of Routine Operation of a Fission Research Reactor and the Fusion Ignition Experiment IGNITEX

The IGNITEX experiment is being designed to study the physics of ignited plasmas. Over the service lifetime of the device (two years), it is expected to be pulsed 2,000 times with each pulse produc...
Reversing Criminology’s White Gaze: As Lombroso’s Disembodied Head Peers Through a Glass Jar in a Museum Foreshadowed by Sara Baartman’s Ghost

The academic field of criminology is implicitly colonizing. Criminology’s positivism in particular was founded through Western Europe’s colonizing empires and has, for hundreds of years, been growing and instituting the legacies of white supremacy through which these empires gain strength (Agozino 2003). The nature of criminology is one whereby colonizing knowledges are produced through a process of conquest: conquest of the colonized (now named “criminal,” “antisocial,” or “at risk” by criminologists) and the communities in which we reside, conquest of conceptions of oneself and “the other,” and, finally, conquest of the definitions and expectations we have of justice. Implicit to Western Europe’s colonization and criminology’s research on who is at risk of becoming “criminal,” is the colonial gaze (Fanon 1967), a violent process of voyeurism that requires captivity enabling colonial subjects accessible for dissection (literally and figuratively) in search of Western Europe’s justification for the bloodshed of its conquests.
On Bad Sex and Bad Seed: Doubting Deuteronomy

Lee, in this chapter, takes a deconstructive agenda to Deuteronomy 22–24 from a Third World feminist perspective. While the literary topoi remain the same from previous chapters—sexual impropriety, Israel and its ‘others,’ the purity of the camp, and sacred offerings—emancipative interests probe inconsistencies in Israel’s characterization of parties excluded from its assembly on the grounds of moral and genetic defect. The reader’s suspicion, then, carries over into a negative evaluation of Israel’s construct of gender in marriage in adjacent laws. Lee’s reading unravels the variedly (intersectional) discriminatory identity building project of Deuteronomy 22–24 against a backdrop of currents in decolonizing discourse that blend inequities of gender and race. Israel’s views of the ‘other’ and its correlation of valued values come apart.
Intuitive Physics: Current Research and Controversies

Early research in the field of intuitive physics provided extensive evidence that humans succumb to common misconceptions and biases when predicting, judging, and explaining activity in the physical world. Recent work has demonstrated that, across a diverse range of situations, some biases can be explained by the application of normative physical principles to noisy perceptual inputs. However, it remains unclear how knowledge of physical principles is learned, represented, and applied to novel situations. In this review we discuss theoretical advances from heuristic models to knowledge-based, probabilistic simulation models, as well as recent deep-learning models. We also consider how recent work may be reconciled with earlier findings that favored heuristic models.
Inhomogeneous parametric pumping of spin-waves by acoustic waves in an yttrium-iron-garnet film

Parametric amplification and generation of spin-waves has been a proven tool to study fundamental nonlinear effects in spin-waves [1].
Promoting Resilience Through Trauma-Focused Practices: A Critical Review of School-Based Implementation

The current review sought to describe the implementation and evaluation of trauma-focused school practices as represented in the published literature. Through a systematic literature search, we identified 39 articles describing trauma-focused practices implemented in school settings with elementary populations and coded data regarding these interventions’ characteristics as well as their implementation and evaluation procedures. Reviewed interventions were most often implemented by external clinicians or researchers with select populations in response to traumatic events experienced by a community (e.g., natural disaster, political violence). Additionally, interventions were most frequently evaluated solely using rating scales assessing psychopathological symptoms and without consideration of important dimensions such as treatment integrity, fidelity, and acceptability as well as outcome generalization and maintenance. We call for coordinated practice and research agendas focused on embedding trauma-focused practices within integrated multi-tiered systems of supports; designing culturally sensitive practices and training school personnel to serve as intervention agents; and increasing the rigor and broadening the methods, informants, and foci of screening and intervention evaluation procedures in the direction of leveraging multi-method, multi-informant, strengths-based assessment.
What Ever Happened to Ethics

On May 25, 1987, the cover page of Time bore the title “What Ever Happened to Ethics”. The topic is timely, indeed; a good portion of the issue was devoted to it in an effort to survey a pressing social problem that has in recent times moved ever more forcefully into the foreground of public consciousness. The lead article bewails the current state of affairs by stating that “large sections of the nation’s ethical roofing have been sagging badly, from the White House to churches, schools, industries, medical centers, law firms and stock brokerages — pressing down on the institutions and enterprises that make up the body and blood of America” (p. 26).
Mutations of Recombinant Aquaporin-4 Antibody in the Fc Domain Can Impair Complement-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity and Transplacental Transport

Maternal antibodies provide protection for the developing fetus. Transplacental transport of pathogenic autoantibodies might pose a risk for the developing fetus. The transport of antibodies across the placenta to the fetal circulation occurs through the neonatal Fc salvage receptor (FcRn). During gestation, maternal autoantibodies are able to penetrate the embryonic brain before a functional intact blood-brain barrier is established. Brain-reactive antibodies to the water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) are a hallmark finding in neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a neurological disease that predominantly affects women, many of whom are of childbearing age. AQP4-IgG mediate astrocytic injury in a complement-dependent fashion. Recent studies suggest these antibodies contribute to impaired pregnancy outcome. The aim of the study was to investigate the transplacental transport as well as FcRn binding of a monoclonal AQP4-IgG cloned from an NMO patient (wild-type antibody) compared to five different mutated Fc domain of this antibody containing single amino acid substitutions in the Fc region. All of the Fc-mutated antibodies lack complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Four of the five Fc-mutated antibodies showed limited transplacental transport in vivo. Three mutated Fc with impaired transplacental transport showed persistent binding to rodent FcRn at pH 6 but also at pH 7.2, suggesting that limited transplacental transport could be due to diminished release from FcRn. One mutated Fc with modestly limited transplacental transport showed diminished binding to FcRn at pH 6. This study suggests that mutated Fc with intact transplacental transport may be used to study antibody effector functions and Fc with limited transport may be used as a carrier to deliver therapies to pregnant woman, while sparing the developing fetus.
Joint modeling of multiple repeated measures and survival data using multidimensional latent trait linear mixed model

Impairment caused by Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is multidimensional (e.g. bulbar, fine motor, gross motor) and progressive. Its multidimensional nature precludes a single outcome to measure disease progression. Clinical trials of ALS use multiple longitudinal outcomes to assess the treatment effects on overall improvement. A terminal event such as death or dropout can stop the follow-up process. Moreover, the time to the terminal event may be dependent on the multivariate longitudinal measurements. In this article, we develop a joint model consisting of a multidimensional latent trait linear mixed model (MLTLMM) for the multiple longitudinal outcomes, and a proportional hazards model with piecewise constant baseline hazard for the event time data. Shared random effects are used to link together two models. The model inference is conducted using a Bayesian framework via Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation implemented in Stan language. Our proposed model is evaluated by simulation studies and is applied to the Ceftriaxone study, a motivating clinical trial assessing the effect of ceftriaxone on ALS patients.
Word2vec Word Similarities on IBM's TrueNorth Neurosynaptic System

Word2vec, like other ways of creating word embed-dings from a text corpus, has shown that interesting mathematical properties exist between the resulting word vectors. Word similarities as well as relationships can be discovered by determining which words are nearby in vector space and performing simple vector operations. In this work, IBM's TrueNorth Neurosynaptic System was used to implement massively-parallel word similarity computations using a large network of hardware spiking neurons. A 4-bit vector-matrix multiplication engine was implemented on TrueNorth in order to accommodate a word vector dictionary of 95,000 words trained on Wikipedia text, and it successfully performs word similarity searches using that dictionary while utilizing 3,991 cores out of the 4,096 available on TrueNorth and consuming less than 70 mW of power.
Identifying Factors That Contribute to Adolescent Bony Stress Injury in Secondary School Athletes: A Comparative Analysis With a Healthy Athletic Control Group.

Background:Bony stress injuries (BSIs) are common among adolescents involved in high school sports. A better understanding of factors that contribute to adolescent BSI is needed to target preventat...
Survival After Myectomy for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: What Causes Late Mortality?

Background Survival of patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who undergo septal myectomy appears to be excellent and, in some series, is similar to that of matched populations. In this study, we investigated causes of late death in a large cohort of surgical patients. Methods Between January 1961 and October 2017, 2,956 patients underwent surgery for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We reviewed medical records of these patients. Vital status and causes of mortality were verified using 2 methods: LexisNexis Accurint, a commercially available resource, and the National Death Index, a government database. Results The median age was 56 (interquartile range, 44 to 65) years, and 1,624 (55%) were men. Genetic testing was performed in 416, and 97 (23%) had a positive genetic test. After operation, 1-year, 10-year, and 20-year survival estimates were 98%, 85%, and 52%, respectively. Mortality occurred in 460 (16%) patients, and cause of death could be obtained in 398 (87%). Cardiac-related deaths occurred in 224 (56%), with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy the primary cause of death in 64. Other cardiac causes of mortality included coronary artery disease (n = 64), stroke (n = 23), other cardiomyopathy (n = 20), and heart failure (n = 15). Noncardiac deaths occurred in 174 (44%). Gene-positive status was not associated with overall mortality. Conclusions This study, using 2 independent sources to verify vital status and cause of mortality, confirms that survival after septal myectomy is excellent. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was identified as the primary cause of death in less than 20%, with mortality in most patients unrelated to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Tricycle: Audio Representation Learning from Sensor Network Data Using Self-Supervision

Self-supervised representation learning with deep neural networks is a powerful tool for machine learning tasks with limited labeled data but extensive unlabeled data. To learn representations, self-supervised models are typically trained on a pretext task to predict structure in the data (e.g. audio-visual correspondence, short-term temporal sequence, word sequence) that is indicative of higher-level concepts relevant to a target, downstream task. Sensor networks are promising yet unexplored sources of data for self-supervised learning—they collect large amounts of unlabeled yet timestamped data over extended periods of time and typically exhibit long-term temporal structure (e.g., over hours, months, years) not observable at the short time scales previously explored in self-supervised learning (e.g., seconds). This structure can be present even in single-modal data and therefore could be exploited for self-supervision in many types of sensor networks. In this work, we present a model for learning audio representations by predicting the long-term, cyclic temporal structure in audio data collected from an urban acoustic sensor network. We then demonstrate the utility of the learned audio representation in an urban sound event detection task with limited labeled data.
Blue-phosphorescent bis-cyclometalated iridium complexes with aryl isocyanide ancillary ligands

Abstract The design of organometallic complexes with efficient blue phosphorescence remains a challenge in the field of optoelectronics. This paper describes a series of eight cationic, isocyanide-ligated bis-cyclometalated iridium complexes of the general formula [Ir(C^Y)2(CNAr)2](PF6), where C^Y is a triazole-based C^N cyclometalating ligand or an NHC-based C^C: cyclometalating ligand, and CNAr is an aryl isocyanide. The triazole- and NHC-derived cyclometalating ligands, in combination with the π-acidic isocyanide ancillary ligands, result in large HOMO–LUMO gaps and engender these compounds with photoluminescence in the blue region of the spectrum. The complexes are synthesized by a general synthetic procedure and isolated in moderate to good isolated yields, with a combination of NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography (for six of the eight compounds) establishing the identity and bulk purity of each compound. The redox properties of the compounds are studied by cyclic voltammetry, which provide evidence for the large HOMO–LUMO gaps that are critical for the blue photoluminescence. The triazole-based compounds are weakly luminescent in fluid solution at room temperature, and all complexes luminesce at 77 K in frozen solvent glass or at room temperature when immobilized in a transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) film. CIE coordinates for the photoluminescence spectra indicate pure blue emission for all compounds, with CIEy ≤ 0.15 for all but one compound.
Self-Reported Cannabis Use and Markers of Inflammation in Men Who Have Sex With Men With and Without HIV

Background: Chronic inflammation contributes to aging and organ dysfunction in the general population, and is a particularly important determinant of morbidity and mortality among people with HIV (PWH). The effect of cannabis use on chronic inflammation is not well understood among PWH, who use cannabis more frequently than the general population. Materials and Methods: We evaluated participants in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) beginning in 2004 with available data on cannabis use and inflammatory biomarkers. Associations of current cannabis use with plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers were adjusted for hepatitis C, tobacco smoking, and comorbidities. Markers were analyzed individually and in exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Results: We included 1352 men within the MACS. Twenty-seven percent of HIV-negative men, 41% of HIV viremic men, and 35% of virologically suppressed men reported cannabis use at baseline. Among cannabis users, 20-25% in all groups defined by HIV serostatus were daily users, and the same proportion reported weekly use. The remaining ∼50% of users in all groups reported monthly or less frequent use. Four biomarker groupings were identified by EFA: Factor 1: immune activation markers; Factor 2: proinflammatory cytokines; Factor 3: Th1- and Th2-promoting cytokines; and Factor 4: inflammatory chemokines. In EFA, daily users had 30% higher levels of Factor 2 biomarkers than nonusers (p=0.03); this was the only statistically significant difference by cannabis use status. Among individual markers, concentrations of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8 (Factor 2); IL-10 (Factor 3); and BAFF (Factor 1) were higher (p<0.05) among daily cannabis users than among nonusers, after adjusting for HIV serostatus and other covariates. Discussion: Associations between daily cannabis use and proinflammatory biomarker levels did not differ by HIV serostatus. Further prospective studies with measured cannabis components are needed to clarify the impact of these compounds on inflammation. Our findings can facilitate for hypothesis generation and selection of biomarkers to include in such studies.
Effect of race and insurance status on stage at diagnosis and overall survival of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): Analysis of the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB).

e19086Background: TNBC is a heterogeneous sub-type of breast cancer characterized by younger age of onset, more aggressive course, and higher incidence among African Americans who also experience d...
Nissen fundoplication and combined procedures to reduce recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in neurologically impaired children.

Neurologically impaired children account for almost half of the fundoplication procedures performed for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Aim of the present study was to report results of antireflux surgery in neurologically impaired children. A retrospective study of neurologically impaired children who underwent fundoplication over a 13-year period (1999–2012) was performed. Recurrence rate, major complications and parents/caregivers perceptions of their child's quality of life following antireflux surgery were analyzed. A total of 122 children (median age: 8 years 9 months; range: 3 months to 18 years) had open “tension-free” Nissen fundoplication, gastrostomy + /− pyloroplasty. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was in all cases documented by at least two diagnostic exams. Median duration of follow-up was 9.7 (1.9–13) years. Three (2.4%) recurrences were documented and required surgery re-do. Major complications were 6%. Seventy-nine of 87 (90%) caregivers reported that weight gain was improved after fundoplication with a median score of 1 (IQR: 1–2). Significant improvement was perceived in postoperative overall quality of life. In this series of fundoplication recurrence incidence was low, serious complications were uncommon and caregivers’ satisfaction with surgery was high. Accurate patient’s selection and creating a “low-pressure” surgical system are mandatory to obtain these results.
Piezoelectric Coefficient and Permittivity Changes in Piezoelectric Material ZnO as Functions of Applied Electric Field

The piezoelectric coefficient and permittivity of a piezoelectric material depend on the crystal structure which can be modified by an external electrical field. In this research, we aim to find out a relationship between external electrical field and the piezoelectric and permittivity properties of ZnO. The numerical analysis, finite element analysis, and experimental measurements are to be addressed in this paper. The result of this work can be a good source for the study of piezoelectric material.
An Investigation of the Effects of Carrier Groups on Airline Quality Rating Components Using a Two-way Analysis of Variance

The Airline Quality Rating is a quantitative determination of the quality of U.S. domestic air carriers based on parameters published by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The rating is unique in that it is of interval scale and is comparable across carriers and time periods (Bowen & Headley, 2012). In order to gain insight into the relationship of the AQR metric to the carriers to which it is applied, it is helpful to group the carriers and examine the effects of those groupings on the four individual factors that comprise the AQR. Such a methodology allows one to better understand the relationship of the AQR metric to each of the carrier groups and ultimately improve the predictability of the metric. The authors employ a two-way analysis of variance to determine differences between carrier group means for each of the four AQR factors while examining longitudinal effects, along with post-hoc difference testing. While the post-hoc test results indicate significant differences between some groupings, suggesting that separate econometric models for those groupings might be created with the goal of more accurately forecasting the metric, some of the assumptions upon which the ANOVA is predicated are violated. This article will examine those violations and suggest that further research using nontraditional methods (e.g., Bayesian analysis) is indicated.
An integrated approach to space station power system autonomous control

Space Station electrical power management must be accomplished autonomously in order to decrease both airborne and ground support costs. Attention is presently given to the augmentation of terrestrial utility algorithmic decision aids for power dispatching for space station use, using expert systems to direct power demand analyses and the integration of results into operational decisions. Functions to be thus managed encompass power scheduling, energy allocation, failure cause diagnoses, goal proposal and plan preparation, consequence evaluation, and execution plan selection. The operating states of the system are normal, preventive, emergency, and restorative.
AbrB, a Transition State Regulator

Studies of isolated ribosomes from Spo0 versus Spo0 abrB mutants indicated that abrB led to alterations or deficiencies in one or more ribosomal proteins. The first three residues of the predicted protein are Met-Phe-Met, but another study of the AbrB protein produced from an expression vector in Escherichia coli revealed that the amino terminus of the purified protein begins at the second methionine residue. Although AbrB appears to play three different roles (repressor, “preventer,” and activator), the overall purpose of AbrB-mediated regulation is to prevent the expression of postexponential-phase genes at inappropriate times, such as during vegetative growth on good nutrient sources. A physical interaction of bound AbrB with other transition state regulators may be a hallmark of the regulatory mechanism at “prevented” genes. A complete understanding of how AbrB regulates transition state gene expression requires understanding how AbrB itself is regulated. The current model of the role AbrB plays in the regulation of transition state events. Some regulate other homeotic selector genes, and some are subject to autoregulation. During vegetative growth, AbrB prevents inappropriate functions from being expressed by (i) direct repression, (ii) action in concert with other regulators (preventers), or (iii) activation of other transition state repressors-preventers (such as Hpr).