cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EM3: RESPONSE BIAS AMONG LIKELY CLINICAL TRIAL PARTICIPANTS

OBJECTIVE: To understand the demographic, attitudinal, behavioral, and clinical characteristics of people who are likely to participate in clinical trials. METHODS: Analyses were based on a 12-page questionnaire mailed to U.S. adults in 2000. A total of 21,986 responses were received. Respondents were nationally representative based on gender, age, race, and geographic region; results were subsequently weighted and projected to the U.S. population. Participants were asked if they had ever participated in a clinical trial and whether they would ever consider participating in one. RESULTS: Among those who never participated in a clinical trial, 33% said they would strongly consider participating in the future. This group differed in some dramatic ways from the 26% who said they would definitely not consider participating in a clinical trial. For example, those who would participate were more likely to be female (55% v. 49%), younger (43 v. 47 years), and white (77% v. 70%). Behaviorally, likely participants were more likely to drink alcohol (64% v. 55%), smoke (27% v. 22%), visit physicians (4.0 v. 3.6 visits in six months), and use the internet for health care information (13% v. 6%). Attitudinally, those willing to participate were more likely to harbor alternative health care attitudes (e.g., “would try acupuncture” 38% v. 17%) and less likely to be satisfied with their current medical care (39% v. 47%). Clinically, they were more likely to be diagnosed with a range of comorbid medical conditions such as depression (15% v. 6%), migraines (16% v. 8%), and nasal allergies (32% v. 21%). CONCLUSION: People who are likely to participate in clinical trials look, think, and behave differently than those who are not likely to participate. Trail design and analysis should consider these differences and their possible impact on clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes.
The Characteristics of Independence after the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Audit Committees in a Financially Stressed Industry: A Small Sample Study

Is the defined independence of an audit committee, as found in previous research, related to the external auditor's going-concern opinion or even to the timing of the company's bankruptcy filings? This paper investigates the characteristics of audit committee independence as defined by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOA) for a financially stressed industry, the textile-related firms during 2000-2001. We find going-concern audit opinions related to only one of the many characteristics and their extensions which define SOA audit committee independence, whether committee members receive non-director compensation. In addition for those severely stressed companies that have actually filed for bankruptcy, we do not find as strongly related the SOA characteristics of independence. These small sample results suggest that actual independence for audit committees may differ from the appearance of independence defined by the SOA rules and may be limited to certain companies or industries, but as this is a small sample analysis, the interrelationships of these characteristics do highlight the need for continued audit committee disclosures for financially stressed companies.
Use of the baculum in age determination of Michigan beaver.

The following study is designed to present data secured from the analysis of fifty bacula of Michigan beaver (Castor canadensis michiganensis) in the collection of the Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan. Aside from describing the baculum at various age levels, the material here presented may provide additional methods for roughly aging beaver. Unlike an earlier paper on age determination in the river otter, by use of the baculum (Friley, 1949), the present study is based on more nearly complete data on the beaver specimens from which these bacula were secured. The results here obtained are believed to give a true picture of the relation between the actual age of the animal and the condition of the baculum. Acknowledgment.-I wish to thank Dr. William H. Burt and Dr. Emmet T. Hooper for helpful suggestions during the course of preparation of the paper. Materials.-All bacula and skulls were secured from beaver carcasses sent by trappers to the Game Division of the Michigan Department of Conservation between March 15 and April 15, 1935. The carcasses were subsequently sent to the Museum of Zoology at the University of Michigan for analysis of sex ratio, age classes, breeding habits, and measurements and weights of Michigan beaver taken during the legal trapping season (Benson, 1936). Skulls are available for twenty-nine of the fifty individuals from which bacula were secured. Their measurements provide data for the primary grouping of the specimens into age classes. Weight and measurements of each carcass, as recorded in Benson's original notes, have been used only as guides, and will not be repeated here. All skeletal material was cleaned by dermestid beetles shortly after being received at the Museum. General morphology of the baculum.-The baculum, or os penis, is located in the distal portion of the penis. Bacula are ordinarily regarded as being divisable into three regions: the head, the body, and the tail (see Plate I, upper). As regards the yearling and adult beaver baculum, the head, or proximal end, is quite enlarged, somewhat resembling the shape of the head of a golf driving club. The tail, or distal end, is only slightly larger in diameter than the body, and is somewhat bulbous. The body is between the head and tail. A slight ventral concavity of the body gives the overall shape of the baculum a curved appearance. The greatest height of the concavity is nearer the distal end than the proximal end. No distinct dividing lines are apparent between any of the parts, but the three regions are at once recognizable. The head accounts for about 30 per cent of the total length of the bone, while the body and tail together make up the remaining 70 per cent. The dorsal surface is narrow, the ventral surface is flat or concave, and the sides are flat or slightly rounded. These four surfaces all become wider in the region of the head, and are narrowest near the tail. In cross-section through the body, the bone is roughly triangular, with 261 Aug., 1949
Resistance to extinction in children as a function of N-length and number of different N-lengths

The Capaldi stimulus modificatipn theory accounting for resistance to extinction as a function of sequential variables is tested with human Ss in a lever pulling task. The sequential variables investigated were N-length and variety of N-lengths. Response measures were (a) attention time, (b) reaction time, and (c) a verbal report as to whether and when S “gave up.” Neither attention nor reaction times differed in extinction. Verbal data, however, gave support to the Capaldi hypothesis that longer and multiple N-length groups yield greater resistance to extinction than shorter and less multiple N-length groups.
Experimental demonstration of the stabilizing effect of dielectric coatings on magnetically accelerated imploding metallic liners

Enhanced implosion stability has been experimentally demonstrated for magnetically accelerated liners that are coated with $70\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ of dielectric. The dielectric tamps liner-mass redistribution from electrothermal instabilities and also buffers coupling of the drive magnetic field to the magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability. A dielectric-coated and axially premagnetized beryllium liner was radiographed at a convergence ratio [$\mathrm{CR}={R}_{\text{in},0}/{R}_{\text{in}}(z,t)$] of 20, which is the highest CR ever directly observed for a strengthless magnetically driven liner. The inner-wall radius ${R}_{\text{in}}(z,t)$ displayed unprecedented uniformity, varying from 95 to $130\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ over the 4.0 mm axial height captured by the radiograph.
Induced Resistance in Inbred Homozygous Rats to a Lymphosarcoma Autogenous to the Strain

SummaryRats of an inbred line, which were 100% susceptible to a reticulum cell type of lymphosarcoma arising spontaneously in the same strain, could, in an appreciable percentage of cases, be rendered resistant to the same tumor. The method consisted of implanting tumor grafts which were previously attenuated with specific doses of X-rays, In most cases the resistant state followed inoculation without the appearance of any visible tumor. In certain cases a tumor did appear but regressed after having reached a certain size. These likewise became immune. Hence this procedure eventually resulted in immunity to an autogenous tumor. Out of 58 control rats, only one spontaneous regression was observed. This rat likewise proved to be refractory to further viable tumor grafts of the same type.The results of these experiments give evidence, apparently for the first time, that it is possible to render animals of a pure line immune against an autogenous tumor.
Green Synthesis of Noble Nanometals (Au, Pt, Pd) Using Glycerol under Microwave Irradiation Conditions

A newer application of glycerol in the field of nanomaterials synthesis has been developed from both the economic and environmental points of view. Glycerol can act as a reducing agent for the fabrication of noble nanometals, such as Au, Pt, and Pd, under microwave irradiation. Their shapes can be changed by adding different surfactants. In the presence of CTAB, Au nanosheets were formed within 2 min where the size of Au nanosheets can be controlled by the microwave irradiation time and glycerol content.
A Student's Dilemma: Is There a Trade-Off between a Higher Salary or Higher GPA.

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we explore whether there is a relationship between average grades earned in a course and the national average salaries of graduates of the major associated with the course. Using student-level data from a selective private liberal arts college, we find an inverse relationship. The result suggests that students face a trade-off between grades earned in college versus higher expected earnings in the future. This relationship is stronger for students with lower math SAT scores but not for those with lower verbal SAT scores. Finally, the female advantage in course grades diminishes significantly in majors with higher salaries.
Estimation of loss of gas diffusion from sourcerock in Binbei region

This paper has evaluated the diffusion amount of the sourcerock of K_1q_n and K_1n_(1+2) in Binbei region, established a method for estimating gas diffusion amount through mathematical model of gas diffusion loss, and the method for establishing the diffusion losing amount in the condition of multi-gas sourcerock. Using the method this paper estimates the gas diffusion loss amount of gas sourcerock of K_1qn and K_1n_(1+2) in Binbei region. The result indicates that the total gas diffusion loss amount of K_1qn in Binbei region is about 5.3×10~(11) m~3, which is 31.2% of the total generation gas amount. The total gas diffusion loss amount of K_1n_(1+2) in Binbei region is about 2.5×10~(11) m~3, which is 32.5% of total generation gas amount. It indicates that the diffusion is the important factor of gas loss in Binbei region.
Working Memory in Children with ADHD

Over the past few years, working memory has become one of the hottest topics in regards to the neurocognitive functioning of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Working memory has been recently hypothesized as either a core (1) or secondary (2) deficit in these children.
Ontogenetic, spatial and temporal variation in trophic level and diet of Chukchi Sea fishes

Abstract Climate warming and increasing development are expected to alter the ecosystem of the Chukchi Sea, including its fish communities. As a component of the Arctic Ecosystem Integrated Survey, we assessed the ontogenetic, spatial and temporal variability of the trophic level and diet of key fish species in the Chukchi Sea using N and C stable isotopes. During August and September of 2012 and 2013, 16 common fish species and two primary, invertebrate consumers were collected from surface, midwater and bottom trawls within the eastern Chukchi Sea. Linear mixed-effects models were used to detect possible variation in the relationship between body length and either δ13C or δ15N values among water masses and years for 13 fish species with an emphasis on Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida). We also examined the fish community isotopic niche space, trophic redundancy, and trophic separation within each water mass as measures of resiliency of the fish food web. Ontogenetic shifts in trophic level and diet were observed for most species and these changes tended to vary by water mass. As they increased in length, most fish species relied more on benthic prey with the exception of three forage fish species (walleye pollock, Gadus chalcogrammus, capelin, Mallotus villosus, and Pacific sandlance, Ammodytes hexapterus). Species that exhibited interannual differences in diet and trophic level were feeding at lower trophic levels and consumed a more pelagic diet in 2012 when zooplankton densities were higher. Fish communities occupied different isotopic niche spaces depending on water mass association. In more northerly Arctic waters, the fish community occupied the smallest isotopic niche space and relied heavily on a limited range of intermediate δ13C prey, whereas in warmer, nutrient-rich Bering Chukchi Summer Water, pelagic prey was important. In the warmest, Pacific-derived coastal water, fish consumed both benthic and pelagic prey. Examining how spatial gradients in trophic position are linked to environmental drivers can provide insight into potential fish community shifts with a changing climate.
Lumped Kinetics for Biomass Tar Cracking Using 4-Propylguaiacol as a Model Compound

Lumped kinetics for the vapor-phase cracking of 4-propylguaiacol, a model compound representative of components found in primary tar derived from lignin, has been investigated. Analysis of the products from pyrolysis experiments in a laminar-flow reactor at temperatures between 300 and 900 °C and a residence time of 1 s revealed that the products can be lumped into three compound classes: oxygen-containing compounds, single- and multiring aromatic hydrocarbons, and permanent gases. Temperature was found to have a marked effect in governing the overall product composition. The oxygen-containing compounds peaked in yield between 500 and 700 °C. The aromatic hydrocarbons and permanent gases dominated the product composition above 600 °C, especially at 900 °C, the highest temperature investigated. A lumped kinetic model with three irreversible first-order reactions was developed to model the experimental data. This model was extended to one with eight first-order irreversible reactions. Optimized reaction-rat...
Rousseau on the ground of obligation: Reconsidering the Social Autonomy interpretation

In Rousseau’s Social Contract, political laws are rationally binding because they satisfy the interests that motivate individuals to obey such laws. The later books of Emile justify morality by sho...
Computationally efficient design of the MAE equalizer for binary signaling

This paper proposes a computationally efficient approach to designing the maximum asymptotic efficiency (MAE) equalizer, which minimizes bit error rate as the signal-to-noise ratio approaches infinity. The MAE equalizer is implemented as a tapped delay line and hence has the same runtime complexity as the simple MMSE linear equalizer. However, design of the MAE equalizer involves finding the minimum distance between two convex hulls. Its design complexity is exponential in the length of channel and equalizer, making it impractical for long channels. The proposed method exploits the relationship between the channel vectors and the convex hull formed by the noise-free channel outputs to design the MAE equalizer directly from the channel coefficients without requiring a search of the convex hull. The equalizer design complexity is reduced to O(N logN), where N is determined by the length of the channel and equalizer. Simulation results reveal the dramatic decrease in design complexity.
Trends In the Hospital Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease-Related Priapism In the United States: 1998 to 2007,

Abstract Abstract 4195 OBJECTIVE: Priapism is a serious complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). Urologic guidelines recommend that the management of priapism should entail intracavernous treatment in addition to treatment for the underlying condition. One meta-analysis suggests that transfusion is an ineffective and potentially harmful therapy for priapism in SCD. Nevertheless, little is known about how priapism is actually managed for these patients. We examined in-hospital treatment trends of priapism among male SCD patients in the United States (US) over a 10-year period with a focus on the use of blood transfusion. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998 – 2007). Priapism patients were identified based on ICD-9 code 607.3. The analysis was restricted to male patients with an ICD-9 code for SCD. We assessed the total number of priapism discharges over time and by year. We also assessed the overall and annual prevalence of blood transfusions, exchange blood transfusions (EBTs), and penile surgeries for all discharges under study. We postulated that transfusions given in patients not undergoing surgery were likely given as primary treatment in the management of priapism. RESULTS: An estimated 502,577 qualifying male SCD hospitalizations were identified. Among these, 9,861 (2%) were priapism-related. The mean age of the male SCD hospitalizations was 24.9, with only a 1 year difference found between non-priapism and priapism discharges. The proportion of priapism related hospitalizations remained stable over time, ranging from 1.7% to 2.4% (p = 0.359). Overall, priapism related discharges were more likely than non-priapism related discharges to be treated with blood transfusions (36.3% vs. 22.6%, p CONCLUSIONS: The use of EBT and penile surgeries in the treatment of priapism related SCD discharges appears to be relatively stable over time, while there has been an increase in the use of blood transfusions of any kind for all male SCD hospitalizations, including those with priapism. The lack of an association between the prevalence of blood transfusions of any type and the use of penile surgery among priapism patients suggests that blood transfusions continue to be used as a primary treatment modality for priapism, even though data to support the effectiveness of transfusion is lacking. Patient and hospital-level factors that may impact the use of different treatment options for priapism need to be assessed, and the outcomes of the variations in the treatment of priapism related SCD hospitalizations should be examined. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Mechanics of longitudinal and flexural locally resonant elastic metamaterials using a structural power flow approach

Abstract Elastic metamaterials are sub-wavelength structures with locally resonant components that contribute to the rise of tunable stop bands, i.e. frequency ranges within which waves do not propagate. A new approach is presented here to model and quantify this stop band behavior by evaluating structural vibrating power flowing in the different constituents of locally resonant metamaterials. It is shown that the patterns of power propagation resemble, to a great extent, steady-state wave profiles derived from displacement fields, and can thus be used to develop an algorithm that numerically predicts stop band frequencies for any given realization with a finite length and a known number of repeating cells. The approach is presented here in the context of one-dimensional metamaterials with single and multiple internal resonators and is applied to two traditional examples constituting both longitudinal and flexural type structures. The presence of dissipative elements is taken into consideration since the active component of vibrational power is shown to depend on the damping matrix of the finite element description. The presented approach can be further extended to complex metamaterials with multi-dimensional locally resonant configurations to locate critical energy transmission paths within the media of such structures.
Safety Effects of Horizontal Curve Design on Motorcycle Crash Frequency on Rural, Two-Lane, Undivided Highways in Florida:

The association between horizontal curve design (e.g., radius and type) on rural, two-lane, undivided highways and motorcycle crash frequency is not well documented in existing reports and publications. This study aimed to investigate the effects of design parameters and associated factors on the occurrence of motorcycle crashes with consideration of the issue of unobserved heterogeneity. A random-parameters negative binomial regression model was developed on the basis of data on 431 motorcycle crashes, which were collected on 2,179 horizontal curves along two-lane, undivided highways in Florida for 11 years (2005 to 2015). Four normally distributed random parameters (i.e., logarithm of curve radius, reverse curves, pavement condition, and rough pavement indicator) were identified to represent their heterogeneity caused by unobserved factors over time, space, individuals, or some combination thereof. The major conclusions are the following: (a) an increase in curve radius, on average, significantly and ne...
Democratic Design for the Humanization of Education

The purpose of this paper is to continue the development of a deep definition for democracy and to consider the implications for educators who teach to that deep definition. Democracy demands much from its citizens in regard to their ability to acquire knowledge of value and make sense of the meanings inherent in that knowledge, this for the sake of participation in the decision-making processes that are the hallmark of true democracy. Many societies that claim to be democracies are, at best, something less than true democracies and, to a large extent, this is due to the failings of their educational systems, systems that are remiss in helping their students learn to think well for themselves. The reasons why this is so are discussed and a call for the reinvention of educational systems is made. Keywords: Democratic design, humanization, society, and true democracy
New embedded memories, from lab to fab

2018 is shaping up to be the year new types of embedded non-volatile memories (eMRAM, eRRAM, CNT) become available to SoC designers through the major foundries. How will SoC designer utilize these new memories? What are the key advantages? What are the technology hurdles? The speaker will address these questions, plus project the future system opportunities with new embedded memories.
PROBABILISTIC DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING FOR FAULT ISOLATION

The problem of generating a sequence of diagnostic tests which can be executed to isolate a single faulty module in electronic equipment at minimum expected cost is formulated as a probabilistic dynamic program. A test is specified by identifying those modules which must be good for the test to pass. Associated with each test is a known cost. Each module has an a priori probability of failure. Probabilistic dynamic programming is applied to derive a least expected cost testing sequence for a sample problem.
Leveraging the Family Influence of Women in Prostate Cancer Efforts Targeting African American Men

Incidence rate of prostate cancer among African American (AA) men is 1.6 times that in White men. Prevention efforts in this population have typically been through faith-based organizations and barber shops, with a few including significant others. Culturally, women are known to have a strong influence in the AA family. The current study assessed prostate cancer knowledge and explored perceptions on the roles of women in prostate cancer prevention. To assess prostate cancer knowledge, a 25-item questionnaire was administered to convenience samples of AA women (n = 297) and men (n = 199). Four focus groups were conducted to explore perceptions on the role of women in prostate cancer prevention. Men had a higher mean score (13.2; max of 25) than women (11.4) for knowledge of prostate cancer. For the men, higher knowledge scores were associated with having a family member diagnosed with prostate cancer and likelihood to engage healthcare providers about prostate cancer (p < 0.05). Themes from the focus groups included education/information resource, support and encouragement, instituting a “culture” of regular primary care, modeling healthcare-seeking behavior, surveillance and monitoring, motivation, and influencing diet. The major barrier to women engaging in the roles identified was limited knowledge. Including women in educational interventions may yield added benefits particularly in encouraging AA men to seek regular primary care. This affords men opportunities for dialog with healthcare providers about prostate cancer and informed decision making regarding screening.
Monitoring Dopamine ex Vivo during Electrical Stimulation Using Liquid-Microjunction Surface Sampling.

Liquid-microjunction surface sampling (LMJ-SS) is an ambient ionization technique based on the continuous flow of solvent using an in situ microextraction device in which solvent moves through the probe, drawing in the analytes in preparation for ionization using an electrospray ionization source. However, unlike traditional mass spectrometry (MS) techniques, it operates under ambient pressure and requires no sample preparation, thereby making it ideal for rapid sampling of thicker tissue sections for electrophysiological and other neuroscientific research studies. Studies interrogating neural synapses, or a specific neural circuit, typically employ thick, ex vivo tissue sections maintained under near-physiological conditions to preserve tissue viability and maintain the neural networks. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat the neurological symptoms that are associated with certain neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological dis...
Determinants of Rice Farmers’ Risk-attitudes in Rural Ghana: An Operational Domain Scale Approach

Production of rice in Ghana has been marred by various production risks which reduce the yield potentials of farmers. The introduction of agricultural insurance presents an opportunity to mitigate these risks. However, individual preferences for risk-mitigating strategies are dependent on their risk attitudes. And this is affected by a broad spectrum of characteristics. This study, therefore analysed the determinants of the risk attitudes of rice farmers in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Their risk-attitudes were obtained using an operational domain-scaled statement set. Majority of the respondents (96.14%) were found to be risk averse. The gender, household size, land tenure system and the ratio of non-farm income to rice farm income were found to significantly affect the probability of risk neutrality whiles marital status, land tenure system and the probability of failure to achieve target yields were observed to significantly influence the probability of being risk-loving. Further study is recommended to identify the relationship between these risk attitudes and adoption of crop insurance.
Environmental Conflict, Collaborative Solutions, and the Politics of Geographic Scale

Since the 1990s, community-based collaborative approaches to environmental planning and conflict resolution have gained significant influence in the United States. As federal and state agencies engage more directly with local communities to manage environmental resources, collaboration has come to be seen as a means of increasing public participation, improving management decisions, and overcoming the divisive politics of environmental conflicts (Brick et al. 2001). The potential for collaborative efforts to successfully resolve conflict, however, hinge upon many variables. In this essay, I examine one of these, namely, the politics of geographic scale. Drawing upon a case study of a long-running conflict over historical land grant rights in southern Colorado, I demonstrate how the politics of geographic scale can serve to both hinder and facilitate efforts to resolve environmental disputes through collaborative means.
Leaping To Conclusions: Connectionism, Consciousness, and the Computational Mind

These are strange times for consciousness. Considered subjectively, and as the reader may confirm for herself, we are as thoroughly aware of our inner and outer world as ever. The light of consciousness falls on these words and their meanings, leaps nimbly to the noises in the background, attends to a slight pang of thirst and frames a private plan to allay it, then settles back once more, with an inner sigh, to the unfolding text of this paper. It is for us as it was for Descartes, and presumably as it is, was, and will continue to be for all humanity.
Ion Microanalysis of Frozen-Hydrated Cultured Cells

Inorganic cations (Na+, K+, Ca+ +, etc.) play important roles in cell function, and cultured cells provide an excellent system to understand the role of ions in the state of health and disease. Ion microscopy, based on secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), provides a powerful technique for such studies (1). The unique ion optics of the instrument are capable of producing visual ion images showing cell morphology with a lateral resolution of ~0.5 µm. However, reliable means of sample preparation and an understanding of SIMS effects is necessary before such studies can be undertaken.
Optimal grasping of soft objects with two robotic fingers

Robot grasping of deformable objects is an under-researched area. The difficulty comes from both mechanics and computation. First, deformation caused by the grasp operations changes object’s global geometry. Second, under deformation, an object’s contacts with the fingers grow from points into areas. Inside such a contact area, points that stick to the finger may later slide while points that slide may later stick. The torques exerted by the grasping fingers vary, in contrast with rigid body grasping whose torques are invariant under forces. In this thesis the object’s deformation and configuration of contact with fingers and the plane are tracked with finite element method(FEM) in an event-driven manner based on the contact displacements induced by the finger movements. The first part of this thesis analyzes two-finger squeeze grasping of deformable objects with a focus on two special classes: stable squeezes, which minimize the potential energy of the object among squeezes of the same depth, and pure squeezes, which eliminate all euclidean motions from the resulting deformations. Based on them an algorithm to characterize the best resistance by a grasp to an adversary figner is proposed which minimizes the work done by the grasping fingers. An optimization scheme is offered to handle the general case of frictional segment contact. Simulations and multiple experiments with a Barrett Hand on a rubber foam object are presented. The second part of this thesis describes a strategy for a two-finger robot hand to grasp and lift a 3D deformable object resting on the plane. Inspired by the human hand grasping, the strategy employs two rounded fingers to squeeze the object until a secure grasp is achieved under contact friction. And then lift it by translating upward to pick
Models, Hypotheses, and Statistical Significance

The notion ofhypothesis is fundamental to science. Typically it refers to an idea that might plausibly be true, and that is to be examined or “tested” with some experimental data. Sometimes, the expectation is that the data will conform to the hypothesis. In other situations, the hypothesis is introduced with the goal of refuting it.
Radioligand Binding Assays

Early work aimed at examining the properties of chemical transmission focused on presynaptic events such as neurotransmitter synthesis, degradation, accumulation and release. In contrast, because of technical limitations, less information was obtained in regard to the biochemical events associated with neurotransmitter receptors. This situation has changed dramatically in the recent years due to the development of techniques which make possible the identification and characterization of these sites. One of the more powerful methods for this purpose has been the radioligand binding assay (Yamamura et al, 1978). With this procedure it is possible to label selectively that portion of the synaptic membrane to which the neurotransmitter must attach in order to alter cellular activity. Because of its simplicity and power, the radioligand binding assay has become one of the more popular tools in neurobiological research. Using this procedure it is possible to study receptor site number, kinetic characteristics, pharmacological properties, and their relationship to other membrane components. Moreover, binding assays have been useful in examining the effects of drugs and disease on neurotransmitter receptors, and the procedure has been adapted for use as a simple and sensitive analytical method for measuring the concentration of neurotransmitters and drugs.
Atypical Case of Rosai-Dorfman Disease of the Lacrimal Gland with Adjacent Bone Erosion.

Background/aims Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare, self-limited disorder of unknown etiology that affects children and young adults worldwide and typically manifests as chronic, painless cervical lymphadenopathy. Orbital involvement is very rare and may be an isolated extranodal manifestation or associated with concurrent systemic disease. Adjacent bone involvement is most exceptional, and secondary optic neuropathy has never been reported. Methods This is a case report with review of the literature. Results We present a 32-year-old man who, over a 3-month period, developed worsening vision, headache, and vertical diplopia. On examination, there was decreased vision with dyschromatopsia, proptosis, and hypotropia of the left eye. CT scan of the orbits revealed a soft tissue mass inseparable from the lacrimal gland with adjacent bone erosion. Histopathologic evaluation revealed a diffuse infiltrate of histiocytes, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and neutrophils with peripolesis and emperipolesis (tunneling of lymphocytes and plasma cells in the histiocytes' cytoplasm without destruction), consistent with RDD. Resolution of symptoms as well as of the optic neuropathy was achieved with oral corticosteroids. Conclusion RDD is an important diagnosis that must be considered in the differential diagnosis of an orbital mass.
A stochastic downscaling approach for generating high-frequency solar irradiance scenarios

Abstract Solar power is increasingly cost viable with solar photovoltaic (PV) installations becoming commonplace. PV planning and operational studies, however, require high-frequency solar irradiance scenarios to understand potential electric grid impacts due to the variability and uncertainty of the underlying solar resource. Existing remote sensing solar data products are often available over large spatial domains, but are limited in temporal resolution. For example, the global horizontal irradiance (GHI) component contained within the National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB) is available at time resolution of 30 min on an approximately four-kilometer grid. In contrast, substantial solar variability is present at finer time scales and this article describes an algorithm to stochastically generate one-minute GHI from widely available sub-hourly NSRDB. A generalized linear modeling (GLM) framework is proposed, which includes non-Gaussian mixtures, and extends the literature involving the synthesis of GHI data. The model is trained on a set of sample locations around Oregon, USA, and validated across the USA using both the Surface Radiation Budget Network (SURFRAD) dataset and Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory (SRML) network. Simulated ensembles show good coverage properties and temporal correlation structure. The resulting downscaled ensembles allow for understanding the unpredictable variability inherent in GHI at locations without direct measurements. Future work can leverage the algorithm as part of a stochastic optimization of electric grid operations with high-penetration PV systems.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a Series of C3-Substituted CBI Analogues of CC-1065 and the Duocarmycins

The synthesis and evaluation of a series of C3-substituted 1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]benz[e]indol-4-one (CBI) analogues of the CC-1065 and duocarmycin alkylation subunits are detailed, includ...
Triton: an intermediate language and compiler for tiled neural network computations

The validation and deployment of novel research ideas in the field of Deep Learning is often limited by the availability of efficient compute kernels for certain basic primitives. In particular, operations that cannot leverage existing vendor libraries (e.g., cuBLAS, cuDNN) are at risk of facing poor device utilization unless custom implementations are written by experts – usually at the expense of portability. For this reason, the development of new programming abstractions for specifying custom Deep Learning workloads at a minimal performance cost has become crucial. We present Triton, a language and compiler centered around the concept of tile, i.e., statically shaped multi-dimensional sub-arrays. Our approach revolves around (1) a C-based language and an LLVM-based intermediate representation (IR) for expressing tensor programs in terms of operations on parametric tile variables and (2) a set of novel tile-level optimization passes for compiling these programs into efficient GPU code. We demonstrate how Triton can be used to build portable implementations of matrix multiplication and convolution kernels on par with hand-tuned vendor libraries (cuBLAS / cuDNN), or for efficiently implementing recent research ideas such as shift convolutions.
The quest for blood-compatible materials: Recent advances and future technologies

Abstract The development of blood-compatible materials represents a grand challenge in biomaterials science. Blood is a complex fluid containing many types of living cells, functional proteins, and other signaling molecules, which work together to protect the circulatory system from injury, pathogens, and foreign materials. Blood-contacting biomaterials include the components of cardiovascular implants (such as stents, shunts, and valves) and extracorporeal circuit components (such as tubing, membranes, and pumps). The engineered materials used in these applications are distinctly unlike the biological tissues that make up the cardiovascular system in their physical, chemical, and biological properties, leading to undesirable—and sometimes catastrophic—blood-material interactions. The pursuit of blood-compatible materials challenges nearly every aspect of materials design, including composition, mechanical properties, structure across multiple length scales, tribology, surface physical-chemistry, and biochemical functionalization. Materials have been designed to bind or reject specific blood proteins, interact favorably with specific cell types, or to interact with particular biochemical pathways in blood. This review summarizes the important blood-material interactions that regulate blood compatibility, organizes recent developments in this field from a materials perspective, and recommends areas for future research.
Effects of dietary sewage solids on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, serum constituents and tissue elements of growing lambs.

Twenty fine-wool wether lambs were allotted randomly at weaning to be fed a conventional diet (CD) formulated for growing lambs, or the same basal mixture plus dried gamma-irradiated solids from primary sewage sludge (SS) incorporated as 7% of the dry matter. Feedlot performance and chemical elements in whole blood were monitored during 90 d, after which lambs were slaughtered and carcass data were collected. Concentrations of Ag, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb and Zn were measured in livers, kidneys, bones, spleens and muscles. Sewage solids in the diet did not affect performance appreciably, although dressing percentages from lambs fed SS were 4% lower than CD-fed animals (P less than .05). Rib eye areas, fat thicknesses, quality and yield grades were similar (P greater than .05). Element concentrations in whole blood at weaning, after 56 d of the feeding trial and at slaughter did not differ (P greater than .05) between dietary groups. Serum chemistry determinations showed no biologically meaningful patterns related to diets. Lambs fed SS had higher (P less than .05) concentrations of Cu in livers (51.1 vs 34.3 +/- 3.8 micrograms/g, mean +/- SE) and Pb in kidneys (4.0 vs 2.2 +/- .3 micrograms/g) and lower (P less than .05) Mg in kidneys (.69 vs .72 +/- .01 mg/g). None of the elements in spleen and muscle tissue differed (P greater than .05) between diet groups. Lambs fed SS had elevated (P less than .05) bone Co, Cu, Fe, K and Na compared with those of CD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Neural processing critical for distinguishing between speech sounds

Abstract We aimed to identify neural regions where ischemia acutely after stroke is associated with impairment in phoneme discrimination, and to determine whether such deficits are associated with impairment of spoken word comprehension. We evaluated 33 patients within 48 h of left hemisphere ischemic stroke onset with tests of phoneme discrimination and word-picture matching. We identified Pearson correlations between accuracy in phoneme discrimination and accuracy of word comprehension and identified areas where the percentage of infarcted tissue was associated with severity of phoneme discrimination deficit. We found that 54% had deficits in phoneme discrimination relative to healthy controls. Accuracy in phoneme discrimination correlated with accuracy on word comprehension tests. Damage to left intraparietal sulcus and hypoperfusion and/or infarct of left superior temporal gyrus were associated with phoneme discrimination deficits acutely, although patients with these lesions showed improvement or resolution of the deficit by six months.
Severe Asthma in Childhood: Special Considerations

Severe asthma in children is often notable for frequent exacerbations that drive fear and life disruption for child and family, and may contribute to poor airways growth. This chapter distinguishes severe asthma from asthma that is difficult to control and is due to diagnoses masquerading as asthma, comorbid conditions that make asthma worse, or nonadherence to medication regimen. Two main phenotypes of severe childhood asthma include (1) highly atopic, exacerbation-prone, and (2) low-atopic/nonatopic, highly symptomatic, asthma. Current evidence supports inclusion of the following when initially evaluating the child with severe asthma: standardized asthma severity assessment (e.g., Composite Asthma Severity Index [CASI]), spirometry with bronchodilator responsiveness, assessments of rhinitis and asthma-relevant environmental exposures, and exacerbation risk (e.g., Seasonal Asthma Exacerbation Index [SAEI]). Phenotypic characterization with fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), inhalant allergen sensitization, total serum IgE, and peripheral blood eosinophils can improve outcomes via phenotype-directed care. Pulmonary imaging, bronchoscopy, and bronchoprovocation testing can strengthen the evaluation for masqueraders and management. Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) controller therapy remains a mainstay of daily treatment for the prevention of asthma exacerbations and is commonly combined with long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) to achieve good control. However, in children with severe asthma, ICS-LABA can fall short, and insights to improve outcomes can be obtained by revisiting the basics (e.g., masqueraders, comorbid conditions, adherence), deepening evaluation (e.g., pulmonary imaging, bronchoscopy), and phenotype-directed adjunctive therapies. For children with highly atopic, exacerbation-prone severe asthma, recently developed immunomodulatory therapies can reduce exacerbations and severity. Antimicrobial therapy (e.g., macrolides) may be helpful, especially in children with low-atopic/nonatopic severe asthma, and may be most effective when utilized in a diagnostically directed manner. There is an unmet need to better understand the pathobiology of this low-atopic/nonatopic phenotype of severe asthma in both children and adults. It is currently associated with obesity, cigarette smoke exposure, microbiome disruption, innate immune dysregulation, oxidant stress, and/or respiratory viral infections. In addition to today’s approach to children with severe asthma, we also discuss research directions on the horizon that are poised to improve management and outcomes for these children.
A Multiscale Alignment Method for Ensemble Filtering with Displacement Errors

AbstractHigh-resolution models nowadays simulate phenomena across many scales and pose challenges to the design of efficient data assimilation methods that reduce errors at all scales. Smaller-scal...
Effect of Surgical Approach on Node Harvest in Robotic Gastrectomy

There has been increasing utilization of minimally invasive surgical approaches. This study evaluates the effect of surgical approach on total lymph node harvest in gastrectomy. Patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma between 2007 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Data collected included age, gender, race, BMI, neoadjuvant therapy, tumor stage, surgical approach, and total number of lymph nodes harvested. The total number of harvested lymph nodes for open, laparoscopic, and robotic gastrectomy was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test for univariate analysis and a Poisson regression model for multivariable analysis. One hundred four patients were identified. Median node harvest for open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches were 16, 17, and 36, respectively. Multivariable analysis controlling for gender, BMI, pathological T stage, and year of operation demonstrates that surgical approach is statistically significantly associated with lymph node harvest (F = 83.4, P < 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, robotic approach was associated with greater lymph node harvest than both open (P < 0.0001) and laparoscopic (P < 0.0001) approaches, whereas laparoscopic approach was associated with greater lymph node harvest than open (P < 0.0001) approach. These data demonstrate that for patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma at our institution, robotic approach is associated with greater lymph node harvest than both laparoscopic and open approaches.