cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Airway surface liquid osmolality measured using fluorophore-encapsulated liposomes

The airway surface liquid (ASL) is the thin layer of fluid coating the luminal surface of airway epithelial cells at an air interface. Its composition and osmolality are thought to be important in normal airway physiology and in airway diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. The determinants of ASL osmolality include epithelial cell solute and water transport properties, evaporative water loss, and the composition of secreted fluids. We developed a noninvasive approach to measure ASL osmolality using osmotically sensitive 400-nm-diam liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol/polyethylene glycol-phosphatidylcholine (1:0.3:0.08 molar ratio). Calcein was encapsulated in the liposomes at self-quenching concentrations (30 mM) as a volume-sensitive marker, together with sulforhodamine 101 (2 mM) as a volume-insensitive reference. Liposome calcein/sulforhodamine 101 fluorescence ratios responded rapidly ( 400 mOsm by exposure of the epithelium to dry air; the data were modeled mathematically using measured rates of osmosis and evaporative water loss. These results establish a ratio imaging method to map osmolality in biological compartments. ASL fluid is approximately isosmolar under normal physiological conditions, but can become hyperosmolar when exposed to dry air, which may induce cough and airway reactivity in some patients.
Atypia of Undetermined Significance and Follicular Lesions of Undetermined Significance Sonographic Assessment for Prediction of the Final Diagnosis

Objectives To determine whether radiologic assessment of thyroid nodules can potentially help guide clinical management after a cytologic diagnosis of atypia of undetermined significance or a follicular lesion of undetermined significance. Methods We identified 41 patients with 41 thyroid nodules initially diagnosed as atypia or follicular lesions of undetermined significance on fine-needle aspiration that were subsequently definitively diagnosed by either surgical resection or repeated fine-needle aspiration. All sonograms of nodules were reviewed by 2 blinded board-certifiedradiologists. Lesions were assessed in 3 ways: (1) Mayo pattern classification as benign, indeterminate, or worrisome for malignancy (Ultrasound Q 2005; 21:157-165); (2) thyroid imaging reporting and data system scores (scale of 1-5) based on 2 different previously published scoring criteria (Park et al [Thyroid 2009; 19:1257-1264] and Kwak et al [Radiology 2011; 260:892-899]); and (3) binary classification as benign or malignant. Results Of the 41 nodules, 25 had benign histologic findings, and 16 were malignant. Mayo pattern classification was 100% accurate for the benign score. Lesions with a Mayo score of indeterminate were malignant in 21% of cases (6 of 28) and benign in 79% (22 of 28). Lesions with a Mayo score of malignant were malignant in 91% of cases (10 of 11) and benign in 9% (1 of 11). Thyroid imaging reporting and data system scores had area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.827 for Park scores and 0.822 for Kwak scores. Radiologist binary classification of thyroid nodules showed 88% overall accuracy. Conclusions Radiologist assessment of thyroid nodules in cases of atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesions of undetermined significance is highly predictive of the final diagnosis and can help guide management of thyroid nodules of these pathologic types.
VARIATION IN HATCHLING TORTOISE SURVIVORSHIP AT THREE GEOGRAPHIC LOCALITIES

Survivorship of hatchling chelonians is low in many instances, although few investigators have intensively studied the immature life stages. We used radio telemetry to assess hatchling gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) survivorship in central Florida (n = 20), and compare our results to previously published studies in north Florida and Mississippi. At our site tortoise predation was extremely high, and no hatchlings lived over 335 days. Average lifespan was consistent among clutches, and the highest mortality occurred within one month of hatching. Major predators included mammals and snakes. Our results are similar to published data from north Florida (n = 20) and Mississippi (n = 45), although hatchlings in north Florida survived the longest. However, all tortoises (n = 85) in each study died many years before reaching sexual maturity due to predation. Hatchling predators varied by site, but mammals were the major predator at all three sites. We discuss the population-level consequences of high morta...
On partial contraction analysis for coupled nonlinear oscillators

We describe a simple yet general method to analyze networks of coupled identical nonlinear oscillators and study applications to fast synchronization, locomotion, and schooling. Specifically, we use nonlinear contraction theory to derive exact and global (rather than linearized) results on synchronization, antisynchronization, and oscillator death. The method can be applied to coupled networks of various structures and arbitrary size. For oscillators with positive definite diffusion coupling, it can be shown that synchronization always occurs globally for strong enough coupling strengths, and an explicit upper bound on the corresponding threshold can be computed through eigenvalue analysis. The discussion also extends to the case when network structure varies abruptly and asynchronously, as in "flocks" of oscillators or dynamic elements.
Metabolism of the inositol phosphates produced upon receptor activation.

L'ensemble des enzymes impliquees dans le metabolisme de l'inositol phosphate sont decrites et referencees, ainsi que les concentrations intracellulaires en inositol phosphates (150 references)
Waveguides — General

High-power microwave transmission is hampered primarily by the relatively high transmission loss of waveguides. Because of the skin effect, the current flow in any guiding structure is restricted to very thin surface layers. Assuming one and the same current distribution on a conductor, the loss increases with the square root of the frequency. Therefore, efficient power transmission by microwave requires the transmission of wave fields or modes which are associated with very low currents on the guiding structure.
A Distinct Type of Host-Parasite Relation among Insects

This type of relation is characterized by a diapause of varying duration in the first instar of the parasite, which terminates when the holometabolous host undergoes transformation. A list of 39 species of parasites and their hosts is assembled from the original sources. Some of the examples included require confirmation through further research. The relation is analyzed with reference to the onset, duration, and termination of the diapause and its disposition in univoltinc and polyvoltine hosts. The advanced instars of the parasite develop quickly, consuming the host before it can pupate fully. Although it predominates in the Braconidae and Ichneumonidae, this type of host-parasite interrelation occurs also among the chalcidoid, proctotrupoid, and cynipoid Hymenoptera. The possible occurrence in other orders is not considered here.
Determination of reserpine in tablets by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection : revised procedure

A procedure is presented for the determination of reserpine in tablets by liquid chromatography (LC) that is a slight modification of a method presented in a previous publication. The sample is extracted with methanol, and solutions are filtered through filter paper. For LC, a 7.5 cm column is used; the mobile phase is methanol containing a small volume of an aqueous solution of the sodium salt of 1-pentanesulfonic acid. Detection is by fluorescence with 280 nm excitation and 360 nm emission. Two commercial samples containing 0.1 and 0.25 mg reserpine were analyzed. For each sample, 2 determinations were made on a group composite. Ten tablets were also analyzed individually. A linearity study was conducted, with solutions ranging in concentration from 80 to 120% of the amount present in the reference solution.
Ongoing evolution of proposal reviews in the Spitzer warm mission

The Spitzer Space Telescope is executing the seventh year of extended warm mission science. The cryogenic mission operated from 2003 to 2009. The observing proposal review process has evolved from large, week-long, in-person meetings during the cryogenic mission to the introduction of panel telecon reviews in the warm mission. Further compression of the schedule and budget for the proposal solicitation and selection process led to additional changes in 2014. Large proposals are still reviewed at an in-person meeting but smaller proposals are no longer discussed by a topical science panel. This hybrid process, involving an in-person committee for the larger proposals and strictly external reviewers for the smaller proposals, has been successfully implemented through two observing cycles. While people like the idea of not having to travel to a review it is still the consensus opinion, in our discussions with the community, that the in-person review panel discussions provide the most satisfying result. We continue to use in-person reviews for awarding greater than 90% of the observing time.
Successful maternal and perinatal outcome of hepatitis E in pregnancy with fulminant hepatic failure

Hepatitis E infection is an important cause of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in pregnancy in developing countries like India, with a high mortality rate. It is postulated that immunological and hormonal changes in pregnant women predispose them to developing FHF secondary to hepatitis E infection as compared to the less severe form seen in the non-pregnant population. A variation in the natural course of the disease is also seen amongst different geographical areas. Hepatitis E infection is seen to be less severe in parts of the world like Egypt, Europe and the USA as against the Indian subcontinent. The mainstay of management of acute viral hepatitis (AVH) and fulminant hepatic failure secondary to hepatitis E virus is supportive treatment. Since an increased severity of the disease is associated with the pregnant state, termination of pregnancy to alter its course is an option worth considering. Our case study showed promising results of induction of labour in a case of FHF (hepatic encephalopathy with disseminated intravascular coagulation) caused by hepatitis E, in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Course Management Strategies for First Time Online Instructors

The presentation examines the practice of teacher presence from students’ perspectives. It is based upon a comparison of student feedback from the first and second fully online deliveries of a required course entitled, Education Law. While a review of the literature reveals that teacher presence is created through degrees of active engagement, instructors new to online teaching may misinterpret learners’ perceptions of what constitutes an acceptable degree of presence. Student feedback, from the first delivery, suggested the expectation for teacher presence was higher because the course design featured a number of collaborative, project based learning activities. Instructional planning that gives balanced attention to content mastery and course management by reframing the functions of the instructor’s role will assure that learners’ enthusiasm and engagement are not casualties of the context. A review of the course evaluations from the Summer 2015 semester revealed that an intentional contemplation of communication variables including timing, interpersonal and inter-group messaging must be purposefully planned to minimize the potential for confusion. This suggests changes for the Summer 2016 semester, including the use of proactive course management strategies to increase student satisfaction, facilitate the display of metacognition, and extend creative problem solving skills to authentic applications. Faculty will learn about how the initiation of these changes in course management impact students’ perceptions of teacher presence.
Visual Reflections for Visual Merchandising

Reflection activities are generally regarded as an essential part of service-learning. Reflection activities can take many forms, the most traditional of which is to write thoughts about an experience, sometimes in response to prompts. For a visual merchandising class, it can be difficult to understand reflections referencing a visual display that does not accompany the written reflection. VoiceThread is a tool that allows students to share and discuss documents, presentations, images, audio files, and videos. Students in my visual merchandising class completed a window display, uploaded an image of the completed display, and recorded reflections (responses to a list of provided prompts) while simultaneously using a pen tool to draw on the image as they discussed it. This technological affordance opens up a new realm of reflection activities for visual fields.
Opioid ligands related to tifluadom

Abstract In an effort to prepare ligands with kappa selective affinity suitable for use in affinity chromatography, we synthesized the haloacetamido derivatives 17 and 18 of tifluadom. These compounds showed modest opioid binding affinity but were more active at the mu than at the kappa site. The nitro compounds 7 and 16 were prepared as potential intermediates. The former, a weak mu agonist, was devoid of kappa affinity (IC 50 > 10 −6 M), whereas the latter was a mu selective agonist.
Developing a Research Agenda: Your Bread and Butter

A core part of academic success (for some) is establishing a research agenda. This is a daunting task for students, junior scholars, and even some senior scholars transitioning into uncharted (for them) territories. Reflections in this section offer advice on developing a thick skin, leaving academic silos, using the library well, and finding alternative ways to share your findings.
Medical thoracoscopy and its evolving role in the diagnosis and treatment of pleural disease

Establishing the etiology of exudative pleural effusions in the setting of an unrevealing pleural fluid analysis often requires biopsies from the parietal pleura. While closed pleural biopsy (CPB) has been a popular minimally-invasive approach, it has a poor diagnostic yield, barring a diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy. Medical thoracoscopy (MT) is a minimally-invasive ambulatory procedure performed under local anesthesia or moderate sedation which allows for direct visualization of biopsy targets as well as simultaneous therapeutic interventions, including chemical pleurodesis and indwelling tunneled pleural catheter (ITPC) placement. The excellent yield and favorable safety profile of MT has led to it replacing CPB for many indications, particularly in the management of suspected malignant pleural effusions. As experience with MT amongst interventional pulmonologists has grown, there is an increased appreciation for its important role alongside percutaneous and surgical approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of pleural disease.
Improving our PRODUCT: a quality and safety improvement project demonstrating the value of a preprocedural checklist for fluoroscopy.

Rationale and Objectives To implement a preprocedural checklist in gastrointestinal (GI)/genitourinary (GU) fluoroscopy suites to assist radiology residents in performing studies with optimal fluoroscopic technique with a goal to lower radiation dose delivered to patients and operators. Materials and Methods We introduced a preprocedural checklist in the form of a mnemonic to first-year resident fluoroscopy operators. The checklist was augmented by teaching sessions at the fluoroscopy tower. Fluoroscopy time (FT) was collected for GI/GU fluoroscopy studies performed by first-year residents who did not use the checklist (year 1) and compared with FT from first-year residents who used the checklist for one full academic year (year 2). Residents in both groups were surveyed to assess their knowledge of radiation safety at the end of their respective radiology 1 (R1) academic years. Results A total of 778 examinations were analyzed from year 1, and 941 total examinations from year 2. After implementation of the checklist, mean FT for all studies decreased by 41.1 seconds ( P P = .144). Conclusions A visual preprocedural radiation safety checklist in GI/GU fluoroscopy was associated with a reduction in mean FT and may contribute to a culture of radiation safety awareness.
Consciousness and Sensation: Philosophical Aspects

The term ‘consciousness’ refers to several properties that characterize mental functioning. It applies to people and other animals when they are awake, to the awareness people have of things, and to the thoughts, feelings, and other mental states we are conscious of being in. Sensations are the qualitative states that occur in perceiving both external objects and processes and our own bodily conditions. Mental states often fail to be conscious, as various avenues of psychological research confirm. There are several explanatory models what it is for a mental state to be a conscious state. Theories that construe success consciousness on the model of spontaneous self-interpretation have significant advantages.
Prestack Migration/Imaging Using Synthetic Beam Sources and Plane Sources

The principle and procedures of beam-source and plane-source synthesis for wave-equation based imaging/migration are introduced and tested with Gabor-Daubechies and local-cosine beamlet prestack migration. Plane-source synthesis and imaging are treated as a special case of approximation to the beam-source synthesis and imaging. Beam sources with properly selected windows provide both space and direction localizations for illumination and are very flexible for target-oriented migration using wave-theory based methods. On the other hand, plane-source imaging can increase the computation efficiency of depth migration significantly, up to 5-10 times for the SEG-EAGE 2D salt model and Marmousi model, while maintains the image quality similar or comparable to that of point-source (common-shot) imaging/migration.
Fundamentals of Real-Time Scheduling (Extended Abstract)

For a given set of jobs the general scheduling problem asks for an order according to which the jobs are to be executed such that various constraints are satisfied. Typically, a job is characterized by its execution time, ready time, deadline, and recourse requirements. The execution of a job might or might not be interrupted (pre-emptive) or (non-preemptive scheduling). Over the set of jobs, there is a precedence relation which constrains the order of execution. Specifically, the execution of a job cannot begin until the execution of all its predecessors (according to the precedence relation) is completed. The system on which the jobs are to be executed is characterized by the amounts of resources available.
Device token protocol for persistent authentication shared across applications

This paper describes a protocol for enabling shared persistent authentication for desktop applications that comprise a common suite by extending the OAuth2.0 protocol. OAuth2.0 is the de facto standard for developing and deploying federated Identity. Our extension enables the users to authenticate and authorize on devices that host a suite of applications that are connected to backend services and systems at Adobe. It is the backbone of our subscription and licensing infrastructure for the Adobe Creative Suite® 6 and Adobe Creative CloudTM. The extended protocol works without storing users credentials on a per application basis but rather uses device identities that are managed on a centralized server to enable increased security and management capabilities for a set of applications on the device. We describe the protocol is in detail, its inherent characteristics, how it extends OAuth2.0, and how it is used in practice.
Patterns of failure following the excision of in-transit lesions in melanoma and the influence of excisional margins.

Background and objectives To describe the patterns of failure in patients with in-transit (IT) melanoma undergoing surgical excision. Methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent their first IT lesion(s) resection between May 2005 and September 2014. Cumulative incidence of local failure (new lesion within 2 cm of IT resection) was estimated. Associations between clinicopathologic characteristics, local failure, and any recurrence were analyzed. Results One hundred and thirty patients presented to our institution with IT disease over the study period and met the inclusion criteria. The 2-year cumulative incidence of local failure was 19.5%. Twenty-four patients developed disease within 2 cm of the resected IT disease; however, only eight were isolated local events. Cumulative incidence of local failure and of any disease differed with respect to less than 1 year disease-free interval (DFI) from primary melanoma to first IT event, and having greater than 1 IT lesion at presentation. Incidence of local failure was not found to differ with respect to gross margin greater than 5 mm, after adjusting for DFI and greater than 1 IT lesions. Conclusions Patients with greater than 1 IT lesion and a DFI less than 1 year are at a higher risk of failure after surgical excision of a first IT event. Very few failures were isolated local disease within 2 cm of the IT resection scar, regardless of IT excision margin.
White Identity Politics

Amidst discontent over America's growing diversity, many white Americans now view the political world through the lens of a racial identity. Whiteness was once thought to be invisible because of whites' dominant position and ability to claim the mainstream, but today a large portion of whites actively identify with their racial group and support policies and candidates that they view as protecting whites' power and status. In White Identity Politics, Ashley Jardina offers a landmark analysis of emerging patterns of white identity and collective political behavior, drawing on sweeping data. Where past research on whites' racial attitudes emphasized out-group hostility, Jardina brings into focus the significance of in-group identity and favoritism. White Identity Politics shows that disaffected whites are not just found among the working class; they make up a broad proportion of the American public - with profound implications for political behavior and the future of racial conflict in America.
Moving Target Defense for Attack Mitigation in Multi-Vehicle Systems

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) have traditionally been considered more static with more regular communication patterns when compared to classical information technology networks. Because the structure of most CPS remains unchanged during long periods of times, they become vulnerable to adversaries with the precise knowledge of the system, and who can tailor their attacks based on their knowledge about the system dynamics, communications, and control.
Children's sexual behavior problems: An ecological model using the LONGSCAN data.

Abstract Background Although prior research has indicated that sexual behavior problems (SBPs) are present among maltreated and non-maltreated children, risk factors for SBPs remain understudied. Further, few studies have examined multiple forms of trauma such as exposure to community violence and several likely important familial and environmental factors have yet to be investigated in the context of SBPs. The use of a more comprehensive ecological model of child, trauma-related, family, and environmental risk factors may help to further delineate the factors that contribute to the development of SBPs. Objective The aim of the current study was to build upon previous research by utilizing an ecological model that includes child, trauma-related, caregiver and familial, and environmental factors as potential predictors of SBPs. Participants and Setting The present study was conducted with 1,112 8-year-old children (51.6% female; 48.9% Black) and their primary caregivers from the Longitudinal Studies in Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) study. Results Several child, caregiver, and familial factors, as well as sexual and physical abuse demonstrated bivariate associations with SBPs. A number of these factors remained significant in a regression model, such as child’s living arrangement, child’s aggressive behaviors and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), sexual and physical abuse, caregiver’s psychological difficulties, and children’s perceptions of family health. Conclusions The findings highlight the role of select child, trauma-related, caregiver and familial, and environmental factors in the context of SBPs and also demonstrate the need to examine multiple levels of children’s environments when investigating SBPs.
Reproducible changes in the gut microbiome suggest a shift in microbial and host metabolism during spaceflight

Space environment imposes a range of challenges to mammalian physiology and the gut microbiota, and interactions between the two are thought to be important in mammalian health in space. While previous findings have demonstrated a change in the gut microbial community structure during spaceflight, specific environmental factors that alter the gut microbiome and the functional relevance of the microbiome changes during spaceflight remain elusive. We profiled the microbiome using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in fecal samples collected from mice after a 37-day spaceflight onboard the International Space Station. We developed an analytical tool, named STARMAPs (Similarity Test for Accordant and Reproducible Microbiome Abundance Patterns), to compare microbiome changes reported here to other relevant datasets. We also integrated the gut microbiome data with the publically available transcriptomic data in the liver of the same animals for a systems-level analysis. We report an elevated microbiome alpha diversity and an altered microbial community structure that were associated with spaceflight environment. Using STARMAPs, we found the observed microbiome changes shared similarity with data reported in mice flown in a previous space shuttle mission, suggesting reproducibility of the effects of spaceflight on the gut microbiome. However, such changes were not comparable with those induced by space-type radiation in Earth-based studies. We found spaceflight led to significantly altered taxon abundance in one order, one family, five genera, and six species of microbes. This was accompanied by a change in the inferred microbial gene abundance that suggests an altered capacity in energy metabolism. Finally, we identified host genes whose expression in the liver were concordantly altered with the inferred gut microbial gene content, particularly highlighting a relationship between host genes involved in protein metabolism and microbial genes involved in putrescine degradation. These observations shed light on the specific environmental factors that contributed to a robust effect on the gut microbiome during spaceflight with important implications for mammalian metabolism. Our findings represent a key step toward a better understanding the role of the gut microbiome in mammalian health during spaceflight and provide a basis for future efforts to develop microbiota-based countermeasures that mitigate risks to crew health during long-term human space expeditions.
Neoadjuvant versus adjuvant chemotherapy for resectable non-small cell lung cancer debate revisited.

The use of adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy for surgically resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been well established by several randomized trials and meta-analysis which demonstrated clear survival benefit over no chemotherapy (1-5). However, evidence is less robust regarding the benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC). Goals of administering chemotherapy in the preoperative setting (neoadjuvant) include increasing operability by possibly reducing tumor size, improving the likelihood of receiving the maximal planned dose, and reducing the likelihood of micrometastasis.
Differential cognitive substrates of verbal episodic memory performance in semantic variant primary progressive aphasia and Alzheimer’s disease

Performance on neuropsychological measures of verbal memory requires cognitive abilities beyond memory. We examined the contribution of semantic knowledge in verbal episodic memory for semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) or Alzheimer's disease (AD). 415 AD and 68 svPPA participants completed measures of episodic memory (visual and verbal) and semantic knowledge. A double dissociation existed visual recall predicted verbal recognition in AD, whereas semantic knowledge contributed to verbal recognition in svPPA.
Traumatic stress and alcohol-related disordered eating in a college sample.

Objective: The current study examined the association between posttraumatic stress symptoms and disordered eating behaviors related to alcohol consumption (i.e., “drunkorexia”). Participants: Parti...
An Analysis of the Effects of North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship Program on Student Achievement:

The North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program is a private school voucher program that provides state-funded vouchers worth up to $4,200 to eligible students entering kindergarten through 12th...
Effects of O2 addition on in-plasma photo-assisted etching of Si with chlorine

Addition of oxygen was used to control the in-plasma photo-assisted etching (PAE) of p-type Si(100) and poly-Si in a high density, inductively coupled, Faraday-shielded, Ar/Cl2 (225/25 SCCM), 60 mTorr plasma. After etching, samples were transferred under vacuum to an UHV x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy chamber for surface analysis. Samples etched under PAE conditions (ion energies below the ion-assisted etching, IAE, threshold) had a thicker surface oxide and lower [Cl] surface concentration, when compared to samples etched under IAE conditions (ion energies above the IAE threshold). PAE was found not to be affected by 0.1 or 0.25 SCCM O2 addition, while etching stopped with more than 0.5 SCCM O2 addition. IAE with RF power on the sample stage, resulting in −65 V self-bias, was not affected by up to 2 SCCM of oxygen addition but decreased rapidly when more than 5 SCCM O2 was added to the plasma. These results imply that PAE may be completely suppressed, while IAE occurs unobstructed. The implications of these findings are discussed in view of applications involving continuous wave and pulsed-plasma processes.
Durability of composite materials for nuclear energy systems

Abstract Crystalline ceramic materials are one option for the storage of waste resulting from potential commercial nuclear fuel recycling. Ceramics are a materials class defined by primarily ionic and covalent bonding with structural variations ranging from fully ordered crystalline (referred to as crystalline ceramics) to disordered amorphous (referred to as glass). Tailoring of a ceramic waste form is based on the knowledge that there are many naturally produced minerals containing radioactive and nonradioactive species very similar to the radionuclides of concern in wastes from fuel reprocessing. This chapter presents summarized existing literature with emphasis on the durability of composite materials for nuclear energy systems by highlighting the following: (1) mechanical properties, (2) corrosion and leaching effects, (3) radiation damage effects, and (4) morphology drivers for irreversible species diffusion and transport in model titanate-based ceramics that have been thoroughly studied for use in immobilizing nuclear waste.
Effects of differential privacy techniques: Considerations for end users.

Abstract We study the effects of differentially private (DP) noise injection techniques in a survey data setting, using the release of cost of early care and education estimates from the National Survey of Early Care and Education as a motivating example. As an example of how DP noise injection affects statistical estimates, our analysis compares the relative performance of DP techniques in the context of releasing estimates of means, medians, and regression coefficients. The results show that for many statistics, basic DP techniques show good performance provided that the privacy budget does not need to be split over too many estimates. Throughout, we show that small decisions, such as the number of bins in a histogram or the scaling of a variable in a regression equation, can have sometimes dramatic effects on the end results. Because of this, it is important to develop DP techniques with an eye towards the most important aspects of the data for end users.
Matrix Completion using Kronecker Product Approximation

A matrix completion problem is to recover the missing entries in a partially observed matrix. Most of the existing matrix completion methods assume a low rank structure of the underlying complete matrix. In this paper, we introduce an alternative and more general form of the underlying complete matrix, which assumes a low Kronecker rank instead of a low regular rank, but includes the latter as a special case. The extra flexibility allows for a much more parsimonious representation of the underlying matrix, but also raises the challenge of determining the proper Kronecker product configuration to be used. We find that the configuration can be identified using the mean squared error criterion as well as a modified cross-validation criterion. We establish the consistency of this procedure under suitable conditions on the signal-to-noise ratio. A aggregation procedure is also proposed to deal with special missing patterns and complex underlying structures. Both numerical and empirical studies are carried out to demonstrate the performance of the new method.
Simulating the effects of intergalactic grey dust

Using a high-resolution cosmological hydrodynamic simulation, we present a method to constrain extinction due to intergalactic grey dust based on the observed magnitudes of distant Type IA supernovae. We apply several simple prescriptions to relate the intergalactic dust density to the gas density in the simulation, thereby obtaining dust extinctions that may be directly compared to the observed distribution of supernova magnitudes. Our analysis is sensitive to the spatial distribution of grey dust, but is not dependent on its intrinsic properties such as its opacity or grain size. We present an application of our technique to the supernova data of Perlmutter et al., who find that their high redshift sample is ~0.2 magnitudes fainter than the expectation for a non-accelerating, low-density universe. We find that for grey dust to be responsible, it must be distributed quite smoothly, e.g., tracing intergalactic gas. More realistic dust distributions, such as dust tracing the metal density, are inconsistent with observations at the 1.5-2 sigma level. Upcoming observations and improved modelling of the dust distribution should lead to stronger constraints on intergalactic grey dust extinction.
Depression After Open Heart Surgery: Influences of Optimism, Sex, and Event-Related Medical Factors.

ABSTRACT Postoperative depression is a multifaceted condition that can limit quality of life and potentially decrease the survival benefits of open heart surgery (OHS). We postulated that sex, pre-event character strengths, medical, and certain surgery indicators would predict post-event/myocardial infarction depression. To identify predictors, we collected three-wave survey data from 481 OHS patients at a large academic referral institution (age, 62+; female, 42%) and included key medical and surgical information. The final model (F[7, N = 293] = 28.15, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.408) accounted for over two fifths of the variance in post-OHS depression. Pre-event/OHS optimism mitigated post-OHS depression. Being female, older, living alone, longer surgical perfusion time, absence of left main disease greater than 50%, and pre-OHS depression were associated with the increased likelihood of post-OHS depression. Our findings suggest that teaching optimism to OHS patients might be beneficial in reducing the risk of postoperative depression and that female patients should be monitored more closely for the development of depression through an interdisciplinary approach.
Modal Analysis of the Box Assembly with Removable Component in Two Configurations

To ensure accurate predictions of behavior and life-cycle of components in their real-use environment, it is essential to develop accurate simulation and testing procedures that reflect such an environment. For components on machines that experience a significant dynamic environment (such as airplanes, missiles, and automobiles), creating testing procedures that accurately mimic such a complex and harsh environment is a significant challenge. Often, testing a system by subjecting it to its operating environment is prohibitive due to cost and testing limitations. Thus, the usefulness of bench testing components through a testing procedure that mimics an operating environment is clear. Structural environmental testing is typically performed using a shaker to apply an environment to a component. However, shaker testing is currently limited in its ability to recreate environments because it often involves excitation in only one axis, when the system experiences a six degree of freedom excitation in practice. Additionally, there are many issues in matching boundary conditions in environmental testing.
Neurodegenerative Outcomes Following Diagnosis of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder or Isolated REM Sleep Without Atonia (2746)

Objective: To report neurodegenerative outcomes of patients with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) or isolated REM sleep without atonia (RSWA). Background: Patients with idiopathic RBD are at risk for neurodegenerative disease. Less is known about those with only isolated RSWA. Further characterization of both groups’ neurologic outcomes is warranted. Design/Methods: This IRB-approved retrospective cohort study was comprised of patients who underwent in-lab sleep studies at our institution for any indication between 2006–2016. All patients had a sleep study procedure report completed by a sleep medicine physician, which also detailed comorbidities and medications at the time of testing. Medical records were queried for diagnoses of neurodegenerative disease made after testing. Patients under 40 years, with pre-existing diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disorder, or with under one year of follow-up with an institutional provider after sleep testing were excluded. Results: 142 patients (73% male, mean age 62 years) were identified with a diagnosis of RBD (n=102 patients) or isolated RSWA (n=40 patients). Patients were followed for an average of 55.5 months (SD +/− 25.4 months). 23% of patients had a new diagnosis of any neurodegenerative disease. Parkinson’s disease was the most common diagnosis (n=15), followed by mild cognitive impairment (n=13), and Lewy body dementia (n=6). When patients were stratified by RBD or isolated RSWA, 29% of RBD patients developed neurodegenerative disease compared with only 5% of isolated RSWA patients (p = 0.005). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is one of the largest RBD cohort studies in the United States. Our findings corroborate with previous studies with respect to neurodegenerative outcomes, indicating our methodology may be viable for detecting patients at high risk of neurodegeneration. Patients diagnosed with isolated RSWA were at lower risk for conversion to neurodegenerative disease than those diagnosed with RBD. Disclosure: Dr. Swetlik has nothing to disclose. Dr. Unger has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bena has nothing to disclose. Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer has received research support from Jazz, Harmony.Dr. Rodriguez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tousi has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Bracket, Biogen, Axovant.
SeqWho: Reliable, rapid determination of sequence file identity using k-mer frequencies

With the vast improvements in sequencing technologies and increased number of protocols, sequencing is finding more applications to answer complex biological problems. Thus, the amount of publicly available sequencing data has tremendously increased in repositories such as SRA, EGA, and ENCODE. With any large online database, there is a critical need to accurately document study metadata, such as the source protocol and organism. In some cases, this metadata may not be systematically verified by the hosting sites and may result in a negative influence on future studies. Here we present SeqWho, a program designed to heuristically assess the quality of sequencing files and reliably classify the organism and protocol type. This is done in an alignment-free algorithm that leverages a Random Forest classifier to learn from native biases in k-mer frequencies and repeat sequence identities between different sequencing technologies and species. Here, we show that our method can accurately and rapidly distinguish between human and mouse, nine different sequencing technologies, and both together, 98.32%, 97.86%, and 96.38% of the time in high confidence calls respectively. This demonstrates that SeqWho is a powerful method for reliably checking the identity of the sequencing files used in any pipeline and illustrates the program9s ability to leverage k-mer biases.
Observed Maternal Coping Socialization and Child Internalizing Symptoms: The Roles of Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Peer Stress.

Empirical evidence relying primarily on questionnaire reports indicates parent coping socialization messages play an important role in children’s psychological functioning. The present study utilized a multi-informant, multi-method design to build on previous coping socialization research in childhood and adolescence. A novel coding system was developed to measure observed parental socialization of coping messages from observations of a discussion-based peer stress task. Questionnaires and direct observations were obtained from mothers with and without a history of depression (N = 116; 50% with a history of depression) and their children (9 to 15 years). Observed maternal coping socialization messages were not significantly correlated with mother or child reports of child internalizing symptoms in bivariate analyses. However, in multiple linear regression analyses, current maternal depressive symptoms and children’s level of peer stress emerged as significant moderators of the association between observed maternal coping socialization messages and children’s internalizing symptoms. The conceptual and methodological contributions of the current study are discussed, limitations and strengths are noted, and implications for future research are outlined.
Comparison of DFT calculated and measured IR absorption spectra

Identification of target molecules, based on spectrum-feature extraction by comparison of spectra, can be accomplished using signal templates having patterns associated with known materials. This study examines the concept of using IR spectra calculated using density functional theory (DFT) as signal templates. In principle, DFT calculated IR spectra should provide reasonable templates for comparison with IR spectral measurements associated with different types of detector schemes and complex spectral-signature backgrounds. In practice, however, there exists artifacts due to computational errors and model assumptions in the case of DFT calculated spectra, and artifacts due to measurement errors and experimental-design assumptions in the case of spectral measurements. Accordingly, the use of DFT calculated spectra as signal templates must consider these artifacts. In this study, case-study analysis of IR absorption spectra for a water contaminant of interest is presented, which demonstrates aspects of using DFT calculated IR spectra to determine the presence of target molecules.
Developmental Impact of Early Parental Death: Sustaining Posttraumatic Growth Throughout the Lifespan.

Impacting millions of youth across the globe, early parental death is an important topic to investigate. This causal-comparative study (N = 256) examined a group of young adults who experienced a p...
Gravitational Waves from Global Cosmic Strings and Cosmic Archaeology

Global cosmic strings are predicted in many motivated extensions to the Standard Model of particle physics, with close connections to axion dark matter physics. Recent studies suggest that, although subdominant relative to Goldstone emission, gravitational wave (GW) signals from global strings can be detectable with current and planned GW detectors such as LIGO, LISA, DECIGO/BBO, ET/CE and AEDGE/AION, as well as pulsar timing arrays such as PPTA, NANOGrav and SKA. This work is an extensive, updated study on GWs from a global cosmic string network, taking into account of the most recent developments related to the subject. The main analysis is based on the analytical Velocity-dependent One-Scale (VOS) model calibrated with recent simulation results, which provides a generic protocol for such calculations with details given. We also demonstrate how the GW signal can be influenced with variations to the baseline model: this includes considering the uncertainties of model parameters and the potential deviation from the conventional VOS model prediction (i.e. the scaling behavior) as suggested by some of the recent simulation results. Furthermore, we investigated in detail the effect of a non-standard cosmology (e.g. early matter domination or kination) or new particle species on the GW signals from global strings. We demonstrate that the frequency spectrum of GW background from global cosmic strings can be used to probe the cosmic history prior to the Big Bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) (i.e. the primordial dark age) up to a temperature of $T\sim 10^8$ GeV.
Marginal zinc intake impairs mammary gland involution, increases oxidative stress and disrupts ductal integrity abrogating the protective effect of lactation on breast tumorigenesis in a mouse model (1043.3)

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. While breastfeeding can reduce breast cancer risk, several studies found no protective effect. We showed that marginal zinc (Zn) intake compromi...
Evaluating cost when selecting performance reference compounds for the environmental deployment of polyethylene passive samplers

A challenge in environmental passive sampling is determining when equilibrium is achieved between the sampler, target contaminants, and environmental phases. A common approach is the use of performance reference compounds (PRCs) to estimate target contaminant sampling rates and indicate degree of sampler equilibrium. One logistical issue associated with using PRCs is their sometimes exorbitant cost. To address PRC expense, this investigation 1) compared the performance of inexpensive PRCs (deuterated PAHs) and expensive PRCs ((13) C-labeled PCBs) to estimate dissolved PCB concentrations in freshwater and marine deployments, and 2) evaluated the use of smaller quantities of PRC relative to regular amounts used for estimating dissolved PAH and PCB concentrations. Saltwater and freshwater site average differences between total dissolved PCB concentrations calculated using the 2 classes of PRCs was 34 pg/L (20%) and 340 pg/L (51%), respectively, and in some deployments, statistical differences in PCB concentrations generated by the 2 types of PRCs were detected. However, no statistical differences were detected between total dissolved PAH and PCB for the 3 quantities of PRCs. In both investigations, individual dissolved PCB congeners and PAH compounds demonstrated comparable behavior as those expressed as total PCB or PAH dissolved concentrations. This research provides evidence that in some applications passive sampling using inexpensive and smaller quantities of PRCs can yield cost savings of approximately 75%. This approach appears most promising in the marine water column and when focusing on dissolved concentrations of low and medium molecular weight congeners or total PCBs.