cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mass spectrometric analysis of CO 2 /AR and CO/AR plasma in a radio frequency discharge

Summary form only given. In recent years, carbon dioxide (CO2) plasma discharges have gained considerable interest due to rising concerns of global climate change. The increasing dependence on fossil fuels to serve as the world's primary energy source has lead to nontrivial effects on the overall CO2 content in the atmosphere. One possible solution to mitigating the effects of high atmospheric concentrations of CO2 is the use of a plasma source to break apart the molecule into carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen. The CO can be filtered out for use in the chemical industry and as a fuel in industrial applications, or CO can be further dissociated to produce carbon and oxygen.This work experimentally investigates the dissociation of C02 and CO in a 1 kW radio frequency plasma source operating at 13.56 MHz in the low pressure regime of about 100-300 mTorr. Mass spectrometry, optical emission spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy diagnostics are used to determine the species present in the discharge. For plasmaassisted C02 dissociation to be a practical and cost-effective solution for the climate change challenges, the process must meet certain standards of energy efficiency. Therefore the energy efficiency of the radio frequency plasma source is examined for both C02 and CO dissociation, and is determined too low for large-scale industrial applications. Improvements must be made to enhance the energy deposition into specific modes of dissociation through changing the type of plasma source and/or adding a catalyst into the system to increase the rate of dissociative reactions.
Block-based programming with Scratch community data: A position paper

In this position paper, I describe the rationale behind, and the early design of Scratch Data Blocks — a Scratch-based block-programming toolkit that allows Scratch users to program with public data from the Scratch online community.
2.9 – The Moon

Exciting recent developments in lunar geochemistry include the discovery that some lunar magmas had earthlike contents of water and remote-sensing evidence for crustal heterogeneity, including regions rich in magnesian spinel, regions of nearly pure anorthosite, regions of high Mg/Fe, and regions of evolved, silicic composition. The magma ocean hypothesis continues to be tested and refined. Concerns about the initial neodymium isotopic ratio of the ferroan anorthosites have been allayed by evidence that the whole Moon (and Mars and Earth) may have a depleted Nd/Sm ratio. However, age results still show no clear distinction between the ferroan anorthosites and the oldest Mg-suite rocks. Stable isotopic data show remarkably close kinship between the Moon and Earth, so close that it poses difficulty for most existing giant impact scenarios of lunar origin, as these models imply that the Moon forms mainly out of material spalled from a large, late interloping body.
Music Activities for "Little Wolf's Song".

Drawn from Britta Techentrup’s children’s book Little Wolf’s Song, the author shares music activities appropriate for preschool and children in primary grades. Children will enjoy Technentrup’s ten...
Contribution of Cl(-)-OH- exchange to electroneutral NaCl absorption in rat distal colon.

Neutral NaCl absorption is the predominant Na+ absorptive process in rat distal colon. Whether this neutral NaCl absorptive process represents Na(+)-Cl- cotransport or dual ion exchanges of Na(+)-H+ and Cl(-)-OH- has been uncertain. Recent studies using rat colonic brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) have described a Na(+)-H+ exchange mechanism and have proposed that net NaCl absorption occurs via a dual ion exchange process. To date, however, an anion exchanger on the colonic apical membrane has not been identified. To determine whether a Cl(-)-OH- exchange process is present, 36Cl uptake was evaluated across rat distal colonic BBMVs. A pH gradient (7.7 in/5.5 out) stimulated active Cl- uptake. Cl- uptake was not significantly affected by the presence of a valinomycin-induced K+ diffusion potential (inside positive), suggesting that a Cl- conductive pathway is not present in these membranes. The pH gradient-stimulated Cl- uptake was a saturable function of the Cl- concentration with a Km of 14.3 +/- 5.0 mM and a Vmax of 20.4 +/- 5.5 nmol.mg protein-1.30 s-1 and was almost completely inhibited by 1 mM concentrations of SITS and DIDS, inhibitors of anion exchange processes in other epithelia. Inward gradients of Na+, K+, or Na+ and K+ did not further stimulate initial Cl- uptake, suggesting that coupling of Na+ and Cl- movement does not occur by a cotransport mechanism. Thus a Cl(-)-OH- exchange process is present in rat distal colonic BBMVs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reliable Annealing of CH3NH3PbI3 Films Deposited on ZnO

CH3NH3PbI3 deposited on a ZnO electron transport layer is chemically unstable and decomposes at >80 °C, leaving PbI2 on the substrate along with traces of iodine. We found that this decomposition was reversible and could be prevented if a restricted volume solvent annealing procedure was applied. We also found that decomposition requires the presence of a certain amount of the processing solvent within the film. Finally, we developed a reliable annealing protocol for depositing perovskite film on ZnO, which resulted in the generation of repeatable solar cell devices.
PDF text classification to leverage information extraction from publication reports

Display Omitted Full-texts in PDF format are the main sources for the systematic reviews development.PDF reports used in Cochrane systematic reviews were used as gold standard.The multi-pass sieve framework is a powerful approach in text classification.Filtering semi-structured and metadata improved IE performance in full-texts. ObjectivesData extraction from original study reports is a time-consuming, error-prone process in systematic review development. Information extraction (IE) systems have the potential to assist humans in the extraction task, however majority of IE systems were not designed to work on Portable Document Format (PDF) document, an important and common extraction source for systematic review. In a PDF document, narrative content is often mixed with publication metadata or semi-structured text, which add challenges to the underlining natural language processing algorithm. Our goal is to categorize PDF texts for strategic use by IE systems. MethodsWe used an open-source tool to extract raw texts from a PDF document and developed a text classification algorithm that follows a multi-pass sieve framework to automatically classify PDF text snippets (for brevity, texts) into TITLE, ABSTRACT, BODYTEXT, SEMISTRUCTURE, and METADATA categories. To validate the algorithm, we developed a gold standard of PDF reports that were included in the development of previous systematic reviews by the Cochrane Collaboration. In a two-step procedure, we evaluated (1) classification performance, and compared it with machine learning classifier, and (2) the effects of the algorithm on an IE system that extracts clinical outcome mentions. ResultsThe multi-pass sieve algorithm achieved an accuracy of 92.6%, which was 9.7% (p<0.001) higher than the best performing machine learning classifier that used a logistic regression algorithm. F-measure improvements were observed in the classification of TITLE (+15.6%), ABSTRACT (+54.2%), BODYTEXT (+3.7%), SEMISTRUCTURE (+34%), and MEDADATA (+14.2%). In addition, use of the algorithm to filter semi-structured texts and publication metadata improved performance of the outcome extraction system (F-measure +4.1%, p=0.002). It also reduced of number of sentences to be processed by 44.9% (p<0.001), which corresponds to a processing time reduction of 50% (p=0.005). ConclusionsThe rule-based multi-pass sieve framework can be used effectively in categorizing texts extracted from PDF documents. Text classification is an important prerequisite step to leverage information extraction from PDF documents.
Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease and Related Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

Until 30 years ago, Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease was an obscure form of dementia unknown to most physicians. The name is now familiar to the medical community as the major transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (or prion disease) in humans and to research scientists because of its strange causative agent with novel modes of replication and transmission. Furthermore, the term “Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease” has caused distress to patients who have been notified that they may have received tainted blood or blood products, and it has been popularized by extensive media coverage of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (“mad cow disease”), with its profound economic impact in Europe . . .
Preparation of Pituitary Adrenotropic Hormone.

This is a preliminary description of a relatively simple procedure devised for the isolation of purified and highly active preparations of adrenotropic hormone from whole hog pituitary glands. The extraction and fractionation procedures consist of the following steps: (1) Extraction and isolation of a fraction designated as crude prolactin by the procedure originally developed by Lyons1 and adopted by White, Bonsnes and Long2 as the first step for the subsequent preparation of crystalline prolactin. This “crude prolactin” contains adrenotropic hormone activity. (2) Solution of the crude prolactin preparation in 2% concentration at pH 9.0 and removal of precipitates which form by careful adjustment of pH to 8.0, 6.6 and 5.4. (3) Supernatant obtained in Step 2, after removal of pH 5.4 insoluble material (prolactin), is freed from traces of prolactin by the addition of 7 ml of saturated (NH4)2SO4 to each 100 ml of solution. The precipitate is separated and discarded. (4) Acetone is added to the supernatant t...
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Extraction of Renal and Ureteral Calculi from 100 Patients

AbstractA percutaneous nephrostomy tract was used as a conduit to the kidney and ureter for extraction of 149 calculi in 100 patients. A variety of grasping and fragmentation techniques under fluoroscopic and endoscopic control were used to extract calculi in 88 per cent of the patients. With experience, operator efficiency and rate of stone extraction increased from 76 per cent early in the series to 91 per cent in the most recent patients, and the incidence of complications decreased from 17 to 5 per cent. Percutaneous removal of upper tract urinary calculi appears to be an appropriate alternative to an open operation in most patients with symptomatic urolithiasis.
The Importance of Polymorphism in Metal-Organic Framework Studies.

Polymorphic phase transitions remain frequently undetected in routine metal–organic framework (MOF) studies; however, their discovery is of major importance in interpreting structure–property relationships. We herein report a reversible enantiotropic single-crystal to single-crystal polymorphic phase transition of a new microporous MOF [Eu(BDC)(NO3)(DMF)2]n (H2BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid; DMF = dimethylformamide). While modification 1LT at 170 K crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with unit cell dimensions of a = 17.673(2) A, b = 20.023(2) A, c = 10.555(9) A, β = 90.129(4)°, modification 1HT at 290 K crystallizes in higher symmetry space group C2/c with unit cell dimensions of a = 17.200(7) A, b = 10.737(4) A, c = 10.684(4) A, β = 90.136(2)°. This temperature-induced phase transition is accompanied by a small change in the solvent-accessible voids from 46.8 in 1LT to 49.8% in 1HT, which triggers a significant change in the adsorption properties as compared to a reported isostructural c...
Difficult wounds: pressure ulcerations and leg ulcers.

Available evidence suggests that bacteria play a significant role both prior to and after the formation of chronic ulcerations. Bacterial surveillance of intact skin, though difficult, can be a prophylactic maneuver for patients prone to develop ulcers. Once the area becomes an ulcerated lesion, treatment similar to that for burn wounds is administered. Venous hypertension, ischemia, blood dyscrasias, trauma, and diabetes mellitus all cause leg ulcers. The author emphasizes differentiation between these specific causes as the key to understanding the successful management of leg ulcers.
Recreational Drumming: A Creative Arts Intervention Strategy for Social Work Teaching and Practice

Recreational music- making has been shown to decrease stress and increase feelings of well- being and empowerment among diverse groups. This study examined the impact of recreational drumming among social work students on measures of well- being, empowerment, and connectedness. It used a pretest- posttest design to evaluate outcomes among a sample of 31 participants in the 2-hour I‐We Rhythm Program for recreational drumming. Results of paired t- test analyses revealed significant differences in levels of stress, energy, and feelings of empowerment and community. Using this creative- arts intervention can be an effective self- care strategy for BSW and MSW students, practitioners, and/or clients in educational or agency- based settings to increase feelings of well- being and interpersonal connectedness, which, in turn, may help to increase effectiveness in practice.
Faculty Development and Promotion in Academic Medicine

The careers of physicians in academic medicine go through many phases. The typical “life cycle” of a faculty member begins with the search for a position as a clinical instructor or assistant professor. Promotion to full professor is a potential crowning achievement. Along the path from prospective faculty member all the way to retirement, there are many developmental milestones. This chapter will highlight key career issues at each phase.
Possible Pre-Columbian Contacts between the Old and New Worlds

The famous Swiss botanist Alphonse de Candolle concluded that in the the history of crop plants there is no evidence of communications between the peoples of the Old and New Worlds before the discovery, or rediscovery, of America by Columbus. It is possible to hold this opinion almost unaltered today, although the subject has provoked heated discussions between some who believe that there were prehistoric contacts between the Americas and Africa, Asia, and Europe, and those who would deny that such links could have occurred. We know that Norsemen reached eastern North America about 1000 A.D., possibly even preceded by Irish monks, and it is possible that there were rare contacts in the south; but as far as the movement of economic plants is concerned, these voyages do not seem to have been of major importance.
Development of 10B2O3 processing for use as a neutron conversion material

Development of thermal neutron detectors is critical for a number of homeland security and physics applications. In this work, we describe our efforts towards developing boron-10 oxide (10B2O3) as a thermal neutron conversion material for textured PIN silicon pillar diode platforms. The filling of the textured diode was achieved by first infiltrating the structures with aqueous boric acid, followed by thermal annealing at above the melting point of boron oxide to achieve a high fill and conversion of the materials into boron oxide. The present solution phase processing strategy has the potential to yield amenable and economical manufacturing processes for coating neutron converter materials on detectors. Potential performance of a boron oxide filled detector is also discussed.
Time-Optimal Design of a CMOS Adder

In this paper, we present a systematic method of implementing a VLSI parallel adder. First, we define a family of adders, based on a modular design. Our design uses three types of component cells, which we implement in static CMOS. We then formulate the adder design as a dynamic programming problem, optimizing with respect to time. As a result, we have found the fastest 32-bit CMOS adder in our design family.
Adhesion of bacteria to surfaces and biofilm formation on medical devices

Abstract Biofilm formation allows otherwise unicellular organisms to assume a temporary communal lifestyle. This multicellular lifestyle affords protection from harsh environmental insults and provision of centralized and concentrated resources, such as nutrients and genetic exchange opportunities. This chapter describes the stages leading to bacterial biofilm formation with emphasis on the crucial initial steps of finding, interacting with, and adhering to a surface. These interactions are followed by irreversible attachment, microcolony development, and biofilm maturation. Although the general stages leading to biofilm formation are similar across pathogens, the adhesive fibers, proteins, nucleic acid, and exopolysaccharide material associated with a biofilm can be distinct in a species- or even strain-specific manner. Likewise, the architecture, kinetics, microbe–microbe interactions (in polymicrobial biofilms), and regulatory components controlling biofilm formation vary from pathogen to pathogen. Examples of different adhesive mechanisms utilized by several key bacterial pathogens that cause detrimental biofilms on medical devices are described.
Transgender Demographics: A Household Probability Sample of US Adults, 2014.

Objectives. To estimate the proportion of US adults who identify as transgender and to compare the demographics of the transgender and nontransgender populations.Methods. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from states and territories in the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System that asked about transgender status. The proportion of adults identified as transgender was calculated from affirmative and negative responses (n = 151 456). We analyzed data with a design-adjusted χ2 test. We also explored differences between male-to-female and nontransgender females and female-to-male and nontransgender males.Results. Transgender individuals made up 0.53% (95% confidence interval = 0.46, 0.61) of the population and were more likely to be non-White (40.0% vs 27.3%) and below the poverty line (26.0% vs 15.5%); as likely to be married (50.5% vs 47.7%), living in a rural area (28.7% vs 22.6%), and employed (54.3% vs 57.7%); and less likely to attend college (35.6% vs 56.6%) compared with nontransgend...
Geographic Distribution of Cephalotes varians (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract Cephalotes varians (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) recently was included on a list of adventive ants established in North America. Published and unpublished records of C. varians from >100 sites reveal that it has an apparently continuous distribution through the Bahamas, Cuba, and southern Florida. Records of C. varians from South America, Central America, and Trinidad appear to be based on misidentifications, and there is therefore no justification for regarding C. varians as adventive in Florida.
How Republicans Won on Voter Identification Laws: The Roles of Strategic Reasoning and Moral Conviction*

Objectives American political elites heatedly disagree over voter identification (ID) laws. Yet, the issue is not particularly polarizing at the mass level. Previous research mostly explores voter ID attitude correlates and how those policies shape turnout, but offers less insight into how average citizens understand the issue. We explore competing partisan frames on voter ID—voter fraud and voter suppression—that advance subtexts about partisan motivations and whom these laws benefit. Method We use an original nationally representative survey to examine how partisan motivated reasoning, strategic reasoning, and moral conviction influence voter ID frame perceptions and policy support among partisans. Results For average partisans, strategic reasoning and moral conviction significantly influence frame perceptions and voter ID attitudes, though not always along predicted party lines. Motivated reasoning proves inconsequential. Conclusions Republicans have won the “framing war” over voter ID, largely neutralizing the Democratic voter suppression frame, even among average Democrats.
Behavioral training for teachers in special education: the Gonzaga University program

The Gonzaga University's behaviorally based Department of Special Education offers an undergraduate major in special education for the completion of a Bachelor of Education degree, as well as a Master of Education in Special Education. The basic behavioral, data-based model, philosophy, and courses are outlined at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Outcome data gathered from the program's consumers indicated high levels of student and employer satisfaction with the program, the faculty, and the curricular content. The manner in which the program is viewed as compatible with state and national accrediting bodies is discussed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Green infrastructure, green space, and sustainable urbanism: geography’s important role

ABSTRACTThis paper is a broad review of green infrastructure theory and practice relative to urban sustainability and the space for geographers in these discussions. We use examples from various urban sustainability plans to highlight ways in which green infrastructure is being conceptualized and implemented. We explore how geography contributes research on green infrastructure as well as the emerging practices as seen within sustainability plans. We identify four areas in which geographers can influence both green infrastructure theory and practice: 1) scale; 2) mapping distribution; 3) sensitivity to place and locale; and 4) equity and access. We conclude that in these areas geographers have tremendous opportunity contribute more deliberately to sustainable urbanism.
Extending First Amendment Protections to Artistic Compositions in Criminal Proceedings Through the Lens of Rap-Lyric Cases: The German 'Dignity' Model Applied to American Free Expression Jurisprudence

This paper argues for enhanced free speech protections for writers and lyricists preempting the use of artistic compositions in criminal trials. It constructs this protection by grafting fundamentals of German free expression law, namely the concept of "dignity," onto existing First Amendment jurisprudence.
Balloon catheter dilation for treatment of persistent nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Abstract PURPOSE: To report the outcome of balloon catheter dilation of the lacrimal duct for treatment of children with persistent nasolacrimal duct obstruction after previous surgery. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive children with a history of persistent nasolacrimal duct obstruction following previous surgery were treated with nasolacrimal duct probing with balloon catheter dilation of the distal nasolacrimal duct. Patients were excluded from this study if they had a history of facial trauma, systemic disorders that involved the lacrimal system, or nasolacrimal duct cysts. Outcomes were considered excellent if the patient had complete symptomatic resolution of epiphora and dacryocystitis and normal tear drainage on examination, good if the patient had only minimal residual symptoms or a minimally delayed dye disappearance test, fair if the patient had moderate residual symptoms or delayed tear drainage, and poor if there was no improvement. RESULTS: Thirty-two children (20 with bilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction and 12 with unilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction) underwent balloon catheter dilation. Overall results were excellent in 9 (28%) patients, good in 15 (47%) patients, fair in 7 (22%) patients, and poor in 1 (3%) patient. Seven patients had undergone more than one previous procedure. Of these patients, 3 had excellent outcomes, 2 had good outcomes, 1 had a fair outcome, and 1 had a poor outcome following balloon catheter dilation. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon catheter dilation is a safe and generally effective treatment for children with persistent symptoms of nasolacrimal duct obstruction following previous surgery.
Methodology for controlled administration of smoked synthetic cannabinoids JWH-018 and JWH-073.

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are a significant public health concern given their widespread use and severe effects associated with intoxication. However, there is a paucity of controlled human studies investigating the behavioral and physiological effects and pharmacokinetics of these compounds. Designing a reliable method to administer consistent, concentration-dependent synthetic cannabinoids is an integral component of controlled study of these compounds. Further, optimizing methods to assess the parent compounds and metabolites in plasma is critical in order to be able to establish their pharmacokinetics after administration. To develop a reliable method to administer smokable, concentration-dependent SCs, cigarettes were prepared with plant matter adulterated with increasing concentrations of the first generation cannabinoids found in SC products, JWH-018 and JWH-073. Cigarettes were assessed 1-6 months after preparation using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to determine compound stability over time and concentration consistency throughout the cigarettes. Optimal conditions to detect metabolites in human plasma as a function of storage temperature (-4 °C to -80 °C) and time (24 h - 1 month) were also determined. Analyses verified that the method utilized to develop SC cigarettes yielded consistent, concentration-dependent products within 25% of the expected concentrations. JWH-018, JWH-073 and metabolites in spiked plasma were stable under the time and temperature conditions; concentrations were within ±20% of target values. These studies provide techniques and methods to conduct controlled investigations of the dose-dependent effects of first generation SCs to begin understanding risks associated with use. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Designer Drugs and Legal Highs.'
Conformational and Metabolic Aspects of Gonadotropins

The gonadotropins represent an interesting class of glycoprotein hormones that are comprised of two non-identical subunits, termed α and s, each with a molecular weight of approximately 15, 000. The α -subunit appears common to the gonadotropins and to TSH1 and it is the s-subunit that confers hormonal specificity.
Examining the Relevance of Online Customer Textual Reviews on Hotels’ Product and Service Attributes:

Online reviews left by guests have business value in terms of understanding customers’ perceptions of hotels’ product and service attributes. By focusing on customers’ textual reviews through a tex...
Polystyrene-based Ion-exchange Fiber and Its Application at Nuclear Power Plant

This paper represents studies of ion-exchange fiber “IONEX” for precoating materials at nuclear power plants. Cation-exchange fiber “IONEX” (ca. 40 μm diameter and ca. 0.3 mm length) with sulfonic acid group for cation exchange, which is suitable for precoating materials, has been prepared. The microcolumn tests, carried out by forming precoat layers using mixtures of powdered resins and “IONEX”, indicate that filter performance can be improved considerably. These results are attributed to bridge effects and large specific surface areas of “IONEX”. Based on the results of these laboratory tests, “IONEX” has already been used at several power plants.
Renal Clearable Luminescent Gold Nanoparticles: From the Bench to the Clinic

With more and more engineered nanoparticles (NPs) being translated to the clinic, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued the latest draft guidance on nanomaterial-containing drug products with an emphasis on understanding their in vivo transport and nano-bio interactions. Following these guidelines, NPs can be designed to target and treat diseases more efficiently than small molecules, have minimum accumulation in normal tissues, and induce minimum toxicity. In this Minireview, we integrate this guidance with our ten-year studies on developing renal clearable luminescent gold NPs. These gold NPs resist serum protein adsorption, escape liver uptake, target cancerous tissues, and report kidney dysfunction at early stages. At the same time, off-target gold NPs can be eliminated by the kidneys with minimum accumulation in the body. Additionally, we identify challenges to the translation of renal clearable gold NPs from the bench to the clinic.
Validity indices for clusters of uncertain data objects

Clustering validity indices are the main tools for evaluating the quality of formed clusters and determining the correct number of clusters. They can be applied on the results of clustering algorithms to validate the performance of those algorithms. In this paper, two clustering validity indices named uncertain Silhouette and Order Statistic, are developed for uncertain data. To the best of our knowledge, there is not any clustering validity index in the literature that is designed for uncertain objects and can be used for validating the performance of uncertain clustering algorithms. Our proposed validity indices use probabilistic distance measures to capture the distance between uncertain objects. They outperform existing validity indices for certain data in validating clusters of uncertain data objects and are robust to outliers. The Order Statistic index in particular, a general form of uncertain Dunn validity index (also developed here), is well capable of handling instances where there is a single cluster that is relatively scattered (not compact) compared to other clusters, or there are two clusters that are close (not well-separated) compared to other clusters. The aforementioned instances can potentially result in the failure of existing clustering validity indices in detecting the correct number of clusters.
WeRSort: Preliminary Results from a New Method of Remote Collaboration Facilitated by Fully Immersive Virtual Reality:

Fully immersive virtual reality, with the unique ability to replicate the real world, could potentially aid in real-time communication. Geographically separated teams can collaborate using virtual ...
Continuous Low-Power Ammonia Monitoring Using Long Short-Term Memory Neural Networks

Accurate and continuous ammonia monitoring is important for laboratory animal studies and many other applications. Existing solutions are often expensive, inaccurate, or unsuitable for long-term monitoring. In this work, we propose a new ammonia monitoring approach that is low-power, automatic, accurate, and wireless. Our system uses metal oxide sensors which change their electrical resistance due to an induced reduction reaction with ammonia at high temperatures. Traditional methods infer the ammonia level by measuring the sensor's electrical resistance after it reaches equilibrium. Such a system consumes a significant amount of energy because reaching equilibrium requires heating the sensor for minutes. Our proposed approach does not wait for equilibrium, but tries to predict the resistance at equilibrium using the sensor's initial resistance response curve in a very short heating pulse (as short as 200ms). The prediction model is built on long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks. We built 38 prototype sensors and a home-grown gas flow system. In a 3-month in-lab testing period, we conducted extensive experiments and collected 13,770 measurements. Our model accurately predicts the equilibrium state resistance value, with an average error rate of 0.12%. The final average estimation error for the ammonia concentration level is 9.38ppm. Given the ultra low power consumption and accurate measurements, we have partnered with cage vendors and deployed our system at two animal research facilities (NIH and Cornell University) for month-long medical trials.
Modifiable life style factors and risk for incident endometriosis.

BACKGROUND Caffeine, alcohol, smoking and physical activity are known to alter sex steroid synthesis, which may affect hormone-dependent gynaecologic disease risk, such as endometriosis; however, few studies have assessed life style factors prior to endometriosis diagnosis. METHODS Four hundred and seventy three women, ages 18-44 years, underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy, regardless of clinical indication, at 14 clinic sites, 2007-2009. Women with prior surgically confirmed endometriosis were excluded. Life style factors were assessed prior to surgery. Adjusted risk ratios (RR) of endometriosis by caffeine, alcohol, smoking (serum cotinine), and physical activity were estimated, adjusting for age, marital status, education, race/ethnicity, age at menarche, gravidity, BMI, study site, and other life style factors. RESULTS There were no associations between women with endometriosis and alcohol consumption (RR 0.9, 95% CI 0.7, 1.3), caffeine consumption (RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.8, 1.5), or smoking (serum cotinine <10 vs ≥10 ng/mL; RR 1.0, 95% CI 0.7, 1.6). Similar null findings were found between endometriosis and weekly occurrences of physical activity and total walking, moderate, and vigorous activity; a modest trend was found between total daily sitting time and increased endometriosis risk. CONCLUSIONS This study, which is unique in its capture of life style exposures prior to incident endometriosis diagnosis, largely found no association between alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and physical activity and risk of endometriosis.
High-Responsivity and Broadband Photoconductive Terahertz Detection via Photon Trapping

We present a photoconductive terahertz detector, which utilizes photon trapping to offer broadband terahertz detection, over a 0.1-4.5 THz band, with large dynamic ranges, exceeding 100 dB, without using a short-carrier-lifetime semiconductor substrate. © 2019 The Author(s)
Five-Year Comparative Analysis of Medicare Opioid Prescription Volume Among Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Purpose To examine the volume and variation in opioid prescribing practices among oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) serving Medicare beneficiaries from 2013 to 2017 and identify the practice-level features that correlate with the opioid prescription volume. Materials and Methods The present cross-sectional study included Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data from 2013 to 2017. Providers were included if they were labelled as OMSs. The primary outcome variable was the opioid claim volume. The predictor variables included provider and beneficiary gender, beneficiary age, and beneficiary hierarchical condition category (HCC). The secondary outcome variables included mean opioid prescriptions per beneficiary and opioid days' supply per claim. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were computed at an α level of 0.05. Results The 5-year analysis cohort included 2071 distinct providers; 605,593 total opioid prescription claims were recorded for 516,217 Medicare beneficiaries, with an average supply of 3.54 days of opioids per patient. From 2013 to 2017, a significant increase had occurred in the number of mean opioid claims per provider (P Conclusions Although the total number of opioids prescribed by OMSs has increased over time, the prescribing practices have, on the aggregate, become more responsible. The extreme cases of opioid prescribing and variations in state-level opioid claim volumes warrant additional investigation.
Recent Advancements of Uncertainty Quantification with Non-Gaussian Correlated Process Variations: Invited Special Session Paper

Uncertainty quantification techniques have been widely used to model devices, circuits, and systems with fabrication process variations. However, most existing techniques assume that all random parameters are mutually independent or Gaussian correlated, which is rarely true in practice. How to handle non-Gaussian correlated random parameters is a fundamental and long-standing challenge. In this paper, we review existing techniques and point out their limitations. Then, we summarize our recent work to address the theoretical and computational challenges caused by non-Gaussian correlations.
Prospective Evaluation of Psychological Risk Factors as Predictors of Functional Impairment During Acute Stress

Increasing evidence suggests that psychological risk variables (e.g., anxiety sensitivity) may act as premorbid risk factors for the development of physical illness and psychopathology such as clinical anxiety and cardiovascular disease. The principal aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the degree to which these factors affected mental and physical health-related impairment and disability. A large nonclinical sample of young adults (N = 1296) was prospectively followed during a highly stressful period of time (i.e., military basic training). Consistent with expectation, each of the hypothesized risk factors contributed to the prediction of at least one index of impairment (e.g., visits to health clinic) after controlling for demographic factors, fitness, and history of psychiatric treatment. Moreover, gender interacted with risk factors in predicting outcomes suggesting that females with high anxiety sensitivity, relative to males with high anxiety sensitivity, are particularly prone to develop impairment during stress.
Distributed Visual Category Processing Across Medial Superior Temporal and Lateral Intraparietal Cortices

Abstract Categorization is an essential cognitive and perceptual process for recognition and decision making. The posterior parietal cortex (PPC), particularly the lateral intraparietal (LIP) area has been suggested to transform visual feature encoding into cognitive or abstract category representations. By contrast, areas closer to sensory input, such as the middle temporal (MT) area, encode stimulus features but not more abstract categorical information during categorization tasks. Here, we compare the contributions of PPC subregions in category computation by recording neuronal activity in the medial superior temporal (MST) and LIP areas during a categorization task. MST is a core motion processing area interconnected with MT, and often considered an intermediate processing stage between MT and LIP. Here we show that MST shows robust decision-correlated category encoding and working memory encoding similar to LIP, suggesting that MST plays a substantial role in cognitive computation, extending beyond its widely recognized role in visual motion processing.
A hydrophobic interaction chromatography method suitable for quantitating individual monoclonal antibodies contained in co-formulated drug products.

Abstract A co-formulated monoclonal antibody (mAb) product containing two or more antibodies offers several therapeutic advantages. However, quantitating the individual antibodies in a co-formulated product is challenging due to the similar biochemical and biophysical properties of mAbs. To identify a method suitable to support the development of a co-formulated drug product with three mAbs, a hydrophobic interaction chromatography method was developed, utilizing a Dionex ProPac HIC-10 column, 100 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0), and an ammonium sulfate gradient. Compared to other methods that were evaluated, the HIC method showed the best separation, as well as accurate quantitation of the three mAbs in the co-formulated drug product. The calibration curves were linear over column loads of 225 μg to 900 μg (R2 > 0.99) and the accuracy was between 91% and 106%. Intra-day and inter-day precisions (RSD) were less than or equal to 0.6 % and 1.7%, respectively. The method was used to quantitate individual mAb concentrations in the co-formulated drug product and to monitor any changes in concentration during stability studies.
Galaxy and Apollo as a biologist-friendly interface for high-quality cooperative phage genome annotation

In the modern genomic era, scientists without extensive bioinformatic training need to apply high-power computational analyses to critical tasks like phage genome annotation. At the Center for Phage Technology (CPT), we developed a suite of phage-oriented tools housed in open, user-friendly web-based interfaces. A Galaxy platform conducts computationally intensive analyses and Apollo, a collaborative genome annotation editor, visualizes the results of these analyses. The collection includes open source applications such as the BLAST+ suite, InterProScan, and several gene callers, as well as unique tools developed at the CPT that allow maximum user flexibility. We describe in detail programs for finding Shine-Dalgarno sequences, resources used for confident identification of lysis genes such as spanins, and methods used for identifying interrupted genes that contain frameshifts or introns. At the CPT, genome annotation is separated into two robust segments that are facilitated through the automated execution of many tools chained together in an operation called a workflow. First, the structural annotation workflow results in gene and other feature calls. This is followed by a functional annotation workflow that combines sequence comparisons and conserved domain searching, which is contextualized to allow integrated evidence assessment in functional prediction. Finally, we describe a workflow used for comparative genomics. Using this multi-purpose platform enables researchers to easily and accurately annotate an entire phage genome. The portal can be accessed at https://cpt.tamu.edu/galaxy-pub with accompanying user training material.
Substrate-induced microstructure effects on the dynamics of the photo-induced metal–insulator transition in VO2 thin films

We investigate the differences in the dynamics of the ultrafast photo-induced metal–insulator transition (MIT) of two VO2 thin films deposited on different substrates, TiO2 and Al2O3, and in particular the temperature dependence of the threshold laser fluence values required to induce various MIT stages in a wide range of sample temperatures 150–320 K. We identified that, although the general pattern of MIT evolution was similar for the two samples, there were several differences. Most notably, the threshold values of laser fluence required to reach the transition to a fully metallic phase in the VO2 film on the TiO2 substrate were nearly constant in the range of temperatures considered, whereas the VO2/Al2O3 sample showed clear temperature dependence. Our analysis qualitatively connects such behavior to the structural differences in the two VO2 films.
Regional Structural Characterization of the Brain of Schizophrenia Patients

Abnormal neuro-development and brain structure may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. To study morphology and age-related changes in this disease, we started with a set of cranial MRI’s of 46 schizophrenia patients and age/gender matched healthy controls. First, we deformed a template brain image to our set of subject images. The Jacobian fields of these deformations were then reduced to sets of 52 normalized region volumes for each subject using a neuro-anatomical atlas. The normalized regional volumes of the control and patient groups were compared using Student’s t-test. In addition, the age correlation of each region volume was calculated for the two groups. All results were corrected for multiple comparisons using permutation testing. Finally, we used a classifier based on support vector machines and a feature selection method in order to determine our ability to discriminate brains of controls from those of patients. RESULTS: Analysis of the region-integrated Jacobians showed an enlargement of the third ventricle in patients. The age-correlation study demonstrated significant positive correlation in the third ventricle and right thalamus of controls, but not patients. Using an average of 6.5 features, our classifier was able to correctly identify 72% of patients and 70% of controls. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to enlargement of the third ventricle, the brains of schizophrenia patients demonstrate a different pattern of age-related changes.
Studies on rabbit-lymphocytes in vitro. XIX. Kinetics of reversible antiallotypic stimulation and restimulation of blast transformation.

Abstract A study of the kinetics of antiallotypic stimulation of transformation of rabbit peripheral blood lymphocytes demonstrates that: 1. 1. The ability of lymphocytes to respond to stimulation decreases with the time the cells are held in vitro prior to initiation of stimulation (delayed stimulation); 2. 2. When stimulated cultures are blocked by the addition of competing immunoglobulin, RNA synthesis is maintanied for 2–3 hr; synthesis then gradually falls to unstimulated levels; 3. 3. If blocked cultures are restimulated within 3–4 hr after blocking, the amount of RNA synthesis, DNA synthesis, and number of transformed cells will be the same as if blocking had not occurred; after this time these indices will be decreased in comparison to continuously stimulated cultures; 4. 4. Stimulated and blocked cultures can be restimulated after prestimulation and blocking at times when unprestimulated (delayed stimulated) cells are no longer stimulable. The results confirm and extend earlier findings that stimulated lymphocytes remain in a temporary state of activation following blocking. The relationship of the induction of lymphocyte transformation to the distribution of surface immunoglobulins on rabbit peripheral blood lymphocytes as determined by ultrastructural labeling suggests that the initial step in transformation involves endocytosis of surface receptors.
Cyber Security Export Markets

Virginia has been consistently rated by various studies as the number one state for doing business in the United States. The industries of information technology and defense are among the major industries within Virginia. The global demand for cybersecurity technology is exploding. The project identifies the top ten foreign markets that offer the best opportunities for exports of cyber security goods, services and technologies by companies located in Virginia. In addition to providing a broad overview of the top ten markets, the study identifies and analyzes the five most promising markets in depth. The ten markets examined are presented in the order of the most promising. The first five contain the in depth assessments. These assessments focus on strategies for market access, including government procurement procedures, trade regulations, laws, market access restrictions, tenders, and business challenges.
Computer models offer new insights into the mechanics of rock climbing

Three computer models of varying complexity were developed in order to investigate the kinematics, kinetics, muscle operating ranges, and energetics of rock climbing. First, inverse dynamic models were used to investigate the joint angles and torques used in climbing and to quantify the total mechanical work required for typical rock climbing. Climbing experience was found to have a significant effect on the kinematics used in climbing; however, there were no significant differences in mechanical work. Second, a musculoskeletal model of the whole body was developed, this model combined with the kinematic data was used to analyze the operating ranges of the upper and lower limb muscles during climbing. In general, the experienced climbers employed kinematic motions that corresponded to muscle fibers used for climbing operating much closer to their optimum length than the kinematics of inexperienced climbers. Third, a forward dynamic model was developed to predict the metabolic goal of climbing. The results...
A low-complexity residual CFO estimation scheme for OFDM systems

A low-complexity residual carrier frequency offsets (CFOs) estimation scheme of a multiuser uplink orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system is presented as an improvement to the traditional time-multiplexed method. This method employs an orthogonal code, such as the Frank-Zadoff code, in the training sequence. Each antenna transmits this code sequence according to a prearranged schedule. Hence, the base station estimates the uplink CFO of each path in an efficient time and spectral manner. Compared to the time-multiplexed method, the total required training time is reduced approximately 50% and the computation requirement is also reduced approximately 50% as the number of users grows large. Moreover, the overhead for the total uplink frame at the BS is independent to the number of users. Simulations of a 2×1 systems show that this new method has a smaller variance of the estimation error than the time-multiplexed method when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is low, and the same variance of the estimation error as the time-multiplexed method when the SNR is high in the COST207 typical urban.