cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the mass absorption cross section of the organic carbon component of aerosols in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area

Data taken from the MCMA-2003 and the 2006 MILAGRO field campaigns are used to examine the absorption of solar radiation by the organic component of aerosols. Using irradiance data from a Multi-Filter Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (MFRSR) and an actinic flux spectroradiometer (SR), we derive aerosol single scattering albedo, ϖ 0, λ , as a function of wavelength, λ. We find that in the near-UV spectral range (250 to 400 nm) ϖ 0, λ is much lower compared to ϖ 0, λ at 500 nm indicating enhanced absorption in the near-UV range. Absorption by elemental carbon, dust, or gas cannot account for this enhanced absorption leaving the organic carbon component of the aerosol (OA) as the most likely absorber. We use data from a surface deployed Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) along with the inferred ϖ 0, λ to estimate the Mass Absorption Cross section (MAC) for the organic aerosol. We find that the MAC is about 10.5 m 2 /g at 300 nm and falls close to zero at about 500 nm; values that are roughly consistent with other estimates of organic aerosol MAC. These MAC values can be considered as "radiatively correct", because when used in radiative transfer calculations, the calculated irradiances/actinic fluxes match those measured at the wavelengths considered here. For an illustrative case study described here, we estimate that the light absorption by the "brown" (organic) carbonaceous aerosol can add about 40% to the light absorption of black carbon in Mexico City. This contribution will vary depending on the relative abundance of organic aerosol relative to black carbon. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that organic aerosol would slow down photochemistry by selectively scavenging the light reaching the ground at those wavelengths that drive photochemical reactions. Finally, satellite retrievals of trace gases that are used to infer emissions currently assume that the MAC of organic carbon is zero. For trace gases that are retrieved using wavelengths shorter then 420 nm (i.e. SO 2 , HCHO, halogenoxides, NO 2 ), the assumption of non-zero MAC values will induce an upward correction to the inferred emissions. This assumption will be particularly relevant in polluted urban atmospheres and areas of biomass burning where organic aerosols are particularly abundant.
Geographic variations in the use of medical and surgical therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Purpose: Patients with BPH have several treatment options. Little is known about geographic variations in surgical rates for BPH and the market relationships to medical therapy, health resources and sociodemographic factors.Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using administrative data from 5 states in 2000. Rates of surgical and medical therapy were calculated per 100,000 men 55 years old or older. Main outcome measures were county level weighted coefficient of variation and systematic component of variation in therapy rates, as well as surgery rates as a function of medication dispensing rates, health care resources and sociodemographic characteristics.Results: North Carolina had the lowest surgery rates (26.3 minimally invasive procedures and 332.1 invasive surgeries per 100,000) and finasteride dispensing rates (503.5 per 100,000). Overall rates of medical therapy were 5 times higher than surgery rates. Geographic variations in surgical and medical therapy rates were significant...
Distributed rate allocation for inelastic flows: optimization frameworks, optimality conditions, and optimal algorithms

A common assumption behind most of the recent research on network utility maximization is that traffic flows are elastic, which implies that their utility functions are concave and there are no hard limits on the rate allocated to each flow. These critical assumptions lead to tractability of the analytic models of utility maximization, but also limits applicability of the resulting rate allocation protocols. This paper focuses on inelastic flows and removes these restrictive and often invalid assumptions. We present several optimization frameworks, optimality conditions, and optimal algorithms. First, we consider nonconcave utility functions, which turn utility maximization into nonconvex, constrained optimization problems that are well-known to be difficult. We present conditions under which the current standard price-based distributed algorithm can still converge to the globally optimal rate allocation despite nonconcavity of utility functions. In particular, continuity of price-based rate allocation at all the optimal prices is a sufficient condition for global convergence of rate allocation by the standard algorithm, and continuity at at least one optimal price is a necessary condition. In the second part of the paper, we provide a general problem formulation of rate allocation among time-sensitive flows from real-time and streaming applications, as well as a decomposition into subproblems coordinated by pricing. After simplifying the subproblems by leveraging the optimization structures, we highlight the difficult issues of causality and time-scale, and propose an effective price-based heuristics for admission control and an optimal algorithm for a special case formulation.
Carbon Footprinting the Internet

Recent analysis suggests that global IT, a rapidly expanding sector, is responsible for two to four percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. How is the use of computers and networks affecting our planet‟s atmosphere? Through the example of Google, the world‟s most visited website, this article explores the ways in which the Internet generates GHGs, the difficulties in quantifying these emissions, and the possible mitigation of negative planetary impacts. Author’s Note
Antacid-induced osteomalacia.

Hypophosphatemia osteomalacia caused by antacid intake has been reported in nine cases. The authors report an additional case, which was cured by discontinuing antacids. A review of the literature is presented.
182 A PROJECT ON A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO TREATING OBESITY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS.

Purpose of Study This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach to treating obesity in children and adolescents by interventions aimed at altering maladaptive dietary, exercise and sleep patterns. The team consists of a pediatrician, dietitian, behavioral psychologist, and sleep specialists. We present the preliminary results from this ongoing project, including baseline characteristics of the participants and factors associated with obesity in this population. Methods Children and adolescents who are referred to the weight loss clinic by primary care providers undergo a baseline evaluation consisting of a history and physical examination. They answer standardized questionnaires about their diet, exercise, sleep habits, and quality of life. The subjects are counseled to make the appropriate lifestyle changes and are followed longitudinally to assess response. Summary of Results A total of 19 female and 7 male subjects ages 4 to 16 years with BMI 21 to 50 have been enrolled so far and have been followed for up to 19 weeks (mean 6). Weight change over this time was −7.22 to + 3.48 kg (mean −0.4, SD 2.8). Obese individuals were more likely to be older (BMI vs age, Pearson9s coefficient 0.605, p = .001) and were more likely to sleep less during the night (BMI vs sleep duration on weekdays, Pearson9s coefficient −0.519, p = .007). Obese individuals were more likely to have a worse quality of life (BMI vs Pediatric Quality of Life Index, Pearson9s coefficient 0.512, p .015). Sleep duration on weekday nights was 6 to 11 hours (mean 8.9, SD 1.1), and sleep deficits during weekdays were suggested by a 1- to 5-hour (mean 1.8, SD 2.1) difference between time spent sleeping in the night on weekends and weekdays. Sixty-one percent had a television in their rooms and watched 1 to 8 hours of television (mean 4.1, SD 2.2). Conclusions Propensity for obesity increased with age in our subjects, likely due to an accumulation of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors over time, suggesting the need for interventions to be instituted at an early age. Obese individuals in this group were more likely to sleep less in the night and were more likely to be sleep deprived. This is consistent with the results of other studies, which have shown obesity to be linked to short sleep times and the hormonal changes resulting from short sleep times, promoting obesity in these adults. Obese individuals are more likely to have a poorer quality of life. Multidisciplinary approach to managing obesity is likely to be effective, but further study on this subject is needed.
Implementation and evaluation of a competency-based dietetic program.

Presented here is an assessment of the evaluation component of a model using the mastery concept approach.
Cortical Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis

Cortical demyelination in CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases is reviewed in an editorial and in a study by Moll NM et al (Neurology 2008;70:336-343).
International technology roadmap for wide band-gap power semiconductor ITRW

Wide band-gap devices are highly suitable to harsh working conditions such as high voltage, high temperature, high frequency, and high radiation exposure. The working voltage can reach as high as 10,000 volt, while the heat flux can exceed 1 *107 W/m2, which is far beyond the realm of Si devices. Applications include spaceship, airplane, high speed train, ocean oil drilling platform, EV /HEV and intelligent manufacturing. Application areas of internet of things (loT) require new technologies such as power electronics, RF devices and solid state lighting.
Taxation Regime of Expatriates and Corporate Inversion

This chapter covers the technicalities of the US expatriation regime for both individuals and corporate taxpayers. The focus is on corporate inversion—its several forms, structuring, challenges, and tax policies.
Spray‐On Polymer–Clay Multilayers as a Superior Anticorrosion Metal Pretreatment

Pretreatment coatings applied to metals are essential in the overall performance of anticorrosion coating systems. Hexavalent chromium, a widely used pretreatment for aluminum is now considered harmful. Therefore, a need for environment-friendly yet efficient and scalable pretreatment coatings has emerged. Here, the authors present the spray-assisted layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly and anticorrosion performance of a highly ordered polymer–clay nanocomposite coating. This approach is an entirely water-based process, allowing for application over large surface areas. This novel pretreatment coating (25 wt% clay) presents a brick-and-mortar multilayered structure, where the montmorillonite clay (MMT) acts as a physical oxygen barrier, while preventing the dissolution of corrosion products—thus delaying corrosion. The branched polyethylenimine polymer (BPEI) mortar provides surface buffering once the corrosion process initiates. The anticorrosion properties of the LbL coating are evaluated using electrochemical measurements and salt-spray testing. This BPEI/MMT system presents good anticorrosion properties, making it a potential alternative pretreatment.
Ecological and Biochemical Constraints on Pheromonal Signaling Systems in Asian Elephants and Their Evolutionary Implications

The Asian elephant is an unusual example of how intraspecies chemical communication helps maintain societal cohesiveness within familial and herd units. The amount of multidirectional chemical communication is surprising, because long-lived elephants have a highly organized society, are capable of trans-generational passage of information, possess a sophisticated vocalization system, and are capable of complex learning and tool use. This paper discusses the ecological, behavioral, and biochemical aspects of chemical signals in elephants from an evolutionary perspective. Diverse bodily emissions are utilized as intraspecies chemical signals (including pheromones), often with imposed biochemical constraints. In this chapter, chemosignals released from temporal gland secretions and breath of male Asian elephants in musth and a urinary female-to-male preovulatory pheromone are utilized as examples of these concepts. Furthermore, specific behavioral and biochemical studies with (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (a female-to-male urinary sex pheromone) demonstrate that social context significantly influences responsivity (demonstrated by field studies in Myanmar) and that additional biochemical requirements, perhaps lipocalin-like proteins, may be required for full bioactivity. The remarkable convergent evolution of (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate, both structurally and functionally, in elephants and Lepidoptera, allows the use in elephant studies of effective biochemical tools developed for insect investigations. This convergence of chemical signaling systems of elephants and insects has several interesting implications.
Is cytoplasm intelligent too

Ever since modern computers arrived on the scene, the concept of “intelligence” has been greatly demystified and replaced by “data processing capacity.” Even the last bastions of mystical meaning in the word “intelligence,” namely the aspects of “creativity” and “awareness,” are being secularized. Computerists are exploring whether the use of look-up tables, tree searches, and pseudo-random number generators can replace the old-fashioned, mystical terms.
Designing Efficient Catalysts through Bimetallic Architecture: Rh@Pt Nanocubes as a Case Study

Bimetallic nanocatalysts often have increased activities and stabilities over their monometallic counterparts due to surface strain effects and electron transfer between the two metals. Here, we demonstrate that the performance of a nanocatalyst can be precisely manipulated in shape-controlled nanocrystals through a bimetallic core@shell architecture. This ability is achieved in a model core@shell Rh@Pt nanocube system through control of shell thickness. The enhanced performance with thin-shelled nanocrystals is correlated with the weakening of surface–adsorbate interactions. In these thin-shelled Rh@Pt nanocubes, the maximum current density achieved during formic acid oxidation was over 2 times greater than that achieved with similarly sized Pt nanocubes, with a decreased CO poisoning ratio as well. The strategy employed here should also enhance the performance of many other bimetallic nanomaterials composed of more cost-effective metals too.
Developing FE Human Models From Medical Images

This chapter introduces the acquisition of biomedical images from common clinical practices for finite element (FE) human model development. It starts with a brief introduction to the different clinical scanning modalities available, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT or CAT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), along with the rationale behind them for FE model generation. Different steps involved in the retrieval of three-dimensional (3D) surface geometry of human tissues, from image registration to image segmentation to the smoothing of image data for the generation of 3D computer-aided (CAD) surfaces, are described in detail. Further, different types of mesh generation strategies are described. The chapter also explains the mesh quality diagnostic check criteria and its relevance for obtaining accurate results during FE explicit solutions. Since some meshes representing different soft tissues are not directly connected at nodal locations, further descriptions of different contact algorithms available in FE solvers are explained for force/momentum transfers between these unmerged Lagrangian meshes. Lastly, a step-by-step procedure, along with different tools/software used for the development of a full-body FE model (CHARM 70F), is illustrated as an example for whole human body model development.
A Generalised Eigenvalue Problem and The Lanczos Algorithm

Some properties of the generalised eigenvalue problem, Kx = λ Mx , where K and M are real and symmetric matrices, and K is nonsingular and M is positive semidefinite (and singular), are examined. We start by listing some basic properties of the problem, such as the Jordan normal form of K −1 M . The next part deals with three standard algorithms (inverse iteration, the power method, and the Lanczos method) the focus being on the Lanczos method. It is shown that if the Lanczos starting vector is contaminated by a component, in a certain subspace, this component may grow rapidly and cause large errors in the computed approximations of the eigenvectors. Some ways to refine the approximations are presented. The last part deals with the problem of estimating the quality of an approximate eigenpair, given a residual .
Exploring Defects in Nematic Liquid Crystals.

Visualization of temporal and spatial tensor data is a challenging task due to the large amount of multi-dimensional data. In most of the visualization, scientists are interested in finding certain defects, anomalies, or correlations while exploring data. Hence, visualization requires efficient exploration and representation techniques. In order to use the nematic liquid crystal (NLC) as a biosensor, scientists need to study and explore simulations for understanding the relationship between topological defects and the biological specimen. To solve the above problem, we merge scientific and information visualization techniques to create a controlled exploration environment. System enables a user to filter and explore NLC data sets for orientation defects. We introduce a three level visualization approach for exploring tensor data sets using timeline, parallel coordinate, and glyph based visualization. Visualization helps in reducing unnecessary data at each stage and focus on the relevant ones. This abstract discusses the goal, approach and various research issues found in the design of the NLC data visualization system.
Memory-efficient dynamic programming for learning optimal bayesian networks

We describe a memory-efficient implementation of a dynamic programming algorithm for learning the optimal structure of a Bayesian network from training data. The algorithm leverages the layered structure of the dynamic programming graphs representing the recursive decomposition of the problem to reduce the memory requirements of the algorithm from O(n2n) to O(C(n, n/2)), where C(n, n/2) is the binomial coefficient. Experimental results show that the approach runs up to an order of magnitude faster and scales to datasets with more variables than previous approaches.
Cognitive Therapy in the Year 2000

As this casebook comes to a close, two important aspects of the present volume have, we hope, become obvious. The first is the diversity of theoretical and technical positions represented by the contributors. It is interesting that there are differences of opinion, and a wide range of techniques that have come together under the broad banner of cognitive therapy. The second is the clear and active debunking of several of what Freeman (1986) and Freeman, Pretzer, Fleming, and Simon (1990) have called “the myths of cognitive therapy.”
On-line monitoring and interactive steering of large-scale parallel and distributed applications

As the result of rapid advances in high performance computing and communication technologies, interactive execution of large-scale parallel and distributed applications are becoming increasingly popular, but difficult to accomplish. This thesis argues that an effective interactive application model and associated tool support can make it easy to construct such interactive applications, and that efficient on-line monitoring is an essential component of any interactive application model. The interactive application model proposed by this thesis divides an application into three separate components: a front end, a back end, and a connector. The front end handles interactions with end users, while the back end handles the computational requirements of the application. The connector component links the front end with the back end. Interactivities supported by the interactive application model are called program steering. Steering can be performed by human users or algorithms, and they can be used for improving a program's performance or for enhancing an application's functionality. The Falcon on-line monitoring and steering system is developed to support program steering and the proposed interactive application model. This thesis focuses on the on-line monitoring component of Falcon, which facilitates the on-line specification, capture, collection, analysis, and delivery of program and performance information requested by human users or steering algorithms. The unique features of Falcon's on-line monitoring system include the support of application-specific monitoring, controlled monitoring latencies and overheads, and the support of scalable monitoring. The Falcon on-line monitoring and steering system has been implemented, and it has been used for the construction and steering of a variety of large-scale parallel and distributed applications.
White striping and wooden breast myopathies of broiler breast muscle is affected by time-limited feeding, genetic background, and egg storage.

ABSTRACT The effects of time-limited feeding, genetic background, and egg storage on white striping (WS) and wooden breast (WB) in broilers were studied. Male chicks (240) from 2 genetic backgrounds and 2 egg storage periods were fed on either an ad libitum (AL) or time-limited (TL) program from 7 d of age. A rapid growth strain (Growth) and an enhanced yield strain (Yield) of broiler breeder males were mated to a single female line and eggs were stored for periods of either 1 to 7 d or 8 to 14 d. Body weight (BW), feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined weekly. Carcass data including WS and WB scores were collected at 42 d of age. Breast muscle scoring was conducted either visually or by hand palpation using a 1 to 4 point ordinal scale (normal to greatest severity). Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS. The TL fed broilers presented less WS (1.64 vs. 2.87) and WB (2.14 vs. 2.89), lower BW (2.99 vs. 3.27 kg), and improved FCR (1.55 vs. 1.58 g: g), as well as reduced dressing percentage (79.5 vs. 80.1%), breast muscle yield (33.3 vs. 34.6%), and 24 h muscle pH (5.82 vs. 5.95) relative to AL broilers (P
Smartphone apps providing social comparison for health behavior change: a need for better tailoring to person and context

Smartphone apps that support health behavior change efforts often provide opportunities for users to compare their behaviors and progress to that of other users (i.e., social comparison). At present, however, available literature on features of these apps has two main limitations: (I) it shows little consistency in its application of the term social comparison, and (II) it does not take into account key aspects and consequences of social comparison that could improve user engagement and behavioral outcomes. In this piece, we provide examples to illustrate the problems in each domain of limitation, and we identify critical aspects of the broader social comparison literature that could inform the tailoring of social comparison features to individual users and contexts.
Performance of artificial neural networks and linear models to quantify 4 trace gas species in an oil and gas production region with low-cost sensors

Abstract We tested the performance of regression via inverse linear models (LMs), direct LMs, and artificial neural networks (ANNs) towards field calibration of low-cost gas sensors in an area influenced by oil and gas production activities to quantify O3, CO, CO2, and CH4 in ambient air. Sensors were co-located with reference measurements in Greeley, Colorado. We selected a three-month period of data in the spring of 2017 to conduct our analysis. Approximately two months of measurements bookending the middle test month were used for model training. We found that ANNs generally outperformed LMs and that direct LMs generally outperformed inverted LMs. An analysis of model residuals during the test period revealed that ANNs were better able to mitigate curvature and linear trends relative to direct LMs with the same set of inputs.
CRYSTAL: a multi-agent AI system for automated mapping of materials’ crystal structures

We introduce CRYSTAL, a multi-agent AI system for crystal-structure phase mapping. CRYSTAL is the first system that can automatically generate a portfolio of physically meaningful phase diagrams for expert-user exploration and selection. CRYSTAL outperforms previous methods to solve the example Pd-Rh-Ta phase diagram, enabling the discovery of a mixed-intermetallic methanol oxidation electrocatalyst. The integration of multiple data-knowledge sources and learning and reasoning algorithms, combined with the exploitation of problem decompositions, relaxations, and parallelism, empowers AI to supersede human scientific data interpretation capabilities and enable otherwise inaccessible scientific discovery in materials science and beyond.
Inherited Metabolic Disorders

Paediatric hepatologist has become increasingly involved in management of IMDs due to their better diagnostics, considerable clinical overlap with liver diseases and possibility of LT as long-term treatment option. This overview presents some clinical background for the commonest of the IMDs potentially managed by LT but also attempts to assess risk/benefit ratios in specific contexts. The potential benefits of minimising developmental delay, which is a common feature of medically treated IMDs, represent a strong drive to performing these elective operations earlier in childhood. However, surgical and perioperative issues need to be borne in mind in order to optimise outcome for this unique group of patients.
The Stanley Collection

The University of Iowa Museum of Art and the University's graduate Art History program have developed into a unique and innovative collaborative research institution over the last thirty years. Thi...
Transit Planners’ Transit-Oriented Development-Related Practices and Theories:

Transit’s land use-shaping capability is an important justification and goal for fixed-guideway transit investment. While transit facility designs are expected to inform transit-oriented developmen...
Transzonular Triamcinolone–Moxifloxacin Versus Topical Drops for the Prophylaxis of Postoperative Inflammation After Cataract Surgery

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of an intraoperative transzonular injection of triamcinolone–moxifloxacin (Imprimis' Tri-Moxi 15 mg/1 mg/mL) to topical drops in patients undergoing cata...
Mapping Seafloor Relative Reflectance and Assessing Coral Reef Morphology with EAARL-B Topobathymetric Lidar Waveforms

Topobathymetric lidar is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for benthic habitat mapping, enabling safe, efficient data acquisition over coral reefs and other fragile ecosystems. In 2014, a novel topobathymetric lidar system, the Experimental Advanced Airborne Research Lidar-B (EAARL-B), was used to acquire data in priority habitat areas in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), spanning the 0–44-m depth range. In this study, new algorithms and procedures were developed for generating seafloor relative reflectance, along with a suite of shape-based waveform features from EAARL-B. Waveform features were then correlated with percent cover of coral morphologies, domed and branched, and total cover of hard and soft corals. Results show that the EAARL-B can be used to produce useful seafloor relative reflectance mosaics and also that the additional waveform shape-based features contain additional information that may benefit habitat classification—specifically, to aid in distinguishing among hard corals and their coral morphologies, domed and branched. Knowing the spatial extent of changes in coral communities is important to the understanding of resiliency of coral reefs under stress from human impacts.
Efficient Microservices with Elastic Containers

Containers are a popular mechanism used among application developers when deploying their systems on cloud platforms. Both developers and cloud providers are constantly looking to simplify container management, provisioning, and monitoring. In this paper, we present a container management layer that sits beside a container orchestrator that runs, what we call, Elastic Containers. Each elastic container contains multiple subcontainers that are connected to a centralized Global Cloud Manager (GCM). The GCM gathers subcontainer resource utilization information directly from inside each kernel running the subcontainers. The GCM then tries to efficiently and optimally distribute resources between the application subcontainers residing on a distributed environment.
A Machine Learning Approach to Identifying Changes in Suicidal Language

OBJECTIVE With early identification and intervention, many suicidal deaths are preventable. Tools that include machine learning methods have been able to identify suicidal language. This paper examines the persistence of this suicidal language up to 30 days after discharge from care. METHOD In a multi-center study, 253 subjects were enrolled into either suicidal or control cohorts. Their responses to standardized instruments and interviews were analyzed using machine learning algorithms. Subjects were re-interviewed approximately 30 days later, and their language was compared to the original language to determine the presence of suicidal ideation. RESULTS The results show that language characteristics used to classify suicidality at the initial encounter are still present in the speech 30 days later (AUC = 89% (95% CI: 85-95%), p < .0001) and that algorithms trained on the second interviews could also identify the subjects that produced the first interviews (AUC = 85% (95% CI: 81-90%), p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS This approach explores the stability of suicidal language. When using advanced computational methods, the results show that a patient's language is similar 30 days after first captured, while responses to standard measures change. This can be useful when developing methods that identify the data-based phenotype of a subject.
Efficient proactive vehicle relocation for on-demand mobility service with recurrent neural networks

Abstract One major challenge for on-demand mobility service (OMS) providers is to seamlessly match empty vehicles with trip requests so that the total vacant mileage is minimized. In this study, we develop an innovative data-driven approach for devising efficient vehicle relocation policy for OMS that (1) proactively relocates vehicles before the demand is observed and (2) reduces the inequality among drivers’ income so that the proactive relocation policy is fair and is likely to be followed by drivers. Our approach represents the fusion of optimization and machine learning methods, which comprises three steps: First, we formulate the optimal proactive relocation as an optimal/stable matching problems and solve for global optimal solutions based on historical data. Second, the optimal solutions are then grouped and fed to train the deep learning models which consist of fully connected layers and long short-term memory networks. Low rank approximation is introduced to reduce the model complexity and improve the training performances. Finally, we use the trained model to predict the relocation policy which can be implemented in real time. We conduct comprehensive numerical experiments and sensitivity analyses to demonstrate the performances of the proposed method using New York City taxi data. The results suggest that our method will reduce empty mileage per trip by 54–70% under the optimal matching strategy, and a 25–32% reduction can also be achieved by following the stable matching strategy. We also validate that the predicted relocation policies are robust in the presence of uncertain passenger demand level and passenger trip-requesting behavior.
Infrapatellar fat pad-derived mesenchymal stem cell-based spheroids enhance their therapeutic efficacy to reverse synovitis and fat pad fibrosis.

To investigate the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory/anti-fibrotic capacity of IFP-MSC manufactured as 3D spheroids. Our hypothesis is that IFP-MSC do not require prior cell priming to acquire a robust immunomodulatory phenotype in vitro in order to efficiently reverse synovitis and IFP fibrosis, and secondarily delay articular cartilage damage in vivo. Human IFP-MSC immunophenotype, tripotentiality, and transcriptional profiles were assessed in 3D settings. Multiplex secretomes were assessed in IFP-MSC spheroids [Crude (non-immunoselected), CD146+ or CD146− immunoselected cells] and compared with 2D cultures with and without prior inflammatory/fibrotic cell priming. Functionally, IFP-MSC spheroids were assessed for their immunopotency on human PBMC proliferation and their effect on stimulated synoviocytes with inflammation and fibrotic cues. The anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic spheroid properties were further evaluated in vivo in a rat model of acute synovitis/fat pad fibrosis. Spheroids enhanced IFP-MSC phenotypic, transcriptional, and secretory immunomodulatory profiles compared to 2D cultures. Further, CD146+ IFP-MSC spheroids showed enhanced secretory and transcriptional profiles; however, these attributes were not reflected in a superior capacity to suppress activated PBMC. This suggests that 3D culturing settings are sufficient to induce an enhanced immunomodulatory phenotype in both Crude and CD146-immunoselected IFP-MSC. Crude IFP-MSC spheroids modulated the molecular response of synoviocytes previously exposed to inflammatory cues. Therapeutically, IFP-MSC spheroids retained substance P degradation potential in vivo, while effectively inducing resolution of inflammation/fibrosis of the synovium and fat pad. Furthermore, their presence resulted in arrest of articular cartilage degradation in a rat model of progressive synovitis and fat pad fibrosis. 3D spheroids confer IFP-MSC a reproducible and enhanced immunomodulatory effect in vitro and in vivo, circumventing the requirement of non-compliant cell priming or selection before administration and thereby streamlining cell products manufacturing protocols.
Does maternal psychopathology bias reports of offspring symptoms? A study using moderated non-linear factor analysis.

Background Mood-state biases in maternal reports of emotional and behavioral problems in their children have been a major concern for the field. However, few studies have addressed this issue from a measurement invariance perspective. Methods Using data from baseline assessment of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study (n = 8,507 mother-child dyads; youth aged 9-11 years), we examined how dimensions of maternal psychopathology, including internalizing problems, were associated with indices of bias in reports of their children's dimensions of internalizing, externalizing, neurodevelopmental, detachment, somatoform psychopathology using moderated non-linear factor analysis. Moderated non-linear factor analyses examined multiple potential biases in maternal reports of youth psychopathology. Results Across analyses, we found very small magnitudes of associations between dimensions of maternal psychopathology and biases in reports of child emotional and behavioral problems. Conclusions Based on these results, we find little psychometric evidence for maternal psychopathology biasing reports of child behavior problems.
Association of a Common Genetic Variant with Parkinson’s Disease is Propagated through Microglia

Abstract Studies of the genetic basis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) have identified many disease-associated genetic variants, but the mechanisms linking variants to pathogenicity are largely unknown. PD risk is attributed to both coding mutations in the Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene and to common non-coding variation upstream of the LRRK2 locus. Here we show that the influence of genotype at non-coding variant rs76904798 on LRRK2 expression is propagated specifically through microglia, in contrast to evaluations based on general rather than genotype-dependent expression. We find evidence of microglia-specific regulatory regions that may modulate LRRK2 expression using single nuclei sequencing analyses of human frontal cortex and confirm these results in a human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia model. Our study demonstrates that cell type is an important consideration in interrogation of the role of non-coding variation in disease pathogenesis.
Non-native English listeners' adaptation to native English speakers

Listeners often have difficulty understanding unfamiliar speech (e.g., non-native speech), but they are able to adapt to or improve their ability to understand unfamiliar speech. However, it is unclear whether non-native listeners demonstrate adaptation to novel native English speech broadly with relatively limited exposure. Thus, this study examines non-native English listeners' adaptation to native English speakers and whether talker variability affects adaptation. Results suggest that while greater variability initially disrupts non-native English listeners' perception of native English speakers, listeners are able to rapidly adapt to novel speakers and exposure to greater variability could result in cross-talker generalization.
The Role of Cyclic AMP in the Action of Insulin

It is now clear that not all the biological effects of insulin are caused by an increased rate of transport of sugars and amino acids across the cell membrane. One well documented effect that does not depend upon a stimulation of glucose metabolism is the antilipolytic action in adipose tissue which can be observed when rat epididymal fat pads are incubated in a glucose-free medium (1). Insulin has also been shown to increase the fraction in the independent (I) form of glycogen synthetase in rat diaphragm incubated in a medium without added substrate (2). Recently, Jungas (3) reported that insulin increased the percentage of the I form of glycogen synthetase in incubated adipose tissue and decreased the activity of adipose tissue glycogen Phosphorylase assayed without added 5′-AMP.
Weighted T-splines with application in reparameterizing trimmed NURBS surfaces

Abstract To facilitate isogeometric analysis, this paper presents a new type of T-spline named the weighted T-spline, which introduces a new weighting idea to T-spline basis functions. Weighted T-spline basis functions satisfy partition of unity and are linearly independent. In addition, we apply the bicubic weighted T-splines to reparameterize trimmed NURBS surface patches. Edge interval extension is performed to reconstruct the trimming curve on the T-spline surface, and the trimming curve can be exactly preserved. Comparisons with standard T-splines show that the weighted T-splines can decrease the required number of control points and T-mesh elements. The surface error introduced by weighted T-spline basis functions is bounded (within 0.5%), and the error introduced by the trimming curve is constrained within its three-ring neighboring elements. Weighted T-spline models are also applied to solve the linear elasticity problems and Poisson’s equation, demonstrating that they can be used in isogeometric analysis.
The Role of the Plasma Membrane and Pericortical Cytoplasm in Early Mammalian Development

In a clinical context, each stage of mammalian oogenesis is usually considered in terms of nuclear and cytoplasmic processes that convey meiotic, fertilization and developmental competence to a preovulatory and ovulated oocyte, respectively. While the progression of changes in chromsomal configurations define specific stages of the meiotic cell cycle, which in the human can be decades long, cytoplasmic changes that lead to fertilization and developmental competence for the ovulated oocyte tend to be poorly understood. Yet, fertilization and early developmental failures are often attributed to largely undefined or putative defects in cytoplasmic development during oogenesis in general, and preovulatory maturation in particular. Failures of sperm penetration in meiotically mature oocytes, or the inability of a penetrated oocyte to support the resumption of meiosis or the normal evolution of pronuclei, are usually viewed as consequences of a global rather than focal cytoplasmic defect(s). It is likely that most clinical embryologists consider the human ooplasm to be spatially unstructured with respect to physiological, biochemical and regulatory functions.
Extremal Quantiles and Value-at-Risk

This article looks at the theory and empirics of extremal quantiles in economics, in particular value-at-risk. The theory of extremes has gone through remarkable developments and produced valuable empirical findings in the last 20 years. In the discussion, we put a particular focus on conditional extremal quantile models and methods, which have applications in many areas of economic analysis. Examples of applications include the analysis of factors of high risk in finance and risk management, the analysis of socio-economic factors that contribute to extremely low infant birthweights, efficiency analysis in industrial organization, the analysis of reservation rules in economic decisions, and inference in structural auction models.
New ligands for boronte affinity chromatography

Abstract In order for a boronate ligand to be useful in affinity chromatography for the purification of biomolecules, it must be able to form a stable complex in an environment (pH) in which the affinity molecule is stable. A major limitation of the widely used ligand, 3-aminophenylboronate, is its high ionization constant (pKa 8375). to make this complex under more faborable pH conditions, different methods have been explored here in order to introduce an electron-withdrawing (nitro) group in the phenyl ring. Reagents and procedures for the preparation of ortho-, meta- and para-nitro derivatives of succinamidophenhylboronic acid using nitronium trifluromethanesulfonate are described. Preferential substitution of the nitro functinality into the ortho position of the boronic acid is exploited by selective use of acetic anhydrided for the reaction medium. This method yields mostly an ortho-nitro derivative (;Ka 7.4) under selected reaction conditions. The ionization and solute—ligand interaction of several phenylboronates are studied in solution by using 11B NMR and spectrophotometric methods. The results indicate the presence of specific chemical shifts for the neutral (δ 30), the boronate anions (δ 30, and the cis-diol-complex boronate species (δ 7.5). In the presence of a cis-diol derivative, the complex formation is favored over anionization of neutral species. Moreover, the complex is formed approximately on pH unit below the ionization constant of the ligand and is stable, i.e. fails to break down in boronate anion, even when the solution pH is raised appreciably. Two boronate affinity column matrices were examined for their binding capacity and apparent dissociation constant. The results clearly indicate that the formation and also the breakdown of the complex are greatly enhanced because of the presence of the elecgtron-withdrawing group in the boronate ligand. The results further demonstrate that small structural differences in affinity moleculew have significant differences on their binding capacities. A comparison of binding betwen alkyl-cis-diols and arylcis-diols to different boronate matrices indicates taht the aryl affinity molecules not only form a complex but do so very effectively. The significance of this work lies in the demonstration that the best environment for the ligand—solute interaction can be established by carrying out studies in solution, without prior immobilization of the ligand. The results from in-solution studies and those from the affinity columns are in very good agreement. The new nitrophenylboronate matrix offers enhanced binding of most affinity molecules over those examined with the phenylboronate matrix. In addition, the new matrix offers chromatographic separations of alkali-unstable biomolecules.
MMH: Software Message Authentication in the Gbit/Second Rates

We describe a construction of almost universal hash functions suitable for very fast software implementation and applicable to the hashing of variable size data and fast cryptographic message authentication. Our construction uses fast single precision arithmetic which is increasingly supported by modern processors due to the growing needs for fast arithmetic posed by multimedia applications.
Representing tropical linear spaces by circuits

We study representations of tropical linear spaces as intersections of tropical hyperplanes of circuits. For several classes of matroids, we describe minimal tropical bases. We also show that every realizable tropical linear space has a natural, tropically linear parametrization involving its cocircuits. Resume. Nous etudions les repr esentations des espaces vectoriels tropicaux comme intersections d'hyperplans de circuits tropicaux. Pour plusieurs classes de matrodes, nous d ecrivons des bases tropicales minimales. Nous montrons aussi que tout espace vectoriel tropical r ealisable poss ede une param etrisation tropicale naturelle impliquant ses cocircuits.
Human vital sign detection using compressive sensing

Non-invasive detection of human vital signs such as the respiratory rate, motion, etc. is important for both commercial and military applications. Some examples are disaster rescue services, health monitoring, homeland security, and urban warfare. Different radar systems have been considered for these applications. Mainly, these fall under three categories: continuous wave (CW) Doppler radar, UWB radar, and stepped-frequency (SF) CW radar. While the SFCW radar systems have advantages over both CW and UWB radar systems, they typically suffer from long data acquisition time, which can lead to aliasing while capturing scattered signals.
Culture, cognition and literacy: Tales from Morocco☆

Abstract Developing countries provide fertile ground for inquiry into the communication and instructional needs of people with little or no prior schooling. Exploratory data suggest that differences exist in the ways literates and nonliterates interpret information. These interpretations represent cognitive and culturally filtered patterns in “meaning-making.” This study looks at meaning making by analyzing the way people conceptualize relationships and events through storytelling. More specifically, perceptions of causality and emphasis are examined in visual stories created by literate and nonliterate subjects in Morocco.
Duration of antibiotic therapy after preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes.

Abstract Objective This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of 3 days versus 7 days of ampicillin in prolonging gestation for at least 7 days in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Study design We performed a randomized clinical trial comparing 3 days of ampicillin with 7 days ampicillin in patients with PPROM. Our primary outcome was the prolongation of pregnancy for at least 7 days. Secondary outcomes included rates of chorioamnionitis, postpartum endometritis, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Results Forty-eight patients were randomly selected. There was no statistically significant difference in the ability to achieve a 7-day latency (relative risk 0.83, 95% CI 0.51-1.38). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in the rates of chorioamnionitis, endometritis, and our composite neonatal morbidity. Conclusion In patients with PPROM, length of antibiotic therapy does not change the rate of a 7-day latency or affect the rate of chorioamnionitis, postpartum endometritis, or neonatal morbidity.