cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated Feedback Framework for Introductory Programming Courses

Using automated grading tools to provide feedback to students is common in Computer Science education. The first step of automated grading is to find defects in the student program. However, finding bugs in code has never been easy. Comparing computation results using a fixed set of test cases is still the most common way to determine correctness among current automated grading tools. It takes time and effort to design a good set of test cases that can test the student code thoroughly. In practice, tests used for grading are often insufficient for accurate diagnosis.In this paper, we present our utilization of industrial automated testing on student assignments in an introductory programming course. We implemented a framework to collect student codes and apply industrial automated testing to their codes. Then we interpreted the results obtained from testing in a way that students can understand easily. We deployed our framework on five different introductory C programming assignments here at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.The results show that the automated feedback generation framework can discover more errors inside student submissions and can provide timely and useful feedback to both instructors and students. A total of 142 missed bugs were found within 446 submissions. More than 50% of students received their feedback within 3 minutes of submission.
METRIZABLE SPACES AND RELATED TOPICS

This chapter discusses the theories on metrizable spaces, the properties of metrizable spaces, and the concept of metric space. There are various theorems that have been established in the field of metrization theory but still they do not seem to be exhausted. A topological space R is called metrizable if it is homeomorphic with a metric space. In metrization theory, the classical theorem known as Alexandroff–Urysohn's metrization theorem is still fundamental. The chapter discusses Nagata–Smimov's metrization theorem and Bing's metrization theorem. The chapter discusses the problem of topologically imbedding a given metrizable space in a concrete space. A topological space R is generally said to be topologically imbedded in a topological space S if R is homeomorphic with a subspace of S . The chapter also discusses metric spaces, compact spaces, and other important spaces as special cases.
Abstract 71: Improving the Heart Failure Readmission Rate at an Urban Medical Center

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic health condition that affects over 5 million people annually. It is the most common cause of 30-day readmissions with nearly 90% of these readmissions being unplanned. CMS requires hospitals to publicly report 30 day readmission rates for HF with the goal of improving accountability. In 2006, this hospital's 30-day readmission rate was 27% as compared to the national average of 24%. Purpose: To analyze the impact of several quality improvement interventions on 30-day readmission rates for HF at this urban medical center. Intervention: The following interdisciplinary interventions were implemented in the third quarter of 2009: (1) improved nursing discharge education regarding heart failure (ie. sodium restricted diet, medication adherence, daily weight); (2) a detailed medication list was given to patients; (3) patients received an appointment within 2 weeks with an advanced practice nurse (APN) specializing in heart failure; (4) HF patients received their medications prior to discharge; (5) all patients received a follow-up phone call by an APN within 7-10 days of discharge; (6) the hospital billing personnel analyzed patients charts to ensure that HF admissions were being coded appropriately. Methods: Patients were included if their initial admission was coded DRG 428 as their primary diagnosis and were readmitted within 30 days with any diagnosis. Data was summarized into 7, 14, and 30 day readmission rates. Rates were compared prior to the intervention and after. Pearson chi square was used to compare the two groups. Conclusion: At one year, the 30-day readmission rate decreased from 27.1% to 18.2% (p = 0.000) the 14 day readmission rate decreased from 15.1% to 9.1% (p=.003) and the 7 day readmission rate decreased from 8.8% to 5.5% (p=.038). Overall, patients were 1.6 times less likely to be readmitted for HF after the intervention. Recommendations: Hospitals can implement tailored interdisciplinary interventions to decrease their readmission rates. Sustainability of these process improvements will be critical to maintaining a high level of care for HF patients.
The effect of rater accountability on performance ratings: A meta-analytic review

Abstract Although rater accountability is recognized as a potentially important characteristic of performance rating contexts, due to discrepant findings in the literature, its effect on performance ratings is unclear. This issue was addressed in the present study using meta-analytic methods to synthesize findings across 35 samples. Consistent with expectations, the effect of rater accountability on performance ratings varied as a function of accountability source, such that ratings were substantively influenced by accountability only when raters were held accountable by the ratee versus a superior. This effect was consistent whether accountability was introduced through identification or justification manipulations. Further, we did not detect any evidence suggesting that findings varied as a function of rating direction or study setting. Implications for performance appraisal research and practice are discussed.
A Multigroup, Longitudinal Study of Truant Youths, Marijuana Use, Depression, and STD-Associated Sexual Risk Behavior

ABSTRACTTruant youths are likely to engage in a number of problem behaviors, including sexual risky behaviors. Previous research involving non-truant youths has found sexual risk behaviors to be related to marijuana use and depression, with differential effects for male and female youths. Using data collected in a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-funded, prospective intervention project, results are reported of a male-female, multi-group, longitudinal analysis of the relationships among truant youth baseline sexual risk behavior, marijuana use, and depression, and their sexual risk behavior over four follow-up time points. Results indicated support for the longitudinal model, with female truants having higher depression scores, and showing stronger relationships between baseline depression and future engagement in sexual risk behavior, than male truants. Findings suggest that incorporating strategies to reduce depression and marijuana use may decrease youth sexual risk behavior.
Enhanced performance for early transition metal nitrides via pseudocapacitance in protic ionic liquid electrolytes

Abstract Early transition metal nitrides achieve high capacitances via a pseudocapacitive mechanism that involves redox reactions with protons at their surfaces. Typically aqueous electrolytes are the source of protons, therefore the operating voltages are limited to ~ 1.2 V. Protic ionic liquid (PIL) based electrolytes offer the possibility of significantly higher operating voltages and energy densities. This paper describes the behavior of VN and TiN in a PIL consisting of 2-methylpyridine and trifluoroacetic acid. These nitrides can be cycled up to 2.0 V in this electrolyte. Voltammograms for VN and TiN in the PIL and aqueous electrolytes were similar suggesting similar pseudocapacitive mechanisms. The use of PIL electrolytes instead of aqueous electrolytes could significantly increase the energies of nitride-based supercapacitors without significant losses in power.
Area-dependent electroforming and switching polarity reversal across TiO2/Nb:SrTiO3 oxide interfaces

Vacancy-mediated transport drives the functionality of oxide-based nonvolatile memristive devices. Here, we report the size dependence of TiO2/Nb:STO heterojunctions for electroforming and the subsequent resistive switching process. Conductive AFM measurements suggest that the forming and reset voltages both decrease with increasing junction size. We also show oxygen flow ratio changes during fabrication, and post-annealing impacts the set voltage and resistance ratio through changes in available oxygen vacancies. Finally, a polarity reversal between eight-wise and counter-eight-wise switching occurs after vacuum and ambient anneals, thus modulating oxygen vacancy availability and changing (reversibly) the mechanism from vacancy migration to an electron trap/detrap process.
Investigation of self-phasing dynamics in a Q-switched passively coupled two-gain-element fiber laser array

We studied self-phasing dynamics in a Q-switched passively coupled two-gain-element fiber laser array. Simultaneous Q-switching and self mode-locking were observed in our experiments. Our data shows that phase-locking in our laser array was stable under perturbations. The phase-locked state was able to react to the phase perturbations in a time comparable to the rise time of the self mode-locked pulse. The establishment of the phase-locked state from the incoherent state was found to be shorter (or perhaps much shorter) than the rise time of the Q-switched pulse.
Pure quadratic or higher-order optical effects in anisotropic crystals induced by external dc fields and probed by a single low-intensity plane electromagnetic wave

The determination of a clear theoretical demarcation between a true or a false quadratic or higher-order low-intensity optical effect induced by an externally applied static or quasistatic (dc) vector field in anisotropic crystals is the scope of the present work. A complete set of necessary and sufficient conditions required for the practical possibility of direct detection, measurement, and tabulation of only those pure optical contributions is finally obtained. The dc electro-optic effect stands out as the most representative of all of these low-power dc optical effects. However, although the dc Kerr effect remains the main topic of application of the analytical treatment developed in this work, the current theoretical formalism is extended to include other dc conventional crystal optics effects, such as electrogyration, electroabsorption, and externally induced ray or energy propagation. Even more, the theoretical conditions are further generalized to apply to any pure higher-order crystal optics effect induced by external dc fields. These can be electric, magnetic, force, and even temperature or concentration gradient fields. The current treatment does not extend to multiple-beam high-intensity nonlinear optics effects induced by optical (ac) fields. Compared to previously published expressions, a more general Fresnel equation is also provided here together with the most general Jones vectors describing the eigenpolarizations of the single probing beam of light. All the generalizations and extensions mentioned in this article are valid as long as the field-dependent coefficients of the particular optical effect under consideration satisfy the equation of a positive-definite complex Hermitian form.
Monte Carlo Simulation of Models for Low-Dimensional Conductors

Monte Carlo simulations are a useful tool to study properties of interacting quantum systems beyond perturbative regimens. We give here an overview of the application of Monte Carlo techniques to the study of collective effects in models for low-dimensional conductors. Topics discussed in detail include the phase diagram of the half-filled extended Hubbard model, 2pF and 4pF instabilities, and the effect of Coulomb interactions and quantum fluctuations in electron-phonon systems. We conclude with a discussion of future directions.
Optimal design of a cellular material encompassing negative stiffness elements for unique combinations of stiffness and elastic hysteresis

Abstract Viscoelastic materials are commonly used to dissipate kinetic energy in case of impact and vibrations. Unfortunately, dissipating large amounts of energy in a monolithic material requires high combinations of two intrinsic properties – Young's modulus and loss factor, which are generally in conflict. This limitation can be overcome by designing cellular materials incorporating negative stiffness elements. Here we investigate a configuration comprising two positive stiffness elements and one negative stiffness element. This unit cell possesses an internal degree of freedom, which introduces hysteresis under a loading-unloading cycle, resulting in substantial energy dissipation, while maintaining stiffness. We demonstrate and optimize a simple implementation in a single material design that does not require external stabilization or pre-compression of buckled elements; these key features make it amenable to fabrication by virtually any additive manufacturing approach (from 3D printing to assembly and brazing) in a wide range of base materials (from polymers to metals). No additional intrinsic damping mechanism is required for the base material, which is assumed linear elastic. Furthermore, the architected material can be designed to be fully recoverable. When optimized, these architected materials exhibit extremely high combinations of Young's modulus and damping, far superior to those of each constituent phase.
Boost converter with bipolar Dickson voltage multiplier cells

This paper presents the analysis and design of a boost converter with bipolar Dickson voltage multiplier. The bipolar Dickson voltage multiplier offers high gain with low stress on both capacitors and switches. Connecting bipolar Dickson cell to a boost converter yields several benefits such as an overall high static voltage gain and at the same time reduces the required inductance that ensures operation in continuous conduction mode. The proposed converter is suitable for interfacing renewable energy sources because it has non-pulsating input current. The proposed converter was simulated to convert 20 V to 200 V. A 50 W hardware prototype was implemented using GaN active switches to validate the simulation and theory.
Basic Emergent Computed Tomography

This chapter introduces a basic algorithm in attempts to streamline the process of emergent neuroimaging. The algorithm allows for rapid identification of patients requiring emergency intervention and emphasizes the next steps when the initial brain image does not fit the patient’s physical findings. The algorithm presented is based on CT imaging. Medical centers that use MRI as the modality of choice for neurological emergencies can still apply this algorithm with the simple substitution of CT for MRI. For brevity and general application, we focused on CT.
Causal Inference in Longitudinal Network-Dependent Data

Much of the existing causal inference literature focuses on the effect of a single or multiple time-point intervention on an outcome based on observing longitudinal data on n independent units that are not causally connected. The causal effect is then defined as an expectation of the effect of the intervention assigned to the unit on their outcome, and causal effects of the intervention on other units on the unit’s outcome are assumed nonexistent. As a consequence, causal models only have to be concerned with causal relations between the components of the unit-specific data structure. Statistical inference is based on the assumption that the n data structures are n independent realizations of a random variable. However, in many CRTs or observational studies of few communities, the number of independent units is not large enough to allow statistical inference based on limit distributions.
Minority Equity and Recruitment Into Trials program: Self-assessment of disease-specific cancer clinical trial recruitment patterns at a comprehensive cancer center.

267Background: Prostate cancer disparities research has largely focused on access to care, treatment, and outcomes. Disparities based on race/ethnicity in clinical trial (CT) participation are less well understood. African American men are known to have an increased risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer compared to their white counterparts yet remain underrepresented in prostate cancer CTs. The goal of this study was to examine the demographic accrual patterns in prostate cancer CTs at an academic cancer center. Methods: A retrospective analysis of demographic data of cancer cases per year was performed from: 1) the central cancer registry of California, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results; 2) new patients (“analytic cases”) identified in the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) cancer registry; and (3) the UCSF Clinical Trials Management System database. The Catchment Area for the center was prospectively defined, and patients from this region comprised 98% of all cancer cas...
Financialization: The Economics of Finance Capital Domination

Financialization denotes ‘the increasing role of financial motives, financial markets, financial actors and financial institutions in the operation of the domestic and international economies’ (Eps...
Transient expression assays using GUS constructs and fluorometric detection for analysis of T-DNA transfer

The genetic transfer of DNA from Agrobacterium tumefaciens to the chromosome of a plant cell is one of the foundations for plant genetic engineering. Details of this transformation process are reviewed in [1]. Briefly, A. tumefaciens initiates transfer of T-DNA from its Ti plasmid in response to phenolic signals produced by wounded plants. The plant phenolics trigger induction of bacterial plasmid-encoded virulence (vir) genes that, in turn, mediate T-DNA transfer. The specific functions of many of the vir genes and proteins have been identified. For example, VirA is a membrane-bound receptor that transduces the phenolic signal to VirG, which is probably activated by phosphorylation. VirG transcriptionally activates the other vir genes. VirD proteins make site-specific nicks at the T-DNA border regions, and VirD2 remains bound at the 5’ end of the T-DNA strand (single-stranded T-DNA molecule). Once nicked, the T-strand is thought to be displaced from the plasmid as a replacement strand is synthesized. The displaced single-stranded DNA is coated with VirE2 protein to form the T-complex. Transport of the T-complex through the bacterial membrane probably occurs via a channel composed of VirB proteins. It has been postulated that this T-complex is transferred to the plant cell. Once inside the plant cell, the T-complex may be guided into the nucleus via nuclear targeting sequences present on the VirD2 and VirE2 proteins. In the nucleus, the T-DNA integrates randomly into the plant chromosome.
5.7 Tectonic Geomorphology of Active Folding and Development of Transverse Drainages

Two fundamental geomorphic questions are: (1) Do growing folds propagate laterally? and (2) how does transverse drainage develop across an active fold belt? Research during the past decade has answered the first question, and it is now known that some folds in fold-and-thrust belts definitely propagate laterally. Individual folds may propagate in one or both directions, and two folds may propagate toward each other, producing a suture zone and a longer segmented structure. Folds may also propagate laterally past one another to form an en echelon arrangement. Rates of lateral propagation and incision of streams that traverse growing folds remain poorly constrained. Adequate chronology to quantify fold growth and erosion is commonly not available and therefore remains one of the greatest limitations to understanding the evolution of surface folds. As a result, structural and geomorphic analyses are utilized, which are useful, but not adequate for quantifying fold growth processes. Development of transverse drainage across folds is a complex process related to the rate of uplift, lateral, and vertical fold growth (including change in fold width), development of water and wind gaps, lateral diversion of channels, and change in channel geometry and unit stream power. Understanding lateral propagation has important implications for earthquake hazard. If fault length is assumed to increase with fault displacement, then the folds they produce should also increase in length. Hypothetically, as folds propagate laterally due to displacement on the underlying faults, coseismic displacement along the faults themselves may have a preferred direction of propagation.
Kant on the Apriority of Causal Laws

Kant famously rejected an empiricist account of causal claims, because it cannot account for the necessity and universality of causal laws. He then concludes that causal claims must have an a priori basis:1 the concept of cause cannot arise in this [empiricist] way at all, but must either be grounded in the understanding completely a priori or else be entirely surrendered as a mere fantasy of the brain. For this concept always requires that something A be of such a kind that something else B follows from it necessarily and in accordance with an absolutely universal rule. Appearances may well offer cases from which a rule is possible in accordance with which something usually happens, but never a rule in accordance with which the succession is necessary; thus to the synthesis of cause and effect there belongs a dignity that can never be expressed empirically, namely that the effect does not merely come along with the cause, but is posited through it and follows from it. [A 91/B 123-4] So much is clearly Kant’s view, and as long as we remain with the vague formulation that causal generalizations have some a priori ground or other, commentators agree.
The Influence of Socialization on Citizens of Mexico Workingin the U.S. on an H-1B Visa: A Preliminary Investigation

The current study examined the influence that work group and task socialization has on citizens of Mexico in the U.S. on an H-1B visa and is grounded in Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT). The participants (N = 241) were citizens of Mexico in the U.S. on an H1-B visa. The findings indicated that work group socialization was found to be positively related to organizational commitment and negatively related to role ambiguity and work alienation. Additionally, work group socialization was found to be a greater predictor of organizational commitment and negative predictor of role ambiguity, and work alienation than was task socialization.
Total Synthesis of Alloviroidin

Alloviroidin is a cyclic heptapeptide, produced by several species of Amanita mushrooms, that demonstrates high affinity for F-actin as is characteristic of virotoxins and phallotoxins. Alloviroidin was synthesized via a [3 + 4] fragment condensation of Fmoc-d-Thr(OTBS)-d-Ser(OTBS)-(2 S,3 R,4 R)-DHPro(OTBS)2-OH and H-Ala-Trp(2-SO2Me)-(2 S,4 S)-DHLeu(5-OTBS)-Val-OMe to form bond A. The linear heptapeptide favored a turn conformation, facilitating cyclization between Val1 and d-Thr2 (position B). Global deprotection and HPLC purification afforded alloviroidin with NMR spectra in excellent agreement with the natural product.
High-dimensional image descriptor matching using highly parallel KD-tree construction and approximate nearest neighbor search

Abstract To overcome the high computational cost associated with the high-dimensional digital image descriptor matching, this paper presents a set of integrated parallel algorithms for the construction of K -dimensional tree (KD-tree) and P approximate nearest neighbor search ( P -ANNS) on the modern massively parallel architectures (MPA). To improve the runtime performance of the P -ANNS, we propose an efficient sliding window for a parallel buffered P -ANNS on KD-tree to mitigate the high cost of global memory accesses. When applied to high dimensional real-world image descriptor datasets, the proposed KD-tree construction and the buffered P -ANNS algorithms are of comparable matching quality to the traditional sequential counterparts on CPU, while outperforming their serial CPU counterparts by speedup factors of up to 17and 163, respectively. The algorithms are also studied for the performance impact factors to obtain the optimal runtime configurations for various datasets. Moreover, we verify the features of the parallel algorithms on typical 3D image matching scenarios. With the classical local image descriptor signature of histograms of orientations (SHOT) datasets, the parallel KD-tree construction and image descriptor matching can achieve up to 11 and 138-fold speedups, respectively.
Observation of Exceptional Points in Passive Plasmonic Nanostructure

We propose a passive plasmonic nanostructures operating at an exceptional point (EP), which get enhanced sensitivity with small external perturbation. EP plasmonic sensor will pave the way to highly sensitive plasmonic devices.
Techniques for Endoscopic Suturing

Surgeons and gastroenterologists have long desired tools to perform minimally invasive extraluminal endoscopic interventions. A critical instrument for such procedures would be a closure device to manage iatrogenic defects, prompting the development of ever-evolving endoscopic suturing devices. The current iteration of a commercially available suturing system provides several critical technological leaps forward, including full thickness bites, the flexibility to deploy running or interrupted sutures, and the capability of reloading sutures without the removal of the device from the patient. Recognized applications of endoscopic suturing within the foregut and hindgut include tissue apposition to manage perforation, defect closure, fistula, anastomotic leaks, and bleeding as well as stent fixation, as well as bariatric interventions such as post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass outlet reduction and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. While these topics are discussed in detail elsewhere, the present chapter is intended to discuss proper, optimized basic endoscopic suturing technique, suture patterns, as well as the necessary equipment and assembly.
Pharmacologic inducers of the uric acid exporter ABCG2 as potential drugs for treatment of gouty arthritis.

Abstract Uric acid is the end product of purine catabolism and its plasma levels are maintained below its maximum solubility in water (6–7 mg/dl). The plasma levels are tightly regulated as the balance between the rate of production and the rate of excretion, the latter occurring in urine (kidney), bile (liver) and feces (intestinal tract). Reabsorption in kidney is also an important component of this process. Both excretion and reabsorption are mediated by specific transporters. Disruption of the balance between production and excretion leads to hyperuricemia, which increases the risk of uric acid crystallization as monosodium urate with subsequent deposition of the crystals in joints causing gouty arthritis. Loss-of-function mutations in the transporters that mediate uric acid excretion are associated with gout. The ATP-Binding Cassette exporter ABCG2 is important in uric acid excretion at all three sites: kidney (urine), liver (bile), and intestine (feces). Mutations in this transporter cause gout and these mutations occur at significant prevalence in general population. However, mutations that are most prevalent result only in partial loss of transport function. Therefore, if the expression of these partially defective transporters could be induced, the increased number of the transporter molecules would compensate for the mutation-associated decrease in transport function and hence increase uric acid excretion. As such, pharmacologic agents with ability to induce the expression of ABCG2 represent potentially a novel class of drugs for treatment of gouty arthritis.
A Critique of the Asymptotic Safety Program

The present practice of Asymptotic Safety in gravity is in conflict with explicit calculations in low energy quantum gravity. This raises the question of whether the present practice meets the Weinberg condition for Asymptotic Safety. I argue, with examples, that the running of $\Lambda$ and $G$ found in Asymptotic Safety are not realized in the real world, with reasons which are relatively simple to understand. A comparison/contrast with quadratic gravity is also given, which suggests a few obstacles that must be overcome before the Lorentzian version of the theory is well behaved. I make a suggestion on how a Lorentzian version of Asymptotic Safety could potentially solve these problems.
Perception of Safety and Cycling Behaviour on Varying Street Typologies: Opportunities for Behavioural Economics and Design

Abstract Many studies have noted that denser and more accessible environments with higher level-of-service (LOS) tend to encourage higher levels of walking and bicycling activity. As streets are increasingly designed to facilitate safe cycling through built environment interventions, little has been done to evaluate perceptions of safety on different typologies, particularly one vs. two-way corridors. Theory would suggest that many individuals frame their commutes based in-part on the perceived safety of the environment, yet little research looks at varying street design and this perception. This study uses a moving camera approach to evaluate the perceived cycling comfort for drivers and cyclists on different roadway designs (multi-lane, one way; two-way, bidirectional street; single-lane, one-way). Results show that perceived safety can influence comfort and potentially modal choice—particularly for parents. If parents perceive routes as unsafe they are reticent to allow their children to walk or bike. Furthermore, we show both drivers and cyclists have different perceptions of speed and relative safety of varying street designs; with those in a driving role perceiving multi-lane corridors as faster traveling and those cyclists perceiving them as less safe. This finding has implications for continued investment in built environment solutions that include street reconfigurations, as well as for increased programs to education and reduce psychological / socio-cognitive barriers that may impede cycling behaviour.
Ten Texts for the History of Rhetoric

For this inaugural book reviews section of the newly re-named Journal for the History of Rhetoric, I invited ten historians of rhetoric to each identify ten pieces of scholarship and make a brief a...
Movable Continua and Shape Retracts

Publisher Summary Recently Mardesic and Kozlowski, independently, have given a categorical description of shape for arbitrary topological spaces based on the concept of natural transformations of homotopy classes of maps into polyhedra. This chapter discusses the Kozlowski's work on generalizing movability to arbitrary topological spaces. This definition agrees with the original definition on compact metric spaces but it is stronger on compact Hausdorff spaces. The chapter presents a natural transformation approach to shape theory. For compacta movability, in the sense of Mardesic-Segal and property M are equivalent. Moreover, it is shown that for metric compacta property M and movability are equivalent.
Impact of Health Insurance, Poverty, and Comorbidities on Colorectal Cancer Screening: Insights from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey

Despite national campaigns and other efforts to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, participation rates remain below targets set by expert panels. We hypothesized that availability and practice patterns of healthcare providers may contribute to this gap. Using data of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey for the years between 2000 and 2016, we extracted demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related data as well as reported experiences about barriers to care, correlating results with answers about recent participation in colorectal cancer screening. As CRC screening guidelines recommend initiation of testing at age 50, we focused on adults 50 years or older. We included responses of 163,564 participants for the period studied. There was a significant increase in CRC screening rates over time. Comorbidity burden, poverty, race, and ethnicity independently predicted participation in screening. Lack of insurance coverage and cost of care played an important role as reported barrier. Convenient access to care, represented by availability of appointments beyond typical business hours, and frequency of provider interactions, correlated with higher rates of screening. Our data show a positive effect of educational efforts and healthcare reform with coverage of screening. Easy and more frequent access to individual providers predicted a higher likelihood of completed screening tests. This finding could translate into more widespread implementation of screening programs, as the increasingly common virtual care delivery offers a new and convenient option to patients.
Neuroimaging in genetic frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have a strong clinical, genetic and pathological overlap. This review focuses on the current understanding of structural, functional and molecular neuroimaging signatures of genetic FTD and ALS. We overview quantitative neuroimaging studies on the most common genes associated with FTD (MAPT, GRN), ALS (SOD1), and both (C9orf72), and summarize visual observations of images reported in the rarer genes (CHMP2B, TARDBP, FUS, OPTN, VCP, UBQLN2, SQSTM1, TREM2, CHCHD10, TBK1).
Examining Types of Goals Set by Transition-Age Students With Intellectual Disability:

Goal setting and attainment are critical skills for young people with disabilities as they plan for their postschool lives in areas such as employment, postsecondary education, and community life. ...
Robustness of Multidimensional Optimization Outcomes: A General Approach and a Case Study

In multidimensional parameter optimization of complex systems, the preferred solution must also be robust to virtually inevitable perturbations and uncertainties. Having a conceptually simple and computationally facile metric that can help distinguish between candidate optimum solutions in a post processing step is useful. Motivated by free energy function in statistical physics, which evaluates a trade-off between entropy and enthalpy, here we introduce a novel statistical robustness metric that assesses robustness with respect to possible to inevitable uncertainties in the objective function values or optimal parameters. The metric is the expected value ⟨E⟩ of the objective function, evaluated using weighted samples in a box around each optimum. The width of the sample distribution is problem-specific. As a case study, the proposed robustness metric is employed to find the most robust optimal solution in 5-dimensional parameter space in the context of dielectric boundary optimization in atomistic modeling, relevant to computational drug discovery.
Abstract 15709: Older and Younger Patients’ Perceptions, Evaluations, and Responses to Worsening Heart Failure Symptoms

Background: Adequate self-care abilities, such as early recognition of and appropriate responses to worsening heart failure (HF) symptoms, are important to prevent further deterioration and avoid u...
Molecule Optimization by Explainable Evolution

Optimizing molecules for desired properties is a fundamental yet challenging task in chemistry, material science and drug discovery. In this paper, we develop a novel algorithm for optimizing molecule properties via an Expectation Maximization~(EM)-like explainable evolutionary process. Our algorithm is designed to mimic human experts in the process of searching for desirable molecules and alternate between two stages: the first stage on explainable local search which identifies rationales, \ie{}, critical subgraph patterns accounting for desired molecular properties, and the second stage on molecule completion which explores the larger space of molecules containing good rationales. We test our method against various baselines on a real-world multi-property optimization task where each method is given the same number of queries to the property oracle. We show that our evolution-by-explanation algorithm is 79\% better than the best baseline in terms of a generic metric combining aspects such as success rate, novelty and diversity. Human expert evaluation on optimized molecules shows that 60\% of top molecules obtained from our methods are deemed as successful ones.
Artificial neural network prediction model for in situ resilient modulus of subgrade soils for pavement design applications

Subgrade resilient modulus (Mr) plays an important role in designing a pavement structure and complex traditional regression analysis-based model are still in use to predict Mr. Therefore, there is a dire need for the development of a simple, standalone model for predicting the resilient modulus of subgrade soils while bypassing the need to utilize many complex experimental factors. This study utilizes an artificial neural network (ANN) framework for developing a model to predict Mr. The data required for the analysis is obtained from 30 Long-Term Pavement Performance-Seasonal Monitoring Program (LTPP-SMP) pavement sections. A multilayer feed-forward ANN with only six neurons was utilized for the model training, and it is found that the developed model has an excellent prediction capability with an R-squared value of 0.84, which vastly outperformed models found in the literature. The developed model can be a perfect fit for various departments of transportation in the quick prediction of Mr of subgrade soils without the need of performing sophisticated tests.
Positioning the Missionary: John Booth Good and the Confluence of Cultures in Nineteenth-Century British Columbia

Figures Acknowledgments Introduction Abbreviations 1. Beginnings 2. Redemption 3. Reproduction 4. Space 5. Conversion 6. Morals 7. Dissolution Notes Bibliography Index
Analysis of BART Impacts on Bay Area Land Use

Despite a large store of historical evidence and conventional wisdom, the relationships between transportation and land use are neither documented nor well understood. Experience suggests that changes in urban form are connected to transportation changes, yet the urban development process is so complex that the independent effects of transportation on land use and vice versa remain mostly conjecture. Introduction of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system provides an opportunity to investigate some of these questions. Available theory and methodology are summarized and found to be weak relative to the task. Conclusions emphasize the need to develop research using descriptive (collection of data on zoning and use changes, property value, building and market activity) and behavioral (case studies of specific stations, problem areas, and major apparent BART impacts) analyses, drawing upon partial models, rather than a comprehensive framework or rigorous experimental design.
Special EEG and EMG Techniques for Sleep Research

(1965). Special EEG and EMG Techniques for Sleep Research. American Journal of EEG Technology: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 5-10.
Hospital costs, incidence, and inhospital mortality rates of traumatic subdural hematoma in the United States

Object This study provides the first US national data regarding frequency, cost, and mortality rate of traumatic subdural hematoma (SDH), and identifies demographic factors affecting morbidity and death in patients with traumatic SDH undergoing surgical drainage. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted by querying the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest all-payer database of nonfederal community hospitals. All cases of traumatic SDH were identified using ICD-9 codes. The study consisted of 2 parts: 1) trends data, which were abstracted from the years 1993–2006, and 2) univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression of demographic variables on inhospital complications and deaths for the years 1993–2002. Results Admissions for traumatic SDH increased 154% from 17,328 in 1993 to 43,996 in 2006. Inhospital deaths decreased from 16.4% to 11.6% for traumatic SDH. Average costs increased 67% to $47,315 per admission. For the multivariate regression analysis, between 1993 and 2002, 67,864 pat...
Estrogen synthesis in castrated women: the action of human chorionic gonadotropin and corticotropin.

Abstract This study was carried out to correlate changes in urinary estrogens and the response of the adrenal glands to administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and acetocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in 5 castrated female volunteers. A total of 50,000 U. of HCG was administered intramuscularly to each. Two weeks later, each received a total of 120 U. of gel of ACTH intramuscularly. Vaginal smears and urinary hormone assays were done before and after treatment. Administration of HCG did not produce any changes in urinary hormone levels or in vaginal smears. ACTH produced increases in 24 hour urinary 17-ketosteroids, 17-hydroxycorticoids, and total estrogens, with a shift to the right in the maturation index of the vaginal smear.
Characterization of Image Systems

Communication theory is used to establish a mathematical foundation for characterizing image systems that combine image gathering and display with digital processing to produce sharp, clear images consistently and economically. Characterization entails three elements: A mathematical model that accounts for image gathering, signal coding, and image restoration as a whole, from the scene to the observer. Figures of merit that account for the critical limiting factors that constrain the performance of image systems. Computational simulations that correlate quantitative assessments with measurable and perceptual performance. The pivotal figure of merit is the information rate in the image system. This rate is paired with the theoretical minimum data rate to assess the efficiency with which information about natural scenes can be conveyed, and it is paired with the maximum realizable fidelity to assess the quality with which images of these scenes can be restored. Quantitative assessments show that the design of the image-gathering device that is optimized for the highest realizable information rate corresponds closely, under appropriate conditions, to the design of the human eye. Consistent with this convergence of communication theory and evolution, it is intuitively attractive to find that the performance of the informationally optimized image system is highly robust. The Performance not only reaches the best that is possible for scenes with a priori prescribed statistical properties, and it also approaches the best that is possible for a wide range of other scenes, even for those that have periodic features or transients. Keywords: image system; image gathering; electro-optical design; insufficient sampling; signal coding; image restoration; image display; image quality; communication theory; information rate; data rate; entropy; fidelity; natural scenes; human eye; retinex transformation; wiener filter
Mammalian Microfaunal Remains from Khonkho Wankane (Late Formative Period), Mollo Kontu (Middle Horizon Period) and Pukara de Khonkho (Late Intermediate Period) in the Bolivian Altiplano

Paleoecological and taphonomic analysis of the mammalian microfauna from three Bolivian altiplano sites is presented: Khonkho Wankane [Late Formative period; number of identified specimens (NISP) = 1019], Mollo Kontu (Middle Horizon period; NISP = 610) and Pukara de Khonkho (Late Intermediate period; NISP = 165). The following species, all of which are present in this region today, were identified: Akodon boliviensis (Bolivian grass mouse), Andinomys edax (Andean mouse), Auliscomys sublimis (Andean leaf-eared mouse), Cavia porcellus (guinea pig/cuy), Chinchilla chinchilla (chinchilla), Ctenomys leucodon (white-toothed tuco-tuco), Eligmodontia puerulus (Andean gerbil mouse), Galea musteloides (common yellow-toothed cavy), Lagidium viscacia (vizcacha), Neotomys ebriosus (Andean swamp rat),and Oligoryzomys destructor (destructive pygmy rice rat). Some direct human involvement with the deposition of some of the larger species (Cavia porcellus, Chinchilla chinchilla, Ctenomys leucodon and Lagidium viscacia) was noted, although C. porcellus was identified only from a single element from Mollo Kontu. Most deposition was likely due to natural in-burrow deaths and other natural attrition of these species. No significant shift in environment during the occupation of these sites was detected. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurements of VOCs from the TAMS Network

Target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured at a network of urban air monitoring locations in Boston, Chicago, Houston, and the Seattle/Tacoma area. Following a pilot-scale field evaluation of available techniques for determining concentrations of VOCs in ambient air, a technique based on evacuated stainless steel canisters was selected to collect whole air samples. Twenty-four-hour integrated samples were collected every twelfth day at ten sites over a 2-year study period. Battelle Columbus Laboratory (BCL) analyzed the samples for 25 target VOCs using cryogenic focusing, gas chromatographic separation and mass selective detection with flame ionization detection as backup. Duplicate canister samplers were operated each sampling period at one of the ten sites in the Toxic Air Monitoring System (TAMS) network to estimate overall method precision. In addition, every 10th analysis was repeated by BCL to obtain a measure of analytical precision. Finally, each sampling period a clean evacuated canis...
Study of the development of resistance to λind− repression during thymineless induction of Escherichia coli K12(λ)thy−

Abstract Cells of Escherichia coli K12(λ)thy− were subjected to lysogenic induction by thymine deprivation and were superinfected at successively later times with phage λind−. Under these experimental conditions, which prevent phage DNA synthesis, the usual exclusion phenomenon does not occur ( Korn, 1964 ). Rather, the superinfecting phage is able to enter the induced cell and either exclude the prophage or recombine with it. The data show that cells of K12(λ)thy− that have undergone lysogenic induction are not repressible by λ ind−. Furthermore, superinfection of these induced, resistant cells with λind− does not affect the formation of the λ-associated DNA-exonuclease. On the basis of these and previously published experiments it is suggested that the term “lysogenic induction” be strictly defined as indicating the completion of one or more early events, the immediate consequence of which is to enable prophage DNA to begin to direct specific enzyme synthesis. The effect of λind− repressor would then be to inhibit these early events and to prevent thereby the initiation of prophage DNA transcription.
Sex pheromone of a conifer-feeding budworm,Choristoneura retiniana, Walsingham.

Sex pheromone components collected from femaleChristoneura retiniana included 11-tetradecenyl acetates and alcohols. The major component wasE-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11–14∶Ac) with a lesser amount ofZ isomer necessary to induce male response. A 92∶8 ratio ofE,Z11–14∶ Ac appeared optimal. The alcohol component was present at about 10% of the total pheromone mixture, and traps baited with acetates plus alcohol surpassed unmated females in their degree of attractiveness. Chemical analysis indicated a 9∶:1 ratio of theE — Z isomers of 11-tetradecenyl alcohol (11–14∶ol) pheromone components, although bait formulations containing a predominance of either theE orZ isomers were equally successful in field bioassays. Based on male response to traps,E- andZ11–14∶Ac (92∶8E — Z) are essential pheromone components for long-range sex attraction. The 11–14∶ ol enhanced attraction when added at 10% of the total pheromone blend.