cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diderot: TIPSTER program, automatic data extraction from text utilizing semantic analysis

The Computing Research Laboratory at New Mexico State University, in collaboration with Brandeis University, was one of four sites selected to develop systems to extract relevant information automatically from English and Japanese texts. When we started, neither site had been involved in message understanding or information extraction. CRL had extensive experience in multilingual natural language processing and in the use of machine readable dictionaries for system building, Brandeis had developed a theory of lexical semantics and preliminary methods for deriving this lexical information from corpora. Thus, our approach focused on applying new techniques to the information extraction task. In the last two years we have developed information extraction software for 5 five different subject area/language pairs.
Determination of branching in a randomly branched polydisperse polymer

Methods are presented for the determination of degree of branching in a randomly branched polymer with tetrafunctional branch units. Typical examples of such polymers are irradiated linear polymers and copolymers of divinyl and monovinyl monomers. The most practicable method is found to be the comparison of the intrinsic viscosity of the branched polymer to the intrinsic viscosity of the corresponding linear polymer of the same weight-average molecular weight. Agreement is found with previously published experimental data on polymers of known degrees of branching. It is also found that the ratio of the mean square radius to the weight-average molecular weight for the polydisperse branched polymer is completely independent of degree of branching. Consequently, light-scattering data alone on the polydisperse polymer is not sufficient to determine branching.
Inference of Online Auction Shills Using Dempster-Shafer Theory

We present a shilling behavior detection and verification approach for online auction systems. Assuming a model checking technique to detect shill suspects in real-time, we focus on how to verify shill suspects using Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence. To demonstrate the feasibility of our approach, we provide a case study using real eBay auction data. The analysis results show that our approach can detect shills and that using Dempster-Shafer theory to combine multiple sources of evidence of shilling behavior can reduce the number of false positive results that would be generated from a single source of evidence.
A New Aplodontoid Rodent (Mammalia) from the Early Oligocene (Orellan) of Montana and a Suggested Origin for the Family Mylagaulidae

ABSTRACT A new genus and three new species of early aplodontoid rodent are described from the Orellan (early Oligocene) of Montana, Brachygaulus nicholsi (type species), Brachygaulus leistneri, and Brachygaulus xerobothrus. A fourth indeterminate species is also recognized but not named. The occlusal dental morphology of Brachygaulus has a number of similarities to that of the earliest mylagaulids, the Promylagaulinae (early Arikareean: late Oligocene). However, the brachydont cheek teeth of Brachygaulus are more similar to primitive contemporaneous basal aplodontoids (=Prosciurinae). Brachygaulus represents an ancestral morphotype for the Mylagaulidae, demonstrating that the family can be derived from a prosciurine-like ancestor independent of the Meniscomyinae.
Extraction of Betulin, Trimyristin, Eugenol and Carnosic Acid Using Water-Organic Solvent Mixtures

A solvent system consisting of ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol and water, in the volume ratio of 4.5:4.5:1, was developed and used to extract, at room temperature, betulin from white birch bark and antioxidants from spices (rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano) and white oak chips. In addition, under reflux conditions, trimyristin was extracted from nutmeg using the same solvent system, and eugenol from olives was extracted using a mixture of salt water and ethyl acetate. The protocol demonstrates the use of water in organic solvents to extract natural products from plants. Measurement of the free-radical scavenging activity using by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) indicated that the extraction of plant material using ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol and water (4.5:4.5:1, v/v/v) was exhaustive when carried out at room temperature for 96 h.
The measurement and interpretation of employment displacement

These facets of worker displacement are investigated – definition, detection and consequence. A definition of displacement is sought that permits the identification of those who are truly at risk of adverse consequences because of this event. The detection goal is to indentify data elements in available administrative data sources that can be used for this purpose. A consolidated database is used that represents three states in the US and seven industry sectors, which includes seven years of quarterly employer/industry affliation and earnings pairings. Estimated earnings losses are shown to be sensitive to the definition of displacement that is adopted. Available data elements do not support the reliable prediction of adverse consequences associated with displacement relative to earnings discontinuities that accompany other causal definitations of unemployment.
Role of Prolactin in the Lactational Amenorrhea of the Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta)

The role of prolactin (PRL) in suckling-induced suppression of gonadotropin secretion was investigated in postpartum rhesus monkeys treated with bromocriptine some of which were allowed to suckle their young while others were not. Serum PRL was suppressed in all animals. The postpartum rise in the basal levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and the response to the positive feedback action of estradiol were delayed in the suckled monkeys when compared with their nonsuckled controls. The inhibition of LH secretion was more pronounced than that of follicle stimulating hormone. These findings permit the conclusion that hyperprolactinemia may not entirely account for the inhibition of gonadotropin secretion during lactation and that sensory inputs associated with suckling may affect the hypothalamic control of gonadotropin secretion by some other mechanism. (authors)
Physiological development of a monosynaptic connection involved in an adult insect behavior

Locust flight is an exclusively adult behavior whose neural basis has been extensively studied. The coordinated neural pattern underlying this behavior appears rapidly at the end of postembryonic development. This paper examines the ontogeny of elements of the nervous system involved in the behavior. Alternative extreme hypotheses are: 1) the neurons and synapses involved develop concomitant with the behavior, or 2) they are constructed early in development, and are activated at the appropriate time by, for example, the release of inhibition. These hypotheses were evaluated by selecting a synapse that is important in adult flight, and monitoring its physiological features during postembryonic development. The synapse between the forewing Stretch Receptor (SR) and the First Basalar (BA) motor neuron, two uniquely identified neurons, mediates a monosynaptic reflex which operates only in flight. The EPSP, initiated by SR in BA, was recorded intracellularly during the last four of six postembryonic instars. As early as third instar, the monosynaptic EPSP is present and appears to be as effective as in the adult. It also decrements and summates similarly in younger animals and adults. Therefore, some flight system synapses are present and effective throughout most of postembryonic development, and thus do not develop concomitant with the behavior.
How local are IT outsourcing markets: Proximity and software programming

We examine the question of which services are tradable within a concrete setting: the outsourcing of IT services across a broad cross-section of establishments in the US. If markets for IT services are local, then we should expect increases in local supply should increase the likelihood of outsourcing by lowering the cost of outsourcing. If markets are not local then local supply will not affect outsourcing demand. We analyze the outsourcing decisions of a large sample of 99,775 establishments in 2002 and 2004, for two types of IT services: programming and design and hosting. Programming and design projects require communication of detailed user requirements whereas hosting requires less coordination between client and service provider than programming and design. Our empirical results bear out this intuition: The probability of outsourcing programming and design is increasing in the local supply of outsourcing, and this sensitivity to local supply conditions has been increasing over time. This suggests there is some nontradable or “local” component to programming and design services that cannot be easily removed. In contrast, the decision to outsource hosting is sensitive to local supply only for a minority of firms for which network uptime and security concerns are particularly acute.
Comparison of Dual-Vt Configurations of SRAM Cell Considering Process-Induced Vt Variations

This paper is a case study of dual-14 configurations of an SRAM cell considering process-induced Vt variations. Dual threshold voltage assignment is an effective technique to reduce leakage power without any area overhead, however as we will show the quality of a dual-threshold assignment highly varies due to process parameter variations in deca-nanometer designs of today. We analyze and compare the effects of process-induced Vt variations in 11 dominant dual-14 cell configurations. Under process variations each configuration is evaluated based on the probability density functions (pdfs) of its read delay, leakage current and read stability, accurately obtained using Monte Carlo simulations for 90nm generic process design kit of Cadence. Comparison of different cell configurations is based on evaluating these pdfs at points corresponding to a desired yield. We show that the choice of the best dual-Vt configuration varies depending on a given yield, and show tradeoff plots between read delay, leakage and read margin of different configurations under variations.
Electrophysiological studies of salt-sensitive taste receptors

Experimental data indicate that the Na ion taste receptor is a Na selective membrane ion channel. This channel appears to have passive properties (it is not voltage-gated). Sodium ions stimulate receptor cells by entering them directly down a favorable electrochemical potential gradient and thereby depolarizing the cells. This presumably leads to the release of neurotransmitter, thereby causing excitation of the taste nerves. This process may require the intervention of voltage-gated Na channels that may depolarize the cells sufficiently to activate Ca channels necessary for Ca entry into the cells prior to the release of neurotransmitter. Anions may either augment or impede the movement of Na, depending on their paracellular permeabilities. The electrical potential across the taste buds, controlled in part by anion permeability across the tight junctions, may be one of the regulatory factors in the release of neurotransmitter. >
A synchronization model for protocol conversion

A formal model is presented to analyze two aspects of conversion problems: translation and synchronization. The purpose of the translation is to map messages in one protocol to those in another protocol, whereas the synchronization is to hold matched messages for carrying out the translation. An algorithm is given to construct a valid converter. The algorithm is low in space complexity, and yields a converter with several merits: concurrent processing, easy debugging, minimum work on development, and easy implementation for half-gateways. >
The Early Dynamic Response of the Calf Ileal Epithelium to Salmonella typhimurium

Ileal loops including Peyer's patch were prepared in five 28-day-old calves and infused with Salmonella typhimurium strain ST4/74. Loops were fixed 5 minutes to 2 hours after inoculation, and the mucosa was examined by light and electron microscopy. Within 5 minutes, the bacteria were interacting with the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE); the surface of M cells changed to lamellipodia, engulfing many bacteria. This process proceeded rapidly to 30 minutes, involving most M cells above crypt level. Most cells were exfoliated, and many were packed with bacteria, and the domed villi became stunted. There was a rapid migration of neutrophils through the FAE into the lumen by 15 minutes. By 60 minutes, there was no further interaction between the bacteria and the FAE; at this time bacteria were present in macrophages in the lamina propria. Restitution of the FAE was complete by 2 hours in spite of the many bacteria in the cell debris overlying the epithelium. Interaction of bacteria with the absorptive vill...
Optical measurements of heat and shock waves propagating in a dense plasma

The dynamics of heat and shock waves in a dense plasma were studied using time-resolved reflectivity measurements of the rear surface of an aluminum foil following femtosecond irradiation at ~5x1013 W/cm2.
Dietary modulation of pregnancy estrogen levels and breast cancer risk among female rat offspring.

Purpose: Against the hypothesis that high estrogen levels in utero increase the risk of developing breast cancer in later life are data showing that pregnancy estrogen levels are significantly higher in Asian women who have low breast cancer risk than in Caucasian women. We investigated whether maternal dietary intake of genistein or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are typical to Asian but not Caucasian diet, affect pregnancy estrogen levels and susceptibility to mammary tumorigenesis among offspring. Experimental Design: For that purpose, pregnant female Sprague Dawley rats were fed isocaloric AIN-93-based diets containing either at 15 mg (low), 150 mg (medium), or 300 mg (high)/kg genistein/diet or low- or high-fat (16 versus 39% energy from fat) diet composed either of n-3 PUFA menhaden oil or n-6 PUFA corn oil. All diets were switched to regular AIN-93 diet when pups were born. Results: Maternal intake of n-3 PUFA diets significantly increased pregnancy 17β-estradiol (E2) levels (48% increase when compared with high n-6 PUFA diet; P P versus 64% of high n-6 PUFA offspring; P P P Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the elevated estrogen levels in the n-3 PUFA mothers were linked to reduced rather than increased breast cancer risk among their offspring, suggesting that other effects of n-3 PUFA may counteract the effects of high fetal estrogenicity on the mammary gland. High maternal genistein intake did not reduce offspring’s breast cancer risk, and therefore high maternal soy intake in Asian women may not be associated with daughters’ low breast cancer risk.
WTPGA: a novel weighted test-pattern generation approach for VLSI built-in self test

A weighted test-pattern generation approach (WTPGA) is reported and applied to two very well known circuits. WTPGA was applied specifically to a 4-bit ALU (arithmetic logic unit) and a minimal set of test patterns with very high fault coverage resulted. It has been observed that there exists a correlation between the rate of the circuit switching activity on application of the test-patterns and the increase in fault coverage. WTPGA also takes advantage of functional test patterns in computation of the signal probabilities and it is known that good functional test sets fully exercise the circuit. It is also implied that the technique described can be applied in developing a minimal set of pseudorandom patterns, generated internal to the device for built-in self-test. >
Complement C3a, CpG Oligos, and DNA/C3a Complex Stimulate IFN-α Production in a Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Product-Dependent Manner

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a multiligand transmembrane receptor implicated in a number of diseases including autoimmune diseases. To further understand the pathogenic mechanism of RAGE in these diseases, we searched for additional ligands. We discovered that C3a bound to RAGE with an EC(50) of 1.9 nM in an ELISA, and the binding was increased both in magnitude (by >2-fold) and in affinity (EC(50) 70 pM) in the presence of human stimulatory unmethylated cytosine-guanine-rich DNA A (hCpGAs). Surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence anisotropy analyses demonstrated that hCpGAs could bind directly to RAGE and C3a and form a ternary complex. In human PBMCs, C3a increased IFN-α production in response to low levels of hCpGAs, and this synergy was blocked by soluble RAGE or by an Ab directed against RAGE. IFN-α production was reduced in response to mouse CpGAs and C3a in RAGE(-/-) mouse bone marrow cells compared wild-type mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate that RAGE is a receptor for C3a and CpGA. Through direct interaction, C3a and CpGA synergize to increase IFN-α production in a RAGE-dependent manner and stimulate an innate immune response. These findings indicate a potential role of RAGE in autoimmune diseases that show accumulation of immunostimulatory DNA and C3a.
Proteomic Analysis Reveals CACN-1 Is a Component of the Spliceosome in Caenorhabditis elegans

Cell migration is essential for embryonic development and tissue formation in all animals. cacn-1 is a conserved gene of unknown molecular function identified in a genome-wide screen for genes that regulate distal tip cell migration in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. In this study we take a proteomics approach to understand CACN-1 function. To isolate CACN-1−interacting proteins, we used an in vivo tandem-affinity purification strategy. Tandem-affinity purification−tagged CACN-1 complexes were isolated from C. elegans lysate, analyzed by mass spectrometry, and characterized bioinformatically. Results suggest significant interaction of CACN-1 with the C. elegans spliceosome. All of the identified interactors were screened for distal tip cell migration phenotypes using RNAi. Depletion of many of these factors led to distal tip cell migration defects, particularly a failure to stop migrating, a phenotype commonly seen in cacn-1 deficient animals. The results of this screen identify eight novel regulators of cell migration and suggest CACN-1 may participate in a protein network dedicated to high-fidelity gonad development. The composition of proteins comprising the CACN-1 network suggests that this critical developmental module may exert its influence through alternative splicing or other post-transcriptional gene regulation.
Regional Weather Prediction with a Model Combining Terrain-following and Isentropic Coordinates. Part I: Model Description

Abstract A short-range numerical prediction model, which is part of a real-time 3-h data assimilation and forecast system, is described. The distinguishing feature of the model is the use of terrain-following (σ) coordinate surfaces in the lower troposphere combined with isentropic (θ) surfaces aloft. Such a hybrid coordinate system allows modeling of processes in a convectively unstable boundary layer while retaining tile advantages of θ coordinates in representing upper-tropospheric frontal and jet-stream structures. The hybrid approach used in this model represents a in major departure from previous hybrid formulations in atmospheric models, oven though it has been used for more than ten years in oceanic modeling. Part I of this two-part paper contains a thorough description of the model and the results of validation experiments. Results of North American case studies wig be reported in Part II.
Insolvability of the Quintic

Recall Theorem A21: If G is a group having a solvable normal subgroup H such that G/H is solvable, then G is solvable. Here is the improved version of Theorem 40 which needs no assumption about roots of unity.
Failure of injection of rat placental lactogen to inhibit prolactin in vivo.

AbstractIn an attempt to demonstrate a negative feedback of rat placental lactogen (rPL) on prolactin secretion, pregnant rats were hysterectomized and injected intraperitoneally with placental extracts. Hysterectomy alone prolonged the incidence of nocturnal prolactin surges and injection of placental extracts did not alter this response. However, the absence of rPL in the serum following the injections indicated a primary reason why no inhibition was seen. Only when rPL was given intravenously was there detectable amounts found in the blood. The slow disappearance of rPL from the circulation following hysterectomy in Day 11 pregnant rats suggests that the lack of rPL in the blood following ip injection of placental extracts is not due to rapid clearance of rPL from blood. The failure to show a negative feedback of rPL on prolactin in vivo may be due primarily to the lack of appearance of rPL in the circulation following an ip injection of placental extracts.
High-Pressure Chemical-Looping of Methane and Synthesis Gas with Ni and Cu Oxygen Carriers

This paper presents an experimental study of high-pressure chemical-looping combustion (CLC) of methane and synthesis gas using supported Cu and Ni oxygen carriers. The experiments were performed in an isothermal, fixed-bed reactor at the pressure range of 1–10 bar. The analysis showed that at elevated pressures, the reactivity of the CLC oxygen carriers deviates from that at atmospheric pressure. Formation of solid carbon was found favorable at high pressures for both oxygen carriers, though more extensively with Cu materials. An empirical kinetic model was used to capture the effect of pressure on the reduction and oxidation reactions. The objective of this work is to derive a kinetic model that can accurately capture the idiosyncrasies of high-pressure CLC, which can guide process design studies of CLC integration into power plants.
The Marriage of Duke Vincentio and Isabella

ITHIN the past dozen years many articles on Measure for Measure have thrown light on the play not so much because they sum up Shakespeare's meaning, as because they bring out aspects of the Elizabethan climate that enable the modern reader to comprehend details and characterization in the play itself. This note is an attempt to present one other aspect hitherto unmentioned as far as I have been able to discover. In Basilikon Doron James I writes,
Localization of small bowel hemorrhage. Complete reflux small bowel examination.

The complete reflux small bowel examination for the localization of the site of small bowel hemorrhage in 2 cases is described. Emphasis is placed on the use of premedication with diazepam (ValiumR) and glucagon in facilitating the ease of the examination. Most pertinent, however, is that this additional examination may result in the localization of a bleeding point when other methods fail.
A comparative study on the efficacy and safety of intravenous diltiazem and cediland in rapid atrial arrhythmias

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous diltiazem and cediland (lanatoside C) for treatment of rapid ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation and flutter Methods A single blind, randomized study on 54 patients with rapid atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter was conducted by comparing intravenous diltiazem and cediland (ratio 3:2) Results The total efficacies were 94% and 70% with a mean decrease in heart rate by 34% and 23% of the baseline in the diltiazem and cediland group, respectively, while mean time response to the bolus was 7 1±4 2 and 32 8±22 8 minutes, respectively Of the 34 patients treated with diltiazem, 2 developed asymptomatic hypotension and one had ventricular pause, all events were resolved without pharmacologic treatment No patient developed worsening of congestive heart failure due to diltiazem Conclusion Diltiazem is safe and rapidly effective in acutely slowing of rapid ventricular rate in patients with atrial fibrillution or atrial flutter
Revisiting Computer-Mediated Intimacy: In-Game Marriage and Dyadic Gameplay in Audition

Existing studies in the field of HCI and CSCW have pointed to the significance to investigate computer-mediated intimacy and brought together concerns in ubiquitous computing, affective technologies, and experience design. However, existing conceptualizations of intimacy in collaborative online systems are largely based on empirical studies of systems that have similar social dynamics and user groups, which could lead to a bias in investigating intimacy. Using Audition, a dance battle Multiplayer Online Game with a popular marriage system, as our field site, we focus on dyadic intimacy in a non-violent online social space that has many young non-Caucasian and female users. We contribute to both confirming and further advancing existing theories of computer-mediated intimacy using this new dataset. We also suggest promising future directions for exploring the subjective intimate experiences in a scientifically defensible way.
Word formation in natural language processing systems

Systems which process natural language require a reliable source of information about words. Not only must their lexical subsystems handle a large number of known words; they must also cope with coinages. The morphological principles underlying the notion "possible word" are under active study by linguists, and are articulated in the theory of word formation. This paper presents a technique for building lexical subsystems which embody these principles by emulating the behavior of word formation rules. These subsystems combine totally idiosyncratic lexical information, stored in a dictionary, with systematic information derived from word structure. Applications for lexical subsystems built along the lines described here will be discussed.
Managing Lymphoma During Pregnancy

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers that occurs during pregnancy. Primarily due to its usual peak onset in reproductive years, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) occurs slightly more often during pregnancy than non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Prompt diagnosis to determine the exact lymphoma subtype is important, and specific staging studies are recommended for lymphoma occurring during pregnancy. NHLs are typically an aggressive subtype, commonly occur later in gestation, diagnosed at a more advanced stage, and often involve the reproductive organs. Treatment recommendations are based in part on the clinical scenario and patient/family wishes. Overarching goals for the treatment of pregnant mothers with lymphoma should be to concurrently optimize maternal survival and minimize treatment-related fetal toxicity and prematurity. This is maximized by close collaboration with high-risk maternal–fetal medicine and also with a goal of continuing pregnancy to full term (i.e., beyond 37 weeks). The decision to administer chemotherapy, radiation, and/or other therapeutic agents during gestation is individualized with the risk of antenatal therapy weighed against the potential adverse effects of delaying curative therapy. Overall, there should be consideration to delay anti-lymphoma treatment until after the first trimester and in select scenarios after delivery (e.g., asymptomatic indolent lymphomas, diagnosis in late third trimester, etc.), while antenatal therapy during the second and third trimesters is tenable in many cases (i.e., beyond 12 weeks). This detailed review describes available data on disease presentation and patient characteristics, gestational data, treatment (including targeted therapeutics), maternal and fetal complications, and additional considerations for patients diagnosed with NHL and HL during pregnancy.
Influence of Medical Student Debt on the Decision to Pursue Careers in Primary Care.

PURPOSE To determine if medical student debt has an effect on medical student specialty choice. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was distributed to students at 12 medical schools across the United States to assess the effect of debt on specialty choice. RESULTS In total, 415 students responded to the survey; 98 medical students reported that they were pursuing a primary care residency (PCR) and 250 reported that they were pursing a non-primary care residency (NPCR). There was no significant difference in average student loan debt anticipated by medical students pursing PCR and NPCR ($142,217 vs $150,784; P>0.46). Medical students pursuing a PCR reported lower estimated salaries on average than medical students pursuing NPCR ($137,711 vs $241,804; p<0.01). Of the surveyed students, 62% of students who are pursuing PCR and 77% of the students who are pursuing a NPCR would not have pursued medicine as a career if residents were responsible for paying tuition. CONCLUSION This study revealed no significant difference between the student debt of medical students pursuing PCR compared to those who are pursuing a NPCR. However, a large majority of medical students would not pursue a career in medicine if faced with the responsibility of paying tuition for residency. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2016-07.asp, free with no login].
Planning large systems with MDPs: case study of inland waterways supervision

Inland waterway management is likely to go through heavy changes due to an expected traffic increase in a context of climate change. Those changes will require an adaptive and resilient management of the water resource. The aim is to have an optimal plan for the distribution of the water resource on the whole inland waterway network, while taking into account the uncertainties arising from the operations of such a network. A representative model using Markov decision processes is proposed to model the dynamic and the uncertainties of the waterways. The proposed model is able to coordinate multiple entities over multiple time steps in order to prevent an overflow of a test network. However, this model suffers from a lack of scalability and is unable to represent real case applications. Advantages and limitations of several approaches of the literature to circumvent this limitation are discussed according to our case study.
The Case for Jointly Targeting Diabetes and Depression Among Vulnerable Patients Using Digital Technology

It is well publicized that mobile and digital technologies hold great promise to improve health outcomes among patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes. However, there is growing concern that digital health investments (both from federal research dollars and private venture investments) have not yet resulted in tangible health improvements. We see three major reasons for this limited real-world impact on health outcomes: (1) lack of solutions relevant for patients with multiple comorbidities or conditions, (2) lack of diverse patient populations involved in the design and early testing of products, and (3) inability to leverage existing clinical workflows to improve both patient enrollment and engagement in technology use. We discuss each of these in depth, followed by new research directions to increase effectiveness in this field.
Nonlinear Controller Design with Application to HVAC Systems

Abstract The control of HVAC processes normally involves in system uncertainties and system non-linearity. Addressing these two important issues in HVAC control, two nonlinear control algorithms, a sliding mode controller and an adaptive controller, have been designed based on a simplified HVAC model. Performances of the proposed control algorithms are validated by simulations and compared with a classic lead-lag controller.
Teaching procedural skills to medical students: A pilot procedural skills lab

Background: Medical students have limited confidence in performing procedural skills. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a multifaceted Procedural Skills Lab (PSL) on the confidence of medical students to perform procedural skills. Methods: Twelve 2nd year medical students were randomly selected to participate in a pilot PSL. The PSL students met with an instructor for 2 h once a week for 4 weeks. Students participated in a flipped classroom and spaced education program before laboratory sessions that included a cadaver laboratory. Procedural skills included a focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) scan, cardiac echocardiogram, lumbar puncture, arthrocentesis, and insertion of intraosseous and intravenous catheters. Students in the PSL were asked to rank their confidence in performing procedural skills before and after completion of the laboratory sessions (Wilcoxon ranked-sum test). A web-based questionnaire was also emailed to all 2nd year medical students to establish a baseline frequency for observing, performing, and confidence performing procedural skills (Mann–Whitney U-test). Results: Fifty-nine percent (n = 106) of 180 2nd year medical students (n = 12 PSL students [treatment group], n = 94 [control group]) completed the survey. Frequency of observation, performance, and confidence in performing procedural skills was similar between the control and treatment groups at baseline. There was an increased confidence level (p < 0.001) for performing all procedural skills for the treatment group after completion of the PSL. Discussion: An innovative PSL may increase students' confidence to perform procedural skills. Future studies will examine competency after a PSL.
Efficacy of a Teacher Training a Paraprofessional to Promote Communication for a Student with Autism and Complex Communication Needs.

Students with complex communication needs require well-designed supports to communicate effectively in school settings. Although paraprofessionals are often charged with supporting these students, ...
Representing ethical reality: a guide for worldly non-naturalists

Ethical realists hold (i) that our ethical concepts, thoughts, and claims are in the business of representing ethical reality, by representing evaluative or normative properties and facts as aspect...
Parkinson’s Disease and Other Synucleinopathies

Abstract Over the past two decades, discoveries in human genetics have largely been responsible for identifying some of the major molecular mechanisms by which Parkinson’s disease (PD) arises in humans. One of the first genes to be discovered for PD risk encodes for the vesicular protein α-synuclein, which is also deposited in Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, the characteristic proteinaceous pathology in PD and related disorders. Importantly, the SNCA gene locus, which encodes α-synuclein, contains several different types of genetic variants, including rare point mutations and gene multiplications in families as well as common variation in sporadic PD, that identify this chromosomal region as a pleomorphic risk locus. Similar variation occurs around the gene for leucine-rich repeat kinase 2, suggesting that the molecular pathogenesis of both familial and sporadic PD is driven by interactions between multiple genetic events. Furthermore, additional data from other identified genes and risk factors highlights several common themes, including vesicular transport, regulation of autophagy, and mitochondrial function, as major cellular influences on PD pathogenesis.
The Relative Power of Semantics and Unification

The OSHL theorem proving method is an attempt to extend propositional theorem proving techniques to first-order logic by working entirely at the ground level. A disadvantage of this approach is that OSHL does not perform unifications between non-ground literals, as resolution does. However, OSHL has the capability to use natural semantics to guide the proof search. The question arises whether the advantage of proof guidance using semantics can make up for the loss of unification between non-ground literals that other methods employ. This question is studied and some evidence is given that a properly chosen semantics causes OSHL to implicitly perform unifications between non-ground levels, suggesting that OSHL may have some of the advantages of theorem proving methods based on unification as well as some of the efficiencies of propositional theorem provers. Some implementation results of OSHL with and without nontrivial semantics are also presented to illustrate its properties.
Implantation: Lessons from a Primate Model

Implantation is a complex spatio-temporal interaction between the genotypically different embryo and mother. This is a highly coordinated process that is activated when the trophoblast cells of the embryo establish contact with the maternal endometrium. The initiation of pregnancy requires a precisely timed synchrony between endometrial development and the implanting blastocyst. Under the influence of ovarian steroids, the uterine endometrium undergoes profound modifications in cellular differentiation. In primates, at the appropriate phase of the menstrual cycle, the uterus becomes “receptive” and enables the blastocyst to attach. This “receptive window” is initially dependent on estrogen and progesterone. However, further morphological and biochemical changes are induced within the uterus by signals from the developing embryo and following trophoblast invasion.
Chemistry and biological activity of vitamin D, its metabolites and analogs.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the chemistry and biochemistry of vitamin D and its metabolites and analogs. The new developments in the understanding of the functional metabolism of vitamin D and its regulation have opened a variety of new approaches to the old problems of bone disease on one hand and more theoretical problems of the structure–function relationship with regard to vitamin D on the other. It has been observed that the vitamin has more than one target of action, namely, intestinal calcium absorption, mobilization of calcium from bone, possible calcification of bone, and renal tubular reabsorption of ions. The fact that vitamin D must be metabolized to an active forms before it can function opens new and exciting avenues in the management of a number of metabolic bone diseases. Earlier, Fraser and Kodicek had made the important observation that the tritium deficient metabolite was made solely by the kidney and had demonstrated that this metabolite could be generated in vitro from 25-OH-D 3 with chicken kidney homogenates. The discovery of Steenbock and associates that vitamin D is produced by irradiation of plant and animal sterol fractions led to the synthesis of vitamin D 2 and vitamin D 3 by the irradiation of ergosterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol. Hypoparathyroid patients and patients suffering from vitamin-D-resistant rickets would greatly benefit from administration of 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 or an analog. The breakthroughs in the understanding of vitamin D metabolism have produced a new profile for the calcium homeostatic mechanisms and the regulation of intestinal calcium absorption.
The Desire for God: An Assessment of Seminarians' Spirituality Through the Lens of the “Big Five”

The purpose of the study was to investigate a personological profile of Roman Catholic seminarians characterized by a high and a low level of prayerful desire for God. One hundred twenty-one Roman Catholic seminarians were administered the Polish Adjective List (PAL; Szarota, 1995) to appraise the normal personality characteristics measured by the factors of Neuroticism (N), Extraversion (E), Openness (O), Agreeableness (A), and Conscientiousness (C), along with a measure of desire for closeness with God. Results suggest that the seminarians with a high level of desire for God, in terms of personality characteristics, tend to be more tender, self-sacrificing, magnanimous and good-natured (A) as well more conscientious, dutiful, prudent, and reliable (C) than their counterparts. The findings of the regression analysis suggested that the five personality domains explained the 11% variance of the seminarians desire to abide with God.
Arab Religious Skeptics Online: Anonymity, Autonomy, and Discourse in a Hostile Environment

The Arab atheist community is largely an online phenomenon, with limited visibility offline and with virtually no umbrella groups. It exists in unfriendly, if not hostile, political, social, religious, and legal environments. This paper aims to deepen our understanding of virtual space by analyzing the Arab atheist community online: its content, discourse, and structure. The research examines the relationship between the networked information economy and the emergence of religious skeptics as manifested in Arab cyberspace. A central question is whether the Internet enhances individual autonomy in matters of faith. Given that the Arab atheist community online is prevailingly anonymous, the paper assesses the potential and limitations of anonymous and pseudonymous speech online and the extent to which this facilitates or hinders sharing, debating, community building, and collective action.
Budgetary Savings from Military Restraint

The United States needs a defense budget worthy of its name, one that protects Americans rather than wasting vast sums embroiling us in controversies remote from our interests. This paper outlines such a defense strategy and the substantial cuts in military spending that it allows. That strategy discourages the occupation of failing states and indefinite commitments to defend healthy ones. With fewer missions, the military can shrink its force structure — reducing personnel, the weapons and vehicles procured for them, and operational costs. The resulting force would be more elite, less strained, and far less expensive. By avoiding needless military conflict and protecting our prosperity, these changes would make Americans more secure. Our proposed cuts total more than $1.2 trillion over ten years. Because our strategy will make conventional and counterinsurgency warfare less likely, we recommend cutting the end-strength of the Army and Marine Corps by roughly one-third. Fewer missions, along with advances in strike technology, would also allow a reduction of six fighter wing equivalents from the Air Force. Similar technological advances have greatly increased the destructive capability of naval platforms, and restraint requires fewer of them. We therefore propose the elimination of four carrier battle groups, four expeditionary strike groups, and a commensurate number of ships from the Navy. For reasons of economy that would hold even under the current strategic posture, we recommend deep cuts in nuclear weapons and missile defense spending. Additional savings can be obtained by reducing administrative overhead and intelligence spending, cutting military construction costs, canceling several weapons systems, and reforming the provision of military pay and benefits. We view these cuts as a kind of initial harvest of the strategy of restraint. Our recommendations are not meant to preclude consideration of deeper cuts. Concern about deficits has prompted greater scrutiny of all federal spending. But the cuts here would be prudent even in an era of surpluses. The United States does not need to spend $700 billion a year—nearly half of global military spending — to preserve its security. By capitalizing on our geopolitical fortune, we can safely spend far less.
Recent Research on Students' Identities: Advancing Theory and Practice to Disrupt Inequities.

This installment of Current Insights features recent research on identity development, with implications for equity in science and mathematics education.
Primary Cutaneous B-cell Lymphomas: FL, MCL, Differential Diagnosis

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas comprise a small group of lymphoproliferative disorders that range in behavior from indolent, localized skin-limited tumors with survival approximating 100% to aggressive malignancies with a propensity for extracutaneous dissemination. The relatively indolent primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma and primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma both show significant overlap with cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasias and often require strong correlations with clinical findings in order to establish a definitive diagnosis. These lymphomas can exhibit significant histologic and sometimes molecular overlap with their extracutaneous counterparts, MALT lymphoma and follicular lymphoma, respectively. A multidisciplinary evaluation may therefore be required in order to permit for proper categorization. Furthermore, these entities must be distinguished from other mature B-cell lymphomas that can involve the skin, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. At the opposite end of the clinical spectrum is primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type, which is occasionally challenging to distinguish from follicle center lymphomas with a preponderance of large cells and may be phenotypically identical to some of the extracutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphomas that secondarily involve the skin. The distinction of leg-type lymphoma from follicle center lymphoma is critical since leg-type lymphomas are clinically aggressive, and there is ongoing discussion regarding how to classify rare, morphologically or immunophenotypically ambiguous large cell lymphomas. Our present understanding of the histomorphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular aberrances underpinning these unusual and diagnostically challenging lymphoproliferative entities is discussed herein with an emphasis on differential diagnosis.
The college-to-career transition in STEM: An eleven-year longitudinal study of perceived and objective vocational interest fit

Abstract This 11-year longitudinal study investigates the effects of vocational interest fit measured in college on college-to-career trajectories. Vocational interest theories suggest that vocational interest fit will affect choices and attitudes about major and job. The expectancy value model is used in the study to describe how values assigned to an outcome (e.g., engaging in a major or a job) ultimately influence major and career choices. The current study tracks a cohort of students (N = 159) from 2007 to 2018 examining their vocational interest, matriculation major interest, degree, first job after graduation, and job seven years post-graduation. Results showed that vocational interest fit with major had a significant effect on major retention and first job choice, and the relationships were mediated by subjective task values (attainment value, intrinsic value, utility value, and relative cost). Vocational interest fit with job had a significant effect on career attitudes, and these relationships were mediated by perceived career fit. Additionally, job fit increased over time from first job after graduation to 2018 job. Results suggest that vocational interest measured in college is useful in predicting future career trajectories.
The National Cancer Institute Early Detection Research Network: Two Decades of Progress.

Over the last two decades, substantial progress has been made in the development of cancer biomarkers and their application to unmet needs across the spectrum of cancer care. NCI's Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) has had an important role in facilitating this progress ([1][1]). Having been
Measuring Scholarly Impact: A Guide for Law School Administrators and Legal Scholars

Texas A&M University assesses its colleges and departments based partly on scholarly impact and using quantitative metrics. The law school’s dean has assigned me the task of identifying scholarly impact metrics for use in assessing the performance of our law faculty collectively and individually. This essay discusses the major issues that arise in measuring the impact of legal scholarship. It also explains important scholarly impact metrics, including the Leiter score and Google Scholar h-index, and the major sources of information regarding scholarly impact, including Google Scholar, Westlaw, HeinOnline, SSRN, and bepress. I intend for this essay to serve as a guide for law deans and legal scholars interested in measuring the impact of legal scholarship. In addition, university administrators should find it helpful for comparing the impact of their own law faculty’s scholarship with the scholarship of law faculties at other universities. The primary obstacle to such comparisons is a dearth of publicly available information. To that end, the essay recommends that each law school create a Google Scholar profile for its faculty and explains the procedure for doing so. By acting on this recommendation, administrators would dramatically improve our ability to assess the impact of legal scholarship. Moreover, a ranking of faculties by Google Scholar citation count would provide a much-needed supplement to existing rankings schemes, including ranking schools based on U.S. News peer reputation score.