cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards interactive global illumination effects via sequential Monte Carlo adaptation

This paper presents a novel method that effectively combines both control variates and importance sampling in a sequential Monte Carlo context while handling general single-bounce global illumination effects. The radiance estimates computed during the rendering process are cached in an adaptive per-pixel structure that defines dynamic predicate functions for both variance reduction techniques and guarantees well-behaved PDFs, yielding continually increasing efficiencies thanks to a marginal computational overhead. While remaining unbiased, the technique is effective within a single pass as both estimation and caching are done online, exploiting the coherency in illumination while being independent of the actual scene representation. The method is relatively easy to implement and to tune via a single parameter, and we demonstrate its practical benefits with important gains in convergence rate and applications to both off-line and progressive interactive rendering.
Semilinear Duhem model for rate-independent and rate-dependent hysteresis

The classical Duhem model provides a finite-dimensional differential model of hysteresis. In this paper, we consider rate-independent and rate-dependent semilinear Duhem models with provable properties. The vector field is given by the product of a function of the input rate and linear dynamics. If the input rate function is positively homogeneous, then the resulting input-output map of the model is rate independent, yielding persistent nontrivial input-output closed curve (that is, hysteresis) at arbitrarily low input frequency. If the input rate function is not positively homogeneous, the input-output map is rate dependent and can be approximated by a rate-independent model for low frequency inputs. Sufficient conditions for convergence to a limiting input-output map are developed for rate-independent and rate-dependent models. Finally, the reversal behavior and orientation of the rate-independent model are discussed.
Yield of primary and repeat induced sputum testing for Pneumocystis jiroveci in human immunodeficiency virus-positive and -negative patients.

Abstract Context.—Induced sputum sampling has an approximate 70% sensitivity for detection of Pneumocystis jiroveci in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. Bronchoalveolar lavage sampling has greater than 90% sensitivity but is a far more invasive procedure. Therefore, bronchoalveolar lavage testing is often recommended as a follow-up after a negative induced sputum. In HIV-negative patients, the utility of induced sputum testing is still not well defined. Objective.—To determine whether repeat induced sputum sampling increases diagnostic yield and might thereby reduce the need for follow-up bronchoalveolar lavage sampling. To determine the utility of induced sputum sampling in HIV-negative patients. Design.—A 2-year retrospective review of the utility of repeat induced sputa testing in patients with previous first and/or second negative induced sputa. Retrospective review of induced sputa detection in HIV-negative patients. Results.—Repeat testing of induced sputa for Pneumocystic jirovecii did n...
Characterization of Feasible LMPs: Inclusion of Losses and Reactive Power

When formulated within a security constrained optimal power flow, the vector of locational marginal prices (LMPs) are a subset of Lagrange multipliers, and must lie in the null space of a Jacobian matrix associated with power flow and line flow limit (and possibly other) constraints in a power network. This paper builds on previous work by the authors, demonstrating the close relation of this matrix null space problem to the underlying graph of the network, and showing that structural information regarding admissible patterns of LMPs can thereby be obtained independent of any consideration of the nature of generator offers. We showed in previous work that the load pocket phenomena in LMPs can be interpreted in terms of generalized Laplacian structure that is inherent in the lossless, active power flow Jacobian. This paper seeks to explore the degree to which these types of structural insights persist when losses and reactive power are included in the LMP calculation, when the Jacobian matrix of interest deviates from generalized Laplacian structure. To this end, we propose a new computational approach to identify feasible LMPs that exploits algebraic features of the null space calculation that remains valid even when the greater complexity of loss and reactive power balance is exactly represented. A numerical example is presented to compare the structural features of feasible LMPs in the lossless, active-power-only case, versus those obtained with full treatment of reactive power balance and losses.
The Gross Pathology of the American Cockroach Following Injection with Organic Solvents

Sub-lethal doses of organic solvents from eight chemical categories were injected into the body cavities of young adults and Nymphs of the American cockroach ( Periplaneta americana (L.)) and a comparative study was made of the gross pathology of the tissues and organs which resulted. The observations show a striking similarity in the effects with those reported when similar compounds are studied with mammals.
Graphene-Based Single-Bacterium Resolution Biodevice and DNA Transistor: Interfacing Graphene Derivatives with Nanoscale and Microscale Biocomponents

Establishing “large-contact-area” interfaces of sensitive nanostructures with microbes and mammalian cells will lead to the development of valuable tools and devices for biodiagnostics and biomedicine. Chemically modified graphene (CMG) nanostructures with their microscale area, sensitive electrical properties, and modifiable chemical functionality are excellent candidates for such biodevices at both biocellular and biomolecular scale. Here, we report on the fabrication and functioning of a novel CMG-based (i) single-bacterium biodevice, (ii) label-free DNA sensor, and (iii) bacterial DNA/protein and polyelectrolyte chemical transistor. The bacteria biodevice was highly sensitive with a single-bacterium attachment generating ∼1400 charge carriers in a p-type CMG. Similarly, single-stranded DNA tethered on graphene hybridizes with its complementary DNA strand to reversibly increase the hole density by 5.61 × 1012 cm−2. We further demonstrate (a) a control on the device sensitivity by manipulating surface g...
Communication apprehension and self‐perceived communication competence of academically gifted students

The purpose of this study was to test Chesebro et al.'s (1992) conjecture—based on research with at‐risk students—that students highly apprehensive in speaking in dyads and groups, and who perceive themselves as lacking competence in speaking to strangers and acquaintances, do not fare well academically. A group of academically successful students was used. It was expected that the areas identified by Chesebro et al. as associated with low academic achievement for at‐risk students would be associated with high academic achievement for students identified as academically talented. Findings are mostly supportive. Specifically, whereas at‐risk students were most apprehensive about speaking in groups, the academically talented students were least apprehensive; also, whereas at‐risk students perceived themselves least competent in speaking to strangers, the academically talented students perceived themselves most competent. Taken together, results of the present investigation and of the Chesebro et al. study p...
The intraaortic balloon pump: optimization of assist device parameters during low cardiac output by use of a mathematical model

It has been suggested that volume displaced by the intraaortic balloon is more significant than any other IAB (intraaortic balloon) factors (such as timing and speed), especially during the low cardiac output states. To investigate the operation of the balloon in the aorta during such conditions, a refined mathematical model of the balloon system was incorporated into a cardiovascular model. The model describes the balloon inflations as a pressure-dependent wavefront. This results in cardiac output that is not linearly proportional to IAB volume. Thus for example under typical condition a single-chamber 4-cm/sup 3/ IAB has the same effect on cardiac output as a 60-cm/sup 3/ IAB. >
Evaluation of known-boundary and resistivity constraints for improving cross-borehole DC electrical resistivity imaging of discrete fractures

ABSTRACTThere is a need to better characterize discrete fractures in contaminated hard rock aquifers to determine the fate of remediation injections away from boreholes and also to evaluate hydraulic fracturing performance. A synthetic cross-borehole electrical resistivity study was conducted assuming a discrete fracture model of an existing contaminated site with known fracture locations. Four boreholes and two discrete fracture zones, assumed to be the dominant electrical and hydraulically conductive pathways, were explicitly modeled within an unstructured tetrahedral mesh. We first evaluated different regularization constraints starting with an uninformed smoothness-constrained inversion, to which a priori information was incrementally added. We found major improvements when (1) smoothness regularization constraints were relaxed (or disconnected) along boreholes and fractures, (2) a homogeneous conductivity was assumed along boreholes, and (3) borehole conductivity constraints that could be determined ...
Meteorites and possible meteorite impact features in Kansas

Abstract Recent meteorite discoveries in Kansas suggests that many more than the 142 recorded ones are present and yet to be located. Meteorites have been recorded in two-thirds of the Kansas 105 counties, with most of them from the western part of the state. The Brenham meteorite fall at Haviland in Kiowa County is the best known and most complete recorded fall. The site has produced the world's largest oriented pallasite at 1400 pounds and countless fragments have been located and recorded. Locally meteors have been observed and heard and some of them have scattered fragments over a considerable area. The meteorites dated are about 4.6 billion years old, but the Norton County fall dated slightly more than 5 billion years, which if correct would make it one of the oldest known objects in the solar system.
Stigma, Ethics and Policy: A Response to Bayer

In Stigma and the Ethics of Public Health: Not Can We but Should We, 67 SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE (2008), Ronald Bayer asks whether "stigmatization always represents a threat to public health?" and whether "there [are] occasions when the mobilization of stigma may effectively reduce the prevalence of behaviors linked to disease and death?" In this commentary, I offer an unambiguous answer: Yes, and No. For purposes of an ethical analysis of stigma in public health practice, we should ignore Erving Goffman's treatment of stigma as a universal phenomenon. We should instead start with his account of how stigma works, and follow scholars like Bruce Link and Jo Phelan in trying to understand stigma as a harmful phenomenon experienced by vulnerable groups. It remains unclear that smokers, the group Bayer chooses as is example, are stigmatized in that sort of framework. If they are, the state and those working under its auspices should not be promoting or indulging that stigma in any way, because stigma is a barbaric form of social control that relies upon the most primitive and destructive of emotions. And chances are it won't work anyway.
Dual photography

We present a novel photographic technique called dual photography, which exploits Helmholtz reciprocity to interchange the lights and cameras in a scene. With a video projector providing structured illumination, reciprocity permits us to generate pictures from the viewpoint of the projector, even though no camera was present at that location. The technique is completely image-based, requiring no knowledge of scene geometry or surface properties, and by its nature automatically includes all transport paths, including shadows, inter-reflections and caustics. In its simplest form, the technique can be used to take photographs without a camera; we demonstrate this by capturing a photograph using a projector and a photo-resistor. If the photo-resistor is replaced by a camera, we can produce a 4D dataset that allows for relighting with 2D incident illumination. Using an array of cameras we can produce a 6D slice of the 8D reflectance field that allows for relighting with arbitrary light fields. Since an array of cameras can operate in parallel without interference, whereas an array of light sources cannot, dual photography is fundamentally a more efficient way to capture such a 6D dataset than a system based on multiple projectors and one camera. As an example, we show how dual photography can be used to capture and relight scenes.
Capitol Zoom

Capital Zoom is a seamless, cloudless, zoom-in starting from a global view zooming down to the nation's Capitol. It is composed entirely of real earth-observing satellite data. Included are IKONOS 1 meter data, Landsat7 15/30 meter data, Terra/MODIS 250 meter data, and Terra/MODIS 8 kilometer data. The visualization first zooms in seamlessly, then zooms out showing where the different data set layers reside.This vizualization was created using Maya for motion control, Renderman for rendering, IDL for pre-processing of the data, Imagine for image registration, and Photoshop for color martching. Copyright held by creator.
Scalable Attack Graph Generation

Attack graphs are a powerful modeling technique with which to explore the attack surface of a system. However, they can be difficult to generate due to the exponential growth of the state space, often times making exhaustive search impractical. This paper discusses an approach for generating large attack graphs with an emphasis on scalable generation over a distributed system. First, a serial algorithm is presented, highlighting bottlenecks and opportunities to exploit inherent concurrency in the generation process. Then a strategy to parallelize this process is presented. Finally, we discuss plans for future work to implement the parallel algorithm using a hybrid distributed/shared memory programming model on a heterogeneous compute node cluster.
Pulmonary soluble guanylate cyclase, a nitric oxide receptor, is increased during the perinatal period

Nitric oxide (NO) has an important role in the pulmonary vasodilatation associated with the transition from fetal to neonatal life. NO activates pulmonary soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), an obliga...
Optimal Asset Allocation Strategies

This study presents a survey on the current methodologies employed in the asset allocation industry. We review techniques from Modern Portfolio Theory and focus on the central role of the mean-variance optimization problem. The formalism of the Black-Litterman model is discussed with its Bayesian rigorous approach to combine the equilibrium returns predicted by the Capital Asset Pricing Model and investors' views. We also turned our attention to factor models to estimate asset returns and corresponding financial risks as an alternative to the traditional approaches. Linear, non-linear and machine learning regression techniques are made available for the construction of the factor models.
A First Look at Bugs in OpenStack

An increasing amount of popular services are utilizing cloud infrastructure due to its convenience, low cost, and scalability. However, as more services turn to cloud as a means of storing and delivering data to consumers, the faults of cloud infrastructure become more apparent. When cloud infrastructure fails, the consequences are disastrous, with failures making national headlines. Popular services such as Amazon, Quora, Netflix, and many social media sites all rely on cloud computing at their core. Although new cloud infrastructures have sprouted in recent years, there is limited knowledge about what type of bugs they contain, and how these bugs affect quality of service of cloud components. We propose a system that can automatically classify bug tickets using the natural language descriptions provided by developers. We then utilize this system to classify a random sub-sample of 30k OpenStack bugs, and reveal trends related to OpenStack releases, priority assignments, and project characteristics. For example, we find that existing issues make up over 70% of bugs in OpenStack modules, with over half of these bugs corresponding to reliability.
Update on Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy and Neuraxial Anesthesia

Historically, thrombocytopenia in pregnancy has been considered by many to be a relative contraindication to neuraxial placement secondary to the concern for spinal and epidural hematoma. More recent studies have attempted to further quantify this true risk by considering the etiology of thrombocytopenia and the absolute platelet count when epidurals were performed in parturients. We have described the most common etiologies of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy and the current tools available for bedside evaluation. We have reviewed the most recent literature and determined that multiple centers support the safe placement of neuraxial procedures in asymptomatic parturients with a platelet count >75,000 to 80,000/mm3 and even suggest that values above 60,000/mm3 could be acceptable in non-preeclamptic patients with thrombocytopenia depending on the specific etiology.
Factors Affecting Resilience and Development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Critical Care Nurses

Job stress and cumulative exposure to traumatic events experienced by critical care nurses can lead to psychological distress and the development of burnout syndrome and posttraumatic stress disorder. Resilience can mitigate symptoms associated with these conditions.To identify factors that affect resilience and to determine if the factors have direct or indirect effects on resilience in development of posttraumatic stress disorder.Data from 744 respondents to a survey mailed to 3500 critical care nurses who were members of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses were analyzed. Mplus was used to analyze a mediation model.Nurses who worked in any type of intensive care unit other than the medical unit and had high scores for resilience were 18% to 50% less likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder than were nurses with low scores. Nurses with a graduate degree in nursing were 18% more likely to experience posttraumatic stress disorder than were nurses with a bachelor's degree.Because of their effects on resilience, working in a medical intensive care unit and having a graduate degree may influence the development of posttraumatic stress disorder. Future research is needed to better understand the impact of resilience on health care organizations, development of preventive therapies and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder for critical care nurses, and the most appropriate mechanism to disseminate and implement strategies to address posttraumatic stress disorder.
Demonstration of non-accelerating space-time airy beams

We generate diffraction-free non-accelerating pulsed Airy beams having a highly correlated spatio-temporal spectrum. Acceleration is controllably restored by introducing uncertainty in the spectral correlation.
Strengths and Challenges of a Prostitution Court Model

In most major metropolitan cities, prostitution is a revolving-door offense in which individuals are arrested, sentenced, released, and rearrested, while the underlying causes that often result in ...
Effect of Spices upon the Activity of the Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Nucleopolyhedrovirus

The ability of host plants to influence the incidence and severity of diseases in insects has been known for more than 20 yrs and may play a critical role in the efficacy of insect pathogens, inclu...
Minimally Invasive Septal Myectomy for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

Surgical septal myectomy is the treatment of choice for patients with symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy refractory to medications. This report describes our minimally invasive approach for performing a septal myectomy via a ministernotomy that has been used at our institution for more than a decade. In particular, patient preparation, surgical technique, and clinical considerations are highlighted. Performed properly, this minimally invasive technique is a feasible and effective approach in our experience.
Momentum Through Course-Completion Patterns Among 2-Year College Students Beginning in STEM: Variations and Contributing Factors

Grounded in the academic momentum framework, this study explores course-completion patterns across the first two semesters of college among 1668 first-time students beginning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs or courses at public 2-year colleges in a Midwestern state, as well as factors predicting the persistence or changes in these patterns. We use latent transition analysis as the main analytical strategy, based on a combination of student survey data, transcript records, and data from the National Student Clearinghouse. Our findings reveal three major course-completion patterns in the first semester of college (i.e., transfer, vocational, and exploring) and four patterns in the second semester (i.e., transfer, vocational, associate degree, and leaving). More than 60% of the study sample exhibits consistent course-completion patterns in the first year of college. Students persisting in the transfer and vocational patterns in both semesters are more likely to retain their interest in STEM fields in the second year. In addition, we uncover salient predictors for transitions in course-completion patterns between the two semesters. For example, students’ self-reported financial support for attending college is positively associated with switching into the vocational pattern, but perceived support from peers seems to prompt students from the vocational to the transfer pattern. As a whole, our findings pinpoint the importance of a holistic understanding of how the mass, velocity, and direction of academic momentum through course-completion patterns develop and shift over time, as well as how a range of learning, academic, and social factors help shape 2-year college students’ academic trajectory.
RDA, Linked Data, and the End of Average

The concept of average as the ideal became an epidemic in the twentieth century. We developed standardized production lines, standardized intelligence exams, and cataloging rules to create ideal metadata descriptions for standard library resources. RDA’s emphasis on flexibility and relationships, as well as its readiness to be expressed in linked open data, opens the door to its use in describing rapidly evolving resource types and making them discoverable on the Semantic Web. Stanford's recent Mellon grant, Linked Data for Production, will explore the transition of traditional technical services workflows to linked data and RDA’s place in that process.
Synthetic Lignan Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside (LGM2605) Reduces Asbestos-Induced Cytotoxicity in an Nrf2-Dependent and -Independent Manner

Asbestos exposure triggers inflammatory processes associated with oxidative stress and tissue damage linked to malignancy. LGM2605 is the synthetic lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) with free radical scavenging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in diverse inflammatory cell and mouse models, including exposure to asbestos fibers. Nuclear factor-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation and boosting of endogenous tissue defenses were associated with the protective action of LGM2605 from asbestos-induced cellular damage. To elucidate the role of Nrf2 induction by LGM2605 in protection from asbestos-induced cellular damage, we evaluated LGM2605 in asbestos-exposed macrophages from wild-type (WT) and Nrf2 disrupted (Nrf2−/−) mice. Cells were pretreated with LGM2605 (50 µM and 100 µM) and exposed to asbestos fibers (20 µg/cm2) and evaluated 8 h and 24 h later for inflammasome activation, secreted cytokine levels (interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)), cytotoxicity and cell death, nitrosative stress, and Nrf2-regulated enzyme levels. Asbestos exposure induced robust oxidative and nitrosative stress, cell death and cytotoxicity, which were equally mitigated by LGM2605. Inflammasome activation was significantly attenuated in Nrf2−/− macrophages compared to WT, and the protective action of LGM2605 was seen only in WT cells. In conclusion, in a cell model of asbestos-induced toxicity, LGM2605 acts via protective mechanisms that may not involve Nrf2 activation.
STATISTICS STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND ANXIETY: COMPARISONS IN COURSE DELIVERY AND STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS

The statistics education community continues to explore the differences in performance outcomes and in student attitudes between online and face-to-face delivery methods of statistics courses. In this quasi-experimental study student persistence, exam, quiz, and homework scores were compared between delivery methods, class status, and programs of study for students enrolled in an undergraduate introductory statistics course. Student persistence and homework grades were significantly different for course delivery method. Anxiety levels, measured using the Statistical Anxiety Rating Scale (STARS), were compared between delivery methods, programs of study, and gender. One anxiety subscale—Test & Class Anxiety—was significantly different between delivery methods and genders. Implications and suggestions for further study are offered based on the study results. First published May 2017 at Statistics Education Research Journal Archives
Propagation-based x-ray phase imaging using focusing polycapillary optics

Conventional x-ray imaging relies on differences in attenuation in a material to produce image contrast. While useful for differentiating structures with large density variations, the subtle differences in attenuation for low-density materials can be difficult to detect. X-ray phase imaging, on the other hand, relies on differences in phase delay which is typically several orders of magnitude larger than attenuation. However, most methods of producing x-ray phase images rely on specialized synchrotron sources, small and low power microfocus sources or the careful alignment of several precision gratings. We demonstrate that focusing polycapillary optics can produce small focal spots from conventional x-ray sources to enable phase imaging. Moreover, in conjunction with focusing optics, the use of a simple, low cost wire mesh to structure the beam can significantly improve phase reconstructions.
Antimicrobial activity of cyclacillin against Escherichia coli in vivo and in vitro.

Chez la souris, l'effet de la cyclacilline differe peu de celui de l'ampicilline, en ce qui concerne la concentration ou localisation deE. coli dans le sang, la rate et la foie. Une difference importante est cependant notee dans les concentrations minima inhibitrices (MIC) de ces deux antibiotiques pour les bacteries gram-negatives.
Selected Aspects of Protein Metabolism in Relation to Reticuloendothelial System, Lymphocyte, and Fibroblast Function

For the purposes of this discussion, the reticuloendothelial or mononuclear phagocyte system will be considered to include monocytes, histiocytes, Kupffer cells, alveolar macrophages, and phagocytic cells in spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, the nervous system, and the pleural and peritoneal cavities (Bloom and Fawcett, 1975). Fibroblasts, which are facultative phagocytes, are not usually included in the RES, nor are lymphocytes, but both cell types interact with mononuclear cells in the performance of their functions (Pierce, 1980; Leibovich and Ross, 1975). There are a number of plasma proteins (excluding immunoglobulins) which may play roles in host defense against infection and in wound healing. Some of these are synthesized by, catabolized within, and/or adherent to RES cells, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts. The possible consequences of these protein-cell interactions are the focus of this chapter.
The Isomer Shift in 151Eu

Molecular orbital calculations in the Lowdin formalism for five compounds, EuO, Eu2O3, Eu3O4, EuF2 and EuF3, give a value of 3.2 ± 0.7 × 10−4 for the isomer shift calibration constant of 151Eu. The M.O. calculations are also used to predict the variation of the isomer shift with coordination number and bond distance in the Eu3+ − O2−, Eu2+ − O2−, Eu3+ − F− and Eu2+ − F− systems, and to give the values −18.7 and −8.3 mm/sec for the isomer shift of a free Eu2+ ion and a free Eu3+ ion with respect to Eu2O3. The relativistic enhancement of the free-ion non-relativistic electron density at an Eu nucleus is discussed and the variation of free-ion isomer shifts with electron configuration presented.
Repurposing Triphenylmethane Dyes to Bind to Trimers Derived from Aβ

Soluble oligomers of the β-amyloid peptide, Aβ, are associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Although many small molecules bind to these assemblies, the details of how these molecules interact with Aβ oligomers remain unknown. This paper reports that crystal violet, and other C3 symmetric triphenylmethane dyes, bind to C3 symmetric trimers derived from Aβ17–36. Binding changes the color of the dyes from purple to blue, and causes them to fluoresce red when irradiated with green light. Job plot and analytical ultracentrifugation experiments reveal that two trimers complex with one dye molecule. Studies with several triphenylmethane dyes reveal that three N,N-dialkylamino substituents are required for complexation. Several mutant trimers, in which Phe19, Phe20, and Ile31 were mutated to cyclohexylalanine, valine, and cyclohexylglycine, were prepared to probe the triphenylmethane dye binding site. Size exclusion chromatography, SDS-PAGE, and X-ray crystallographic studies demonstrate that thes...
Menkes Disease and Other Disorders Related to ATP7A

Abstract The ATP7A-related disorders are a heterogeneous group of diseases resulting from ATP7A (Menkes ATPase) dysfunction. They have varying phenotypes and clinical diseases, depending on the underlying genetic mutations. Some ensue from direct changes in the gene that encodes the ATP7A protein. The severity of the mutations can affect the phenotype expressed. If the mutations are severe loss-of-function mutations, the result is a lethal neurodevelopmental and systemic disease with low copper and reduced cuproenzymes activity (Menkes disease). If the mutations are milder, such as with leaky splice junction defects, some copper transport is possible and the phenotype is less severe, as in occipital horn syndrome. Two unique missense mutations that do not impair the copper transport function of ATP7A but rather its trafficking, cause a motor neuron-specific illness that develops gradually, with no evidence of abnormal copper metabolism. ATP7A function can also be affected by mutations outside of its coding gene, such as in MEDNIK and Huppke–Brendel syndromes. The resulting defects in intracellular localization of the ATP7A (and ATP7B) pump(s) can impair normal copper transport function.
Risk Factors for Septicemia Deaths and Disparities in a Longitudinal US Cohort.

Background There are few longitudinal data on the risk factors and mediators of racial disparities in sepsis among community- dwelling US adults. Methods This is a longitudinal study of adult participants in the 1999-2005 National Health Interview Survey with data linked to the 1999-2011 National Death Index. We utilized National Vital Statistics System's ICD-10 schema to define septicemia deaths (A40-A41), utilizing influenza and pneumonia deaths (J09-J11) and other causes of death as descriptive comparators. All statistics utilized survey design variables to approximate the US adult population. Results Of 206 691 adult survey participants, 1523 experienced a septicemia death. Factors associated with a >2-fold larger hazard of septicemia death included need for help with activities of daily living; self-reported "poor" and "fair" general health; lower education; lower poverty index ratio; self-reported emphysema, liver condition, stroke, and weak or failing kidneys; numerous measures of disability; general health worse than the year prior; >1 pack per day cigarette use; and higher utilization of health care. Blacks had age- and sex-adjusted hazards that were higher for septicemia deaths (hazard ratio [HR], 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65-2.23) than for other causes of death (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.25-1.38). The strongest mediators of the septicemia disparity included self-reported general health condition, family income-poverty ratio, and highest education level achieved. Conclusions In this cohort, the major risk factors for septicemia death were similar to those for other causes of death, there was approximately a 2-fold black-white disparity in septicemia deaths, and the strongest mediators of this disparity were across domains of socioeconomic status.
Palladium-Catalyzed Synthesis of α-Trifluoromethyl Benzylic Amines via Fluoroarylation of gem-Difluoro-2-azadienes Enabled by Phosphine-Catalyzed Formation of an Azaallyl-Silver Intermediate.

We report the synthesis of α-trifluoromethyl benzylic amines through the vicinal fluoroarylation of gem-difluoro-2-azadienes. Our studies indicate that XPhos plays an important role as a phase transfer catalyst that promotes the addition of AgF to the difluoroazadiene, generating an α-trifluoromethyl azaallyl–silver intermediate that we have characterized by NMR spectroscopy. This intermediate likely transmetallates to Pd, coupling several aryl iodides to deliver products in up to 90% yield. Modification of the azadiene’s activating group facilitates challenging cross-couplings.
Practicing Resistance: Teacher Responses to Intergroup Aggression in the Classroom

Teachers are frequently advised to respond when they hear remarks that reflect anger, contempt, or disgust towards members of historically marginalized communities. However, there is little researc...
A formal verification of mutation-based moving target defense

Static system configuration provides the advantage for the attackers to discover the vulnerabilities of the system and launch attacks. Moving Target Defense (MTD) can break this asymmetry for the defenders by mutating certain configuration parameters proactively and at the same time maintaining the run-time correctness and operational integrity. MTD is essentially distributed by nature since the processes or actions in MTD are executed in an interleaved manner. For any distributed system, it is important to verify the correctness and integrity, since they may be jeopardized by design errors or run time inconsistencies. In this work we present a framework for formal verification of MTD techniques. We describe MTD techniques with formal ontology and model the system behaviors with timed automata, and verify the correctness, liveness, fairness and deadlock-free properties of the system. We use Random Host Mutation (RHM) as the case study or MTD formal verification. Our experimentation validates the feasibility and scalability of the formal verification framework.
Why the Empirical Study of Non-philosophical Expertise Does not Undermine the Status of Philosophical Expertise

In some domains (meteorology, live-stock judging, chess, etc.) experts perform better than novices, and in other domains (clinical psychiatry, long-term political forecasting, financial advising, etc.) experts do not generally perform better than novices. According to empirical studies of expert performance, this is because the former but not the latter domains make available to training practitioners a direct form of learning feedback. Several philosophers resource this empirical literature to cast doubt on the quality of philosophical expertise. They claim that philosophy is like the dubious domains in that it does not make available the good, direct kind of learning feedback, and thus there are empirical grounds for doubting the epistemic quality of philosophical expertise. I examine the empirical studies that are purportedly bad news for professional philosophers. On the basis of that examination, I provide three reasons why the empirical study of non-philosophical expertise does not undermine the status of philosophical expertise. First, the non-philosophical task-types from which the critics generalize are unrepresentative of relevant philosophical task-types. Second, empirical critiques of non-philosophical experts are often made relative to the performance of linear models—a comparison that is inapt in a philosophical context. Third, the critics fail to discuss findings from the empirical study of non-philosophical expertise that have more favorable implications for the epistemic status of philosophical expertise. In addition to discussing implications for philosophical expertise, this article makes progress in the philosophical analysis of the science of expertise and expert development.
Evaluating Machine Learning Models on the Ethereum Blockchain for Android Malware Detection

Android, the most popular mobile operating system, with billions of active users and more than 2 million apps, has motivated advertisers, hackers, fraudsters and cyber-criminals to develop malware of all types for it. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on malware analysis and detection for Android devices, even though Android has already implemented various security mechanisms to deal with the problem. In this paper, we developed a consortium blockchain network to evaluate various machine learning models for a given malware dataset. A reward is offered using smart contracts as an incentive to the competitors for their work by allowing them to submit solutions through training with selected machine learning models in a secure and trustworthy manner. The analysis of datasets by competitors helps various organizations in the network to enhance or boost their current malware detection or defense tools. The decentralized network provides transparency, enhances security and reduces the cost in managing all relevant data by eliminating third parties. We used DREBIN dataset in the developed framework for initial experiments and the encouraging results are presented.
T cell receptor‐based cancer immunotherapy: Emerging efficacy and pathways of resistance

Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells can induce durable remissions in patients with refractory B-lymphoid cancers. By contrast, results applying CAR-modified T cells to solid malignancies have been comparatively modest. Alternative strategies to redirect T cell specificity and cytolytic function are therefore necessary if ACT is to serve a greater role in human cancer treatments. T cell receptors (TCRs) are antigen recognition structures physiologically expressed by all T cells that have complementary, and in some cases superior, properties to CARs. Unlike CARs, TCRs confer recognition to epitopes derived from proteins residing within any subcellular compartment, including the membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus. This enables TCRs to detect a broad universe of targets, such as neoantigens, cancer germline antigens, and viral oncoproteins. Moreover, because TCRs have evolved to efficiently detect and amplify antigenic signals, these receptors respond to epitope densities many fold smaller than required for CAR-signaling. Herein, we summarize recent clinical data demonstrating that TCR-based immunotherapies can mediate regression of solid malignancies, including immune-checkpoint inhibitor refractory cancers. These trials simultaneously highlight emerging mechanisms of TCR resistance. We conclude by discussing how TCR-based immunotherapies can achieve broader dissemination through innovations in cell manufacturing and non-viral genome integration techniques.
Restriction-free antimicrobial stewardship initiative targeting fluoroquinolone reduction across a regional health-system.

Summary Background Fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics have become a target of many antimicrobial stewardship programmes. Multiple post-marketing warnings from the Food and Drug Administration caution against use of this drug class for certain infections due to risk of harmful adverse effects outweighing benefit. Commonly employed strategies to affect antibiotic prescribing can be restrictive and without improvement in overall antibiotic appropriateness or decrease in collateral damage. Aim To develop a strategy for sustainable optimization of FQ antibiotics. Setting Multi-state health-system of 14 hospitals and medical centers. Methods The health-system antimicrobial stewardship program identified the opportunity to improve FQ utilization. In collaboration with our data and analytics team, specific targets of FQ use in pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were established. Face-to-face provider education and prospective audit and feedback were the mainstays of the campaign. Enhancements to the electronic medical record to support the initiative were also implemented. Findings There was an overall decrease in FQ utilization by 56.9%. For pneumonia use of FQs decreased from 16.4% to 8.1% and in COPD changed from 29.6% to 9.7% over the same time period. Conclusions A non-restrictive FQ optimization initiative based on education and feedback decreased both FQ consumption and total antibiotic use across a large multi-hospital health-system.
Anomalous phase transition behavior in hydrothermal grown layered tellurene

Recent studies have demonstrated that tellurene is a van der Waals (vdW) two-dimensional material with potential optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications as a result of its pseudo-one-dimensional structure and properties. Here, we report on the pressure induced anomalous phase transition of tellurium nanoribbons. The observation of clean phase transitions was made possible with high quality single crystalline Te nanoribbons that are synthesized by hydrothermal reaction growth. The results show that phase transition has a large pressure hysteresis and multiple competing phases: during compression, the phase transition is sudden and takes place from trigonal to orthorhombic phase at 6.5 GPa. Orthorhombic phase remains stable up to higher pressures (15 GPa). In contrast, phase transition is not sudden during decompression, but orthorhombic and trigonal phases co-exist between 6.9 to 3.4 GPa. Gruneisen parameter calculations further confirm the presence of co-existing phases and suggest hysteretic phase change behavior. Finally, orthorhombic to trigonal phase transition occurs at 3.4 GPa which means overall pressure hysteresis is around 3.1 GPa.
Embedded Rising Declaratives and Embedded Quotation

Declarative sentences uttered with rising intonation are used to ask biased questions. Do they share a denotation with interrogatives, despite their declarative form? Or do they serve as requests for information despite sharing a denotation with other declaratives? This paper explores the behavior of rising declaratives embedded under rogative speech-act verbs, and shows them to be invariably quotative. As such, these observations might just as likely pose problems for the semantics of embedded quotation under rogative verbs as for the semantics of rising declaratives. This paper pursues the former path.
The effects of dietary linoleic acid and hydrophilic antioxidants on basal, peak, and sustained metabolism in flight‐trained European starlings

Dietary micronutrients have the ability to strongly influence animal physiology and ecology. For songbirds, dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and antioxidants are hypothesized to be particularly important micronutrients because of their influence on an individual's capacity for aerobic metabolism and recovery from extended bouts of exercise. However, the influence of specific fatty acids and hydrophilic antioxidants on whole-animal performance remains largely untested. We used diet manipulations to directly test the effects of dietary PUFA, specifically linoleic acid (18:2n6), and anthocyanins, a hydrophilic antioxidant, on basal metabolic rate (BMR), peak metabolic rate (PMR), and rates of fat catabolism, lean catabolism, and energy expenditure during sustained flight in a wind tunnel in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). BMR, PMR, energy expenditure, and fat metabolism decreased and lean catabolism increased over the course of the experiment in birds fed a high (32%) 18:2n6 diet, while birds fed a low (13%) 18:2n6 diet exhibited the reverse pattern. Additionally, energy expenditure, fat catabolism, and flight duration were all subject to diet-specific effects of whole-body fat content. Dietary antioxidants and diet-related differences in tissue fatty acid composition were not directly related to any measure of whole-animal performance. Together, these results suggest that the effect of dietary 18:2n6 on performance was most likely the result of the signaling properties of 18:2n6. This implies that dietary PUFA influence the energetic capabilities of songbirds and could strongly influence songbird ecology, given their availability in terrestrial systems.
Advances in Multiscale Modeling of Lignocellulosic Biomass

Applications and associated processing technologies of lignocellulosic biomass are becoming increasingly important as we endeavor to meet societal demand for fuels, chemicals, and materials from re...
Role of FDG-PET/CT in Detecting Lymphomatous Bone Marrow Involvement in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Abstract 5204 Backgrounds: As a bone marrow bopsy (BMB) is a painful and invasive procedure with a restrictive reliability as only a limited area of the bone marrow (BM) can be evaluated, role of FDG-PET/CT to demonstrate lymphomatous BM involvement as an alternative or at least a complementary to BMB is an area of interest. Several previous studies exist but most of them included heterogeneous types of lymphomas with various treatments. Patients and methods: To evaluate the role of FDG-PET/CT in detecting BM involvement, pre-treatment bilateral BMBs and FDG-PET/CT scans of 89 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with standard immunochemotherapy, rituximab-CHOP were reviewed and analyzed. Uptake more than liver parenchyma intensity on FDG-PET/CT was interpreted as 9with a possibility9 of involvement. The final interpretation on the possibility of BM involvement in each patient was reported after discussion among three nuclear medicine physicians and results of BMB were blinded at the time of FDG-PET/CT review. Fourteen patients (15.7%) had lymphomatous involvement based on BMB (BMB+) and 17 patients (19.1%) had the possibility of BM involvement on FDG-PET/CT (FDG-PET/CT+). Seventy-two patients (80.8%) had concordant results between BMB and FDG-PET/CT (7 patients were positive for both and 65 patients were negative for both), but 17 patients (19.2%) had a discordant interpretation (7 patients were BMB+ and FDG-PET/CT-, and 10 for BMB- and FDG-PET/CT+; table 1). Although BMB+ patients had an inferior 2-year EFS (37.0% vs. 79.8%, p Conclusion: The results suggest that FDG-PET/CT had a limited value to detect BM involvement in patients with DLBCL. It may not be justified to upgrade patient9s Ann Arbor stage to IV according to focal hypermetabolic BM lesion on FDG-PET/CT. Until additional results on the role of FDG-PET/CT in detecting BM involvement available, FDG-PET/CT should be used as an adjuvant rather than an alternative in detecting BM involvement in patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Efficacy and Safety of Anti-Interleukin-17A Monoclonal Antibody Secukinumab in Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Meta-Analysis.

Different signaling pathways have been studied in ankylosing spondylitis. New treatment options such as secukinumab could have an important role inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokine I...