cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Number-Word Sequence: An Overview of Its Acquisition and Elaboration

This chapter briefly reviews children’s learning about the English sequence of number words. We find it helpful to separate such learning into two distinct, although overlapping, phases: a first acquisition phase, in which children learn to say the conventional sequence correctly, and a later elaboration phase, in which equivalence and order relations and operations on sequence words1 are constructed and the sequence can be produced in more sophisticated and complex ways (Fuson, Richards, & Briars, 1982). These phases are overlapping because the early part of the sequence may be undergoing elaboration while later parts are still being acquired (i.e., cannot yet be said correctly). While children are still learning the sequence, the incorrect sequences they produce have certain characteristics. These are outlined in 2.1. The more advanced sequence skills, which come to be learned during the elaborative phase, are discussed in 2.2. A much more thorough discussion and presentation of data about each of these phases is given in Fuson et al. (1982). We draw heavily on the data in that paper in the following summary; where data are not otherwise identified, they are from that paper.
Inadequate Surgical Decompression in Patients with Cervical Myelopathy: A Retrospective Review.

Study Design Retrospective study. Objective We reviewed cases of surgically treated cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) or chronic, degenerative myelopathy of the subaxial cervical spine to study the incidence of inadequate surgical decompression. Methods We included all persons treated at our institution after a first surgical decompression for CSM over a 3-year period. Inadequate original surgical decompression was defined as neurologic decline within 12 months postoperatively and ongoing impingement of the spinal cord with Results Of 50 patients, 5 (10%) required revision decompression for neurologic decline and inadequate change in space available for the cord on postoperative imaging; 4 patients declined within the first 6 months and 1 patient at 8 months postoperatively. None of the 5 declined further after posterior revision, but none recovered from the interval loss. All 5 had undergone anterior approaches, for an anterior inadequacy rate of 23% (5 of 22). None of the 28 patients having posterior or combined approach declined at 2 years or had p = 0.018). Conclusions The rate of inadequate surgical decompression for CSM was greater than expected in this series and directly associated with an anterior approach. No cases of inadequacy occurred for posterior or combined approaches. Postoperative neuroradiographic imaging such as MRI should be entertained routinely for this entity or at least for anterior-only approaches.
Design of a breast phantom for quantitative MRI.

Purpose We present a breast phantom designed to enable quantitative assessment of measurements of T1 relaxation time, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and other attributes of breast tissue, with long-term support from a national metrology institute. Materials and Methods A breast phantom was created with two independent, interchangeable units for diffusion and T1/T2 relaxation, each with flexible outer shells. The T1 unit was filled with corn syrup solution and grapeseed oil to mimic the relaxation behavior of fibroglandular and fatty tissues, respectively. The diffusion unit contains plastic tubes filled with aqueous solutions of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to modulate the ADC. The phantom was imaged at 1.5T and 3.0T using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners and common breast coils from multiple manufacturers to assess T1 and T2 relaxation time and ADC values. Results The fibroglandular mimic exhibited target T1 values on 1.5T and 3.0T clinical systems (25–75 percentile range: 1289 to 1400 msec and 1533 to 1845 msec, respectively) across all bore temperatures. PVP solutions mimicked the range of ADC values from malignant tumors to normal breast tissue (40% PVP median: 633 × 10−6 mm2/s to 0% PVP median: 2231 × 10−6 mm2/s) at temperatures of 17–24°C. The interchangeable phantom units allowed both the diffusion and T1/T2 units to be tested on the left and right sides of the coil to assess any variation. Conclusion This phantom enables T1 and ADC measurements, fits in a variety of clinical breast coils, and can serve as a quality control tool to facilitate the standardization of quantitative measurements for breast MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016.
Noise analysis in optomechanical inertial sensors

For the first time, we present a detailed analysis of the noise characteristics in micro-/nano-optomechanical resonators for inertial sensing including optomechanical-based accelerometers and gyroscopes, which provides useful guidance for developing high performance chip-scale integrated optomechanical inertial sensors in the future.
Determination of Clindamycin Liposome by HPLC

To prepare Clindamycin liposome and to determine its content.Clindamycin liposome was prepared by evaporating and ultrasound method,the concentration and the entrapment efficiency of Hydroquinone liposome were determined by HPLC.Clindamycin had a good linear relation in a range of 5.0～50.0μgml.The entrapment efficiency of Clindamycin liposome in three groups reached 52.26%,50.13% and 53.75% respectively.The technique of preparing Clindamycin liposome was feasible and the method of quality control was simple and accurate.
A Change Detection Model for Non-Stationary k-Armed Bandit Problems.

Our presentation deals with the question “Is cognitive science relevant to AI problems?”. We support the position that cross-fertilization between the two fields is not only possible, but necessary. We provide a concrete example where inspiration from cognitive science led to concrete lines of inquiry in reinforcement learning. Learning in a non-stationary environment requires quick and accurate estimation of the world's current state, as well as fast adaptation to change. Psychologists have described a kind of behavior in animals known as matching (Herrnstein, 1961). Matching behavior is the tendency of subjects to match the relative time and effort they invest in various foraging options so that the investment proportions match the income proportions. This behavior has been consistently observed in experiments with mice and other species, and it has been shown that subjects robustly and quickly adapt their behavior to match abrupt changes in income distribution. In this paper we investigate the use of change-detection models proposed by Gallistel et al (2001) to explain animal behavior, in the context of non-stationary k-armed bandits. We apply this change-detection scheme to the problem of reacting to changes in channel availability in wireless networks. We show that payoff prediction can be improved by reestimation of distribution parameters after an abrupt change has been detected. We compare two strategies for a nonstationary two-armed bandit. Each arm, A1 and A2, when pulled, pays a certain amount according to a Poisson distribution with parameters λ1 and λ2 respectively. After a random number of trials, these parameters change abruptly, and the optimal policy switches from one arm to the other. The first strategy is standard epsilon-greedy. After pulling arm Ai at step t, its expected payoff E(Ai) is updated according to the rule: Et(Ai) = (1-α) Et-1(Ai) + α rt, where rt is the immediate payoff just obtained. The second strategy uses a change-detection model to identify an inflection point in the payoff rates. Once a change has been detected at point b, the current estimate is reset to the immediate payoff at that point, Et(Ai)=rb We show how this model can significantly improve performance on general non-stationary k-armed bandits, and present real-world experiments on the problem of choosing among a set of k possible packet sizes to transmit over a wireless network. Compilation copyright © 2006, American Association for Artificial Intelligence (www.aaai.org). All rights reserved.
Detecting celiac disease in patients with Down syndrome

The main purposes of this undertaking were to determine how often patients with Down syndrome (DS) are screened for celiac disease (CD) across five DS specialty clinics, which symptoms of CD are most often reported to DS specialty providers at these clinics, and, how many individuals were diagnosed with CD by these clinics. This was accomplished by following 663 individuals with DS for 1 year, across five clinics in different states specializing in the comprehensive care of people with DS. Of the 663 participants, 114 individuals were screened for CD at their visit to a DS specialty clinic. Protracted constipation (43.2%) and refractory behavioral problems (23.7%) were symptoms most often reported to DS specialty providers. During the 1 year study period, 13 patients screened positive for CD by serology. Of those, eight underwent duodenal biopsy, and three were diagnosed with CD. We conclude that CD is an important consideration in the comprehensive care of individuals with DS. However, while symptoms are common, diagnoses are infrequent in DS specialty clinics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What Patient Characteristics Influence Nurses' Assessment of Health Literacy?

Overestimation of patients’ health literacy skills is common among nurses and physicians. At Vanderbilt University Hospital, nurses routinely ask patients the 3 Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS) questions. Data from 2 studies that recruited patients at Vanderbilt University Hospital—the Health Literacy Screening (HEALS) study and the Vanderbilt Inpatient Cohort Study (VICS)—were analyzed to compare the BHLS score recorded by nurses during clinical care with the score recorded by trained research assistants during the same hospitalization. Logistic regression models determined which patient characteristics were associated with nurses documenting higher health literacy scores than research assistants. Overall, the majority (60%) of health literacy scores were accurate, though nurses recorded meaningfully higher health literacy scores in 28.4% of HEALS patients and 35.6% of VICS patients. In the HEALS cohort, patients who were male and had less education were more likely to have higher health literacy scor...
Best Practices Start With Screening: A Closer Look at Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment in Adolescent, Military, and LGBTQ Populations

Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is a flexible, evidence-based approach to assessing risk and providing brief interventions for individuals with alcohol use disorders. This article identifies 3 diverse populations that could benefit from universal screening—a foundation of SBIRT—and provides resources and support for implementation across a broad range of settings.
David Luban. Torture, Power, and Law

David Luban, author of Legal Ethics and Human Dignity, analyzes the fallacies surrounding security and human rights, exposes the ticking bomb scenario as intellectual fraud, and draws connections b...
Effects of Input Quality and Environmental Conditions on Selection of Irrigation Technologies

The use of modern irrigation technologies has been proposed as one of several possible solutions to water scarcity, limited drainage, and associated problems in irrigated agriculture. These technologies should be assessed within economic decisionmaking frameworks which could be applied to guide farmers and water districts in irrigation and technology choices, to assist public policymakers in designing policy instruments to increase conservation and reduce drainage and runoff, and to aid developers of irrigation technologies in the design and marketing of new products. An economic model is developed in this chapter, which includes many of the aspects previously developed, and also takes into consideration new aspects such as weather conditions and the dual effects of soil and water quality. The results provide several general insights regarding the impacts of different irrigation technologies and input qualities on productivity and profitability. The results also illustrate differences in outcomes associated with crop selections as affected by weather, input quality, and technology selection.
Toe Pressures are Superior to Duplex Parameters in Predicting Wound Healing following Toe and Foot Amputations.

Background No criteria, including preamputation vascular diagnostic thresholds, have been established to reliably predict healing versus nonhealing following minor lower extremity amputations. Thus, the goal of our study was to identify clinical factors, including noninvasive vascular laboratory measures, associated with wound healing following toe, forefoot, and midfoot amputations. Methods We retrospectively examined records of patients receiving elective toe, forefoot, or midfoot amputation at our institution over a 5-year span (2010–2015). A total of 333 amputations received noninvasive vascular assessment of the lower extremity preamputation and follow-up at 90 days postamputation. Multivariate binomial logistic regression was used to identify variables predicting wound healing as defined as the absence of reamputation due to wound breakdown. Results Wound healing occurred in 81% of amputations. A total of 23 (7%) patients required revisions of the foot while 39 (12%) patients required major amputations by 90 days. Chi-squared analysis found that toe pressure at or above the value of 47 mm Hg ( P = 0.04), bi/triphasic anterior tibial ( P = 0.01), and posterior tibial artery ( P = 0.01) waveforms were associated with wound healing. When these diagnostic parameters were examined in the presence of confounders (increasing age, chronic kidney disease, and concomitant revascularization), only toe pressure ≥ 47 mm Hg predicted amputation site healing (odds ratio: 3.1 [95% CI: 1.0–9.4], P = 0.04). Conclusion Preamputation toe pressures of 47 mm Hg and above are associated with wound healing. No other noninvasive vascular studies predicted wound healing in the presence of confounders. Thus, toe pressures may assist in clinical decision-making and should be routinely obtained preamputation.
Health Halo Effects from Product Titles and Nutrient Content Claims in the Context of "Protein" Bars.

Research on front-of-package (FOP) labeling demonstrates that nutrient content claims (e.g., “low fat”) can lead consumers to perceive foods as healthier in general—effects that have been interpret...
Plasma galectin-3 levels are associated with the risk of incident chronic kidney disease

Galectin-3 has been proposed as a novel biomarker of heart failure and cardiac fibrosis, and may also be associated with fibrosis of other organs such as the kidney. To determine this, we prospectively analyzed data from 9,148 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study participants with measured plasma galectin-3 levels (baseline, visit 4, 1996-98) and without prevalent chronic kidney disease (CKD) or heart failure. We identified 1,983 incident CKD cases through December 31, 2013 over a median follow-up of 16 years. At baseline, galectin-3 was cross-sectionally associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio; both significant. The results were adjusted for age, sex, race-center, education, physical activity, smoking status, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, anti-hypertensive medication use, history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, fasting blood glucose, and rs4644 (a single nucleotide polymorphism of galactin-3). There was a significant, graded, and positive association between galectin-3 and incident CKD (quartile 4 vs. 1 hazard ratio: 2.22 [95% confidence interval: 1.89, 2.60]). The association was attenuated but remained significant after adjustment for estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, troponin T, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (quartile 4 vs. 1 hazard ratio: 1.75 [95% confidence interval: 1.49, 2.06]), and was stronger among those with hypertension at baseline (significant interaction). Thus, in this community-based population, higher plasma galectin-3 levels were associated with an elevated risk of developing incident CKD, particularly among those with hypertension.
Type 2 Myocardial Infarction ― An Evolving Entity ―

Type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) refers to myocardial necrosis caused by an imbalance in myocardial oxygen supply and demand and in the absence of acute coronary thrombosis. Despite growing recognition of this entity, there remains little understanding of the pathophysiology and uncertainty over the diagnostic criteria for this subtype of MI. Alarmingly, recent studies suggest that a diagnosis of T2MI pertains a prognosis similar to, if not worse than, type 1 MI. With increasing clinical use of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays, the frequency of recognition of T2MI is expected to increase. Yet, there remains a scarcity of prospective studies examining this cohort of patients, let alone randomized clinical trials identifying optimum treatment strategies. Further evaluation of the prevalence, pathophysiology and management of this patient cohort is warranted by the scientific community.
System scaling for intelligent ubiquitous computing

Wafer based 3D×3D system scaling revolutionizes machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) as well as mobile computing. It may trigger a big bang in intelligent ubiquitous computing. 3D CMOS scaling continues with many challenges and opportunities for relentless innovation in materials, processes, devices, circuits, design, EDA, computing architectures, algorithms, and software. 3D stacking and heterogeneous system integration, e.g., CoWoS® and InFO, not only augments but also amplifies the benefits of 3D CMOS logic, 3D memory, integrated specialty technologies and 3D sensors for intelligent ubiquitous computing. The virtuous cycles of 3D×3D system scaling innovation may expand like a galaxy or universe. The aggregate transistor count in a 3D×3D sub-system may reach the equivalent of human brain in the 2020s to provide brain-like augmented intelligence.
Hind Swaraj: Reading Gandhi’s Critique of Modernity in Tehran:

In both Iran and India, many social and cultural obstacles to authentic and humane social development are often traced to complexities caused by an encounter with Western modernity. In this essay, ...
Flotation of monazite in the presence of calcite part II: Enhanced separation performance using sodium silicate and EDTA

Abstract Selective depression of calcite in a monazite-calcite flotation system was systematically studied using micro-flotation and electrokinetic tests as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization and solution chemistry calculations. Monazite was found to be depressed by both sodium silicate and sodium hexametaphosphate when calcium ions appeared in solution. It was hypothesized that co-adsorption of calcium species (CaHCO3+ and CaCO3(aq)) and Si ( OH ) 4 as well as SiO ( OH ) 3 - via hydrogen bonding formed a compact layer over the monazite surface, thereby reducing octanohydroxamic acid adsorption by steric hindrance. The use of citric acid or EDTA formed soluble chelates (e.g. CaCit− and CaEdta2−) with the calcium ions which negated the flotation suppression effect. An XPS study indicated that both EDTA and citric acid chemically adsorbed on the monazite surface, while the adsorption on the calcite surface was achieved mainly through hydrogen bonding. EDTA was more effective than citric acid due to two reasons: (i) citric acid itself presented stronger depression effects and (ii) citric acid has weaker chelating properties for calcium. Using 2.5 × 10−4 M octanohydroxamic acid, 0.05 g/L sodium silicate and 6 × 10−5 M EDTA, monazite recovery of more than 90% was achieved while recovering only 20% of the calcite.
Architecture of an HIV-1 reverse transcriptase initiation complex.

Reverse transcription of the HIV-1 RNA genome into double-stranded DNA is a central step in viral infection1 and a common target of antiretroviral drugs2. The reaction is catalysed by viral reverse transcriptase (RT)3,4 that is packaged in an infectious virion with two copies of viral genomic RNA5 each bound to host lysine 3 transfer RNA (tRNALys3), which acts as a primer for initiation of reverse transcription6,7. Upon viral entry into cells, initiation is slow and non-processive compared to elongation8,9. Despite extensive efforts, the structural basis of RT function during initiation has remained a mystery. Here we use cryo-electron microscopy to determine a three-dimensional structure of an HIV-1 RT initiation complex. In our structure, RT is in an inactive polymerase conformation with open fingers and thumb and with the nucleic acid primer–template complex shifted away from the active site. The primer binding site (PBS) helix formed between tRNALys3 and HIV-1 RNA lies in the cleft of RT and is extended by additional pairing interactions. The 5′ end of the tRNA refolds and stacks on the PBS to create a long helical structure, while the remaining viral RNA forms two helical stems positioned above the RT active site, with a linker that connects these helices to the RNase H region of the PBS. Our results illustrate how RNA structure in the initiation complex alters RT conformation to decrease activity, highlighting a potential target for drug action. A cryo-EM structure of an initiation complex of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase sheds light on the initiation of reverse transcription of viral RNA.
Conceptual and Procedural Knowledge During Strategy Construction: A Complex Knowledge Systems Perspective

This article elaborates a new direction for studying the construction of novel strategies that enables researchers to model the conceptual underpinnings of students' observable strategic actions du...
Analysis and Findings

The first part of the analysis compares the observed actions of the officers during the investigation to the standards defined by criminal procedure, criminal investigations, police management, and supervision against the organizational accident framework and helps answer the first research question: what are the failure points in the investigation that facilitated the wrongful arrest? The second part maps the failure points during the preliminary and follow-up investigations, then tests for relationships and the prevalence of risk, which helps answer the last two research questions: are acts of commission or acts of omission more prevalent throughout the investigation? and which categories of failure present the greatest risk?
Influence of Micro-Structural Parameters on Apparent Absorption Coefficient in Porous Structures Mimicking Cortical Bone

Ultrasound wave propagation in porous media is associated with energy loss and attenuation. Attenuation is caused by both scattering and absorption, and is influenced by the microstructure as well as the operating frequency. In the present simulation study, we calculate the attenuation coefficient in porous structures mimicking cortical bone both in presence and absence of absorption to isolate the effects of scattering and absorption on the total attenuation. A parameter called apparent absorption $\alpha_{app.abs}$ is defined as the difference between the total attenuation $\alpha_{total}$ and the attenuation exclusively due to scattering $\alpha_{scat}. \alpha_{total}, \alpha_{scat}$ and $\alpha_{app.abs}$ are estimated in porous structures with varyina pore diameters $(\phi\in$ [40], [120] $\mu m)$ and pore densities $(\rho\in-[5,25]\ pore/mm^{2})$ at 5MHz and 8MHz. Results show that both scattering and absorption contribute to the total attenuation. They also illustrate that, although absorption only occurs in the solid matrix, the apparent absorption $\alpha_{app.abs}$ is a function of porosity, presumably due to the presence of multiple scattering. For large values of $k\phi$, an increase in pore size or density does not lead to increase in $\alpha_{scat}$ and only results in an increase of the total attenuation as a result of increase in $\alpha_{app.abs}$. On the other hand, in low/intermediate scattering regimes $(k\phi\leq 1)$, an increase in either pore size or pore density results in increase in $\alpha_{scat}$ while $\alpha_{app.abs}$ remains constant.
Case Report: Control of Heart Rate Variability to Cope with Stress and Pain After Colectomy

Colectomy is psychologically very stressful, but little information is available to help patients manage stress. The client presented with anxiety, high heart rate, and apparent arrhythmias 9 months after colectomy. After 7 weeks of daily practice of controlled breathing and positive visualization, she showed no apparent arrhythmias and felt less anxious. She then suffered a stroke and underwent ileostomy surgery, but she was soon feeling less anxious, and her blood pressure and heart rate variability resumed normal values. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of autoregulatory practices for controlling stress after colectomy.
Optimization of the Oertli CataRhex 3 ® phacoemulsification machine.

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine optimal bottle height, vacuum, aspiration rate, and power settings of the Oertli CataRhex 3® phacoemulsification machine. Methods Porcine lens nuclei were hardened with formalin and cut into 2.0 mm cubes. Lens cubes were emulsified using the easyTip® 2.2 mm at 30°. Fragment removal time (efficiency) and fragment bounces off the tip (chatter) were measured. Settings tested included bottle height of 60, 80, 100 and 120 cm; aspiration rate of 40, 45, and 50 mL/min; vacuum of 400, 500, and 600 mmHg; and power of 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100%. Results Efficiency and chatter increased in a linear fashion with increasing vacuum to 600 mmHg (P=0.017, P=0.046, respectively). The most efficient aspiration rate was 50 mL/min, although this finding lacked statistical significance (P=0.66). Increasing power increased efficiency up to 80% without increasing chatter (P=0.042, P=0.71, respectively). Compared to all other power settings, chatter was increased at 100% (P=0.014). Conclusion The most efficient machine settings were vacuum at 600 mmHg, aspiration rate at 50 mL/min, and power at 80%.
An Empirical Study on Perceptually Masking Privacy in Graph Visualizations

Researchers such as sociologists create visualizations of multivariate node-link diagrams to present findings about the relationships in communities. Unfortunately, such visualizations can inadvertently expose the ostensibly private identities of the persons that make up the dataset. By purposely violating graph readability metrics for a small region of the graph, we conjecture that local, exposed privacy leaks may be perceptually masked from easy recognition. In particular, we consider three commonly known metrics—edge crossing, node clustering, and node-edge overlapping—as a strategy to hide leaks. We evaluate the effectiveness of violating these metrics by conducting a user study that measures subject performance at visually searching for and identifying a privacy leak. Results show that when more masking operations are applied, participants needed more time to locate the privacy leak, though exhaustive, brute force search can eventually find it. We suggest future directions on how perceptual masking can be a viable strategy, primarily where modifying the underlying network structure is unfeasible.
Objective stress monitoring based on wearable sensors in everyday settings

Monitoring people's stress levels has become an essential part of behavioural studies for physical and mental illnesses conducted within the biopsychosocial framework. There have been several stress assessment studies in laboratory-based controlled settings. However, the results of these studies do not always translate effectively to an everyday context. The current state of wearable sensor technology allows us to develop systems measuring the physiological signals reflecting stress 24/7 while capturing the context. In this paper, we present a stress monitoring system that provides objective daily stress measurements in everyday settings based on three physiological signals: electrocardiogram (ECG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), and galvanic skin response (GSR) using Shimmer3 ECG, Shimmer3 GSR+, and Empatica E4 wearable sensors. We perform controlled stress assessment experiments on 17 participants in which we successfully detect stress with a 94.55% accuracy for 10-fold cross-validation and an 85.71% accuracy for subject-wise cross-validation. In everyday settings, the system assesses stress with an 81.82% accuracy. We also examine whether motion artefacts affect stress assessment and filter the low-confidence readings to minimise false alarms.
Behind the Rhodes statue: Black competency and the imperial academy:

Recent criticisms of the Rhodes Must Fall (RMF) Oxford campaign have problematized the presence of Black bodies within British higher education by reference to an ideal image of the impartial and d...
The Effect of Litigation Risk on Managerial Risk-Taking

Publicly-traded firms always face the risk of litigation from their shareholders. Managers’ perceptions of that risk may influence their strategic decision-making, yet little is understood about ho...
Characterizing neural coding performance for populations of sensory neurons: comparing a weighted spike distance metrics to other analytical methods

ABSTRACT The identity of sensory stimuli is encoded in the spatio-temporal patterns of responses of the neural population. For stimuli to be discriminated reliably, differences in population responses must be accurately decoded by downstream networks. Several methods to compare the pattern of responses and their differences have been used by neurophysiologist to characterize the accuracy of the sensory responses studied. Among the most widely used analysis, we note methods based on Euclidian distances or on spike metric distance such as the one proposed by van Rossum. Methods based on artificial neural network and machine learning (such as self-organizing maps) have also gain popularity to recognize and/or classify specific input patterns. In this brief report, we first compare these three strategies using dataset from 3 different sensory systems. We show that the input-weighting procedure inherent to artificial neural network allows the extraction of the information most relevant to the discrimination task and thus the method performs particularly well. To combine the ease of use and rapidity of methods such as spike metric distances and the advantage of weighting the inputs, we propose a measure based on geometric distances were each dimension is weighted proportionally to how informative it is. In each dimension, the overlap between the distributions of responses to the two stimuli is quantified using the Kullback-Leibler divergence measure. We show that the result of this Kullback-Leibler-weighted spike train distance (KLW distance) analysis performs as well or better than the artificial neural network we tested and outperforms the more traditional spike distance metrics. We applied information theoretic analysis to Leaky-Integrate-and-Fire model neuron responses and compare their encoding accuracy with the discrimination accuracy quantified through these distance metrics to show the high degree of correlation between the results of the two approaches for quantifying coding performance. We argue that our proposed measure provides the flexibility, ease of use sought by neurophysiologist while providing a more powerful way to extract the relevant information than more traditional methods.
Considering Equity in Assessing Familial Benefit From the Return of Genomic Research Results.

Increasing use of genome sequencing in clinical and research settings has led to a larger and more diverse population gaining access to genomic information about themselves or their families. Interest has also increased in using these technologies within the newborn setting, with the hope that genomic sequencing done at birth will provide a child with a “lifetime of personalized strategies for disease prevention, detection and treatment.”1 However, the possibilities for using genomic sequencing in newborns have sparked debates over what kinds of information parents should be given regarding adult-onset conditions or disease predispositions.2,3 These debates typically weigh the rights of parents to receive health information about their children and the possible benefits for newborns and families against the rights of children to make decisions about the kinds of genetic information they would want to know about themselves, commonly known as a “child’s right to an open future.”4 These issues are central to Ross and Clayton’s5 argument in this month’s Pediatrics against the mandatory disclosure of secondary results from genome sequencing research that are related to adult-onset conditions. … Address correspondence to Aaron Goldenberg, PhD, MPH, Department of Bioethics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave, TA-212, Cleveland, OH 44106–4976. E-mail: aaron.goldenberg{at}case.edu
Comparing Gradient Descent with Automatic Differentiation and Particle Swarm Optimization Techniques for Estimating Tumor Blood Flow Parameters in Contrast-Enhanced Imaging

In this preliminary report, two optimization approaches, gradient descent with automatic differentiation and particle swarm optimization, are presented, applied, and compared in an effort to leverage dynamic information collected during contrast-enhanced medical imaging of tumors to estimate four blood flow parameters: perfusion, permeability surface area product, volume of the plasma, and volume of the interstitial space. Using Fick’s law on a simple two-compartment model, the resulting PDEs are numerically integrated using a collocation method for a set of boundary and initial conditions and known values of the parameters, and the resulting tracer concentrations were spatially integrated to generate truth data of signal intensity as a function of time only. After using physical constraints on the boundaries to recover reasonable estimates for two of the parameters, the two optimization approaches are used in an attempt to recover estimates for the remaining two parameters. The resulting efficacy and efficiency of the two optimization approaches are compared.
Estrogen receptor β exerts tumor suppressive effects in prostate cancer through repression of androgen receptor activity

Abstract Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) was first identified in the rodent prostate and is abundantly expressed in human and rodent prostate epithelium, stroma, immune cells and endothelium of the blood vessels. In the prostates of mice with inactivated ERβ, mutant phenotypes include epithelial hyperplasia and increased expression of androgen receptor (AR)-regulated genes, most of which are also upregulated in prostate cancer (PCa). ERβ is expressed in both basal and luminal cells in the prostate while AR is expressed in luminal but not in the basal cell layer which harbors the prostate stem cells. To investigate the mechanisms of action of ERβ and its potential cross-talk with AR, we used RNA-seq to study the effects of estradiol or the synthetic ligand, LY3201, in AR-positive LNCaP PCa cells which had been engineered to express ERβ. Transcriptomic analysis indicated relatively few changes in gene expression with ERβ overexpression, but robust responses following ligand treatments. There is significant overlap of responsive genes between the two ligands, as well as ligand-specific alterations. Gene set analysis of down-regulated genes identified an enrichment of androgen-responsive genes, such as FKBP5, CAMKK2, and TBC1D4. Consistently, AR transcript, protein levels, and transcriptional activity were down-regulated following ERβ activation. In agreement with this, we find that the phosphorylation of the CAMKK2 target, AMPK, was repressed by ligand-activated ERβ. Down-regulation of TBC1D4, a major regulator of glucose uptake in prostate, indicates that ERβ is changing glucose metabolism in the prostate. These findings suggest that ERβ-mediated signaling pathways are involved in the negative regulation of AR expression and activity, thus supporting a tumor suppressive role for ERβ in PCa.
Fentanyl-induced antinociception, reward, reinforcement, and withdrawal in Hnrnph1 mutant mice

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and opioid-related deaths remain a major public health concern in the United States. Both environmental and genetic factors influence risk for OUD. We previously identified Hnrnph1 as a quantitative trait gene underlying the stimulant, rewarding, and reinforcing properties of methamphetamine. Prior work demonstrates that hnRNP H1, the RNA-binding protein encoded by Hnrnph1, post-transcriptionally regulates Oprm1 (mu opioid receptor gene) - the primary molecular target for the therapeutic and addictive properties of opioids. Because genetic variants can exert pleiotropic effects on behaviors induced by multiple drugs of abuse, in the current study, we tested the hypothesis that Hnrnph1 mutants would show reduced behavioral sensitivity to the mu opioid receptor agonist fentanyl. Hnrnph1 mutants showed reduced sensitivity to fentanyl-induced locomotor activity, along with a female-specific reduction in, and a male-specific induction of, locomotor sensitization following three, daily injections (0.2 mg/kg, i.p.). Hnrnph1 mutants also required a higher dose of fentanyl to exhibit opioid reward as measured via conditioned place preference. Male Hnrnph1 mutants showed reduced fentanyl reinforcement. Hnrnph1 mutants also showed reduced sucrose motivation, suggesting a reward deficit. No genotypic differences were observed in baseline thermal nociception, fentanyl-induced antinociception, physical or negative affective signs of opioid dependence, or in sensorimotor gating. In the context of our prior work, these findings suggest that Hnrnph1 dysfunction exerts a selective role in reducing the addiction liability to drugs of abuse (opioids and psychostimulants), which could provide new biological pathways to improve their therapeutic profiles.
Running Times and Age: Large-Sample Analysis From Four Decades of Repeat Performance

I measure the relationship between running times and age using a unique data-set in which I track the same runner in the same 10-mile event each year. The sample comprises 55,589 observations from an annual event in which runners participated at least five times on the same course. For each year above the age of 35, male runners slow at an annual rate of 1.1 per cent, and female runners slow at a rate of 0.9 per cent. For male runners the rate of decline is considerably faster than the world record times for age recommended by the USATF for age-grading. The rate of decline is also quicker than the progression of times for popular marathons with qualifying times. For female runners, there is also a notable gap between the typical runner’s age-related performance decline and the world record progression. But for veteran females the age-related decline in performance approximates the age-related adjustments to marathon qualifying times.
Invited Review Article: Review of the formation and impact of flaws in powder bed fusion additive manufacturing

Abstract It is widely accepted that gas porosity and lack-of-fusion flaws can degrade both static and dynamic mechanical performance of additively manufactured components, limiting the use of AM components in critical applications. However, the mechanisms by which these flaws form are still debated, and their impact on dynamic material performance have yet to be fully quantified. This work outlines the current understanding of the formation mechanisms for gas porosity, lack-of-fusion, and flaws related to melt pool instabilities. Where possible, the spatial and morphological characteristics of these flaws are highlighted, as well as their impact on mechanical properties. The effect of hot isostatic pressing is also discussed.
The Spider Exposure Pathway and the Potential Risk to Arachnivorous Birds

There is growing concern over the health of North American birds, with evidence suggesting substantial population declines. Spiders are prominent dietary items for many bird species and mediate the transfer of contaminants to arachnivorous birds that consume them. Few studies have investigated the potential risk the spider exposure pathway poses to these birds because most studies have focused on piscivores. In the present study, we developed new chronic and acute As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Se, Zn, and MeHg spider-based avian wildlife values (SBAWVs) for multiple adult and nestling birds (primarily passerines) and then used the newly generated SBAWVs to characterize the risk to birds across 2 study areas: 1) 5 reaches in the southern Appalachian Mountains, an area with substantial mercury deposition but minimal anthropogenic impact, and 2) 4 reaches adjacent to the Emory River, an area impacted by the largest fly coal-ash spill in US history. We identified MeHg and Cu, Pb, Se, and Zn as contaminants of potential concern (COPC) at the Appalachian Mountain and Emory River study areas, respectively, based on dietary exposure of aquatic contaminants via riparian spiders. The identification of COPC at both study areas due to dietary spider exposure is notable not only because the spider exposure pathway has largely been uninvestigated at these sites but also because the aquatic systems in both areas have been studied extensively. Significant differences in MeHg concentrations were detected among spider taxa and suggest that the selection of spider taxa can impact risk characterization. These results indicate that the spider exposure pathway is important to consider when assessing potential risk, particularly for passerine birds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2314-2324. © 2020 SETAC.
Radiation carcinogenesis in humans

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the existing state of knowledge about the risk of cancer from exposure to ionizing radiation. It emphasizes studies of the atomic bomb survivors as these studies can provide estimates of the risks based on the exposure of a population of all ages and both sexes. It contrasts the risks that emerged from Japan, because of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the developing use of nuclear energy and those from other studies that now serve as the basis for what is known about the health risks of exposure to ionizing radiation. The chapter explores the issues involved in risk estimation, risk projection, the transference of these estimates and projections from one study situation to another, and various aspects of the biological basis of radiation carcinogenesis as they apply to the understanding and estimation of risk.
Section 1031 and Proximate and Midstream Business Transactions

Section 1031 exchanges frequently occur in proximity to business transactions (i.e., entity formations, mergers, divisions, and dissolutions). Although section 1031 exchanges and many business transactions can be tax free, the proximity of such transactions often presents challenging legal and theoretical questions. In fact, depending on the order of the transactions, taxpayers may lose the tax-free treatment of the exchange or of the proximate business transaction. This Article examines the tax consequences and theoretical aspects of section 1031 exchanges and proximate business transactions.
Quantum Theory of Measurement

We describe a quantum mechanical measurement as a variational principle including interaction between the system under measurement and the measurement apparatus. Augmenting the action with a nonlocal term (a double integration over the duration of the interaction) results in a theory capable of describing both the measurement process (agreement between system state and pointer state) and the collapse of both systems into a single eigenstate (or superposition of degenerate eigenstates) of the relevant operator. In the absence of the interaction, a superposition of states is stable, and the theory agrees with the predictions of standard quantum theory. Because the theory is nonlocal, the resulting wave equation is an integrodifferential equation (IDE). We demonstrate these ideas using a simple Lagrangian for both systems, as proof of principle. The variational principle is time-symmetric and retrocausal, so the solution for the measurement process is determined by boundary conditions at both initial and final times; the initial condition is determined by the experimental preparation and the final condition is the natural boundary condition of variational calculus. We hypothesize that one or more hidden variables (not ruled out by Bell's Theorem, due both to the retrocausality and the nonlocality of the theory) influence the outcome of the measurement, and that distributions of the hidden variables that arise plausibly in a typical ensemble of experimental realizations give rise to outcome frequencies consistent with Born's rule. We outline steps in a theoretical validation of the hypothesis. We discuss the role of both initial and final conditions to determine a solution at intermediate times, the mechanism by which a system responds to measurement, time symmetry of the new theory, causality concerns, and issues surrounding solution of the IDE.
Fresh Cow Monitoring on Day Three Post-partum and Lactation Milk Production

Assessment of udder health is one component of fresh cow monitoring programs. Both on-farm efforts and research studies have considered the use of milk culture, the California Mastitis Test (CMT), and/or somatic cell counts for monitoring udder health post-partum. The purpose of this study was to determine if various measures of udder health evaluated on day 3 post-partum were associated with lactational milk production.
Count Me Out: Perceptions of Black Patients Who are on Dialysis but Who are Not on a Transplant Waitlist

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is characterized by racial inequity; Blacks are 3 times more likely to develop ESRD than Whites. Transplant is the preferred treatment option since transplanted patients experience better clinical outcomes. Racial inequities persist at each of the steps required for transplantation. Despite the vast literature describing these racial inequities, it does not include dialysis patients' awareness and understanding of treatment options, specifically for transplant. To address this gap, we purposely sampled Blacks in Detroit who were receiving dialysis and who were not active on any transplant waitlist to investigate their understanding and perceptions of transplants. We used uncertainty management theory (UMT) to better understand perceived barriers to getting and remaining on a transplant waitlist. We aimed to address a critical gap in the literature to inform approaches addressing this enduring inequity. For this qualitative study, we conducted individual, semi-structured interviews with 24 Black ESRD patients, aged 34-73 years: 9 male and 15 female. Participants shared their experiences of being on dialysis, perceptions, and understanding of transplants. We describe two key findings: 1) uncertainty for these patients is prevalent and multi-layered and 2) social support can both dissuade an individual from pursuing transplant (i.e., reluctance to ask family members to be donors) and it can result in decreasing uncertainty (e.g., participants wanting to pursue transplant to be with family). We highlight the specific need to improve patient education regarding treatment options and enhancing how relevant health information can be communicated.
Fringe Projection Metrology for Thermoformed Millimeter Wave Freeform Optical Elements

University of Arizona scientists have developed an efficient method of thermoforming panels for millimeter wave freeform antenna applications. We’ve implemented stereo fringe projection metrology to characterize these panels to 40µm RMS accuracy.