cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In-Memory Computing Architectures for Sparse Distributed Memory

This paper presents an energy-efficient and high-throughput architecture for Sparse Distributed Memory (SDM)—a computational model of the human brain [1]. The proposed SDM architecture is based on the recently proposed in-memory computing kernel for machine learning applications called Compute Memory (CM) [2], [3]. CM achieves energy and throughput efficiencies by deeply embedding computation into the memory array. SDM-specific techniques such as hierarchical binary decision (HBD) are employed to reduce the delay and energy further. The CM-based SDM (CM-SDM) is a mixed-signal circuit, and hence circuit-aware behavioral, energy, and delay models in a 65 nm CMOS process are developed in order to predict system performance of SDM architectures in the auto- and hetero-associative modes. The delay and energy models indicate that CM-SDM, in general, can achieve up to 25 $\times$ and 12 $\times$ delay and energy reduction, respectively, over conventional SDM. When classifying 16 $\times$ 16 binary images with high noise levels (input bad pixel ratios: 15%–25%) into nine classes, all SDM architectures are able to generate output bad pixel ratios $(B_{o})\leq 2\%$ . The CM-SDM exhibits negligible loss in accuracy, i.e., its $B_{o}$ degradation is within 0.4% as compared to that of the conventional SDM.
Great powers, civil society and authoritarian diffusion in Central Asia

ABSTRACTThis article draws on the authoritarian promotion literature to assess contending pressures for democratization and authoritarianism in Central Asia. Domestic actors ultimately determine receptivity to democracy promotion, but external pressures for democratic transformation or authoritarian persistence exist in Central Asia. A brief overview of authoritarian trends in Central Asia is followed by the theoretical arguments for authoritarian persistence, with special attention to the civil society dimension in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Western programmes supporting liberal democracy and civil society have encountered resistance from authoritarian leaders in Central Asia, though the evidence for direct influence from authoritarian external actors is limited. A process of indirect authoritarian diffusion, in combination with the region’s illiberal societies and Western democracy promotion fatigue, undermines the development of civil society and makes authoritarian persistence in Central A...
High Power GaAs FET Solid State Amplifier (32 watt) Development Program

A High Power Solid State Amplifier (HPSSA) using Gallium Arsenide Field Effect Transistors (GaAs FETs) has been developed to compete with the 40 watt TWTAs on the Defense Satellite Communications System III (DSCS III), the latest generation of United States Military Communications Satellites. The Engineering Model of this state-of-the-art component demonstrates that it is competitive with the 40 watt TWTA from an efficiency and performance standpoint, and is significantly more reliable. Specific typical data and a summary of overall component performance is presented. Accelerated GaAs FET life data obtained and used in a MIL-HDBK analysis shows that the reliability of the HPSSA will be substantially greater than projected TWTA reliabilities. The EM amplifier has been successfully tested to DSCS III qualification level, hard mechanical environment tests, proving that it is capable of being flight qualified. With this development, High Power GaAs FET Solid State Amplifiers at the 32-40 watt level are shown to be ready to be incorporated onto high reliability space applications.
UNIT 4.16 Protein Expression in the Drosophila Schneider 2 Cell System

The Schneider-2 (S2) Drosophila cell line is well suited for the stable overexpression of recombinant proteins using plasmid-based protein expression vectors. Following drug selection, a polyclonal S2 cell line can be induced to express on the order of 2 to 100 pmol/mg membrane protein for G-coupled protein receptors, 4000 to 100,000 sites/cell for other membrane receptors and 3 to 35 mg/liter for soluble and secreted proteins.
Systems biology: Molecular memoirs of a cellular family

A system that introduces random modifications to barcode sequences embedded in cells' DNA allows lineage relationships between cells to be discerned, while preserving the cells' spatial relationships. See Letter p.107 It is difficult to establish cell division history and lineage relationships for tissues that are not easily accessed. DNA barcoding approaches can provide this information, but do not offer spatial data. This collaboration between the labs of Long Cai and Michael Elowitz harnesses the power of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis and multiplexed single-molecule RNA fluorescence hybridization (smFISH) to build a new tool, termed MEMOIR, which they use to follow mouse embryonic stem cell divisions. MEMOIR gives access to lineage information in situ and at the single-cell level, while at the same time monitoring changes in gene expression state.
Utility of Pre-Induction Ventriculoatrial Response to Adenosine in the Diagnosis of Orthodromic Reciprocating Tachycardia

Abstract Objectives This study sought to evaluate the utility of ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction patterns in response to adenosine in predicting inducibility of orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia (ORT). Background Adenosine is known to consistently block atrioventricular (AV) nodal conduction. We hypothesized that persistent VA conduction despite administration of adenosine would have a high predictive value for identifying the presence of a retrograde accessory pathway (AP) and associated ORT. Methods A total of 168 patients undergoing electrophysiological study for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) had assessment of VA conduction during ventricular pacing and adenosine administration. Standard pacing maneuvers were then used for induction and diagnosis of the SVT mechanism. Results Absence of VA block to adenosine (doses up to 24 mg) had 88% sensitivity and 91% specificity for identifying ORT (positive predictive value 76%, negative predictive value 96%). Four patients with adenosine-induced VA block and inducible ORT had decremental APs. Adenosine caused VA block in 6 patients with eccentric VA activation due to atypical AV nodal conduction, and concentric VA conduction persisted in all 12 patients with a septal AP. Adenosine unmasked free-wall APs in 10 patients by blocking AV nodal conduction, shifting VA activation from concentric to eccentric. Conclusions The response of VA conduction to adenosine is a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting retrograde AP conduction and inducible ORT. Adenosine-induced VA block rules out inducible ORT due to a nondecremental AP. In cases of VA fusion, adenosine-induced block of AV nodal conduction can delineate the location of the AP atrial insertion site.
Overall and cancer-specific survival of breast, colon, and lung cancer in patients with and without chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A SEER population-based study of over 1 million patients.

6571 Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is associated with an increased risk of developing second cancers. However, it is unknown whether CLL alters the natural history of these cancers...
Examining the Effect of Exchange-Correlation Approximations in First-Principles Dynamics Simulation of Interfacial Charge Transfer.

We examine the extent to which the exchange-correlation (XC) approximation influences modeling interfacial charge transfer using fewest-switches surface hopping (FSSH) simulations within the single-particle description. A heterogeneous interface between a lithium ion and an extended boron-nitride sheet was considered here, being an extreme case in which wave function localization and energy level alignments are highly sensitive to the XC approximation. The PBE0 hybrid XC approximation yields nonadiabatic couplings (NACs) that are significantly smaller than the values obtained from the PBE-GGA approximation by an order of magnitude for localized electronic states. This difference between the two XC functionals for the calculated NACs was found to derive mainly from the wave function characteristics rather than from the lattice movement although first-principles molecular dynamics trajectories, along which NACs are obtained, differ noticeably between the two XC functionals. Using the NACs and single-particl...
Academic Productivity, Knowledge, and Education in Plastic Surgery: The Benefit of the Clinical Research Fellow.

Background Academic research productivity is limited by strenuous resident and faculty schedules but nevertheless is imperative to the growth and success of our discipline. The authors report institutional experience with their clinical research fellowship model, providing two positions per year. Methods A critical analysis of research productivity was performed for all trainees, faculty, and research fellows from 2000 to 2015. Academic productivity was determined by the number of peer-reviewed publications, podium presentations, and h-index. Academic fate of previous research fellows was also noted. During the 16-year timeframe, 484 articles were published in print. Notably, 92 articles were published from 2000 to 2007 and 392 articles were published from 2008 to 2015 (p = 0.0066), demonstrating linear growth after instituting the research fellowship. In addition, 33 articles were published from 2002 to 2004 before leadership change, 47 from 2005 to 2007 after leadership change but before fellowship, and 58 from 2008 to 2010 in the first few years of the fellowship (p = 0.0204). Results Overall, 39.9 percent of publications appeared in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, with a total of 77 different peer-reviewed journal inclusions. American Association of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons podium presentations totaled 143 between 2005 and 2015. Of the eight previous fellows who applied into integrated and independent programs, 100 percent have matched. Conclusion Incorporation of a formalized research fellowship into a plastic surgery program can drastically increase clinical research contribution in a reproducible fashion.
Phenomena and Effects of Electrolytic Gas Evolution

Electrolytic gas evolution is a significant and complicated phenomenon in most electrochemical processes and devices. In the Hall process for aluminum production, for example, bubbles evolved on the downward-facing carbon anodes stir the bath and resist the current, both of which directly affect the heat balance and the cell voltage. Bubbles appear as a result of primary electrode reactions in chlorine and water electrolysis, and as the result of side reactions in the charging of lead-acid batteries and some metal electrowinning. Stirring of the electrolyte by gas evolution is an important phenomenon in chlorate production. Electrolytically evolved bubbles have also been used in mineral flotation. Relatively few major electrochemical processes do not evolve gas.
Interpretation of energy deposition data from historical operation of the transient test facility (TREAT)

Abstract The Transient Test Facility (TREAT) at Idaho National Laboratory will resume operations in late 2017 after a 23 year hiatus while maintained in a cold standby state. Over that time period, computational power and simulation capabilities have increased substantially and now allow for new multiphysics modeling possibilities that were not practical or feasible for most of TREAT’s operational history. Hence the return of TREAT to operational service provides a unique opportunity to apply state-of-the-art software and associated methods in the modeling and simulation of general three-dimensional steady state and kinetic behavior for reactor operation, and for coupling of the core power transient model to experiment simulations. However, measurements taken in previous operations were intended to predict power deposition in experimental samples, with little consideration of three-dimensional core power distributions. Hence, interpretation of data for the purpose of validation of modern methods can be challenging. For the research discussed herein, efforts are described for the process of proper interpretation of data from the most recent calibration experiments performed in the core, the M8 calibration series (M8-CAL). These measurements were taken between 1990 and 1993 using a set of fission wires and test fuel pins to estimate the power deposition that would be produced in fast reactor test fuel pins during the M8 experiment series. Because of the decision to place TREAT into a standby state in 1994, the M8 series of transients were never performed. However, potentially valuable information relevant for validation is available in the M8-CAL measurement data, if properly interpreted. This paper describes the current state of the process of recovery of useful data from M8-CAL measurements and quantification of biases and uncertainties to potentially apply to the validation of multiphysics methods. Our findings provide us with confidence in our methods; however, confidence and validation are not the same thing, and it is difficult to identify the data here as being useful in validation of computational methods. We conclude that in future work validation calculations must be performed in a manner similar to the actual measurements, by performing simulation of detector responses for the calibration series.
How Nonpartisan Ballot Design Conceals Partisanship: A Survey Experiment of School Board Members in Two States.

Studies suggest that between one-fourth and one-third of localities elect their leaders on partisan ballots. Does the presence of a party label on the ballot affect the level of partisanship in loc...
Effect of laser therapy on quality of life in patients with radiation‐induced breast telangiectasias

Objective To evaluate the effects of laser monotherapy on quality of life in breast cancer patients with chronic radiation dermatitis. Study design A prospective, IRB-approved study was conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Breast cancer patients with chronic radiation dermatitis completed health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) questionnaires before and after laser monotherapy for radiation-induced breast telangiectasias (RIBT). Methods After informed consent, all patients were issued the Skindex-16 and Breast-Q Adverse Effects of Radiation HR-QOL questionnaires prior to receiving laser treatment. Patients were treated with a 595 nm pulsed dye laser at 4- to 6-week intervals, with percent telangiectasia clearance and adverse events recorded at each visit. Post-treatment HR-QOL questionnaires were collected after clinician-assessed telangiectasia clearance of >50%. Median HR-QOL scores before and after therapy were reported for individual HR-QOL domains (Skindex-16) and HR-QOL totals (Skindex-16 and Breast-Q Adverse Effects of Radiation). Before- and after-differences were calculated using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. Results Twenty-two female patients (average age 56 years) enrolled in this study. A majority (13/22, 59%) exhibited telangiectasias across the decolletage and axilla in addition to the breast. Sixteen patients reached the 50% RIBT clearance threshold during the study period, and 11 of these patients (69%) completed follow-up HR-QOL questionnaires. Patients showed statistically significant improvements in emotional and functional Skindex-16 HR-QOL domains and in overall Skindex-16 HR-QOL score. Breast-Q scores also improved significantly, illustrating a decrease in specific physical and cosmetic concerns common to radiated breast skin. Common adverse events were transient post-treatment pain and redness. Conclusion Breast cancer patients with RIBT presented with substantial deficits in several HR-QOL arenas. Laser monotherapy effectively treated the appearance of radiation dermatitis in these patients and also significantly improved HR-QOL. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:284-290, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Survey of how different groups of veterinarians manage the use of neuromuscular blocking agents in anesthetized dogs.

Abstract Objective To analyze practice habits associated with the use, reversal and monitoring of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in dogs by different groups of veterinarians. Study design Online anonymous survey to veterinarians. Population Data from 390 answered surveys. Methods A questionnaire was sent to e-mail list servers of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA-list), Sociedad Espanola de Anestesia y Analgesia Veterinaria (SEEAV-list), Colegio Brasileiro de Anestesiologia Veterinaria (Brazilian College of Veterinary Anesthesiology; CBAV-list) and American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO-list) to elicit information regarding use of NMBAs and reversal agents, monitoring techniques, criteria for redosing, reversing and assessing adequacy of recovery of neuromuscular function. Binomial logistic regression was used to test for association between responses and group of veterinarians in selected questions. Results Veterinarians of the ACVO-list use NMBAs on a higher fraction of their caseload than other groups (all p Conclusions and clinical relevance While most veterinarians are concerned about residual neuromuscular block, relatively few steps are implemented to reduce the risks of this complication, such as routine use of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring or routine reversal of NMBAs. These results suggest a limitation in transferring information among groups of veterinarians, or in implementing techniques suggested by scientific research.
Role of inositol polyphosphates in programed cell death in Dictyostelium discoideum and its developmental life cycle.

Programed cell death or apoptosis is a key developmental process that maintains tissue homeostasis in multicellular organisms. Inositol polyphosphates (InsPs) are key signaling molecules known to regulate a variety of cellular processes including apoptosis in such organisms. The signaling role of InsPs in unicellular organisms such as Dictyostelium discoideum (D. discoideum) is not well understood. We investigated whether InsPs also play any role in apoptosis in D. discoideum and whether InsPs-mediated apoptosis follows a mechanism similar to that present in higher multicellular eukaryotes. We measured known apoptotic markers in response to exogenously administered InsP6, the major InsPs in the cell. We found that InsP6 was able to cause cell death in D. discoideum cell culture in a dose- and time-dependent manner as determined by cytotoxicity assays. Fluorescence staining with acridine orange/ethidium bromide and flow cytometry results confirmed that the cell death in D. discoideum by InsP6 was due to apoptotic changes. Poly(ADP-ribose) expression, a known apoptotic marker used in D. discoideum, was also increased following InsP6 treatment suggesting a role for InsP6-mediated apoptosis in this organism. InsP6-mediated cell death was accompanied by production of reactive oxygen species and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, we studied the effects of InsP6 on the developmental life cycle of D. discoideum, the process likely affected by apoptosis. In conclusion, our studies provide evidence that InsP6-mediated cell death process is conserved in D. discoideum and plays an important signaling role in its developmental life cycle.
Ecological constraints on genetic engineering.

The aim of this paper is to present, briefly to be sure, the views of a microbial ecologist with a strong practical bent. These views, I believe, have relevance to genetic engineering to control environmental pollutants. I shall point out several ways by which the chances of success can be increased and some of the problems that may be encountered.
Coordinating the Treatment Process among Various Disciplines

Considerable debate has occurred in recent years over what constitutes effective treatment. Furthermore, many have argued about what psychologically based procedures should be allowed as treatments for problem behaviors. A number of authors have laid out the various techniques, policy procedures, and potential for interventions. But after one has determined techniques one considers appropriate, if and how these methods should be put into practice is still in question. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss some of these pragmatic issues. Specifically, we discuss how to coordinate various disciplines in the treatment process and the implication of these administrative issues on selecting treatments.
FLOCCULATION OF MINERAL SUSPENSIONS WITH COPRECIPITATED POLYELECTROLYTES

Coprecipitation of anionic and cationic polyelectrolytes has been applied to flocculation of several mineral systems. Results obtained in a study of the flocculation of kaolinite and hematite suspensions of polycationic and polyanionic electrolytes are presented. Greatly increased settling rates were observed following precipitation of positive and negative polyelectrolytes on the surface of finely divided minerals in aqueous suspension. The ratios of polycationic to polyanionic electrolytes required to produce maximum sedimentation have been shown to correspond closely with the equivalence points obtained by light scattering studies of systems containing the positive and negative polyelectrolytes by themselves.
Robust control of uncertain systems with time-varying uncertainty: A computer-aided setting

The problem of stabilizing a class of linear uncertain systems by using linear state feedback is addressed. The system possesses uncertainty which is time-varying, unknown, but lies within a prescribed bounded set. No statistical information of the uncertainty is imposed. Nor any matching condition is required. Necessary and sufficient conditions for quadratic stabilizability are formulated. The controller synthesis and stability analysis can be investigated by a two level optimization process. The result is believed to be practical (in the sense that it can be implemented for non-trivial dynamic systems) and non-conservative.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with Families

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with Families describes SFBT from a systemic perspective and provides students, educators, trainers, and practitioners with a clear explanation and rich examples of SFBT and systemic family therapy. Family therapists will learn how SFBT works with families, solution-focused therapists will learn how a systemic understanding of clients and their contexts can enhance their work, and all will learn how to harness the power of each to the service of their clients. The book starts with an exploration of systems, cybernetics, and communication theory basics such as wholeness, recursion, homeostasis, and change. Following this is an introduction to five fundamental family therapy approaches and an overview of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Next, the author considers SFBT within a systems paradigm and provides a demonstration of SFBT with families and couples. Each step is explicated with ideas from both SFBTA as well as systems. The final chapter shows how SFBT practices can be applied to a variety of family therapy approaches. This accessible text is enhanced by descriptions, case examples, dialogue, and commentary that are both systemic and solution-focused. Readers will come away with a new appreciation for both the systemic worldview of SFBT and SFBT principles as applied to systemic work.
Rechallenge with anti-EGFR–based therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer: Impact of intervening time interval and prior anti-EGFR response.

3607 Background: This retrospective study aims to investigate the activity of retreatment with anti-EGFR-based therapy in order to explore the concept of clonal evolution by evaluating the impact o...
Spinal somatostatin-positive interneurons transmit chemical itch

Recent studies have made significant progress in identifying distinct populations of peripheral neurons involved in itch transmission, whereas the cellular identity of spinal interneurons that contribute to itch processing is still a debate. Combining genetic and pharmacological ablation of spinal excitatory neuronal subtypes and behavioral assays, we demonstrate that spinal somatostatin-positive (SOM) excitatory interneurons transmit pruritic sensation. We found that the ablation of spinal SOM/Lbx1 (SOM) neurons caused significant attenuation of scratching responses evoked by various chemical pruritogens (chemical itch). In an attempt to identify substrates of spinal itch neural circuit, we observed that spinal SOM neurons partially overlapped with neurons expressing natriuretic peptide receptor A (Npra), the receptor of peripheral itch transmitter B-type natriuretic peptide. Spinal SOM neurons, however, did not show any overlap with itch transmission neurons expressing gastrin-releasing peptide receptor in the dorsal spinal cord, and the gastrin-releasing peptide-triggered scratching responses were intact after ablating spinal SOM neurons. Dual ablation of SOM and Npra neurons in the spinal cord reduced chemical itch responses to a greater extent than ablation of SOM or Npra neurons alone, suggesting the existence of parallel spinal pathways transmitting chemical itch. Furthermore, we showed that SOM peptide modulated itch processing through disinhibition of somatostatin receptor 2A-positive inhibitory interneuron. Together, our findings reveal a novel spinal mechanism for sensory encoding of itch perception.
Clonal highlights: Clonal seborrheic keratoses often demonstrates p16 expression.

Background At times, distinguishing Bowen disease (BD) and benign seborrheic keratosis (SK) is histologically challenging, especially when SK shows clonal features (clonal seborrheic keratosis [CSK]). While p16 is often reported as positive in BD and negative in SK, p16 expression in CSK is rarely studied. Here we investigate p16 immunohistochemistry in CSK, SK, and BD. Methods p16 immunohistochemistry with pattern of expression was noted for 14 CSK, 12 SK, and 18 BD. The degree of inflammation among lesions with respect to p16 expression was also noted. Results When examining p16 staining in clonal nests of CSK, 57% showed diffuse or patchy/diffuse positivity, 21% showed patchy positivity, and 21% showed clusters of single positive cells. 67% of BD showed diffuse positivity, 11% showed patchy/diffuse positivity, 17% showed patchy positivity, and 6% were negative. 25% of SK showed focal areas of patchy to full thickness positivity, 25% showed moderate number of positive single cells with or without patchy staining, and 50% showed negative/scattered single cell positivity. Conclusion Our findings support that p16 positivity limited to clonal nests in CSK is normal. p16 positivity in clonal nests of CSK in isolation without concurrent atypical histologic features should not be used to support a diagnosis of BD.
Dosimetric study of the plan quality and dose to organs at risk on tangential breast treatments using the Halcyon linac.

Purpose To investigate the plan quality and doses to the heart, contralateral breast (CB), ipsilateral lung (IL), and contralateral lung (CL) in tangential breast treatments using the Halcyon linac with megavoltage setup fields. Methods Radiotherapy treatment plans with tangential beams from 25 breast cancer patients previously treated on a C-arm linac were replanned for Halcyon. Thirteen corresponded to right-sided breasts and 12 to left-sided breasts, all with a dose prescription of 50 Gy in 25 fractions. Plans were created with the following setup imaging techniques: low-dose (LD) MVCBCT, high-quality (HQ) MVCBCT, LD-MV and HQ-MV pairs and the imaging dose was included in the plans. Plan quality metric values for the lumpectomy cavity, whole-breast and doses to the organs at risk (OARs) were measured and compared with those from the original plans. Results No significant differences in plan quality were observed between the original and Halcyon plans. An increase in the mean dose (Mean) for all the organs was observed for the Halcyon plans. For right-sided plans, the accumulated Mean over the 25 fractions in the C-arm plans was 0.4 ± 0.3, 0.2 ± 0.2, 5.4 ± 1.3, and 0.1 ± 0.1 Gy for the heart, CB, IL, and CL, respectively, while values in the MVCBCT-LD Halcyon plans were 1.2 ± 0.2, 0.6 ± 0.1, 6.5 ± 1.4, and 0.4 ± 0.1 Gy, respectively. For left-sided treatments, Mean in the original plans was 0.9 ± 0.2, 0.1 ± 0.0, 4.2 ± 1.2, and 0.0 ± 0.0 Gy, while for the MVCBCT-LD Halcyon plans values were 1.9 ± 0.2, 0.6 ± 0.2, 5.1 ± 1.2, and 0.5 ± 0.2 Gy, respectively. Conclusions Plan quality for breast treatments using Halcyon is similar to the quality for a 6 MV, C-arm plan. For treatments using megavoltage setup fields, the dose contribution to OARs from the imaging fields can be equal or higher than the dose from treatment fields.
Stereo Vision for Unmanned Aerial VehicleDetection, Tracking, and Motion Control.

An innovative method of detecting Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is presented. The goal of this study is to develop a robust setup for an autonomous multi-rotor hunter UAV, capable of visually detecting and tracking the intruder UAVs for real-time motion planning. The system consists of two parts: object detection using a stereo camera to generate 3D point cloud data and video tracking applying a Kalman filter for UAV motion modeling. After detection, the hunter can aim and shoot a tethered net at the intruder to neutralize it. The computer vision, motion tracking, and planning algorithms can be implemented on a portable computer installed on the hunter UAV.
A Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise on Hormones in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that is characterized by menstrual irregularity and elevated serum androgens, and is often accompanied by insulin resistance. The etiology of PCOS is unknown. Lifestyle interventions and weight loss, where appropriate, remain first-line treatments for women with PCOS. Regular physical activity is recommended for women with PCOS to maintain a healthy weight and cardiovascular fitness. Purpose: To review the evidence for the impact of various exercise interventions on hormone levels in women with PCOS. Methods: A systematic review of original studies indexed in PubMed that utilized an exercise intervention in women with PCOS and reported hormone values pre- and post-intervention. Studies in which the effects of the exercise intervention could be determined were included. Results: Vigorous aerobic exercise improves insulin measures in women with PCOS. Resistance or strength training may improve androgen levels, though additional studies are warranted. Studies with yoga are limited but suggest improvements in androgens. Limited information is available on the impact of exercise on adipokines and anti-Mullerian hormone, warranting further investigation. Conclusions: Recommended guidelines for women with PCOS include vigorous aerobic exercise and resistance training to improve measures of insulin sensitivity and androgen levels.
Origin of gaplike behaviors in URu 2 Si 2 : Combined study via quasiparticle scattering spectroscopy and resistivity measurements

We address two long-standing questions regarding the hidden order in ${\mathrm{URu}}_{2}{\mathrm{Si}}_{2}$: Is it associated with the hybridization process, and what are the distinct roles played by the localized and itinerant electrons? Our quasiparticle scattering spectroscopy reveals a hybridization gap ubiquitous in the entire phase space spanned by P and Fe substitutions in ${\mathrm{URu}}_{2}{\mathrm{Si}}_{2}$, including the no-order and antiferromagnetic regions, with minimal change upon crossing the phase boundary. This indicates its opening is not associated with the ordering, and thus localized electrons must be the major player. Towards a consistent understanding of all the other gaplike behaviors observed only below transition temperatures, we analyze the electrical resistivity using a model in which gapped bosonic excitations are the dominant scattering source. With their stiffness set to follow an unusual temperature dependence (decreasing with decreasing temperature), this model fits all of our resistivity data well including the jump at the transition. Remarkably, the extracted gap increases slowly with increasing Fe content, similarly to the gap detected by inelastic neutron scattering at ${Q}_{1}=(1.4,0,0)$, suggesting a common origin. Such a model can also naturally explain the Hall effect temperature dependence without invoking Fermi surface gapping.
Carcinoma of the Duodenum

Primary duodenal carcinoma is rare, and only approximately 700 cases had been reported in the literature by 1974 (i.e., within the two centuries following the first description in 1746).1 The files of the Mayo Clinic contained 104 cases for the 40-year period from 1937 to 1977,2 yielding an incidence of 2 to 3 cases per year. In the New York Hospital—Cornell Medical Center, only 32 cases were found in 38 years.3 The incidence at autopsy is between 0.019 and 0.5%.3 The proportion of duodenal carcinomas among gastrointestinal carcinomas is 0.35%.4 Interestingly, however, the duodenum is the preferential site of origin of small intestinal carcinomas, 33 to 45% of which arise there, according to data collected between 1937 and 1963.5 More recent reviews of small intestinal carcinomas yield still higher incidences of 48 and 54%.6,7 As Jefferson8 said in 1916, “Inch for inch the duodenum is more liable to cancer than the rest of the small intestine.” Carcinoma accounts for 70 to 80% of all duodenal malignant tumors; the remainder includes lymphoma, leiomyosarcoma, and carcinoid tumor.1
Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Initial North American Experience

Introduction and Objectives: The goal of this study is to evaluate the outcomes in a cohort of patients who underwent minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MIP) at a single institution f...
Automatic Speech Verification Spoofing Detection.

Automatic speech verification (ASV) is the technology to determine the identity of a person based on their voice. While being convenient for identity verification, we should aim for the highest system security standard given that it is the safeguard of valuable digital assets. Bearing this in mind, we follow the setup in ASVSpoof 2019 competition to develop potential countermeasures that are robust and efficient. Two metrics, EER and t-DCF, will be used for system evaluation.
Benefits and Challenges of Utilizing Hardware Performance Counters for COPPA Violation Detection

This paper analyzes the findings of [1] regarding user privacy in Android apps. Mobile applications have come under scrutiny for allegations of data breaches and leaks, such as usernames, email IDs, and locations. Subsequent documented instances of these violations have led to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) imposing severe penalties on the app developers. Recently, apps such as TikTok and BabyBus were sanctioned and fined for flouting privacy regulations. To ensure the safety of young users, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was enacted to monitor the data usage of apps dedicated to children. Hence, it is imperative that children's apps adhere to COPPA. Towards this end, [1] proposes COPPA Tracking by Checking Hardware-level Activity (COPPTCHA), a Hardware Performance Counter-based (HPC) approach to validate COPPA-compliance of Android apps. The HPC data is used to train a Machine Learning classifier, which predicts COPPA violations with 99% accuracy. This paper summarizes the benefits and pitfalls of using HPCs for detecting COPPA violations.
The Epidemiology of Meningitis in Infants under 90 Days of Age in a Large Pediatric Hospital.

Background: Meningitis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in the first three months of life. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients <90 days of age with meningitis at Texas Children’s Hospital from 2010–2017. Cases were confirmed using the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) definition of meningitis. Results: Among 694 infants with meningitis, the most common etiology was viral (n = 351; 51%), primarily caused by enterovirus (n = 332; 95%). A quarter of cases were caused by bacterial infections (n = 190; 27%). The most common cause of bacterial meningitis was group B Streptococcus (GBS, n = 60; 32%), followed by Gram-negative rods other than E. coli (n = 40; 21%), and E. coli (n = 37; 19%). The majority of Gram-negative organisms (63%) were resistant to ampicillin, and nearly one-fourth of Gram-negative rods (23%) other than E. coli and 2 (6%) E. coli isolates were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins. Significant risk factors for bacterial meningitis were early preterm birth and the Black race. Conclusions: Enteroviruses most commonly caused viral meningitis in infants; GBS was the most common bacterial cause despite universal screening and intrapartum prophylaxis. The emergence of MRSA and resistance to third-generation cephalosporins in Gram-negative bacterial meningitis challenges the options for empirical antimicrobial therapy.
RELATIONS OF PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION: ECONOMIC AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION THROUGH THE PRISM OF LAW OF NEED GROWTH

Urgency of the research. In the light of the important value of the pattern of cause-effect relations between production and consumption, it seems quite important to explore its key economic and legal aspects. Target setting. The article presents an attempt to provide economic and law characteristics of economic relations between production and consumption. Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. Issues considered have been analyzed in the economic science quite well. However, this issue is rarely explored in the context of law. Uninvestigated parts of general matters defining. In economic and legal sciences there is no unity of concepts concerning understanding of cause-effect relations between production and consumption, so the relevant issue requires complex economic and legal comparative study. The research objective. The article meaningfully representing the comparative economic and legal characteristic of cause-effect relations between production and consumption. The statement of basic materials. The relations that during the production, distribution, exchange and consumption of material goods, are economic, and their based on objective factors. One of the mentioned factors are economic and other The outlined relation clearly disclosed in the prism of economic law of needs growth that reflects basic and fundamental relation between production and consumption. Conclusions. The economic law of needs growth obtained its detailed economic analysis in the context of economic theory. The analysis of approaches of law and legislation on this subject indicates that such ways are limited in by theory of economic science, which seems acceptable with a glance to the economic nature of the law of needs growth and related categories. Additionally, the content of the relevant achievements of economic science was transformed into the sphere of legal categories and concepts.
Real-Time Chemical Process Monitoring with UMAP

Abstract In the modern chemical world, engineers have access to millions of data points at their fingertips. Using this data properly can help us to recognize vast improvements in the way plants are run, especially in process monitoring. In this paper three aspects of process monitoring are considered: visualization, fault identification, and fault diagnosis. For each aspect, the use of modern machine learning techniques for addressing these issues is discussed, and improvements over outdated methods are illustrated. This proposed approach is tested using the Tennessee Eastman Process (TEP) for several types of faults.
“To dryness and beyond” – Preparation for the dried state and rehydration in vegetative desiccation-tolerant plants

The ability of vegetative plant tissues to survive desiccation is an uncommon trait, although plants that are able to do this represent all major classes of plants. Two classes of vegetative desiccation-tolerant plants exist; those that are modified desiccation-tolerant and can only survive desiccation if drying rates are slow, and those that are fully desiccation-tolerant and can survive even rapid drying rates. Investigations into the cellular level responses of these two types of plants has lead to an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of desiccation-tolerance. The following proposed mechanisms for desiccation-tolerance are presented. Modified desiccation-tolerant plants utilize inducible cellular protection systems supplemented in part by a minor rehydration induced repair component. Fully desiccation-tolerant plants utilize a rehydration induced repair system that is complemented by a constitutive protection component. This minireview explores the evidence for these proposed mechanisms in an attempt to lay the theoretical ground work for future work in this area.
Sensor Augmented Large Interactive Surfaces

Large interactive surfaces enable effective multi-user collaboration, but a majority of the current multitouch systems are not truly multi-user. In this work we present a novel sensor-based approach for both user identification around a touch table and integration of unique gestures above the table. The work proposes the criteria for a successful and robust user identification system. The Cricket sensor based user identification system is integrated with an open source gesture recognition system “Sparsh-UI” to enable rapid multi-touch application development. Finally we evaluate the Cricket-based algorithm with contemporary multi-user, multi-touch systems and describe the various interaction affordances provided by the Cricket based user identification system.
Uniform properties of rigid subanalytic sets

In the context of rigid analytic spaces over a non-Archimedean valued field, a rigid subanalytic set is a Boolean combination of images of rigid analytic maps. We give an analytic quantifier elimination theorem for (complete) algebraically closed valued fields that is independent of the field; in particular, the analytic quantifier elimination is independent of the valued field's characteristic, residue field and value group, in close analogy to the algebraic case. This provides uniformity results about rigid subanalytic sets. We obtain uniform versions of smooth stratification for subanalytic sets and the Lojasiewicz inequalities, as well as a unfiorm description of the closure of a rigid semianalytic set.
Identifying factors which may influence unethical behavior

Unethical behavior occurs and can be explained by a number of theoretical approaches. This article is a report of a survey concerned with determining the factors which may influence unethical behavior. The respondents identified three factors (Grade Instrumentality, Attributing Blame Factor, and Negative Dispositional Factor) underlying the commission of unethical activities. An integration of the theories and the factors yielded a number of suggestions which may impact the propensity to engage in unethical behavior.
Physiological factors in the circadian rhythm of protein concentration in aqueous humor.

PURPOSE. The authors addressed three questions concerning the circadian rhythm of aqueous humor protein concentration in rabbits. First, is there an endogenous oscillator for this circadian rhythm? Second, does a circadian rhythm occur for individual aqueous humor protein components? Third, what is the role of ocular sympathetic nerves, which are more active in the dark phase, in this circadian rhythm? METHODS. Adult New Zealand albino rabbits were entrained to a daily 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle. Under a constant dark environment for 24 hours, rabbits were killed at 4-hour intervals, beginning at 2 hours before the onset of the subjective light phase. Eight rabbits were used for each of the six time points. Aqueous humor and vitreous humor were collected, and their protein concentrations were determined. Major aqueous humor protein components were resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), stained with silver reagent, and analyzed using densitometry. Another group of eight light-dark- entrained rabbits underwent unilateral transection of the cervical sympathetic trunk. Three weeks after the operation, the circadian elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) at 2 hours into the dark phase was determined for both eyes. Rabbits were later killed at this time point, and total protein concentrations in aqueous humor and vitreous humor were determined in both eyes. Major aqueous humor protein components in both eyes were resolved by PAGE and were compared. REsuLTs. In light-dark-entrained rabbits, a circadian rhythm of protein concentration appeared in the aqueous humor under a constant dark environment. Total protein concentration in aqueous humor increased sharply in the early subjective light phase, remained relatively high during the remainder of the subjective light phase, and decreased in the subjective dark phase. Analyses of albumin and other abundant proteins in the aqueous humor showed that all of them varied similarly in a circadian pattern. In contrast, total protein concentration in the vitreous humor remained unchanged. In rabbits with unilaterally decentralized ocular sympathetic nerves, total protein concentrations in the aqueous humor and the vitreous humor in the early dark phase showed no difference between the two eyes. In addition, there was no difference in individual aqueous humor protein concentration between the two eyes. However, the nocturnal IOP elevation in the decentralized eye was less than that in the contralateral, intact eye. CoNcLUsioNs. The circadian rhythm of aqueous humor protein concentration in rabbits can continue without an external signal of dark-light change, indicating the existence of an endogenous oscillator. A similar circadian rhythm occurs for various major aqueous humor protein components. The nocturnal increase in ocular sympathetic activities plays a limited role in the circadian rhythm of aqueous humor protein concentration.
Static Analysis and Software Assurance

In the past decade, explosive growth in computer networks has brought security issues to the forefront. One of the greatest challenges in computer security today is the software assurance problem: How do we deal with the fact that our most trusted software, even our security software itself, is often buggy? In this talk, I will discuss how static analysis can help with the software assurance problem. I will describe some recent experience with static analysis tools for vulnerability detection. I will also survey a number of open problems in the field and suggest a few promising directions for future research.
Sodium-Potassium-activated Adenosine Triphosphatase of Electrophorus Electric Organ IV. MODIFICATION OF RESPONSES TO SODIUM AND POTASSIUM BY ARSENITE PLUS 2,3-DIMERCAPTOPROPANOL

Abstract Electrophorus microsomal (Na+ + K+)-ATPase is inhibited by arsenite. The arsenite concentration which produces 50% inhibition is reduced from 6 mm to 0.1 mm by the addition of equimolar 2,3-dimercaptopropanol. An excess of this dithiol reverses the inhibition. Neither 2-mercaptoethanol nor dithiothreitol potentiate arsenite inhibition to a comparable extent. The microsomes are phosphorylated by AT32P: the extent of phosphorylation is Na+-dependent and reduced by K+. In the presence of equimolar arsenite and 2,3-dimercaptopropanol, the concentration of Na+ which produces half-maximal phosphorylation is decreased from 4 mm to 0.8 mm. K+ does not decrease the phosphorylation of the inhibited enzyme. The effects of British anti-Lewisite-arsenite on phosphorylation are accompanied by activation of Na+-dependent ATP-ADP transphosphorylation similar to that previously observed to attend the inhibition of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase by N-ethylmaleimide. These observations can be interpreted in terms of the existence of two states of the enzyme with different ligand affinities.