cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron Lenses for Space-Charge Compensation, Other Applications of Electron Lenses

Unique properties and flexibility of the electron lenses allow many other important accelerator applications beyond the head-on and long-range beam-beam compensation and the transverse and longitudinal hadron beam halo collimation. Below we consider several of the most actively studied and pursued ideas and proposals, including the electron-lens compensation of space-charge effects in high-intensity proton accelerators, including super-collider injectors; attainment of nonlinear integrable beam dynamics to suppress halo formation and particle loss in high-brightness proton rings; selective bunch-by-bunch or batch-by-batch slow extraction systems; beam-beam compensation in e + e− colliders and electron-ion colliders, tune-spread generators for Landau damping of coherent beam instabilities, and the “beam-beam kicker”.
Dietary Intake, Body Composition, and Menstrual Cycle Changes during Competition Preparation and Recovery in a Drug-Free Figure Competitor: A Case Study

Physique competitions are events in which competitors are judged on muscular appearance and symmetry. The purpose of this retrospective case study was to describe changes in dietary intake, body mass/composition, and the menstrual cycle during the 20-week competition preparation (PREP) and 20-week post competition recovery (REC) periods of a drug-free amateur female figure competitor (age = 26–27, BMI = 19.5 kg/m2). Dietary intake (via weighed food records) and body mass were assessed daily and averaged weekly. Body composition was estimated via Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and 7-site skinfold measurements. Energy intake, body mass and composition, and energy availability decreased during the 20-week PREP period (changes of ~298 kcals, 5.1 kg, 6.5% body fat, and 5.4 kcal/kg fat free mass, respectively) and returned to baseline values by end of the 20-week REC period. Menstrual cycle irregularity was reported within the first month of PREP and the last menstruation was reported at week 11 of PREP. Given the potentially adverse health outcomes associated with caloric restriction, future, prospective cohort studies on the physiological response to PREP and REC are warranted in drug-free, female physique competitors.
The Landscape of microRNA Expression in HIV and Non-HIV Associated Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma through Next Generation Sequencing

Abstract Introduction Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a lymphoma of B cell origin that affects both immune competent and immune suppressed patients. In this study, we sought to determine the complete landscape of microRNA expression in cHL, by performing deep sequencing of microRNAs in 66 patient samples. Further, we examined the associations of microRNA expression with clinical data, including HIV and EBV infection status, mixed cellularity and nodular sclerosis subtypes, and progression free and overall survival. Methods This cohort includes 66 cases of cHL of primarily mixed cellularity and nodular sclerosis subtypes. Nearly 50% of these cases were EBV positive and 39% were HIV positive. All the EBV(-), HIV(-) cases were nodular sclerosis subtype and nearly half of EBV(+), HIV(+) cases were mixed cellularity subtype. From these cases, whole RNA was extracted from which small RNAs were selected via bead purification and subjected to next generation sequencing on the Illlumina platform. MicroRNA expression was assayed by mapping sequencing reads to the human genome and identifying those reads with matching sequences that were typical of a hairpin loop that characterizes microRNA precursors. We were able to identify 367 human microRNAs and 15 EBV microRNAs. The expression of these microRNAs was measured by normalizing the number of sequencing reads mapping to microRNAs within each case and across all the cases. Interestingly, we also found 18 novel microRNAs that have not been described previously in humans. We tested the association of these microRNAs with progression-free and overall survival, as well as with histology, HIV and EBV status. Results We found a number of microRNAs that were robustly associated with stage. miR-138, miR-182, and miR-296 were associated with lower stage across all histologies, whereas miR-378 was strongly associated with higher stage. We found that miR-92b, miR-138 and miR-186 were all associated with favorable prognosis with higher expression being associated with better outcomes. We also found several microRNAs associated with histologic subtype. For example, miR-122 and miR-182 were highly expressed in nodular sclerosis cHL while miR211 was expressed highly in mixed cellularity cHL. miR-21 was highly expressed in all cases. EBV positive cases were defined in all tumors using in situ hybridization using an EBER probe. We found that expression of EBER was highly associated with EBV BART microRNAs, which were present in 100% of the EBV positive patients. We found that miR-455 was highly expressed in HIV positive cases regardless of EBV status whereas miR-511 was expressed highly in all EBV cases in addition to EBV BART microRNAs. Conclusion Together, our data define the landscape of microRNA expression in HIV-associated and non-HIV-associated classical Hodgkin lymphoma and point to a role for microRNAs as novel biomarkers that distinguish histology, stage, outcome and EBV status. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Ptychographic Imaging of Nano-Materials at the Advanced Light Source with the Nanosurveyor Instrument

We present a new ptychographic x-ray microscope dedicated to soft x-ray tomography and spectromicroscopy of nano-materials at the Advanced Light Source. The microscope utilizes an ultra-stable, high performance scanning mechanism with laser interferometer feedback for sample positioning and a fast frame rate charge-coupled device detector for soft x-ray diffraction measurements. The microscope can achieve point scan rates of 120 Hz with 1 nm RMS positioning accuracy. A high performance data pipeline has been developed which enables real time ptychographic reconstructions and user-friendly operation. This instrument, called The Nanosurveyor, can achieve a spatial resolution at least 10 times finer than the x-ray spot size in both two and three dimensions with sensitivity to electronicand magnetic states of nano-materials. In this paper we demonstrate the tomographic and spectromicroscopic capability of the Nanosurveyor instrument. At high brightness x-ray sources this instrument will enable spectromicroscopy and tomography of materials with diffraction limited spatial resolution.
"A Cascading Model of Support, Innovation Empowerment, Organizational Pride, and Behavioral Outcomes"

The importance of organizational pride is often discussed in companies, yet research on this topic in the organizational sciences has not kept pace. Our paper aims to help close this research-pract...
Microscale two-dimensional (2D) temperature mapping by ratiometric fluorescence imaging under orthogonal excitations

Abstract Microscale temperature mapping in liquids is of great importance in many areas of research such as microfluidics and biology. Among the current thermometric approaches, optical probing using fluorescence is particularly desirable because of its high spatial resolution and non-invasive nature. Here we report a new microscale two-dimensional (2D) fluorescence thermometry. This method exploits the temperature dependence of rotational molecular motion and its influence on the depolarization of fluorescence light, by measuring the difference in fluorescence intensities excited by orthogonal polarizations. With one charge coupled device (CCD) camera, we get 2D ratiometric mappings of temperature from successively recorded fluorescence images under alternatively polarized excitations. We demonstrate reliable temperature mapping in liquids at sub-1 °C temperature accuracy and sub-10 µm spatial resolution. We also show that the proposed thermometry approach is robust against fluorescence intensity variations, suitable for 2D mapping and of fast readout that is comparable to CCD framerate. Moreover, it is easy to be integrated into microscope systems since only rotation of excitation polarization is needed.
The effects of ethosuximide on aversive instrumental learning in adult rats.

Abstract Antiepileptic medications are the frontline treatment for seizure conditions but are not without cognitive side effects. Previously, our laboratory reported learning deficits in phenytoin-, carbamazepine-, valproic acid-, and felbamate-treated rats. In this experiment, the effects found in ethosuximide (ETH)-treated rats have been compared with those in water-treated controls (controls) using the same instrumental training tasks. Rats treated with ETH did not display any performance deficits in any of the conditions tested relative to controls. These animals showed more rapid acquisition of the avoidance response than the control animals but only when they had prior experience in the appetitive condition. Of the drugs tested to date with these learning paradigms, ETH is the only one that did not impair performance relative to controls in any condition tested. Moreover, in comparison with rats treated with valproic acid, the only other available compound commonly recommended for the treatment of absence seizures, ETH-treated rats show substantially higher performance.
Redressing the Shame of U.S. Immigration Laws and Enforcement Policies

In this chapter, I provide a focused view of certain examples of U.S. immigration laws and enforcement policies that have gone too far. I provide a fuller picture of employer sanctions enforcement and Operation Gatekeeper, along with harsh deportation policies that are enforced in the name of protecting our borders and ourselves from a so-called invasion of immigrants. I explain how the lack of sufficient visas and U.S. trade policies have exacerbated the alleged “illegal immigration” problem. And I discuss how a system based on ethical values is needed to remedy the evils of current U.S. immigration policies.The experiment that we call America is a test of our character and our willingness to believe that we can have a strong country that is caring and diverse. Showing compassion and fairness in our immigration policies is not a sign of weakness. Rather, those traits demonstrate confidence in a rule of law and system of government that metes out punishment when necessary, but understands that regulating the lives of those who seek to live within our borders must be done with the utmost compassion, dignity, and understanding. As in previous generations, there is much to admire about individuals who come to our shores seeking freedom and a better life. Whether they are fleeing persecution or entering to seek work in order to better their lives, the newcomers of today are not much different from those of the past. Once here, welcoming newcomers and understanding the challenges that they will be facing are imperative. As they become part of our neighborhoods and communities, some may make mistakes, but we would do well to remember that supporting rehabilitation, giving a second chance, and providing ways for individuals to mature are essential elements of a civil society. Although these forgiving traits may immediately benefit the individual, in the end, we all benefit. When an individual finally turns the corner and becomes a contributing member, the entire community benefits socially, emotionally, and economically.
A Commentary on Incommensurate Programs

This commentary examines the formulation of “situatedness” and how it is set to work in our lead paper. The commentary discusses some of the conceptual history of the term and its cognates in the literature, and proposes a different reading of its analytic implications, drawing on ethnomethodological and conversation analytic studies of “situated action.” It considers how we might take interest in situated worlds, and then turns to our common corpus of classroom materials to suggest how this alternate reading could take interest in them. Examining the same materials as our lead paper, it writes an analysis that is different in kind. On this account, “situatedness” cannot freely be joined to or supplement other analytic programs, if only because it owns its own program.
YcjW: a transcription factor that controls the emergency generator of H2S inE. coli

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a ubiquitous gaseous molecule that is endogenously produced. Its role as a pleiotropic signaling molecule has been well characterized in mammals. In contrast, the physiological role of H2S in bacteria only recently became apparent; H2S acts as a cytoprotectant against antibiotics-induced stress and affect the cell's ability to maintain redox homeostasis. In E. coli, endogenous H2S production is primarily dependent on 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST), encoded by mstA, previously known as sseA. Here, we show that cells lacking 3MST acquired a unique phenotypic suppressor mutation resulting in compensatory H2S production and tolerance to antibiotics and oxidative stress. Using whole genome sequencing, we mapped a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), to uncharacterized LacI-type transcription factor, YcjW. We identified transcriptional regulatory targets of YcjW and discovered a major target, thiosulfate sulfurtransferase PspE, as an alternative mechanism for H2S biosynthesis. Deletion of pspE was sufficient to antagonize phenotypic suppression. Our results reveal a complex interaction between cell metabolism and H2S production and the role, a hitherto uncharacterized transcription factor, YcjW, plays in linking the two.
Racial Variation in Comfort Measures Only Status in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage (S42.008)

Objective: We sought to identify determinants of comfort measures only status (CMOs) in a large multi-center and multi-ethnic cohort study of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Background: Previous studies of critically ill patients with various diagnoses found that non-whites are less likely to pursue CMOs. This potential ethnic/racial disparity has important implications for quality of end-of-life care. Design/Methods: We analyzed ICH cases enrolled from 2010 to 2015 in the Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ERICH) study, a multi-center study based in the United States. Clinical, demographic and radiologic data on patients with non-traumatic ICH were prospectively collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between ethnicity/race and CMOs after adjustment for potential confounders. Results: 2705 ICH cases were included in this study (mean age 62 (14), female sex 1119 [41%]). Of these, 912 were black (34%), 893 Hispanic (33%) and 900 white (33%). CMOs patients comprised 276 (10%), 64 (7%), 79 (9%) and 133 (15%) of the entire cohort and the black, Hispanic and white cohorts, respectively (p Conclusions: Black patients were less likely than white patients to be made CMO after controlling for potential confounders. Further investigation is warranted to better understand the causes and implications of racial disparities in ICH CMO decisions. Study Supported by: This study was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS: U-01-NS069763). This report does not represent the official view of NINDS, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), or any part of the US Federal Government. No official support or endorsement of this article by NINDS or NIH is intended or should be inferred. Disclosure: Dr. Ormseth has nothing to disclose. Dr Falcone has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jasak has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mampre has nothing to disclose. Dr. Leasure has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miyares has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hwang has nothing to disclose. Dr. James has nothing to disclose. Dr Testai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Becker has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with ICON. Dr. Tirschwell has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Abbot. Dr. Langefeld has nothing to disclose. Dr. Woo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sheth has nothing to disclose.
Time in the Therapeutic Range for Patients Taking Warfarin in Clinical Trials: Useful, but Also Misleading, Misused, and Overinterpreted.

The time in the therapeutic range (an international normalized ratio [INR] between 2.0 and 3.0) (TTR) has been used as a measure of warfarin (W) therapy quality. Although generally useful in clinical care and better than other alternatives, in recent new oral anticoagulant (NOAC) versus W trials in atrial fibrillation (AF), its utility has been overvalued. TTRs have typically been assessed by the Rosendaal method1 (± variable alterations, such as including versus excluding the first 7 days on W and after stopping W), where the INR is assumed to change linearly from the last INR until the INR at next check. TTR indicates the days with INRs of 2.0 to 3.0 over total day counts using these integrated numbers. But, if an INR is 3.0, and time between checks is long (weeks), the calculated TTR will be falsely low. In real life, if a measured INR is out of range, the W dose is changed and within days the INR has increased. On average, it takes 3 days for W’s effect to reach a stable value when W concentrations are constant.2 For example, if W dosing were changed the day a physician learned an INR was 1.5, but an INR was not rechecked for a month, the INR would rise within days but, per Rosendaal, it would only slowly increase to the value at next check a month later (see Figure). Thus, if INR-recheck frequency differs, Rosendaal …
Streets, storm surge, and the frailty of urban transport systems: A grid-based approach for identifying informal street network connections to facilitate mobility

Abstract A variety of real-world infrastructure systems, including power grids, telecommunications, roads and social networks can be conceptualized and modeled using basic concepts from graph theory and network science. The abstraction of real-world systems into an edge-node topology enables analysts to quantify and characterize a range of network properties, including structure, connectivity, and modularity , as well as the attributes of individual nodes and edges such as degree, criticality, and betweenness. One major problem with the abstraction process associated with traditional network analysis is that edges and nodes are stripped of important proximal, contextual information that is critical for understanding how network elements operate in situ. For example, the geographic context of an elevated causeway is significantly different than a landlocked residential street, yet they are both simply represented as edges in traditional network modeling. The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications associated with network abstractions, including the loss of geographic fidelity, and why it matters for vulnerability analysis and emergency response during extreme events. Specifically, this paper introduces an alternative network conceptualization that preserves important on-network information, but also provides in situ context for local network elements, helping to deepen our understanding of local operating conditions. A case study for hurricane storm surge flooding in Volusia County, Florida is utilized to highlight how the developed approach better captures the realities of how evacuees and emergency response teams can leverage information for both on- and off-network space during a major disaster.
CRISPR/Cas9-based Genome Editing in the Era of CAR T Cell Immunotherapy

The advent of engineered T cells as a form of immunotherapy marks the beginning of a new era in medicine, providing a transformative way to combat complex diseases such as cancer. Following FDA app...
Communicating About Pesticides And Pops To Study Subjects: Ethical Considerations

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can remain in the environment for decades, exposing the population to well-known harmful effects. If these pollutants get into the food chain through soil, plan...
On-Chip Lithography Control

Our preferred method of scanning probe lithography (SPL) uses electrons field emitted from a micromachined probe tip in air to expose organic polymer resists. The pattern dimension is set by the electron exposure dose delivered to the resist. Control of the exposure dose has been achieved previously through external feedback circuitry. Typically the emission current is measured and compared with the desired (or setpoint) current. A signal is sent to adjust either the tip-sample voltage [1–3] or the tip-sample distance [4–6] in order to ensure that the measured current does not deviate significantly from the setpoint. In place of this feedback circuitry, we integrated a transistor current source onto the cantilever chip to control the electron exposure dose delivered to the resist. In this chapter we describe the design, fabrication, and operation of this integrated current source.
A Preliminary Examination of Nicotine-Free Electronic Cigarette Use During Cessation From Combustible Cigarettes.

Despite the availability of smoking cessation strategies, smoking cue-induced craving remains a relatively untreated relapse risk factor. Utilizing nicotine-free electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), to extinguish the motivational influence of smoking cues may be a viable approach to address cue-reactivity. In this pilot study, twenty-six daily tobacco smokers used nicotine-free e-cigarettes while being maintained on daily transdermal sustained release nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to mitigate pharmacological withdrawal. Sensitivity to cue-induced craving, measured by the rise in craving following a visual cue exposure task, was assessed at a baseline visit following smoking as usual and again after two weeks of nicotine-free e-cigarette and NRT use. Participants’ pattern and amount of tobacco cigarette smoking was evaluated on both visits and one-month post-treatment. Cue-induced craving significantly decreased following the two-week intervention, yet withdrawal scores increased during this time. One month after study completion, participants continued to report significantly lower overall cigarette craving and conventional tobacco cigarette use. Including the 34.8% that were totally abstinent, 65.2% reported smoking fewer than 10 cigarettes per week (compared to 87.2 per week at baseline for the entire group). A linear regression revealed that greater baseline cue-induced craving predicted better outcomes while more withdrawal at the e-cigarette visit was related to more smoking at 1 month. This proof-of-concept pilot study suggests that the addition of ad libitum nicotine-free e-cigarettes to an existing strategy of transdermal NRT may attenuate cue-induced craving for tobacco smoking. A larger sample that is powered for detecting additional factors and longer-term outcomes is warranted.
Thirty‐year risk of ischemic stroke in individuals with sickle cell trait and modification by chronic kidney disease: The atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study

Sickle cell trait (SCT) has been associated with hypercoagulability, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and ischemic stroke. Whether concomitant CKD modifies long-term ischemic stroke risk in individuals with SCT is uncertain. We analyzed data from 3602 genotyped black adults (female = 62%, mean baseline age = 54 years) who were followed for a median 26 years by the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Ischemic stroke was verified by physician review. Associations between SCT and ischemic stroke were analyzed using repeat-events Cox regression, adjusted for potential confounders. SCT was identified in 236 (7%) participants, who more often had CKD at baseline than noncarriers (18% vs 13%, P = .02). Among those with CKD, elevated factor VII activity was more prevalent with SCT genotype (36% vs 22%; P = .05). From 1987-2017, 555 ischemic strokes occurred in 436 individuals. The overall hazard ratio of ischemic stroke associated with SCT was 1.31 (95% CI: 0.95-1.80) and was stronger in participants with concomitant CKD (HR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.16-4.12) than those without CKD (HR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.74-1.61); P for interaction = .04. The hazard ratio of composite ischemic stroke and/or death associated with SCT was 1.20 (95% CI: 1.01-1.42) overall, 1.44 (95% CI: 1.002-2.07) among those with CKD, and 1.15 (95% CI: 0.94-1.39) among those without CKD; P for interaction = .18. The long-term risk of ischemic stroke associated with SCT relative to noncarrier genotype appears to be modified by concomitant CKD.
Terapia con células madre e insuficiencia cardiaca: aspectos éticos

Heart failure is one of the first diseases in which stem cells were used for regenerative medicine. Since 2001, many publications have shown that stem cell therapy has the potential to mitigate heart diseases, but there is no solid scientific evidence to fully support its clinical application at present. The future of regenerative medicine requires validated clinical trials with standardized platforms and transdisciplinary efforts to enable the development of safe and effective regenerative therapies to protect patients and to promote the ethical application of this new and highly promising therapy. Doctors and scientists have a responsibility to discuss with patients the current reality of regenerative therapies. They also have a responsibility to discourage the indiscriminate and commercial use of these therapies, which are sometimes based on false hopes, since their inappropriate use can harm vulnerable patients as well as research efforts. Although regenerative medicine may be the medicine of the future and might bring the hope of cure for chronic diseases, it is not yet ready for its wide clinical application.
The associations between digit ratio, aerobic fitness, physical skills, and overall physical fitness of elite youth distance runners

OBJECTIVE Lower digit ratios between the lengths of fingers 2 (2D) and 4 (4D) (2D:4D) are associated with superior distance running and athletic performance. We examined relationships between 2D:4D, aerobic fitness, physical skills, and overall physical fitness of elite adolescent boy and girl distance runners. METHODS Subjects were top five finishers for their sex and age in 10 or more races of 10 km or longer in Michigan in 1981. We calculated 2D:4D of 15 girls and 11 boys from radiographs. Subject peak O2 consumption (VO2Peak ), ventilatory threshold (VT), and point of equivalent change (PEC) were collected during intermittent treadmill protocol tests. Performances on physical skills tests (flex-arm hang, broad jump, vertical jump, figure-8-run, sit ups, and sit-and-reach test) were collected in the laboratory. We examined the interrelationships between 2D:4D, subject sex, aerobic fitness, physical skills test performance, and overall physical fitness, a composite of aerobic and physical skills performance with correlation, linear regression, t tests, and principle component analyses. RESULTS Girls had significantly larger right hand (R) 2D:4D than boys. Boys had greater VO2Peak by mass than girls. Boys with lower R2D:4D had significantly greater VO2Peak and PEC. Girls with lower R2D:4D had significantly greater VT. Factors associated with aerobic fitness explained most of the variation in composite physical fitness scores. Composite aerobic fitness, physical skills, and overall physical fitness scores of boys were negatively correlated with R2D:4D. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that R2D:4D may help predict distance running performance in girls and boys and overall physical fitness in boys and provide additional insights into the innate factors influencing youth physical fitness.
A Mobile Gaming Intervention for Persons on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis: Protocol for Intervention Development and Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: In the United States, young minority men who have sex with men (MSM) are the most likely to become infected with HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an efficacious and promising prevention strategy. However, PrEP’s safety and effectiveness can be greatly compromised by suboptimal adherence to treatment. To maximize the positive impact of PrEP, it is necessary to combine its prescription with cost-effective behavioral interventions that promote adherence and decrease HIV risk behaviors. In this project, we developed a theoretically informed app/gaming intervention to engage young MSM in learning information, practicing behaviors, and improving motivation for HIV preventative behaviors and PrEP adherence. Objective: The goal of this project was to develop and test a cutting-edge, engaging, and entertaining app/gaming intervention for improving adherence to PrEP and building HIV prevention knowledge, skills, and behavior. Methods: This study was conducted in two phases. In the developmental phase, we conducted qualitative interviews with young MSM (n=20) to guide the development of the gaming intervention. In the randomized controlled trial, we tested the preliminary efficacy of the gaming intervention compared to a comparison condition among young MSM. Subjects were recruited from the University of Mississippi Medical Center HIV/STI testing clinics (n=60). Results: Institutional review board approval was received in February 2015. Research activities began in June 2015 and are still ongoing. Conclusions: This app/gaming intervention aimed to improve PrEP adherence and HIV preventative behaviors in young MSM. Engaging young MSM in learning information, practicing behaviors, and improving motivation for increased adherence to PrEP has the potential to decrease HIV seroconversion. It is important to develop interventions that are enjoyable, engaging, and easily incorporated into clinical settings. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov RCT02611362; https://tinyurl.com/y65gkuwr
Eddies connect the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico

Numerical circulation modeling and observational studies have been conducted to understand the Loop Current (LC) system behaviors in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). One of the factors that may influence ...
CheckFreq: Frequent, Fine-Grained DNN Checkpointing.

Training Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) is a resource-hungry and time-consuming task. During training, the model per-forms computation at the GPU to learn weights, repeatedly, over several epochs. The learned weights reside in GPU memory, and are occasionally checkpointed (written to persistent storage) for fault-tolerance. Traditionally, model parameters are checkpointed at epoch boundaries; for modern deep net-works, an epoch runs for several hours. An interruption to the training job due to preemption, node failure, or process failure, therefore results in the loss of several hours worth of GPU work on recovery. We present CheckFreq, an automatic, fine-grained check-pointing framework that (1) algorithmically determines the checkpointing frequency at the granularity of iterations using systematic online profiling, (2) dynamically tunes check-pointing frequency at runtime to bound the checkpointing overhead using adaptive rate tuning, (3) maintains the training data invariant of using each item in the dataset exactly once per epoch by checkpointing data loader state using a light-weight resumable iterator, and (4) carefully pipelines checkpointing with computation to reduce the checkpoint cost by introducing two-phase checkpointing. Our experiments on a variety of models, storage backends, and GPU generations show that CheckFreq can reduce the recovery time from hours to seconds while bounding the runtime overhead within 3.5%.
Next - Location Prediction Using Federated Learning on a Blockchain

Mobile devices are a rich source of sensitive location data. In this paper, we propose a method for harnessing this data to provide better location predictions without sacrificing the privacy of the users generating this data. To this end, we propose utilizing Federated Learning to train locally on a user's mobile device, while simultaneously identifying and combatting the possibility of bad actors or adversaries that may deliberately report problematic data to hurt the training process. Furthermore, we propose using a blockchain instead of a centralized server for the training process, to ensure that the process is secure.
Compost applications increase bacterial community diversity in the apple rhizosphere

Cornell University-College of Agriculture and Life Science; Virginia Agricultural Council; Virginia Apple Research Program; Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station; School of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Importance of Broad Temperature Windows and Multiple Rheological Approaches for Probing Viscoelasticity and Entropic Elasticity in Vitrimers

Model polydimethylsiloxane telechelic vitrimers with dynamic boronic ester bonds were synthesized to investigate the viscoelastic properties of dynamic networks with extremely low Tg via multiple rheological approaches. Frequency sweeps and stress relaxation tests, conducted at more than 120 °C above Tg, show the anticipated Arrhenius behavior of relaxation time with inverse temperature and give the same activation energy for a fixed molecular weight, obtained using a variety of analysis methods. Time–temperature superposition demonstrates that the flow regime is thermorheologically simple, while the modulus of the plateau regime increases with increasing temperature, consistent with a conserved network topology and associative bond exchange. As relaxation times decrease, the rubbery plateau modulus increases, indicating a decoupling of terminal dynamics from mechanics. Below 40 °C, a second Arrhenius regime with lower activation energy emerges, which is attributed to a transition from relaxation dominated by reaction exchange kinetics to relaxation dictated by local polymer dynamics. Our work points to the importance of assessing a broad temperature window and using multiple approaches in probing vitrimers and dynamic networks.
A study on women entrepreneurship, problems, and prospects in the state of Karnataka

Women entrepreneurs are becoming a frightening force to be reckoned with in the corporate world, and they are not only in it for the money, but also to satisfy their creative urges and demonstrate their abilities. Educated women are playing an increasingly important role in societal transformation, and more women will be entering into previously male-dominated fields in the future. Many women today have built their own economies, or entrepreneurial empires, and are now dominating their world as they desire. With increasing sensitivity to women's position and economic standing in society, the hidden entrepreneurial potentials of women have been gradually altering.
Micro-state-based neural decoding of speech categorization using Bayesian non-parametrics

Understanding the many-to-many mapping between patterns of functional brain connectivity and discrete behavioral responses is critical for speech-language processing. We present a microstate-based analysis of EEG recordings to characterize spatio-temporal dynamics of neural activities that underly rapid speech categorization decisions. We implemented a data driven approach using Bayesian non-parametrics to capture the mapping between EEG and the speed of listeners phoneme identification [i.e., response time (RT)] during speech labeling tasks. Based on our empirical analyses, we show task-relevant events such as resting-state, stimulus coding, auditory-perceptual object (category) formation, and response selection can be explained using patterns of micro-state dwell-time and are decodable as unique time segments during speech perception. State-dependent activities localize to a fronto-temporo-parietal circuit (superior temporal, supramarginal, inferior frontal gyri) exposing a core decision brain network (DN) underlying rapid speech categorization. Furthermore, RTs were inversely proportional to the frequency of state transitions, such that the rate of change between brain microstates was higher for trials with slower compared to faster RTs. Our findings imply that during rapid speech perception, higher uncertainty producing prolonged RTs (slower decision-making) is associated with staying in the DN longer compared lower RTs (faster decisions). We also show that listeners perceptual RTs are highly sensitive to individual differences. Our computational method opens a new avenue in segmentation and dynamic brain connectivity for modeling neuroimaging data and understanding task-related cognitive events.
Character theory of finite groups

Algebras, modules, and representations Group representations and characters Characters and integrality Products of characters Induced characters Normal subgroups T.I. sets and exceptional characters Brauer's theorem Changing the field The Schur index Projective representations Character degrees Character correspondence Linear groups Changing the characteristic Some character tables Bibliographic notes References Index.
Lightweight Cellular Metals with High Structural Efficiency

This paper will provide an overview of the available types of lightweight cellular metals, their production methods, and their performance for various structural applications. Lightweight cellular metals are low-density materials with multifunctional attributes that make them appealing for numerous uses, including thermal and acoustic insulation, energy absorption (crash protection), lightweight structural sandwich panels (as the core material), and vibration damping devices. Cellular metals are especially efficient for structural applications as they provide a high stiffness-to-weight ratio when loaded in bending. Additionally, their damping capacity is up to a factor of ten larger than that of solid metals. Cellular metals are made by a range of novel processing techniques and are available as stochastic foams (closed- and open-cell), hollow-sphere foams, periodic and optimized truss structures, and honeycombs.
The case for civil forfeiture: Why in Rem proceedings are an essential tool for recovering the proceeds of crime

Purpose – The paper is intended to illustrate the reasons why a legislature contemplating the enactment of a set of comprehensive asset forfeiture statutes to enhance the State's ability to recover the proceeds of crime should include provisions relating to in rem civil forfeiture.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the law‐enforcement situations in which civil forfeiture statutes are essential to the State's ability to recover the proceeds of crime.Findings – The paper concludes that in personam criminal forfeiture statutes, which authorize a court to impose forfeiture as an element of the defendant's sentence in a criminal case, are inadequate, by themselves, to allow the State to recover criminal proceeds, and that in rem civil forfeiture provisions must be included in a legislative scheme for it to be fully effective.Practical implications – The paper is intended to be of practical value and national legislatures in countries attempting to modernize the law‐enforcement tolls available to t...
Elastic properties of human posterior eye.

This study examines the elastic properties of the human posterior retina, choroid, and sclera. Twenty-four human eyes from 30- to 74-year-old donors were obtained from an eye bank. Vertically and horizontally oriented tissue strips of the retina, choroid, and sclera (ideally n = 12 in each group) were harvested from the posterior eyes. Their thicknesses were estimated optically. The samples were stretched at 1 mm/s in 37°C saline. Stress and strain were obtained from the mechanical tests, and then the transition stress, transition strain, toe modulus, and heel modulus were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed for comparison between groups. Linear regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between the mechanical parameters and age. We found that the stress–strain relationship of the retina, choroid, and sclera were nonlinear. Except for the retinal transition strain (p = 0.0124), no statistical difference was found between the vertical and horizontal meridian in the mechanical parameters (p > 0.05). Furthermore, weak relationship was observed between some of the mechanical parameters and the donors' age. Our results suggest that there is significant anisotropy in the retina, and mechanical properties of each layer may change with age. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2001–2007, 2014.
Overexpression of archaeal proteins in Escherichia coli

Six archaeal proteins containing a high number of Escherichia coli rare codons in their genes were not well expressed in E. coli. These genes showed a five to twenty-fold increase in production when expressed in the presence of a plasmid harboring and expressing the argU and ileX genes encoding rare tRNAs (tRNA arg(de)AGA/AGG and tRNA ile(de)AUA. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998
Goodness of Fit

The term goodness of fit is used to demonstrate the degree of compatibility between an individual's temperament and his or her environment. When an individual's temperament and other characteristics match up to the demands and expectations of the environment, goodness of fit results; consonance associated with this goodness of fit is conducive to an individual's optimal development. Conversely, when an individual's temperament and other characteristics do not match up with environmental demands and expectations, poorness of fit can result; the dissonance that occurs as a result of this poorness of fit can lead to stunted or disordered development and maladjustment. Keywords: child development; parenting
Rights-Based Theories of Accident Law

This article shows that extant rights-based theories of accident law contain a gaping hole. They inadequately address the following question: What justifies using community standards to assign accident costs in tort law?In the United States, the jury determines negligence for accidental harm by asking whether the defendant met the objective reasonable person standard. However, what determines the content of the reasonable person standard is enigmatic. Some tort theorists say that the content is filled out by juries using cost benefit analysis while others say that juries apply community norms and conventions. I demonstrate that what is missing from this exchange is a theory that adequately justifies using a particular way of filling out the content of the objective reasonable person standard. Rights-based theories are particularly guilty of ignoring what I call the central normative concern. That concern is what criterion should determine the amount of precaution an individual must use to avoid being justifiably assigned others’ accident costs. To identify this problem I focus on rights-based theories of accident law.After showing how several rights-based theories of accident law inadequately address the central normative concern, I briefly outline a theory of assigning accident costs that has the potential for offering the best answer to the central normative concern. The most important aspect of this theory, called democratic community standard theory, is that it provides a justification for using community standards to adjudicate tort claims. This justification employs Kantian political theory based on how free and equal individuals would choose to assign accident costs.
Anodic Oxidation Pathways of Carbazoles I . Carbazole and N‐Substituted Derivatives

Electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques have been employed in elucidating the anodic oxidation pathways of carbazole and several N‐substituted derivatives. For carbazole and the N‐alkyl or N‐aryl derivatives, ring‐ring coupling is the predominant decay pathway of the carbazole cations; the coupling rates are extremely rapid. N‐N coupling is observed initially for carbazole, but in long‐time electrolysis it is of little consequence. The oxidation products have been synthesized by chemical means and compared with the species formed electrochemically by matching of cyclic polarograms and visible absorption spectra. Molecular orbital calculations give a qualitative picture of active sites with regard to follow‐up coupling reactions in the carbazole series. N‐vinyl, N‐acetyl, N‐benzoyl, and N‐nitroso carbazole were investigated briefly but found to be extremely complicated.
Egyptian Revolution of 2011 and the Power of Its Slogans: A Critical Discourse Analysis Study

Egypt, the most populated country in the Arab world, erupted in mass protests in January 2011 against the oppressive rule of President Hosni Mubarak. Protesters all over Egypt in general and in Tahrir Square in Cairo wanted Mubarak to leave. Protesters used different dialects, languages, and modes to get their message across. After 18 days of angry protests and after losing the support of the military and the US, Mubarak finally understood the message and resigned on Feb. 11, ending almost 30 years of dictatorial rule. This article builds on studies in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and its implementation of interdisciplinarity to investigate the slogans―fixed expressions, usually chosen carefully by organizers and activists, which are often chanted by political groups and protestors at demonstrations that were used during the Egyptian revolution in late January and February 2011. Moreover, the article shows how CDA―through embracing text as a dialogue and site for interaction, social goods and social languages, interpersonal relations and discourse, multimodality, and intertextuality can help to produce theoretically sound interpretation that is appropriate for the analysis of how Egyptians used the power of language through these slogans to empower themselves, challenge their government, and overthrow the former president Hosni Mubarak.
Ziprasidone in the treatment of mania in bipolar disorder

Ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic with a unique receptor-binding profile. Currently, ziprasidone is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the acute treatment of psychosis in schizophrenia and mania in bipolar disorder. When compared to certain other atypical antipsychotics, ziprasidone appears to have a relatively benign side effect profile, especially as regards metabolic effects eg, weight gain, serum lipid elevations and glucose dysregulation. Taken together, these data suggest that ziprasidone may be a first line treatment for patients with bipolar mania. However, ziprasidone is a relatively new medication for which adverse events after long-term use and/or in vulnerable patient populations must be studied. Unstudied areas of particular importance include the efficacy and safety of ziprasidone in the treatment of bipolar depression and relapse prevention of mania as, well as in the subpopulations of pregnant women, the elderly and pediatric patients. The emergence of mania in patients taking ziprasidone is another topic for further study.