cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knickpoint formation, rapid propagation, and landscape response following coastal cliff retreat at the last interglacial sea-level highstand: Kaua'i, Hawai'i

Upstream knickpoint propagation is an important mechanism for channel incision, and it communicates changes in climate, sea level, and tectonics throughout a landscape. Few studies have directly measured the long-term rate of knickpoint retreat, however, and the mechanisms for knickpoint initiation are debated. Here, we use cosmogenic ^3He exposure dating to document the retreat rate of a waterfall in Ka’ula’ula Valley, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, an often-used site for knickpoint-erosion modeling. Cosmogenic exposure ages of abandoned surfaces are oldest near the coast (120 ka) and systematically decrease with upstream distance toward the waterfall (<10 ka), suggesting that the waterfall migrated nearly 4 km over the past 120 k.y. at an average rate of 33 mm/yr. Upstream of the knickpoint, cosmogenic nuclide concentrations in the channel are approximately uniform and indicate steady-state vertical erosion at a rate of ∼0.03 mm/yr. Field observations and topographic analysis suggest that waterfall retreat is dominated by block toppling, with sediment transport below the waterfall actively occurring by debris flows. Knickpoint initiation was previously attributed to a submarine landslide ca. 4 Ma; however, our dating results, bathymetric analysis, and landscape-evolution modeling support knickpoint generation by wave-induced sea-cliff erosion during the last interglacial sea-level highstand ca. 120–130 ka. We illustrate that knickpoint generation during sea-level highstands, as opposed to the typical case of sea-level fall, is an important relief-generating mechanism on stable or subsiding steep coasts, and likely drives transient pulses of significant sediment flux.
Informational and Interactional Functions of Slogans and Sayings in the Discourse of a Support Group

This article investigates repetition in institutional discourse by describing the multiple functions of the repeated use of slogans and sayings in the discourse of a support group for parents of children with disabilities. The repetition of slogans and sayings serves both informational and interactional functions: slogans and sayings serve the informational functions of disseminating information and a perspective on that information, and they serve the interactional functions of establishing solidarity among participants and managing the complicated floor of a group meeting.
Copula Duration, Insemination, and Sperm Allocation in Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae)

ABSTRACT The juxtaposition and functional relationship of the sperm storage organs in Anastrepha ludens (Loew) is described. The spermatheca squash technique has been used to determine mated status in tephritid fruit flies, and thus as a measure of compatibility and coverage for sterile insect technique programs. Female A. ludens have four seminal storage organs: three spermathecae and a ventral receptacle. By interrupting coitus at set intervals, it is shown that the ventral receptacle fills first and after 15–30 min the spermathecae begin to fill. Among wild captured flies, all mature (gravid) females had semen in the ventral receptacle, but only 40 – 60% had sperm in at least one spermatheca. Therefore, examination of the ventral receptacle rather than the spermathecae alone is the more reliable method for determining mated status.
MULTIPERFORATE SEPTA IN LICHENS

SUMMARY Ascomycetes usually have only one pore in the hyphal septum. This paper reports the first observation of multiperforate septa in lichen fungi using the electron microscope. Multi-perforate septa are reported in Peltigera, Peltula and Hydrothyria. The extra pores probably facilitate intercellular transport of nutrients and water within the thallus. Previous reports of multiperforate septa in other lichen genera using the light microscope need to be verified by electron microscope studies.
A factor-analytic study of items to measure forethought development in children and adolescents

To construct a preliminary scale to measure forethought development in children and adolescents, a pool of items that were thought to reflect the dimensions of forethought suggested by the existing literature was generated. A group of 300 boys and girls, ranging in age from 3 to 14 years, responded to this set of items. On the basis of factor-analytic results, a 41-item forethought scale was developed. This scale is thought to measure three factors of forethought development: remote-future time comprehension, real-time consequences, and important future events. Reliability and validity measures will need to be obtained to confirm these findings. Together with the existing literature, our data suggest that future research should take into account the multidimensional nature of forethought development and focus on determing other predictors of this ability.
Transformation Electromagnetics: An Overview of the Theory and Applications

The recently introduced transformation-electromagnetics techniques provide a new methodology for designing devices that possess novel wave-material interaction properties. They are based on the form invariance of Maxwell's equations under coordinate transformations. These methods provide an extremely versatile set of design tools that employ spatial-coordinate transformations, where the compression and dilation of space in different coordinate directions are interpreted as appropriate scalings of the material parameters. The most famous transformation-optics device is the cloak of invisibility. However, a wide variety of other devices are also possible, such as field concentrators, polarization rotators, beam splitters, beam collimators, and flat lenses. In this paper, an overview of transformation-electromagnetics device design techniques is presented. The paper begins by introducing the underlying design principle behind transformation electromagnetics. Several novel transformation-based device designs are then summarized, starting with electromagnetic cloaks that have spherical shell or cylindrical annular shapes, More general cloaking designs of noncircular annular geometries are treated, and the application of cloaking to RF/microwave antenna shielding is also discussed. Following this, device designs that employ transformations that have discontinuities .on the domain boundary are presented. Unlike those used for cloaks, this type of transformation is capable of modifying the fields outside of the device. Examples of this type of transformation-electromagnetics device are presented, which include flat near-field and far-field focusing lenses, wave collimators for embedded sources (e.g., antennas), polarization splitters and rotators, and right-angle beam benders.
Development of a Gas-Phase Chemiluminescence System for the Measurement of Arsenic in Drinking Water

A simple gas-phase chemiluminescence (GPCL) technique has been developed for routine measurement of inorganic arsenic in water samples. The internal hydrogen pressure generated in the cell was used to reproducibly transfer arsine into a chemiluminescence (CL) reaction cell to react with ozone. This instrument setup reduces a major component from the system and reduces cost. The technique is optimized and calibrated from 0–300 μg L−1 (ppb) of total inorganic arsenic with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.4 μg L−1 and a sample throughput of 20 samples per hour without sampling automation. The technique is validated against HGAFS, ICPAES, ASV, and arsenic kit using certified standards and extensively used for groundwater sample analysis. The response of the instrument was mathematically modeled for a better understanding of the analytical process.
Simulation and Optimization of the Dual Lithium Ion Insertion Cell

The galvanostatic charge and discharge of a dual lithium ion insertion (rocking‐chair) cell are modeled. Transport in the electrolyte is described with concentrated solution theory. Insertion of lithium into and out of the active electrode material is simulated using superposition, greatly simplifying the numerical calculations. Simulation results are presented for the cell, and these results are compared with experimental data from the literature. Criteria are established to assess the importance of diffusion in the solid matrix and of transport in the electrolytic solution. Various procedures to optimize the utilization of active material are considered. Simulation results for the dual lithium ion insertion cell are compared with those for a cell with a solid lithium negative electrode.
HABITAT SEGREGATION IN TWO SISTER TAXA OF HYLID TREEFROGS

One of the basic tenets of ecological niche theory is that closely-related, ecologically similar species do not coexist. When such species co-occur over large portions of their geographic ranges, they often are segregated by habitat. The objective of this study was to evaluate experimentally the roles of abiotic habitat characteristics and competition in the habitat segregation of two sister taxa of Hylid treefrogs. These species co-occur throughout the southeastern United States, but Hyla cinerea typically breeds in permanent ponds, while H. gratiosa breeds in temporary ponds. I conducted a reciprocal transplant experiment using enclosures in natural ponds to compare survival, larval period, and size at metamorphosis for both species in temporary and permanent ponds. While the overall survival of H. cinerea was higher than H. gratiosa and survival varied among localities, there were no significant distinctions in survival between temporary and permanent ponds. Hyla cinerea tadpoles had longer larval peri...
Cell nonautonomous activation of flavin-containing monooxygenase promotes longevity and health span

Stabilization of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) increases life span and health span in nematodes through an unknown mechanism. We report that neuronal stabilization of HIF-1 mediates these effects in Caenorhabditis elegans through a cell nonautonomous signal to the intestine, which results in activation of the xenobiotic detoxification enzyme flavin-containing monooxygenase-2 (FMO-2). This prolongevity signal requires the serotonin biosynthetic enzyme TPH-1 in neurons and the serotonin receptor SER-7 in the intestine. Intestinal FMO-2 is also activated by dietary restriction (DR) and is necessary for DR-mediated life-span extension, which suggests that this enzyme represents a point of convergence for two distinct longevity pathways. FMOs are conserved in eukaryotes and induced by multiple life span–extending interventions in mice, which suggests that these enzymes may play a critical role in promoting health and longevity across phyla.
Glucagon as a potential therapy for ketosis and fatty liver.

Fatty liver and ketosis are metabolic disorders affecting high-producing dairy cows in early lactation. Estimates on the incidence of ketosis in dairy cows range from 4% to 5% clinically to 15% to 20% subclinically. Fatty liver is a hidden disorder occurring in the "crossroad" of metabolism. Fatty liver precedes ketosis and is accompanied by other physiologic disturbances. Glucagon is examined as a potential agent for the treatment and prevention of fatty liver and ketosis in dairy cows.
DOES OPTION THEORY HOLD FOR MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL CONTRACTS

We test whether option theory indicated by the Black–Scholes formula is consistent with contract negotiations between teams and players in Major League Baseball (MLB). Teams use contract options in order to obtain the right to buy a player's services for an extra year when negotiating multiple year contracts. These options are similar to European call options, and should reduce the risk of buying volatile assets (players with high variation in performance). In this paper, we model the decision to buy an option (include an option year in the contract) and whether to exercise the option (pay the option salary in the option year versus buying out the option). The results indicate that the behavior of MLB teams is consistent with standard option theory both in terms of buying and exercising options. The sample is the complete population of free agent hitters who signed new contracts between the years 2003 and 2011. We were unable to find any published literature that has addressed this issue. (JEL ZO, H3)
Assessment of Prokaryotic Biological Activity at the Single‐Cell Level by Combining Microautoradiography and Fluorescence in situ Hybridization

The assessment of prokaryotic metabolic function in situ is challenged by the complexity of natural microbial communities, by the lack of information about the genetics of most environmental microbes, and the fact most prokaryotes are yet uncultured. Techniques that measure activity at the single cell level and simultaneously allow for taxonomic identification, despite being labor intensive, provide a window into a world once known only as the microbial black box. In this chapter, three of such approaches that combine microautoradiography with FISH are explored, with a focus on Substrate-Tracking Auto-Radiography Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (STARFISH). The technical aspects of the protocols were summarized for a better understanding of the applications, their strengths and limitations. These techniques can quantitatively interrogate whether organisms of interest can metabolize particular substrates without the need of cultivation. Examples of various applications are presented. Advancement in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies has quickly generated large amount of microbial genomic information. Techniques like STARFISH can be applied to validate in silico genetic predictions of microbial metabolic function.
Superconducting homopolar motor and conductor development

The U.S. Navy has been developing superconducting homopolar motors for ship applications since 1969; a successful at-sea demonstration of the first motor, using NbTi wire for the magnet, was achieved in the early 1980s. Recently, this same motor was used as a test bed to demonstrate progress in high-critical-temperature superconducting magnet technology using bismuth-strontium- calcium-copper-oxide (BSCCO) compounds. In the fall of 1995, this motor achieved a performance of 124 kW operating at a temperature of 4.2 K and 91 kW while operating at 28 K. Future tests are scheduled using new magnets with conductors of both the 2223 and the 2212 BSCCO phases. This article describes the advantages of superconducting propulsion and recent progress in the development of BSCCO conductors for use in Navy power systems.
Reestablishing the internal “Thou” in testimony of trauma

At the very core of the extreme traumatic experience (for example, genocide or childhood sexual abuse) is the obliteration of the internalized, empathic communicative dyad. Just as the executioner does not heed the pleas for life and relentlessly proceeds with the execution, the internal “Thou,” the addressee with whom inner dialogue takes place – a prerequisite to symbolization and to internal world representation – ceases to exist. Without that internal dialogue, psychic representation of the traumatic experience cannot exist and narrative cannot be formed to relate it to another. Therefore, to a large extent, the witness “does not know” what she knows of her experience of extremity. It is only through the testimonial process, in the company of an intimate, totally present listener, that the lost internal “Thou” can begin to be reestablished and the process of internal dialogue, symbolization, and narrative formation can resume. A memory is thus created that can be both related and forgotten. The (video) testimonial intervention described here has a therapeutic effect by both creating a remembered past and freeing up the emotional space for present living. Trauma discourse is replete with failed attempts at narrativization of trauma, ranging from momentary lapses, through dissociative states, to total muteness. Examples of such “crises of witnessing” will be given.
Quantitation and characterization of human platelet alpha-adrenergic receptors using [3H]phentolamine.

The binding of [3H]phentolamine to human platelet membranes was studied, and this ligand was found to bind to a single class of noncooperative sites with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 12 ± 3 nM. At saturation, 0.165 ± 0.060 pmoles were bound per mg protein, and each platelet was noted to possess 260 ± 95 binding sites. [3H]phentolamine binding was rapid (t1/2 norepinephrine > isoproterenol and propranolol (1 µM) did not inhibit [3H]phentolamine binding. These observations indicate that [3H]phentolamine binds to sites having the characteristics of α-adrenergic receptors. Dihydroergocryptine was also noted to cause time and concentration-dependent inhibition of [3H]phentolamine binding. Comparison of these data to those previously reported using [3H]dihydroergocryptine as the binding probe (Newman, K. D., Williams, L. T., Bishopric, N. H. et al. J. Clin. Invest. 61: 395-402, 1978; Alexander, R. W., Cooper, B. and Handin, R. I. J. Clin. Invest. 61, 1136-1144, 1978) suggests that both [3H]phentolamine and [3H]dihydroergocryptine interact with the same binding sites. Dopamine and serotonin were found to inhibit [3H]phentolamine binding (Kd 1.9 and 15.1 mM respectively) indicating either that phentolamine can bind to receptors for dopamine and serotonin or these ligands bind to the platelet α-receptor. The binding of [3H]phentolamine to platelet membranes was not altered when GTP (0.01 mM) was present, but the nucleotide caused a tenfold shift in the inhibition curve for epinephrine, indicating that epinephrine was less avidly bound in the presence of GTP.
Study on Technology of Electroless Ni-P Alloy Plating on Aluminum Substrate

Pretreatment technology for electroless plating on aluminum substrate was improved.Electroless Ni-P alloy plating was conducted immediately after a special acid pickling step for the aluminum substrate,and a bright,smooth and good adhesion Ni-P alloy coating was obtained on the aluminum substrate.A technological process for electroless Ni-P alloy plating on aluminum substrate was established through experiments.Effect of various factors on deposition rate of the coating was discussed as well.
Concurrent Permafrost Aggradation and Degradation Induced by Forest Clearing, Central Alaska, U.S.A.

Temporal variations in the annual depth of the active layer above permafrost reflect changing thermal and hydrological conditions that can occur at local and regional spatial scales. Among the most important local factors responsible for permafrost maintenance in the discontinuous and sporadic permafrost zones is a surficial layer of peat which, when dry, acts as a superb thermal insulator. The impact of this organic layer on the local soil energy balance is exemplified at a site near Fairbanks, Alaska. The natural cover of spruce trees and moss were cleared by bulldozing to prepare for land development, and the debris deposited in a number of large piles on the same property. This action resulted in permafrost degradation and development of thermokarst in the 12.7-ha cleared area within several years. In adjacent undisturbed regions, permafrost is encountered 0.4 to 0.5 m below the surface in late summer, but cannot be detected to depths of 1.2 m in the cleared section. Concurrently, permafrost underlying the debris piles was protected and has aggraded about 1.0 m upward into the core of a trenched mound. This study highlights the sensitivity of permafrost in this environment to anthropogenic surficial change.
An Initiative Study on the Epitaphs Unearthed from Zhu's Tombs in the Xiejiafen in Shihu Lake Scenic Spot, Suzhou, Jiangsu

Many of the earthen mounds scattered in the countryside of Suzhou are family cemeteries dating back to the Han through Ming and Qing dynasties. Xiejiafen is one of them housing 30 tombs dating to the Han through Ming and Qing. The epitaphs unearthed from these tombs contain information on the tomb owners' life stories, hometowns, professions, and families as well as the name change of the villages and places and indicate the historical changes of the Zhu family from the Song, Yuan to Ming dynasties. These epitaphs provide substantial materials for the study of the local history of Suzhou.
Wave Pipelining using Self Reset Logic

A novel design approach combining Wave Pipelining and Self Reset Logic provides an elegant solution at high speed data throughput with significant savings in power and area as compared with other dynamic CMOS Logic implementations.
A Randomized Trial Comparing Cardiac Rehabilitation to Standard of Care for Adults With Congenital Heart Disease.

Background:Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves exercise capacity and quality of life while reducing mortality in adults with acquired heart disease. Cardiac rehabilitation has not been extensively...
Review: Adjunctive pharmacologic approaches for benzodiazepine tapers.

Abstract Background Many patients require discontinuation of benzodiazepines due to a reduction in drug efficacy over time, the development of a sedative use disorder, or unwanted side effects. Benzodiazepine discontinuation can pose a significant challenge for prescribing clinicians due to potential withdrawal symptoms and a recurrence of psychiatric complaints. Methods A PubMed literature search was conducted using the medical subject heading of benzodiazepines in combination with the following key words: discontinuation, withdrawal, detoxification, cessation, dependence, addiction, substance use disorders, or long term. Twenty-one studies met the search criteria. Results Few medications facilitated the successful discontinuation of benzodiazepines or relief from benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. Conclusions Studies were heterogeneous with respect to sample selection, sample size, and outcome measures. Medications targeting insomnia yielded mixed results. Similarly, studies of agents targeting anxiety symptoms demonstrated inconsistent findings in the reduction of anxiety, improvement in withdrawal symptoms, or enhancement of benzodiazepine completion rates. Anticonvulsants have supporting evidence from small case reports; carbamazepine shows some potential in assisting taper completion and reducing withdrawal severity. These conclusions should be considered in light of a number of inconsistencies across studies in the literature. The results of this review article highlight the need for additional research on optimal strategies for facilitating successful benzodiazepine tapers.
4 – Post-deposition grain growth in metallic films

Abstract: This chapter reviews normal and abnormal grain growth and gives a brief description of how grain size is measured in experiments. Grain growth characteristics are examined by bringing together a large body of grain size data for Al and Cu films, in addition to data for the distribution of grain sides and other topology and topology-geometry metrics. The experimental data are used to evidence stagnation of grain growth and to arrive at a universal experimental grain size distribution. This universal distribution deviates from the distribution obtained in two-dimensional simulations of grain growth with isotropic boundary energy in two notable regions termed the ‘ear’ and the ‘tail’. In seeking the cause of the observed differences between experiment and simulation, the impact of surface and elastic strain energy, anisotropy of grain boundary energy, grain boundary grooving, impurity drag, and triple junction drag are examined.
Variability of Statistics in Generalizability Theory

Estimates of variance components, error variances, generalizability coefficients, and so on, like all statistics, are subject to sampling variability. Traditionally, such variability is quantified through estimated standard errors and/or confidence intervals. Cronbach et al. (1972) recognized the importance of this topic for generalizability analyses and gave it more than passing attention, although at that time statistical methodologies for addressing the topic were limited. Subsequently, in the generalizability theory literature, Smith (1978, 1982) considered standard errors of estimated variance components, Brennan (1992a) summarized some procedures for establishing standard errors and confidence intervals, Brennan et al. (1987) considered bootstrap and jackknife procedures, Betebenner (1998) examined a relatively new procedure for establishing confidence intervals, Wiley (2000) studied the bootstrap, and Gao and Brennan (2001) provided examples from the performance assessment literature.
Aggregate Forecasting with Dissaggregate Travel Demand Models using Normally Available Data

Disaggregate travel choice models have been extensively developed in recent years (CRA, 1972; PMM, 1973; Ben-Akiva, 1973; Richards and Ben- Akiva, 1974; Lerman and Ben-Akiva, 1975; and others). Their development has contributed to the refinement of theories of travel behavior through improved identification of explanatory variables and their relative influence on travel choice behavior. This paper is concerned with the application of disaggregate models to obtain predictions of aggregate travel flows required for transportation systems analysis and planning. In this context prediction is the final step in a sequence of activities which include model development, estimation and prediction (Figure 1). The flow diagram in Figure 1 calls for the use of a prediction procedure which obtains the desired aggregate predictions based on predicted input data and the estimated disaggregate model. The objective of this paper is to identify prediction procedures for use with disaggregate models which (1) use commonly available data or additional data which can be obtained easily, (2) are computationally inexpensive, and (3) provide relatively accurate travel predictions.
Prevalence of proteinuria in urologic patients.

e16075Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is classified according to cause, glomerular filtratrion rate (GFR), and proteinuria. In the urology clinic, patients might be expected to more common...
Strength and toughness anisotropy in hexagonal boron nitride: An atomistic picture

Strength and toughness are two crucial mechanical properties of a solid that determine its ability to function reliably without undergoing failure in extreme conditions. While hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is known to be elastically isotropic in the linear regime of mechanical deformation, its directional response to extreme mechanical loading remains less understood. Here, using a combination of density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that strength and crack nucleation toughness of pristine hBN are strongly anisotropic and chirality dependent. They vary nonlinearly with the chirality of the lattice under symmetry breaking deformation, and the anisotropic behavior is retained over a large temperature range with a decreasing trend at higher temperatures. An atomistic analysis reveals that bond deformation and associated distortion of electron density are nonuniform in the nonlinear regime of mechanical deformation, irrespective of the loading direction. This nonuniformity forms the physical basis for the observed anisotropy under static conditions, whereas reduction in nonuniformity and thermal softening reduce anisotropy at higher temperatures. The chirality-dependent anisotropic effects are well predicted by inverse cubic polynomials.
The Two Cultures: The place of humanities research in leadership studies:

This article explains why leadership is a natural part of the humanities. It compares and contrasts the research methods and types of knowledge that we get from the humanities with those of the soc...
The role of academic mentors for Latino/a adolescents exposed to community violence

AIMS We examined the protective role of academic mentors for Latino/a youth exposed to community violence. We tested whether the mentor facilitation of positive growth and mentor school involvement moderated the relations between exposure to violence and Latino/a youth's educational values, school effort, and academic efficacy. METHODS We used hierarchical linear regressions to examine these relations among 210 Latino/a high school students. RESULTS Witnessing violence and personal victimization was negatively related to all three educational outcomes. Mentor school involvement was positively related to all three educational outcomes, whereas mentor facilitation of growth was positively related to educational values only. A significant interaction between witnessing violence and mentor school involvement indicated that the negative relation between witnessing violence and educational values weakened at high levels of mentor school involvement. CONCLUSION We discuss the benefits of academic mentoring and exploring effective mentoring characteristics with Latino/a youth exposed to violence.
Convective Radio Frequency Thermal Therapy for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Single Office Experience with 255 Patients over 4 Years

AbstractIntroduction:Convective radio frequency thermal therapy with the Rezūm® system is a relatively new treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia with proven short-term durability. We report an...
Integrating Treatment for Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

Given the high co-occurrence between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and mental health conditions (MHCs), and the increased morbidity associated with the presence of co-occurring disorders, it is important that co-occurring disorders be identified and both disorders addressed in integrated treatment. Tremendous heterogeneity exists among individuals with co-occurring conditions, and factors related to both AUD and MHCs, including symptom type and acuity, illness severity, the chronicity of symptoms, and recovery capital, should be considered when recommending treatment interventions. This article reviews the prevalence of co-occurring AUD and MHCs, screening tools to identify individuals with symptoms of AUD and MHCs, and subsequent assessment of co-occurring disorders. Types of integrated treatment and current challenges to integrate treatment for co-occurring disorders effectively are reviewed. Innovative uses of technology to improve education on co-occurring disorders and treatment delivery are also discussed. Systemic challenges exist to providing integrated treatment in all treatment settings, and continued research is needed to determine ways to improve access to treatment.
Reactions O 16 (d, p), (d, α), and (d, d) in the Energy Range 3.4 to 4.2 Mev

Cross sections and angular distributions are given for the ($d, p$), ($d, \ensuremath{\alpha}$), and ($d, d$) reactions on ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ in the deuteron energy range 3.4 to 4.2 Mev.
A Rademacher Complexity Based Method for Controlling Power and Confidence Level in Adaptive Statistical Analysis

While standard statistical inference techniques and machine learning generalization bounds assume that tests are run on data selected independently of the hypotheses, practical data analysis and machine learning are usually iterative and adaptive processes where the same holdout data is often used for testing a sequence of hypotheses (or models), which may each depend on the outcome of the previous tests on the same data. In this work, we present RADABOUND a rigorous, efficient and practical procedure for controlling the generalization error when using a holdout sample for multiple adaptive testing. Our solution is based on a new application of the Rademacher Complexity generalization bounds, adapted to dependent tests. We demonstrate the statistical power and practicality of our method through extensive simulations and comparisons to alternative approaches. In particular, we show that our rigorous solution is a substantially more powerful and efficient than the differential privacy based approach proposed in Dwork et al. [1]–[3].
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury as a Predictor of Classes of Youth Internalizing and Externalizing Psychopathology

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is a developing public health problem. Evidence suggests that youth who suffer a mTBI experience worse outcomes than similar adults. However, the structure of long-term symptoms associated with mTBI is not well understood. The current study aims to determine if classes of youth psychopathology can be predicted by mTBI status. The current study analyzed a large sample of children and adolescents from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (n = 2978) to examine trajectories of psychopathologies. Using data from the Achenbach Childhood Behavior Checklist, latent classes of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology were identified. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine if mTBI predicted class membership, while controlling for a number of variables associated with psychopathology. The results of the current study suggest that mTBI may be an important transdiagnostic risk factor associated with developmental patterns of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology.
Dose-Area Product-to-Effective Dose Conversion Coefficients for Pelvic Radiography Using a Monte Carlo Program.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine dose-area product–to–effective dose (DAP/E) conversion coefficients for a five-view pelvic radiograph series. DAP/E conversion coefficients may...
Might Nature be Canadian?: Essays on Mutual Accommodation: by William A. Macdonald, Montreal and Kingston, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2020, 432 pp., CAN $37.95 (cloth), ISBN 978-0-2280-0145-4

Might Nature be Canadian? has 22 chapters divided into four topical sections. It also includes a Foreword, divided into two parts, as well a Preface. It concludes with an Epilogue, which is followe...
Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction Listed for Lung Re-Transplant

Purpose Chronic lung allograft dysfunction(CLAD) is the barrier to improve long term outcome of lung transplantation. This study aims to examine prevalence and characteristics of patients with CLAD who were listed for lung re-transplant. Methods This is a retrospective observational study. Adult patients (>18 YO) listed for lung re-transplant due to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome(BOS) or restrictive allograft syndrome(RAS) were identified from SRTR database. Numerical data were reported in mean and standard deviation. Categorical data were reported in count and percent. T-test and Chi-square test were performed to compare 2 groups. Results 1546 adult CLAD patients were included. 85.51% of these patients have BOS phenotype. Mean age was 42.79. There was no significant difference in age, mPAP, history of smoking, previous malignancy, or pan-resistant infection between BOS and RAS groups. Oxygen requirement at listing time was significantly higher in RAS group (5.64±6.33 vs 2.93±3.31, p Conclusion RAS patients have worse clinical condition at listing time compared to BOS patients. They required higher FO2 supplement and have higher LAS. More proportion of patients with RAS received re-transplant compared to patients with BOS which reflects the above findings.
Abstract 2109: The bromodomain-containing protein ATAD2 promotes GR-mediated enzalutamide resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the activity of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is orchestrated to drive the development of enzalutamide resistance in metastatic, castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Enzalutamide (Enz) is the second-generation antagonist of the androgen receptor, the fuel for the development and progression of prostate cancer. Even though enzalutamide is an effective and well-tolerated treatment in a broad spectrum of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer, almost all the patients become resistant to the drug eventually. One of the plausible mechanisms to account for the development of enzalutamide resistance is the activation of GR signaling. Upon Enz treatment, GR is upregulated, binds to the cis-regulatory elements of some AR target genes, activates the transcription of these downstream genes and thus circumvents the inhibitory effect of the AR antagonist on prostate cancer cell growth. Unfortunately, it is still unknown how GR-mediated enzalutamide resistance is controlled. Recently, a group of epigenetic regulators, bromodomain (BRD)-containing proteins, have been indicated to promote prostate cancer progression. They function as AR cofactors and dictate the transcriptional activity of the nuclear receptor in response to different ligands. Our prior work found that one of the BRD family members, called ATAD2, plays an essential role in orchestration of GR signaling in the presence of enzalutamide. ATAD2 is significantly elevated upon GR activation and positively regulates GR expression in return. Coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated that ATAD2 binds to GR in enzalutamide-resistant CRPC cells, and it is required for the GR-dependent transcriptional reprogramming in the presence of Enz. Most importantly, we demonstrated that CRPC cells that are Enz-refractory due to the activation of GR signaling become Enz sensitive when ATAD2 is depleted All these findings suggest that ATAD2 acts as a cofactor for GR to induce a gene expression pattern that results in Enz-refractory phenotype in CRPC cells. Our work will not only provide an in-depth insight into the mechanisms underlying enzalutamide resistance, but also lay the foundation for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling to treat this lethal disease. Citation Format: Richard De La Rosa. The bromodomain-containing protein ATAD2 promotes GR-mediated enzalutamide resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2109.
NDR based threshold logic fabric with memristive synapses

In recent years, many researchers have proposed the usage of molecular scale devices exhibiting negative differential resistance (NDR) in the realization of programmable logic circuitry. This paper deals with the utilization of one such system built from NDR based circuitry, specifically the Goto pair, in the implementation of a programmable threshold logic array (PTLA). Furthermore, the PTLA considered here uses memristors exhibiting multiple levels of resistance to provide weighted inputs to each threshold gate. Circuit level considerations for the Goto pair to be implemented as part of PTLA are discussed. An image classification application is also implemented using the proposed PTLA and simulated for functionality and performance using Cadence Spectre.
Structural biology and phylogenetic estimation

When reconstructing evolutionary trees from DNA sequences, it is often assumed that increasing the amount of sequence will improve the phylogenetic estimate1,2. This is based on the notion that historical ‘signal’ will rise above misleading ‘noise’ as more sequence is gathered. Our analysis of mitochondrial genomes fails to support this assumption, but suggests a way to select objectively for data with maximum ‘signal-to-noise’ potential.
Teachers' technological readiness for online professional development: evidence from the US e-Learning for Educators initiative

Although online professional development (OPD) is recognised as a viable alternative to face-to-face professional development, there are some obstacles to the delivery of effective OPD. This study examines one such obstacle, teachers' technological readiness for OPD participation. In particular, this study examines six research questions regarding the technological readiness of US elementary and secondary educators who participate in OPD. The data source was ‘e-Learning for Educators', a large-scale OPD initiative implemented between 2006 and 2011 in the US. The data show that this population of teachers, in general, report that they believe online professional development is as effective as face-to-face professional development; have easy access to the required technology; possess the required computer/technical skills; and perceive some of these skills to improve with course participation. Though these findings are largely favourable from the perspective of OPD stakeholders, this study also finds some v...
The Evolution of Employment Discrimination Law in the 1990s: A Preliminary Empirical Investigation

Two major pieces of employment discrimination legislation were passed in the early 1990s: the 1991 Civil Rights Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. Using some simple regression models, we examine the effects of this legislation on the volume, content, and outcomes of employment discrimination cases filed in federal courts. We find, first, that the volume of discrimination cases nearly doubled between 1992 and 1997, in contrast to a 10% decline during the previous 8 years, and despite a sharply falling unemployment rate that—in the past—would have substantially reduced the amount of litigation. We also observe a significant shift in the composition of suits filed, with race and age discrimination cases declining substantially as a share of the total and sex and disability discrimination cases increasing. We tie these developments, as well as changes in the relationship between plaintiff win rates and the business cycle, to changes in the law that diminish the importance of back-pay damages. We conclude by tentatively suggesting how the meaning of and protection afforded by employment discrimination law have changed over the past 35 years.
A novel approach to image enhancement using the generalized maximum likelihood criterion

The generalized maximum-likelihood algorithm is a powerful recursive scheme for waveform estimation. This algorithm uses the steepest descent algorithm, and tends toward the maximum likelihood estimate of the waveform. The convergence and sensitivity of this estimator as applied to a synthetic image are studied. This algorithm provides an excellent means of filtering and identifying objects hidden in high noise. Its effectiveness is largely dependent on two parameters, the original image's covariance function and the convergence coefficient. Paramount to good filtering is the covariance function. A large deviation of the estimated covariance function from its actual value will result in ambiguous object identification and a near monotone estimate. Simulation experiments to support the validity of the results are presented. >
Software for teaching electrical machines and electromagnetics for graduate and undergraduate courses

This paper presents an object-oriented software under development at the Electrical Engineering Department of PUCRS (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil). It is based on the finite element method and aims to support the teaching of electromagnetics and other related disciplines such as electrical machines, transformers and energy conversions. The paper also presents the basic structure and the main capabilities of the several modules of the software together with the major academic and learning expected results, which can be obtained using the software. Typical academic and practical cases where it can be applied are shown and commented upon.
The Contribution of Data to Advances in Research in International Trade: An Agenda for the Next Decade

Observations from new sources of data spawned at least two revolutions in research in international trade during the last several decades. Yet many sources of data remain inaccessible to researchers. The situation calls for both the gathering and dissemination of data and the construction of modeling frameworks that can link data of various types at different levels of aggregation. Applying such a framework to the appropriate data will link the aggregate outcomes that policy‐makers focus on with their implications for individual households and producers in the economy. Such an agenda has the potential to confront a wide range of issues. An important one is understanding the connections between the invention and international diffusion of technology and growth, employment, and welfare.
The beguines of medieval Paris: gender, patronage, and spiritual authority

Tanya Stabler Miller's The Beguines of Medieval Paris draws together the diverse strands of beguine scholarship that have emerged in recent years. It both highlights and contextualises the signific...
Controlled release of U-86983 from double-layer biodegradable matrices: effect of additives on release mechanism and kinetics

Abstract Effects of additives on the drug release kinetics from biodegradable matrices is an important determinant in designing a drug delivery system. These experiments introduced the influence of an array of additives on the drug release from double-layered poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) matrices. Various additives such as l -tartaric acid dimethyl ester (DMT), Pluronic® F127 (F127); 2-hydroxypropyl derivative of β-cyclodextrin (HPB), methyl derivative of β-cyclodextrin (MMB) and Beeswax (Wax), differing in molecular size, hydrophilicity and steric configuration were selected for this study. An antiproliferative 2-aminochromone, U-86983 (U-86, Pharmacia and Upjohn), was used as a model agent because of our interest in investigating local drug delivery systems for the inhibition of restenosis. The in vitro release of U-86 from PLGA matrices without additive showed a typical biphasic release kinetics, i.e. a slow diffusion release (Phase I) followed by a fast erosion-mediated release (Phase II). The water-soluble additives in PLGA matrices changed the biphasic release pattern to a near monophasic profile by increasing the release rate of the Phase I. Increasing the ratio of additives to PLGA in matrices causes a significant increase in the U-86 release rates. The high molecular weight water-soluble additive, Pluronic® F127, resulted in a matrix showing perfect zero-order release kinetics. The water-soluble cyclodextrin derivative, HPB, gave the highest release rate among all the matrices formulated. A hydrophobic additive, Beeswax, however showed biphasic release kinetics comparable to PLGA control matrices, but delayed the onset of the Phase II by 4 days. The U-86 release profiles were in good agreement with the mass loss profiles of these matrices except for the matrices with F127 and HPB additives. The morphologic evaluation of matrices using scanning electron microscopy indicates that the water-soluble additives are leachable and thus generate a highly porous structure in the matrices. The matrix pore configuration (e.g. interconnected or closed) created with different additives determined the mechanism of drug release kinetics from the various matrix formulations. In conclusion, the feasibility of modulating release rates and kinetics of an agent from PLGA monolithic matrices by utilizing various types of additives is demonstrated. Water-solubility, molecular size and steric configuration of the additives are the important determinants in generating various types of pore structures in polymer matrix which in turn affect the release mechanism and release kinetics.
Antigenic analysis of three strains of Mycoplasma meleagridis of varying pathogenicity

Three strains of Mycoplasma meleagridis of varying pathogenicity were characterized by conventional serologic methods and by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The three strains (RY-39A, MC-25B, and RY-39C) did not differ by cross agglutination, immunofluorescence and immunodiffusion tests. However, the strains differed in their protein patterns as determined by SDS-PAGE.