cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of growth cone pathfindiing

We have developed a quantitative model for growth cone guidance and migration in complex, biologically relevant environments. Our model has three main components: random growth cone migration, sampling of the growth cone's environment, and biased growth cone migration upon contact with a guidance cue. In this paper we present the development of our model and preliminary results. We plan to apply our model to simulate growth cone migration through a permissive pathway, an environment previously tested in vitro on micropatterned surfaces and observed in vivo during development. By manipulating the strength and arrangement of simulated guidance cues we will be able to infer how manipulation of the growth cone's environment affects the growth cone's ability to pathfind.
Sex difference in travel is concentrated in adolescence and tracks reproductive interests

Sexual selection theory suggests that the sex with a higher potential reproductive rate will compete more strongly for access to mates. Stronger intra-sexual competition for mates may explain why males travel more extensively than females in many terrestrial vertebrates. A male-bias in lifetime distance travelled is a purported human universal, although this claim is based primarily on anecdotes. Following sexual maturity, motivation to travel outside the natal territory may vary over the life course for both sexes. Here, we test whether travel behaviour among Tsimane forager–horticulturalists is associated with shifting reproductive priorities across the lifespan. Using structured interviews, we find that sex differences in travel peak during adolescence when men and women are most intensively searching for mates. Among married adults, we find that greater offspring dependency load is associated with reduced travel among women, but not men. Married men are more likely to travel alone than women, but only to the nearest market town and not to other Tsimane villages. We conclude that men's and women's travel behaviour reflects differential gains from mate search and parenting across the life course.
Multi-channel sensing with resonant microcavities coupled to a photonic crystal waveguide

We report on multiple resonant cavities coupled to a single photonic crystal waveguide operating as a multi-channel sensor. This device is characterized by as many dips in its transmission spectrum as there are cavities. Good reproducibility is observed between the spectrum of double-channel device and those of the single cavities. Infiltration of isopropanol in the holes leads to a red shift of the resonance wavelengths.
Treatment of Medicaid Patients with Asthma: Comparison with Treatment Guidelines Using Disease-Based Drug Utilization Review Methodology:

OBJECTIVE:To compare asthma drug therapy in the Iowa Medicaid population with international treatment guideline recommendations and relate differences to patient outcomes.METHODS:Data on asthma drug therapy and respiratory-related medical services (clinic visits, emergency visits, hospital admissions) were abstracted from prescription claims and diagnostic codes of adult Iowa Medicaid patients with asthma (n = 1029).RESULTS:About two-thirds of the population received a prescription for a short-acting β2-agonist during the study period. Patients with greater daily use of short-acting β2-agonists had more clinic visits (p = 0.004), likely related to illness severity. Almost one-third (29.3%) of 58 patients receiving a prescription of salmeterol did not receive the recommended prescription of a short-acting β2-agonist inhaler in the 6-month period. About one-half of patients who should have been prescribed inhaled corticosteroids according to the international guidelines did not receive such a prescription i...
Super-Exponential Convergence of the Karnik–Mendel Algorithms for Computing the Centroid of an Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Set

Computing the centroid of an interval T2 FS is an important operation in a type-2 fuzzy logic system (where it is called type-reduction), but it is also a potentially time-consuming operation. The Karnik-Mendel (KM) iterative algorithms are widely used for doing this. In this paper, we prove that these algorithms converge monotonically and super-exponentially fast. Both properties are highly desirable for iterative algorithms and explain why in practice the KM algorithms have been observed to converge very fast, thereby making them very practical to use
Paracrine Signaling between Carcinoma Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Generates Cancer Stem Cell Niche via Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition

Li and colleagues present data that cancer cell-derived interleukin-1 induces prostaglandin E(2) and cytokine secretion in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to activate β-catenin signaling in the cancer cell. This paracrine signaling between carcinoma cells and MSC leads to the creation of a cancer stem cell niche via epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Neonatal handling of Amazon parrots alters the stress response and immune function.

Abstract The influence of neonatal handling on behavior and immune function was assessed in Orange-winged Amazon parrots ( Amazona amazonica ). Chicks ( n =11) were gently handled daily from 25 days of age until 38 days post-fledging, while control chicks ( n =9) were not handled. At 10 days post-fledging (∼66 days of age), chicks were given tests to evaluate tameness (e.g., willingness to perch on an offered finger). They were then restrained for 10 min, either by being held while perching (handled group) or, because they would not perch, by being restrained in a towel (nonhandled group). Serum corticosterone levels were measured and immune status was assessed by: the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to phytohemagglutinin-P (PH-P) injection; the humoral response to a killed Newcastle disease virus (NDV) challenge; and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (H:L). Handled chicks were tamer by all measures of tameness. DTH was greater in nonhandled chicks ( P ≤0.002), as were serum corticosterone levels (Wilcoxon, P ≤0.05), while NDV antibody titers were possibly reduced ( P ≤0.09). H:L ratios did not differ. We conclude that handling conditioned the birds to be held in a manner that appeared not to be stressful. The greater DTH response of nonhandled chicks suggests that either their DTH response was enhanced by the acute stress of being restrained in a towel, and/or the DTH response of handled chicks was suppressed as a result of the repeated physiologic stress from handling during the neonatal period. In either event, handling produced marked differences in response to types of restraint that would be typically encountered in the husbandry of Amazons in captivity.
The MAP kinase signal transduction pathway is activated by the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide

Anandamide is an endogenous ligand for δ9-tetrahy-drocannabinol (THC) receptors. Incubation of cultured cells with anandamide or THC causes increased arachidonic acid release and eicosanoid biosynthesis. Here we demonstrate that the MAP kinase signal transduction pathway contributes to this response. Treatment of WI-38 fibroblasts with anandamide causes increased MAP kinase activity and increased phosphorylation of the arachidonate-specific cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). Significantly, MAP kinase phosphorylates and activates cPLA2 [Lin, et al., Cell, 72 (1993) 269–278]. The MAP kinase signal transduction pathway may therefore mediate the effects of anadamide on cPLA2 activation and arachidonic acid release.
Civil Society: Definitions and Descriptions

L'A. de cet article revient sur la notion et le sens de societe cvile existante aux Etats-Unis. A une epoque ou les termes d'engagement, citoyennete et democratie sont couramment employes et peu appliques, il definit la societe civile par rapport a la communaute, l'individu, le benevolat, le commerce et le gouvernement, et insiste sur la necessite d'etudier les interactions ainsi engendrees, et sur l'importance de l'enseignement de ces concepts au niveau superieur
An integrated approach to recovery and high availability in an updatable, distributed data warehouse

Any highly available data warehouse will use some form of data replication to tolerate machine failures. In this paper, we demonstrate that we can leverage this data redundancy to build an integrated approach to recovery and high availability. Our approach, called HARBOR, revives a crashed site by querying remote, online sites for missing updates and uses timestamps to determine which tuples need to be copied or updated. HARBOR does not require a stable log, recovers without quiescing the system, allows replicated data to be stored non-identically, and is simpler than a log-based recovery algorithm.We compare the runtime overhead and recovery performance of HARBOR to those of two-phase commit and ARIES, the gold standard for log-based recovery, on a three-node distributed database system. Our experiments demonstrate that HARBOR suffers lower runtime overhead, has recovery performance comparable to ARIES's, and can tolerate the fault of a worker and efficiently bring it back online.
Compensation of non-active current in power systems-definitions from compensation standpoint

Many definitions have been formulated to characterize, detect and measure active and nonactive current and power for nonsinusoidal and nonperiodic waveforms in electric power systems. This paper presents definitions and compensation of nonactive current from the compensation standpoint.
Effect of prism orientation on heading detection in optic flow

Recent studies of ambulatory behaviour indicate that people follow a curvilinear path when moving toward a target and wearing a prism. These results have been interpreted to indicate that heading judgments are based on moving toward a target not on optic flow. This interpretation assumes that if heading judgments were based on optic flow information they would not be altered by prism alignment. We tested this assumption. Thirteen observers made heading judgments using a relatively standard optic flow display. Observers were seated 50 cm from a display that subtended 44.6 arc deg in the horizontal dimension. The observers' task was to indicate if the focus of expansion (FoE) was to the right or left of centre. A double staircase was employed to determine right and left thresholds for the FoEs. Bias was the mean of the right and left thresholds. Precision was 1/2 the difference of the right and left thresholds. Observers repeated the judgments 3 times under 3 conditions: no prism and 2 prism conditions (15 ...
Photoperiodic Regulation of Ovine Spermatogenesis: Relationship to Serum Hormones

Serum concentrations of reproductive hormones and spermatogenesis were studied in rams exposed to either decreasing (group 1) or increasing (group 2) photoperiods. Six rams were assigned to each group in late February and maintained in individual pens throughout the study. Room temperature was kept at approximately 18#{176}C for both groups of rams. Light schedules were decreased or increased stepwise from a 12 h light:12 h dark photoperiod so that within 8 weeks, rams were exposed to either short days (8 h light:16 h dark photoperiod) or long days (16 h light:8 h dark photoperiod). Scrotal circumference (testis size) decreased (P<0.05)”s.lO% throughout the experiment in long day rams; however, after an initial decrease, scrotal circumference in short day rams increased (P<0.05)’\.’15%. When compared to long day rams, short day rams had 45% heavier (P<0.05) testes, 30% larger (P<0.01) seminiferous tubule diameters and produced nearly twice as many sperm. Histological examination of the germinal epithelium revealed that long days exerted deleterious effects at several points in spermatogenesis. The changes in sperm production of photoperiod-treated rams could be the result of changes in several endocrine systems. Short day rams were characterized by low concentrations of serum prolactin and elevated concentrations of serum testosterone, LII and FSH. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that testicular growth in rams exposed to short day lengths is a response to increased gonadotropin activity. The action of these gonadotropins may be direct on the germinal epithelium of the ram testis or may stimulate spermatogenesis indirectly by enhancing testosterone secretion in interstitial cells.
Kinesins with Extended Neck Linkers: A Chemomechanical Model for Variable-Length Stepping

We develop a stochastic model for variable-length stepping of kinesins engineered with extended neck linkers. This requires that we consider the separation in microtubule binding sites between the heads of the motor at the beginning of a step. We show that this separation is stationary and can be included in the calculation of standard experimental quantities. We also develop a corresponding matrix computational framework for conducting computer experiments. Our matrix approach is more efficient computationally than large-scale Monte Carlo simulation. This efficiency greatly eases sensitivity analysis, an important feature when there is considerable uncertainty in the physical parameters of the system. We demonstrate the application and effectiveness of our approach by showing that the worm-like chain model for the neck linker can explain recently published experimental data. While we have focused on a particular scenario for kinesins, these methods could also be applied to myosin and other processive motors.
Flushing Effect of Rain on Container-Inhabiting Mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)

We investigated the role of heavy rain on container-inhabiting mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) populations, and how different species may have adapted to such conditions. Rains were created with a rain simulator calibrated to natural rain intensities in the habitats of two important vector species: Aedes aegypti (L.) from northern Thailand and Culex pipiens L. from New York state, USA. Immature stages of Ae. aegypti were able to resist the flushing effect of rain better than Cx. pipiens. This difference was most dramatic during the pupal stage. Fourth instars of Ae. aegypti were not affected by flushing when exposed for longer rain intervals (30 versus 60 min) or at a colder water temperature (24 versus 16°C). In contrast, significantly more Cx. pipiens larvae flushed out with longer rain exposure. Warmer water temperatures also increased the proportion of Cx. pipiens flushed out, but mostly at the longest exposure time. Container position (tilted at a 7° angle or level) did not affect proportions of fourth instars flushed out for both species. More accurate models of vector-borne diseases can be developed by incorporating the described effects of rain on container-breeding mosquito populations. Such models may provide more realistic assessments of disease risk and ensure optimal use of limited financial resources of mosquito control agencies.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection and Typing of Rotaviruses in Fecal Specimens

A two-step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure was developed to identify groups A, B, and C rotavirus and to type human group A strains in fecal extracts. Sample preparation consisted of deproteinization and extraction of viral dsRNA, followed by purification by adsorption to hydroxyapatite. In a first step, viral RNA was reverse transcribed into cDNA copies and amplified by Taq polymerase, using group-specific primers in an individual or in a combined detection assay. The amplified DNAs were then used in a second PCR procedure for confirmation of group B or C rotavirus or identification of human group A serotypes 1-4, 8, and 9. Results were interpreted by examining PCR products after ethidium bromide staining of agarose gels for the lengths characteristic of the expected products. Subpicograms of template RNA were diagnosed directly in human and animal fecal specimens. In addition, large quantities of cDNA suitable for sequencing, cloning, and other techniques of molecular analysis were rapidly obtained from field isolates.
Some Remarks on Scaling Relations in Density Functional Theory

In wavefunction theory both kinetic and potential energy as functionals of wavefunction scale homogeneously; on the contrary in density functional theory, as previously shown [M. Levy and J. P. Perdew, Phys. Rev. A 32, 2010 (1985)], based on the constrained search definition the kinetic and potential energies dg not exhibit naively expected scaling properties, that is, \(T\left[ {{\rho _\lambda }} \right] \ne {\lambda ^2}T\left[ \rho \right]\) and Vee \(\left[ {\rho \lambda } \right] \ne \lambda Vee\left[ \rho \right]\), where \({\rho _\lambda } = {\lambda ^3}\rho \left( {\lambda \overrightarrow r } \right)\), the scalecl density. To preserve the naive scaling property, a new functional of \(\rho \left( {\overrightarrow r } \right)\) and X, \(\lambda ,F\left[ {\rho ,\lambda } \right]\) is defined as \(F\left[ {\rho \left( {\vec r} \right),\lambda } \right] = \langle U\left( \lambda \right)\phi _\rho ^{\min }\left( {{{\vec r}^N}} \right)|\,\hat T\left( {{{\vec r}^N}} \right)\, + \,\hat Vee\,\left( {{{\vec r}^N}} \right)|U\left( \lambda \right)\phi _\rho ^{\min }\left( {{{\vec r}^N}} \right)\rangle \), where \(U\left( \lambda \right)\phi _\rho ^{\min }\left( {{{\overrightarrow r }^N}} \right)\) is ghat anti symmetric N-particle wavefungtion which yieldi \({\rho _\lambda }\left( {\overrightarrow r } \right) = {\lambda ^3}\rho \left( {\lambda \overrightarrow r } \right)\) and minimizes \( \), and where \(U\left[ \lambda \right]\) is the unitary transformation that performs the scaling of wavefunction. Then the new variational principle for ground state energy \(E_{G.S}^V\) for potential \(V\left( {\overrightarrow r } \right)\) is proved to be \(E_{G.S}^v = _{\lambda ,\rho \left( {\overrightarrow r } \right)}^{\min }\{ \int {d\overrightarrow r } v{\left( {\overrightarrow r } \right)_{\rho \lambda }}\lambda \left( {\overrightarrow r } \right) + F\left[ {\rho \left( {\overrightarrow r } \right),\lambda } \right]\} \) This allows one to satisfy virial theorem and lower the energy by optimum scaling. Further it is demonstrated that \(F\left[ {{p_\lambda }} \right] = {\lambda ^2}{F_{1/\lambda }}\left[ \rho \right]\) where \({F_{1/\lambda }}\left[ \rho \right]\) is the Levy functional \(F\left[ \rho \right]\), except that the electron-electron interaction potential is multiplied by a factor of \(_{1/\lambda }\) in the definition. As results of such a relation, the correlation component of kinetic energy \({T_C}\left[ \rho \right]\) is related to a property of \(F\left[ {{\rho _\lambda }} \right]\) and a 1/Z expansion in density functional theory for atoms exists. This paper is based on a previous work [M. Levy, W. Yang and R. G. Parr, J. Chem. Phys. 83, 2334 (1985)].
Probing Electronic States and Dynamics in Graphene by Optical Spectroscopy

Graphene presents many distinctive optical properties that complement its attractive electronic and mechanical characteristics. We review some of the recent progress in understanding the electronic transitions and ultrafast dynamics in single and few-layer graphene crystals.
Dual-task training for balance and mobility in a person with severe traumatic brain injury: a case study.

Background and purpose Attentional impairments following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are common and can lead to decreased functional mobility and balance, as well as deficits in previously automatic movements such as walking and stair climbing. The purpose of this case study was to determine the feasibility and potential value of incorporating a cognitive-motor dual-task training program into physical therapy for a patient with a severe TBI. Case description The patient was a 26-year-old woman who sustained a severe TBI during a motor vehicle accident 46 days prior to physical therapy evaluation. On the 8-level Rancho Los Amigos Cognitive Function Scale, her functioning was classified as level IV. She had impairments in attention, functional mobility, and balance, all of which limited her ability to participate in activities of daily living. Intervention : Physical therapy was provided over 26 days within the inpatient rehabilitation setting. Interventions included mobility tasks such as walking, balancing, and stair climbing. Mobility training was paired with specific secondary cognitive and motor tasks. Outcomes Dual-task training may have contributed to improvements on outcome measures designed to test divided attention including the Walking While Talking Test and Trail Making Test and a greater rate of improvement in walking speed and time to descend stairs when compared to the baseline phase. Discussion Addition of cognitive-motor dual-task training to standard physical therapy in the inpatient rehabilitation setting appears to be feasible and may have value for improving function in individuals with severe TBI. Video abstract available (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A41) for more insights from the authors.
Water Quality Matters

The focus of most discussions on water-resources management is on the quantity of water available for various purposes, the infrastructure that carries that water, and the allocation of that water among users. This chapter focuses on the other important element in water resources, the quality of that water. In Central and South Asia generally, and Afghanistan specifically, the quality of water varies greatly, although in general water quality in the region is generally very poor. This chapter explores some of the larger themes of water quality, next examines the data available on water quality in Afghanistan and its neighbors. It ends with some policy recommendations on improving water quality.
Multi-factor insulation system functional tests

Insulation system characterization in industry, through work in IEEE and IEC, is evolving from thermal aging functional tests to multi-stress aging functional tests. The latter approach includes all significant aging factors, affecting the insulation systems of specific equipment, in the functional test programs. The technical basis for using these complex tests and considerations in designing and interpreting them are reviewed, based on the experience obtained in using multi-factor tests, to evaluate the insulation systems of medium-size turbine generators in the author's company. The relationship of these tests to single-factor functional and materials properties tests is discussed.
Abstract A030: Development of acid responsive microparticles for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte based antitumor immunotherapy

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) can have remarkable abilities to kill tumor cells. However, the establishment of successful CTL based anticancer therapy has met many challenges, which include 1) difficulties in generating highly functional CTLs targeting endogenous tumor associated CTL epitopes; 2) the existence of antigen-loss variant subpopulation within cancer cells, which fail to express the targeted antigen and can escape the immune pressure bestowed by the specific CTLs; and 3) the reduced expression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules on tumor cells due to immune editing. To address these difficulties, a new approach is developed to deliver foreign high affinity CTL epitopes to tumor tissues utilizing pH responsive “smart” microparticles (MPs). These MPs could encapsulate CTL peptide, release the peptide under acidic condition encountered in tumor tissues, and enhance CTL activation. Mice bearing existing solid tumor were administered intratumorally with MPs containing the CTL peptide, which showed 100% survival following the treatment. In contrast, all control mice died from tumor. Significant protection from tumor induced death was also observed with systemic administration of CTL peptide-MPs. The therapeutic efficacy can be attributed to enhanced delivery of the epitope to tumor tissues, presentation of the epitope by tumor cells as well as tumor stromal cells and/or generation of epitope specific CTLs by the peptide containing MPs. These findings offer a promising new direction for treating established solid tumor using CTL therapy. Citation Format: Xuefei Huang, Herbert Kavunja, Shuyao Lang, Suttipun Sungsuwan, Zhaojun Yin. Development of acid responsive microparticles for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte based antitumor immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; 2016 Sept 25-28; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A030.
Presence of Unfavorable Cytogenetic Abnormalities Is the Strongest Predictor of Poor Survival in Secondary Myelofibrosis.

Post-polycythemic (PPMM) and post-thrombocythemic (PTMM) myeloid metaplasia are consensually referred to as secondary myelofibrosis (sMF). Prognostic variables in sMF are not as well defined as they are for agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM). Such information is particularly crucial for management decisions in transplant-eligible patients. Accordingly, we examined the prognostic impact of several clinical and laboratory variables in 66 young patients (age The prognostic value of cytogenetics was independent of the Dupriez prognostic score (p=0.003). A similar analysis in a temporal cohort of 50 age-matched patients with AMM also identified unfavorable cytogenetics as an independent predictor of poor survival along with thrombocytopenia and anemia. The current study suggests an important prognostic role for cytogenetics in both de novo and secondary myelofibrosis.
The relationship between leadership style and nurse-to-nurse incivility: turning the lens inward

Aim The aim of this study was to examine the impact of leadership styles on the reported rates of lateral hostility in nurses. Background Previous explanations of horizontal incivility point to oppressed group behaviour and socialisation of nurses. Leadership and organisational culture are known to have a profound impact on workplace behaviour, yet few studies have examined the relationship between leadership style and nurse-to-nurse incivility. Methods A survey was used to assess the perceived levels of incivility and the leadership styles experienced by 237 participants defined as 'staff nurses'. Results Transformational leadership style had the strongest correlation with low levels of incivility. Staff input and leader/staff teamwork also influence staff incivility. Conclusions Leadership style is not a definitive factor of incivility, but leader behaviours impact the level of incivility between staff nurses. The relationship between leaders and staff and the empowerment of staff have the strongest impact on nurse incivility. Implications for nursing management The factors found to correlate with incivility in this study are under the influence of nurse leaders. Relationships and interpersonal dynamics must be attended to. Leaders can also instil the structures known to foster nurse empowerment, which are discussed.
Operationalising both sustainability and neo-liberalism in protected areas: implications from the USA's National Park Service's evolving experiences and challenges

ABSTRACTFollowing its 2013 Green Park Plan, the US National Park Service (NPS) has sought to achieve more sustainable operations at park level. However, a history of top-down governance, research aversion, contentious community relationships, and a move towards neoliberal governance has created numerous challenges to operationalising the sustainability agenda. Using comparative case study methodology, this paper approaches sustainability through a five-pillar framework that incorporates the economy, environment, society, good governance and sound science. Data from three very different parks, and from the newly formed Division of Climate Change and Sustainability at Park Headquarters, is presented. Using the National Mall in Washington, DC, Shenandoah in Virginia, and Big Bend in Texas, the paper highlights many successful sustainability initiatives. A number of serious problems remain, however, including lack of funding, the slow working budget cycle, the need for inter-park knowledge sharing, the need f...
The effect of self-management education following mild stroke: an exploratory randomized controlled trial.

AbstractBackground: Mild stroke comprises 53% of stroke hospital admissions; however, the majority of those with mild stroke patients receive little support to address chronic symptoms following stroke.Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effect of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) for use with individuals immediately post mild-stroke.Methods: Single-blind, exploratory, randomized controlled trial with participants who sustained a mild stroke (NIHSS <6). Participants were randomized to either receive the CDSMP intervention or to an inactive control group. Primary outcomes were self-reported health and self-efficacy and were obtained at baseline, post-intervention (treatment group only), and at six months post-baseline. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests were used to compare change score differences for all participants and effect size was computed using effect size r for non-parametric data.Results: There were no differences between groups in demographics or baseline data with...
Implementation of a space communications cognitive engine

Although communications-based cognitive engines have been proposed, very few have been implemented in a full system, especially in a space communications system. In this paper, we detail the implementation of a multi-objective reinforcement-learning algorithm and deep artificial neural networks for the use as a radio-resource-allocation controller. The modular software architecture presented encourages re-use and easy modification for trying different algorithms. Various trade studies involved with the system implementation and integration are discussed. These include the choice of software libraries that provide platform flexibility and promote reusability, choices regarding the deployment of this cognitive engine within a system architecture using the DVB-S2 standard and commercial hardware, and constraints placed on the cognitive engine caused by real-world radio constraints. The implemented radio-resource-allocation-management controller was then integrated with the larger space-ground system developed by NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC).
Simulating long-term human weight-loss dynamics in response to calorie restriction.

Background Mathematical models have been developed to predict body weight (BW) and composition changes in response to lifestyle interventions, but these models have not been adequately validated over the long term. Objective We compared mathematical models of human BW dynamics underlying 2 popular web-based weight-loss prediction tools, the National Institutes of Health Body Weight Planner (NIH BWP) and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center Weight Loss Predictor (PBRC WLP), with data from the 2-year Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) study. Design Mathematical models were initialized using baseline CALERIE data, and changes in body weight (ΔBW), fat mass (ΔFM), and energy expenditure (ΔEE) were simulated in response to time-varying changes in energy intake (ΔEI) objectively measured using the intake-balance method. No model parameters were adjusted from their previously published values. Results The PBRC WLP model simulated an exaggerated early decrease in EE in response to calorie restriction, resulting in substantial underestimation of the observed mean (95% CI) BW losses by 3.8 (3.5, 4.2) kg. The NIH WLP simulations were much closer to the data, with an overall mean ΔBW bias of -0.47 (-0.92, -0.015) kg. Linearized model analysis revealed that the main reason for the PBRC WLP model bias was a parameter value defining how spontaneous physical activity expenditure decreased with caloric restriction. Both models exhibited substantial variability in their ability to simulate individual results in response to calorie restriction. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrated that ΔEI measurement uncertainties were a major contributor to the individual variability in NIH BWP model simulations. Conclusions The NIH BWP outperformed the PBRC WLP and accurately simulated average weight-loss and energy balance dynamics in response to long-term calorie restriction. However, the substantial variability in the NIH BWP model predictions at the individual level suggests cautious interpretation of individual-level simulations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00427193.
Elucidating Structural Evolution of Perylene Diimide Aggregates Using Vibrational Spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Perylene diimides (PDIs) are a family of molecules that have potential applications to organic photovoltaics. These systems typically aggregate cofacially due to π-stacking interactions between the aromatic perylene cores. In this study, the structure and characteristics of aggregated N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (common name lumogen orange), a perylene diimide (PDI) with sterically bulky imide functional groups, were investigated using both experimental vibrational spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Samples of lumogen orange dispersed in chloroform exhibited complex aggregation behavior, as evidenced by the evolution of the FTIR spectrum over a period of several hours. While for many PDI systems with less bulky imide functional groups aggregation is dominated by π-stacking interactions between perylene cores, MD simulations of lumogen orange dimers indicated a second, more energetically favorable aggregate structure mediated by “edge-to-edge”...
A Review of Mara Hvistendahl's Unnatural Selection

This paper reviews Mara Hvistendahl’s book, Unnatural Selection: Choosing Boys Over Girls and the Consequences of a World Full of Men, and analyzes the effects of sex selection abortion towards gender imbalance.
Back to the Future: The Historical, Scientific, Naval, and Environmental Case for Fission Fusion

Abstract : It is proposed that a return to fission fusion, and especially the development of the thorium cycle could be a means to revitalize magnetic fusion research. This work analyzes recent history, attempts to find the reason magnetic fusion research is in the shape it is in, and argues that an embrace of the hybrid could improve its prospects. Then it analyzes recent Tokamak results, concluding that a research Tokamak reactor, which could generate significant amounts of nuclear fuel could be built now. Finally it discusses both whether the Navy could be involved, and the environmental issues.
Positive solutions of Schrödinger equations in two-dimensional exterior domains

Sufficient conditions for the existence of a positive solution to the semilinear Schrodinger equation Δu+f(x,u)=0 in a two-dimensional exterior domain are given.
Nucleation of spatiotemporal structures from defect turbulence in the two-dimensional complex Ginzburg-Landau equation

We numerically investigate nucleation processes in the transient dynamics of the two-dimensional complex Ginzburg-Landau equation toward its ``frozen'' state with quasistationary spiral structures. We study the transition kinetics from either the defect turbulence regime or random initial configurations to the frozen state with a well-defined low density of quasistationary topological defects. Nucleation events of spiral structures are monitored using the characteristic length between the emerging shock fronts. We study two distinct situations, namely when the system is quenched either far from the transition limit or near it. In the former deeply quenched case, the average nucleation time for different system sizes is measured over many independent realizations. We employ an extrapolation method as well as a phenomenological formula to account for and eliminate finite-size effects. The nonzero (dimensionless) barrier for the nucleation of single spiral droplets in the extrapolated infinite system size limit suggests that the transition to the frozen state is discontinuous. We also investigate the nucleation of spirals for systems that are quenched close to but beyond the crossover limit and of target waves which emerge if a specific spatial inhomogeneity is introduced. In either of these cases, we observe long, ``fat'' tails in the distribution of nucleation times, which also supports a discontinuous transition scenario.
Effects of Standing Waves on the Growth and Stabilityof Vapor Deposited Polymer Films

We demonstrate that liquid substrates can be agitated in situ via sound during vapor phase polymerization. The effects of standing waves on the growth of polymer films at the vapor–liquid interface were studied by depositing poly(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl acrylate) and poly(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl acrylate-co-ethylene glycol diacrylate) onto an agitated silicone oil lens. It was found that continuous polymer films could be formed by the addition of a cross-linker. We also tested the mechanical stability of the polymer films on agitated liquids and found that the robustness of the films increased with the addition of cross-linker and increasing film thickness.
Association between immigration status and anxiety, depression, and use of anxiolytic and antidepressant medications in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Abstract Purpose To investigate the association between undocumented immigration status and anxiety, depression and use of anxiolytic or antidepressant medications in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of data collected between 2014-2017. Participants were categorized as US-born citizens, naturalized citizens, documented non-citizens, or undocumented non-citizens. We calculated prevalence and prevalence ratios (PRs) for anxiety, depression and use of anxiolytic or antidepressant medication, by immigration status. Results Of 9,257 participants, 1403 (15%) were undocumented non-citizens, 2872 (31%) were documented non-citizens, 3766 (41%) were naturalized citizens, and 1216 (13%) were US-born citizens. Prevalence of anxiety was lower among undocumented compared to documented non-citizens (9 vs 15%, p Conclusions Undocumented non-citizens had similar likelihood of anxiety and depression, but lower likelihood of antidepressant use, compared to documented non-citizens. These results may reflect the resilience of an undocumented population facing multiple stressors but suggest that this group may be undertreated for depression.
Cognitive effort decreases beta, alpha, and theta coherence and ends afterdischarges in human brain.

Abstract Objective Mental activation has been reported to modify the occurrence of epileptiform activity. We studied its effect on afterdischarges. Method In 15 patients with implanted electrodes we presented cognitive tasks when afterdischarges occurred. We developed a wavelet cross-coherence function to analyze the electrocorticography before and after the tasks and compared findings when cognitive tasks did or did not result in afterdischarge termination. Six patients returned for functional MRI (fMRI) testing, using similar tasks. Results Cognitive tasks often could terminate afterdischarges when direct abortive stimulation could not. Wavelet cross-coherence analysis showed that, when afterdischarges stopped, there was decreased coherence throughout the brain in the 7.13–22.53 Hz frequency ranges (p values 0.008–0.034). This occurred a) regardless of whether an area activated on fMRI and b) regardless of whether there were afterdischarges in the area. Conclusions It is known that cognitive tasks can alter localized or network synchronization. Our results show that they can change activity throughout the brain. These changes in turn can terminate localized epileptiform activity. Significance Cognitive tasks result in diffuse brain changes that can modify focal brain activity. Combined with a seizure detection device, cognitive activation might provide a non-invasive method of terminating or modifying seizures.
Immunoproteomics Methods and Techniques

The varied landscape of the adaptive immune response is determined by the peptides presented by immune cells, derived from viral or microbial pathogens or cancerous cells. The study of immune biomarkers or antigens is not new, and classical methods such as agglutination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or Western blotting have been used for many years to study the immune response to vaccination or disease. However, in many of these traditional techniques, protein or peptide identification has often been the bottleneck. Recent progress in genomics and mass spectrometry have led to many of the rapid advances in proteomics approaches. Immunoproteomics describes a rapidly growing collection of approaches that have the common goal of identifying and measuring antigenic peptides or proteins. This includes gel-based, array-based, mass spectrometry-based, DNA-based, or in silico approaches. Immunoproteomics is yielding an understanding of disease and disease progression, vaccine candidates, and biomarkers. This review gives an overview of immunoproteomics and closely related technologies that are used to define the full set of protein antigens targeted by the immune system during disease.
Fuzzing: hack, art, and science

Fuzzing, or Fuzz Testing, is the process of finding security vulnerabilities in input-parsing code by repeatedly testing the parser with modified, or fuzzed, inputs.35 Since the early 2000s, fuzzing has become a mainstream practice in assessing software security. Thousands of security vulnerabilities have been found while fuzzing all kinds of software applications for processing documents, images, sounds, videos, network packets, Web pages, among others. These applications must deal with untrusted inputs encoded in complex data formats. For example, the Microsoft Windows operating system supports over 360 file formats and includes millions of lines of code just to handle all of these.
Office Procedures for Pain

Office procedures for pain can be a good option to help patients with various musculoskeletal issues that cause pain and functional impairment. The indication for an in-office pain procedure is to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. These procedures can be considered in an acute or chronic pain situation and can be applied to different areas, including the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and myofascia. Obtaining a good history, performing a thorough physical examination, and getting appropriate imaging are all important in the decision-making process for an in-office procedure. Just as important as knowing when to consider an in-office procedure, it is critical to understand when an office procedure is contraindicated. The most common medication used for these injections is corticosteroid; however, other injectable agents, including botulinum toxin, platelet-rich plasma, and hyperosmolar dextrose, are being considered as other possible options for injection therapy. If performed in the appropriate situation, an in-office procedure can be helpful in improving a patient’s mobility and quality of life.
Caveat Usor: Surveillance Capitalism as Epistemic Inequality

Epistemic rights are the cause of which privacy is the effect. The wholesale destruction of privacy during the first two decades of the digital century is the consequence of the unilateral nullification of elemental epistemic rights, as the leading surveillance capitalist corporations established unrivaled dominance over the totality of the world’s information now rendered in digital format. This political and human rights contest has been obfuscated to the point of invisibility, despite the fact that its outcome will define the moral and political milieu of our information civilization. The distribution of epistemic rights determines the degree of epistemic inequality, defined as unequal access to learning imposed by hidden mechanisms of information capture, production, analysis, and control. It is best exemplified in the fast-growing abyss between what people can know and what can be known about them. This new axis of social inequality does not reflect what we can earn but rather what we can learn. It represents a focal shift in social ordering from ownership of “the means of production” to ownership of “the production of meaning,” from the division of labor to the division of learning. Asymmetries of knowledge feed the progress of instrumentarian power as exclusive knowledge is translated through the networked layer of digital instrumentation to produce new capabilities of behavioral actuation at scale – influencing, tuning, herding, and modifying human behavior toward others’ commercial -- and political-- ends. The division of learning is both the ascendant principle of social order in the twenty-first century and already hostage to surveillance capital’s privileged position, empowered by its self-authorized ownership of human-generated data and its exclusive command of analysis and prediction capabilities. The result: Caveat usor. These conditions are best understood as the unauthorized privatization of the division of learning in society. Just as Durkheim warned of the subversion of the division of labor by the powerful forces of industrial capital a century ago, today’s successful prosecution of information warfare by surveillance capital against citizen-users exerts private power over the definitive principle of social order in our time. Epistemic inequality is the signature deformation of this epoch, as the pathologies of the division of learning infect society and undermine democracy. How do surveillance capitalists defend their dominance? What responses are required? Finally, the citizens’ paradox: Democracy is the ultimate target of this epistemic poison and its only antidote.
Culturally Responsive Debugging: a Method to Support Cultural Experts’ Early Engagement with Code

Despite the value that cultural experts bring to efforts to broaden the participation of racially minoritized youth in US computer science, there has been little research on supporting their knowledge of computing. This is a missed opportunity to explore the diffusion of computing knowledge across local community contexts where underrepresented youth of color spend time. To address this gap, we present one strategy for promoting cultural experts’ early engagement with code, culturally responsive debugging: using culturally situated expertise and knowledge to debug code. We analyzed qualitative data from a professional development workshop for cultural experts to evaluate this strategy. Our findings have implications for broadening participation efforts and supporting non-programmers’ knowledge of code.