cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
L($$d$$d,1)-labelings of the edge-path-replacement by factorization of graphs

For an integer $$d \ge 2$$d?2, an $$L(d$$L(d,1)-labeling of a graph $$G$$G is a function $$f$$f from its vertex set to the non-negative integers such that $${\vert }f(x) - f(y){\vert } \ge d$$|f(x)?f(y)|?d if vertices $$x$$x and $$y$$y are adjacent, and $${\vert }f(x) - f(y){\vert } \ge $$|f(x)?f(y)|? 1 if $$x$$x and $$y$$y are at distance two. The minimum span over all the L($$d$$d,1)-labelings of $$G$$G is denoted by $$\lambda _{d}(G)$$?d(G). For a given integer $$k \ge 2$$k?2, the edge-path-replacement of$$G$$G or $$G(P_{k})$$G(Pk) is the graph obtained from $$G$$G by replacing each edge with a path $$P_{k}$$Pk on $$k$$k vertices. We show that the edges of $$G$$G can be colored with $$\lceil \varDelta (G)/2\rceil $$?Δ(G)/2? colors so that each monochromatic subgraph has maximum degree at most 2 and use this fact to establish general upper bounds on $$\lambda _{d}(G(P_{k}))$$?d(G(Pk)) for $$k \ge 4$$k?4. As a corollary, we settle the following conjecture by Lu (J Comb Optim, 2012): for any graph $$G$$G with $$\varDelta (G) \ge $$Δ(G)? 2, $$\lambda _{2}(G(P_{4})) \le \varDelta (G)$$?2(G(P4))≤Δ(G) + 2. Moreover, $$\lambda _{2}(G(P_{4})) = \varDelta (G) + 1$$?2(G(P4))=Δ(G)+1 when $$\varDelta (G)$$Δ(G) is even and different from 2. We also show that the class of graphs $$G(P_{k})$$G(Pk) with $$k \ge $$k? 4 satisfies a conjecture by Havet and Yu (2008 Discrete Math 308:498---513) in the related area of ($$d,1$$d,1)-total labeling of graphs.
Multimodal joint visual attention model for natural human-robot interaction in domestic environments

In this paper, we introduce a non-verbal multimodal joint visual attention model for human-robot interaction in household scenarios. Our model combines the bottom-up saliency and depth-based segmentation with the top-down cues such as pointing and gaze to detect the objects of interest according to the user. For generation of the top-down saliency maps, we have introduced novel methods for object saliency, based on the pointing direction as well as the gaze direction. For gaze estimation, a hybrid model has been introduced which automatically selects keypoint-based matching or back-projection based on the textureness of the object model. The combination of different cues ensures reliable object detection and interaction independent of the relative position between the user, robot and objects. Extensive experiments show good detection results in different interaction scenarios as well as in challenging environmental conditions.
Mapping the genes for haloperidol-induced catalepsy.

The strain means for haloperidol-induced catalepsy were determined in the 26 strain BXD recombinant inbred series. The ED50 values ranged from 0.55 mg/kg (strain 30) to 7.9 mg/kg (strain 2). Heritability for the catalepsy response was 0.78 and the number of effective loci was estimated to be four. The strain means were correlated with the strain distribution patterns for 1300 marker loci of known chromosomal location and polymorphic between the C57Bl/6J and DBA/2J strains. Six quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified at P < .01. Two of the six QTLs were confirmed in a sample of B6XD2 F2 animals (n = 144), phenotyped for haloperidol response and genotyped for microsatellites closely linked to the QTLs. The confirmed QTL on chromosome 4 is near the b locus. The confirmed QTL on chromosome 9 is closely linked to Drd2, the D2 dopamine receptor gene. One hundred of the F2 individuals were phenotyped for D2 dopamine receptor binding using the ligand [125I] epidepride as the ligand. Consistent with previous results, the nonresponsive F2 individuals showed modestly higher receptor binding in all brain regions examined: the nucleus accumbens core, the nucleus accumbens shell, the lateral caudate putamen, the dorsomedial caudate putamen, the substantia nigra zona compacta and the ventral tegmental area. The DBA/2J allele of the chromosome 9 QTL was associated with higher receptor binding in all brain areas except the ventral tegmental area. Overall, the data illustrate that either near or part of Drd2 is a QTL which has significant effects on both haloperidol response and D2 dopamine receptor binding. However, the data also illustrate that most of the genetic variance in either haloperidol response or D2 dopamine receptor binding is not associated with Drd2.
Risk Assessment Modeling

Risk assessment models relate actions to their probable consequences. Ideally, a prospective risk assessment model should identify the potential consequences of alternative risk management actions and quantify their probabilities if each action is taken. In addition, a thorough quantitative risk assessment (QRA) must characterize uncertainty about these probabilistic predictions and their sensitivities to different assumptions and modeling choices. Predictions of probable consequences and their uncertainties provide the crucial information needed to make well-informed choices among different actions.
Beta decay of /sup 15/C

The spectrum of ..gamma.. rays following the ..beta.. decay of /sup 15/C, produced in the /sup 13/C(t,p)/sup 15/C reaction, has been studied with a 50-cm/sup 3/ Ge(Li) detector. Allowed ..beta..-ray branches to all available /sup 15/N excited states known to have J/sup ..pi../ = 1/2/sup +/ or 3/2/sup +/ were measured including a branch to the 8571-keV state not reported previously. A value of 2.449 +- 0.005 sec was obtained for the /sup 15/C half-life by multiscaling ..beta.. rays detected in a plastic scintillator. The experimental /sup 15/C ..beta..-ray transition rates are compared with theoretical calculations.
Frequency Domain Investigation of Passively Mode-Locked Lasers with Intra-cavity Frequency Conversion

A simple and versatile frequency-domain description of the dynamics of the multimode laser incorporating intra-cavity nonlinear elements for both mode-locking and frequency conversion has been developed. Results of the numerical modeling show that incorporation of nonlinear frequency-conversion element can drastically affect the dynamics of mode-locking.
Differential expression of transforming growth factor-beta receptors in rat kidney development.

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is strongly expressed during embryogenesis and in sites undergoing intense development and morphogenesis. Two receptor serine/threonine kinases (types I and II) have been identified as signal-transducing TGF-beta receptors. This study was undertaken to further explore the role of the distinct TGF-beta receptors during kidney development. The species-specific sequence information for the two T beta R-I, namely, activin receptor-like kinase-5 (ALK-5) and Tsk7L, in the rat was sought. Two full-length T beta R-I cDNAs were cloned from a neonatal rat kidney and lung libraries, and sequencing revealed that they were the rat homologs of human ALK-5 and murine Tsk7L. Both types I and II TGF-beta receptors are expressed in the kidney as determined by Northern blot analysis. T beta R-II mRNA abundance was significantly greater in the neonatal rat kidney compared with the adult rat kidney. Similarly, ALK-5 mRNA was more highly expressed in the fetal and neonatal rat kid...
Index of Suspicion in The NurseryCase 1: Lethargy, Stiffening, and Poor Feeding of Term Infant at 2½ Days of AgeCase 2: A Macrosomic Term Infant with Low Blood Glucose

A 2½-day-old full term infant born by induced vaginal delivery to a 33-year-old G1P1 female with an uncomplicated pregnancy presents to the emergency department because of feeding refusal and severe apnea. She is found to have severe hypoglycemia and dehydration, but despite resuscitative efforts dies. Before presentation, at home the infant spit up yellow mucus-like material and had several episodes described as “lethargy” with stiffening of the legs. Appropriately vigorous at birth (Apgar scores of 9 at both 1 and 5 minutes), the infant received an initial feeding at the breast at 1 to 2 hours after birth. However, during the mother and infant's hospital stay, subsequent feedings were erratic with markedly decreased interest in feeding and decreased vigor noted in the nursery. A sepsis evaluation in the nursery was negative. Tests including a second newborn screen and urine organic acids were sent to the lab and the infant went home with results pending. A 39-week, 4.4-kg, male infant born to a 29-year-old primigravida woman with unremarkable serologies is admitted to the special care nursery due to tachypnea and persistent hypoglycemia. The pregnancy was complicated by fetal macrosomia, although the mother had a normal 1-hour glucose tolerance test. Delivery was complicated by fetal macrosomia requiring primary C-section and thick meconium at the time of artificial rupture of membranes. The patient cried at the abdomen and did not require further resuscitation. Blood sugar checked at 15 minutes after birth due to macrosomia was 43 and a repeat at 30 minutes after birth was 33. The patient was given oral formula with repeat dextrostix of 30 at 1 hour of age, prompting admission to nursery for intravenous dextrose administration and further evaluation. Admission weight is 4,470 g (>90%), length 56 cm (>90%), and head circumference 38 cm (>90%). Examination showed tachypnea with …
Headings, Previews, Logical Connectives: Effects on Reading Comprehension

Cet article presente les effets des tetes de chapitres (des titres), des exposes preliminaires et des plans avec suites logiques sur les lecteurs et leur niveau de comprehension de la prose technique. On analyse tour a tour l'efficacite de ces techniques d'expose
Quantum Gravity Gradiometer for Sub-Surface Imaging

Gravity gradiometers based on atom-wave interferometry hold the promise for increased sensitivity, and suitability for space applications. This capability will significantly advance our knowledge of solid Earth and the oceans, as well as other solar system planets and their moons. The quantum interferometer gravity gradiometer is based on atom-wave interferometry, and is intrinsically more sensitive than laser interferometers, because of the finite mass of the atom and the shorter de Broglie wavelengths associated with atom waves. Recent advances in laser cooling and trapping have made quantum interferometer applications practical. In this paper the principle of the operation of the quantum gravity gradiometer will first be described, together with the progress in its development to date. Estimates for the performance, and projections for the sensitivity will also be presented, together with potential applications to gravity science. Over the past few years advanced in laser cooling has brought about a significant progress towards realization of ultra-high sensitivity gravity gradiometers based on atom wave (matter wave) interferometry. These instruments represent a powerful potential for sensitive measurements of the components of the gravity gradient tensor from space to provide access to three-dimensional maps of geophysical structures deep below the surface. The exquisite sensitivity associated with atom-wave interferometry holds a great promise for new gravity mapping and monitoring capabilities - higher measurement sensitivity, finer spatial resolution, and, most importantly, temporal monitoring. This implies measurement opportunities for the Earth Observing System to develop comprehensive models for the understanding of the planetary inner structure and dynamics, changes in ice sheets and ocean currents, changes in underground water storage, and weather, earthquake, and volcano prediction capabilities. In this paper, we will review briefly the principles of the quantum gravity gradiometer and its advantages in the space environment. We will then describe our laboratory experiment and report some of the component development work towards a space-borne system. Gravity gradiometers based on atom interferometers are currently under development at the Jet propulsion Laboratory under NASA sponsorship.
Signet Ring Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate

Abstract A 77-year-old white man died of infiltrating prostatic adenocarcinoma. There was local and widespread metastatic disease. Microscopic examination of the primary and metastatic lesions revealed a tumor comprised predominantly of signet ring cells. To date, this feature has not been described in the English literature.
Human in vitro fertilization and the law

Physicians who intend to perform in vitro fertilization—or the newer alternative, in vivo fertilization and embryo transfer—should be aware of the plethora of laws that potentially cover their work. In perhaps no other area of medicine are there so many separate statutes and regulations that potentially apply. State fetal research laws, abortion statutes, human subject protection laws, and specific in vitro fertilization statutes can determine whether and how the procedure can be undertaken. When donor gametes or a surrogate carrier is used, additional laws governing artificial insemination, paternity, or adoption may come into play to determine the child's legal status and its relationship to the parties involved. This article is designed to guide physicians through the legal maze.
The Trisulcate Petrosal Pattern of Mammals

New facts about the roots of major adaptive radiations have an obvious interest for students of evolution, but the beginnings of the great radiation of the Class Mammalia have a special significance in this dedicatory volume.
A Robust IRIS Segmentation Procedure for Unconstrained Subject Presentation

Iris as a biometric, is the most reliable with respect to performance. However, this reliability is a function of the ideality of the data, therefore a robust segmentation algorithm is required to handle non-ideal data. In this paper, a segmentation methodology is proposed that utilizes shape, intensity, and location information that is intrinsic to the pupil/iris. The virtue of this methodology lies in its capability to reliably segment non-ideal imagery that is simultaneously affected with such factors as specular reflection, blur, lighting variation, and off-angle images. We demonstrate the robustness of our segmentation methodology by evaluating ideal and non-ideal datasets, namely CASIA, Iris Challenge Evaluation (ICE) data, WVU, and WVU Off-angle. Furthermore, we compare our performance to that of Camus and Wildes, and Libor Masek's algorithms. We demonstrate an increase in segmentation performance of 7.02%, 8.16%, 20.84%, 26.61%, over the former mentioned algorithms when evaluating these datasets, respectively.
Mechanisms of Neuronal Microtubule Loss in Alzheimer’s Disease

Microtubules are gradually degraded in neurons of the Alzheimer’s brain, and this negatively affects neuronal morphology, axonal transport, clearing of misfolded proteins, and synapse integrity. The loss of microtubule mass is generally said to be due to microtubule “destabilization.” Microtubule-stabilizing drugs have been proposed for treatment. However, whether the microtubule loss is actually due to destabilization is unclear. A better understanding of the mechanisms of microtubule loss in Alzheimer’s disease will lead to improved treatment strategies.
Myths and Reality of Supply Chain Management: Implications for Industry-University Relationships

Current surveys reveal that the practice of Supply Chain Management has had little impact upon business performance. This opportunity loss stands in stark contrast to the wealth of knowledge, and volumes of materials available to both researchers and practitioners alike. The dissemination of Supply Chain Management theory, from its roots in Operations Research to its application in business operations, is clearly dysfunctional. Root causes of faulty exchange between universities and industry include unspoken assumptions, which, one the one hand facilitate research, but may sabotage solution implementation if not properly contextualized onsite. Universities and industry speak different languages, address different audiences, have their own mutually-incompatible objectives, and divergent turn-around rates for innovation. Nevertheless, they remain vitally interdependent in the fields of Supply Chain Management and Operations Research. This chapter discusses how the misunderstandings between these parties perpetuate a number of dangerous myths of operations management, all of which are exacerbated by media reductions. An unforgiving business reality demands that industry and academia establish an ongoing dialogue to rise to increasingly complex supply chain management challenges. This dialogue has to evolve from sporadic individual partnerships, to a genuine, systematic collaboration. The examples illustrate the need to validate and test research models in real operational environments, to ultimately develop solutions which can be implemented without peril. Furthermore, the cases are the outcome of management training programs which have traditionally devalued operations management when defining the core competencies needed by decision-makers and researchers alike. This lack of priority goes hand-in-hand with the over-simplification and distortion of research, which dangerously percolates down to its ostensible users. Reflecting upon the experience in Supply Chain Management practice at HP, including its successful history of academic partnerships, the authors identify a number of success factors for fruitful collaboration.
Pupation behavior and larval and pupal biocontrol of Drosophila suzukii in the field

Abstract Biocontrol may play an important role in IPM of D. suzukii, a worldwide fruit crops pest. Predation on D. suzukii has been observed in the field, but rates have not been measured. Additionally, targeting juveniles may be more effective than targeting adults for reducing population sizes. The first objective of this study was to measure naturally-occurring levels of biocontrol on D. suzukii juveniles. Furthermore, D. suzukii may either pupate inside of fruit or emerge to pupate in the soil. Knowing the location of pupae can be important for developing biological and cultural control programs. The second objective of this study was to determine the proportion of D. suzukii pupating in fruit versus soil. Predator exclusion experiments were conducted to measure the ability of natural enemies to reduce D. suzukii larvae in strawberry and blueberry fruits, and pupae in the soil underneath strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry. Funnels were used to direct larvae dropping from infested blueberry and raspberry fruits into soil-filled containers. Significantly fewer D. suzukii larvae were extracted from fruits exposed to predators, representing a reduction in larval survival of 19–49%. Significantly fewer D. suzukii pupae were recovered from soil exposed to predators, representing a 61–91% decrease in pupae. In the pupation behavior experiment, 82–93% of pupae were found in soil, significantly more than were found in fruit. Ants and spiders were commonly observed in a variety of sampling methods, and ants were observed on video to remove pupae from the soil.
Serum Metal Levels for Diagnosis of Adverse Local Tissue Reactions Secondary to Corrosion in Metal-on-Polyethylene Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Recently, corrosion at the head-neck junction in metal-on-polyethylene bearing surface total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been recognized as a cause of adverse local tissue reactions (ALTRs). Serum metal levels have been advocated as a tool for the diagnosis of ALTR; however, no prior studies have specifically examined their utility. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal cutoff values for serum cobalt and chromium levels in diagnosing ALTR after metal-on-polyethylene bearing surface THA. Methods We reviewed 447 consecutive patients with serum metal levels tested at our institution and identified 64 patients with a metal-on-polyethylene bearing who had axial imaging or underwent reoperation to confirm the presence or absence of ALTR. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were produced to identify cutoff thresholds to optimize sensitivity, and diagnostic test performance was characterized. Results Forty-four of the 64 patients (69%) were positive for an ALTR. The best test for the diagnosis of ALTR was the serum cobalt level (area under the curve [AUC] = 99%). A threshold cutoff of ≥1.0 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 90%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 96%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. Serum chromium levels were also diagnostic (AUC = 87%). A threshold cutoff of ≥0.15 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 50%, PPV of 81%, and NPV of 100%. Finally, serum cobalt-to-chromium ratio was also helpful for diagnosis (AUC = 90%). A threshold cutoff value of 1.4 for the cobalt-to-chromium ratio offered a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 70%, PPV of 87%, and NPV of 82%. Conclusion Measurement of serum cobalt level with a threshold value of 1.0 ng/mL in our experience is the best test for identifying the presence of ALTR in patients with a metal-on-polyethylene THA. Measurement of chromium level and the ratio of cobalt-to-chromium levels are also of value.
Aggregation of amphipathic peptides at an aqueous–organic interface using coarse-grained simulations

AbstractThe effect of an aqueous/organic interface on the folding and aggregation of amphipathic peptides is examined by applying discontinuous molecular dynamics (DMD) simulations combined with an intermediate resolution protein model, PRIME20, to a peptide/interface system. The systems contain 48 (KLLK)4 peptides in random coil or α-helical conformations interacting with both strong and weak interfaces. In the absence of an interface, most of the oligomers form helical bundles, a small fraction of which convert to β-sheets when the temperature is above the folding transition. Adding a weak interface decreases oligomer formation above the folding temperature and increases it below. Little monolayer formation is observed at the weak interface; instead reversible adsorption increases the local peptide concentration near the interface, promoting helical bundle formation in the aqueous phase below the folding temperature and β-sheet formation above the folding temperature. Introducing a strong interface lead...
Allopurinol Dose Escalation and Mortality Among Patients With Gout: A National Propensity-Matched Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE Observational data suggest that hyperuricemia and gout are associated with increased mortality, while allopurinol use is associated with reduced mortality. In addition, the protective effect of allopurinol may be dose dependent. The aim of the current study was to determine whether allopurinol dose escalation is associated with cause-specific mortality in patients with gout. METHODS In this 10-year observational, active-comparator study of US Veterans with gout who initiated treatment with allopurinol, propensity score matching, Cox proportional hazards models, and competing risks regression analyses were used to assess differences in cause-specific mortality between patients whose allopurinol dose was escalated (dose escalators) and those whose allopurinol dose was not escalated or was reduced (non-escalators) over a 2-year period. RESULTS Among the 6,428 dose escalators and 6,428 matched non-escalators, there were 2,867 deaths during the observation period (40.4 deaths per 1,000 person-years). Dose escalators experienced an increase in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.01-1.17), with the effect sizes being similar for incidence of cardiovascular-related deaths (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.97-1.21) and cancer-related deaths (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.88-1.27), although neither reached statistical significance. Dose escalation to achieve the goal of lowering the serum urate (SU) level to 300 mg and 31% had achieved the SU goal. In a sensitivity analysis limited to dose escalators achieving the SU goal, there was a nonsignificant reduction of 7% in the hazard of cardiovascular-related mortality (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.76-1.14). CONCLUSION This is the largest study to date to investigate the effects of allopurinol use on mortality and is the first to use a rigorous active-comparator design. Dose escalation was associated with a small (<10%) increase in all-cause mortality, thus showing that a strategy of allopurinol dose escalation, which in current real-life practice is characterized by limited dose increases, is unlikely to improve the survival of patients with gout.
Diane Lewis: Reader of Urbanity

With the publication of Open City: Existential Urbanity, Diane Lewis brought fourteen years of research and design to print. In doing so, she also brought closure to a life's work of building conne...
First Record on Occurrence of Homoeoneuria (Ephemeroptera: Oligoneuriidae) in a Wadeable Stream in Missouri

Abstract We report the first record on occurrence of the mayfly genus Homoeoneuria (Eaton) in a wadeable stream in Missouri based on aquatic macroinvertebrate samples collected during September 200...
The relationship between perseverative cognitions and mental health and physical health complaints among college students

College students often experience health problems, but approaches are needed to determine those that are most vulnerable. This study examined whether perseverative cognitions (PCs) represent a comm...
Case 15: Zone II/III Open Globe due to Stab Wound from Knife Assault During Intimate Partner Violence

A healthy woman in her 40s presented with an open globe injury (OGI) of the left eye due to a penetrating stab wound inflicted by her domestic partner. Exam was significant for a laceration above the left eyebrow, CF vision, no obvious corneal or conjunctival lacerations, a deep anterior chamber compared to fellow eye, a pupil peaked superonasally, vitreous hemorrhage (VH) and retinal elevations concerning for retinal detachment. Surgical exploration confirmed a Zone II-III scleral laceration and a subfascial communication between the periocular space and the supra-brow laceration, which was felt to be the entry site. Social services and intimate partner violence resources were mobilized prior to discharge. Two weeks following the initial OGI repair, she underwent uncomplicated pars plana vitrectomy to clear the VH. No retinal detachments or tears were noted intraoperatively. Her final uncorrected visual acuity was 20/30.
NMR Spectroscopy in an Advanced Inorganic Lab: Structural Analysis of Diamagnetic and Paramagnetic Ni(II) Schiff Base Complexes

In a two-step synthesis starting with Ni(CH3COO)2·4H2O and salicylaldehyde, students prepare N-ethyl and N-isopropyl Ni(II) Schiff base (imine) complexes. After isolation and recrystallization, the products are characterized by room-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements, FTIR spectroscopy, and 1H, 13C{1H}, and 13C DEPT-135 or 13C APT NMR spectroscopy. The results are analyzed by considering the steric requirements of the ethyl and isopropyl groups and the subsequent effect on the preferred geometries, either the diamagnetic square-planar geometry, as expected for a Ni(II) d8 complex, or the paramagnetic tetrahedral geometry. Students are challenged to explain why the spectra for these similar complexes are so different and what this difference reveals about steric requirements in determining geometry.
Hardware-Software Co-design to Accelerate Neural Network Applications

Many applications, such as machine learning and data sensing, are statistical in nature and can tolerate some level of inaccuracy in their computation. A variety of designs have been put forward exploiting the statistical nature of machine learning through approximate computing. With approximate multipliers being the main focus due to their high usage in machine-learning designs. In this article, we propose a novel approximate floating point multiplier, called CMUL, which significantly reduces energy and improves performance of multiplication while allowing for a controllable amount of error. Our design approximately models multiplication by replacing the most costly step of the operation with a lower energy alternative. To tune the level of approximation, CMUL dynamically identifies the inputs that produces the largest approximation error and processes them in precise mode. To use CMUL for deep neural network (DNN) acceleration, we propose a framework that modifies the trained DNN model to make it suitable for approximate hardware. Our framework adjusts the DNN weights to a set of “potential weights” that are suitable for approximate hardware. Then, it compensates the possible quality loss by iteratively retraining the network. Our evaluation with four DNN applications shows that, CMUL can achieve 60.3% energy efficiency improvement and 3.2× energy-delay product (EDP) improvement as compared to the baseline GPU, while ensuring less than 0.2% quality loss. These results are 38.7% and 2.0× higher than energy efficiency and EDP improvement of the CMUL without using the proposed framework.
Going to School on a Robot: Robot and User Interface Design Features that Matter

Telepresence robots have recently been introduced as a way for children who are homebound due to medical conditions to attend their local schools. These robots provide an experience that is a much richer learning experience than the typical home instruction services of 4–5 hours a week. Because the robots on the market today were designed for use by adults in work settings, they do not necessarily fit children in school settings. We carried out a study of 19 homebound students, interviewing and observing them as well as interviewing their parents, teachers, administrators, and classmates. We organized our findings along the lines of the various tasks and settings the child is in, developing a learner-centered analytic framework, then teacher-, classmate-, and homebound-controller-centered analytic frameworks. Although some features of current robots fit children in school settings, we discovered a number of cases where there was a mismatch or additional features are needed. Our findings are described according to analytic frames that capture user experiences. Based on these user-centered findings, we provide recommendations for designing the robot and user interface to better fit children using robots for school and learning activities.
Distal Cauda equina syndrome: A case report of lumbosacral disc pathology and review of literature

Background Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is an uncommon entity that presents acutely with all or some of the following symptoms; urinary incontinence from retention, fecal incontinence from loss of sphincter tone, saddle area hypoesthesia or anesthesia, and acute or progressive weakness in one or both lower extremities. The protean symptomatology is often mixed and is vulnerable to confounding comorbidities making the accurate and timely diagnosis of this syndrome uniquely challenging. Here, we present the case of a man who developed isolated sacral nerve dysfunction from CES in the midst of a diabetic crisis. Case description A 53-year-old male with a long history of uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes presented with acute-onset urinary and fecal incontinence, scrotal anesthesia, and a 3-day history of lower back pain with intermittent bilateral leg pain. This patient displayed no objective changes in leg strength, sensation, or reflexes. In addition, the patient tested positive for cocaine and had a blood glucose level of 800 mg/dL which confounded his clinical picture. The patient underwent bilateral laminectomies from L4-S1 with the removal of a large sequestered disc fragment from the S1-S2 disc space within 8 h of presentation with reasonable recovery. Conclusion Highly variable presentations often confound the accurate and timely diagnosis of CES with severe implications on quality of life. Despite the limited functional recovery seen after surgical decompression, urgent or emergent intervention is paramount for treatment. Our patient's presenting symptomatology and comorbidities highlight the need for practitioners to maintain a high index of suspicion in anyone with incontinence and back pain, regardless of distractors and even in the absence of other anticipated motor or sensory findings.
Fluorescence-guided hepatobiliary surgery with long and short wavelength fluorophores

Importance Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) is a potentially powerful tool for hepatobiliary (HPB) surgery. The high sensitivity of fluorescence navigation is especially useful in settings where tactile feedback is limited. Objective The present narrative review evaluates literature on the use of FDA-approved fluorophores such as methylene blue (MB), 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), and indocyanine green (ICG) for clinical intra-operative image-guidance during HPB surgery. Evidence review Approaches such as dosing, timing, imaging devices and comparative endpoints are summarized. The feasibility and safety of fluorophores in visualizing the biliary tree, identify biliary leaks, outline anatomic hepatic segments, identify tumors, and evaluate perfusion and graft function in liver transplants are discussed. Findings Tumor-specific probes are a promising advancement in FGS with a greater degree of specificity. The current status of tumor-specific probes being evaluated in clinical trials are summarized. Conclusions and relevance for reviews Relevant discussion of promising tumor-specific probes in pre-clinical development are discussed. Fluorescence-guidance in HPB surgery is relatively new, but current literature shows that the dyes are reliably able to outline desired structures with a variety of dosing, timing, and imaging devices to provide real-time intra-operative anatomic information to surgeons. Development of tumor-specific probes will further advance the field of HPB surgery especially during oncologic resections.
Long-term assessment of nano and bulk copper compound exposure in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum).

Abstract As interest in the use of copper-based nanomaterials in agriculture continue to increase, research into their exposure effects must expand from short-term, high exposure studies to long-term studies at realistic concentrations. Long-term studies can better elucidate the implications of copper nanomaterial exposure by allowing plants to mature and adapt to higher copper concentrations. In this study, sugarcane plants were grown to maturity in large nursery pots using soils amended with one of the following treatments: Kocide 3000 (Cu(OH)2), a nano-sized CuO (nCuO), a bulk-sized CuO (bCuO), copper metal nanoparticles (Cu NP), or CuCl2 at 20, 40, and 60 mg kg−1. After tissue harvesting, copper content in plant tissues, including pressed cane juice, were determined. Chlorophyll content and the activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) related enzymes, in root tissues, were measured as an indicator of plant health. Elemental analysis revealed significant changes in root copper concentrations only upon application of the highest levels of Kocide 3000, nCuO, and Cu NP. However, translocation of copper to leaf tissues displayed consistent increases with added copper over controls. Plants treated with Kocide 3000 at 60 mg kg−1 experienced a significant 31% decrease in cane juice yield; copper concentrations in the pressed juice of plants treated with: Kocide 3000 at 20 and 60 mg kg−1, nCuO at 20 and 60 mg kg−1, bCuO at 20 mg kg−1, CuCl2 at 40 mg kg−1, and Cu NP increased by at least 58%. Chlorophyll content remained comparable to controls, and there was a significant 50 to 68% decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in plants treated with nCuO, bCuO, Cu NP, and CuCl2. The results indicate that sugarcane plants exposed to the selected copper-based treatments were not adversely affected.
Influence of Loading a Tertiary Amine on Activated Carbons and Effect of CO2 on Adsorptive H2S Removal from Biogas

This work studied the influence of loading a tertiary amine on activated carbons (ACs) and the effect of CO2 on adsorptive H2S removal from biogas. After loading a tertiary amine, tetramethyl hexanediamine (THMDA), the H2S adsorption capacity increased for all ACs but with different levels. Detailed characterization results (TGA-MS, TGA/DTG, and in situ FT-IR) demonstrate the TMHDA-induced changes of surface oxygen or nitrogen functional groups, pH value, and textural properties and their impacts on H2S adsorption performance, which also varied with CO2 concentrations. On bare AC adsorbents, the H2S adsorption is attributed to the surface oxygen functional groups, whereas on tertiary amine-loaded ACs, the H2S adsorption is due to the interaction between H in H2S and N in the amine group. The presence of CO2 can promote H2S adsorption on some ACs and THMDA-loaded ACs. The formation of solid sulfur and CH4 was observed for the H2S adsorption in the presence of CO2.
Globalized Spaces and Places of Sovereignty

Having set out the main aspects of sovereignty in Chapter 4, this chapter asserts that the biggest challenge to the traditional international relations idea of sovereignty is the claim of inherent sovereignty by indigenous tribes. The basis of tribal sovereignty is a complex issue, but the chapter seeks to explain the main approaches to this question, including its Constitutional bases. The goal is to better understand how California can navigate the types and layers of sovereignty found within the state, as well as the claims to, and made in the name of sovereignty at higher levels of governance.
Nanoscale 3D EM reconstructions reveal intrinsic mechanisms of structural diversity of chemical synapses

Chemical synapses of shared cellular origins have remarkably heterogeneous structures, but how this diversity is generated is unclear. Here, we use three-dimensional (3D) electron microscopy and artificial intelligence algorithms for image processing to reconstruct functional excitatory microcircuits in the mouse hippocampus and microcircuits in which neurotransmitter signaling is permanently suppressed with genetic tools throughout the lifespan. These nanoscale analyses reveal that experience is dispensable for morphogenesis of synapses with different geometric shapes and contents of membrane organelles and that arrangement of morphologically distinct connections in local networks is stochastic. Moreover, loss of activity increases the variability in sizes of opposed pre- and postsynaptic structures without disrupting their alignments, suggesting that inherently variable weights of naive connections become progressively matched with repetitive use. These results demonstrate that mechanisms for the structural diversity of neuronal synapses are intrinsic and provide insights into how circuits essential for memory storage assemble and integrate information.
‘Flexible and Imaginative’: The EU’s Accommodation of Northern Ireland in the UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement:

The 1998 Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement that cemented the peace process formalized Northern Ireland’s position as a region integrally connected to both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. T...
Quantum Microwave Radiometry with a Superconducting Qubit.

The interaction of photons and coherent quantum systems can be employed to detect electromagnetic radiation with remarkable sensitivity. We introduce a quantum radiometer based on the photon-induced dephasing process of a superconducting qubit for sensing microwave radiation at the subunit photon level. Using this radiometer, we demonstrate the radiative cooling of a 1 K microwave resonator and measure its mode temperature with an uncertainty $\ensuremath{\sim}0.01\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$. We thus develop a precise tool for studying the thermodynamics of quantum microwave circuits, which provides new solutions for calibrating hybrid quantum systems and detecting candidate particles for dark matter.
Missing-value imputation and in-silico region detection for spatially resolved transcriptomics

Abstract We are pleased to introduce a first-of-its-kind algorithm that combines in-silico region detection and spatial gene-expression imputation. Spatial transcriptomics by 10X Visium (ST) is a new technology used to dissect gene and cell spatial organization. Analyzing this new type of data has two main challenges: automatically annotating the major tissue regions and excessive zero values of gene-expression due to high dropout rates. We developed a computational tool—MIST—that addresses both challenges by automatically identifying tissue regions and estimating missing gene-expression values for individual tissue regions. We validated MIST detected regions across multiple datasets using manual annotation on the histological staining images as references. We also demonstrated that MIST can accurately recover ST’s missing values through hold-out experiments. Furthermore, we showed that MIST could identify subtle intra-tissue heterogeneity and recover spatial gene-gene interaction signals. We therefore strongly encourage using MIST prior to downstream ST analysis because it provides unbiased region annotations and enables accurately de-noised spatial gene-expression profiles.
Curbspace Management Challenges and Opportunities from Public and Private Sector Perspectives

With rapid growth in on-demand delivery, ridehailing, and shared mobility use, cities are observing dramatic increases in demand for curbspace. In response, cities and private companies have propos...
The Changing Role and Responsibilities of a Chairman—Letters

To the Editor.— I enjoyed the splendid article on "The Changing Role and Responsibilites of Chairmen in Clinical Academic Departments: The Transition from Autocracy" which was published in Pediatrics (1992;90:50-57).
The Imantodes (Serpentes: Colubridae) of Costa Rica: Two or three species?

Imantodes inornatus and Imantodes cenchoa are currently recognized as occurring in Costa Rica. It has been suggested recently that I. cenchoa is actually a composite of two species, I. cenchoa and I. gemmistratus . AnaIysis of data on scalation and coloration for Costa Rican samples confirms that this complex is comprised of two species. One of these is clearly the wide-ranging I. cenchoa , which in Costa Rica occurs in the southwest Pacific Lowlands, Meseta Central, Atlantic lowlands and cordilleran slopes and just on to the Pacific slope in the northern mountains. It does not range into the northwestern (Pacific) lowlands. A second species occurs on the northwestern Pacific lowlands and in sympatry with cenchoa on the Meseta Central and at scattered localities in the Atlantic and southwest Pacific lowlands. The second form is allopatric to Panamanian gemmistratus and consistently differs from the latter in scalation. A review of other Central American and Mexican samples referred to I. gemmistratus (type locality: El Salvador: Sonsonate: near Volcan de Izalco) indicates that Costa Rican examples are conspecific with it. The species appears to be comprised of three allopatric subpopulations along the Pacific versant: El Salvador-Honduras; Nicaragua-Costa Rica; and Panama. A fourth more or less allopatric subpopulation occurs on the Atlantic versant of Costa Rica as well. The systematic status of allopatric eastern Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula populations referred by recent authors to gemmistratus is problematic. Other allopatric Isthmus of Tehuantepec and western Mexico populations seem more likely candidates to be conspecific with gemmistratus , but the issue cannot be resolved on the basis of available data. Attention is called to a unique unicolor variant of gemmistratus from Pacific versant Costa Rica. lmantodes inornatus and cenchoa are restricted to evergreen- forest habitats, while gemmistratus is most abundant in deciduous forests along the west coast of Central America and Mexico. The latter species is sometimes found at evergreen forest sites on the Atlantic versants of Costa Rica and Central Panama. l. cenchoa and gemmistratus are known to be sympatric at several sites in Costa Rica but not I. inornatus and the Iatter species. I. cenchoa and inornatus are often taken together.
Bidirectional mobile code trust management using tamper resistant hardware

Trust management in a networked environment consists of authentication and integrity checking. In a mobile computing environment, both remote hosts and mobile code are suspect. We present a model that addresses trust negotiation between the remote host and the mobile code simultaneously. Our model uses tamper resistant hardware, public key cryptography, and one-way hash functions.
J/ψ production at CERN LEP: Revisited and resummed

We present the leading order differential and total rates for $J/\ensuremath{\psi}$ production at CERN LEP. By leading order we mean all terms of the form ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}[{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}\mathrm{log}{(M}_{Z}^{2}{/M}_{\ensuremath{\psi}}^{2}){]}^{n}$ and ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}^{n+1}{\mathrm{log}}^{l}{(z}^{2}){\mathrm{log}}^{m}{(M}_{Z}^{2}{/M}_{\ensuremath{\psi}}^{2}),$ $(l+m=2n\ensuremath{-}1),$ in the regions ${z=2E}_{\ensuremath{\psi}}{/M}_{Z}\ensuremath{\sim}O(1)$ and $z\ensuremath{\ll}1,$ respectively. In the intermediate region we interpolate using the available data. This resummation eliminates the $O[{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}{(M}_{\ensuremath{\psi}})/{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}{(M}_{Z})]\ensuremath{\sim}2$ theoretical uncertainties in previous calculations. The $\mathrm{log}(z)$ resummation results in a suppression of the small $z$ region due to coherent gluon emission. Comparing the zeroth moment with the LEP data we find the value for the effective octet matrix element to be $〈{O}_{8}^{\ensuremath{\psi}}{(}^{3}{S}_{1})〉=0.019{\mathrm{GeV}}^{3}.$ The theoretical uncertainties are substantially smaller than those from Fermilab Tevatron extractions. Using this value of the octet matrix element we make a prediction for the first moment of the differential rate and find that the resummed differential decay rate is in much better agreement with preliminary data than the color singlet result or the unresummed color octet prediction.
H2O2 decreases ASIC1 plasma membrane localization in rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (1175.3)

Acid sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1) mediates enhanced store operated calcium entry (SOCE) in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC) and contributes to the development of chronic hypoxia (CH)-induced pulmonary hypertension. ASIC1 is a redox sensitive ion channel, such that reducing agents increase and oxidizing agents decrease channel activity. Recent studies from our laboratory have shown that 1) hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) inhibits ASIC1-dependent SOCE in PASMC and 2) pulmonary arterial H2O2 levels are decreased following CH which may contribute to the enhanced SOCE. Considering that H2O2 has additionally been shown to decrease ASIC1 cell surface expression in neurons, we hypothesized that H2O2 inhibits plasma membrane localization of ASIC1 in PASMC. Using a cell surface biotinylation assay, we found a 2.9 ± 0.1 fold increase in plasma membrane ASIC1 expression in PASMC from CH animals compared to control (two-tailed P value=0.0002). In PASMC from control rats pretreatment with PEG-catalase (250 U/ml...
Quantitative protein stability measurement in vivo.

The equilibrium between the native and denatured states of a protein can be key to its function and regulation. Traditionally, the folding equilibrium constant has been measured in vitro using purified protein and simple buffers. However, the biological environment of proteins can differ from these in vitro conditions in ways that could significantly perturb stability. Here, we present the first quantitative comparison between the stability of a protein in vitro and in the cytoplasm of Eschericia coli using amide hydrogen exchange detected by MALDI mass spectrometry (SUPREX). The results indicate that the thermodynamic stability of monomeric λ repressor within the cell is the same as its stability measured in a simple buffer in vitro. However, when the E. coli are placed in a hyperosmotic environment, the in vivo stability is greatly enhanced. The in vivo SUPREX method provides a general and quantitative way to measure protein stabilities in the cell and will be useful for applications where intracellular stability information provides important biological insights.