cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy mixed-discrete optimization of multistage structural systems

Many structural optimization problems can be considered as multistage decisionmaking problems. If the problem involves uncertainty in the form of linguistic parameters and vague data, a fuzzy approach is to be used for its description. The solution of such problems can be accomplished through fuzzy dynamic programming. However, most of the existing fuzzy dynamic programming algorithms can not deal with mixed-discrete design variables in the optimization of structural systems containing fuzzy information. They often assumed that a fuzzy goal is imposed only on the final state for simplicity, the values of fuzzy goal and other parameters need to be predefined, and an optimal solution is obtained in the continuous design space only. To better reflect the nature of uncertainties present in real-life optimization problems, a mixed-discrete fuzzy dynamic programming (MDFDP) approach is proposed in this work for solving multistage decision-making problems in mixed-discrete design space with a fuzzy goal and a fuzzy state imposed on each stage. The method is illustrated by numerical examples.
Asymmetric Partitioning of Metals among Cluster Anions and Cations Generated via Laser Ablation of Mixed Aluminum/Group 6 Transition Metal Targets

While high-power laser ablation of metal alloys indiscriminately produces gas-phase atomic ions in proportion to the abundance of the various metals in the alloy, gas-phase ions produced by moderate-power laser ablation sources coupled with molecular beams are formed by more complicated mechanisms. A mass spectrometric study that directly compares the mass distributions of cluster anions and cations generated from laser ablation of pure aluminum, an aluminum/molybdenum mixed target, and an aluminum/tungsten mixed target is detailed. Mass spectra of anionic species generated from the mixed targets showed that both tungsten and molybdenum were in higher abundance in the negatively charged species than in the target material. Mass spectra of the cationic species showed primarily Al+ and aluminum oxide and hydroxide cluster cations. No molybdenum- or tungsten-containing cluster cations were definitively assigned. The asymmetric distribution of aluminum and Group 6 transition metals in cation and anion cluster...
Anomalous Small Angle X-Ray Scattering Studies of Metal-Germanium Alloys

The tunability of synchrotron radiation was used to perform anomalous small angle x-ray scattering (ASAXS) experiments on amorphous metal-germanium (a-M x Ge 1−x ) alloys with the aim of detecting and characterizing compohitioK modulation and phase separation. Small angle x-ray scattering is sensitive to electron density fluctuations on a scale of tens to thousands of Angstroms. The combination of SAXS with the anomalous dispersion effect allows one to distinguish composition modulation from density fluctuations arising from voids and defects. Data gathered from a-Fe x Ge 1−x and a-W x Ge 1−x samples in the low metal concentration regime show nanometer scale composition modulation. In these samples the density of Ge atoms is uniform throughout the sample. The small angle x-ray scattering arises from fluctuations in the density of metal atoms.
The Poverty Pimpin' Project: How Whiteness Profits from Black and Brown Bodies in Community Service Programs.

AbstractTutoring programs that link colleges to public schools are seen as a way to improve the academic performance of K12 students while providing a practicum site for college-age students. Prior research on college-K12 partnerships focuses on how the academic achievement of both K12 and college students are enhanced by these relationships. This article challenges the stock story that such outreach programs are unproblematic and entirely altruistic endeavors and offers insight into the bumpy terrain of town–gown relationships complicated by race, class and academic divides. Using critical race methodology, this research tells a counter-story that highlights the white savior and poverty pimpin’ projects of outreach work.
Single stage urethroplasty as treatment for stricture disease.

Abstract The use of a full thickness free skin graft for a single stage urethroplasty in stricture disease has been popularized recently by Devine and Horton. From 1973 to 1977, 40 patients at our hospitals have been treated with single stage urethroplasty using this technique. Excellent results have been noted on followup evaluation.
Reliable flow in forward and after-sales supply chains considering propagated uncertainty

Abstract An integrated mathematical framework for production planning is presented for companies providing product-warranty packages through both their forward and after-sales supply chains. This model integrates manufacturers and merchandisers of the pre- and after-sales operations and incorporates the interactions between forward and after-sales chains. The demands and qualified output of facilities are stochastic. We demonstrate that service levels depend on the local reliability of facilities and that there are critical prices at which the order of profitability of the warranty options changes. This order becomes more fragile in price-sensitive markets and more stable in warranty-sensitive markets.
UB robot swarm — Design, implementation, and power management

In this paper we describe the hardware architecture of an inexpensive, heterogeneous robot swarm, designed and developed at the RISC lab, University of Bridgeport. Each swarm robot is equipped with sensors, actuators, control and communication units, power supply, and interconnection mechanism. This article also describes the essential features and design of a power distribution and management system for a dynamically reconfigurable system. It further presents the empirical results of the proposed power management system collected with the real robotic applications.
LIPID MEDIATORS | Lipoxins

Lipoxins (LXs) are lipoxygenase interaction products of arachidonic acid metabolism that are distinct from leukotrienes and prostaglandins in structure and function. This interesting class of eicosanoids is generated via bidirectional transcellular biosynthesis during multicellular host responses to inflammation, infection, or injury. Similar to other autacoids, LXs are rapidly formed, act locally, and then are rapidly inactivated by specific metabolic enzymes. Unlike the proinflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes, LXs display counterregulatory actions. A broad (and growing) array of cell-type specific biological actions has been uncovered for LXs that together serve to promote resolution of acute inflammatory responses. When administered to human cells in vitro or murine systems in vivo, at least two classes of receptors, CysLT1 receptors and LXA4 receptors (designated ALX), can interact with LXs to mediate their actions. LXs are generated during several thoracic inflammatory conditions, including airway and parenchymal lung diseases and exudative pleural effusions. Of interest, respiratory diseases of chronic inflammation, such as severe asthma and cystic fibrosis, display defective generation of these protective lipid signals. Together, these findings indicate a pivotal role for LXs in mediating respiratory homeostasis.
91. Identification and Mutagenesis of the AAV5 Sialic Acid Binding Region

As a genus, the dependoviruses use a diverse group of cell surface carbohydrates for attachment and entry. Despite the fact that a majority of AAVs utilize sialic acid (SIA) for binding and transduction, this virus:carbohydrate interaction is poorly understood. Utilizing X-ray crystallography, two SIA binding regions were mapped for AAV5. The first site mapped to the depression in the center of the threefold axis of symmetry, while the second site was located under the HI loop close to the fivefold axis. Mutagenesis of amino acids 569 and 585 or 587 within the threefold depression resulted in elimination or alteration in SIA dependent transduction, respectively. This change in SIA binding was confirmed using glycan microarrays. Mutagenesis of the second site identified a role in transduction that was SIA independent. Further studies of the mutants at the threefold site demonstrated a change in transduction activity and cell tropism in vivo as well as resistance to neutralization by a polycloncal antibody raised against the wild type virus.
Self-adjustment downlink transmission power for femtocells in co-channel deployment in heterogeneous networks

The employment of femtocells has been considered as a promising approach for increasing network capacity and enhancing end users' QoS and throughput as well as low cost and simple deployment. Deploying femtocells is common in indoor environment such as residential buildings comprising adjacent apartments. However, dense deployment of femtocells introduces interference among femtocells and the undesirable influence of interference is incremented among adjacent femtocells. As a result, the performance of the network is diminished. One of the techniques, which is considered to mitigate the impact of the interference, is adjusting transmission power of the femtocells. In this work, a dynamic downlink transmission power of femtocells is proposed. Each femtocell adjusts its transmission power autonomously based on measured cost function unit. The transmission power level of femtocell is constrained by the rate of interference that femtocell produces to adjacent femtocells. A simulation experiment is conducted to validate the efficiency of the proposed scheme compared to other two different approaches. The numerical results show that the proposed scheme can achieve better capacity and also can preferably mitigate the impact of the interference among co-channel deployed femtocells compared to other schemes, which are considered in this work.
Prevalence of clonal hematopoiesis in patients with advanced cancer.

1511Background: Recent analysis of blood-derived genome profiling data has demonstrated clonal hematopoiesis (CH) with associated somatic alterations is frequent in otherwise normal populations . However, the prevalence of CH and how it might affect clinical outcomes for primary tumors or development of secondary myeloid malignancies have not been investigated in a cohort of patients (pts) with advanced tumors. Here, we describe patients who have undergone paired tumor/blood genomic sequencing with MSK-IMPACT, a 410-gene targeted clinical assay, at MSKCC. Methods: Mutations identified in the normal blood of pts enrolled in an IRB approved protocol were genotyped in the matched tumor sample. To identify pts with CH, we required at least one mutation with > 2% mutant allele frequency (MAF) in a leukemia related gene or > 5% MAF in a non-leukemia gene; blood MAF was required to be at least twice the MAF seen in tumor. Additional mutations in these patients were called down to 1% and 3% in leukemia and non-le...
Analyzing land and water requirements for solar deployment in the Southwestern United States

Abstract Among the types of renewable energy, solar energy is rapidly gaining popularity. Advances in technology have contributed to improved efficiency and reduced costs for solar energy systems, which can be placed in two categories: concentrated solar power (CSP) and solar photovoltaics (PV). Both types have to use water to clean the mirrors/panels to maintain their efficiency. CSP technology has additional water requirements for wet-cooling, dry-cooling, and hybrid cooling methods. For utility-scale solar deployment, water is also required during solar plant construction and dismantling. The southwest U.S. possesses abundant solar potential, but the expansion of solar power may be restricted by the limited availability of water. Estimates were gathered for water and land use for solar systems and harmonized through review and screening of relevant literature. Next, the estimates were incorporated into a system dynamics model to analyze water availability and usage, land availability and usage, and associated reductions in carbon emissions for utility-scale solar development in the solar energy zones (SEZ) of six southwestern states based upon the renewable portfolio standards (RPS) during 2015–2030. Results showed that solar PV was the most appropriate technology for water-limited regions. Sufficient land was available within the 19 SEZs to meet the RPS requirements. Available water was adequate to meet RPS solar carve-out water requirements for Nevada and New Mexico. For future work, the generated model can be modified to analyze the performances of renewables in addition to solar.
Education program for cancer patients and families.

57Background: Studies of patient education and communication have been shown to affect patient health outcomes, including emotional and physical health. Effective patient education is challenged by limitations in patient literacy. As much as 20% of the American population was found to have a low literacy level at or below a 5th grade reading level. Our program was based in a public hospital treating underserved patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who often have low baseline health literacy and varying educational backgrounds. Methods: A cancer patient education program was organized for recently diagnosed cancer patients and their families. A lecture and interactive learning session was implemented to teach the basics of what cancer is, what chemotherapy is, social services available to patients, and counseling services available. A pre- and post-survey was administered to assess patients’ confidence in their understanding of cancer, chemotherapy, navigation of social and counseling services. Pa...
Abstract 20799: Novel G Alpha 12 N-Terminal Alpha-SNAP Binding Domain Peptide Inhibits vWF Secretion, Prevents Microvascular Thrombosis and Increases Survival in Septic Mice

Introduction: Severe sepsis can be associated with a 2-3-fold increase in circulating active von Willebrand Factor (vWF)and thus is representative of the early vascular consequence of systemic inflammation and also a critical determinant of sepsis-induced microvascular thrombosis. Recently, we demonstrated that endogenous Gα12 promotes vWF secretion from Weibel Palade bodies by associating directly with α-SNAP via a portion of its unique N-terminal end, from which we synthesized a peptide, the αSNAP Binding Domain (SBD) antagonistic peptide. Hypothesis and Research Design: In this study, we assess the hypothesis that SBD peptide can be titrated into activated endothelial cells in vivo to reduce vWF secretion evoked by inflammatory cytokines and disturbed flow in mice made septic by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Results: Cellular uptake (8% of instilled) of a derivative of SBD peptide labelled with fluorescent 1-pyrenyuldiazomethane (PDAM) by cultured human endothelial cells, as well as blood and lung homogenate levels of PDAM-SBD peptide and blood clearance in rats were estimated by fluorometry. We found that a novel micellar ( m ) formulation of a cell-permeable form ( Myr istoylated) of SBD peptide ( mMyr-SBD ) as compared to Myr-scrambled peptide or vehicle only group (n=6 mice/group) reduced the level of plasma vWF 24 hrs after CLP surgery when given as a one-time i.v. bolus (80 μg/30 g mouse) at the time of surgery (p -/- mice, shown previously to have significantly reduced plasma vWF levels, survived. In contrast, Gα12 -/- mice that were subjected to CLP and injected i.v. with purified vWF (2 μg/g BW) exhibited mortality rates similar to WT mice. Conclusions: We conclude that inhibition of Gα12/αSNAP dependent vWF secretion may be an effective strategy for blocking microvascular thrombosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and death due to sepsis.
Which accusations stick

The social function of witchcraft accusations remains opaque. An empirical study of Chinese villagers shows that the label ‘z hu’influences who interacts across a social network, but appears not to tag defectors in service of promoting cooperation. An open question thus remains: from witchcraft to gossip, which accusations stick?
Introduction to Social Behavior in Autism

Although the incidence of autism as compared with similar disabilities is relatively low, it has received a disproportionately large amount of attention from clinicians and researchers. This is in part because of the severity of the disability and its potentially devastating effects and human suffering. However, the desire to reduce costs and alleviate human pain do not totally account for the interest that the autism syndrome has generated. There is also a fascination with these youngsters and a desire to know more about their puzzling disorder.
Telementoring for improving primary care provider knowledge and competence in managing chronic pain: A randomised controlled trial.

IntroductionPrimary care providers are frequently unprepared to manage chronic pain adequately due in part to insufficient professional training. This study evaluated the effect of a telementoring ...
A stable finite-volume method for scalar field dark matter

We describe and test a family of new numerical methods to solve the Schrodinger equation in self-gravitating systems, e.g. Bose–Einstein condensates or ‘fuzzy’/ultra-light scalar field dark matter. The methods are finite-volume Godunov schemes with stable, higher order accurate gradient estimation, based on a generalization of recent mesh-free finite-mass Godunov methods. They couple easily to particle-based N-body gravity solvers (with or without other fluids, e.g. baryons), are numerically stable, and computationally efficient. Different sub-methods allow for manifest conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. We consider a variety of test problems and demonstrate that these can accurately recover solutions and remain stable even in noisy, poorly resolved systems, with dramatically reduced noise compared to some other proposed implementations (though certain types of discontinuities remain challenging). This is non-trivial because the ‘quantum pressure’ is neither isotropic nor positive definite and depends on higher order gradients of the density field. We implement and test the method in the code GIZMO.
Six new species and reports of Hydnum (Cantharellales) from eastern North America

Five species of Hydnum have been generally recognized from eastern North America based on morphological recognition: H.albidum, H.albomagnum, H.repandum and varieties, H.rufescens, and H.umbilicatum. Other unique North American species, such as H.caespitosum and H.washingtonianum, are either illegitimately named or considered synonymous with European taxa. Here, seventeen phylogenetic species of Hydnum are detected from eastern North America based on a molecular phylogenetic survey of ITS sequences from herbarium collections and GenBank data, including environmental sequences. Based on current distribution results, sixteen of these species appear endemic to North America. Of these, six species are described as new: H.alboaurantiacum, H.cuspidatum, H.ferruginescens, H.subconnatum, H.subtilior, and H.vagabundum. Geographic range extensions and taxonomic notes are provided for five additional species recently described as new from eastern North America. A new name, H.geminum, is proposed for H.caespitosum Banning ex Peck, non Valenti. Overall, species of Hydnum are best recognized by a combination of morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Taxonomic descriptions are provided for seventeen species, including epitype designations for H.albidum, H.albomagnum, and H.umbilicatum, taxa described more than 100 years ago, and molecular annotation of the isotype of H.washingtonianum. Photographs and a key to eastern North American Hydnum species are presented.
Anatomy, baseline characteristics, and procedural outcome of patent ductus arteriosus in German Shepherd dogs.

Background German Shepherd dogs (GSD) are predisposed to developing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and are reportedly prone to type III (tubular) PDA anatomy. Dogs with type III anatomy are not considered favorable candidates for device-based intervention. Objective To describe the PDA anatomy, baseline characteristics, and procedural outcome of GSD with PDA. Animals Twenty-eight client-owned GSD. Methods Retrospective review of medical records of 28 GSD diagnosed with PDA that underwent surgical ligation or transcatheter device closure between 2007 and 2017. Results German Shepherd dogs with PDA often presented with clinical signs (50%), concurrent congenital heart disease (35.7%), and arrhythmias (29%). Dogs were typically mature at presentation (median age, 12.1 months) and evenly distributed by sex (57% female). The PDA anatomy was classified in 24 of 28 GSD, with type II anatomy being most common (21/24). Three dogs had unusual anatomy (type IV in 1, type V in 2). Median minimal ductal diameter (MDD) in this population was larger than previously reported in a mixed population and ranged between 4.4 and 4.9 mm depending upon imaging modality. Successful closure was achieved using an Amplatz canine duct occluder (ACDO) in 22 dogs or by surgical ligation in 6 dogs. No cases of type III anatomy were confirmed. Conclusions and clinical importance The majority of GSD in this population had type II PDA anatomy that was amenable to ACDO deployment. Predisposition for large MDD and occasional, unusual PDA anatomy suggests that transesophageal echocardiography may be beneficial for optimal procedural planning in this breed.
Lung Infiltrates in Post-Operative Lung Transplant Patients: Pneumonia, Rejection or Edema?

While lung transplantation is a potentially life-saving therapeutic option for many patients with end-stage pulmonary disease, overall outcomes remain inferior to recipients of other solid organ transplants. The immediate post-operative period presents a particularly high risk time for this extremely vulnerable population with a wide array of possible early complications including infection, rejection, pulmonary edema, primary graft dysfunction, bleeding, wound and airway complications, and venous thromboembolism. This chapter reviews important diagnostic considerations for lung transplant recipients with pulmonary infiltrates in the immediate post-operative period, specifically pertaining to infection, rejection, and pulmonary edema.
Vulvar lesion mimicking vitiligo: A case report.

Abstract Background Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation (PIH) is an acquired partial or total loss of pigment that occurs as a result of cutaneous inflammation. Clinically, post-inflammatory hypopigmentation is recognized by a discoloration of the skin; however, proper diagnosis requires a skin biopsy. Although post-inflammatory hypopigmentation is similar in appearance to vitiligo, histopathological evaluation highlights the key differences in the presence of melanocytes and melanophages. Case presentation A 28-year-old woman presented with discoloration in the vulvovaginal area. Physical examination was within normal limits; however, a genital exam revealed a large, intensely white discoloration in an hourglass pattern involving the clitoris, labia majora, and perianal area. Pigmentation was observed at the base of the hair follicles, which is not consistent with vitiligo. The patient consented to a skin biopsy, which was performed without complication. The biopsy showed mild chronic vulvitis and pigment incontinence due to post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. The patient was prescribed a high-potency topical steroid and a significant reduction in lesion area was observed at 3-month follow-up. Discussion Proper diagnosis via clinical examination and skin biopsy is essential in the treatment of pigment deficiencies. In cases of post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, the initial cause of inflammation must first be identified in order to provide an effective treatment regimen. When facing uncommon dermatological conditions such as post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, proper histopathological diagnosis, course of treatment, and follow-up are important in order to achieve patient satisfaction.
Preconditioning and Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a common and often fatal stroke subtype with more than 30,000 patients dying from spontaneous ICH in the USA each year. The causes of ICH are multiple. While spontaneous ICH is often associated with hypertension, other major causes include amyloid angiopathy, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, cavernous angiomas, and brain tumors. In addition, secondary cerebral hemorrhage can occur after an ischemic stroke (hemorrhagic transformation) and traumatic brain injury. In both cases, hemorrhage is associated with worse outcome.
Robotic environmental DNA bio-surveillance of freshwater health.

Autonomous water sampling technologies may help to overcome the human resource challenges of monitoring biological threats to rivers over long time periods and across large geographic areas. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute has pioneered a robotic Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) that overcomes some of the constraints associated with traditional sampling since it can automate water sample filtration and preservation of the captured material. The ESP was originally developed for marine environment applications. Here we evaluated whether the ESP can provide reliable, timely information on environmental (e)DNA detections of human and fish pathogens and introduced fishes at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage sites in freshwater rivers. We compared eDNA collected via ESP at high frequency (e.g., every 3 h) with manual eDNA collections collected at lower frequency (e.g., weekly). We found that water samples filtered and preserved by ESPs successfully detected the DNA of human pathogens, fish pathogens and introduced fishes. Both ESP and manually collected samples provided similar information about target DNA presence. We suggest that the greatest current benefit of the ESP is the cost savings of high frequency, bio-surveillance at remote or hard to access sites. The full potential of robotic technologies like the ESP will be realized when they can more easily execute in situ analyses of water samples and rapidly transmit results to decision-makers.
Pre-labeled laboratory syringe bundles increase compliance with institutional thromboelastography ordering guidelines

Introduction Perioperative coagulopathy during cardiac surgery is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and cost.1 Point of care thromboelastography (TEG) has been shown to decrease unjustified non-RBC transfusion during cardiac surgery.2 Herein we describe an intervention that increased guideline adherence. Methods In this single center quality improvement study, we prospectively collected functional and static coagulation data on all consecutive cardiac surgeries performed between May 2019 and October 2019. After 11 weeks, we introduced pre-labeled syringe bundles in an effort to increase compliance in ordering baseline (BT) and post-protamine (PPT) TEGs. Results From May 2019 to October 2019, we collected data on 166 cardiac surgical cases. Prior to our intervention we had collected data for 84 cases, at which time, ordering compliance was 55% and 61% for BT and PPT, respectively. Following the introduction of pre-labeled syringe bundles, compliance improved to 85% and 95% for BT and PPT, respectively. These results are displayed in Figure 1. Discussion The introduction of pre-labeled syringe bundles improved ordering compliance by approximately 30% for both BT and PPT. Choice architecture has long been utilized in implementation science as a way to improve guideline adherence. Additional work is needed to describe the impact of our intervention on the absolute reduction in blood product utilization during cardiac surgery.
Exhaust Tuning on a Four-Stroke Engine; Experimentation and Simulation (2001-01-1797)

A Yamaha YZ400, 5-valve, 4-stroke cycle, motocross racing, motorcycle engine is instrumented to provide pressure diagrams in the exhaust system which are recorded over the usable engine speed range at full throttle from 5000 rpm to 11000 rpm. The engine produces a maximum of some 34 kW (46 hp) power output. The production muffler-ended exhaust system is replaced with two alternative and more highly-tuned exhaust systems, namely a straight pipe and a straight pipe and diffuser. The complete engine geometry together with these two exhaust systems is simulated using an engine simulation software package (VIRTUAL 4-STROKE) and the experimentally-recorded exhaust pressure diagrams and performance characteristics of power, torque, etc., are compared with the predictions of the theoretical simulation. The variation of exhaust system produces differing performance characteristics whose origins the measured pressure diagrams and recorded performance characteristics struggle to explain. The simulation, on the other hand, not only computes accurately the exhaust pressure diagrams and the performance characteristics over the entire speed range but also explains the origins of the variations in these performance characteristics. This illustrates not only the effectiveness, or otherwise, of this type of exhaust tuning on four-stroke engines but also the effectiveness of an accurate engine simulation as a design and development tool. Finally, from the experimental and simulation evidence presented the paper draws numerical conclusions on empirical design factors for the basics of exhaust system tuning.
Dietary Supplement Ingredients for Optimizing Cognitive Performance Among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review.

Background: Dietary supplements promoted for brain health and enhanced cognitive performance are widely available. Claims made for these products are directed not only to the elderly wishing to prevent or mitigate cognitive decline, but also young healthy populations looking to boost their cognitive performance. It is unclear whether these claims made on product bottles and through advertising match the science. Objectives: To explore the evidence on the efficacy and safety of single dietary supplement ingredients frequently marketed with claims of enhanced cognitive performance among healthy adults. Design: A systematic review. Results: Nine of 54 dietary supplement ingredients identified through a scoping review met the eligibility criteria with at least 3 published studies identified per ingredient, yielding 69 unique publications. Ingredients evaluated included Bacopa monnieri, choline, creatine, omega-3 fatty acids, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, tyrosine, and valerian root, all in supplement form and compared with a placebo, at various serving sizes and durations of use. Conclusions: The low level of certainty in the state of the science, coupled with not always knowing what is in a dietary supplement product, make weighing risks and benefits difficult; these data hinder the ability to develop recommendations about using such ingredients for consumers interested in boosting their cognitive performance. Whereas certain trends regarding promising serving sizes or duration for use, are pointed to in this synthesis, when combined, studies are inconsistent and imprecise, and many are methodologically flawed. Potential solutions to address research gaps are offered, for future research next steps, which is needed to strengthen the evidence and inform decisions.
A Culturally Proficient Response to LGBT Communities: A Guide for Educators

In recent years, educators are challenged to work with more diverse student population than ever before. While the benefits of diversity should never be underestimated, it is also important to acknowledge challenges created by diversity and the need of guidance to educators on how to be culturally responsive to the needs of their diverse students. A Culturally Proficient Response to LGBT Communities (Lindsey, Nuri-Robins, Terrell, & Lindsey, 2013) is a valuable guide for educators working with LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) students. This book is a useful resource for those who are interested in learning more about LGBT communities and becoming familiar with their needs and challenges in today's society.
Learning DNF via probabilistic evidence combination

One approach to learning DNF expressions from examples is to use a conjunctive learner to separately form each of the disjuncts. This paper describes a learning algorithm that follows this approach, extending our earlier work on learning conjunctive classifiers from noisy data to learning DNF classifiers from noisy data. Because every disjunct does not cover every positive example, such learners must decide which positive examples to cover with each disjunct being learned. The central idea here is to model as representational noise the uncertainty as to whether a positive example should be treated as positive for a particular disjunct, in addition to whatever other noise may be imposed on the data by the environment. In experiments with synthetic data our learning method exhibits statistically significantly lower error rates during early learning when compared to the C4.5 algorithm, and on seven out of eight real-world datasets the error rates of classifiers learned by the new algorithm meet or exceed those of the classifiers learned by C4.5.
Solar extreme ultraviolet irradiance measurements during solar cycle 22

The solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) irradiance, the dominant global energy source for Earth’s atmosphere above 100 km, is not known accurately enough for many studies of the upper atmosphere. During the absence of direct solar EUV irradiance measurements from satellites, the solar EUV irradiance is often estimated at the 30–50% uncertainty level using both proxies of the solar irradiance and earlier solar EUV irradiance measurements, primarily from the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (now Phillips Laboratory) rockets and Atmospheric Explorer (AE) instruments. Our sounding rocket measurements during solar cycle 22 include solar EUV irradiances below 120 nm with 0.2 nm spectral resolution, far ultraviolet (FUV) airglow spectra below 160 nm, and solar soft X-ray (XUV) images at 17.5 nm. Compared to the earlier observations, these rocket experiments provide a more accurate absolute measurement of the solar EUV irradiance, because these instruments are calibrated at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) with a radiometric uncertainty of about 8%. These more accurate sounding-rocket measurements suggest revisions of the previous reference AE-E spectra by as much as a factor of 2 at some wavelengths. Our sounding-rocket flights during the past several years (1988—1994) also provide information about solar EUV variability during solar cycle 22.
Stereo Without Epipolar Lines: A Maximum-Flow Formulation

This paper describes a new algorithm for solving the stereo correspondence problem with a global 2-d optimization by transforming it into a maximum-flow problem in a graph. This transformation effectively removes explicit use of epipolar geometry, thus allowing direct use of multiple cameras with arbitrary geometries. The maximum-flow, solved both efficiently and globally, yields a minimum-cut that corresponds to a disparity surface for the whole image at once. This global and efficient approach to stereo analysis allows the reconstruction to proceed in an arbitrary volume of space and provides a more accurate and coherent depth map than the traditional stereo algorithms. In particular, smoothness is applied uniformly instead of only along epipolar lines, while the global optimality of the depth surface is guaranteed. Results show improved depth estimation as well as better handling of depth discontinuities. While the worst case running time is O(n^1.5 d^1.5 log(nd)), the observed average running time is O(n^1.2 d^1.3) for an image size of n pixels and depth resolution d.
LDV Measurements in an Annular Combustor Model

The design and setup of a Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV) system used to take velocity measurements in an annular combustor model are covered. The annular combustor model is of contemporary design using 60 degree flat vane swirlers, producing a strong recirculation zone. Detailed measurements are taken of the swirler inlet air flow and of the downstream enclosed swirling flow. The laser system used is a two color, two component system set up in forward scatter. Detailed are some of the special considerations needed for LDV use in the confined turbulent flow of the combustor model. The LDV measurements in a single swirler rig indicated that the flow changes radically in the first duct height. After this, a flow profile is set up and remains constant in shape. The magnitude of the velocities gradually decays due to viscous damping.
Reexamining the role of interactions in software architecture

Describing and understanding the interactions among computation units in a software system remains one of the most interesting challenges of software architecture. In the old days, computation units were statements, and interaction among them consisted of the control flow between them. Structured programming and modern languages have made this quite tractable for developers to describe and understand. But object-orientation, concurrency, and component-based systems have pushed us into a realm where interactions between computation units (components) are often quite complex and difficult to understand.
Scheduling and Control of Multi-Node Mobile Communications Systems with Randomly-Varying Channels by Stability Methods

We consider a communications network consisting of many mobiles. There are random external data processes arriving at some of the mobiles, each destined for a unique destination or set of destinations. Each mobile can serve as a node in the possibly multi-hop (and not necessarily unique) path from source to destination. At each mobile the data is queued according to the source-destination pair.. Time is divided into small scheduling intervals. The capacity of the connecting channels are randomly varying. The system resources such as transmission power and/or time, bandwidth, and perhaps antennas, must be allocated to the various queues in a queue and channelstate dependent way to assure stability and good operation. Lost packets might or might not have to be retransmitted. At the beginning of the intervals, the channels are estimated via pilot signals and this information is used for the scheduling decisions, which are made at the beginning of the intervals. Stochastic stability methods are used to develop scheduling policies. The resulting controls are readily implementable and allow a range of tradeoffs between current rates and queue lengths, under very weak conditions. The basic methods are an extension of recent works for a system with one transmitter that communicates with many mobiles. The choice of Liapunov function allows a choice of the effective performance criteria. All essential factors are incorporated into a “mean rate” function, so that the results cover many different systems. Because of the non-Markovian nature of the problem, we use the perturbed Stochastic Liapunov function method, which is designed for such problems. Various extensions (such as the requirement of acknowledgments) are given, as well as a useful method for getting the a priori routes.
Fault tolerance of neural networks

The robustness and learning speeds of a neural network using the backpropagation algorithm are explored. An XOR experiment was performed on neural networks with one and two hidden layers. Robustness of the net was studied through removal of nodes and/or branches in hidden layers. It is observed that simulations with final output weights constrained to lie below a specified value provided superior performance, even when they were structurally damaged. Hence, for a two-hidden layer net, the weight constraint on interconnecting links yields a robust and faster-learning network. >
Preventing Mathematics Difficulties in the Primary Grades: The Critical Features of Instruction in Textbooks as Part of the Equation.

High-quality core instruction in kindergarten and first and second grade is critical to prevent mathematics difficulties. Evidence-based critical features of instruction should be part of core inst...
Sufficient conditions for the optimal degree of progression to decrease with the government revenue requirement

Abstract This paper derives some sufficient conditions under which an increase in the tax revenue requirement leads to a less progressive tax structure in the context of the educational investment model.
Investigation of power absorption by methylene blue in a light scattering medium with an internal photodynamic actinometer.

— Power absorption by aqueous solutions of methylene blue containing high concentrations of polystyrene microspheres was measured at 650 nm, using the photosensitized inactivation of subtilisin Carlsberg as an internal actinometer. The results were analyzed with the one-dimensional diffusion approximation for a finite slab. It is shown that the power absorption is determined by two macroscopic parameters, the optical penetration depth and the linear absorption coefficient. The optical penetration depth was determined independently by measuring flux profiles with an inserted fiber-optic method. The results are in satisfactory agreement with the predictions of the diffusion model, with microsphere diameters from 0.5 to 5 μm and a wide range of scatterer and dye concentrations. The presence of the scatterers diminished the power absorbed by the dye in all cases. The predictions of one-dimensional diffusion model are compared to Kubelka-Munk theory, and shown to be equivalent for optically dense systems
Disruption of the circadian output molecule prokineticin 2 results in anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in mice.

Disrupted circadian rhythms are strictly associated with mood disorders. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the master pacemaker that drives circadian rhythms in mammals. However, the underlying molecular connections of circadian rhythm and mood disorders are still poorly understood. Prokineticin 2 (PK2) is a signaling molecule that is critical for transmitting the circadian rhythms from the SCN. Previously, it is has been shown that the receptor for PK2 is expressed in virtually all of the primary SCN target areas, most of which are also involved in the mood regulation. In the current study, we investigated the role of PK2 in the regulation of anxiety and depression-related behaviors. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of PK2 increased anxiety-like behavior as assessed by light–dark box. ICV delivery of PK2 also led to increased depression-like behavior in the forced swimming test. Conversely, mice lacking the PK2 gene (PK2−/− mice) displayed significantly reduced anxiety and depression-like behaviors. Furthermore, PK2−/− mice showed impaired responses to new environments in terms of locomotor activity, arousal, body temperature, and food intake. Our studies, thus, indicate that PK2 signaling plays a critical role in the stress-related traits in mice, and establish a possible molecular link between circadian rhythms and mood regulation.
Abstract 5362: Deficiencies in mismatch repair proteins induce elevated levels of acrolein-derived 1,N2-propanodeoxyguanosine and apoptosis in human colon cancer cells treated with acrolein

Acrolein-derived 1,N 2 -propanodeoxyguanosine (Acr-dG) is a ubiquitous DNA modification in vivo that may play a role in carcinogenesis. It can be formed when DNA reacts with acrolein in environmental pollutants, such as cigarette smoking and oil combustion, and from endogenous source through oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). We have previously demonstrated that the formation of Acr-dG at a threshold level is linked to apoptosis in cells treated with PUFAs under oxidative condition, suggesting a potential role of Acr-dG in the apoptosis induced by PUFAs, especially ω-3 PUFAs. Acr-dG can be repaired by the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. To examine whether mismatch repair (MMR) pathway is also involved in the repair of Acr-dG, we treated MLH1-deficient HCT116 cell and its isogenic MLH1-proficient HCT116+ch3 cell with acrolein. The Acr-dG levels and apoptosis both were higher in HCT116 cells compared to HCT116+ch3 cells. To further study the role of MMR proteins in the repair of Acr-dG, either MLH1 or MSH2 was knocked down in HCT116+ch3 cells. The results showed that the levels of Acr-dG and apoptosis induction were both significantly higher in the knockdown cells than the cells transfected with control siRNA. The levels of p-ATM and γ-H2AX were also increased to a greater extent in HCT116 cells than HCT116+ch3 cells, and in the MLH1 and MSH2 knockdown cells than the control cells when treated with acrolein at the doses that induce higher levels of Acr-dG. This study shows that MMR proteins, MLH1 and MSH2, are involved in the repair of Acr-dG. The results also suggest that Acr-dG may cause double-strand breaks which lead to apoptosis. Whether MMR acts as an independent repair pathway for Acr-dG or MMR proteins cross-talk and interact with other DNA repair pathways, such as NER, is under investigation. (Supported by NCI grant CA43159) Citation Format: Jishen Pan, Zhuoli Xuan, Marcin Dyba, Yongwei Zhang, Ying Fu, Rabindra Roy, Louis M. Weiner, Fung-Lung Chung. Deficiencies in mismatch repair proteins induce elevated levels of acrolein-derived 1, N 2 -propanodeoxyguanosine and apoptosis in human colon cancer cells treated with acrolein. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5362. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5362
Expression, Purification, and Characterization of a Soluble Form of Human Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein B

The human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B gene (gB; gpUL55) was truncated at amino acid 692 and recombined into Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (baculovirus). Infection of insect cells with the recombinant baculovirus resulted in high-level expression and secretion of the truncated gB protein (gB-S) into the culture medium. Purification of gB-S by monoclonal antibody affinity chromatography yielded a protein of ca. 200 kDa. Characterization of the 200-kDa purification product indicated that the recombinant gB protein retained many structural and functional features of the viral gB. Comparison of electrophoretic migration patterns in reduced versus nonreduced protein samples and immune blotting analysis with antibodies specific for the amino or carboxy-terminus of gB demonstrated that the recombinant protein was composed of disulfide linked 69 kDa amino terminal and 35-kDa carboxy-terminal fragments. In addition, recognition of the 200-kDa gB-S by a conformational-dependent, oligomer-specific monoclonal antibody suggested that gB-S was properly folded and dimeric. Like the viral gB, gB-S had heparin binding ability. One heparin binding site was found to reside within the 35-kDa carboxy-terminal fragment (aa 492-692). Heparin binding was abolished when gB-S was denatured. These data suggest that gB contains a novel heparin binding motif that is at least partially conformational dependent.