cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal allocation for estimating the mean of a bivariate polynomial

Suppose we wish to estimate the mean of some polynomial function of random variables from two independent Bernoulli populations, the parameters of which. rhemselves, are modeled as independent beta random variables. It. is assumed that the t.otal sample size for the experiment is fixed, but that the number of experimental units observed from each population may be random. This problem arises, ior example, when estimating the fault tolerance of a system by testing its compomentc individually. Using a decision theorebic approach, we seek to minimize the Bayes risk that arises from using a squared error loss function The Bayes estimator can lw detrmined in a straightforwardmanner, so the problem of optimal estimation rcduces. therefore, to a problem of optimallocatton of the samples between the two populatiorls. This can be solved via dynamic programming. Similar programming techniques are utilized to evaluate properties of a number of ad hoc allocation strategies that might also be collsidered for use in th...
Misplaced Blame: Foreign Aid and the Consequences of UN Security Council Membership

In a well-publicized finding, Bueno de Mesquita and Smith argue that temporary members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) suffer politically and economically because they receive elevate...
Syntheses Using Alkyne‐Derived Alkenyl‐ and Alkynylaluminum Compounds

The stereoselective elaboration of alkynes into substituted alkenes via vinylic organometallics derived from hydrometalation and carbometalation of the triple bond comprises one of the most powerful tools for olefinic synthesis. The discovery that mono- and disubstituted alkenylaluminum compounds can be directly synthesized via cis hydroalumination of alkynes thus has played an important role in the development of stereoselective syntheses of functionally di- and tri-substituted olefins. Also, the introduction of the zirconium-catalyzed carboalumination has made available alkenylaluminum compounds that can be elaborated into stereodefined trisubstituted olefins, especially those of terpenoid origin. The fact that the hydroalumination of 1-alkynes not only provides alkenylalanes, but also can be controlled through the choice of solvent to afford 1-alkynylalanes and bis- and tris-aluminoalkanes greatly enhances the versatility of alkyne-derived organoaluminum derivatives. However, the chemistry of geminal aluminoalkanes remains to be delineated. An important feature of alkenyl- and alkynylaluminum compounds is that they exhibit chemical properties that differ distinctly from those of the corresponding organolithium or organomagnesium compounds or of their organoboron congeners. For example, although unsaturated organoaluminum compounds undergo Grignard-like reactions with a variety of organic and inorganic electrophiles, they show some significant differences in reactivity and substrate selectivity as compared to organolithium and Grignard reagents. This results because the trigonal aluminum in organoalanes possesses a rather low intrinsic nucleophilicity. However, conversion of the organoalanes into the corresponding filled-octet aluminate species by treatment with bases markedly increases their carbanion character. Also, transmetalation of alkenylaluminum compounds with transition metals produces stereodefined organometallics with reaction characteristics different from those of their progenitors, thus providing an additional tool for modifying the reactivity of unsaturated organoaluminum compounds. For simplicity and clarity, organoaluminum compounds are referred to in this chapter as monomers even though they actually may be associated. Except for the 1-alkynylaluminum compounds, we have chosen to include in this chapter only those alkenylaluminum compounds whose preparations involve the direct formation of a carbon–aluminum bond. Those derived by exchange reactions are not covered. Keywords: alkenylaluminum compounds; alkynylaluminum compounds; hydroalumination; olefins; functionally substituted olefins; dienes; acetylenes; hydroxyacetylenes; enynes; group transfer; conjugated enones; cyclopropanation; transmetalation; alkenes; halogen compounds; allylic alcohols; allylic ethers; acetylenes; cyclopropanes; alkenylsilanes; ketoalkenes; ketoacetylenes; syntheses; experimental procedures
Energy: Caloric Requirements

The science of bioenergetics, as we know it today, was perhaps initiated with the studies of Lavoisier (1743–1794), who discovered the principles of in vivo and in vitro oxidation and combustion. He ascertained that the intensity of metabolism was dependent upon physical work, environmental temperature, and food intake. He devised an ice calorimeter to study the body heat emanating from guinea pigs and determined that oxygen was utilized by the metabolizing body and that a gas was given off (carbon dioxide) that was the same as that produced when acid was added to limestone. Lavoisier appreciated the chemical identity of the oxidative process of carbon and the burning of carbon in a candle flame.
Application of separable parameter space techniques to multi-tracer PET compartment modeling

Multi-tracer positron emission tomography (PET) can image two or more tracers in a single scan, characterizing multiple aspects of biological functions to provide new insights into many diseases. The technique uses dynamic imaging, resulting in time-activity curves that contain contributions from each tracer present. The process of separating and recovering separate images and/or imaging measures for each tracer requires the application of kinetic constraints, which are most commonly applied by fitting parallel compartment models for all tracers. Such multi-tracer compartment modeling presents challenging nonlinear fits in multiple dimensions. This work extends separable parameter space kinetic modeling techniques, previously developed for fitting single-tracer compartment models, to fitting multi-tracer compartment models. The multi-tracer compartment model solution equations were reformulated to maximally separate the linear and nonlinear aspects of the fitting problem, and separable least-squares techniques were applied to effectively reduce the dimensionality of the nonlinear fit. The benefits of the approach are then explored through a number of illustrative examples, including characterization of separable parameter space multi-tracer objective functions and demonstration of exhaustive search fits which guarantee the true global minimum to within arbitrary search precision. Iterative gradient-descent algorithms using Levenberg–Marquardt were also tested, demonstrating improved fitting speed and robustness as compared to corresponding fits using conventional model formulations. The proposed technique overcomes many of the challenges in fitting simultaneous multi-tracer PET compartment models.
Comparison of Sonic Booms from Modified Linear Theory to Flight Test Data

This study demonstrates the accuracy of the RapidF computer program to replicate sonic booms from wind tunnel and flight tests. RapidF is based on modified linear theory and is designed to be low fidelity to enable fast computations. RapidF accepts a parametric description of an aircraft and calculates an F-function and predicts the sonic boom using geometric acoustics. In order to demonstrate RapidF’s ability to quickly and accurately predict sonic booms, RapidF pressure profiles are compared to a variety of experimental results. The first comparison is wind tunnel tests of a supersonic civil aircraft model where the Mach number, lift coefficient, propagation angle and the configuration are varied. Interior shock locations, minimum and maximum pressure and signal duration from RapidF are compared to the experimental and theoretical results. Although RapidF properly matches the pressure profile shapes for all cases, some of the accuracy metrics differ from the experimental and theoretical results by up to 50%. These difference are attributed the small scale model and the fact that measurements where taken relative close to the model. RapidF’s sonic boom for a F-104 fighter is presented and for this case, RapidF predicts the interior shock locations within 10% and the minimum and maximum overpressures within 13% and 14%, respectfully, of flight test data. A sonic boom prediction of the Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstrator is presented where RapidF’s solution is within 10% of the flight test results for all metrics. RapidF’s XB-70 model creates the correct ground pressure profile, but under predicts the maximum pressures by 28%. RapidF also is no able to match the sonic boom profile at 26 body lengths. Based on all of these test cases, it can be concluded that RapidF’s modified linear theory methods is capable of predicting sonic booms for all but the most complex aircraft.
High-Power Broadband Source at 1.5 µm for Fiber Sensor Applications

Broadband sources are useful in several fiber sensing applications (low coherence interferometry, Bragg grating arrays, etc...). The most demanding application, fiber-optic gyroscopes, requires a broadband source with high power and stable mean wavelength. Superluminescent diodes do not couple efficiently into a single-mode fiber and exhibit variations in mean wavelength of up to 400 ppm/°C. Fiber sources which exhibit broadband spectra and good wavelength stability have become candidates for navigational grade gyroscopes that require a stability of 1 ppm. In order to achieve the required broadband spectrum, high optical power (up to 100 mW [1]), and compact packaging we have implemented superluminescent fiber sources with side-pumped fiber amplifier and customized gain flattener, which yield about 30 mW output power in a 30 nm bandwidth.
Edwards and the Ethical Question

Whereas traditionally the nature of God and his actions have been counted as decisive for man's morality, it has been argued by some contemporary moral philosophers that man's moral autonomy is such that reference to deity in any decisive way is either irrelevant or at best an optional addendum to the moral life. Thus P. H. Nowell-Smith asserts that even if God commands a certain course of action, “it still makes sense … to ask whether or not I ought to do it.” But even the sense of obligation is weakened from its Kantian austerity by this author who insists that “morality is a set of habits of choice determined by the question ‘what life is most satisfactory to me as a whole?’” Outside this teleological reference he professes ignorance as to what the term “ought” means. A similar view is explicitly stated by Kai Nielsen, “The moral agent must independently decide that whatever God wills or commands is good.” Our own moral awareness and sensitivity are used “to decide that God is good and that God ought to be obeyed. We have not derived our moral convictions just from discerning what are the commands of God.” A slightly different position is taken by W. G. MacLagan. It is argued at length that the sense of the moral ought, moral law or moral values is arrived at independently of the theistic hypothesis, although he is willing to employ the notion of moral law as an index to the meaning of the term God. God is not completely shut out of moral calculations, but any independent recourse to deity infringes upon the prior and sui generis character of duty which man directly feels.
Measuring the Effects of Limited and Persistent School Bullying Victimization: Repeat Victimization, Fear, and Adaptive Behaviors:

Extant research on school bullying has largely focused on the incidence rather than the modality of the experience, leaving key questions about impact unexplored. With a nationally representative sample of more than 3,000 cases, the present study explores the utility of expanding the classification scheme of bullying victimization to include limited victimization and persistent victimization experiences. By examining the differences in victimization, fear of victimization, and avoidance behaviors, the present study establishes that significant differences in fear of future victimization and adaptive avoidance behaviors do exist between the groups classified as limited and persistent. Furthermore, the present study explores the potential differences in the moderating influence of fear of future victimization on the relationship between limited/persistent bullying victimization and adaptive avoidance behavior. Ultimately, the evidence suggests that differentiating between limited and persistent bullying victimization is important for understanding the impact of bullying on students.
Understanding Why Small Firms Choose their Advertising and Promotional Strategies: An Empirical Investigation

This study identifies considerations which underlie advertising and promotion choices in small retail firms. Major considerations include whether the strategy enhances the firm's image; past experience with the strategy; whether the strategy is affordable, and the ability to target specific types of consumers.
Diagnosis and Analysis on SCR Performance of 600-MW Units

Aiming at the issue of high ammonia consumption in one 600-MW unit in Fujian Province, the SCR velocity field and ammonia slip are measured as theoretical evidences to reduce the ammonia slip volume. The flue gas velocity and ammonia slip at the SCR inlet and outlet values are measured by using micro-manometer and gas analyzer and then the measurement data are post-processed by using Tecplot. The analysis results show that the SCR inlet arrangement significantly affects the flue gas velocity distribution while the flue gas velocity field has great impacts on the ammonia slipping. The higher the NOx capture efficiency, the higher ammonia slip rate will be reached. The SCR outlet flue gas velocity field and the ammonia slip rate indirectly reflect the activity as well as the plugging of catalysts. Moreover, piping wearing may occur due to the existence of high velocity area at the outlet.
Respiratory Failure Caused by Laryngotracheal Disorders in 15 Children

Objective To explore the clinical modalities and diagnosis of respiratory failure due to laryngotracheal disorders in children,in order to reduce the misdiagnosis.Methods Fifteen patients(11 cases were male,4 cases were female) with respiratory failure in Intensive Care Unit, Tianjin Children′s Hospital from Jul.2006 to Jul.2009 were selected.Data including history,characteristics and results of spiral computerized tomography(CT) and reconstruction and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) were reviewed.Results The major clinical manifestations indicated that 7 cases had laryngeal stridor,6 cases had recurrent pneumonia,5 cases had cyanosis after crying,and 12 patients were complicated with respiratory failure in 12 hours.Nine cases were recovered,3 cases were given up,and 3 cases died.All patients were performed with CT about laryngohypopharynx,and the results were cyst of root of tongue in 3 cases,trachea pressed by cyst of parapharyngeal space in 1 case.There were 11 cases examined by spiral CT and reconstruction,in which 6 cases were confirmed as tracheal stenosis,2 cases were left bifid tracheostoma,2 cases were pulmonary artery sling,and 1 case was diagnosed as tracheomalacia.Chest X-ray radiograph indicated that bronchopneumonia in 8 cases,bronchitis in 3 cases and negative in 4 cases.Echocardiograph examination was performed among 11 cases,in which 2 cases were pulmonary artery sling,2 cases were atrial septal defect,1 case was patent ductus arteriosus, and 6 cases were negative.Conclusions There is high morbidity of respiratory failure caused by laryngotracheal disorders in infants,but misdiagnosis ccures usually because of non-specific symptoms.If the infant must depend on mechanic ventilation for a long time and has airway obstruction,he should be examined early by using spiral CT.
Maximizing Team Performance: The Critical Role of the Nurse Leader

Facilitating team development is challenging, yet critical for ongoing improvement across healthcare settings. The purpose of this exemplary case study is to examine the role of nurse leaders in facilitating the development of a high-performing Change Team in implementing a patient safety initiative (TeamSTEPPs) using the Tuckman Model of Group Development as a guiding framework. The case study is the synthesis of 2.5 years of critical access hospital key informant interviews (n = 50). Critical juncture points related to team development and key nurse leader actions are analyzed, suggesting that nurse leaders are essential to maximize clinical teams' performance.
The legacies of Rudolf Virchow: cellular medicine in the 20th century and social medicine in the 21st century.

Most advances in twentieth century medicine may be viewed as based on a paradigm of ` cellular medicine,'' which may also be termed a ` biomedical model'' [1]. This approach is based on a "reductionist" perspective to identify a single cause and "cure" for each disease, with preeminence of high technology, ` objective'' laboratory and imaging data in diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of patient status [1]. A person's health is viewed as largely the responsibility of healthcare professionals and the public health system, with little contribution from the individual patient. Outcomes are determined by access to health professionals and medical care, and depend on the actions of these professionals without any influence on the part of the patient, as the mind and body are regarded as independent [2]. The cellular biomedical model approach appears most effective in acute diseases, and in acute events within chronic diseases ± the primary health problems at the beginning of the 20th century. The preeminence of cellular biomedicine is most apparent in the acute inpatient hospital, the traditional primary arena of medical care, education and training. Almost all actions are based on ` orders'' of health professionals, with limited contribution of the patient to the outcome. A major contributor to the development of the cellular biomedicine paradigm was Rudolf Virchow, the great 19th century German pathologist. Virchow recognized that "omnis cellula ex cellula," i.e., cells are derived from cells, rather than from humoral principles, as was thought in the mid-19th century [3]. The principles of "cellular medicine" led Virchow to many celebrated contributions concerning the pathophysiology of leukocytosis, leukemia, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, mycoses, amyloid, trichinosis, and other diseases [3]. Virchow's description of cellular medicine, together with the germ theory of Pasteur and Koch, provide much of the foundation for the spectacular advances of 20th century medicine. The cellular medicine paradigm has been less successful in chronic diseases, the primary health problem at the end of the 20th century and the principal basis for disability and medical expenditures in the United States [4]. Chronic diseases are characterized by complex pathogenetic mechanisms involving interactions of the host and environment, efforts to ` control'' disease with multiple approaches rather than with a silver bullet ` cure,'' and "mind-body" interactions [2]. In chronic diseases, much clinically relevant data in diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of patient status are derived from patients, as a patient history or from self-report questionnaires, rather than high technology sources [5]. In chronic diseases the patient is in control 99% of the time, so that outcomes are dependent as much or more on self-management and behaviors as on actions of professionals [2].
The Creation of an Industrial and Urban Society, 1860–1914

The period from 1860 to 1914 was marked by a series of short-term fluctuations and long-term demographic changes in the national population. The Civil War proved to be the most costly in human life of any war suffered by the United States up to this time. This resulted in short-term changes in mortality and fertility. In fact, mortality remained high during most of this period, replicating the patterns of high and fluctuating rates that were the norm for the earlier 19th-century period. But all this would change profoundly after 1870, when death rates in the United States would finally begin a steady and long-term decline. Without question this was to prove to be the most important demographic event in this and the following period. Other trends intensified in this second half of the 19th century and, in turn, were influenced by new evolving forces within national society. Clearly, fertility, which had been on a long-term decline, accelerated that decline at the end of this period and seemed to be more influenced by urban and modern economic factors than had traditionally been the case. Also, the mechanism of controlling natality seemed to be changing in important ways in this period, with marital fertility itself declining. These rates also finally reached the low western European levels by the last decade of the century. Abolition of slavery led to profound changes in African American literacy, labor participation, and conditions of health and welfare. Other long-term trends were accelerated in this period, from increased international immigration to rising rates of internal migration. There was a major shift of the national population into urban centers, especially into the large metropolises, as never before. In these various areas of demographic change, many of the trends that had been established earlier in the century were now much accelerated as the United States closed its continental frontier and became a primarily urbanized and industrial society similar to other such societies in the North Atlantic world.
Chapter 7 – Structures of Lipid Assemblies

The complex behavior of lipids in biological membranes and in lipid bilayers is in part due to the largely two-dimensional world described by the membrane. Lipid bilayers form because of the chemical structure of the lipids (amphipathic) and the hydrophobic effect. However, lipid bilayers are not the only possible organization for lipids. Lipids can form the lamellar phase, interdigitated phase, micelle phase, hexagonal I phase, hexagonal II phase, cubic phase, gel phase, subphase, and solution phase. Phase transitions between phases can take place such as the gel-to-liquid crystalline phase transition or the lamellar-to-hexagonal II phase transition. Lateral diffusion of lipids in the plane of the membrane occurs rapidly, but does not prevent under certain conditions lateral phase separations of lipids. Whether such phenomena also predict the formation of small stable microdomains of specific lipid composition in the plane of the biological membrane is controversial. Using lipid bilayers, first, it has been possible to define the conformation of lipids in lipid bilayers and to a certain extent, in biological membranes.
Origine et diversification des arbres chez les lignophytes du Paléozoïque.

Le clade des lignophytes comprend d'une part les progymnospermes (Devonien-Carbonifere) a reproduction par spores, et d'autre part les plantes a graines ou spermatophytes (Devonien-actuel) qui dominent la majorite des ecosystemes actuels. Dans le cadre de recherches sur l'evolution du port arborescent au Paleozoique, nous nous sommes interesses aux premiers arbres apparus dans ce clade. Les plus anciennes lignophytes arborescentes sont les progymnospermes Archaeopteridales qui apparaissent a la fin du Devonien moyen (385 Ma) et s'eteignent autour de la limite Devonien-Carbonifere. Apres leur disparition, on connait au Carbonifere inferieur (Mississippien) une vingtaine de nouveaux taxons d'Europe et d'Amerique du nord consideres comme arborescents et attribuees aux progymnospermes Protopityales et aux spermatophytes. En raison de l'insuffisance de donnees, particulierement sur leur mode de reproduction, les affinites de ces taxons sont incertaines et leur importance a souvent ete sous-estimee. Ce travail de these documente dans un premier temps des specimens anatomiquement conserves d'âge Mississippien provenant de la Montagne Noire (France), du Sahara central (Algerie) et de quatre bassins de l'etat du Queensland (Australie). Ces specimens, dont certains representent de nouveaux taxons, illustrent la diversite taxonomique des lignophytes arborescentes qui succedent aux Archaeopteridales. Ils documentent pour la premiere fois avec certitude leur presence en Gondwana, et ce des le Mississippien inferieur. Plus generalement, ces resultats plaident en faveur d'une transition progressive entre les Archaeopteridales du Devonien et les nouvelles formes arborescentes du Mississippien. Dans un second temps nous comparons la disparite morpho-anatomique des lignophytes arborescentes et non-arborescentes du Devonien et du Mississippien. Les resultats mettent notamment en evidence une diversification importante de l'appareil vegetatif chez les formes arborescentes du Mississippien ; ceci concerne en particulier l'anatomie du systeme vasculaire primaire et secondaire et le mode d'emission des organes lateraux. Enfin, une analyse phylogenetique basee sur un jeu de caracteres essentiellement vegetatifs a permis de tester les affinites de taxons mississippiens dont le mode de reproduction est inconnu. Les formes arborescentes attribuees a priori aux spermatophytes, se placent effectivement dans ce clade. Elles forment un groupe para- ou polyphyletique et presentent des affinites avec des spermatophytes non-arborescentes et avec les Cordaitales.
Parameterized supply function equilibrium in power networks

We consider the setting in which generators compete in scalar-parameterized supply functions to serve an inelastic demand spread throughout a transmission constrained power network. The market clears according to a locational marginal pricing mechanism, in which the independent system operator (ISO) determines the generators' production quantities so as to minimize the revealed cost of meeting demand, subject to transmission and generator capacity constraints. Under the assumption that both the ISO and generators choose their strategies simultaneously, we establish the existence of Nash equilibria for the underlying game, and derive a tight bound on its price of anarchy. Under the more restrictive setting of a two-node power network, we present a detailed comparison of market outcomes predicted by the simultaneous-move formulation of the game against those predicted by the more plausible sequential-move formulation, where the ISO observes the generators' strategy profile prior to determining their production quantities.
Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized [12]Cycloparaphenylenes Containing Four Alternating Biphenyl and Naphthyl Units

Functionalized [12]cycloparaphenylenes ([12]CPPs) containing four alternating biphenyl and naphthyl units were synthesized. A macrocyclic furan-containing CPP precursor was used for the Diels-Alder reaction with the parent benzyne or 3,6-dimethoxybenzyne to form the corresponding macrocyclic carbon frameworks. The subsequent reductive deoxygenation of the Diels-Alder adducts with Fe2(CO)9 followed by oxidative aromatization with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone produced the functionalized [12]CPPs. The effect of macrocyclic ring size on the reaction rate of oxidative aromatization was investigated.
Emission Fluxes from Agricultural Sources and Biomass Burning using the CU Airborne SOF Instrument

Vertical column measurements of trace gases along the direct solar beam using airborne and mobile Solar Occultation Flux provide a tool to study emissions from area sources that can be directly compared with emission inventories.
Cytokine-Mediated Systemic Adverse Drug Reactions in a Drug-Drug Interaction Study of Dolutegravir With Once-Weekly Isoniazid and Rifapentine.

Background Once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine for 3 months is a treatment option in persons with human immunodeficiency virus and latent tuberculosis infection. This study aimed to examine pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions between this regimen and dolutegravir, a first-line antiretroviral medication. Methods This was a single-center, open-label, fixed-sequence, drug-drug interaction study in healthy volunteers. Subjects received oral dolutegravir 50 mg once daily alone (days 1-4) and concomitantly with once-weekly isoniazid 900 mg, rifapentine 900 mg, and pyridoxine 50 mg (days 5-19). Dolutegravir concentrations were measured on days 4, 14, and 19, and rifapentine, 25-desacetyl-rifapentine, and isoniazid concentrations were measured on day 19. Cytokines and antidrug antibodies to isoniazid and rifapentine were examined at select time points. Results The study was terminated following the development of flu-like syndrome and elevated aminotransferase levels in 2 of 4 subjects after the third isoniazid-rifapentine dose. Markedly elevated levels of interferon-γ, CXCL10, C-reactive protein, and other cytokines were temporally associated with symptoms. Antidrug antibodies were infrequently detected. Dolutegravir area under the curve (AUC) was decreased by 46% (90% confidence interval, 27-110%; P = .13) on day 14. Rifapentine and 25-desacetyl rifapentine levels on day 19 were comparable to reference data, whereas isoniazid AUCs were approximately 67%-92% higher in the subjects who developed toxicities. Conclusions The combined use of dolutegravir with once-weekly isoniazid-rifapentine resulted in unexpected and serious toxicities that were mediated by endogenous cytokine release. Additional investigations are necessary to examine the safety and efficacy of coadministering these medications. Clinical trials registration NCT02771249.
The Importance of Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL) Certification for Noninvasive Peripheral Vascular Tests: The Tennessee Experience

IntroductionAccurate, safe, and cost-effective noninvasive vascular tests (NIVTs) upon which vascular specialists can confidently base recommendations for treatment decisions are critically importa...
Novel computer-based testing shows multi-domain cognitive dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis.

BackgroundAlthough cognitive dysfunction is a leading cause of disability and poor quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), it is infrequently tested in routine clinical evaluation. Development of a cognitive testing paradigm that captured MS-related cognitive dysfunction and could be obtained in a routine clinical setting may increase surveillance and recognition of cognitive dysfunction.ObjectivesThis was a pilot study to determine if Cognivue could find cognitive performance differences between patients with MS and healthy controls (HC).Methods: A total of 24 patients with MS and 12 HCs between 18 and 50 years old were enrolled. Baseline testing included an Expanded Disability Scale (EDSS), paced auditory serial additions test (PASAT), symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) and Cognivue. Subjects then had repeat testing every 1–2 months for a maximum of three tests.ResultsSignificant differences were found between MS and HC on SDMT, PASAT, and Cognivue Total score. Most Cognivue subtests ...
Questions and Discussions

(1917). Questions and Discussions. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 24, No. 4, pp. 188-194.
Abstract 18363: Type 1 and Type 2 Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that is associated with increased mortality. The severity of CAN may be related to type and duration of ...
Managing Hurt and Disappointment: Improving Communication of Reproach and Apology

The resolution of transgressions in close relationships often depends on how victims reproach offenders and how offenders explain. A research-based framework for teaching clients how to communicate when they are upset (reproach) and how to respond when someone is upset with them (apology) was evaluated using a between-groups (control, treatment) randomized psychoeducational intervention. We tested whether a 2.5-hour workshop that taught skills for communicating reproach and apology changed participants' videotaped ratings of role-played reproaches and apologies. Participants were 111 undergraduate students. Video-recorded behavioral data were collected pre-test, post-test, and at 2-4-week follow-up. Workshop participants exhibited higher levels of constructive emotional reactions than control participants, though the differences were not maintained at follow-up. This brief workshop provides a basis for interventions to improve communication while managing transgressions in many settings (e.g., an adjunct ...
Pigment epithelial and retinal phenotypes in the vitiligo, mivit, mutant mouse

Purpose. To describe the abnormal phenotype in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and neural retina of vitiligo mutant mice from embryonic stages to old age. Methods. Eyes of wild-type controls and congenic vitiligo mutants were examined by light and electron microscopy from embryonic day (E) 12 to 2 years of age. The amount and distribution of pigment in the RPE was studied in wholemounts. Results. Earliest phenotypic expression of mi vit is seen in the RPE, which is abnormally multilayered dorsally at E12 to E13, and contains both hyperpigmented and hypopigmented patches. Postnatally, most RPE cells have abnormally short, compact, apical microvilli not containing melanosomes and not interdigitating with rod outer segments (ROS). Rod outer segments begin to degenerate relatively late, at approximately postnatal day (P) 30, and fragments accumulate in the subretinal space ; photoreceptor nuclei decrease in number progressively from approximately P60 to P500. Retinal detachment, more prominent than in most other retinal degenerations, begins as ROS break up. Additional unusual events are the appearance of macrophage-like cells in the subretinal space by P21 to P60 and extensive shedding of photoreceptor nuclei across the external limiting membrane and into the subretinal space from approximately P180 to P500. Photoreceptor cell degeneration follows a radial gradient, more severe centrally, and is more advanced superiorly than inferiorly. By 2 years, almost all rod and cone cells are gone, and the residual neural retina is invaded by heavily pigmented cells. Conclusions. The initial ocular target of the mi vit gene is the RPE, which is abnormal for many weeks before photoreceptor cells differentiate and become demonstrably affected. The authors hypothesize that the slowly progressive photoreceptor cell degeneration is secondary to abnormal function of the RPE. This mutation serves to refocus attention on critical influences of the RPE on function and maintenance of photoreceptor cells.
Partial molar volumes and isentropic compressions of sugar alcohols in aqueous solutions from 15 °C to 40 °C at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract Densities and sound speeds of aqueous solutions of Erythritol, Xylitol, Sorbitol, and Maltitol were measured at 15 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C, and 45 °C using a density and sound velocity meter (DSA 5000M). The results were used to calculate the apparent and standard molar volumes and compressions, the specific volumes and compressions, as well as the hydration numbers and their temperature dependence. The volumetric results are used to characterize the hydration of sugar alcohols and are related to sweet taste chemoreception.
Near Distributive Laws

Abstract Monads and their compositions can sometimes be generated from simpler data types and without necessarily requiring any monad axioms. Free monads and monad approximations provide two approaches to overcoming the constraints required by monad composition laws while generating near distributive laws.
Profit-Driven Team Grouping in Social Networks

In this paper, we investigate the profit-driven team grouping problem in social networks. We consider a setting in which people possess different skills and compatibility among these individuals is captured by a social network. Here, we assume a collection of tasks, where each task requires a specific set of skills, and yields a different profit upon completion. Active and qualified individuals may collaborate with each other in the form of teams to accomplish a set of tasks. Our goal is to find a grouping method that maximizes the total profit of the tasks that these teams can complete. Any feasible grouping must satisfy the following three conditions: (i) each team possesses all skills required by the task, (ii) individuals within the same team are social compatible, and (iii) each individual is not overloaded. We refer to this as the Team Grouping problem. Our work presents a detailed analysis of the computational complexity of the problem, and propose a LP-based approximation algorithm to tackle it and its variants. Although we focus on team grouping in this paper, our results apply to a broad range of optimization problems that can be formulated as a cover decomposition problem.
Session 7 Discussion

In discussion following the various presentations, Kobayashi asked Fuller why pull-out tests, rather than the more popular push-out tests, were conducted. Fuller replied that there is an initial stiffening caused by the Poisson effect. Under these conditions, one cannot determine the coefficient of friction and radial stress separately, only their product. Fuller also commented, on response to a comment by Reinhardt regarding crack closing in Kromp’s work, that bundle pull-out tests should be conducted to characterize Kromp’s bundle fracture observations. Fuller thought he would try such a test. Shah claimed that the improved ductility caused by silicon infiltration of carbon-carbon is analogous to that which takes place in the curing of cement in the presence of a certain additive. He also remarked that a time-dependent bundle pull-out test has been developed at the Center. In response to another question by Shah, Fuller stated that optimum fiber coefficient of friction has yet to be established for ceramic composites. Bazant asked if Kromp had studied size effect in geometrically similar carbon-carbon specimens. Kromp replied that only the size effect on modulus had been examined.
Description and Function of a Difficult Airway Service

The goal of the Pediatric Difficult Airway Service (DAS) is to improve the care of children with airway abnormalities primarily through identification of children at risk for failed airway management. The airway service encourages early recognition and provides consultation, a plan for airway management, expertise in airway management, and follow-up care for children who have a difficult airway. The service has improved the education of healthcare professionals and heightened awareness about the consequences of failed airway management.
Women’s Perspectives On Provider Education Regarding Opioid Use

Objective To elucidate women's experiences with opioid medications and their perspectives on provider education regarding opioid use, risks and safety. Methods Women with a self-reported history of pain who had been prescribed opioids were recruited in 2016 using a convenience sampling approach that included an online social media campaign. Participants (N=154) completed online surveys and open-ended questions regarding their experiences with pain and opioids, and their perspectives on the quality of education they received from their providers. Results Participants reported receiving insufficient education about opioid-related side effects, as reflected in both ratings for the quantity and quality of education they received from their providers. Non-white participants reported lower quantity and poorer quality of provider education (p<0.05). Themes identified from the qualitative data included frustrations with pain management options, fear of opioids, stigma associated with opioid use, and the need for improved provider education and patient-provider communication. Conclusion Findings suggest that from a patient's perspective, there is a need for enhanced patient-provider communication and education regarding pain management and potential opioid-related side effects. Improved physician communication and education could promote shared decision-making and result in enhanced satisfaction with care and health outcomes.
TipQAD: an automated tool for quantifying apical fluorescence dynamics in tip-growing cells

ABSTRACT Cell polarity is a fundamental property essential for the function and development of all cellular organisms. Tip growth is an extreme form of polar growth requiring spatiotemporally dynamic but highly coordinated cellular activities. Quantification of these dynamic activities is important for the systematic study of the mechanisms controlling cell polarity, but an automated and unbiased method for analyzing and quantification of tip-growing cells has been missing. In this paper, we developed a computational model and an associated tool called TipQAD for quantifying the spatiotemporal dynamics of fluorescence protein (FP) labeled molecules or structures in tip-growing cells. This tool robustly and accurately measured the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of FP-labeled proteins in the cytoplasm or the plasma membrane at the tip region of several types of tip-growing cells. We also demonstrated its ability to analyze data from FRAP experiments. In conclusion, this tool showed great potential for automated measurements of the spatiotemporal dynamics of fluorescent-labeled cellular molecules and structures.
COVID-19 and MS disease-modifying therapies.

Objective To address concerns regarding the effect of MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) on the expression of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Methods Review of the current state of knowledge regarding the viral etiology of COVID-19, mechanisms of injury by SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the effect of individual DMTs on the risk of infection and COVID-19 disease expression. Results Although data are limited, MS DMTs do not obviously increase the risk of acquiring symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. The severe morbidity and mortality of SARS-CoV-2 appear to be largely the consequence of an overly robust immune response rather than the consequence of unchecked viral replication. The effects of specific MS DMTs on the immune response that may increase the risk of impaired viral clearance and their potential counterbalancing beneficial effects on the development of COVID-19–associated acute respiratory distress syndrome are reviewed. Conclusion Although there is currently insufficient real-world experience to definitively answer the question of the effect of a specific MS DMT on COVID-19, registries presently in nascent form should provide these answers. This review provides an approach to addressing these concerns while the data are being accumulated. Early insights suggest that the risk of infection and associated morbidity of COVID-19 in this population is little different than that of the population at large.
The MULTICOM Protein Structure Prediction Server Empowered by Deep Learning and Contact Distance Prediction.

Prediction of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of a protein from its sequence is important for studying its biological function. With the advancement in deep learning contact distance prediction and residue-residue coevolutionary analysis, significant progress has been made in both template-based and template-free protein structure prediction in the last several years. Here, we provide a practical guide for our latest MULTICOM protein structure prediction system built on top of the latest advances, which was rigorously tested in the 2018 CASP13 experiment. Its specific functionalities include: (1) prediction of 1D structural features (secondary structure, solvent accessibility, disordered regions) and 2D interresidue contacts; (2) domain boundary prediction; (3) template-based (or homology) 3D structure modeling; (4) contact distance-driven ab initio 3D structure modeling; and (5) large-scale protein quality assessment enhanced by deep learning and predicted contacts. The MULTICOM web server ( http://sysbio.rnet.missouri.edu/multicom_cluster/ ) presents all the 1D, 2D, and 3D prediction results and quality assessment to users via user-friendly web interfaces and e-mails. The source code of the MULTICOM package is also available at https://github.com/multicom-toolbox/multicom .
The effects of political parties on roll-call voting in Kenya’s Parliament

Parties are thought to organise democratic legislatures by influencing the voting behaviour of individual legislators. We examine whether parties and party coalitions influence the behaviour of legislators in Kenya. Ethnicity has been seen as the driver of party and electoral politics in Kenya and therefore Kenya provides a hard test of the proposition that political parties organise the legislature in Africa. Analysing roll-call voting in the 11th Parliament (2013–2017), we find that both political parties and coalitions induce structure to roll-call voting, although clientelism and ethnicity continue to influence the behaviour of MPs.
Establishing Safety and Stability for Enhanced Treatment Engagement With the Unified Protocol: A Case Study:

Despite the vast array of empirically validated treatments for psychopathological problems, interventions still require considerable client resources for engagement and success. For clients lacking...
RNA interference approaches for plant disease control

Plant diseases caused by a variety of pathogens can have severe effects on crop plants and even plants in natural ecosystems. Despite many effective conventional approaches to control plant diseases, new, efficacious, environmentally sound and cost-effective approaches are needed, particularly with our increasing human population and the effects on crop production and plant health caused by climate change. RNA interference (RNAi) is a gene regulation and antiviral response mechanism in eukaryotes; transgenic and non transgenic plant-based RNAi approaches have shown great effectiveness and potential to target specific plant pathogens and help control plant diseases, especially when no alternatives are available. Here we discuss ways in which RNAi has been used against different plant pathogens, and some new potential applications for plant disease control.
Building the Capacity for Collective Responsibility in Norway

“Congratulations on your Nobel Peace Prize,” my Norwegian colleagues kept telling me. While not a dream, it was a surreal experience to have Norwegian after Norwegian offer such warm congratulations the day after President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October of 2009.
Order-Unity Correction to Hawking Radiation.

When a black hole first forms, the properties of the emitted radiation as measured by observers near future null infinity are very close to the 1974 prediction of Hawking. However, deviations grow with time and become of order unity after a time $t\ensuremath{\sim}{M}_{i}^{7/3}$, where ${M}_{i}$ is the initial mass in Planck units. After an evaporation time, the corrections are large: the angular distribution of the emitted radiation is no longer dominated by low multipoles, with an exponential falloff at high multipoles. Instead, the radiation is redistributed as a power-law spectrum over a broad range of angular scales, all the way down to the scale $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\sim}1/{M}_{i}$, beyond which there is exponential falloff. This effect is a quantum gravitational effect, whose origin is the spreading of the wave function of the black hole's center-of-mass location caused by the kicks of the individual outgoing quanta, discovered by Page in 1980. The modified angular distribution of the Hawking radiation has an important consequence: the number of soft hair modes that can effectively interact with outgoing Hawking quanta increases from the handful of modes at low multipoles $l$ to a large number of modes, of order $\ensuremath{\sim}{M}_{i}^{2}$. We argue that this change unlocks the Hawking-Perry-Strominger mechanism for purifying the Hawking radiation.