cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ostracism Reduces Reliance on Poor Advice from Others during Decision Making

Decision making is rarely context-free, and often, both social information and non-social information are weighed into one's decisions. Incorporating information into a decision can be influenced by previous experiences. Ostracism has extensive effects, including taxing cognitive resources and increasing social monitoring. In decision making situations, individuals are often faced with both objective and social information and must choose which information to include or filter out. How will ostracism affect the reliance on objective and social information during decision making? Participants ( N = 245) in Experiment 1 were randomly assigned to be included or ostracized in a standardized, group task. They then performed a dynamic decision making task that involved the presentation of either non-social (i.e. biased reward feedback) or social (i.e., poor advice from a previous participant) misleading information. In Experiment 2, participants ( N = 105) completed either the ostracism non-social condition or social misleading information condition with explicit instructions stating that the advice given was from an individual who did not partake in the group task. Ostracized individuals relied more on non-social misleading information and performed worse than included individuals. However, ostracized individuals discounted misleading social information and outperformed included individuals. Results of Experiment 2 replicated the findings of Experiment 1. Across two experiments, ostracized individuals were more critical of advice from others, both individuals who may have ostracized them and unrelated individuals. In other words, compared with included individuals, ostracized individuals underweighted advice from another individual but overweighed non-social information during decision making. We conclude that when deceptive objective information is present, ostracism results in disadvantageous decision making. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Aging and gendering

Unlike class or ethnicity, gender-based differences are assumed to result from social difference, not distance, yet across multiple societies, researchers find that gender separation is practiced to varying degrees. Such separation creates distance. Preference for same-gender affiliations emerges around age three, peaks in middle childhood, and lessens during the teen years, yet persists in the workplace and later life. Though reasons for this are many, Thorne (1993:51) identified one finding in these terms: “Where age separation is present, gender separation is more likely to occur.” Because age segregation varies with stage of life, one may predict that gender segregation would wax and wane across the lifespan. This study investigates this prediction with three sociolinguistic variables of Puerto Rican Spanish. In turn, it explores the prediction across other varieties of Spanish, German, and English, focusing on variables that are stable, undergoing change, or in the end stage of loss.I want to send very special muchisimas gracias to Miriam Meyerhoff and William Labov for critical, insightful, and engaged readings of an earlier version of this research. Over the past two years, I have presented portions of this research at various conferences. In these contexts, on more than one occasion, Greg Guy, Gillian Sankoff, and Shahrzad Mahootian have provided both critical and supportive comments. I admire and love all these people. Finally, I thank Jane Hill and the two reviewers whose very useful comments called for clarification and qualification. I appreciate their attention very much. None of these individuals is responsible for shortcomings in the research. I hope any shortcomings here will stimulate long-term research elsewhere. Besos a Diana Gonzalez-Cameron, mi esposa.
Leave and Employment in Families of Preterm Low Birthweight Infants

Objective: To determine how employment, income and out-of-pocket expenses changed in 224 families of low birthweight infants during the first 6 months after the infant was discharged home. Design: Prospective, descriptive. Population, Sample, Setting, Years: Families of preterm, low birthweight infants. A convenience sample of families of 224 preterm (<37 weeks gestation) low birthweight (<2500 grams) infants was obtained from one hospital in the Northeastern U.S.A. Mothers were interviewed over the telephone at each of the data points. Years of data collections were 1990–1994. Methods: Mothers kept logs of expenses and were interviewed about changes in employment and income at infant discharge from the hospital and 1, 3, and 6 months later. Findings: All but two of the employed mothers had to leave employment early because of pregnancy complications. After delivery, fewer mothers returned to work or returned later and worked less than mothers in national studies. Families spent 2% to 4% of their income in non-reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses; transportation was a major expense. Conclusions: Having a low birthweight infant results in unexpected changes in employment and in increased and unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. Clinical Implications: Study findings support the need for longer leave for mothers who have small infants.
Reflections of Very-High-Frequency Radio Waves from Meteoric Ionization

The reflection of v.h.f. radio waves by ionization, produced by the passage of meteors through the upper atmosphere, results in echoes of short duration. For frequencies between 40 and 50 Mc. the duration is usually not more than a few tenths of a second, although infrequently one of several seconds duration is observed. The characteristics of the echoes as determined by measurements are discussed, and correlations shown between the distributions of occurrence and the theoretical and observed distributions of meteors. The observations indicate that the reflection cannot be treated as specular, but that the reflected waves form a lobe in the direction of the reflected ray which would exist if the reflection were specular.
Experiences applying parallel and interoperable network simulation techniques in on-line simulations of military networks

We present a case study in which we apply parallel simulation methods and interoperability techniques to network simulations for simulation-based on-line control of military communication networks. The on-line simulations model actual military networks, including wired shipboard sub-networks connected via satellite links, and wireless mobile devices. The modeled scenario depicts the communication requirements of an amphibious landing where a complex network connects troops ashore and naval vessels. The simulations use a heterogeneous set of tools, including ns2 models for shipboard wired networks, and GloMoSim models for the wireless devices. In this paper, we document the challenges we encountered in applying parallel and interoperable simulation methods, and describe our solutions. We describe our experiences in addressing the interoperability problems that naturally arose due to the heterogeneity of scenario models. We also present a preliminary study on the scalability of real-time performance of parallel network simulations, which is crucial for on-line simulations. Salient system characteristics of the subject military network scenarios are described for the benefit of exposure to the modeling and simulation research community. Our exercise not only highlights the relevance of parallel and distributed simulation techniques to an important real-life problem, but also demonstrates the feasibility of applying those techniques in a practical setting.
The Plot Thickens Hemoconcentration, Renal Function, and Survival in Heart Failure

Acute worsening of renal function is common in hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure and is associated with increased risk of hospital readmission and both in-hospital and postdischarge mortality.1 The pathogenesis of worsening of renal function in hospitalized heart failure patients is thought to be attributable to 2 interdependent multifactorial mechanisms: (1) a short-term and in most cases reversible decrease in glomerular filtration due to decreased renal blood flow, pharmacological inhibition of angiotensin-II signaling, sympathetic activation, and tubuloglomerular feedback mechanisms and (2) a longer-term and in some cases irreversible ischemic renal tubular injury triggered by decreased renal oxygen supply (due to decreased arterial perfusion pressure, increased renal vein pressure, and anemia) and/or increased renal oxygen demand (caused by increased tubular sodium and water reabsorption mediated by activation of vasoconstrictor hormones and tubuloglomerular feedback mechanisms).2,3 Clinical observation of the time course for return to preadmission serum creatinine levels is most often used to retrospectively determine the principal underlying mechanism in individual patients. Because there is no definitive diagnostic test to uncover the mechanism of worsening renal function, it is uncertain how these underlying causes relate to increased risk of in-hospital and postdischarge adverse outcomes. Article see p 265 Loop diuretics, the most commonly prescribed class of drugs in patients with acute decompensated heart failure, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of worsening renal function.4 Loop diuretics immediately reduce glomerular filtration by activation of neurohormonal and tubuloglomerular feedback mechanisms but …
Scale-Dependent Effects of Coyote-Predation Risk on Patterns of White-Tailed Deer Browsing along Linear Forest Edges

Abstract Browsing by Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) plays an important role in shaping forest structure in the northeastern US. Predation can influence patterns of browse through decreasing White-tailed Deer abundance and influencing patterns of habitat selection. Canis latrans (Coyote) is the dominant predator of White-tailed Deer in our focal region in northern New York. Optimal foraging theory suggests that White-tailed Deer browse in locations that maximize energy intake while minimizing predation risk. Linear forest edges provide abundant woody browse for White-tailed Deer, but are also used as travel-ways by Coyotes in our focal region. These locations therefore provide a venue for testing the extent to which predation risk influences patterns of White-tailed Deer browsing. We quantified White-tailed Deer browse use for edge and interior sites and the density of Coyote scats along seventeen 500-m transects to evaluate the scale at which White-tailed Deer herbivory was affected by Coyote ...
The Limits of the Limits of Idealism: Rethinking American Refugee Policy in an Insecure World

Although the global refugee population has dropped by a third since 1980, to 8.4 million, serious refugee problems continue to fester throughout the world. Most refugees live a marginal existence in sprawling camps in the developing world where they are subject to the threat of violent attacks from combatants, coercion, and banditry. Millions of internally displaced people are on the verge of becoming refugees if they cross international borders. And the civil strife, official brutality, persecution, and ethnic cleansing currently fueling refugee flows show no signs of abating. These realities raise important questions about the role of geostrategic interests and humanitarian goals in a world of competing nation-states, and particularly about the role of the United States in addressing global refugee problems. In response, this essay makes three points. First, despite its historic focus on asylum and resettlement, American refugee policy - which constitutes a major part of the global response to mass human displacement - should focus more than it currently does on the millions of refugees living in camps in the developing world. Only a tiny fraction of the refugee population ever makes it to an advanced industrialized country; the fate of those left behind can impact the spread of conflict, atrocity, and political instability around the world. Second, American officials could enhance refugee policy by adopting a number of strategies sensitive to institutional and political constraints. These include enhancing bureaucratic capacity to identify and resettle refugees through existing U.S. resettlement programs, focusing greater funding and attention on policing in refugee camps, and preparing for potential refugee influxes in this hemisphere by designing responses that honor international legal commitments but realistically provide for international cooperation in meeting refugee burdens. Third, arguments advocating the primacy of national interests over humanitarian goals do not settle - but instead simply raise - the question of how humanitarian policies relate to the interests of the domestic public. At least one principled answer to that question would focus on how a pragmatic, strategic approach to humanitarian problems supports substantial American engagement with refugee problems, whether these arise nearby in the Caribbean or across the world in Darfur. Idealism without limits is all but impossible. But a policy of limits without idealism in a world capable of engendering such capacious misery and expectations of American leadership poses its own dangers.
Behavioral Effects of Completing a Critical Link in the American Tobacco Trail

This study responded to a unique opportunity to determine behavioral changes that resulted from the construction of a critical link of the American Tobacco Trail (ATT) in Durham, North Carolina. Observational data were collected both before and after construction of a bicycle-and-pedestrian bridge that linked two separate segments of the regional greenway. Before construction of the bridge and trail connections, the two segments of the ATT were separated by Interstate 40. Heavy traffic on local streets as well as a lack of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the area provided additional barriers to active travel between the two ATT segments. The Institute of Transportation Research and Education conducted intercept surveys and manual counts on the two trail segments before and after construction of the bridge. The before-and-after data were compared to determine the changes that occurred in the use of the ATT and the accompanying social, public health, transportation, and economic effects.
Pregnancy-associated hypertension in glucose-intolerant pregnancy and subsequent metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether pregnancy-associated hypertension (preeclampsia or gestational hypertension) among women with varying degrees of glucose intolerance during pregnancy is associated with maternal metabolic syndrome 5-10 years later. METHODS This was an observational cohort study of women previously enrolled in a treatment trial of mild gestational diabetes mellitus or an observational study of lesser degrees of glucose intolerance evaluated 5-10 years after their index pregnancy. At follow-up, women underwent anthropometric and blood pressure measurements and analysis of fasting glucose and serum lipids. RESULTS A total of 825 women (47% of eligible women from the original study) were included in this analysis and evaluated at a median 7 years after their index pregnancy at a median age of 35 years. Overall, 239 (29%) had subsequent metabolic syndrome. The frequency of metabolic syndrome and its components was highest in the women who had pregnancy-associated hypertension and delivered preterm. After adjusting for confounding factors, pregnancy-associated hypertension in women who delivered preterm was associated with subsequent hypertension (130/85 mm Hg or greater; relative risk 3.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95-4.80, P<.001), high triglycerides (150 mg/dL or greater; relative risk 1.82, 95% CI 1.06-3.14, P=.03), and metabolic syndrome (per the American Heart Association and National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Scientific Statement; relative risk 1.78, 95% CI 1.14-2.78, P=.01) compared with women who remained normotensive throughout their index pregnancy and were delivered at term. CONCLUSION Women with varying degrees of glucose intolerance who experienced pregnancy-associated hypertension and then delivered preterm had a higher frequency of subsequent hypertension, high triglycerides, and metabolic syndrome 5-10 years later.
Modeling the Influence of Thermo-Mechanical Crack Opening and Closure on Rock Stiffness

A thermodynamic framework is proposed to model the effect of mechanical stress and temperature on crack opening and closure in rocks. The model is based on Continuum Damage Mechanics with damage defined as the second-order crack density tensor. The free energy of damaged rock is expressed as a function of deformation, temperature and damage. The damage criterion controls mode I crack propagation, captures temperature-induced decrease of rock toughness, and accounts for the increase of energy release rate necessary to propagate cracks induced by damage. Crack closure is modeled through unilateral effects produced on rock stiffness. Simulations show that: (1) under anisotropic mechanical boundary conditions, crack closure occurs during cooling, (2) the thermo-mechanical strain energy necessary to close cracks during cooling is larger than the strain energy needed to close the cracks by mechanical compression. Parametric study highlights the thermo-mechanical stress redistributions occurring during closure. The proposed framework is expected to bring new insights in the design and reliability assessment of geotechnical reservoirs and repositories.
Nooks, Crannies and New Directions: Collective Scripts, Gay Drama, Feminist Dramas by Men and the Example of Wendy Kesselman

At a time in history when most people in the Western world experience drama through television sets, when the majority of commercial productions are revivals, and when no play since Waiting for Godot has become a part of our cultural vocabulary, claims about the emergence of a new form of drama for live theatre should be suspect. Whether or not it is useful to label the plays discussed in this book under the category ‘feminist drama’, I continue to be surprised by the sheer quantity and diversity of scripts that explore our needs and our limitations in thinking of ourselves as women and men. Feminist drama is unquestionably one of the most tenacious and resonant forms of discourse about sexual politics. Theatre is a fertile home for feminists, at least for the moment, because so many of the issues of feminism — role-playing, relationships to others, individuality and collectivity, power, authority, responsibility, production and reproduction — are also the issues of theatre.
The Influence of Multiple versus Single Perspective Cases on the Behavior and Decision Making Process of Small Groups

Multiple perspective cases influence the behavior of groups conducting the case analysis in two ways. This case format requires individuals to assume roles and therefore does not offer the opportunity for individual expertise to be applied to the analysis. However, this format fosters cohesive work groups which facilitates the decision making process.
Toward a Unified Treatment for Emotional Disorders – Republished Article

Over 40 years of development of cognitive behavioral approaches to treating anxiety and related emotional disorders have left us with highly efficacious treatments that are increasingly widely accepted. Nevertheless, these manualized protocols have become numerous and somewhat complex, restricting effective training and dissemination. Deepening understanding of the nature of emotional disorders reveals that commonalities in etiology and latent structure among these disorders supercedes differences. This suggests the possibility of distilling a set of psychological procedures that would comprise a unified intervention for emotional disorders. Based on theory and data emerging from the fields of learning, emotional development and regulation, and cognitive science, we identify three fundamental therapeutic components relevant to the treatment of emotional disorders generally. These three components include (a) altering antecedent cognitive reappraisals; (b) preventing emotional avoidance; and (c) facilitating action tendencies not associated with the emotion that is dysregulated. This treatment takes place in the context of provoking emotional expression (emotional exposure) through situational, internal, and somatic (interoceptive cues), as well as through standard mood-induction exercises, and differs from patient to patient only in the situational cues and exercises utilized. Theory and rationale supporting this new approach are described along with some preliminary experience with the protocol. This unified treatment may represent a more efficient and possibly a more effective strategy in treating emotional disorders, pending further evaluation.
Crystal-free narrow-band radios for low-cost IoT

A transceiver was designed and fabricated in 65 nm CMOS to verify the feasibility of using a free running, on-chip LC tank as the local oscillator in an IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver. The elimination of the off-chip frequency reference is possible while still using a standards based narrow-band architecture. A free running LC tank is shown to have frequency stability better than ± 40 ppm in the absence of temperature changes. Demodulator-based feedback is implemented to allow a receiver to track transmitter drift due to varying environmental factors and phase noise. The modulation accuracy of a free-running open loop Minimum Shift Key (MSK) transmitter is shown to be within the limits set by IEEE 802.15.4.
Preliminary study of silica aerogel as a gas-equivalent material in ionization chambers

Abstract Since about two decades, a renewed interest on aerogels has risen. These peculiar materials show fairly unique properties. Thus, they are under investigation for both scientific and commercial purposes and new optimized production processes are studied. In this work, the possibility of using aerogel in the field of radiation detection is explored. The idea is to substitute the gas filling in a ionization chamber with the aerogel. The material possesses a density about 100 times greater than ambient pressure air. Where as the open-pore structure should allow the charge carriers to move freely. Small hydrophobic silica aerogel samples were studied. A custom ionization chamber, capable of working both with aerogel or in the classic gas set up, was built. The response of the chamber in current mode was investigated using an X-ray tube. The results obtained showed, under proper conditions, an enhancement of about 60 times of the current signal in the aerogel configuration with respect to the classic gas one. Moreover, some unusual behaviours were observed, i.e. time inertia of the signal and super-/sub-linear current response with respect to the dose rate. While testing high electric fields, aerogel configuration seemed to enhance the Townsend’s effects. In order to represent the observed trends, a trapping–detrapping model is proposed, which is capable to predict semi-empirically the steady state currents measured. The time evolution of the signal is semi-quantitatively represented by the same model. The coefficients estimated by the fits are in agreement with similar trapping problems in the literature. In particular, a direct comparison between the benchmark of the FET silica gates and aerogel case endorses the idea that the same type of phenomenon occurs in the studied case.
Shall we treat smoldering multiple myeloma in the near future

In recent years, several new drugs have been approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Many of these newer drugs are highly efficacious and less toxic than older chemotherapy drugs. In 2014, the diagnostic criteria for multiple myeloma were revised. The intent with the new criteria was to identify patients who require therapy at an earlier stage than at manifestation of organ complications. A subset of patients who were previously defined as having high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma was redefined as having multiple myeloma. In this context, it is logical to raise questions regarding the optimal clinical management of patients who are diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma in the current era. When is the optimal time to start therapy? Do the clinical trajectories for patients suggest there are distinct sub-entities hidden in the current category of smoldering multiple myeloma? How can we move the field forward from here? This paper reviews and dissects data and models on the topics of clinical features, underlying biology, and early treatment trials in smoldering multiple myeloma. The text highlights assumptions, facts, and gaps in the literature. As indicated in the title of the paper, the recurrent theme of the text is this: shall we treat smoldering multiple myeloma in the near future?
Occupations and Well-Being in Children and Youth

Children are occupational beings and as such are born with an innate desire to experience learning, control, and mastery. This intrinsic motivation and ability to engage in occupations or everyday life activities is what establishes purpose and fulfillment, enables physical and emotional health and well-being, organizes behavior, and improves quality of life. In childhood, these occupations include education, play and leisure, social participation, activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), rest and sleep, and work. Development and competence in these areas as children and youth influence success, interests, and values in adult occupations.
Landau Theory of Charge Density Waves

The two theoretical methods which have proved so fruitful in the study of superconductivity have been applied to the charge density wave (CDW) phase transitions in the transition metal dichalcogenides. I will discuss the (Ginzburg-) Landau theory in this lecture and microscopic mean field theory in the next lecture. The Landau theory is due to Dave Moncton and myself.2,3 The Landau theory approach is especially powerful in the discussion of position-dependent or time-dependent properties. We don’t have an adequate dynamical theory yet and I will discuss only the static Landau theory.
High Order Algebraic Conditions for Controllability

Let X,Y2,...,Ym be analytic vector fields on an analytic, n — dimensional, manifold M, and ϑ the control system $$\mathop x\limits^. = X(x) + \sum\nolimits_{i = 2}^m {{u_i}(t){Y^i}(x),x(o) = p \in M,(\mathop x\limits^. = dx/dt)} $$ (1) where, unless stated otherwise, an admissible control is a Lebesgue measurable function u with components |ui(t)| ≤ 1. a(t,p, ϑ) will denote the set of all points attainable at time t ≥ 0 by solutions of ϑ corresponding to all admissible controls; TX (•)p will denote the solution of ϑ corresponding to u = 0 . Our problem is to determine necessary and sufficient conditions that TX(t)p ∈ int. a(t,p, ϑ) ∀t > 0 .
Tuberculum Sellae Meningioma

The first clinical sign and symptom of the meningioma located over the tuberculum sellae is a defect in the field of vision. Invasion of the cavernous sinus will lead to extraocular muscle paralysis and fifth nerve involvement. Larger and more extensive lesions impair pituitary and hypothalamic function.
Applications of the Proper Forcing Axiom

Publisher Summary The chapter presents a more powerful version of Martin Axiom (MA), the Proper Forcing Axiom (PFA) that is successful at settling problems left open by MA. PFA is obtained from MA by replacing the countable chain condition by properness. In addition to the countable chain condition (ccc) partial orderings, the proper partial orderings include the countably closed and Axiom A orderings and many others as well. Like the ccc orderings, the proper orderings are closed under forcing composition. Thus, PFA applies to many more orderings than MA, and this is one source of its power. Another source of power is the fact that large cardinals are needed to obtain the consistency of PFA. This means that PFA can be applied to problems that MA has no hope of solving simply because of questions of consistency strength.
The Lymphatic System in Health and Disease

Abstract The lymphatic system develops and functions in parallel with the blood circulatory system (termed the “hemovasculature”) and accomplishes transport of interstitial fluids, dietary lipids, ...
The Effect of Military Expenditure on Profit Rates

This article provides evidence of the effect of military expenditures on the rate of profits by focusing on 32 major countries for the period of 1963-2008 by using data from the Extended Penn World Tables, the University of Texas Inequality Project Estimated Household Income Inequality, the World Development Indicator, and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The article employs a Generalized Method of Moment model within a Marxist framework. Findings show that military expenditures have positive effect on the rate of profits. It is also showed that increasing income inequality increases the rate of profits. Finally, the findings suggest that while military expenditures have a positive effect on the profit rates in the case of both armsexporting countries and net-arms exporters, the relationship is not that significant in the case of arms-importing countries.
Exploring the User Experience of Proxemic Hand and Pen Input Above and Aside a Drawing Screen

Digital drawing experiences are not only fused by the flexibility of digital materials but also influenced by the availability of interaction space. In this paper, we first present a prototype, which implements a method to turn the (mid-air) space above and aside a drawing screen in a desktop setting dynamically into sensory space for gestural and spatial input. Then we report on a user study exploring how participants experience digital drawing when the additional interaction space above and aside a screen is exploited for exemplary proxemic input techniques for zooming and panning a drawing. Our results show that the new multimodal input techniques are perceived as significantly more attractive than a baseline drawing condition which only utilizes touch based input. We conclude by discussing implications and limitations of our findings and input above and aside a drawing screen in general.
Understanding Students’ Online Reviews to Improve College Experience and Graduation Rates of STEM Programs at the Largest Post-Secondary Institution: A Learner-Centered Study

This Research Category Full Paper presents an analysis of online student reviews to improve college experience. Recent studies continue to establish the efficacy of student-centered teaching strategies in increasing student satisfaction. However, with higher education programs in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields rapidly expanding in size, it is becoming increasingly more difficult not only to implement such strategies but even to identify their presence or absence. This dilemma is prevalent at the University of Central Florida, with several of its STEM programs containing more than 10,000 students. By making use of sentiment analysis and traditional statistics, we can minimize the human oversight needed to thoroughly dissect qualitative data and create a viable approach with which to tackle this issue. In this paper, we analyze massive amounts of open-ended student reviews from multiple online university review sites to gain insights on which needs students feel essential and which they feel are not being met. Through this analysis, we identify how to most efficiently realize learner-centered principles within a large institution, concurrently providing suggestions on how the university can supply their students the best possible education while also maximizing the graduation and retention rates of its STEM programs.
Iterated Deep Reinforcement Learning in Games: History-Aware Training for Improved Stability

Deep reinforcement learning (RL) is a powerful method for generating policies in complex environments, and recent breakthroughs in game-playing have leveraged deep RL as part of an iterative multiagent search process. We build on such developments and present an approach that learns progressively better mixed strategies in complex dynamic games of imperfect information, through iterated use of empirical game-theoretic analysis (EGTA) with deep RL policies. We apply the approach to a challenging cybersecurity game defined over attack graphs. Iterating deep RL with EGTA to convergence over dozens of rounds, we generate mixed strategies far stronger than earlier published heuristic strategies for this game. We further refine the strategy-exploration process, by fine-tuning in a training environment that includes out-of-equilibrium but recently seen opponents. Experiments suggest this history-aware approach yields strategies with lower regret at each stage of training.
In-hospital left ventricular thrombus following ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Abstract Background In-hospital left ventricular (LV) thrombus following acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has not been evaluated on a national scale and was the focus of this investigation. Methods We used the 2003 to 2013 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database to identify adults ≥18 years old with a principal diagnosis code of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Patients were divided into two groups defined by the presence or absence of LV thrombus. Clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were studied using relevant statistics. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were conducted to identify factors associated with LV thrombus. Results Of 1,035,888 STEMI patients hospitalized in the U. S from 2003 to 2013, 1982 (0.2%) developed acute in-hospital LV thrombus. Compared to no LV thrombus, patients with LV thrombus were more likely to have in-hospital complications; acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, acute renal failure, gastrointestinal bleed, cardiogenic shock, in-hospital cardiac arrest and mortality. They also had longer mean length of stay and higher hospital charges. Factors associated with LV thrombus included: anterior/anterolateral STEMI, acute or chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, atrial fibrillation, LV aneurysm, Left heart valvular disease, acute or chronic deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism and alcohol abuse. Patients with LV thrombus were less likely to be female [AOR 0.66, 95% CI (0.51–0.84)]. Conclusion The identification of factors associated with early development of LV thrombus following STEMI, will help direct resources for specific high-risk group and prompt cost-effective therapies. Gender variability in LV thrombus development warrants further investigations.
Dual Mechanical Port Machine with Interior PM Outer-Rotor for Hybrid Electric Vehicles

The dual mechanical port machine is a special machine which has dual output to connect engine and wheel in hybrid electric vehicles. This paper presents a new dual mechanical port machine for hybrid electric vehicle drives. An interior PM rotor structure was proposed to enhance the reluctance torque contribution and flux weakening capability. The principle of operation, system configuration, and control issues are illustrated firstly. Design and analysis of interior PM outer-rotor were discussed as well. Finally, the advanced finite element method was employed to calculate and verify the electromagnetic performance of proposed dual mechanical port machine with interior PM outer-rotor.
Anne Bean: Self Etc.: edited by Rob La FrenaisBristol and London: Intellect and Live Art Development Agency, 2018, 320 pp, ISBN 9781783209460 (paperback)

In the inaugural issue of Performance Magazine in 1979, Rob La Frenais, the editor of this book and of the magazine, wrote there are still some events worth stifling a yawn for. They are difficult ...
Simulating noncontact atomic force microscopy images

The possibility of imaging the internal chemical structure of molecular species is an ongoing challenge. Enormous strides to address this challenge have recently been made using the frequency-modulation mode of noncontact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM), which is one of the most successful scanning probe microscopies. While experimental advances make it possible to observe the subatomic structure of a chemical species, the concurrent theoretical understanding of such imaging techniques remains problematic. Interpretation of nc-AFM images is not straightforward. The analysis of an image can be time consuming and can vary from worker to worker. In our Research Update, we address the role of replicating forces on the probe tip to simulate nc-AFM images, which is a difficult computational problem. We examine several computational approaches and illustrate how recent algorithmic developments can produce reliable images. We also suggest new pathways to overcome remaining obstacles in this rapidly evolving field.
Antioxidant and tyrosinase docking studies of heterocyclic sulfide derivatives containing a thymol moiety

Abstract Fourteen heterocyclic sulfide derivatives (4–17) containing a thymol moiety and oxadiazole, thiadiazole, triazole, oxazole, thiazole, imidazole, pyridine or purine heterocycles were synthesized in three steps. The cupric, Cu(II), ion reducing antioxidant capacity of the compounds was examined, and molecular docking studies were performed to determine whether the sulfur, thymol or heterocyclic moieties interact with the Cu ions in tyrosinase, a type-3 copper enzyme. Using the CUPRAC assay, eight compounds (5–8, 10, 15–17) showed equal or better Cu (II) reducing capacity than trolox at neutral pH, with trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) coefficients ranging between 1.00 and 1.48. The compounds containing a thiadiazole moiety were most effective, with the methyl thiadiazole derivative (8) having the highest Cu(II) reducing capacity. Molecular docking studies of the sulfide derivatives with tyrosinase revealed that there were no direct interactions between the sulfur atom and the active site copper ions. However, the compounds displayed two different binding interactions with the histidine-Cu catalytic center. For compounds 4–13, the thymol portion was embedded in the active site cavity, while for compounds 14–17 the heterocyclic portion of the molecule approached the cavity.
Unsupervised learning by a "softened" correlation game: duality and convergence

Neural networks with Hebbian excitation and anti-Hebbian inhibition form an interesting class of biologically plausible unsupervised learning algorithms. It has recently been shown that such networks can be regarded as online gradient descent-ascent algorithms for solving min-max problems that are dual to unsupervised learning principles formulated with no explicit reference to neural networks. Here we generalize one such formulation, the correlation game, by replacing a hard constraint with a soft penalty function. Our "softened" correlation game contains the nonnegative similarity matching principle as a special case. For solving the primal problem, we derive a projected gradient ascent algorithm that achieves speed through sorting. For solving the dual problem, we derive a projected gradient descent-ascent algorithm, the stochastic online variant of which can be interpreted as a neural network algorithm. We prove strong duality when the inhibitory connection matrix is positive definite, a condition that also prohibits multistability of neural activity dynamics. We show empirically that the neural net algorithm can converge when inhibitory plasticity is faster than excitatory plasticity, and may fail to converge in the opposing case. This is intuitively interpreted using the structure of the min-max problem.
Preventive Behaviors Conveyed on YouTube to Mitigate Transmission of COVID-19: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Accurate information and guidance about personal behaviors that can reduce exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 are among the most important elements in mitigating the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). With over 2 billion users, YouTube is a media channel that millions turn to when seeking information. Objective: At the time of this study, there were no published studies investigating the content of YouTube videos related to COVID-19. This study aims to address this gap in the current knowledge. Methods: The 100 most widely viewed YouTube videos uploaded throughout the month of January 2020 were reviewed and the content covered was described. Collectively, these videos were viewed over 125 million times. Results: Fewer than one-third of the videos covered any of the seven key prevention behaviors listed on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Conclusions: These results represent an important missed opportunity for disease prevention.
Airborne Particulates Affect Corneal Homeostasis and Immunity.

Purpose To determine the effects of airborne particulate matter (PM) <2.5 µm in vitro and on the normal and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA)-infected cornea. Methods An MTT viability assay tested the effects of PM2.5 on mouse corneal epithelial cells (MCEC) and human corneal epithelial cells (HCET). MCEC were tested for reactive oxygen species using a 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein assay; RT-PCR determined mRNA levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in MCEC (HMGB1, toll-like receptor 2, IL-1β, CXCL2, GPX1, GPX2, GR1, superoxide dismutase 2, and heme oxygenase 1) and HCET (high mobility group box 1, CXCL2, and IL-1β). C57BL/6 mice also were infected and after 6 hours, the PM2.5 was topically applied. Disease was graded by clinical score and evaluated by histology, plate count, myeloperoxidase assay, RT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot. Results After PM2.5 (25-200 µg/mL), 80% to 90% of MCEC and HCET were viable and PM exposure increased reactive oxygen species in MCEC and mRNA expression levels for inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in mouse and human cells. In vivo, the cornea of PA+PM2.5 exposed mice exhibited earlier perforation over PA alone (confirmed histologically). In cornea, plate counts were increased after PA+PM2.5, whereas myeloperoxidase activity was significantly increased after PA+PM2.5 over other groups. The mRNA levels for several proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers were increased in the cornea in the PA+PM2.5 over other groups; protein levels were elevated for high mobility group box 1, but not toll-like receptor 4 or glutathione reductase 1. Uninfected corneas treated with PM2.5 did not differ from normal. Conclusions PM2.5 triggers reactive oxygen species, upregulates mRNA levels of oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and high mobility group box 1 protein, contributing to perforation in PA-infected corneas.
Chapter 2 – THE STRAIGHT LINE

Publisher Summary A locus is the totality of points that satisfy a given condition or set of conditions. Thus, a locus consists of some sort of a geometric configuration such as a collection of discrete points, a line, a curve, etc. If a coordinate system is defined, the conditions determining a particular locus may be expressible as an equation or set of equations involving the coordinates x and y of a point. Thus, when this is possible, a relationship is established between loci and equations. This relationship is the basis of two fundamental problems: (1) given a locus, required to find its equation, and (2) given an equation, required to find the corresponding locus. This chapter focuses on determining the line when given its equation and finding an equation for a line when the conditions that define it have been given. It explains the problem of obtaining the equation of a line determined by a given set of conditions. The chapter reviews Slope-Intercept equation, the First-Degree equation, intersection of lines, use of normal equation, and other related topics.
An alternative history of displacement

African refugee history is a growing field of scholarly interest, and for good reason. Contemporary images of the plight and proliferation of refugees in the early 21st century commonly depict the ...
Active and Reactive Power Coupling Characteristics Based Inertial and Primary Frequency Control Strategy of Battery Energy Storage Station

With the increasing of large-scale grid-connected wind power, solar energy and high voltage direct current transmission (HVDC), the power supply structure of power systems has undergone tremendous changes, which leading to the insufficient of rapid frequency modulation capability of the power supply. On the other hand, the poor voltage regulation characteristics of capacitor-based reactive power compensation equipment and the lack of dynamic reactive power support capability are a huge challenge for the power grid. As an important way of energy storage, battery energy storage (BES) has the advantages of flexible power and energy allocation according to the needs of different applications. By optimizing the dynamic characteristics of the BES power station, it can effectively assist the power grid in rapid frequency modulation and voltage regulation. In this paper, an additional frequency control strategy is proposed for the coupling characteristics of active and reactive power in power systems. By controlling the voltage, the BES power station can still participate in the inertial response and primary frequency modulation of the grid under the condition of low state-of-charge (SOC), which improves the regulation ability and the flexibility of operation of the grid. the results of simulation analysis on Matlab/Simulink verify the effectiveness of theoretical analysis.
Hydrogels Containing Gradients in Vascular Density Reveal Dose-Dependent Role of Angiocrine Cues on Stem Cell Behavior

Biomaterials that replicate patterns of microenvironmental signals from the stem cell niche offer the potential to refine platforms to regulate stem cell behavior. While significant emphasis has been placed on understanding the effects of biophysical and biochemical cues on stem cell fate, vascular-derived or angiocrine cues offer an important alternative signaling axis for biomaterial-based stem cell platforms. Elucidating dose-dependent relationships between angiocrine cues and stem cell fate are largely intractable in animal models and two-dimensional cell culture. In this study, we leverage microfluidic mixing devices to generate three-dimensional hydrogels containing lateral gradients in vascular density alongside murine hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Regional differences in vascular density can be generated via embossed gradients in cell, matrix, or growth factor density. HSCs co-cultured alongside vascular gradients reveal spatial patterns of HSC phenotype in response to angiocrine signals. Notably, decreased Akt signaling in high vessel density regions led to increased expansion of lineage-positive hematopoietic cells. This approach offers a combinatorial tool to rapidly screen a continuum of microenvironments with varying vascular, biophysical, and biochemical cues to reveal the influence of local angiocrine signals on HSC fate.