cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of Behavioral Evolution on Gypsy Moth Pupal Survival in Sparse Populations

Vertebrate predators killed about 70% of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), pupae in a series of sparse, numerically stable populations studied in New England between 1965 and 1968; and white-footed mice, Peromyscus leucopus Raf., were the most important predators. Pupae in the litter were more likely to be preyed upon than those in other locations, and female pupae were more likely than males to be killed by vertebrates. All other agents (primarily parasites) killed about 15% of the pupae. It is postulated that the growing insects exhibit behavior that enables them to evade natural enemies in Europe, by resting and pupating in the litter at the bases of their host trees. In North America, however, this behavioral trait often assures not only high gypsy moth mortality but also the destruction of many of the parasites that may have caused this trait to evolve. It is also postulated that a new behavioral adaptation may be evolving by this pest in response to new conditions in North America. Certain management implications from the above findings and postulates are described, and further research studies are recommended.
Influence of Backbone Rigidness on Single Chain Conformation of Thiophene-Based Conjugated Polymers

Structural order of conjugated polymers at different length scales directs the optoelectronic properties of the corresponding materials; thus it is of critical importance to understand and control conjugated polymer morphology for successful application of these materials in organic optoelectronics. Herein, with the aim of probing the dependence of single chain folding properties on the chemical structure and rigidness of the polymer backbones, single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy was applied to four thiophene-based conjugated polymers. These include regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (RR-P3HT), poly(2,5-bis(3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) (PBTTT-14), poly(2,5-bis(3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl)thiophene-2-yl)thiophen-2-ylthiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole) (PTzQT-12), and poly(3,3-didodecylquaterthiophene)] (PQT-12). Our previous work has shown that RR-P3HT and PBTTT-14 polymer chains fold in their nanostructures, whereas PQT-12 and PTzQT-12 do not fold in their nanostructures. At the single mole...
Surgical experience with jejunoileal bypass for morbid obesity.

Over a 12-year period, 225 morbidly obese patients who underwent jejunoileal bypass surgery were studied. Good results were obtained in 74 per cent of patients. Results were best in those with end-to-end shunt with the shortest length of incontinuity of the small intestine. The most frequent metabolic complications were oxalate urinary stones and “bypass enteritis.”
Comparing the Performance of Different Data Mining Techniques in Evaluating Loan Applications

This study compares the performance of various data mining classifiers in order to find out which classifiers should be used for predicting whether a loan application will be approved or rejected. The study also tries to find the data mining classifiers which have the best performance in predicting whether an approved loan applicant will eventually default on his/her loan or not. The study was performed using a sample of 971 loan applicants. The results indicated that the best data mining classifier for predicting whether a loan applicant will be approved or rejected is LAD Tree, followed by Rotation Forest, Logit Boost, Random Forest, and AD Tree. It was also found that the best classifier for predicting whether an approved applicant will default on his/her loan is Bagging, followed by Simple Cart, J 48, J 48 graft, END, Class Balance ND, Data Near Balance ND, ND, and Ordinal Class Classifier.
Using the Doctoring Course to Promote Integration: the Experience of Two New Medical Schools

Despite calls for reform, the integrated curriculum in the preclinical years has been challenging to develop and difficult to implement. This manuscript describes the approaches taken by the doctoring courses of two new medical schools to help students understand basic sciences in clinical context. Adequate resources to permit synchronous presentation of curriculum are necessary. The development of assessment tools and curricular outcomes is an area both schools are working on. These two examples serve as a generic platform to utilize the doctoring course for promoting curriculum integration.
Specification of the MIL-Standard 1553 protocol using systems of communicating machines

A model for the specification and analysis of communication protocols is used to describe and analyze a simplified version of the MIL-Standard 1553 bus protocol, which does not contain an equivalent specification using a formally defined model. The protocol is used in various military aircraft for digital communication between aircraft subsystems. The model, which uses a combination of finite state machines and variables in the specification of the bus controller and remote terminals, is described. The commands and responses on the bus are accomplished through shared variables which represent the bus. Enabling predicates and actions are associated with each transition. The enabling predicates determine when a transition may be taken, and the actions alter the variable values as transitions occur. Normal, error-free 1553 bus command/response information transfers are modeled. >
Solvation of Calix[4]arene-bis-crown-6 Molecules

Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of calix[4]arene-bis-crown-6 (1) and calix[4]arene-bis-benzocrown-6⋯1,2-dichloroethane (2) are reported. Thesestructures offer an opportunity to study the conformation of calix[4]arene-bis-crown-6 molecules in the absence of solvent, and when very weakly solvated. These structures exhibit different conformations of the crown ring, and limited flexibility of the calix[4]arene,but do not show solvent or crown inclusion in the calix[4]arene cavity. Comparisons to similar structures are made, and the implications for cesium binding are discussed.
Therapeutic Effects of a NEDD8-Activating Enzyme Inhibitor, Pevonedistat, on Sclerodermatous Graft-versus-Host Disease in Mice.

Abstract Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the sole treatment option for highly malignant hematologic disease; however, the major complication—graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)—still hinders its clinical application. In addition, chronic GVHD remains the major cause of long-term morbidity and mortality after allo-HSCT. Previously we showed that bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, can ameliorate the sclerodermatous GVHD response while maintaining graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effects. Here we report that pevonedistat (MLN4924), an inhibitor of the Nedd8-activating enzyme, which functions upstream of the proteasome in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, can also show similar protective effects. Recipient mice treated with pevonedistat demonstrated inhibitory effects on sclerodermatous GVHD pathogenesis. The beneficial effect of pevonedistat was observed to be temporally dependent. Whereas treatment given at the time of allo-HSCT administration or before the onset of symptoms worsened the scleroderma response, therapeutic administration starting at 20 days post-transplantation ameliorated the sclerodermatous GVHD. Flow cytometry analysis revealed differential effects on immune subsets, with inhibition of only antigen-presenting cells and not of donor T cells. Finally, pevonedistat preserved GVT effects in a sclerodermatous murine model of B cell lymphoma. Taken together, these data suggest that inhibition of neddylation with pevonedistat can serve as an alternative approach for the treatment of GVHD while maintaining GVT effects in a murine model of sclerodermatous GVHD.
Formulation Approaches for Ocular Drug Delivery

This chapter aims to provide the readers a comprehensive review of the current trends and approaches used in the development of ocular drug delivery systems. After the introduction to the topic, the chapter begins with a brief description of the common anatomical and physiological factors that are barriers to ocular drug transport and presents a persistent challenge to the development of formulations targeted to ophthalmic tissues. Further, traditional as well as relatively newer approaches used in the development of ocular formulations are discussed. Approaches such as viscosity modifiers, penetration enhancers, liposomal delivery, niosomes, microemulsions, prodrugs, and nanotechnology-derived approaches are extensively reviewed. These approaches are described with respect to the materials, formulation development, formulation performance, relative advantages and drawbacks, and recent advances in the technology. Additionally, the design approaches for the modified ocular drug delivery such as ocular implants, inserts, lenses, and ocular shields are described with respect to the formulation development. Finally, ocular drug delivery systems that are relatively newer or employed less frequently such as intravitreal injections, ocular iontophoresis, etc. are discussed. All approaches described are supported with relevant examples and up-to-date literature reports.
Properties of Semiconductors: Synthesis of Oriented ZnO for Photoelectrochemistry and Photoremediation

Semiconductors are an important class of materials; preparing ZnO nanorods allows semiconducting properties to be easily observed. The week before lab, groups of four students take 15 min to setup two fluorine-doped tin oxide glass (FTO) slides in a zinc nitrate and hexamethylenetetramine solution stored at 90 °C until the next lab. Hexagonal ZnO nanorods oriented along the c-axis are produced, as shown by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Semiconductor properties are observed by measuring the band gap by UV–visible absorption spectroscopy and exposing samples to UV light to excite electrons into the conduction band. One pair of students obtains SEM and photoelectrochemical measurements, while the other pair obtains an absorption spectrum, XRD scan, and methylene blue kinetic data. The primary pedagogic goal of the experiment is to reinforce semiconductor concepts where two teams collaborate to summarize their evidence that ZnO is a semiconductor.
FUNDS STATEMENTS: THE ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES BOARD WAS TWICE BEHIND THE CURVE

This paper discusses the circumstances in which the Accounting Principles Board (APB) issued Opinions 3 and 19, in 1963 and 1971, respectively, when the Board encouraged and then required companies to publish a statement of source and application of funds, known as the funds statement. In doing so, the Board both times lagged behind company practice and the views of influential organizations, including the New York Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Guessing with limited memory

Suppose that we wish to guess the realization x of a discrete random variable X taking values in a finite set, by asking sequential questions of the form “Is X is equal to x?” exhausting the elements of X until the answer is Yes. [1, 2]. If the distribution of X is known to the guesser, and the guesser has memory of his previous has memory of his previous queries then the best strategy is to guess in decreasing order of probabilities. In this paper, we consider the problem of a memoryless guesser, namely, each new guess is independent of the previous guesses. We consider also the scenario of a guesser with a bounded number of guesses. For both cases we derive the optimal guessing strategies, and show new connections to Renyi entropy.
Stakeholder perceptions of lowering the blood alcohol concentration standard in the United States.

Abstract Purpose This study sought to better understand the past change in the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) standard from 0.10% to 0.08% in the United States, as well as explore stakeholder perceptions about potential health and other impacts of further lowering the standard below 0.08%. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with representatives of 20 organizations considered to have an interest and investment in the potential impacts of strategies to decrease alcohol-impaired related crashes and injuries. Interviews were conducted by a trained moderator, using a structured guide. Results Themes from the interviews are presented for several discussion topics explored for both the earlier change in the legal BAC limit from 0.10% to 0.08% and a potential lowering of the limit below 0.08%. Topics included arguments for and against change; organizational position on the change; stakeholders on both sides of the issue; strategies to support or oppose the change; health and economic impacts; and enforcement and adjudication challenges. Conclusions Collectively, results suggest that moving the BAC standard below the current level will require considerable effort and time. There was strong, but not complete, agreement that it will be difficult, and maybe infeasible in the short-term, for states to implement a BAC standard lower than 0.08%.
Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt as Proof to a Reasonable Degree of Certainty

Concern among judges over the wording of jury instructions on the criminal burden of proof led to an experiment on the Consequences of describing this criterion in terms of reasonable certainty rat...
Normative and conceptual ELSI research: what it is, and why it's important.

The Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Research Program of the National Human Genome Research Institute sponsors research examining ethical, legal, and social issues arising in the context of genetics/genomics. The ELSI Program endorses an understanding of research not as the sole province of empirical study, but instead as systematic study or inquiry, of which there are many types and methods. ELSI research employs both empirical and nonempirical methods. Because the latter remain relatively unfamiliar to biomedical and translational scientists, this paper seeks to elucidate the relationship between empirical and nonempirical methods in ELSI research. It pays particular attention to the research questions and methods of normative and conceptual research, which examine questions of value and meaning, respectively. To illustrate the distinct but interrelated roles of empirical and nonempirical methods in ELSI research, including normative and conceptual research, the paper demonstrates how a range of methods may be employed both to examine the evolution of the concept of incidental findings (including the recent step toward terming them ‘secondary findings’), and to address the normative question of how genomic researchers and clinicians should manage incidental such findings.
Conjugative Transposons and Integrative and Conjugative Elements

Conjugative transposons and integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are genetic elements that can excise from the chromosome of a donor bacterium, transfer from the donor to a recipient bacterium by the process of conjugation, and integrate into the chromosome of a recipient bacterium. The specificity of integration varies. Some elements integrate into the same gene in the recipient that they excised from in the donor while others may integrate into a variety of different sites (the conjugative transposons). They employ recombination systems that are related to those responsible for the integration of bacterial virus DNA (prophages) into host bacterial chromosomes, and conjugation machinery related to that of bacterial plasmids.
The Du Pont Global Technical Information System

An integrated private database on STN International has been designed and implemented by Du Pont and Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS). The database, named SCION, consists of a chemical file and a document file. A unique feature of this system is that both Du Pont proprietary files and publicly available files on STN International can be searched using the same MESSENGER command language. The chemical file contains structures, Du Pont accession numbers (called C-Numbers), molecular formulae, systematic names, synonyms, descriptors, and CAS Registry Numbers (for equivalent organic, inorganic, and polymeric substances). The document file comprises bibliographic data, abstracts, subject indexing via controlled vocabulary terms, and an online hierarchical thesaurus of these controlled terms. Custom features, system capabilities, and preliminary reactions of users to the online database are discussed.
Preclinical Characteristics of Cytarabine, Gemcitabine, Fludarabine and Cladribine: Relevance for Clinical Studies

Understanding the pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs is essential to the optimal design of therapeutic regimes. By extension, a knowledge of cellular metabolism and the mechanisms by which metabolites exert their activities also provides valuable information for strategies combining agents or modalities. Nucleoside antimetabolites comprise one of the most effective classes of drugs for the treatment of cancer and viral diseases. Universally, nucleoside analogues are active only after entry into the cell and phosphorylation to nucleotide derivatives, generally the corresponding triphosphates. Their biological activity is due to the fact that most nucleoside analogues are targeted at DNA synthesis, an essential function both for cellular replication and for the repair of DNA damage that may be caused by other agents.
Is intravenous ascorbic acid an effective and safe option for increasing hemoglobin levels in patients with a hyporesponse to epoetin alfa

Despite the use of epoetin alfa, over one-third of patients with end stage renal disease have persistent anemia. The nephrology literature cites various erythropoietin adjuvants that may have the potential to improve the efficiency of anemia management, and one option is ascorbic acid. This article reviews the published data on the effectiveness of intravenous ascorbic acid in increasing the hemoglobin levels of patients with hyporesponse to epoetin alfa, as well as adverse effects of the administration of intravenous ascorbic acid specifically in relation to hyperoxalemia.
A CRE-like element plays an essential role in cAMP regulation of human SP-A2 gene in alveolar type II cells

The human has two genes encoding surfactant protein-A (SP-A), termed SP-A1 and SP-A2; the SP-A2 gene is more highly regulated by cAMP and during fetal development than is SP-A1. In this study, by use of primary cultures of human type II cells transfected with fusion genes containing various amounts of SP-A2 5'-flanking DNA linked to human growth hormone (hGH) structural gene, as reporter, we found that -296 bp of SP-A2 upstream sequence is sufficient to direct high basal and cAMP-inducible expression in type II cells, but not in other cell types. By use of competitive EMSA, we observed that nuclear proteins isolated from midtrimester human fetal lung tissue bind specifically to a cAMP response element (CRE)-like sequence, TGACCTTA, at -242 bp, which we have termed CRESP-A2. Binding activity of CRESP-A2 for nuclear proteins from human fetal lung tissue before culture was manifest as two complexes of different mobilities and equivalent intensity. By contrast, upon differentiation of the human fetal lung in culture in the presence of dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP), the higher mobility complex was decreased to undetectable levels. By UV cross-linking analysis, using nuclear extracts from midgestation human fetal lung before culture and radiolabeled CRESP-A2 as a probe, we observed binding of proteins of approximately 50, 36, and 30 kDa. When nuclear extracts from human fetal lung cultured in the presence of DBcAMP were analyzed, binding of only the 50- and 36-kDa proteins was apparent. On the other hand, when the canonical CRE (TGACGTCA) known to bind the transcription factor CREB (M(r) approximately 43,000) was used as a probe, binding of only a approximately 43-kDa protein was evident using nuclear extracts from human fetal lung before and after culture. In type II cells transfected with an SP-A2(-296):hGH fusion gene in which CRESP-A2 was mutated, there was a marked reduction of basal and cAMP-stimulated fusion gene expression. These findings indicate that CRESP-A2 serves an important role in mediating basal and cAMP-inducible expression of the human SP-A2 gene in type II cells, that the fetal lung nuclear proteins bound to CRESP-A2 differ from those bound to the canonical palindromic CRE, and that changes in the complex of nuclear proteins bound to CRESP-A2 accompany induction of SP-A gene expression.
Multimodal Brain Atlases

The explosive growth in brain imaging technologies has been matched by an extraordinary increase in the number of investigations focusing on the structural and functional organization of the brain. Human brain structure is so complex and variable across subjects that engineering approaches drawn from computer vision, image analysis, computer graphics and artificial intelligence research fields are required to manipulate, analyze and communicate brain data. Central to these tasks is the construction of comprehensive brain atlases and databases of 3-dimensional brain maps, templates and models to describe how the brain and its component parts are organized. Design of appropriate reference systems for human brain data presents considerable challenges, since these systems must capture how brain structure and function vary in large human populations, across age and gender, in different disease states, across imaging modalities, and even across species.
Applicability of existing models to predict the behavior of replicas of natural fractures of welded tuff under different boundary conditions

Assessing the shear behavior of intact rock and rock fractures is an important issue in the design of a potential nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Cyclic direct shear experiments were conducted on replicas of three natural fractures and a laboratory-developed tensile fracture of welded tuff. The tests were carried out under constant normal loads or constant normal stiffnesses with different initial normal load levels. Each test consisted of five cycles of forward and reverse shear motion. In this paper, the results of the constant normal load shear experiments are analyzed using several constitutive models proposed in the rock mechanics literature for joint shear strength, dilatancy, and joint surface damage. It is shown that some of the existing models have limitations. New constitutive models are proposed and are included in a mathematical analysis tool that can be used to predict joint behavior under various boundary conditions. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998
Legal Sufficiency of Statistical Evidence

When are litigants' statistical estimates legally sufficient, given that courts use the preponderance of the evidence standard? We answer this question using Bayesian hypothesis testing and principles of federal procedural law, focusing on the common case of statistical estimation evidence from a normally distributed estimator. Our core result is that mathematical statistics and black-letter law combine to create a simple standard: statistical estimation evidence is legally sufficient when it fits the litigation position of the party relying on it. This means statistical estimation evidence is legally sufficient when the p-value is less than 0.5; equivalently, the preponderance standard is frequentist hypothesis testing with a significance level of just below 0.5. Finally, we show that conventional significance levels such as 0.05 require elevated standards of proof tantamount to clear-and-convincing or beyond-a-reasonable-doubt.
Principal component analysis-based predictive modeling and optimization of permanent deformation in asphalt pavement: elimination of correlated inputs and extrapolation in modeling

Permanent deformation in asphalt pavement is a function of material properties, loading, environmental conditions, and structural design (e.g., thickness of pavement layers). Because of the large number of effective variables and their nonlinear interrelationships, it is not easy to develop a predictive model for permanent deformation. In this study, a laboratory database containing accumulated strain values (output) and material properties (inputs) from several asphalt pavements has been used to develop a predictive model for permanent deformation. We first show that the inputs are highly correlated, then principal component analysis (PCA) is used to compute a set of orthogonal pseudo-inputs. Two predictive models based on the pseudo-inputs were developed using linear regression analysis and artificial neural networks (ANN) and are compared using statistical analysis. Extrapolation using empirical predictive models is highly risky and discouraged by experienced practitioners, so to guard against extrapolation, a method is developed to determine an input hyper-space. The above-developed model, along with an n-dimensional hyper-space, provides sufficient information for supporting an optimization algorithm for finding the minimum accumulated strain. An asphalt pavement design with accumulated strain value of 1772 micro-strain (0.02 in. in a 10-in.-thick asphalt pavement layer) is obtained by solving the optimization problem and the design parameters meet flexible pavement design specifications. The proposed framework is able to generate accurate predictive models when the original inputs are highly correlated and able to map to an optimal point in the fitted input space.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Echocardiography and Intraoperative Surgical Inspection of the Unicuspid Aortic Valve.

Unicuspid aortic valve (UAV) is a rare malformation that is often difficult to distinguish from a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with commissural fusion by echocardiography or intraoperative surgical inspection. This study assessed the accuracy of intraoperative surgical inspection and two-dimensional echocardiography in diagnosing UAV compared to a gold standard of pathological diagnosis. The Mayo Clinic echocardiographic database, tissue registry database and electronic medical record were searched for all patients assigned a diagnosis of UAV by any technique. Transthoracic (TTE), transesophageal (TEE) echocardiographic, and surgical diagnoses were compared to pathological diagnosis as the standard. A clinical diagnosis of UAV was applied to 380 patients by 1 or more method and in 196 (52%) a pathologic evaluation was available to compare to the clinical description given by TTE, TEE, or surgical inspection. Of these 196 patients, only 58 (30%) had a pathological diagnosis of UAV; the majority were found to be BAVs by pathologic evaluation (n = 132, 67%). For diagnosing UAV, the sensitivity and specificity were 15% and 87% for TTE, 28%, and 82% for TEE, and 52% and 51% for surgical inspection, respectively. Valves with bicuspid morphology and extensive commissural fusion were frequently misclassified as UAV by all methods. In conclusion, intraoperative surgical inspection and echocardiography have limitations for diagnosing UAV due to difficulties in accurately assigning a correct morphological diagnosis, which suggests that the current understanding of the natural history of UAV may be inaccurate.
Effects of RNA structure and salt concentration on the affinity and kinetics of interactions between pentatricopeptide repeat proteins and their RNA ligands.

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are helical repeat proteins that bind specific RNA sequences via modular 1-repeat:1-nucleotide interactions. Binding specificity is dictated, in part, by hydrogen bonds between the amino acids at two positions in each PPR motif and the Watson-Crick face of the aligned nucleobase. There is evidence that PPR-RNA interactions can compete with RNA-RNA interactions in vivo, and that this competition underlies some effects of PPR proteins on gene expression. Conversely, RNA secondary structure can inhibit the binding of a PPR protein to its specific binding site. The parameters that influence whether PPR-RNA or RNA-RNA interactions prevail are unknown. Understanding these parameters will be important for understanding the functions of natural PPR proteins and for the design of engineered PPR proteins for synthetic biology purposes. We addressed this question by analyzing the effects of RNA structures of varying stability and position on the binding of the model protein PPR10 to its atpH RNA ligand. Our results show that even very weak RNA structures (ΔG° ~ 0 kcal/mol) involving only one nucleotide at either end of the minimal binding site impede PPR10 binding. Analysis of binding kinetics using Surface Plasmon Resonance showed that RNA structures reduce PPR10’s on-rate and increase its off-rate. Complexes between the PPR proteins PPR10 and HCF152 and their respective RNA ligands have long half-lives (one hour or more), correlating with their functions as barriers to exonucleolytic RNA decay in vivo. The effects of salt concentration on PPR10-RNA binding kinetics showed that electrostatic interactions play an important role in establishing PPR10-RNA interactions but play a relatively small role in maintaining specific interactions once established.
A Consolidated and Continuous Synthesis of Ciprofloxacin from a Vinylogous Cyclopropyl Amide

Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is recognized as one of the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines. It is particularly effective in the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections associated with urinary, respiratory, and gastrointestinal tract infections. A streamlined and high yielding continuous synthesis of ciprofloxacin has been developed, which employs a chemoselective C-acylation step that precludes the need for intermediate isolations, extractions, or purifications. The end-to-end process has a residence time of 4.7 min with a 15.8 g/h throughput at laboratory scale and an overall isolated yield of 83%.
Optimal Network Parameter Estimation: Single-Shot Exchange of Local Decisions

This letter considers a network of sensors that collectively sense a number of unknown parameters. Each sensor can possibly sense only a subset of the parameters, gather data only about these parameters, and has access to only the statistical model of the data that it collects locally. The objective is that each sensor forms optimal estimates for its designated parameters (i.e., the parameters that it can sense). This letter proposes an estimation cost function that strikes a balance between the sensors being autonomous in forming local estimates based on their locally available data and statistical models, and enforcing consistency among the local estimates formed for the parameters that are sensed by multiple sensors. Exact optimal estimators are characterized, and it is shown that the optimal estimators can be implemented in a distributed way, through a single-shot exchange of local decisions. Specifically, the distributed implementation consists of forming local estimates and exchanging certain sufficient statistics values in a single round of communication exchange among some of the sensors. Furthermore, the optimal performance under the proposed cost function is also compared analytically with the performance of the widely used mean squared error estimator.
Combined use of SOX10 and GATA3 in mammary carcinoma.

Abstract The complementary coverage of different subsets of breast cancer by GATA3 and SOX10 makes their use in combination appealing for routine clinical use, but study of these markers has been largely limited to cases with high or absent ER expression. Here we report SOX10 and GATA3 immunostaining in parallel using a tissue microarray containing 246 invasive breast carcinoma cases with a range of ER expression. GATA3 and SOX10 were positive in 93 % (229/246) and 15 % (38/246) of cases overall and in 63 % (24/38) and 74 % (28/38) of triple negative breast carcinomas (TNBC), respectively; SOX10 was positive in 15 of the 17 cases that lacked GATA3 expression (88 %). SOX10 was also positive in 3 % (6/196) of ER + cases, including 50 % of cases with low ER (3/6), 20 % with intermediate ER (3/15), and 0 % with high ER (n = 175), so that ER-low cases more strongly resembled TNBC than those with high ER expression. GATA3 expression was lower in cases that co-expressed SOX10 in comparison to those that were positive for GATA3 alone. Less than 1 % (2/246) of cases were negative for both GATA3 and SOX10. Therefore, SOX10 is a useful adjunct to GATA3 in the detection of TNBC and cases with low ER expression and/or reduced GATA3 intensity relative to that typical of breast cancers with higher ER expression. Moreover, given such high sensitivity, metastatic tumors lacking either GATA3 or SOX10 are unlikely to be of breast origin. Additional study is necessary to determine the extent to which SOX10 may also improve specificity and to characterize its biologic significance in breast cancers with low ER expression.
Identifiability conditions for the linear regression model under right censoring

AbstractThe consistency of various estimators under the semi-parametric linear regression model and the standard right censorship model (SPLRRC model) has been studied under various assumptions sin...
Effects of multiple vertebrate predators on grasshopper habitat selection: trade-offs due to predation risk, foraging, and thermoregulation

Predation risk can influence habitat use and activity of potential prey. I explored how the risk of predation by vertebrates influenced the behavior of grasshoppers. I monitored the height in vegetation and the frequency of resting, moving, and feeding behaviors of both tethered and free-ranging grasshoppers under exposure to various predators. Grasshoppers protected from birds remained high in the vegetation, while those protected only from small mammals and lizards remained low in the vegetation. Grasshoppers exposed to all predators occupied an intermediate height. Lower positions in the vegetation were associated with cooler thermal conditions, lower feeding rates, and lower food availability. My results are consistent with the hypothesis that grasshoppers utilize different microhabitats to balance the trade-off between reducing mortality from predators and experiencing greater food availability, and warmer conditions.
A prediction model of Consumer's willingness to fly in autonomous air taxis

Abstract As companies begin to consider new alternatives to urban transportation and urban air mobility, one method under investigation is autonomous air taxis. Literature indicates that people, in general, have positive attitudes towards innovation and new technology. However, complex factors determine their willingness and speed in acceptance. The objective of this study was to examine which factors significantly forecast consumer willingness to fly in autonomous air taxis. A quantitative methodology and non-experimental design were accomplished using 510 participants to develop the regression equation and assess model fit. Six significant predictors of consumer willingness to fly in autonomous air taxis were found: familiarity, value, fun factor, wariness of new technology, fear and happiness. Three additional analyses were assessed using an independent sample of participants, revealing strong model fit. Few previous studies have provided a quantitative assessment of which factors significantly predict consumer willingness to fly in autonomous air taxis. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by identifying six significant factors which account for over 76% of the variance. These findings may help the industry, manufacturers and regulators identify the types of individuals most willing to try this new form of transportation and provide more information on the type of consumer most likely to buy in to this new form of transportation.
THE CO-EXISTENCE OF CHRONIC LEUKEMIA AND PREGNANCY

The co-existence of pregnancy in 4 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia has been reported. One patient was known to have had chronic myelogenous leukemia 3 years prior to her pregnancy. The diagnosis of leukemia was made during the course of pregnancy in the remaining 3 patients; 1 in the first trimester, the other 2 in the third trimester. No specific therapy was required in any of the patients during pregnancy. Their children at birth showed no stigmata of leukemia. Current literature on the subject has been reviewed. The consensus is that pregnancy does not influence the prognosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia. During the period of gestation, the symptoms can be controlled by administration of a solution of potassium arsenite (Fowler’s solution) and irradiation therapy over long bones, spleen and mediastinum without exposing the fetus.
Nonlinear Diffusion Problems in Age-Structured Population Dynamics

We describe a method for treating a broad class of nonlinear age-dependent population problems which may involve spatial diffusion. This method effectively decouples the age-dependent part of the problem from the population interaction terms, allowing the treatment of a number of age-structured problems that had not been otherwise accessible. We illustrate our method by giving a general asymptotic behavior result as well as by applying it to some specific models.
Learnable-pattern scanning based deep compressed imaging

We present a new deep compressed imaging modality by scanning a learned illumination pattern on the sample and detecting the signal with a single-pixel detector. This new imaging modality allows a compressed sampling of the object, and thus a high imaging speed. The object is reconstructed through a deep neural network inspired by compressed sensing algorithm. We optimize the illumination pattern and the image reconstruction network by training an end-to-end auto-encoder framework. Comparing with the conventional single-pixel camera and point-scanning imaging system, we accomplish a high-speed imaging with a reduced light dosage, while preserving a high imaging quality.
Generating a Model to Predict Secondary School Students at Risk in Mathematics

Mathematical courses aid individuals to deal with any problem that they might encounter in their life on the ground that Mathematics familiarize them with a problem-solving process. Additionally, people who have stood out in their profession are deemed to be those who have mastered their mathematical skills. Though, a lot of students encounter insurmountable difficulties and as a consequence they fail their Mathematical courses. That holds true particularly on the case of secondary school students. Thereby, controlling the risk of students’ failure in Mathematics is of utmost importance. This paper proposes a way to predict secondary school students’ critical performance in Mathematics through the generation of a potent model by means of a proper analysis of students’ engagement data. A discriminant function analysis has been carried out on the respective data and the generated linear discriminant functions constitute the prediction model. The prediction model generation process is demonstrated through a case study on a specific Mathematical course delivered at a Greek private secondary school. The research outcome is very promising given that our model could potentially be used to develop an early warning system for secondary school students at risk in Mathematics.
Depth Estimation for Glossy Surfaces with Light-Field Cameras

Light-field cameras have now become available in both consumer and industrial applications, and recent papers have demonstrated practical algorithms for depth recovery from a passive single-shot capture. However, current light-field depth estimation methods are designed for Lambertian objects and fail or degrade for glossy or specular surfaces. Because light-field cameras have an array of micro-lenses, the captured data allows modification of both focus and perspective viewpoints. In this paper, we develop an iterative approach to use the benefits of light-field data to estimate and remove the specular component, improving the depth estimation. The approach enables light-field data depth estimation to support both specular and diffuse scenes. We present a physically-based method that estimates one or multiple light source colors. We show our method outperforms current state-of-the-art diffuse and specular separation and depth estimation algorithms in multiple real world scenarios.
Smooth actions of R^n

Given a smooth action of R n on a k-dimensional differentiable manifold M k , for each 0 < r ≤ k we associate with "almost all" oriented orbits of dimension r an element of H r (M k , R).
Regulation of secretion from serous and mucous cells in the trachea.

The physical properties of mucus and the efficiency of tracheal mucociliary clearance depend on maintenance of a balanced interaction among several epithelial cell types. Some of these cell types are specialized to perform ion and water transport, others to perform synthesis and secretion of macromolecules. Our studies have been aimed specifically at identifying the neural mechanisms regulating macromolecule secretion from two of these cell types, i.e. serous and mucous gland cells. Because these cells occur as part of a complex epithelium, it is difficult to monitor the properties and functions of each cell type individually. We have therefore relied principally on morphological methods, which can potentially focus on a single cell type within a heterogeneous tissue. Such studies, however, depend on the availability of visible markers (enzyme-labelled antibodies, radioligands, etc.), and many important aspects of gland cell function cannot be assessed morphologically. Two alternative approaches are therefore being developed: the isolation and segregation of gland cells according to type, and the production of monoclonal antibodies that recognize secretory products of individual cell types. These methods allow serous and mucous cells to be studied by biochemical as well as morphological methods.
Fusing Segmentation and Classification from Multiple Features

This paper presents a strategy for combining the results of image classification and image segmentation. The visual features used for classification and segmentation may be different in general. Fusion is performed in a Maximum Likelihood framework using the Expectation Maximization algorithm. Preliminary results show that segmentation may effectively contribute to increase the quality of classification.
The Curious Case of Legislative Prayer: Town of Greece v. Galloway

This essay explores the Supreme Court's decision to reenter the debate over legislative prayers, and the Solicitor General's curious decision to enter the case in defense of Greece, New York's (somewhat dubious) practice. I suggest that the Court's decision, and the Solicitor's brief, can best be understood as part of larger conflict over Establishment Clause doctrine moving forward.
Viking extended mission support

The Deep Space Network (DSN) support of Viking spacecraft activities and the DSN Viking command and tracking support are reported. The status of DSN Mark 3 data (MDS) subsystem implementation project related Viking testing is included.
Global health training in ophthalmology residency programs.

Purpose To assess current global health education and international electives in ophthalmology residency programs and barriers to global health implementation in ophthalmology resident education. Methods A web-based survey regarding participation in global health and international electives was emailed to residency program directors at 116 accredited ophthalmology residency programs via an Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology (AUPO) residency program director listserv. Results Fifty-nine (51%) ophthalmology residency program directors responded. Thirty-seven program directors (63%) said global health was important to medical students when evaluating residency programs. Thirty-two program directors (55%) reported developing international electives. Reported barriers to resident participation in international electives were: 1) insufficient financial support, 2) inadequate resident coverage at home, and 3) lack of ACGME approval for international electives. Program directors requested more information about resident international electives, funding, and global ophthalmology educational resources. They requested ACGME recognition of international electives to facilitate resident participation. More than half (54%) of program directors supported international electives for residents. Conclusions This survey demonstrates that program directors believe global health is an important consideration when medical students evaluate training programs. Despite perceived barriers to incorporating global health opportunities into residency training, program directors are interested in development of global health resources and plan to further develop global health opportunities.
Discrete Time Realizations of Quantum Mechanics and their Possible Experimental Tests

The possible existence of a microscopic uncertainty principle in time due to the uncertain tuning between a particle’s sense of time (a particle being a microuniverse) and the frame of synchronous observers (the synchronous observers being described by an averaged out macroscopic time) suggests that the usual quantum formalism be modified to encompass this feature by allowing time derivatives to be replaced by discrete time differences. Such an alteration leads to a formalism that fits into a general mathematical structure described by Hadronic Mechanics. The consequences of such a generalization of Quantum Mechanics leads to high field modifications of spin-polarization precession frequencies, modifications of spin-resonance frequencies, modifications of spin-flip frequencies and spectral shifts in emission frequencies of systems that contain internal non-conventional characteristics such as dyon-dyon interactions, extra internal dimensions and extra compact dimensions. Such internal properties of elementary particles might provide excellent probes to compositeness which might provide more well defined evidence for sub-structure than the usual probes of anomalous magnetic moments, modifications of form factors and rare decays.
Remote sensing structures based on surface plasmon resonances and carbon nanotubes

A sensor structure based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is designed and developed. The device is an ultrasensitive wireless sensor operating in microwave frequencies utilizing the gas sensitivity of CNT mixtures. The sensor consists of a corrugated aluminum plate whose surface is periodically covered with a thin layer of the CNT materials. The incident TM-polarized waves on this surface excite the surface plasmon (SP) mode, thus resulting in a drop of power of the reflected wave. The simulations of the SPR-CNT-based wireless sensor show a frequency shift of 400 MHz in operation range around 22.5 GHz.