cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous mapping and stereo extrinsic parameter calibration using GPS measurements

Stereo vision is useful for a variety of robotics tasks, such as navigation and obstacle avoidance. However, recovery of valid range data from stereo depends on accurate calibration of the extrinsic parameters of the stereo rig, i.e., the 6-DOF transform between the left and right cameras. Stereo self-calibration is possible, but, without additional information, the absolute scale of the stereo baseline cannot be determined. In this paper, we formulate stereo extrinsic parameter calibration as a batch maximum likelihood estimation problem, and use GPS measurements to establish the scale of both the scene and the stereo baseline. Our approach is similar to photogrammetric bundle adjustment, and closely related to many structure from motion algorithms. We present results from simulation experiments using a range of GPS accuracy levels; these accuracies are achievable by varying grades of commercially-available receivers. We then validate the algorithm using stereo and GPS data acquired from a moving vehicle. Our results indicate that the approach is promising.
A pattern for a sensor node

Sensors are widely used in everyday life in household appliances, fire alarms, traffic control systems, battlefields, banks, and museums. Sensors are used either as standalone devices or in networks. Understanding the basic structure of a sensor node is essential to be able to use the sensors in different types of devices and different kinds of environments. Many applications require different types of sensor nodes that communicate with each other to perform a specific function. We present a pattern that describes an abstract view of the architecture of a sensor node. This description would help the application designer to choose from different types of sensor nodes for his application and to integrate it with other functional units. Moreover, this model also helps the designer to reuse, combine, or modify the architecture of a node to suit more complex needs.
Effect of L-Epinephrine and Triamcinolone on the Incorporation of Acetate-2-14C and 32Pi Into Phospholipids and Neutral Lipids in Liver Slices from Adrenalectomized Rats, in Vitro

In liver slices from adrenalectomized rats, L-epinephrine (3×10−6M) and triamcinolone (1×10−6M) stimulated gluconeogenesis from L-alanine, but neither treatment significantly changed the concentration of tissue neutral lipids or phospholipids. Phosphatidylinositol was not found in the lipid extracts of liver slices from rats 3–5 days after adrenalectomy. L-Epinephrine decreased the incorporation of acetate-2-14C into phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and triglycerides, but did not affect incorporation into tissue free fatty acids, phosphatidylserine, cholesterol, or cholesterol esters. L-Epinephrine caused a 3.4-fold increase in 32Pi incorporation into phosphatidylserine, but caused much smaller per cent increases in the incorporation of 32Pi into phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Triamcinolone had no effect on the tissue levels or on the incorporation of acetate-2-14C into tissue neutral lipids and phospholipids. Incubation of liver slices in vitro for 3 hr decreased the conce...
Analysis of the Relationship Between Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) and Water Trophic Status of Lakes Clustered in Northwestern Hillsborough County, Florida

This study examined the relationship between abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and the water trophic status of a group of lakes located in northwestern Hillsborough county. SAV abundance was expressed by the percent of lake volume infested with SAV (PVI) and the percent of lake area covered with SAV (PAC). The group of lakes was divided into two subgroups based on SAV abundance less than 20 PVI (PVI 20). Mean concentrations of total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and chlorophyll-α in lake water were used as indicators of trophic status, with the concentration of each nutrient in one group of lakes compared to its corresponding concentration in the other group. Lakes with PVI 20 had a mean concentration of 18 and 4 µg/l for the same parameters, respectively. The results of a t test and one-way ANOVA performed at the 95% confidence level indicated that the differences were significant for the concentrations of TP and chlorophyll-α but not for TN, the last of which had a mean lake water concentration of 0.8 and 0.7 mg/l for the PVI 20 subgroups, respectively.
Reconciling technology and nature : the use of mobile technology in outdoor recreation

This paper examines the intersection of technology and nature. The advent of mobile technology has created new frontiers for using technology while in nature. Engaging with nature is placed within the context of outdoor recreation, specifically hiking, as hiking provides opportunities for interacting with the environment while simultaneously using mobile technology. Examined is the relationship between the experiences, benefits, and participant characteristics associated with outdoor recreation and mobile technology use among hikers in Mount Pilchuck State Park in Washington State. Surveys were used to collect information on the recreational experiences and behaviors of hikers (n=155). Results suggest that participant characteristics, outdoor recreation experiences, and outdoor recreation benefits are all related to mobile technology use. Participant characteristics are linked to both type and volume of mobile technology use. The type of mobile technology use may have a stronger relationship with outdoor recreation experiences and benefits than the level of mobile technology use. Generally, several types of mobile technology use are positively associated with outdoor recreation experiences and benefits. The majority of hikers did not significantly use the mobile technology device while hiking but did have the device while in the State Park. Participants took steps to mitigate the intrusion of the device on the outdoor experience and brought the device primarily for picture taking, safety, and because carrying the device is a habit. Mobile technology can both aid and hinder outdoor recreation. Recognizing the ways mobile technology changes recreation experiences encourages a world where humans can benefit from nature as well as technology.
Targeting TGF-β as a Strategy to Ameliorate Intestinal Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

The number of cancer survivors in the US is increasing exponentially and currently approaches 10 million. While long-term cancer survivors may be cured of their original malignancies, some suffer from treatment-related side effects. Radiation injury of normal tissues, particularly radiation-induced fibrosis, is a major contributor to long-term morbidity after cancer therapy. Among the fibrogenic factors that have been investigated in the context of radiation fibrosis, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) appears to play a particularly central role. Consequently, considerable efforts have been directed toward targeting TGF-β or TGF-∇ signaling as a strategy to prevent or treat radiation fibrosis. This chapter discusses the clinical significance of long-term side effects after cancer therapy with special emphasis on intestinal radiation fibrosis. Existing evidence in support of a mechanistic role for TGF-β is introduced and discussed, and various approaches by which chronic radiation fibrosis may be ameliorated by inhibition of the TGF-β signaling pathway are presented.
Using Soft Constraints in Joint Inference for Clinical Concept Recognition

This paper introduces IQPs (Integer Quadratic Programs) as a way to model joint inference for the task of concept recognition in clinical domain. IQPs make it possible to easily incorporate soft constraints in the optimization framework and still support exact global inference. We show that soft constraints give statistically significant performance improvements when compared to hard constraints.
Outstanding Low Temperature Thermoelectric Power Factor from Completely Organic Thin Films Enabled by Multidimensional Conjugated Nanomaterials

In an effort to create a paintable/printable thermoelectric material, comprised exclusively of organic components, polyaniline (PANi), graphene, and double-walled nanotube (DWNT) are alternately deposited from aqueous solutions using the layer-by-layer assembly technique. Graphene and DWNT are stabilized with an intrinsically conductive polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). An 80 quadlayer thin film (≈1 μm thick), comprised of a PANi/graphene-PEDOT:PSS/PANi/DWNT-PEDOT:PSS repeating sequence, exhibits unprecedented electrical conductivity (σ ≈ 1.9 × 105 S m−1) and Seebeck coefficient (S ≈ 120 μV K−1) for a completely organic material. These two values yield a thermoelectric power factor (PF = S 2 σ −1) of 2710 μW m−1 K−2, which is the highest value ever reported for a completely organic material and among the highest for any material measured at room temperature. These outstanding properties are attributed to the highly ordered structure in the multilayer assembly. This water-based thermoelectric nanocomposite is competitive with the best inorganic semiconductors (e.g., bismuth telluride) at room temperature and can be applied as a coating to any flexible surface (e.g., fibers in clothing). For the first time, there is a real opportunity to harness waste heat from unconventional sources, such as body heat, to power devices in an environmentally-friendly way.
Rhythmic Emergence of Dendroctonus ponderosae (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) from Two Host Species

Emergence of adult Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins from ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa Laws.) and western white pine ( P. monticola Dougl.) exhibited distinct host-specific patterns under field conditions that appeared closely correlated with ambient temperatures in the latter host species but not in the former. The lower temperature threshold for beetle emergence was ca. 16°C. Diel periodicities in emergence from both host species also prevailed under conditions of constant temperature and light, providing evidence of an endogenous rhythm. Ratios of 1 male to 3 females, observed during the first week of seasonal emergence from ponderosa pine, appeared to change in favor of males as the season progressed. A more constant 1:2 male to female ratio was maintained in broods emerging from western white pine.
Corneal ulceration in a LASIK patient due to vitamin a deficiency after bariatric surgery.

PURPOSE To review the case of a 41-year-old woman who underwent bariatric surgery in 2000. She subsequently underwent laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery in 2008 and complained of dry eye since the LASIK surgery. In November 2010, she was diagnosed with a corneal melt and was treated with aggressive lubrication, followed by eventual amniotic membrane placement and a tarsorrhaphy. She then presented for consultation at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute when she developed a corneal infiltrate. She was diagnosed with fungal keratitis with corneal xerosis. At that time, vitamin A levels were measured and were less than 2 μ/dL. The patient admitted noncompliance with nutritional supplements. METHODS Case report. RESULTS The patient was treated with aggressive lubrication and natamycin. Vitamin supplements were restarted, and the patient experienced dramatic improvement in symptoms with resolution of the infection. A central corneal scar with corneal thinning remains. The patient underwent a penetrating keratoplasty for visual rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS Patient education with emphasis on compliance with nutritional supplements is essential after bariatric surgery. Consider vitamin A deficiency in the differential diagnosis of dry eye after LASIK surgery.
North American Mayflies of the Family Oligoneuriidae

Present knowledge of the family in this continent is reviewed, and a key is given to its two North American genera, both as nymphs and as adults. Males from Kansas are described as probable adults of Homoeoneuria ammophila (Spieth), originally described in Oligoneuria from nymphs taken in Indiana and later found also in Illinois. Adults and nymphs of H. dolani, n. sp., are described from Georgia and South Carolina, chiefly from the Savannah River. Homoeoneuria nymphs, unassociated with adults and not identifiable to species, have been collected in Florida, Mississippi, Texas, and Nebraska. The genus was first known from Guatemala. In its body form and legs the nymph strongly resembles the Russian genus Oligoneurisca, but its distinct nature and the unique absence of forceps indicate that Homoeoneuria occupies an isolated position within the family. The nymphs are inhabitants of larger streams, where they live buried in the shifting sand bottom; some observations on their activities are included. Adults emerge from early June through late October. Lachlania saskatchewanensis Ide and L. powelli Edmunds, the other North American representatives of the Oligoneuriidae, are briefly discussed.
13C-NMR studies of thermally isomerized polyphenylacetylenes prepared with MoCl5 and WCl6 catalysts

13C-NMR studies of thermally treated polyphenylacetylenes (PPA) prepared with MoCl5 and WCl6 catalysts provide evidence for intramolecular cyclization and chain scission of both cis and trans polymers. The microstructures of thermally treated cis and trans PPA are different from the microstructure of trans PPA obtained by thermal isomerization during propagation.
Stories, Games, and Deliberative Democracy

Shocked though Americans were by the narrowness of the presidential election of 2000, no one could say that they were at a loss for words as they went through the crisis that began on election day and ended when the United States Supreme Court effectively handed the presidency to George W Bush. To the contrary, the tide of words was one of the most conspicuous marks of the postelection contest: an eruptive tsunami of words rolled out from the television and radio talk shows, the Internet chat rooms and the street corners, the nation of instant talking heads, explaining and obfuscating events, mobilizing and contesting. In the overdetermined political circumstances of the struggle, rhetoric held no simple key to the Bush victory. Once the Republicans realized that they could send a slate of Republican electors chosen by the Florida legislature to the Republican-controlled Congress to challenge whatever certified or uncertified vote tallies might emerge from the Florida canvassing boards, the contest over the outcome of the presidential election was effectively over. But even in an electorate that recognized the instrumentality of language and the fine arts of rhetorical "spinning," the contest over words went on with deadly seriousness, absorbing and radiating power and consequence. The historian cannot but ask what that contest revealed about contemporary political culture and, perhaps deeper still, about the intensely charged yet diminished character of the political language of our times. As in all rhetorical eruptions, the structures lay just below the surface. It was an allbut-unbroken rule on the television news shows that the talking heads should talk in pairs; party-paired congressional representatives, law professors, and pundits showed up on the television split screens like squads of tag-team wrestlers, following the scripts and playbooks of the day with the faithfulness of disciplined athletes. Sound bites circulated, crystallizing in figures of speech the essence of the matter-the infallibility of machines; the cheap, shoddy equipment passed off on minority voters; the partisanship, character, and tastelessly applied makeup of Katherine Harris, the Florida secretary of state whose rulings curtailing manual recounts were central to the Republicans'
Hope, social relations, and depressive symptoms in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract Background Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may negatively impact maternal mental health outcomes. Feelings of loneliness and a lack of social support may contribute to these outcomes. One factor that may help to promote better outcomes is hope. The current study examined the associations between maternal hope, loneliness, social support, and depressive symptoms. Method Ninety-four mothers of a child with ASD participated in this online study. Mothers were predominantly Caucasian, middle class, and educated. Children ranged in age from 2 to 13 years. Mothers completed questionnaires assessing hope, loneliness, perceived social support from friends and family, and depressive symptoms. Results The results of a multiple mediator model indicated that hope agency was indirectly associated with depressive symptoms via loneliness. In a follow-up serial mediation model, hope agency was associated with depressive symptoms through family support and loneliness. Conclusions The present study contributes to the growing body of research focusing on positive personality characteristics and mental health outcomes in mothers of children with ASD. Given that increased hopeful thinking was associated with less loneliness, the construct of hope should be given more attention in interventions that are aimed at improving maternal outcomes. Increasing hopeful thinking may be particularly important in aiding with improvement during psychotherapy for mothers with clinical levels of depressive symptoms.
Discovery of fish mortality horizon at the K-T boundary on Seymour Island; re-evaluation of events at the end of the Cretaceous

The discovery of a fish bone layer immediately overlying the K-T iridium anomaly on Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula, which may represent the first documented mass kill associated with the impact event, together with new faunal data across the boundary has provided new insight into events at the end of the Cretaceous. The utilization of a geographical approach and a new graphical representation of range data has revealed that events at the end of the Cretaceous were not instantaneous, but occurred over a finite period of time. Although the fish bone layer may contain victims of the impact event, the absence of ammonites in either the iridiumbearing layer or the overlying fish layer suggests that the extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous was the culmination of several processes beginning in the late Campanian. The impact was the proverbial “straw that broke the camel's back,” leading to the extinction of many others forms of life that might have survived the period of global biotic stress during the waning stages of the Mesozoic if there had not been an impact. The absence of mass extinction following catastrophic geologic events in a biotic robust world, such as the Middle Ordovician Millbrig-Big Bentonite volcanic event suggests that the biosphere is remarkably resilient to major geologic catastrophes with mass extinction events occurring only when there is a conjunction of geologic events none of which might be capable of producing a global mass extinction by itself.
Stem Cells, Mechanism-Based Therapies and Regenerative Medicine Approaches

The degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium is the cause of many inherited and acquired ocular disorders that can lead to blindness. Some of these disorders are caused by single gene mutations while others are caused by polygenic mutations or environmental factors. In the past, animal models and gene therapy have aimed at correcting single gene mutations in diseased retina. But more recently, advances in stem cell research, together with advances in retinal tissue transplantation, have moved forward the possibility of treating patients with polygenic or environmental causes of retinal degeneration. Stem cells can now be derived from many sources, including peripheral blood, and successfully differentiated into retinal precursors. In addition, retinal tissue transplantation has been successfully demonstrated in both animals and humans. This article will review recent advances in the study and treatment of retinal disease.
Robust stabilizing control of nonholonomic systems with uncertainties via adaptive integral sliding mode: An underwater vehicle example

This article presents a robust stabilizing control for nonholonomic underwater systems that are affected by uncertainties. The methodology is based on adaptive integral sliding mode control. Firstl...
Dissipation of cavitation-induced shock waves energy through phase transformation in NiTi alloys

Abstract Energy dissipation in aluminum plates coated with a thin layer of Nickel–Titanium (NiTi) alloy subjected to a shock loading is studied. An experimental framework is designed and implemented to apply a shock load on the plates, using a liquid jet generated by collapsing of spark-generated bubbles under water. In this setup, a high-speed camera and a hydrophone are used to characterize the generated bubbles. Moreover, a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) and multiple strain gauges are implemented to investigate the vibration and mechanical responses of plates subjected to the water jet induced by cavitation bubbles. Comparing the mechanical response of an Al–NiTi plate with the same system in which the NiTi coating layer is replaced with an Al layer of the same thickness, shows that the propagation of shock waves is activating the forward and reverse phase transformations in NiTi that consequently results in dissipation of the shock wave energy in the material. The results approve the excellent cavitation erosion resistance of NiTi alloys which originates from their superior capability in attenuating stress waves and energy dissipation due to phase transformation, when the shock wave propagates in the material. Finite element simulations are also performed to investigate the energy dissipation capability of aluminum plates coated with a NiTi layer, when the structure vibrates by exerting and removing a concentrated transverse force at the center. When the energy of incident shock waves caused by cavitation bubbles is strong enough, the energy dissipation due to global structural vibrations can complement the energy dissipation due to the phase transformation. The computational results show that the observed energy dissipation in the experiments is exclusively caused by the shock wave propagation, not the transverse vibrations, and also investigate the details of energy dissipation for both NiTi and Al–NiTi composite plates subjected to a cyclic transverse load at the center.
CARDIOVASCULAR RISK ASSESSMENT SCORES FOR HISPANICS LIVING IN UNITED STATES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Scores (CVRAS) are widely used to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD). Initially derived in Caucasian patients, it remains unclear which CVRAS best predict CVD outcomes in Hispanics living in the United States. We performed a systematic review using Ovid MEDLINE,
Models and Modeling

Abstract The first hundred years of air pollution modeling, from 1859 to 1959, introduced the box model for urban pollution concentration and point source plume models. It ended with the introduction of the electronic digital computer to modeling. In the next decade, until 1969, urban models more sophisticated than the box model became operational and point source models for level terrain came to maturity. In the most recent decade, to 1979, new modeling concepts have been introduced, keeping pace with enhanced computer capability and speed; models have been developed for complex terrain and for chemical reactions among pollutants, and there has been intensive operational use of models.
Kreisringförmige und kugelförmige Behälter

Es sollen im folgenden Behalter betrachtet werden, auf deren Wandungen entweder von innen oder von ausen gesetzmasig, meist gleichmasig, verteilte Krafte ausgeubt werden. Ist die Wandstarke so gering, das man die Veranderlichkeit der Spannung uber den Querschnitt vernachlassigen kann, so ist die Berechnung meistens verhaltnismasig einfach. Schwieriger wird die Berechnung, wenn die Wandung so stark ist, das die Veranderlichkeit der Spannung uber den Querschnitt zu berucksichtigen ist.
The risk of Staphylococcus skin infection during space travel and mitigation strategies

Abstract Among numerous challenges facing space travellers, microbial infection is one of the unknown risks associated with human spaceflight. Prevention and control of microbial infections are of critical concern during space missions. The objective of this research is to develop a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) to model the risk of Staphylococcus aureus skin infection and mitigation strategies that may effectively reduce skin infection risks. QMRA was carried out by incorporating the level of S. aureus contamination from International Space Station Microbial Observatory Experiment, bacterial transfer rate to skin, growth pattern of S. aureus on skin, space travellers’ daily behaviour and dose-response model. The results demonstrate that a daily skin cleaning regimen has a significant effect on reducing the skin infection risks. Once a day skin cleaning reduces infection risk by 84.2% and twice a day skin cleaning can reduce the risk of skin infection by 96.1% during a seven-day space mission. Frequency of contact with contaminated surfaces and time elapsed between cleaning events are the most important input parameters that contribute to the overall risk outcome. There are degrees of uncertainties associated with the predicted outcomes when interpreted by itself due to the limitation of microbial data and the dose-response model that derived from a short-term clinical study on Earth. The comparative risk analysis as used in this study offers a scientific basis regarding the effectiveness of interventions (skin cleaning regimens) in mitigating skin infection risks during spaceflight.
Personality Traits and Occupational Demands Are Linked to Dietary Supplement Use in Soldiers: A Cross-sectional Study of Sensation Seeking Behaviors.

INTRODUCTION Military personnel use dietary supplements (DS) more frequently and in a higher quantity than the general population. Patterns of DS used and the motivation for use among the military population are different than those of the civilian population. Soldiers are much more likely to use potentially dangerous DS purported to enhance physical performance and/or promote weight loss in spite of limited evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of these products. Sensation seeking (SS) behaviors can be associated with risky lifestyle behaviors and may be associated with use of DS by Soldiers. This study assessed Soldiers' SS behaviors in relation to DS use and various demographic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Demographic and behavioral questionnaires were administered to 289 Soldiers (mean ± SD, 28 ± 6 years, 27 ± 3 kg/m2 BMI, 83% male) at three U.S. military installations. The Brief SS Scale (four 10-point subscales) and Arnett Inventory of SS (two 40-point subscales) were used to assess SS behaviors. Independent sample t-tests determined the significant differences between SS subscale scores of DS users and non-users for each type of DS (i.e., protein, multivitamin, etc.). One-way analysis of variances and Tukey's post hoc comparisons assessed differences in SS scores across demographic categories. Tukey's post hoc analyses assessed SS scores between users and non-users within the DS categories. RESULTS Overall, 75% of Soldiers used DS ≥1 time/week. The most frequently used DS were protein/amino acids (52%), multivitamins/multiminerals (47%), "other" supplements (43%), and combination products (35%). Overall, DS users scored higher in experience seeking (8.0 ± 1.7 vs 7.5 ± 2.0; p < 0.05) and novelty (28.4 ± 3.7 vs 26.8 ± 4.7; p < 0.05) than non-users. Protein/amino acid users scored higher than non-users for all six SS traits: experience seeking (p < 0.001), boredom susceptibility (p < 0.001), thrill seeking (p < 0.001), disinhibition (p < 0.01), novelty (p < 0.001), and intensity (p < 0.001). Users of bodybuilding DS scored higher than non-users in four of the six SS traits: boredom susceptibility (p < 0.05), thrill seeking (p < 0.001), disinhibition (p < 0.01), and intensity (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Soldiers who use DS that are frequently associated with health risks scored higher for sensation-seeking characteristics which are predictors of risky behaviors. Protein/AA and combination product DS users scored higher in sensation-seeking traits and this may be due to underestimation of risk, anticipation of positive outcomes, and/or high levels of confidence in these types of DS by high sensation seekers. Additional investigation into the association of sensation-seeking behaviors as predictors of harmful DS use is warranted.
Landscapes of Exclusion: State Parks and Jim Crow in the American South

Over the past decade and a half, historians of the United States have begun to reveal the deep intertwining of the national park system with the displacement of indigenous peoples. As highlighted i...
Targeted Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Therapies and a Combined Medical-Surgical Approach for Congenital Heart Disease Patients

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is a frequent complication of congenital heart disease (CHD), most commonly occurring with systemic-to-pulmo...
What Is Excitation/Inhibition and How Is It Regulated? A Case of the Elephant and the Wisemen.

The balance between excitation and inhibition in neuronal circuits has drawn more and more attention in recent years, due to its proposed multifaceted functions in the normal neural circuit as well...
Towards a Just Theory of Measurement: A Principled Social Measurement Assurance Program for Machine Learning

While formal definitions of fairness in machine learning (ML) have been proposed, its place within a broader institutional model of fair decision-making remains ambiguous. In this paper we interpret ML as a tool for revealing when and how measures fail to capture purported constructs of interest, augmenting a given institution's understanding of its own interventions and priorities. Rather than codifying "fair" principles into ML models directly, the use of ML can thus be understood as a form of quality assurance for existing institutions, exposing the epistemic fault lines of their own measurement practices. Drawing from Friedler et al's [2016] recent discussion of representational mappings and previous discussions on the ontology of measurement, we propose a social measurement assurance program (sMAP) in which ML encourages expert deliberation on a given decision-making procedure by examining unanticipated or previously unexamined covariates. As an example, we apply Rawlsian principles of fairness to sMAP and produce a provisional just theory of measurement that would guide the use of ML for achieving fairness in the case of child abuse in Allegheny County.
Photoluminescence from In0.5Ga0.5P/GaP quantum dots coupled to photonic crystal cavities

We demonstrate room temperature visible wavelength photoluminescence from In0.5Ga0.5As quantum dots embedded in a GaP membrane. We also observe enhanced outcoupling of quantum dot emission into photonic crystal nanocavities.
IDO Pathway Analysis for Identifying Novel Biomarkers in Multiple Myeloma

Abstract Background: Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an intracellular enzyme that catalyzes the initial rate-limiting step in Tryptophan (Trp) degradation along the Kynurenine pathway. Trp can be catabolized by tryptophan hydroxylase into serotonin (Ser) or alternatively, by IDO and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) into Kynurenine (Kyn). A variety of human tumors have been shown to express an active IDO which leads to the induction of immune tolerance and malignant cell survival (Mellor et al, 1999). Elevated IDO activity within tumor microenvironment impairs the function of antigen specific T cells and suppresses the anti-tumor immune response, while in tumor-draining lymph nodes an active IDO inhibits the antigen presentation reducing the population of antigen-specific T cells and stimulates regulatory T cells (Treg) activation (Curti et al. 2009). IDO overexpression has been correlated with poor prognosis in a number of human solid tumors including ovarian, endometrial and colon carcinoma (Okamoto et al. 2005, Ino et al. 2006, Brandacher et al. 2006). In hematological malignancies, such as AML and DLBCL, IDO expression has also shown significant prognostic value (Folgiero et al. 2014, Ninomiya et al. 2011). Currently, our understanding of the role of IDO in multiple myeloma (MM) is limited to a few existing studies correlating the abundance of selected IDO pathway metabolites with the disease (Bonanno et al. 2012, Zdzisinska et al. 2010). We hypothesize that IDO activity correlates with the disease onset and progression in MM patients. Methods: We quantified the levels of Trp, Kyn, and Ser in human serum by mass spectrometry using the Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ p180 kit. Analysis was performed using MetaboAnalyst 3.0 and Graphpad prism software. The serum samples derived from healthy donors and MM patients were obtained commercially. Results: We found significantly reduced levels of Trp (n=13, p Conclusions: Our study suggests that increased activity of IDO, and/or the production of downstream metabolites is one of the features of MM, and could potentially define a valuable set of novel biomarkers. Here we show a consistent pattern of increased Kyn and decreased Trp levels as well as an elevated Kyn/Trp ratio, all of which are hallmarks of high IDO activity in MM subjects when compared to healthy individuals. We did not detect any significant differences in Ser levels between any of the groups which may suggest that the catabolic pathway is not dependent on tryptophan hydroxylase. Additional studies are being initiated to further investigate the role of IDO/Trp pathway in MM pathogenesis as well as better understand its potential prognostic and predictive impact in currently used MM therapies. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Implementation of a Standardized Screening Protocol to Improve Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Surveillance in First Responders.

Objective The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a standardized screening protocol to identify post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in first responders during employment physicals in a primary care setting. Methods A pre-/post-intervention project design was used, utilizing the PTSD Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (PCL-5) screening tool. Outcome measures included screening completion, positive screening rate, and referral rate. Results A total of 331 first responders presented for employment physicals. In the post-intervention cohort, 96% (152/158) of first responders were screened. From pre- to post-intervention, first responders who screened positive increased from less than 1% (1/173) to 4.6% (7/152). Of those screening positive, a total of five of seven (71%) patients were referred for mental health evaluation. Conclusions A standardized screening protocol using a validated self-assessment tool improved PTSD surveillance in first responders and triggered referral.
Guidance for Specific Target Doors in Hallway using the Computer Vision for Autonomous Vehicles

Computer Vision would complement the autonomous robotics goals of accuracy and precision by adding “eyes” to the performance of the robot. We will be researching on computer vision techniques and experimenting their benefits with autonomous robotics. We investigated both Arduino MegaTM Controller Board and Raspberry Pi for analyzing the flexibility of chipset for computer vision using the 4-wire dual data bus Pixi Camera (CMU’s 5th version). Both C/C++ and Python libraries were implemented to test the vision camera using I2C and USB communication. Pixi camera scans at a rate of 50 frames per second. We investigated the object recognition, object classification and object tracking capabilities using various algorithms for detecting the specific target doors in a hallway. The autonomous robot is going to maneuver in the hall way by avoiding the obstacles and stop precisely at a door-front of the assigned door number. This is possible by associating the door numbers with color codes.
Mandarin tone perception in multiple-talker babbles and speech-shaped noise

Lexical tone recognition in multiple-talker babbles (N = 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, or 12) and in speech-shaped noise at different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs = −18 to −6 dB) were tested in 30 normal-hearing native Mandarin-speaking listeners. Results showed that tone perception was robust to noise. The performance curve as a function of N was non-monotonic. The breakpoint at which the performance plateaued was N = 8 for all SNRs tested with a slight improvement at N > 8 at −6 and −9 dB SNR.
Marijuana and Glaucoma: A Social Media Content Analysis.

Purpose This study analyzes the content quality and characteristics of the most popular and highly ranked search results on the internet related to glaucoma and medical cannabis (MC). Design Internet-based, cross-sectional study. Participants Not applicable. Methods Google and 2 social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube) were used to identify online information most accessible to patients. Search criteria included “glaucoma” AND “marijuana” or “cannabinoid” or “CBD.” The top 20 Google search and YouTube results for each search term and the posts from the top 9 patient-based glaucoma Facebook groups were aggregated and analyzed using the search criteria. Main Outcome Measures The quality of the content was graded by 2 independent graders using a previously validated Sandvik score and previously reported risk score. The differing values were resolved by a final grader. Additional analysis included whether the source was professional (by physician or medical organization) or shared an opinion on MC (pro, mixed, or against) use in glaucoma. Results This search resulted in an aggregate of 51 websites on Google, 126 posts from Facebook groups, and 37 videos on YouTube. The mean (± standard deviation) Sandvik score and risk score were 11.0 (±2.23), 10.2 (±1.12), 10.6 (±1.89) and 0.27 (±0.49), 0.46 (±0.62), 0.97 (±0.90) for Google, Facebook, and YouTube, respectively. Analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences in Sandvik (P = 0.01) and risk (P Conclusions Despite American Academy of Ophthalmology, Canadian Ophthalmological Society, and American Glaucoma Society statements against MC use in patients with glaucoma, a significant portion of online material recommends its use. With the wide variation in quality and content of online information, it is important for physicians to be aware of the different platforms and opinions that are readily available to patients.
Makerspaces and Collaborative Technologies: A Lita Guide: edited by Beth Thomsett-Scott, Lanham, MD, Roman & Littlefield, 2020, 99 pp., $78.00 (Hardback), $35.00 (Paperback), $33.00 (e-book), ISBN: 978-1-5381-2648-6

Makerspaces and other new, interactive technologies are becoming an essential part of libraries. As these technologies are requested by patrons, libraries need to find ways to guide how they create...
A LexA-based yeast two-hybrid system for studying light-switchable interactions of phytochromes with their interacting partners

Phytochromes are a family of photoreceptors in plants that perceive the red (R) and far-red (FR) components of their light environment. Phytochromes exist in vivo in two forms, the inactive Pr form and the active Pfr form, that are interconvertible by treatments with R or FR light. It is believed that phytochromes transduce light signals by interacting with their signaling partners. A GAL4-based light-switchable yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system was developed two decades ago and has been successfully employed in many studies to determine phytochrome interactions with their signaling components. However, several pairs of interactions between phytochromes and their interactors, such as the phyA-COP1 and phyA-TZP interactions, were demonstrated by other assay systems but were not detected by this GAL4 Y2H system. Here, we report a modified LexA Y2H system, in which the LexA DNA-binding domain is fused to the C-terminus of a phytochrome protein. The conformational changes of phytochromes in response to R and FR light are achieved in yeast cells by exogenously supplying phycocyanobilin (PCB) extracted from Spirulina. The well-defined interaction pairs, including phyA-FHY1 and phyB-PIFs, are well reproducible in this system. Moreover, we show that our system is successful in detecting the phyA-COP1 and phyA-TZP interactions. Together, our study provides an alternative Y2H system that is highly sensitive and reproducible for detecting light-switchable interactions of phytochromes with their interacting partners.
Investor response to online value line rank changes: Foreign versus local stocks

Abstract We find that the Value Line effect is confined to U.S. stocks. U.S. listed stocks significantly outperform their benchmarks long after Value Line Timeliness rank change announcements. In contrast, we find no evidence of a Value Line effect for recommendations made for foreign stocks that list on U.S. exchanges, nor for those that list outside the U.S. For days surrounding rank change announcements, trading volume is abnormally high for U.S. listed stocks, but remains unchanged for the foreign stock sample. Our findings are unchanged after controlling for unique valuation challenges, varying market conditions, beta, firm size, book-to-market, momentum, and post earnings announcement effects.
Keynes Demonstrated in Chapter 15 of the A Treatise on Probability That His Non Numerical Probabilities Are Identical to Boole’s Constituent Probabilities: It Is Mathematically Impossible for Keynes’s Non Numerical Probabilities to Be Ordinal Probabilities

The claim that Keynes’s non numerical probabilities are ordinal probabilities was shown to be mathematically impossible by Keynes in chapter 15 of the A Treatise on Probability on pp.162-163 and in chapter 17 on pp.186-194. Keynes’s non numerical probabilities are identical to Boole’s constituent probabilities. Keynes improved on Boole’s technique and was able to solve Boolean problems much quicker than it took Boole to solve the problems. Part II of the A Treatise on Probability is nearly identical to the analysis provided in his two Cambridge University Fellowships in 1907 and 1908.
Cytokine Profile Elevations on Admission Can Determine Risks of Severe Acute Pancreatitis in Children.

OBJECTIVES To utilize a Luminex platform to examine multiple cytokines simultaneously as well as clinical laboratory testing to identify markers that predict acute pancreatitis severity in the pediatric population on admission. STUDY DESIGN Patients (<19 years of age) prospectively enrolled over a 4-year period in a single institution acute pancreatitis database were included in separate derivation and validation cohorts. Plasma samples were obtained within 48 hours of admission and stored for analysis. Samples from mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis (moderately severe and severe combined) were analyzed using Luminex panels and C-reactive protein (CRP) testing. RESULTS The derivation cohort examined 62 cytokines in 66 subject samples (20 control, 36 mild acute pancreatitis, 10 severe acute pancreatitis) and identified interleukin 6 (IL-6) (P = .02) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) (P = .02) as cytokines that were differentially expressed between mild and severe acute pancreatitis. Our validation cohort analyzed 76 cytokines between 10 controls, 19 mild acute pancreatitis, and 6 severe acute pancreatitis subjects. IL-6 (P = .02) and MCP-1 (P = .007) were again found to differentiate mild acute pancreatitis from severe acute pancreatitis. CRP values were obtained from 53 of the subjects, revealing a strong association between elevated CRP values and progression to severe disease (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS This study identified and validated IL-6 and MCP-1 as predictors of severe acute pancreatitis using 2 distinct cohorts and showed that CRP elevation is a marker of progression to severe acute pancreatitis. These biomarkers have not been extensively studied in the pediatric acute pancreatitis population. Our data allows for risk-stratification of patients with acute pancreatitis, and represent novel insight into the immunologic response in severe acute pancreatitis.
PU.1 and MYC transcriptional network defines synergistic drug responses to KIT and LSD1 inhibition in acute myeloid leukemia

Activating mutations in the KIT tyrosine receptor kinase confer an adverse prognosis for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Successful treatment options are limited, as kinase inhibition monotherapy for AML is often followed by rapid drug resistance. Here we demonstrate that combined KIT and LSD1 inhibition causes increased cytotoxicity and may mitigate the propensity for relapse with kinase inhibition. This combination suppresses MYC at both the transcript and protein level to drive cell cycle exit and cell death. This decreased MYC transcript expression results from a loss of PU.1 binding at a downstream MYC enhancer leading to decreased acetylation at the MYC enhancer and promoter. Additionally, the drug combination inactivates PI3K/AKT/GSK3 signaling to decrease MYC protein stability. Within 24 hours, KIT-mutant AML cells adapt to KIT inhibitor monotherapy by restoring PI3K/AKT activity. However, with the addition of a LSD1 inhibitor, PI3K/AKT activity cannot be restored. Taken together, KIT and LSD1 inhibition cooperatively target MYC activity through altered transcription and modulation of signaling to drive a lasting response. In addition, we validate MYC suppression as a mechanism of synergy between KIT and LSD1 inhibition in KIT-mutant AML patient samples. Collectively, this work provides rational for a clinical trial to assess the efficacy of KIT and LSD1 inhibition in patients with KIT-mutant AML.
Widening Disparities in Online Information Access during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated a staggering increase in online information access, as digital engagement became necessary to meet the demand for health, economic, and educational resources1, 2. We pursue insights about inequity in leveraging online information, spanning challenges with access and abilities to effectively seek and use digital information2-4. We observe a widening of digital inequalities through a population-scale study of 55 billion everyday web search interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic across 25,150 US ZIP codes. We observe that ZIP codes with low socioeconomic status (SES) and high racial/ethnic diversity did not leverage health information and pandemic-relevant online resources (e.g., online learning, online food delivery) as much as regions with higher SES and lower levels of diversity. We also show increased shifts in online information access to financial or unemployment assistance for ZIP codes with low SES and high racial/ethnic diversity. These findings demonstrate that the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in online information access and highlight the role of large-scale, anonymized data about online search activities in digital disparities research. The results frame important questions and future research on identifying and targeting interventions for vulnerable subpopulations that could reduce further widening of digital access inequalities and associated downstream outcomes including health, education, and employment3.