cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Consequences of School Dropout among Serious Adolescent Offenders: More Offending? More Arrest? Both?

Objectives:Drawing on labeling and routine activities perspectives, this study investigates whether within-individual change in the school dropout status is associated with the risk of subsequent offending and arrest among serious adolescent offenders.Methods:Longitudinal panel data and a modified version of conventional random-effects models are used as a potential outcome model of causality to directly compare the outcomes before and after the change in the school dropout status.Results:School dropout significantly increases the likelihood of rearrest, but there is no statistically discernable impact of dropping out of school on self-reported reoffending.Conclusions:The current study adds insights into the school dropout literature by exploring the role of school dropout as one of the contingencies of “differential social reaction” or “secondary sanctioning” processes in which arrest leads to a greater risk of subsequent arrest.
“Nuestro camino es más largo” (Our Journey Is Much Longer): A Testimonio of Immigrant Life in the Central Valley and the Road towards the Professoriate

Throughout my life I have come home to Modesto, California more times than my heart can remember; it is my heart that remembers and keeps my hometown ever present. Today, I am an Assistant Professor at the University of San Francisco. Yet, who I am today is profoundly intertwined with the little girl who grew up in the Central Valley as a daughter of working class Mexican immigrants. This is my testimonio—my truth-telling story—of how I learned from the sacrifices my parents made as Mexicano immigrants pursuing a dream of a better life for their children in Central Valley California, and it is the story of learning from my family’s knowledge, strengths, cultural resources, and Community Cultural Wealth.
Linking climate to changing discharge at springs in Arches National Park, Utah, USA

Groundwater-fed springs are essential habitat for many dryland species. Climate projections forecast an increasingly arid climate for the southwestern United States. Therefore, an understanding of the relationships between climate and spring discharge is increasingly important. Monthly discharge measurements were recorded from 2001 to 2014 at three jointed bedrock springs in and near Arches National Park, Utah, United States. Discharge was compared with the potential evapotranspiration (PET) and precipitation derived from Daymet gridded climate data. Despite the similarities in location, aquifer type, and climate exposure, all three springs showed different responses to local climate. Two springs emerging from the western aquifer had decreases in discharge during differing portions of their record, while the eastern aquifer spring had stable discharge. At the monthly scale, there was a strong inverse relationship between measured discharge and PET at all three springs, likely due to vegetation accessing the water prior to its surface expression. Annual average winter discharge from both western aquifer springs responded to reductions in 10-year cumulative winter precipitation, while discharge from the eastern aquifer spring did not correspond well to precipitation within the period of record. Uncertainty in climate projections for aquifer recharge remains high, but increasing air temperatures will likely lead to increased PET and reduced spring surface flow. Better characterization of climate and spring discharge relationships will help managers protect contributing areas that may be more susceptible to groundwater withdrawal and better understand the available habitat for groundwater-dependent ecosystems and species.
The Schwärmer, Luther, and Melanchthon

Luther’s preaching and reforming activities produced the greatest excitement in Central Germany. In their wake appeared a number of radical movements, both unwanted and unexpected by the Reformer himself. He was forced to take issue with the extremists in order to guide the Reformation into more conservative channels. The examination of these unruly elements, called the Schwarmer by Luther, must begin with the Prophets of Zwickau. They were the first to trouble the peaceful progress of reform in Wittenberg. We will begin with their development in Zwickau itself.
The Anatomy of Retention in the Federal Government: Different Strokes for Some Folks?

Employee turnover imposes considerable costs on organizations. Turnover results from retirement, leaving one’s work unit for another, or leaving an organization entirely. While private organization...
Spineless Behavior of CX3CR1+ Monocytes in Response to Infection.

Sickness in mammals can lead to cognition deficits, although the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In a recent Nature Medicine article, Garre et al. (2017) report that sickness-induced cortical dendritic spine loss and impaired memory formation is mediated by CX3CR1+ monocyte-derived TNF-α.
Mixed data layout kernels for vectorized complex arithmetic

Implementing complex arithmetic routines with Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) instructions requires the use of instructions that are usually not found in their real arithmetic counter-parts. These instructions, such as shuffles and addsub, are often bottlenecks for many complex arithmetic kernels as modern architectures usually can perform more real arithmetic operations than execute instructions for complex arithmetic. In this work, we focus on using a variety of data layouts (mixed format) for storing complex numbers at different stages of the computation so as to limit the use of these instructions. Using complex matrix multiplication and Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs) as our examples, we demonstrate that performance improvements of up to 2× can be attained with mixed format within the computational routines. We also described how existing algorithms can be easily modified to implement the mixed format complex layout.
Simultaneous transmit and receive reflectarray antennas on low cost UAV platforms

This paper discusses reflectarrays as candidates for Simultaneous Transmit And Receive (STAR) antenna subsystem. Monostatic and bistatic STAR topologies are investigated. For the former, a monostatic STAR supercell is used to feed the reflectarray. For latter, a series fed patch array is used as a feed source. The STAR reflectarray antennas are designed for a low-cost UAV platform and are operating at 5.8 GHz ISM band. The monostatic and bistatic STAR antenna subsystems achieve isolation between the transmitting (TX) and receiving (RX) ports of 41 dB and 58 dB, respectively.
Tuyere: enabling scalable memory workloads for system exploration

Memory technologies are under active development. Meanwhile, workloads on contemporary computing systems are increasing rapidly in size and diversity. Such dynamics in hardware and software further widen the gap between memory system design and performance evaluation. In this work, we propose a data-centric abstraction of high-performance computing applications for fast exploration of new memory technologies. We also provide a framework that uses a formal modeling language to describe the abstraction, automatically translates abstractions into memory traffic, and directly interfaces with cycle-accurate simulators. We evaluated the framework using 20 workloads and validated the memory traffic profile, the simulation results, and the relative memory changes of four memory technologies. Our results show that the data-centric abstraction can accurately capture application behavior adaptable to different input problems and can expedite system exploration.
Optical design of exo-planet coronagraph, integral field spectrograph, and high resolution spectrometer for LUVOIR study (Conference Presentation)

The Large UV/Optical/IR Surveyor (LUVOIR) is a concept for a highly capable, multi-wavelength space observatory with ambitious science goals. Finding and characterizing a wide range of exoplanets, including those that might be habitable, is a major goal of the study. Driven by the ambitious science goals is the challenges of the optical design. The paper will present how the optical design meets the unique challenges for coronagraphs on large segmented telescopes to achieve high contrast for a wide wavelength range from 400 nm to 1700 nm, such as the position and size of occulter masks, deformable mirror placement and separation, diffraction from a segmented mirror, tight tolerances on the optical system and each element, etc. Two types of spectrometers are designed after the coronagraph to analyze the spectrum of detected exo-planet signals: one is an Integral Field Spectrograph (IFS), and the other one is a High Resolution Spectrometer (HRS). These two spectral instruments will provide information scientists requested in searching for habitable planets. The optical designs, unique challenges, and the solutions for all coronagraph and spectral instruments will be presented. Their specifications derived from science goal will be detailed.
Principles of Chemotherapy in Brain Neoplasia

For the neurooncologic clinician, brain tumors, be they primary or secondary, are a frustrating challenge. Successful therapy often is not achieved with surgery or radiation therapy. One is therefore faced with the choice of chemotherapy, itself currently a less than adequate answer. Also, for the neuroclinician, such a choice is at once intimidating. It is the purpose, then, of this chapter to put brain tumor chemotherapy into clinical perspective, beginning first with the basic principles of anticancer drug therapy, continuing through an organized schema of the currently available chemotherapeutic agents as applicable to neurooncology and applying these to the specific features of brain tumors. The focus is to work through various research angles to distill the clinically relevant perspectives of this vast subject.
Numerical Simulation of the Vortex Shedding Process Past a Circular Cylinder

Abstract A computational analysis is performed on the two dimensional, time dependent Navier-Stokes equations in their streamfunction-vorticity transport form. The equations are cast in logpolar coordinates and the fields are expanded in Fourier series along the azimuthal coordinate. The numerical techniques used for the computations are finite differences for the time advancement, Fast Fourier Transform to perform the convolutions resulting from the convective terms and matrix inversion method for the radial integration. In order to simulate the vortex shedding process, a perturbation, consisting in a pure rotational field, has been imposed to the initially irrotational flow at time T = 0. The perturbation vortex is characterized by two quantities, the strength S and the spread σ, both depending on the values of two parameters, C and n. The results presented in this paper are those corresponding to the couple of values C= 0.009 and n=3.44. The results are illustrated by means o f computer generated drawings of the flow fields in term of absolute streamlines, relative streamlines and vorticity.
LAD and Linear Programming

In this chapter we discuss the linear programming (LP) problem and its connection with LAD fitting. To fix the language and notation let there be given vectors c ∈ Rn, b ∈ Rm and an m by n matrix A. The vector c determines a linear functional f(x) = on Rn and A and b determine m linear inequalities Ax ≤ b. The LP problem in standard form is to $$ \begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {\max imize{\kern 1pt} f\left( x \right)} \\ {subject{\kern 1pt} to{\kern 1pt} A{\underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle-}$}}{x}} \leqslant b} \\ {{\underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle-}$}}{x}} \geqslant 0} \\ \end{array} $$ (1)
Experimental and Thermodynamic Evidence for the Operation of High Pressures in Archaean Metamorphism

Abstract Quantitative analysis of the pressures of granulite-grade metamorphism is now possible as a result of recent calorirnetric, experimental and theoretical work. Three lines of approach are used to estimate the apparent recrystallization pressures of well-described samples from Precambrian terranes: 1) The assemblage garnet-sillimanite-quartz. If cordierite is absent, as in the khondalites of southern India, the Mg 3 Al 2 Si 3 O 12 content of the garnets yields minimum pressures of metamorphism. Estimates for two khondalites from the Pallavaram area, Tamilnadu, give minimum pressures of 6–9 kilobars in the range 700°-900°C from the experimental and thermodynamic data. 2) The assemblages hypersthene-sillimanite-quartz and sapphirine-hypersthene-quartz. These assemblages, chemically equivalent to magnesian cordierite, apparently require minimum pressures of 6–10 kilobars, based on experimental work. The lower estimates are for the completely anhydrous condition. 3) The occurrence of garnet in basic and intermediate-composition granulites. Experimental work apparently requires a minimum of 8 kilobars for garnet in basic compositions at temperatures above 700°C. Thermodynamic calculations pertaining to the assemblage garnet-plagioclase-hypersthene-quartz yield pressures of 8–10 kilobars for two well-described granulite specimens from Uganda and Sweden. Thus we have good evidence of a thick continental crust even in Archaean times. If there has been continued accumulation of crustal material throughout geologic time, some mechanisms of strong local crustal thickening seem to be required to explain the high pressures of Archaean metamorphism.
Weight gain after kidney donation: Association with increased risks of type 2 diabetes and hypertension

In the general population, obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension (HTN), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Therefore, most transplant centers have a body mass index (BMI) threshold for accepting living kidney donors. But there have been no studies of postdonation weight gain trends and any associated risks. We tracked serial BMIs in 940 donors for a median (IQ range) follow-up of 22.3 (15.4-35.8) years. We studied the impact of postdonation weight gain in a model adjusted for family history of HTN or DM. Donor characteristics included age, sex, smoking, fasting blood glucose, eGFR, systolic and diastolic BP, and BMI at time of donation and time postdonation. Postdonation weight gain was associated with a significant increase in the relative risk of developing HTN RR 1.93 (95% CI 1.51-2.46) (P < 0.001) and/or DM RR 4.18 (95% CI 2.05-8.5) (P < 0.0001), but not (to date) cardiovascular disease (CVD), reduced eGFR or death. Like the general population, donors gained weight as they aged; a higher BMI was associated with higher incidence of DM and HTN. Postdonation care should include ongoing counseling on the risks of substantial weight gain.
Comparing patients’ prescribed, self-reported, and actual intake of supplemental eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid

Background Dietary fish oil supplements containing the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are frequently used for cardiovascular benefit. However, several factors may limit the intake of prescribed doses. Objective The objective of this study is to compare the prescribed, patient self-reported, and actual intake of supplemental EPA + DHA doses in a lipid-specialty clinic and identify common barriers and influences to therapy. Methods Seventy-six patients prescribed supplemental fish oil were randomly selected to participate in a 28-item cross-sectional survey for evaluating patient knowledge and intake of prescribed supplemental EPA + DHA doses. Self-reported data were collected during a follow-up clinic visit, whereas actual intake was determined when patients had access to their fish oil bottle. These data were compared with their chart-documented prescribed EPA + DHA dose. Results Many patients were well-educated and had attended the lipid-specialty clinic for approximately 2 years but only 28.9% were confident that they could accurately recall their daily EPA + DHA dose. There were statistically significant differences between the prescribed doses and patients’ self-reported doses (3600 mg vs 2750 mg, P = .014), as well as between prescribed doses and actual intake (3600 mg vs 1575 mg, P Conclusion Most patients using supplemental fish oil in a lipid-specialty clinic were not taking the prescribed amount of EPA + DHA, with many using markedly lower than prescribed doses. This is likely because of several factors including the complexities of supplemental fish oil doses and labeling, product availability, and discount sales. These findings suggest that supplemental fish oil requires continuous education and dosing guidance.
The Inherent Value of Disability in Higher Education

Evidence suggests that college students with disabilities (SWDs) continue to encounter attitudinal and physical barriers while institutions endeavor to offer reasonable supports—mainly in the form of accommodations and modifications. In practice, disability is largely treated as something external and ancillary, with most colleges administering measured allowances, but otherwise managing to avoid change. However, as we proceed into the 21st century, very little seems assured, least of all the status quo. Under the dominant neoliberal regime, virtually everything and everyone is valued in proportion with their perceived economic utility. No longer is higher education widely embraced as a public good. Instead, there is increased scrutiny of the academe with an eye for “value added”, and the returns students can expect with regard to careers and earning potential. Viewed through this narrow hegemonic lens, SWDs must assimilate or transcend their perceived impairments if they are to belong. In this commentary, I introduce key concepts from the environmental philosophy/theory of Deep Ecology to the scholarship of disability in higher education and assert that disability in academe has an “intrinsic value”, irrespective of expected economic utility. I conclude by discussing ways that the deep valuing of disability can lead to the identification of novel veins of inquiry, bolster critical analyses, and help facilitate meaningful change in uncertain times.
Visual Analysis of Human Motion: A Survey on Recent Advances and Applications

This paper summarizes the recent progress in human motion analysis and its applications. The first part of this paper reviews the motion capture systems and the representations of human’s motion data. Next, the paper sketches the advanced human motion data processing technologies, including motion data filtering, temporal alignment, and segmentation. The following parts overview the state-of-the-art approaches of action recognition and dynamics measuring. The last part discusses the emerging applications of human motion analysis in healthcare and human robot interaction. The promising research topics of human motion analysis in the future are also summarized in the last part.
Network Traffic-Based Hybrid Malware Detection for Smartphone and Traditional Networked Systems

With the widespread use of the Internet in recent times, security remains one of the major concerns. Malware poses security threats to smartphones, computers, and networks. These threats require an urgent need to build an efficient hybrid intrusion detection system, which can detect malware from smartphone and traditional systems, and ensure minimal damage to the resources of an organization. In this paper, we propose an intelligent and self-learning network traffic-based hybrid malware detection approach (HMDA) for smartphones and traditional systems considering features that show a similar trend in the network traffic. The system could be used by an organizational network to detect and mitigate any occurrence of malware-based malicious activity inside the network. The proposed HMDA is implemented using machine learning algorithms. We have used ensemble learners to train the model for the HMDA and achieved an accuracy of 95.7% using XGBoost algorithm. The Android traffic captures collected by running the malware dataset have been made publicly available upon request to authors.
Rethinking the fast-slow continuum of individual differences

Abstract The idea that individual differences in behavior and physiology can be partly understood by linking them to a fast-slow continuum of life history strategies has become popular in the evolutionary behavioral sciences. I refer to this approach as the “fast-slow paradigm” of individual differences. The paradigm has generated a substantial amount of research, but has also come increasingly under scrutiny for theoretical, empirical, and methodological reasons. I start by reviewing the basic empirical facts about the fast-slow continuum across species and the main theoretical accounts of its existence. I then discuss the move from the level of species and populations to that of individuals, and the theoretical and empirical complications that follow. I argue that the fast-slow continuum can be a productive heuristic for individual differences; however, the field needs to update its theoretical assumptions, rethink some methodological practices, and explore new approaches and ideas in light of the specific features of the human ecology.
Robust and efficient mean estimation: approach based on the properties of self-normalized sums

Let $X$ be a random variable with unknown mean and finite variance. We present a new estimator of the mean of $X$ that is robust with respect to the possible presence of outliers in the sample, provides tight sub-Gaussian deviation guarantees without any additional assumptions on the shape or tails of the distribution, and moreover is asymptotically efficient. This is the first estimator that provably combines all these qualities in one package. Our construction is inspired by robustness properties possessed by the self-normalized sums. Finally, theoretical findings are supplemented by numerical simulations highlighting the strong performance of the proposed estimator in comparison with previously known techniques.
Enhanced specificity of high sensitivity somatic variant profiling in cell-free DNA via paired normal sequencing: design, validation, and clinical experience of the MSK-ACCESS liquid biopsy assay

Abstract Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from blood plasma of cancer patients can be used to interrogate somatic tumor alterations non-invasively or when adequate tissue is unavailable. We have developed and clinically implemented MSK-ACCESS (Analysis of Circulating cfDNA to Evaluate Somatic Status), an NGS assay for detection of very low frequency somatic alterations in select exons and introns of 129 genes. Analytical validation demonstrated 92% sensitivity in de-novo mutation calling down to 0.5% allele frequency and 98% for a priori mutation profiling. To evaluate the performance and utility of MSK-ACCESS, we report results from the first 681 prospective blood samples (617 patients) that underwent clinical analysis to guide patient management. Somatic mutations, copy number, and/or structural variants were detected in 73% of the samples, and 56% of these circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA) positive samples had clinically actionable alterations. The utilization of matched white blood cell sequencing allowed retention of somatic alterations while filtering out over 10,000 germline and clonal hematopoiesis variants, thereby greatly enhancing the specificity of the assay. Taken together, our experience illustrates the importance of analyzing a matched normal sample when interpreting cfDNA results and highlights the potential of cfDNA profiling to guide treatment selection, monitor treatment response, and identify mechanisms of treatment resistance.
Colored Pain Drawing as a Clinical Tool in Differentiating Neuropathic Pain from Non-Neuropathic Pain.

OBJECTIVES This is a prospective, blinded, case-control study of patients with chronic pain using body diagrams and colored markers to show the distribution and quality of pain and sensory symptoms (aching, burning, tingling, numbness, and sensitivity to touch) experienced in affected body parts. METHODS Two pain physicians, blinded to patients' clinical diagnoses, independently reviewed and classified each colored pain drawing (CPD) for presence of neuropathic pain (NeuP) vs. non-neuropathic pain (NoP). A clinical diagnosis (gold standard) of NeuP was made in 151 of 213 (70.9%) enrolled patients. RESULTS CPD assessment at "first glance" by both examiners resulted in correctly categorizing 137 (64.3% by examiner 1) and 156 (73.2% by examiner 2) CPDs. Next, classification of CPDs by both physicians, using predefined criteria of spatial distribution and quality of pain-sensory symptoms, improved concordance to 212 of 213 CPDs (Kappa = 0.99). The diagnostic ability to correctly identify NeuP and NoP by both examiners increased to 171 (80.2%) CPDs, with 80.1% sensitivity and 80.6% specificity (Kappa = 0.56 [95% confidence interval: 0.44-0.68]). The severity scores for pain and sensory symptoms (burning, tingling, numbness, and sensitivity to touch) on the Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire were significantly elevated in NeuP vs. NoP (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates good performance characteristics of CPDs in identifying patients with NeuP through the use of a simple and easy-to-apply classification scheme. We suggest use of CPDs as a bedside screening tool and as a method for phenotypic profiling of patients by the quality and distribution of pain and sensory symptoms.
Serial intravital imaging captures dynamic and functional endothelial remodeling with single-cell resolution.

Endothelial cells are important in the maintenance of healthy blood vessels and in the development of vascular diseases. However, the origin and dynamics of endothelial precursors and remodeling at the single-cell level have been difficult to study in vivo due to technical limitations. We aimed to develop a direct visual approach to track the fate and function of single endothelial cells over several days-weeks in the same vascular bed in vivo using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) of transgenic Cdh5-Confetti mice and the kidney glomerulus as a model. Individual cells of the vascular endothelial lineage were identified and tracked due to their unique color combination, based on the random expression of cyan/green/yellow/red fluorescent proteins. Experimental hypertension, hyperglycemia, and laser-induced endothelial cell ablation rapidly increased the number of new glomerular endothelial cells that appeared in clusters of the same color, suggesting clonal cell remodeling by local precursors at the vascular pole. Furthermore, intravital MPM allowed the detection of distinct structural and functional alterations of proliferating endothelial cells. No circulating Cdh5-Confetti+ cells were found in the renal cortex. The heart, lung, and kidneys showed more significant clonal endothelial cell expansion compared to the brain, pancreas, liver and spleen. Serial MPM of Cdh5-Confetti mice in vivo is a powerful new technical advance to study endothelial remodeling and repair in the kidney and other organs under physiological and disease conditions.
A Proof of Sparseness, Optimality, and Convergence of an LP-SVR

This article presents a proof of convergence and sparsity of a linear programming support vector machine for regression. First, the Support Vector Regression (SVR) problem is posed as a linear programming problem modeled on a primal and dual fashion leading to the definitions of optimality. Second, we describe a sequential optimization method based on variables decomposition, constraints decomposition, and primal-dual interior point methods for solving large-scale regression/classification problems. Third, based on the methodology, we present proof of convergence and optimality conditions of the sequential optimization and its ability to produce sparse solutions.
Dynamic Intracranial Pressure Waveform Morphology Predicts Ventriculitis

Intracranial pressure waveform morphology reflects compliance, which can be decreased by ventriculitis. We investigated whether morphologic analysis of intracranial pressure dynamics predicts the onset of ventriculitis. Ventriculitis was defined as culture or Gram stain positive cerebrospinal fluid, warranting treatment. We developed a pipeline to automatically isolate segments of intracranial pressure waveforms from extraventricular catheters, extract dominant pulses, and obtain morphologically similar groupings. We used a previously validated clinician-supervised active learning paradigm to identify metaclusters of triphasic, single-peak, or artifactual peaks. Metacluster distributions were concatenated with temperature and routine blood laboratory values to create feature vectors. A L2-regularized logistic regression classifier was trained to distinguish patients with ventriculitis from matched controls, and the discriminative performance using area under receiver operating characteristic curve with bootstrapping cross-validation was reported. Fifty-eight patients were included for analysis. Twenty-seven patients with ventriculitis from two centers were identified. Thirty-one patients with catheters but without ventriculitis were selected as matched controls based on age, sex, and primary diagnosis. There were 1590 h of segmented data, including 396,130 dominant pulses in patients with ventriculitis and 557,435 pulses in patients without ventriculitis. There were significant differences in metacluster distribution comparing before culture-positivity versus during culture-positivity (p < 0.001) and after culture-positivity (p < 0.001). The classifier demonstrated good discrimination with median area under receiver operating characteristic 0.70 (interquartile range 0.55–0.80). There were 1.5 true alerts (ventriculitis detected) for every false alert. Intracranial pressure waveform morphology analysis can classify ventriculitis without cerebrospinal fluid sampling.
Trends and patterns of urodynamic studies in U.S. Males, 2000-2012

Objective To evaluate trends in urodynamic procedures in the U.S. males from 2000–2012 and determine if a 2010 decline in reimbursement was associated with decreased utilization.
Anesthetic Considerations for Common Procedures in Geriatric Patients: Hip Fracture, Emergency General Surgery, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

The elderly population is growing. Geriatric patients undergo a large proportion of surgical procedures and have increased complications, morbidity, and mortality, which may be associated with increased intensive care unit time, length of stay, hospital readmission, and cost. Identification of optimal anesthetic care for these patients, leading to decreased complications and contributing to best possible outcomes, will have great value. This article reviews the anesthetic considerations for intraoperative care of geriatric patients and focus on 3 procedures (hip fractures, emergency abdominal surgery, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement). An approach to evaluation and management of the elderly surgical patient is described.
RAY – TRIANGLE INTERSECTION USING BINARY RECURSIVE SUBDIVISION

Publisher Summary This chapter analyzes ray-triangle intersection using binary recursive subdivision. It examines the problem of determining if a line segment and a triangle intersect, and if so, calculating the XYZ coordinates of that intersection, and the corresponding U, V triangle location. The chapter highlights that to make the solution effective in both hardware and software, the number of calculations (especially multiplications) must be minimized, with more difficult operations such as divides, roots, and transcendentals avoided entirely. Integer arithmetic is preferable to floating point, again to permit efficient hardware implementation. The 3D intersection problem is decomposed into a series of 1D intersection problems: along the ray, along the triangle sides, and along an axis. The U, V parameters are determined partially as a side effect of the intersection calculation. There are three steps in total: (1) finding the intersection of the ray with the plane of the triangle; (2) determining if that point lies inside or outside of the triangle itself; and (3) completing the computation of the intersection point's triangle U, V parameters.
An approach to unfolding asynchronous communication protocols

We present an approach to directly unfold asynchronous communication protocols that are modeled as a group of Extended Finite State Machines (EFSMs) communicating through shared message queues. A novel aspect of our approach is that we reduce the redundancy in representing the states of message queues by storing individual messages separately in our unfolding representation. Our approach can also take advantage of the compositional nature of these protocols to minimize the size of a complete finite prefix of their potentially infinite unfoldings. Our empirical results indicate that our approach can produce very compact state space representations.
Expression and Characterization of Recombinant Caveolin PURIFICATION BY POLYHISTIDINE TAGGING AND CHOLESTEROL-DEPENDENT INCORPORATION INTO DEFINED LIPID MEMBRANES

Caveolin, a 22-24-kDa integral membrane protein, is a principal component of caveolar membranes in vivo. Caveolin has been proposed to function as a scaffolding protein to organize and concentrate signaling molecules within caveolae. Because of its unusual membrane topology, both the N- and C-terminal domains of caveolin remain entirely cytoplasmic and are not subject to luminal modifications that are accessible to other integral membrane proteins. Under certain conditions, caveolin also exists in a soluble form as a cytosolic protein in vivo. These properties make caveolin an attractive candidate for recombinant expression in Escherichia coli. Here, we successfully expressed recombinant full-length caveolin in E. coli. A polyhistidine tag was placed at its extreme C terminus for purification by Ni2+-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography. Specific antibody probes demonstrated that recombinant caveolin contained a complete N and C terminus. Recombinant caveolin remained soluble in solutions containing the detergent octyl glucoside and formed high molecular mass oligomers like endogenous caveolin. By electron microscopy, recombinant caveolin homo-oligomers appeared as individual spherical particles that were indistinguishable from endogenous caveolin homo-oligomers visualized by the same technique. As recombinant caveolin behaved as expected for endogenous caveolin, this provides an indication that recombinant caveolin can be used to dissect the structural and functional interaction of caveolin with other protein and lipid molecules in vitro. Recombinant caveolin was efficiently incorporated into lipid membranes as assessed by floatation in sucrose density gradients. This allowed us to use defined lipid components to assess the possible requirements for insertion of caveolin into membranes. Using a purified synthetic form of phosphatidylcholine (1,2-dioleoylphosphorylcholine), we observed that incorporation of caveolin into membranes was cholesterol-dependent; the addition of cholesterol dramatically increased the incorporation of caveolin into these phosphatidylcholine-based membranes by ~25-30-fold. This fits well with in vivo studies demonstrating that cholesterol plays an essential role in maintaining the structure and function of caveolae. Further functional analysis of these reconstituted caveolin-containing membranes showed that they were capable of recruiting a soluble recombinant form of Gi2α. This is in accordance with previous studies demonstrating that caveolin specifically interacts directly with multiple G protein α-subunits. Thus, recombinant caveolin incorporated into defined lipid membranes provides an experimental system in which the structure, function, and biogenesis of caveolin-rich membrane domains can be dissected in vitro.
Improvement in Glass Blister Quality by Throat Design

The throat of a glass furnace is sometimes the life-limiting part of the melting process. For Corning's color TV glass panel tanks, improvements in throat life achieved by using a submerged throat design were offset by poorer blister quality. This paper discusses the design of a standard throat that produced improvement in blister quality using return flow and at the same time improved throat life.
Identification of the Final Two Genes Functioning in Methanofuran Biosynthesis in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii

All methanofuran structural variants contain a basic core structure of 4-[N-(-L-glutamyl)-p-(-aminoethyl)phenoxymethyl](aminomethyl)furan (APMF-Glu) but have different side chains depending on the source organism. Recently, we identified four genes (MfnA, MfnB, MfnC, and MfnD) that are responsible for the biosynthesis of the methanofuran precursor -glutamyltyramine and 5-(aminomethyl)-3-furanmethanol-phosphate (F1-P) from tyrosine, glutamate, glyceraldehyde-3-P, and alanine in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. How -glutamyltyramine and F1-P couple together to form the core structure of methanofuran was previously unknown. Here, we report the identification of two enzymes encoded by the genes mj0458andmj0840that catalyze the formation of F1-PP from ATP and F1-P and the condensation of F1-PP with -glutamyltyramine, respectively, to form APMF-Glu. We have annotated these enzymes as MfnE and MfnF, respectively, representing thefifth and sixth enzymes in the methanofuran biosynthetic pathway to be identified. Although MfnE was previously reported as an archaeal adenylate kinase, our present results show that MfnE is a promiscuous enzyme and that its possible physiological role is to produce F1-PP. Unlike other enzymes catalyzing coupling reactions involving pyrophosphate as the leaving group, MfnF exhibits a distinctive /twolayer sandwich structure. By comparing MfnF with thiamine synthase and dihydropteroate synthase, a substitution nucleophilic unimolecular (S N-1) reaction mechanism is proposed for MfnF. With the identification of MfnE and MfnF, the biosynthetic pathway for the methanofuran core structure APMF-Glu is complete. IMPORTANCE This work describes the identification of thefinal two enzymes responsible for catalyzing the biosynthesis of the core structure of methanofuran. The gene products of mj0458andmj0840catalyze the formation of F1-PP and the coupling of F1-PP with -glutamyltyramine, respectively, to form APMF-Glu. Although the chemistry of such a coupling reaction is widespread in biochemistry, we provide here thefirst evidence that such a mechanism is used in methanofuran biosynthesis. MfnF belongs to the hydantoinase A family (PF01968) and exhibits a unique /two-layer sandwich structure that is different from the enzymes catalyzing similar reactions. Our results show that MfnF catalyzes the formation of an ether bond during methanofuran biosynthesis. Therefore, this work further expands the functionality of this enzyme family.
Obesity consults--comprehensive obesity management in 2013: understanding the shifting paradigm.

Although serious health concerns are associated with obesity, losing even 5% of body weight can produce clinically relevant effects. The initial goal of obesity management is usually a 5% to 10% weight reduction. Some people will sustain weight loss with changes in diet and exercise alone; however, these patients represent the minority, and a large percentage are unable to maintain weight loss over time. Patients and providers often wish to intensify obesity treatment, and therefore interest in new medications has been considerable. Until recently, only two antiobesity medications have received Food and Drug Administration approval for long-term use. In June and July of 2012, respectively, lorcaserin and combination phentermine/topiramate extended-release were approved for obesity therapy. The first section of this article reviews mechanisms, clinical trials, benefits and risks of available medications for treating obesity. Bariatric surgery is the next step for patients with a body mass index of ≥40 kg/m2 or ≥35 kg/m2 with comorbidities, based on National Institutes of Health Clinical Guidelines. These procedures and their risks and benefits are reviewed in the second section. The final section presents common clinical scenarios with guidance for choosing among evidence-based recommendations for developing optimal, individualized, long-term strategies for patients with obesity.
Homologous DNA Interactions in Interphase: Spatial Organization of Interphase Nucleus

Interaction between homologous chromosomes is a key organizing force in the interphase nucleus. Establishment of these interactions requires large-scale chromosome movement and provides a model system for studying homologue pairing in meiosis. Keywords: nuclear organization; chromatin; meiosis; transvection; Drosophila
Debating Immigration: The Undocumented Immigrant

Although parties to the immigration debate are bitterly divided over policy, virtually everyone agrees that the presence of a large class of unauthorized immigrants in the United States is undesirable. However, enactment of the kind of policies that would be required to fully eliminate the class of undocumented immigrants – whether through exclusion or through legalization – is politically unlikely and probably unachievable in the near term. The current population of undocumented immigrants in the United States is estimated to stand at 10–12 million, an all-time high. Even if Congress manages to pass a guestworker program in the coming period, the population of undocumented immigrants will likely continue to renew itself by way of both unauthorized entry and visa violations. This being the case, Americans find themselves facing a set of policy questions that go beyond border policy proper. These questions have to do with the proper treatment and status of undocumented individuals once, and while, they are here. In fact, a great deal of the debate over unauthorized immigration in this country is tied up with issues of status and treatment. Technically speaking, there are two distinct kinds of questions that arise concerning the status and treatment of undocumented immigrants. There are, first of all, questions pertaining to the treatment of these immigrants within the immigration regulatory system itself. At issue are federal policies concerning admission and exclusion of foreigners to and from territory and membership.
Extensive cutaneous sarcoidosis and coexistant Crohn disease with dual response to infliximab: Case report and review of the literature

Sarcoidosis and Crohn disease (CD) are granulomatous disorders of unknown etiology that are rarely seen together in one patient. We describe a woman in her 40s with well-established diagnoses of pulmonary and cutaneous sarcoidosis and CD involving the terminal ileum, whose skin and gastrointestinal symptoms improved dramatically with infliximab treatment (5mg/kg on weeks 0, 2, 6, then every 8 weeks). The concurrence of sarcoidosis and CD has only been reported in a handful of cases and a review of the literature reveals that the two diseases share many clinical and immunological features, suggesting the presence of an underlying connection. Further studies of patients with overlap syndromes may provide deeper insight into the clinical spectrum, and possibly the pathogenesis, of idiopathic granulomatous diseases.
Computation in Modern Physics [review of Computation in Modern Physics, 3rd ed. (Gibbs, W.R., Ed.; 2006)]

Norman Chonacky reviews Computation in Modern Physics. Norman Chonacky reviews Computation in Modern Physics.
Perspectives on the Amyloid-β Cascade Hypothesis

For the better part of the past two decades, studies on the molecular, biochemical and cellular mechanisms of Alzheimer disease have focused on amyloid-beta protein, the major proteinaceous component of senile plaques. In fact, the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis has come to dominate the field both in terms of proposed disease mechanism as well as potential for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we look at the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis from the perspective of pathology, cell biology, and genetics. In all cases, alternate interpretations of old data as well as new evidence indicates that amyloid-beta, far from being the harbinger of disease, actually occurs secondary to more fundamental pathological changes and may even play a protective role in the diseased brain. These findings bring into serious doubt the validity of the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis as the central cause of Alzheimer disease and, consequently, the potential usefulness of therapeutic targets against amyloid-beta.
Impact of Institutional Volume on Outcomes of Catheter Directed Thrombolysis in the Treatment of Acute Proximal Deep Vein Thrombosis A 6-Year US Experience (2005–2010)

Background— The use of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in the treatment of acute proximal lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis is increasing in the United States and has been linked to higher bleeding rates. Whether this relationship is interrelated with institution volume of CDT is unknown. Methods and Results— The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to identify all patients admitted with a principal diagnosis of proximal or inferior vena caval deep vein thrombosis and treated with CDT from 2005 to 2010. Institutions were divided into high-volume (≥6 procedures a year) and low-volume ( P =0.04) with a trend toward lower intracranial hemorrhage rates compared with low-volume centers (0.4% versus 1%; P =0.07). No significant difference was seen with blood transfusion (10.4% versus 10.8%; P =0.70), gastrointestinal bleeding (1.4% versus 1.8%; P =0.35), or pulmonary embolism rates (18.4% versus 17.9%; P =0.72). Median length of stay was similar (6 days) and hospital charges were higher ($65 500 versus $75 870) at high-volume centers. Conclusions— In this observational study, we found that an increase in institutional volume of CDT was associated with lower in-hospital mortality and lower intracranial hemorrhage rates. Further studies are needed to assess whether standardization of CDT protocols across all institutions in the United States improves outcomes.
PION SCATTERING AND NUCLEAR DYNAMICS

A phenomenological optical-model analysis of pion elastic scattering and single- and doublecharge-exchange scattering to isobaric-analog states is reviewed. Interpretation of the opticalmodel parameters is briefly discussed, and several applications and extensions are considered. The applications include the study of various nuclear properties, including neutron deformation and surface-fluctuation contributions to the density. One promising extension for the near future would be to develop a microscopic approach based on powerful momentum-space methods brought to existence over the last decade. In this, the lowest-order optical potential as well as specific higher-order pieces would be worked out in terms of microscopic pion-nucleon and delta-nucleon interactions that can be determined within modern meson-theoretical frameworks. A second extension, of a more phenomenological nature, would use coupled-channel methods and shell-model wave functions to study dynamical nuclear correlations in pion double charge exchange.
Corticospinal, rubrospinal and rubro-olivary projections: a unifying hypothesis

There has been a dispute about the corticospinal and rubrospinal tracts for about 100 years. Both are descending motor pathways and have remarkably similar functional properties. It has been proposed previously that each system is primarily active in different movement contexts. The corticospinal tract is most involved when a new movements is being learnt, while the rubrospinal tract is preferentially active when automated movements are being executed. However, what structure decides which system should be in use? In this article Philip Kennedy discusses the evidence that the rubro-olivary tract switches between the two systems depending on the context of the movement.