cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extraction of logical concurrency in distributed applications

Some methods are discussed to extract and represent the concurrency inherent in distributed applications. Concurrency is an application level property that is characterized completely by the set of messages exchanged in the application and the causal ordering relationship among the messages. The concurrency may be viewed at the logical level in the application rather than at the physical message communication level. The concurrency has a direct relationship to the message delivery performance in the underlying computation such as asynchronism in message delivery protocols. The authors quantitatively analyze how the application level concurrency influences the execution of the application. The analysis is based on methods for representing concurrency and deriving measures of concurrency from the representations. System level execution models based on ISIS, x-kernel and the causal broadcast communication system are used as case studies in the analysis. The analysis is in general useful in the design of applications and to compare their projected performance levels in an implementation-independent manner. >
Therapeutic Effects of Repurposed Therapies in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: What Is Old Is New Again

The recent emergence of targeted and immunotherapeutic agents has dramatically changed the management for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite these advances, lung cancer is not exempt from the challenges facing oncology drug development, including the huge financial cost and the time required for drug implementation. Repositioning noncancer therapies with potential antineoplastic properties into new therapeutic niches is an alternative treatment strategy offering the possibility of saving money and time and improving outcomes. The goal of such a strategy is to deliver an effective drug with a favorable toxicity profile at a reduced cost. Preclinical models and observational data have demonstrated promising activity for many of these agents, and they are now being studied in prospective trials. We review the relevant published data regarding the therapeutic effects of metformin, statins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, β-blockers, and itraconazole in NSCLC, with a focus on the putative mechanisms of action and clinical data. As these drugs are increasingly being tested in clinical trials, we aim to highlight the salient challenges and future strategies to optimize this approach.
A hydrogel stamper with expandable height and built-in reservoirs for patterning biomolecules on 3D topologies

In this paper, we report on an expandable height hydrogel stamper with built-in reservoir that can be used to repeatedly (without frequent re-inking) stamp functional biomolecules on planar and non-planar surfaces. We have successfully patterned fluorescein isothiocyante (FITC) labeled antibodies (antibodies for O-antigens of Bradyrhizobium japonicum made in rabbits) on planar (silicon) and nonplanar (SU8 on silicon with a height of ~70 mum) topologies. The printed antibodies show the effectiveness of hydrogel stampers in delivering biomolecules on 3D topologies where the hydrogel could be adjusted to stamp on the sidewalls and bottom of deep trenches.
How will nursing be affected by health care reform

Pamela H. Mitchell, RN, PhD, FAHA, FAAN, is an Associate Dean for Research, School of Nursing; The Elizabeth S. Soule Professor of Health Promotion, School of Nursing; Adjunct Professor, Department of Health Services; SPHCM Director, Center for Health Sciences Interprofessional Education at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Corresponding author:Dr. Pamela H. Mitchell, University of Washington, Biobehavioral Nursing & Health Systems, 1959 NE Pacific St, Box 357265, Seattle, WA 98195-7265. E-mail: pmitch@u.washington. edu
Building and navigating maps of road scenes using an active sensor

The author presents algorithms for building maps of road scenes using an active range and reflectance sensor and for using the maps to traverse a portion of the world already explored. He describes some advantages of an active sensor, namely, that it is independent of the illumination conditions, does not require complex calibration in order to transform observed features to the vehicle's reflectance frame, and provides 3-D terrain models as well as road models. Using this map built from sensor data facilitates navigation in two respects: the vehicle may navigate faster, since less perception processing is necessary, and the vehicle may follow a more accurate path, since the navigation system does not rely entirely on inaccurate visual data. The author presents a complete system that includes road-following, map-building, and map-based navigation using the ERIM laser rangefinder. Experimental results are presented. >
Criteria of excellence for geological inquiry: The necessity of ambiguity

According to Gowin, a curriculum properly derives its authority by representing the “criteria of excellence” for evaluating the claims produced within a field of inquiry. GowinOs epistemology applied to examples from geological inquiry yields criteria of excellence responsive to the demands characteristic of geological problems. Student efforts to learn these criteria hold the promise of making progress toward independence in accessing, using, and evaluating knowledge. This understanding contributes to the reformation of the concept of inquiry as a “step beyond science as process” called for in the National Science Education Standards and reinforces the need to consider the diversity as well as unity of styles of scientific reasoning. Geological inquiries differ from those of other sciences because they refer to objects with histories. These histories create a demand for concepts that necessarily contain an irreducible element of ambiguity, thus permitting comparison and contrast of geological objects. A case study of how geologists apply analogies, impose boundaries on categories of thought, and constrain the ambiguity of key concepts in reasoning about the accumulation of sediments at a continental margin is used to support this argument. Such examples of geological reasoning support a skeptical attitude toward interdisciplinary curricula that omit or oversimplify criteria of excellence. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 35: 189–212, 1998.
Proactive Supportive and Palliative Care in Surgical and Medical Intensive Care Units: Influence On Length of Stay (716)

Result. The following themes were identified: 1) Multi-dimensional PaindPain is more than a physical manifestation of discomfort; it includes a synthesis of discomfort and other sequela. 2) Multi-factorial InfluencedFactors that influence the pain experience includes the following: mood, disease symptoms, body language, medication side effects, alertness, and functional status. 3) Numbers Aren’t EnoughdThe traditional 0-to-10 scale does not adequately reflect patients’ experience of pain. 4) Tolerable PaindThe patient’s goal for pain control is achievement of a tolerable of pain rather than a complete absence of pain.
An overview of configurable computing machines for software radio handsets

The advent of software radios has brought a paradigm shift to radio design. A multimode handset with dynamic reconfigurability has the promise of integrated services and global roaming capabilities. However, most of the work to date has been focused on software radio base stations, which do not have as tight constraints on area and power as handsets. Base station software radio technology progressed dramatically with advances in system design, adaptive modulation and coding techniques, reconfigurable hardware, A/D converters, RF design, and rapid prototyping systems, and has helped bring software radio handsets a step closer to reality. However, supporting multimode radios on a small handset still remains a design challenge. A configurable computing machine, which is an optimized FPGA with application-specific capabilities, show promise for software radio handsets in optimizing hardware implementations for heterogeneous systems. In this article contemporary CCM architectures that allow dynamic hardware reconfiguration with maximum flexibility are reviewed and assessed. This is followed by design recommendations for CCM architectures for use in software radio handsets.
An Evaluation of the Visual Environment in Aircraft Inspection

Aircraft inspection is still primarily a visual activity, thus the accuracy and efficiency of this visual inspection is ultimately determined by the adequacy of the visual environment. Based upon site visits to various commercial aircraft sites, the existing visual environment in aircraft inspection has been found to be generally inadequate. This study demonstrates a procedure which can be utilized to assist in selecting the appropriate lighting equipment for aircraft tasks. An evaluation was undertaken at a single commercial aircraft maintenance facility which included task analyses of typical inspection jobs combined with photometric evaluations of the ambient and task lighting. Portable and personal lighting sources were sampled and evaluated in the laboratory and on the hangar floor for both photometric performance and ease of use. In addition, inspector perceptions were collected from four facilities to obtain a wider base for comments and concerns related to the personal and portable lighting and th...
Investment in Indian education: Uneconomic?

In a country where the literacy rate is three in ten, it is often assumed that, economically, there is a surplus of education. This paper reviews the arguments. In sum, the case of India reflects a circumstance in which the existence of unemployment has led to the unjustified assumption that external productivity due to education is low. The paper illustrates new ways to use equity in educational planning: in the distribution of per pupil expenditures, examination pass-rates, literacy, trade training and the availability of books. It also adds two new mechanisms for estimating the economic potential of educational investments: the amount of knowledge acquired in schools, and the degree of impact of school resources on academic achievement. From each of these sources the paper concludes that there is reason to question the widely held belief that addtional investment in Indian education would be uneconomic.
A Region of the Sir1 Protein Dedicated to Recognition of a Silencer and Required for Interaction with the Orc1 Protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Silencing of the cryptic mating-type loci HMR and HML requires the recognition of DNA sequence elements called silencers by the Sir1p, one of four proteins dedicated to the assembly of silenced chromatin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The Sir1p is thought to recognize silencers indirectly through interactions with proteins that bind the silencer DNA directly, such as the origin recognition complex (ORC). Eight recessive alleles of SIR1 were discovered that encode mutant Sir1 proteins specifically defective in their ability to recognize the HMR-E silencer. The eight missense mutations all map within a 17-amino-acid segment of Sir1p, and this segment was also required for Sir1p's interaction with Orc1p. The mutant Sir1 proteins could function in silencing if tethered to a silencer directly through a heterologous DNA-binding domain. Thus the amino acids identified are required for Sir1 protein's recognition of the HMR-E silencer and interaction with Orc1p, but not for its ability to function in silencing per se. The approach used to find these mutations may be applicable to defining interaction surfaces on proteins involved in other processes that require the assembly of macromolecular complexes.
Study of the Relationship between Procurement Duration and Project Performance in Design-Build Projects: Comparison between Water/Wastewater and Transportation Sectors

AbstractPrevious studies on building, industrial, and transportation projects found that projects delivered using design-build tend to perform better than projects delivered with the traditional de...
The Relationship between Protein Sequences and their Gene Ontology Functions

The underlying assumption of many automated sequence annotation methods is that similar sequences imply similar biological functions. The present paper re-examines this assumption. A novel measure based on a set of local BLAST alignments is introduced to define the overall similarity between two protein sequences. The relationships between yeast protein sequences and their biological functions in the context of gene ontology categories are presented, and the effects of the level of gene ontology terms and the size of gene ontology groups on the degree of similarity are studied. The similarity distributions at different levels of gene ontology trees are considered. To evaluate the theoretical prediction power of similar sequences, we compute the posterior probability of correct predictions. The results indicate that the posterior probability can serve as an important measure for automated protein function prediction.
Growing PET positive nodule in a patient with histoplasmosis: case report.

Background: Pulmonary histoplasmosis is a mycotic infection that often resembles pulmonary malignancy and continues to complicate the evaluation of pulmonary nodules. Case presentation: We report a case of an immunocompetent patient who, despite adequate treatment for known histoplasmosis lung infection, presented with radiological and F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) findings mimicking primary lung malignancy which eventually required surgical resection. Conclusion: Histoplasmosis infection may radiologically resemble pulmonary malignancy, often causing a diagnostic dilemma. PET imaging is currently used for and considered accurate in the evaluation of pulmonary nodules. However, overlap in PET standardized uptake value (SUV) between granulomatous and malignant lesions decreases the accuracy of PET as a diagnostic modality. Future advances in PET imaging are needed to improve its accuracy in the evaluation of pulmonary nodules in areas where histoplasmosis is endemic.
Glimpsing an Alternate Construction of American Public Administration The Later Life of William Allen, Cofounder of the New York Bureau of Municipal Research

Founded in 1907, the New York Bureau of Municipal Research was central to the emergence of American public administration. But in 1914, its Board sided with Frederick Cleveland against William Allen, deciding to guarantee Rockefeller funding by eliminating Allen’s publicity and controversy-generating orientation. Allen quit, then founded the Institute for Public Service. He maintained it for nearly 50 years, producing a steady output of reform suggestions. This article recounts Allen’s largely unknown post-1914 career. Increasingly an outsider, his later career presents a glimpse of an alternate history of public administration, distinctly different from the path the field actually chose.
Rapid Determination of Degradation in Frying Oils with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Measures of free fatty acids (FFA), total polar materials (TPM), and conjugated dienoic acids (CDA), typical indices of oil degradation, were analyzed in daily oil aliquots taken from soybean oils with different linolenic acid concentrations used to fry French fries. The oils also were scanned with a reflectance near-infrared spectrometer using a wavelength range of 350–2,500 nm. By using partial least squares and one-out cross validation, calibrations were developed to quantitatively determine FFA, TPM, and CDA by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The coefficients of determination (R 2) when compared to the standard methods were 0.973 for FFA, 0.984 for TPM, and 0.902 for CDA. NIRS was an accurate and fast method to determine FFA, TPM, and CDA in oxidized oils. The ability to obtain different parameters simultaneously makes NIRS a potentially valuable tool for food quality assurance.
Middle School Students' Response to the Self-Introduction of a Student With Autism Effects of Perceived Similarity, Prior Awareness, and Educational Message

This study examined the effects of educational messages provided by a student with autism on middle school students' cognitive and conative attitudes. Students (N = 233; M age = 13.07 years) viewed a videotape of an unfamiliar student exhibiting autism-like behaviors and received one of four messages provided by the student via a written pamphlet. Students who were unfamiliar with autism reported more favorable cognitive attitudes when an explanatory message was added to the descriptive information. Explanatory information resulted in more favorable conative attitudes than descriptive information. Female students reported more positive attitudes than male students, regardless of the message; students with prior awareness of autism reported more positive conative attitudes, regardless of the message. Implications of the findings, study limitations, and recommendations for future research are briefly discussed.
Urine-based assays for the detection of bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Furthermore, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer has a 70% rate of recurrence, making it a considerable strain to the healthcare system. Patients with bladder cancer require repeat cystoscopic examinations of the bladder to monitor for tumor recurrence. The reason these patients have to undergo these costly, painful, invasive procedures is owing to the absence of accurate urine-based assays to detect the presence of bladder cancer noninvasively. Consequently, the development of a urine-based test to detect bladder cancer would be of tremendous benefit to both patients and healthcare systems. This article reports some of the more prominent urine markers in use today. In addition, the article will highlight some new technologies that are used to investigate novel urinary markers.
Association of Body Mass Index Changes during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Pathologic Complete Response and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between body mass index (BMI) measurements (baseline BMI and changes in BMI during neoadjuvant systemic treatment [NST]) and clinical efficacy (pathologic complete response [pCR] rate and survival outcomes) in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). We hypothesized that high baseline BMI and increases in BMI during NST are associated with lower pCR rates and poorer clinical outcomes in LABC. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1002 patients, 204 with primary inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and 798 with stage III non-IBC, who underwent standard NST and definitive surgery between November 1, 2006, and December 31, 2012. The median follow-up time for the survivors was 19.6 months (0.4 - 67.8 months). The pCR rates of patients whose BMI increased or decreased were 23.2% and 18.1%, respectively, (p=0.048). The unadjusted overall survival (OS) was significantly better in the group with increased BMI (p=0.006). However, increased BMI was not an independent predictor of pCR and clinical outcomes (recurrence-free survival and OS) after adjusting for other clinical variables. In subset analyses, increased BMI as a continuous variable was an independent predictor of higher pCR rates in the normal BMI/underweight group (odds ratio [OR]=1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-0.71, p=0.015). Increased BMI (BMI change ≥0 vs. <0) was also an independent predictor of pCR (OR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.00-2.72, p=0.049) in the postmenopausal group. Our results show that increasing BMI shows improved clinical outcome in terms of better pCR rates in normal BMI/underweight group and in the postmenopausal group. These results contradict previously reported findings on the association between high BMI and poor clinical efficacy regarding pCR rate and survival outcomes in early-stage breast cancer. Thus, the role of BMI in breast cancer may depend on patients' clinical characteristics such as advanced stage.
Structure, Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Thin Films of La1−xMxMnO3 on Si

Thin films of lanthanum manganates doped with Ca 2+ , Sr 2+ , Ba 2+ and Pb 2+ have been deposited on Si(100) substrate and their electrical and magnetic properties were discussed with respect to the composition, structure and nature of the dopant. Buffer layers of YSZ and La 0.8 Al 0.2 O 3 were employed and their effect on the materials was studied. Interesting magnetotransport properties were found in some of the films, where there is a large difference between the insulator-metal transition temperature and a ferromagnetic transition temperature.
Gender Difference and the Liberal-Realist Divide: Citizen Opinions of Power, Institutions, and War in Global Comparison

Recent scholarship has raised the hypothesis that gender difference in attitudes toward global issues may be rooted in a broader gender difference in world views, perhaps along the familiar liberal-realist divide. However, evidence for this hypothesis is limited. Most research examines gender difference in the US, and there is an almost exclusive focus on gender difference in attitudes toward military force and war. This paper offers a broader perspective and more cross-national evidence. Specifically, I examine gender difference in opinion surveys from more than forty countries across three categories of global issues: military power and balance of power, global institutions and their legitimacy, and military force and war. Taking the evidence as a whole, my major finding is that gender difference is greatest on issues of violence, force, and war. Second, it is only in the US that gender polarization characterizes general views of international institutions, but there is evidence in global opinion that multilateral military interventions lower gender difference, and women demonstrate less support for expending resources in the pursuit of power.
Study on the differential protection based on the principle of variable impedance

If network-based smart substation takes synchronous values as differential original data, the differential protection performance declines significantly or even goes wrong when the network performance decreases. The principle of phase comparison differential protection is analyzed thoroughly. The fundamental reason of malfunction is found when the current flows out of the busbar in a busbar shorted fault, based on which a differential protection is proposed based on the principle of variable impedance. The new scheme has low synchronization requirement, small amount of data to be transferred, and high CT anti-saturation ability. It can be applied to busbar protection, short-lead line protection, backup protection for the whole substation, etc.
Eight years of experience with preoperative angiographic and lymphographic staging of bladder cancer.

AbstractOur experience with the preoperative staging of bladder cancer by bilateral selective hypogastric arteriography has been accumulated since 1968. More than 150 patients have been studied by selective angiography before radical cystectomy. Our latest series of 52 patients (1972 to 1976) compares to our previous experience demonstrating angiographic staging accuracy to detect bladder invasion and occult metastases at a rate exceeding that of clinical staging alone. Arteriographic staging of D lesions, when supplemented with lymphography, approaches 100 per cent accuracy. Falsely negative lymphograms currently are extremely uncommon (1.9 per cent). In several illustrated instances angiographic staging was proved to be even more accurate than the pathologic staging of a limited cystectomy specimen.The over-all angiographic and lymphangiographic staging accuracy in our most recent series of cystectomy patients was 78.8 per cent. The techniques and reliability of the data are discussed in detail, includi...
Computed tomographic colography and virtual colonoscopy.

CT colography (CTC) is a powerful new approach to imaging the colorectum and a promising screening tool for the detection of colorectal neoplasia. From data generated by a helical CT scan, CTC uses virtual reality technology to produce highly discriminant two- and three-dimensional images that permit a thorough and minimally invasive evaluation of the entire colorectum. A dynamic CTC display technique from the endoluminal perspective, called virtual colonoscopy, simulates colonoscopy by “flying” through the three-dimensional colon image. CTC offers potential advantages in diagnostic performance, safety, and patient acceptance over current screening approaches. Although early data suggest excellent colorectal polyp detection rates, this nascent technology will require rigorous clinical investigation and further refinements to assess adequately its place in the endoscopist’s armamentarium.
Period functions for \( {\mathcal{C}^0} \)- and \( {\mathcal{C}^1} \)-flows

Let $ {\mathbf{F}}:M \times \mathbb{R} \to M $ be a continuous flow on a manifold M, let V ⊂ M be an open subset, and let $ \xi :V \to \mathbb{R} $ be a continuous function. We say that ξ is a period function if F(x, ξ(x)) = x for all x ∈ V. Recently, for any open connected subset V ⊂ M; the author has described the structure of the set P(V) of all period functions on V. Assume that F is topologically conjugate to some $ {\mathcal{C}^1} $ -flow. It is shown in this paper that, in this case, the period functions of F satisfy some additional conditions that, generally speaking, are not satisfied for general continuous flows.
B Virus (Macacine Herpesvirus 1) Divergence: Variations in Glycoprotein D from Clinical and Laboratory Isolates Diversify Virus Entry Strategies

UNLABELLED B virus (Macacine herpesvirus 1) can cause deadly zoonotic disease in humans. Molecular mechanisms of B virus cell entry are poorly understood for both macaques and humans. Here we investigated the abilities of clinical B virus isolates to use entry receptors of herpes simplex viruses (HSV). We showed that resistant B78H1 cells became susceptible to B virus clinical strains upon expression of either human nectin-2 or nectin-1. Antibody against glycoprotein D (gD) protected these nectin-bearing cells from B virus infection, and a gD-negative recombinant B virus failed to enter these cells, indicating that the nectin-mediated B virus entry depends on gD. We observed that the infectivity of B virus isolates with a single amino acid substitution (D122N) in the IgV-core of the gD ectodomain was impaired on nectin-1-bearing cells. Computational homology-based modeling of the B virus gD-nectin-1 complex revealed conformational differences between the structures of the gD-122N and gD-122D variants that affected the gD-nectin-1 protein-protein interface and binding affinity. Unlike HSV, B virus clinical strains were unable to use herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) as a receptor, regardless of conservation of the gD amino acid residues essential for HSV-1 entry via HVEM. Based on the model of the B virus gD-HVEM interface, we predict that residues R7, R11, and G15 are largely responsible for the inability of B virus to utilize HVEM for entry. The ability of B virus to enter cells of a human host by using a combination of receptors distinct from those for HSV-1 or HSV-2 suggests a possible mechanism of enhanced neuropathogenicity associated with zoonotic infections. IMPORTANCE B virus causes brainstem destruction in infected humans in the absence of timely diagnosis and intervention. Nectins are cell adhesion molecules that are widely expressed in human tissues, including neurons and neuronal synapses. Here we report that human nectin-2 is a target receptor for B virus entry, in addition to the reported receptor human nectin-1. Similar to a B virus lab strain, B virus clinical strains can effectively use both nectin-1 and nectin-2 as cellular receptors for entry into human cells, but unlike HSV-1 and HSV-2, none of the clinical strains uses an HVEM-mediated entry pathway. Ultimately, these differences between B virus and HSV-1 and -2 may provide insight into the neuropathogenicity of B virus during zoonotic infections.
Brain-Machine Interfaces: Restoring and Establishing Communication Channels

The idea of a cybernetic organism–a being with both organic and biomechatronic parts–is a hallmark of modern science fiction, with iconic characters such as Darth Vader, Robocop, and The Terminator being prime examples. Yet novel medical technologies are turning this fiction into reality, allowing an alternative to treating diseased organs and limbs, simply replace them. This image of a new medical revolution, which promises permanent solutions for once unsolvable health problems, has inspired a generation of researchers to further the field’s knowledge.
Coupled waveguides with exceptional points of degeneracies(Conference Presentation)

We explore the characteristics of exceptional points of degeneracies (EPDs) in coupled waveguides. Second order EPDs are manifested when two modes coalesce, and we show how this can be associated with PT-symmetry. We also demonstrate fourth order EPDs that are manifested in periodic waveguides when four modes coalesce at the degenerate band edge (DBE). Moreover, we elucidate the impact of imperfect coupling, symmetry breaking or balancing gain and loss on the EPDs. Realization of EPDs in resonators can substantially enhance the slow-light characteristics, such as quality factors and local density of states for various applications including low-threshold lasers and sensors.
Review on stochastic modeling methods for building stock energy prediction

Increasing risks of energy security and greenhouse gas emission due to the growing urbanization trend have prompted the need for urban energy demand prediction and management, in which the building energy consumption is the main cause. This paper reviews the recent advances and state-of-the-art in modeling building stock energy consumption, including both the top-down and bottom-up approaches. The study compares and summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of each primary method. Specific focus has been paid to the bottom-up stochastic engineering modeling methods, which hold sound quantitative theory bases as well as considering uncertain reality conditions. Stochastic building stock energy models account for the uncertainties that are the main limitation in existing building stock models. Discussions are provided regarding the process in the current stochastic building stock energy model. Challenges and possible future directions are examined for the improvement of stochastic building stock energy model.
Colonic Diverticula Are Not Associated With Mucosal Inflammation or Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Background & Aims Colonic diverticulosis has been reported to be associated with low-grade mucosal inflammation, possibly leading to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. However, there is poor evidence for this association. We aimed to determine mucosal inflammation and whether diverticula are associated with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. We explored whether inflammation was present among symptomatic participants with and without diverticula. Methods We analyzed data from a prospective study of 619 patients undergoing a screening colonoscopy from 2013 through 2015 at the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Among our participants, 255 (41%) had colonic diverticula. Colonic mucosal biopsy specimens were analyzed for levels of interleukin 6 ( IL6 ), IL10 , and tumor necrosis factor messenger RNAs by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and numbers of immune cells (CD4+, CD8+, CD57+, and mast cell tryptase) by immunohistochemistry. Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed using Rome III criteria. Proportional odds models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs). Results After adjustment for potential confounders, there was no association between diverticulosis and tumor necrosis factor (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.63–1.16), and no association with CD4+ cells (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.87–1.60), CD8+ cells (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.71–1.32), or CD57+ cells (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.59–1.09). Compared with controls without diverticulosis, biopsy specimens from individuals with diverticulosis were less likely to express the inflammatory cytokine IL6 (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36–0.96). There was no association between diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.26–1.05) or chronic abdominal pain (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.38–1.23). There was no evidence for inflammation in patients with symptoms when patients with vs without diverticulosis were compared. Conclusions We found no evidence that colonic diverticulosis is associated with mucosal inflammation or gastrointestinal symptoms. Among patients with symptoms and diverticula, we found no mucosal inflammation.
On the Prague Dimension of Kneser Graphs

In this note we point out another connection between the Prague dimension of graphs and the dimension theory of partially ordered sets by giving a very short proof of a theorem of Poljak, Pultr and Rodl [10]. We show that the dimension of the Kneser graph is bounded as dim P(K(n, k)) < C k log log n, where C k is depending only on k.
Solvable extensions of the naturally graded quasi-filiform Leibniz algebra of second type $\mathcal{L}^2$.

For a sequence of the naturally graded quasi-filiform Leibniz algebra of second type $\mathcal{L}^2$ introduced by Camacho, Gomez, Gonzalez and Omirov, all possible right and left solvable indecomposable extensions over the field $\Bbb R$ are constructed so that the algebra serves as the nilradical of the corresponding solvable Leibniz algebras we find in the paper.
Therapeutic Antibody Discovery in Infectious Diseases Using Single-Cell Analysis.

Since the discovery of mouse hybridoma technology by Kohler and Milstein in 1975, significant progress has been made in monoclonal antibody production. Advances in B cell immortalization and phage display technologies have generated a myriad of valuable monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis and treatment. Technological breakthroughs in various fields of ‘omics have shed crucial insights into cellular heterogeneity of a biological system in which the functional individuality of a single cell must be considered. Based on this important concept, remarkable discoveries in single-cell analysis have made in identifying and isolating functional B cells that produce beneficial therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. In this review, we will discuss three traditional methods of antibody discovery. Recent technological platforms for single-cell antibody discovery will be reviewed. We will discuss the application of the single-cell analysis in finding therapeutic antibodies for human immunodeficiency virus and emerging Zika arbovirus.
Textron: The False Choice Between Financial Transparency and Litigant Confidentiality

The work product doctrine provides litigants with the confidentiality necessary to prepare effectively for litigation; any work product prepared "in anticipation of litigation" is shielded from discovery by opposing litigants. For public companies, the work product doctrine implicates a nuanced balance between transparency and confidentiality: companies need to be financially transparent enough to fulfill regulatory reporting requirements, but they also need to preserve enough confidentiality to prepare effectively for litigation. The work product doctrine allows companies to meet both of these competing needs: companies can freely share litigation-related information with regulators without fear that the information may later be used against them by opposing litigants. Financial transparency and litigant confidentiality need not be mutually exclusive. In United States v. Textron, the First Circuit upset this functional balance by creating a new standard for the work product doctrine: only documents created “for use” in litigation are shielded from discovery. Under this standard, litigation-related documents that also fulfill a regulatory purpose may no longer be protected by the work product doctrine. One of the most significant regulatory requirements for public companies is the annual independent audit, which requires companies to disclose sensitive legal information to its independent auditors. Under a reasonable interpretation of Textron, any information shared with independent auditors would be discoverable by opposing litigants. Thus, while Textron appears to promote transparency – by giving litigants access to information traditionally protected by the work product doctrine – the decision actually discourages transparency by disincentivizing companies from communicating freely with their independent auditors. This Note analyzes Textron in the context of independent audits and submits that the First Circuit decision is a dangerous aberration from Supreme Court precedent that should not be followed. Textron discourages financial transparency, undermines the adversarial system and creates a perverse informational asymmetry that benefits a company’s opponents at the expense of the company’s shareholders and the general investing public.
Elucidating Lipid Metabolism Using Mutants of Arabidopsis

The biochemistry of membrane glycerolipid synthesis is receiving increasing attention. This is due in part to a realization that lipid structure has a very important role in maintaining the integrity of membranes and therefore of the cell and its organelles. In addition, there is an increasing appreciation that the problems of defining lipid synthesis and of understanding the significance of particular lipid compositions are tractable.
Barriers to Effective Drug Treatment for Brain Metastases: A Multifactorial Problem in the Delivery of Precision Medicine

The treatment of metastatic lesions in the brain represents a serious unmet medical need in the field of neuro-oncology. Even though many effective compounds have demonstrated success in treating peripheral (non-CNS) tumors with targeted agents, one aspect of this lack of success in the brain may be related to poor delivery of otherwise effective compounds. Many factors can influence the brain delivery of these agents, but one key barrier is a heterogeneously “leaky” BBB that expresses efflux transporters that limit the BBB permeability for many targeted agents. Future success in therapeutics for brain metastases must take into account the adequate delivery of “active, free drug” to the target, and may include combinations of targeted drugs that are appropriate to address each individual patient’s tumor type. This review discusses some issues that are pertinent to precision medicine for brain metastases, using specific examples of tumor types that have a high incidence of brain metastases.
Leveraging cloud computing and high performance computing advances for next-generation architecture, urban design and construction projects

Architecture and urban design projects are constantly breaking barriers of scale and complexity and continuously seek improved efficiency, sustainability, building energy performance, and cost-effectiveness. Simulation and large-scale data processing are now fundamental elements of this process. Recent advances in algorithms and computational power offer the means to address the complex dynamics of an integrated whole building system. However, scalability is a significant barrier to the realization of whole building systems tools for design, control and optimization.This position paper presents a set of techniques such as fast design parameter-space exploration, large-scale high-accuracy simulation, and integrated multi-disciplinary optimization for semi- or fully-automated designs. These techniques are extremely computing intensive, and have traditionally only been available to the research community. But, once enabled by advances in cloud computing and high performance computing, these techniques can facilitate the interactive design process resulting in improved outcomes and reduced development cycle times.
Effects of modulation p doping in InAs quantum dot lasers on silicon

We investigate, both experimentally and theoretically, the gain characteristics of modulation p-doped 1.3 μm quantum dot lasers epitaxially grown on silicon. Gain spectra and transparency points are measured for structurally identical lasers with varying levels of p doping in the active region. A many-body model is employed to facilitate understanding of the material gain characteristics. It has been found that appropriate p doping greatly reduces transparency and improves differential gain. It is also found that the improvements saturate with excessive doping because of the increase in nonradiative carrier recombination.
Peroxide-treated metal-organic framework templated adsorbents for remediation of high level nuclear waste.

Abstract Remediation of legacy nuclear waste is one of the greatest challenges faced by the US Department of Energy, with projected cleanup efforts requiring over five decades and hundreds of billions of dollars. New materials are necessary to accelerate waste processing, achieving time and financial savings. Herein we report a peroxide treatment to a Ti metal-organic framework (MOF) and related MOF-templated adsorbents. The resulting materials displayed exceptional affinity for Am(III), achieving distribution coefficients in excess of 105 mL/g, and out-performing state-of-the-art benchmarks monosodium titanate (MST) and peroxo-treated modified MST (mMST) for removal of 85Sr(II) and 239, 240Pu(IV) from legacy nuclear waste simulant.
Regenerator design optimization: Results from REGEN 3.3

Abstract The results from an extensive parametric study using the most recent version of the regenerator design software tool, REGEN3.3, are presented. By compiling the results from more than 10,000 applications of REGEN3.3 for three different temperatures (35 K, 60 K and 80 K), a wide range of frequencies (30–300 Hz), and a variety of regenerator length, inverse mass flux, and cold end phase angles, a group of performance maps have been generated that will enable regenerator optimization without having to learn REGEN3.3. Optimum results, defined by maximum COP values, are also provided in the form of a convenient correlation whereby the COP can be calculated directly from chosen values of cold end temperature, frequency, inverse mass flux, length, and cold end phase angle. One of the more interesting results revealed by this study is that the optimum value of COP is very broad. That is, changes by as much as 15% to 20% in the length, inverse mass flux, or cold end phase away from their optimized values degrade the COP by only 2%.
Rare presentation of cryptococcal meningitis in an immunocompetent patient.

Cryptococcal meningitis is an opportunistic infection predominantly affecting immunocompromised patients but rarely can affect the immunocompetent. We describe a 53-year-old Caucasian man who presented complaining of a 2-week history of severe bilateral eye pain and diplopia. His only known risk factor was that he lived in a horse farm and recently shot bats and pigeons in his barn. He visited an outside hospital during this time without a diagnosis established. After further deliberation, we obtained a lumbar puncture (LP) which revealed an opening pressure (OP) of 27 cm H2O. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and fungal cultures confirmed the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans. The patient was diagnosed with C. neoformans-mediated meningoencephalitis and was initiated on the appropriate induction anti-fungal therapy. This case emphasises the need for clinicians to remain vigilant and consider cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompetent individuals even when classic symptoms of meningitis are absent.
Stolen Women in Medieval England: Rape, Abduction, and Adultery, 1100-1500

Introduction 1. Laws and legal definitions 2. Rape 3. Abduction and forced marriage 4. Elopement abductions 5. Adultery 6. Retaliatory abductions and malicious legal proceedings Conclusion Appendix I: ravishment legislation Appendix II: sources of ravishment cases Bibliography.
Monte Carlo Methods of Self Replicating Macromolecules I

Self-replicating macromolecular systems are investigated by a number of novel Monte Carlo computer models consisting of a periodic one-dimensional lattice with monomers and “seed11 polymers. Polymers execute a random walk between lattice sites. Chains may encounter empty sites, a monomer, or another polymer. A set of probabilistic rules determine the result of possible interactions: polymers may grow, replicate, absorb other polymers, or desorb from the lattice. The systems1 dynamics are followed for 3 x106 cycles. Local environment effects are examined by varying the monomer distribution on the lattice as well as altering various reaction probabilities. Other modifications of the general model include the effects of specificity and cooperativity. In addition, a two species system has been investigated by coupling the replicating macromolecule to an enzyme-like factor.
Treasures from the Earth: A Gallery Guide and Introduction to Minerals by Peter Tarassoff. Redpath Museum, McGill University, 859 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Québec H3A 0C4, Canada; to order redpath.museum@mcgill.ca. 96 pages; 2018; $15 Canadian (softbound).

This useful book by Peter Tarassoff is a guide and general introduction to minerals specifically pointed toward those visiting or otherwise interested in the Redpath Museum, situated on the campus ...
Local Improvement Teams

Improving how we safely and efficiently care for patients is a paramount issue for health care organizations. Yet, most institutions struggle with how to systematically achieve a continuously learning and improving program. Lack of organization, variability in clinical care, insufficient resources and competing agendas are common contributing factors to poor sustainability in quality improvement efforts.
Hyper-local Urban Contextual Awareness through Open Data Integration

Increasing data generated in cities provide new opportunities for analyzing urban characteristics at high resolution. Data integration can enhance our understanding in urban systems and related operations for economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. This article provides a comprehensive overview of urban data collection in New York City and proposes a method for hyper-local open data mining and integration. We first introduce the research context, data sources, and major analytical approaches that are generalizable for any given location. We then apply the method to all street intersections in Manhattan (n=3,077) to demonstrate potential implementations of hyper-local intelligence for data-driven decision-making in cities. The paper concludes with a discussion on limitations and future work.
The Growth and Differentiation of Human Endothelial Cells

The non-thrombogenic nature of veins, arteries and capillaries is maintained in vivo by the presence of the endothelial cell. It has been widely recognized that the identification of factors which influence the growth and differentiation of the endothelial cell will significantly contribute to a better understanding of normal and pathological events in human biology in which the vascular tree has a major impact. These events include tumor growth, atherosclerosis, wound healing, thrombosis and hemostasis. Unfortunately, endothelial cells of human origin have been difficult to study because of their low mitotic index in vivo (1,2). In spite of these difficulties, efficatious methods have been developed for the isolation and propagation of endothelial cells in vitro (3,4,5,6 and 7).
Mechanisms of change in drinking following an alcohol-related injury: A qualitative examination of the sentinel event effect.

Sentinel events are negative health-related events that trigger change in risky health behaviors. Despite its presumed major role in behavior change, the sentinel event effect has received little e...