cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data Deterioration and Public Health Policy

health and human services programs while defense bud*\<sesA ~gets rose precipitously. In his litany of increases in public support for causes dear to the hearts of public healthworkers, however, one item was conspicuously missing-federal data systems. Whether he left it out of his poll or didn't think the results would be of interest is really immaterial. The fact is that the general public is not aware of what is happening to our federal data systems. Worse still, neither are many public health professionals. For most of us, it's a dusty, boring subject, best left to the statisticians and epidemiologists, while we run our important programs. And of course we assume that we can always call up statistical information when we need it. Unfortunately, that assumption may no longer be a valid one, because of the deterioration of our federal statistical programs over the past three years. At this point, it may be in order to review briefly what we use data for and what kinds of data we need. Information obtained from data systems is used for identifying problems, for prioritizing them, and then for measuring whether the solutions adopted are doing any good-in short, for planning and evaluating. State information systems are built on data received from the federal government, in particular, the census. Its population figures become what statisticians call "denominator data." The events measured in the states-births, deaths, illnesses, and so on-are the numerators. From the two, state numerators and federal denominators, we calculate rates, so that we can compare one region or town or group of citizens with another, and see who has the most pressing health needs.
A description of self-exciting dynamos in Cartesian and cylindrical geometries

Abstract An attempt is made to describe working self-exciting magnetohydrodynamic dynamos phenomenologically. The equation ▽ × B =k v × B is postulated, based on the action of steady-state engineering models. Although this form is only approximate, the equation predicts two types of cylindrically-symmetric self-exciting dynamos, and excludes two more types that are known not to work. Two further results are: (i) a general class of Cartesian self-exciting dynamos with constant linear flow is proposed; and (ii) the possibility of cylindrically-symmetric self-exciting dynamos with helical fluid flow is not supported.
The performance of multiprogrammed multiprocessor scheduling algorithms

Scheduling policies for general purpose multiprogrammed multiprocessors are not well understood. This paper examines various policies to determine which properties of a scheduling policy are the most significant determinants of performance. We compare a more comprehensive set of policies than previous work, including one important scheduling policy that has not previously been examined. We also compare the policies under workloads that we feel are more realistic than previous studies have used. Using these new workloads, we arrive at different conclusions than reported in earlier work. In particular, we find that the “smallest number of processes first” (SNPF) scheduling discipline performs poorly, even when the number of processes in a job is positively correlated with the total service demand of the job. We also find that policies that allocate an equal fraction of the processing power to each job in the system perform better, on the whole, than policies that allocate processing power unequally. Finally, we find that for lock access synchronization, dividing processing power equally among all jobs in the system is a more effective property of a scheduling policy than the property of minimizing synchronization spin-waiting, unless demand for synchronization is extremely high. (The latter property is implemented by coscheduling processes within a job, or by using a thread management package that avoids preemption of processes that hold spinlocks.) Our studies are done by simulating abstract models of the system and the workloads.
Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies: Association with central nervous system demyelination

Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is usually caused by a 1.5-Mb deletion in chromosome 17p11.2, the inverse mutation to the duplication seen in the majority of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A (CMT 1A) patients. Although most patients with HNPP present with pressure palsies secondary to mild trauma, the clinical heterogeneity of the neuropathy has become more apparent following the discovery of the mutation. There are reports of central conduction abnormalities in CMT 1, however, there have been no previous reports of central nervous system (CNS) demyelination in HNPP. We report a case of HNPP with the typical DNA mutation whose clinical features and MRI of the brain suggested concurrent CNS demyelination. Further studies of possible CNS involvement in HNPP are warranted.
Assessment of the relative importance of S+ and S− in rats using differential training on intercurrent discriminations

Abstract The present studies assessed the degree of stimulus control exerted by S+ and S− without confoundings of stimulus novelty and stimulus ambiguity. In Experiment 1, rats were trained on two intercurrent simultaneous discrimination problems with nine times more training given on one than the other. Then the animals were given transfer tests with re-paired stimuli. The results showed that S− exerts greater stimulus control than S+ in a two-choice simultaneous discrimination. Experiment 2 provided a test of the possibility that the relative degree of control by S− varies with different amounts of training. Three groups were trained on two intercurrent simultaneous discrimination problems; each group was given 7, 11, or 15 times more training on one problem than the other. Then transfer tests were given with re-paired stimuli. Again the results showed that S− exerts greater stimulus control than S+ in a two-choice simultaneous discrimination.
Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Access Using Google Glass

Abstract Background The use of ultrasound during invasive bedside procedures is quickly becoming the standard of care. Ultrasound machine placement during procedures often requires the practitioner to turn their head during the procedure to view the screen. Such turning has been implicated in unintentional hand movements in novices. Google Glass is a head-mounted computer with a specialized screen capable of projecting images and video into the view of the wearer. Such technology may help decrease unintentional hand movements. Objective Our aim was to evaluate whether or not medical practitioners at various levels of training could use Google Glass to perform an ultrasound-guided procedure, and to explore potential advantages of this technology. Methods Forty participants of varying training levels were randomized into two groups. One group used Google Glass to perform an ultrasound-guided central line. The other group used traditional ultrasound during the procedure. Video recordings of eye and hand movements were analyzed. Results All participants from both groups were able to complete the procedure without difficulty. Google Glass wearers took longer to perform the procedure at all training levels (medical student year 1 [MS1]: 193 s vs. 77 s, p > 0.5; MS4: 197s vs. 91s, p ≤ 0.05; postgraduate year 1 [PGY1]: 288s vs. 125 s, p > 0.5; PGY3: 151 s vs. 52 s, p ≤ 0.05), and required more needle redirections (MS1: 4.4 vs. 2.0, p > 0.5; MS4: 4.8 vs. 2.8, p > 0.5; PGY1: 4.4 vs. 2.8, p > 0.5; PGY3: 2.0 vs. 1.0, p > 0.5). Conclusions In this study, it was possible to perform ultrasound-guided procedures with Google Glass. Google Glass wearers, on average, took longer to gain access, and had more needle redirections, but less head movements were noted.
Synthesis, Proton Exchange, and Topochemical Dehydration of New Ruddlesden–Popper Tantalates and Titanotantalates

Several new ion-exchangeable Ruddlesden–Popper phases were synthesized and characterized. K2CaNaTa3O10, which crystallizes in space group I4/mmm and has lattice constants of a=3.9185(1) and c=29.519(2), is the first all-tantalum(V) analogue of K2La2Ti3O10. K2Ca2Ta2TiO10 immediately hydrates in air to K2Ca2Ta2TiO10·0.8H2O, which belongs to space group P4/mmm with a=3.8903(1) and c=16.709(1). K2SrLaTi2TaO10·2H2O, which contains a large perovskite impurity, also crystallizes in space group P4/mmm and has lattice constants of a=3.9028(3) and c=16.896(2). All of the phases undergo ion exchange in dilute acid to form the corresponding solid acids. The solid acids topochemically dehydrate around 500°C to form A-site defective cubic perovskites.
A biomarker record of Lake El'gygytgyn, Far East Russian Arctic: investigating sources of organic matter and carbon cycling during marine isotope stages 1–3

Abstract. Arctic paleoenvironmental archives serve as sensitive recorders of past climate change. Lake El'gygytgyn (Far East Russian Arctic) is a high-latitude crater impact lake that contains a continuous sediment record influenced by neither glaciation nor glacial erosion since the time of impact 3.58 Ma ago. Prior research on sediments collected from Lake El'gygytgyn suggest times of permanent ice cover and anoxia corresponding to global glacial intervals, during which the sediments are laminated and are characterized by the co-occurrence of high total organic carbon, microscopic magnetite grains that show etching and dissolution, and negative excursions in bulk sediment organic matter carbon isotope (δ13C) values. Here we investigate the abundance and carbon isotopic composition of lipid biomarkers recovered from Lake El'gygytgyn sediments spanning marine isotope stages 1–3 to identify key sources of organic matter (OM) to lake sediments, to establish which OM sources drive the negative δ13C excursion exhibited by bulk sediment OM, and to explore if there are molecular and isotopic signatures of anoxia in the lake during glaciation. We find that during marine isotope stages 1–3, direct evidence for water column anoxia is lacking. A ~4‰ negative excursion in bulk sediment δ13C values during the Local Last Glacial Maximum (LLGM) is accompanied by more protracted, higher magnitude negative excursions in n-alkanoic acid and n-alkanol δ13C values that begin 20 kyr in advance of the LLGM. In contrast, n-alkanes and the C30 n-alkanoic acid do not exhibit a negative δ13C excursion at this time. Our results indicate that the C24, C26 and C28 n-alkanoic acids do not derive entirely from terrestrial OM sources, while the C30 n-alkanoic acid at Lake El'gygytgyn is a robust indicator of terrestrial OM contributions. Overall, our results strongly support the presence of a nutrient-poor water column, which is mostly isolated from atmospheric carbon dioxide during glaciation at Lake El'gygytgyn.
ISWI contributes to ArsI insulator function in development of the sea urchin

Insulators are genomic elements that regulate transcriptional activity by forming chromatin boundaries. Various DNA insulators have been identified or are postulated in many organisms, and the paradigmatic CTCF-dependent insulators are perhaps the best understood and most widespread in function. The diversity of DNA insulators is, however, understudied, especially in the context of embryonic development, when many new gene territories undergo transitions in functionality. Here we report the functional analysis of the arylsulfatase insulator (ArsI) derived from the sea urchin, which has conserved insulator activity throughout the many metazoans tested, but for which the molecular mechanism of function is unknown. Using a rapid in vivo assay system and a high-throughput mega-shift assay, we identified a minimal region in ArsI that is responsible for its insulator function. We discovered a small set of proteins specifically bound to the minimal ArsI region, including ISWI, a known chromatin-remodeling protein. During embryogenesis, ISWI was found to interact with select ArsI sites throughout the genome, and when inactivated led to misregulation of select gene expression, loss of insulator activity and aberrant morphogenesis. These studies reveal a mechanistic basis for ArsI function in the gene regulatory network of early development.
Helium nano-bubble evolution in aging metal tritides.

A continuum-scale, evolutionary model of bubble nucleation, growth and He release for aging metal tritides is described which accounts for major features of the tritide database. Bubble nucleation,...
Using semantic predications to uncover drug-drug interactions in clinical data

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted Discovery of drug-drug interactions in patient data using literature knowledge.Structured knowledge extracted from MEDLINE and stored in SemMedDB.Direct effects on a gene or indirect through a common physiological function.Potential drug-drug interactions identified in medication lists from clinical data. In this study we report on potential drug-drug interactions between drugs occurring in patient clinical data. Results are based on relationships in SemMedDB, a database of structured knowledge extracted from all MEDLINE citations (titles and abstracts) using SemRep. The core of our methodology is to construct two potential drug-drug interaction schemas, based on relationships extracted from SemMedDB. In the first schema, Drug1 and Drug2 interact through Drug1's effect on some gene, which in turn affects Drug2. In the second, Drug1 affects Gene1, while Drug2 affects Gene2. Gene1 and Gene2, together, then have an effect on some biological function. After checking each drug pair from the medication lists of each of 22 patients, we found 19 known and 62 unknown drug-drug interactions using both schemas. For example, our results suggest that the interaction of Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor commonly prescribed for hypertension, and the antidepressant sertraline can potentially increase the likelihood and possibly the severity of psoriasis. We also assessed the relationships extracted by SemRep from a linguistic perspective and found that the precision of SemRep was 0.58 for 300 randomly selected sentences from MEDLINE. Our study demonstrates that the use of structured knowledge in the form of relationships from the biomedical literature can support the discovery of potential drug-drug interactions occurring in patient clinical data. Moreover, SemMedDB provides a good knowledge resource for expanding the range of drugs, genes, and biological functions considered as elements in various drug-drug interaction pathways.
Viscoelastic‐Elastic Composites: I, General Theory

The Laplace transform method of viscoelastic stress analysis is reviewed and applied to the sandwich seal and bead seal. The concept of thermorheological simplicity, the viscoelastic-elastic analogy, and the role of dilatational relaxation in uniaxial, biaxial, and triaxial stress are discussed. Methods of incorporating measured stress relaxation data into the analysis to provide a realistic description of glass behavior are detailed and closed-form solutions are derived for the stresses in seals.
Synthetic in vitro transcriptional oscillators

The construction of synthetic biochemical circuits from simple components illuminates how complex behaviors can arise in chemistry and builds a foundation for future biological technologies. A simplified analog of genetic regulatory networks, in vitro transcriptional circuits, provides a modular platform for the systematic construction of arbitrary circuits and requires only two essential enzymes, bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase and Escherichia coli ribonuclease H, to produce and degrade RNA signals. In this study, we design and experimentally demonstrate three transcriptional oscillators in vitro. First, a negative feedback oscillator comprising two switches, regulated by excitatory and inhibitory RNA signals, showed up to five complete cycles. To demonstrate modularity and to explore the design space further, a positive-feedback loop was added that modulates and extends the oscillatory regime. Finally, a three-switch ring oscillator was constructed and analyzed. Mathematical modeling guided the design process, identified experimental conditions likely to yield oscillations, and explained the system's robust response to interference by short degradation products. Synthetic transcriptional oscillators could prove valuable for systematic exploration of biochemical circuit design principles and for controlling nanoscale devices and orchestrating processes within artificial cells.
Estimating storm‐wave conditions in San Francisco Bay

Wave action is usually associated with navigation operations on the open sea and with construction problems relating to shore and beach protection. However, there are many problems which involve waves generated by wind on relatively small bodies of water. Some of these problems include small craft anchorages, berthing and docking operations, and erosion by wave action of the upstream face of dams at reservoirs. In San Francisco Bay, fairly strong winds blow generally in the direction of the long axis of the Bay during storms, thus acting on the water over distances of the order of 30 miles. This distance, hereinafter called the fetch, is sufficient to generate waves of the order of eight or more feet in height. In the region opposite the Golden Gate, wave conditions may be further complicated by ground swell entering the Bay from the open sea. The following discussion will be confined to wind waves generated by storm winds in San Francisco Bay. The method of analysis is applicable to other bodies of water, large or small. In fact, the method is an adaptation of wave-forecasting procedures developed during the last three years, largely as the result of research for the Bureau of Ships and the Hydrographic Office, United States Navy Department, by H. U. Sverdrup and Walter Munk of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography of the University of California, by the Department of Engineering, University of California, and by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Much useful work has also been contributed by the Admiralty Research Laboratory and other British Army and Navy organizations.
Intraocular pressure and hemodynamic changes following tracheal intubation in children.

Abstract Study Objective: To determine the optimal time in which to make intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in children following tracheal intubation. Design: Randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Operating rooms of a tertiary-care children's hospital. Patients: Thirteen healthy children undergoing elective strabismus correction surgery under halothane and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) endotracheal anesthesia. Interventions: Following induction of anesthesia, patients were randomly assigned to receive stable end-tidal halothane concentrations of 0.5% or 1.0% in 66% N 2 O. Measurements and Main Results: Baseline (preintubation) IOP, heart rate (HR), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded after 10 minutes of steady-state end-tidal concentrations. These measurements were repeated at 1-minute intervals following tracheal intubation, which was facilitated with atracurium. HR and MAP changes were found to be good predictors of IOP changes. IOP returned to baseline (preintubation) values when HR and MAP returned to preintubation levels. However, IOP measurements under anesthesia may not reflect awake values. Conclusions: We recommend that IOP be measured only after HR and MAP have returned to preintubation levels in children who have undergone tracheal intubation during halothane and N 2 O anesthesia.
An artificial neural networks for approximating polynomial functions

The authors use polynomial function as a common base to measure the capacity of a feedforward artificial neural network (FANN) with a finite number of hidden nodes. They show that there is a relationship between the capacity of a FANN in approximating polynomial functions and the number of hidden nodes used in the FANN. A procedure for realizing a FANN in approximating polynomial functions is described. Two examples are given to show the procedure. Several experiments are reported, verifying that a FANN with a certain number of hidden nodes has the capability to learn a given polynomial function. The experiments also showed that the proposed algorithm for training a FANN performs accurately. >
Characterization of the Accessory Sec System of Staphylococcus aureus

The SraP adhesin of Staphylococcus aureus is a member of a highly conserved family of serine-rich surface glycoproteins of gram-positive bacteria. For streptococci, export of the SraP homologs requires a specialized transport pathway (the accessory Sec system). Compared to streptococci, however, SraP is predicted to differ in its signal peptide and glycosylation, which may affect its dependence on a specialized system for transport. In addition, two genes (asp4 and asp5) essential for export in Streptococcus gordonii are missing in S. aureus. Thus, the selectivity of the accessory Sec system in S. aureus may also differ compared to streptococci. To address these issues, the five genes encoding the putative accessory Sec system (secY2, secA2, and asp1-3) were disrupted individually in S. aureus ISP479C, and the resultant mutants were examined for SraP export. Disruption of secA2 resulted in the near complete loss of SraP surface expression. Similar results were seen with disruption of secY2 and asp1, asp2, or asp3. To assess whether the accessory Sec system transported other substrates, we compared secreted proteomes of ISP479C and a secA2 isogenic mutant, by two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis. Although two consistent differences in proteome content were noted between the strains, neither protein appeared to be a likely substrate for accessory Sec export. Thus, the accessory Sec system of S. aureus is required for the export of SraP, and it appears to be dedicated to the transport of this substrate exclusively.
Including competitive asymmetry in measures of local interference in plant populations.

Although considerable evidence exists that plant competition is generally asymmetric or “one-sided”, with larger plants having a disproportionate competitive effect on smaller plants, currently employed measures of local interference generally assume that competition is “two-sided”. We describe a simple measure of competitive asymmetry in which the effects of neighbors smaller than a focal individual are discounted by a constant factor, and include this variable in a composite measure of local interference. In this model competition varies between complete asymmetry (the effects of smaller plants are entirely discounted) and complete symmetry (the competitive effect of a neighbor is proportional to its size). The proposed method is applied to two natural populations and one experimental monoculture. In all cases an asymmetric model provides the best fit to the data. Completely two-sided models account for 26–39% of the variance in relative growth rate, while relatively one-sided models account for 44–57%. The increases in r2 values resulting from the inclusion of asymmetry are significant in the two cases in which the data permit randomization tests. Our results suggest that interference is completely asymmetric in a population of Impatiens pallida, a species with very low root allocation and a shallow crown, and somewhat less asymmetric in an experimental monoculture of Ambrosia artemisiifolia and a natural stand of Pinus rigida, cases in which competition for water and nutrient resources is likely to be of greater importance.
Genic diversity, genetic structure, and mating system of Brewer spruce (Pinaceae), a relict of the Arcto-Tertiary forest.

Brewer spruce (Picea breweriana), a relict of the widespread Arcto-Tertiary forests, is now restricted to a highly fragmented range in the Klamath Region of California and Oregon. Expected heterozygosity for 26 isozyme loci, averaged over 10 populations, was 0.121. More notable than the relatively high level of diversity when compared to other woody endemics was the strong decrease in expected heterozygosity with latitude. Differentiation ( FST) was 0.152, higher than values for many north temperate conifers with larger distributions. The number of migrants per generation (Nm) was 1.34 or 2.70, depending on the method of estimation. Inbreeding appeared low; FIS was only 0.003, in agreement with multilocus population outcrossing rates (tm), which were generally well above 0.90. No difference in tm was found between isolated vs. clustered trees. However, the number of seeds per cone was greatest in the densest populations; tm is a measure of effective outcrossing after mortality in the embryonic stage, whereas a reduced number of seeds per cone indicates self pollination. Selfing increased after logging; outcrossing rate before logging was 0.961 and after logging, 0.756. Despite Brewer spruce’s narrow, fragmented distribution, the outlook for its conservation was good, with the exception of possible negative effects of logging. Brewer spruce (Picea breweriana Wats.) is a relict of the Arcto-Tertiary forest, most species of which are now extinct in western North America. According to the fossil record, Brewer spruce had a wide distribution in the Pliocene and Miocene, at least as far east as Idaho and Nevada, north to central Oregon, and south to central California (Wolfe, 1964). The fossil species, Sonoma spruce (Picea sonomensis Axelrod), which is synonymous with Brewer spruce, occurred in the Creede Flora in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern
BLOOD FLOW IN BONE DISTAL TO A FEMORAL ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA IN DOGS.

Blood flow in the femora, tibiac, and second metatarsals distal to a femoral arteriovenous fistula in immature dogs functioning from one hour to twenty-five weeks was studied by means of short-term (ten minutes) clearance by the skeleton of Sr85 and Ca47 from the blood. It was found that plasma flow per gram of bone decreased in these bones on the side of the fistula one hours after creation of the fistula. Thereafter, the flow in the femora on the side of the fistula increased to above normal while in the tibiae and second metatarsals it increased but remained below normal when calculated on the basis of bone weight. There was no consistent relationship between change in bone plasma flow and change in bone weight.
Spaceborne Mesh Reflector Antennas With Complex Weaves: Extended PO/Periodic-MoM Analysis

Reflector antennas with complex mesh weave patterns are numerically analyzed by using extended physical optics (PO) combined with the periodic method of moments (MoM). The method applies the periodic MoM with Rao-Wilton-Glisson (RWG) basis and testing functions. It calculates the transmission coefficient matrix (T-matrix) of the realistic, complex weave pattern of the planar mesh, in order to calculate the modified PO current on the mesh reflector. When analyzed, the planar grid mesh is found to be compatible with the commonly used wire-grid model. The modified PO current on the locally planar mesh is implemented on the curved reflector surface for the diffraction analysis of the mesh reflector antennas. The far-field pattern of the offset parabolic antenna with grid mesh, modelled using periodic MoM, agreed well with those obtained from the wire-grid model. T-matrix calculated from the tabulated T-matrix data using the interpolation method is sufficiently accurate and compares well with the one calculated using the direct method, allowing users to choose one of the T-matrix calculation methods depending on the problem. The analysis of the mesh reflectors with two different complex weave patterns (single Satin and single Atlas at Ka band) is performed to exemplify the application of the extended PO/periodic MoM algorithm. It is shown that differences were observed in cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) for circular polarization operations depending on the weave patterns. This result demonstrates the usefulness of the proposed technique in accurate performance prediction of mesh reflector antennas with complex weave patterns
Estimating the Travel and Parking Demand Effects of Employer-Paid Parking

A multinomial logit model of downtown Los Angeles commuters is used to assess the effect of employer-paid parking on mode choice and parking demand. Employer-paid parking significantly increases the probability that an employee will drive to work alone. The best performing models predict that between 25 and 34 percent fewer automobiles are driven to work when workers have to pay to park, as compared to when they park free. This analysis provides support for the notion that public policies concerning traffic congestion, air pollution and energy use must address employer-paid parking.
New Light on the Zīij al-Safāa'ih of Abū Jacfar al-Khāzin

Description et etude d'un instrument astronomique islamique peu commun fait par Hibat Allah ibn al-Husayn al-Asturlabi de Bagdad au 12s. et portant une inscription pretendant qu'il s'agit du Zij al-Safa'ih d'al-Khazin.
Improvement of high-current large-volume discharge with profiled hollow-cathode electrodes

Filamentary discharge at the electrode of high-power copper vapor lasers prevents stable operation when the buffer gas (Ne) pressures exceeds 30 torr. Experimental evidence indicates that the discharge constriction starts in the cathode fall region. The volumetric power deposition at the cathode fall is estimated to be /spl sim/130 MW/cm/sup 3/ at 40 torr during a peak discharge current of 2.5 KA. This highly pressure-dependent (/spl alpha/ P/sup 7/3/) large thermal loading at cathode fall is likely to initiate thermal instability as pressure increases. This discharge instability can be mitigated by taking advantage of the hollow-cathode effect even for pressures exceeding 100 torr. We have designed a large-area electrode with many hollow-cathode grooves spreading over the uniform-field-profile area of the electrode for enhanced electron emission. This unique design lowers the cathode-fall voltage, and as a consequence, reduces the thermal loading at the cathode fall. With this profiled, hollow-cathode electrode, we have successfully extended stable discharge from /spl sim/30 to /spl sim/100 torr. We believe this profiled electrode design with multiple hollow-cathode grooves will expand hollow-cathode electrodes to many applications that require high-current large-volume discharge at elevated pressures.
Casual game as cs1/2 teaching modules or exercises

The Game-Themed CS1/2 project aims at producing game-like education materials for CS1/2 students and faculty with no background in videogames or computer graphics. As part of this project, a set of APIs have been developed to support the building of engaging and fun casual videogames using only targeted programming concepts. Elaborate teaching modules have been developed based on these APIs that include example game-like programs demonstrating each concept, written documentation and video explanations. [1] The APIs, completely independent from each other, are each designed to support one video game and to target a specific programming concept, e.g., conditionals, loops, or arrays. In this way, it is possible to pick and choose relevant materials to integrate into one's existing classes. In this tutorial, we will introduce the APIs and teaching modules, lead participants in developing their own casual games based our APIs, present our approach and results of using the materials in our classes, and finally, discuss with the group interests and strategies in integrating the materials in their own classes.
Democratization of next-generation imaging, sensing, and diagnostics tools through computational photonics (Presentation Recording)

My research focuses on the use of computation/algorithms to create new optical microscopy, sensing, and diagnostic techniques, significantly improving existing tools for probing micro- and nano-objects while also simplifying the designs of these analysis tools. In this presentation, I will introduce a new set of computational microscopes which use lens-free on-chip imaging to replace traditional lenses with holographic reconstruction algorithms. Basically, 3D images of specimens are reconstructed from their "shadows" providing considerably improved field-of-view (FOV) and depth-of-field, thus enabling large sample volumes to be rapidly imaged, even at nanoscale. These new computational microscopes routinely generate >1–2 billion pixels (giga-pixels), where even single viruses can be detected with a FOV that is >100 fold wider than other techniques. At the heart of this leapfrog performance lie self-assembled liquid nano-lenses that are computationally imaged on a chip. These self-assembled nano-lenses are stable for >1 hour at room temperature, and are composed of a biocompatible buffer that prevents nano-particle aggregation while also acting as a spatial "phase mask." The field-of-view of these computational microscopes is equal to the active-area of the sensor-array, easily reaching, for example, >20 mm2 or >10 cm2 by employing state-of- the-art CMOS or CCD imaging chips, respectively. In addition to this remarkable increase in throughput, another major benefit of this technology is that it lends itself to field-portable and cost-effective designs which easily integrate with smartphones to conduct giga-pixel telepathology and microscopy even in resource-poor and remote settings where traditional techniques are difficult to implement and sustain, thus opening the door to various telemedicine applications in global health. Some other examples of these smartphone-based biomedical tools that I will describe include imaging flow cytometers, immunochromatographic diagnostic test readers, bacteria/pathogen sensors, blood analyzers for complete blood count, and allergen detectors. Through the development of similar computational imagers, I will also report the discovery of new 3D swimming patterns observed in human and animal sperm. One of this newly discovered and extremely rare motion is in the form of "chiral ribbons" where the planar swings of the sperm head occur on an osculating plane creating in some cases a helical ribbon and in some others a twisted ribbon. Shedding light onto the statistics and biophysics of various micro-swimmers' 3D motion, these results provide an important example of how biomedical imaging significantly benefits from emerging computational algorithms/theories, revolutionizing existing tools for observing various micro- and nano-scale phenomena in innovative, high-throughput, and yet cost-effective ways.
The Computer from Pascal to von Neumann

From the Publisher: In 1942, Lt. Herman H. Goldstine, a former mathematics professor, was stationed at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania where he assisted in the creation of the ENIAC, the first electronic digital computer. The ENIAC was operational in 1945, but plans for a new computer were already under way. The principal source of ideas for the new computer was John von Neumann, who became Goldstine's chief collaborator. After World War II, at the Institute for Advanced Study, they built the prototype of the present-day computer. Herman Goldstine writes as both historian and scientist in this first examination of the development of computing machinery, from the seventeenth century through the early 1950s. His personal involvement lends a special authenticity to his narrative.
Shape analogies

This sketch presents "Shape Analogies," a method for learning line styles from examples. With this approach, an artist or end-user simply draws in the desired style; the system analyzes the drawings and generates new imagery in the same style. For example, to design an outline style for a nervous character, one may draw a jittery stroke; to design an outline style for a robot, one may draw a very rigid style with many sharp angles.
Rate Constants for the Reactions between OH and Perfluorinated Alkenes

The rate constants for the reactions of OH radicals with fully fluorinated alkenes containing different numbers of −CF3 groups next to olefinic carbon, CF2═CF2, CF2═CFCF3, CF3CF═CFCF3, and (CF3)2C═CFC2F5, were measured between 230 and 480 K using the flash photolysis resonance fluorescence technique to give the following expressions: kC2F4(250−480 K) = 1.32 × 10−12 × (T/298 K)0.9 × exp(+600 K/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1, kC3F6(230−480 K) = 9.75 ×10−14 × (T/298 K)1.94 × exp(+922 K/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1, ktrans-C4F8(230−370 K) = 7.50 × 10−14 × (T/298 K)1.68 × exp(+612 K/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1, kcis-C4F8(230−370 K) = 2.99 × 10−14 × (T/298 K)2.61 × exp(+760 K/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1, and kC6F12(250−480 K) = 2.17 × 10−15 × (T/298 K)3.90 × exp(+1044 K/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The kinetics of the OH reaction in an industrial sample of octofluoro-2-propene (a mixture of the cis- and trans-isomers of CF3CF═CFCF3) was studied to determine the “effective” reaction rate constant for the typically industrial mixture: k⟨C4F8⟩(230...
Clinical profiles and outcomes in idiopathic duct-centric chronic pancreatitis (type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis): the Mayo Clinic experience

Objective Idiopathic duct-centric chronic pancreatitis (IDCP), also known as type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), is an uncommon subtype of AIP. International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for IDCP propose that the diagnosis requires pancreatic histology and/or concurrent IBD. We examined our experience with IDCP (type 2 AIP) to assess the appropriateness of these criteria, and identify unique characteristics in patients presenting with acute pancreatitis. Design We reviewed the Mayo Clinic AIP database through May 2014 to identify subjects with either definitive (n=31) or probable (n=12) IDCP. We compared demographic and clinical factors based on strength of diagnostic confidence (definitive versus probable), presence of IBD, and acute pancreatitis as the presenting manifestation. Relapse-free survival was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results The clinical profiles were similar irrespective of the diagnostic criteria fulfilled. Common clinical presentations included acute pancreatitis (n=25, 58.1%, 12 of whom (27.9%) had recurrent pancreatitis) and pancreatic mass/obstructive jaundice (n=15, 34.9%). The cumulative relapse rate was 10.6% at 3 years (median follow-up 2.9 years). Relapse-free survival was similar for the different diagnostic categories, but was decreased in those initially presenting with acute pancreatitis (p=0.047) or treated with steroids (vs surgery, p=0.049). Conclusions The current diagnostic classification of probable IDCP and the inclusion of IBD as a supportive criterion appear valid, because patients have similar clinical profiles and disease-related outcomes to those with definitive IDCP. Concurrent IBD, especially in young patients, may suggest when IDCP is the underlying cause of recurrent acute pancreatitis, but additional studies are needed for validation.
Survival From Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Multivariate Analysis

A recursive estimation model is used to investigate the roles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced life support in improving survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The importance of life support measures is clearly evidenced in the analysis: Fewer elapsed minutes between the cardiac arrest and the start of CPR increase the probabilities of both a favorable cardiac rhythm and defibrillation and the probability of survival. Similarly, a shorter elapsed time between the start of CPR and defibrillation is significantly related to a higher probability of survival of the cardiac arrest. Personal characteristics also contribute to survival, but primarily via their association with a favorable initial postarrest cardiac rhythm and the probability of defibrillation. The initial postarrest cardiac rhythm is shown to be an indicator of the heart's condition, but when other factors associated with survival are included in the analysis, it does not independently influence an individual's probability of survival.
Highly Linear Optical Phase Modulation Inside a Mixed QW Modulator

We present a highly linear quantum well (QW) optical phase modulator that employs a mixed QW structure. This modulator demonstrated an excellent phase modulation linearity. Its third-order intermodulation intercept point in the optical phase excursion per unit length was measured to be greater than $8\pi $ /mm. The measured optical loss is $\sim 1$ dB/mm. The new phase modulator design should enable a more compact optical phase-locked loop photonic integrated circuit with a wider bandwidth.
Effect of temperature and resistance of tobacco cultivars to the progression of bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum

Resistant cultivars are one of the most effective control measures used against bacterial wilt, caused by the soilborne bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. We aimed to determine the effect of temperature and resistance of tobacco varieties on bacterial wilt occurrence. Five tobacco cultivars, with varying resistance levels, were inoculated and transferred to growth chambers at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C. The growth rate of R. solanacearum was also studied in culture at 10, 20, and 30 °C. The mechanism of resistance was further examined in histological studies conducted at 10, 20, and 30 °C with strain AW1-gfp38 that expresses green fluorescent protein. The highest disease incidence was observed at 30 and 35 °C, while no symptoms were observed at 10 and 15 °C. Strains grew in culture at all temperatures. At 30 °C the low resistant cultivars had the most stems colonized by the bacterium, while the highly resistant cultivars mainly had localized infections in the roots. We suggest that the mechanism of resistance in tobacco is associated with the ability to limit colonization of stem tissues and is temperature dependent. Evaluation of restricted root infections in breeding lines may provide a means for early screening of resistance in breeding programs.
Tart Cherry Fruits: Implications for Human Health

Tart cherry fruits produce several types of biologically active compounds, including anthocyanins and several other flavonoids. These phytochemicals have been extensively studied for their potential health effects. Therefore, our overall objective is to advance knowledge of the value of tart cherries for their prospective health benefits, including several types of chronic diseases. This chapter describes the progress of bioactive metabolite studies currently underway on tart cherry. Specifically, this chapter focuses on the production and regulation of synthesis of major secondary metabolites in tart cherry fruits and on modes of action of its major phytopharmaceutical compounds at target sites.
Predicting Change in Substance Use and Substance Use Cognitions of Mexican Origin Youth during the Transition from Childhood to Early Adolescence

In the present study we examined changes in substance use and intentions to use substances for over 300 Mexican origin youth during the period from fifth to seventh grade. Consistent with the Family Stress Model, the findings showed that external stressors like economic pressure and ethnic discrimination increased maternal emotional distress which, in turn, reduced effective parenting. This stress process increased risk for youth use and intentions to use. However, when mothers remained effective parents, risk of use declined. Moreover, traditional cultural values involving family and religion reduced risk for involvement with substances during this developmental period. Thus, maternal effective parenting and cultural values increased resilience to substance use for Mexican American youth.
Downlow Mountain? De/Stigmatizing Bisexuality through Pitying and Pejorative Discourses in Media

This article examines the differing approaches the media took to black and white male bisexuality following a 2001 Los Angeles Times article and Ang Lee's film, Brokeback Mountain, respectively. Using content analysis of more than 170 articles written between 2001 and 2007, the author finds that the media pathologized black bisexuals' behavior while either ignoring or sympathizing with white bisexuals' behavior. While the “Down Low” black bisexual is described pejoratively as a threat to black masculinity and the health of the black family, the “Brokeback” white bisexual (when described as bisexual at all) is described in pitying language as one who is constrained by the society around him. In addition to exposing these differences, the author examines the reasons the media share these different viewpoints of, essentially, the same sexual behavior.
Multi-dimensional control of clonal evolution

Michael McHeyzer-Williams describes a 1998 study by Avi Kupfer and colleagues that transformed the view of cognate T helper cell–B cell crosstalk.
Gut Microbiota: A Potential Regulator of Neurodevelopment

During childhood, our brain is exposed to a variety of environmental inputs that can sculpt synaptic connections and neuronal circuits, with subsequent influence on behavior and learning processes. Critical periods of neurodevelopment are windows of opportunity in which the neuronal circuits are extremely plastic and can be easily subjected to remodeling in response to experience. However, the brain is also more susceptible to aberrant stimuli that might lead to altered developmental trajectories. Intriguingly, postnatal brain development is paralleled by the maturation of the gut microbiota: the ecosystem of symbionts populating our gastro-intestinal tract. Recent discoveries have started to unveil an unexpected link between the gut microbiome and neurophysiological processes. Indeed, the commensal bacteria seem to be able to influence host behavioral outcome and neurochemistry through mechanisms which remain poorly understood. Remarkably, the efficacy of the gut flora action appears to be dependent on the timing during postnatal life at which the host gut microbes' signals reaches the brain, suggesting the fascinating possibility of critical periods for this microbiota-driven shaping of host neuronal functions and behavior. Therefore, to understand the importance of the intestinal ecosystem's impact on neuronal circuits functions and plasticity during development and the discovery of the involved molecular mechanisms, will pave the way to identify new and, hopefully, powerful microbiota-based therapeutic interventions for the treatment of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diseases.
Extent of Resection, Visual, and Endocrinologic Outcomes for Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Recurrent Pituitary Adenomas

Objective To assess outcomes after endoscopic endonasal surgery for recurrent or residual pituitary adenomas. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 61 patients from 2009 to 2016 who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery for recurrent or residual pituitary adenomas after previous microscopic or endoscopic transsphenoidal operation. Results The previous surgical approach was endoscopic endonasal in 55.7% and microscopic in 44.2% of patients. The mean preoperative maximal tumor diameter was 2.3 cm. Tumor commonly invaded the suprasellar cistern (63.9%). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 31 patients (51.7%). GTR rate was 68.4% and 21.7% for Knosp grade 0–2 and grade 3–4 tumors, respectively (P Conclusions The endoscopic endonasal approach provides a safe and effective option for recurrent pituitary adenomas. Smaller tumor size, absence of cavernous sinus invasion, and previous microscopic approach were independent predictors of GTR. This finding might suggest that inadequate exposure or limited viewing angle may adversely affect extent of resection in primary microscopic surgeries.