cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Algorithm for Computing Optimal Earth Centered Orbit Transfers via Lunar Gravity Assist

An algorithm is presented that automates the computation of transfer trajectories between two Earth centered orbits using one Lunar yby. Such an algorithm is useful for real-world situations in which a satellite is in one orbit, and a solution must quickly be found to transfer the satellite to another orbit. The ability to rapidly scan and compare solution types is critical in such situations. An implementation of this algorithm is also presented to showcase its exibility in solving problems with various relative congurations between initial, nal, and lunar orbits.
Psychosocial effects of the nuclear arms race

Remarks from a symposium organized by the Council for a Livable World Education Fund and the Physicians for Social Responsibility on ‘The medical consequences of nuclear weapons and nuclear war.’
Emerging childhoods and immanent becomings: considering difference in one child's encounters with popular culture

ABSTRACTOngoing debates over children's encounters with popular culture are grounded in representational images of what childhood is and what childhood should be. As such, the tendency to overcode and regulate children's behaviors, relationships, and desires are often part of a greater effort to prepare the child to fit fixed and essentialized notions of what she should be as she grows into a person, capable of contributing to a globalized society. These efforts toward molding the child for adulthood disparage the moments that she is already a part of and the most important thing then becomes preparing her to participate in a world that we can neither foresee nor predict. In this paper, I consider the research encounters with an 11-year-old girl, who participated in a university-sponsored weekend art school, where she created seemingly subversive drawings and comics as she engaged with popular culture related to Justin Bieber. Employing Deleuzoguattarian concepts, I describe the ways in which the girl tra...
Template-Directed Fluorogenic Oligonucleotide Ligation Using “Click” Chemistry: Detection of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the Human p53 Tumor Suppressor Gene

A novel nonfluorescent alkyne-modified coumarin phosphoramidite was synthesized and successfully incorporated into oligonucleotides, which were then used in highly efficient DNA interstrand cross-linking and ligation reactions via “click” chemistry. The template-directed fluorogenic ligation “click” chemistry reaction was used for single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, where the target DNA catalyzes the ligation of two nonfluorescent probes to generate a fluorescent product. The upstream oligonucleotide probe is a nonfluorescent alkyne-modified coumarin and the downstream probe is an azide-modified oligonucleotide. When bound to a fully complementary template, the oligonucleotides ligated to produce a fluorescent product with a fluorophore at the ligation point. Wild-type and mutant p53 alleles were used to demonstrate that template-directed fluorogenic oligonucleotide ligation is sequence-specific and is capable of single nucleotide discrimination under mild conditions, even without the removal of unre...
Locally weighted histogram analysis and stochastic solution for large-scale multi-state free energy estimation

The weighted histogram analysis method (WHAM) including its binless extension has been developed independently in several different contexts, and widely used in chemistry, physics, and statistics, for computing free energies and expectations from multiple ensembles. However, this method, while statistically efficient, is computationally costly or even infeasible when a large number, hundreds or more, of distributions are studied. We develop a locally WHAM (local WHAM) from the perspective of simulations of simulations (SOS), using generalized serial tempering (GST) to resample simulated data from multiple ensembles. The local WHAM equations based on one jump attempt per GST cycle can be solved by optimization algorithms orders of magnitude faster than standard implementations of global WHAM, but yield similarly accurate estimates of free energies to global WHAM estimates. Moreover, we propose an adaptive SOS procedure for solving local WHAM equations stochastically when multiple jump attempts are performed per GST cycle. Such a stochastic procedure can lead to more accurate estimates of equilibrium distributions than local WHAM with one jump attempt per cycle. The proposed methods are broadly applicable when the original data to be “WHAMMED” are obtained properly by any sampling algorithm including serial tempering and parallel tempering (replica exchange). To illustrate the methods, we estimated absolute binding free energies and binding energy distributions using the binding energy distribution analysis method from one and two dimensional replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations for the beta-cyclodextrin-heptanoate host-guest system. In addition to the computational advantage of handling large datasets, our two dimensional WHAM analysis also demonstrates that accurate results similar to those from well-converged data can be obtained from simulations for which sampling is limited and not fully equilibrated.
A new species of Vorticifex (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) from late Cenozoic lake deposits, Nevada

A new species of planorbid gastropod, Vorticifex taylori, is described from the Late Miocene (Clarendonian) Truckee Formation at its type area in Churchill County, Nevada. Comparison with younger and older species assigned to Vorticifex indicates a high degree of morphologic variation within the genus as contrasted with relatively conservative intraspecific variation, which may reflect ecologic similarities at discrete times during the development of the Great Basin subprovince of the Basin and Range physiographic province.
Modeling the Frequency of Water Main Breaks in Water Distribution Systems: Random-Parameters Negative-Binomial Approach

AbstractWater main breaks can have significant adverse social, economic, and environmental impacts. As a result, water utilities seek to be proactive and implement asset management programs to reduce the frequency of water main breaks and mitigate their impacts. A key to the success of these asset management programs is the ability to quantify the effect that a variety of factors may have on the likelihood of water main breaks, and hence identify those pipes that need to be inspected frequently. Using water-main break data for a 21-year period from two U.S. cities in the Great Lakes region, this paper demonstrates a methodology to estimate the system-wide monthly frequency of water main breaks as a function of a number of explanatory variables. Using a random-parameters negative-binomial approach, the statistical estimations show that pipe diameters, average pipe age, distribution of pipe age, pipe material, time of year, and mean monthly temperature all have a significant impact on monthly water main bre...
Citywide Traffic Volume Estimation Using Trajectory Data

Traffic volume estimation at the city scale is an important problem useful to many transportation operations and urban applications. This paper proposes a hybrid framework that integrates both state-of-art machine learning techniques and well-established traffic flow theory to estimate citywide traffic volume. In addition to typical urban context features extracted from multiple sources, we extract a special set of features from GPS trajectories based on the implications of traffic flow theory, which provide extra information on the speed-flow relationship. Using the network-wide speed information estimated from a travel speed estimation model, a volume related high level feature is first learned using an unsupervised graphical model. A volume re-interpretation model is then introduced to map the volume related high level feature to the predicted volume using a small amount of ground truth data for training. The framework is evaluated using a GPS trajectory dataset from 33,000 Beijing taxis and volume ground truth data obtained from 4,980 video clips. The results demonstrate effectiveness and potential of the proposed framework in citywide traffic volume estimation.
Abstract 187: Are Limitations in Activities of Daily Living the Best Predictor of Well-Being After Stroke?

Objective: Limitations in activities of daily living are major components of most stroke outcome scales. We examined whether activity limitations or other factors predicted self-reported well-being among stroke survivors in a large nationally representative survey. Methods: Individuals with a self-reported history of stroke were identified from the National Health and Aging Tends Study (NHATS wave 1, year 2011). Self-reported well-being (primary outcome) was defined based on a previously validated 7-item measure (higher=greater well-being) assessing emotions (feeling cheerful, bored, full of life, or upset) and self-realization (purpose in life, self-acceptance, and environmental mastery). Activity limitations were defined by the need for assistance in any of 11 activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living (ADLS/IADLS). Multivariable linear regression was used to identify factors associated with well-being. Results: 738 stroke survivors 65 or older were included (57% female, 9% African American, 6% Hispanic). The final multivariable model (see Table) only modestly explained the total variability in well-being (R-squared=0.28). Number of ADL/IADL limitations was not associated with well being. Notable predictors of lower well being included depressive symptoms, chewing problems, pain that limited activity, and restricted ability to participate in valued life activities. Income was modestly associated with improved well-being, while social network support and access to communication technology were not associated. Conclusions: Limitations in ADLs/IADLs were not predictive of well-being in this population of stroke survivors, which raises the question of whether existing outcome scales adequately measure the most important patient-centered outcomes. Much of what determines well-being among stroke survivors remains unexplained. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Prospects and Limitations of Citizen Science in Invasive Species Management: A Case Study with Burmese Pythons in Everglades National Park

Citizen-science programs have the potential to contribute to the management of invasive species, including Python molurus bivittatus (Burmese Python) in Florida. We characterized citizen-science—generated Burmese Python information from Everglades National Park (ENP) to explore how citizen science may be useful in this effort. As an initial step, we compiled and summarized records of Burmese Python observations and removals collected by both professional and citizen scientists in ENP during 2000–2014 and found many patterns of possible significance, including changes in annual observations and in demographic composition after a cold event. These patterns are difficult to confidently interpret because the records lack search-effort information, however, and differences among years may result from differences in search effort. We began collecting search-effort information in 2014 by leveraging an ongoing citizen-science program in ENP. Program participation was generally low, with most authorized participants in 2014 not searching for the snakes at all. We discuss the possible explanations for low participation, especially how the low likelihood of observing pythons weakens incentives to search. The monthly rate of Burmese Python observations for 2014 averaged ∼1 observation for every 8 h of searching, but during several months, the rate was 1 python per >40 h of searching. These low observation-rates are a natural outcome of the snakes' low detectability— few Burmese Pythons are likely to be observed even if many are present. The general inaccessibility of the southern Florida landscape also severely limits the effectiveness of using visual searches to find and remove pythons for the purposes of population control. Instead, and despite the difficulties in incentivizing voluntary participation, the value of citizen-science efforts in the management of the Burmese Python population is in collecting search-effort information.
The missing, the martyred and the disappeared: Global networks, technical intensification and the end of human rights genetics.

In 1984, a group of Argentine students, trained by US academics, formed the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team to apply the latest scientific techniques to the excavation of mass graves and ident...
Everyday functional ability in HIV and methamphetamine dependence.

Abstract Background Methamphetamine (METH) use is a risk factor for the transmission of HIV. Each is associated with neurocognitive impairment and subsequent problems in everyday functioning, yet additive effects of HIV and METH are not consistently observed. This study used the UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment (UPSA-2) to assess whether METH use disorder and HIV together resulted in poorer functional outcome than either condition alone. Method Participants in the Translational Methamphetamine AIDS Research Center (TMARC) cohort were stratified based upon HIV infection and METH use disorder: HIV-/METH- (n = 49), HIV-/METH+ (n = 48), HIV+/METH- (n = 37), and HIV+/METH+ (n = 38). They were administered the UPSA-2 which measures abilities in six domains of everyday functioning. Main effects and interactions of HIV and METH were examined, as were relationships between UPSA-2 scores and disease characteristics. Results Significant HIV-by-METH interactions were observed for the UPSA-2 total score and Comprehension/Planning and Financial subscales such that METH was associated with lower scores in HIV- participants but not HIV+ participants. METH was associated with lower scores on the Communications subscale. All three risk groups had lower scores than HIV-/METH- participants. Recency and frequency of METH use were associated with lower scores. Lower Medication Management scores were related to lower nadir CD4 counts. Conclusions METH use disorder and HIV each impair functional performance, but there is no additive effect when the two conditions occur together. The neurocognitive sequelae of combined HIV infection and METH use are complex and warrant further study, as do the potential effects of compensatory strategies and other factors.
Universal graphs at ℵω1+1

Abstract Starting from a supercompact cardinal we build a model in which 2 ℵ ω 1 = 2 ℵ ω 1 + 1 = ℵ ω 1 + 3 but there is a jointly universal family of size ℵ ω 1 + 2 of graphs on ℵ ω 1 + 1 . The same technique will work for any uncountable cardinal in place of ω 1 .
4.412 – Rational and Combinatorial Methods to Create Designer Protein Interfaces

As the field of biomaterials has expanded, it has become clear that mechanical support and diffusion is important, but not entirely sufficient, for cell proliferation and differentiation. Biomaterials also need to mimic interactions that cells experience in their natural environment. One approach is to create customized materials that interact with and modulate cell surface receptors through protein ligands. Natural proteins, however, are often not optimal for use in biomaterials, and can lack thermal, proteolytic, and chemical stability or biological specificity and potency. In addition, such proteins are often difficult to produce recombinantly, and attachment to materials can inactivate or reduce their activity. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the two main protein engineering approaches that can be used to address these limitations: rational and combinatorial protein engineering. Rational engineering requires some knowledge of a protein's structure and function, but can enable facile and effective protein modifications through site-directed mutagenesis, protein fusions, or posttranslational modifications. Alternatively, combinatorial engineering, also known as directed evolution, involves expression of a diverse library of protein mutants and screening for desired phenotypes. Techniques for both rational and combinatorial protein engineering are described. In addition, specific considerations and challenges in creating designer proteins for biomaterial applications are also discussed.
Plantations versus the people: Explaining the diversity of land policies within the tropical British Empire

Property rights regimes governing the expansion of agricultural commodity exports in the tropics have varied widely between and within colonial empires. This article illustrates this diversity within the British Empire from about 1850 to 1920. In British West Africa, indigenous customary rights were recognized and land concessions to plantations excluded. By contrast, colonial governments alienated large land tracts for plantations in Malaya, the Indian Hills and Ceylon that often conflicted with indigenous rights and shifting farming systems in upland forested areas. These differences among colonial policies on land and forest rights in turn led to quite different agrarian structures and strongly influenced the location of export production – differences that have persisted until today. The article explores a range of explanations for policy divergence with respect to land rights, including the initial conditions of population density and pre-existing industries, strategic concerns of the metropolitan power, growing civil society agitation on human rights in Africa, the role of individual champions of human rights and shifting paradigms within the empire with respect to the role of plantations.
Abstract 2473: Race and Gender Differences in Post-Procedural Outcomes Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in African Americans and Caucasians

Background: Outcomes assessment by race and gender after PCI have separately compared African Americans (AA) to Caucasians (CA) and females to males, but no study has concentrated on a combined outcomes analysis of both race and gender in the current PCI era. Methods: We analyzed 654,022 PCIs within the American College of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Data Registry from 1/1/2001 to 12/31/2004. Baseline characteristics and in-hospital post-procedural outcomes in AA (n=35,173) were compared to CA (n=618,849); and, CA females (n=207,076), AA males (n=18,910), and AA females (n=16,263) were compared to CA males (n=411,773). Results: Despite baseline clinical differences between AA and CA patients, no difference in adjusted mortality was observed between races following PCI (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.76 –1.05; p=0.21). However, relative to CA males, AA females had a 16% higher adjusted mortality rate (1.50% vs. 1.30%). Furthermore, CA females (1.43%) and AA males (1.40%) had significantly higher mortality rates compared to CA males (10% and 7.7% higher than CA males, respectively). Additional adjusted outcomes by race and gender are listed in the figure below. Conclusion: No difference in mortality was observed by race alone. However, race and gender analyses showed clear differences with African American females carrying the highest adjusted-risk for mortality and Caucasian females most likely to have peri-procedural complications. These results highlight the importance of considering both race and gender in peri-PCI risk assessment, and underscore the need for targeted interventions in these high-risk groups to improve their peri-procedural outcomes.
Autonomous exploration and simultaneous object search using aerial robots

In this paper, a strategy for autonomous exploration of unknown environments and simultaneous object search using aerial robots is proposed. An aerial robot is initially armed with the capacity to autonomously explore unknown environments, detect objects that belong to certain semantic classes of interest and relate these detections to the respective location on the map. Provided this information, a sampling-based semantically-enhanced exploration path planning algorithm is designed such that in its every iteration it identifies a finite-depth collision free path that maximizes a gain related to exploring new space, as well as a gain related to the resolution of the observation of the previously mapped parts of the environment that relate to detected objects of interest. Through this ability to explore the unknown space, while accounting for the resolution of observation of viewpoints perceiving objects of interest, online 3D mapping that is focused on the subsets of the map most relevant with object search missions is achieved. The proposed algorithm is evaluated, verified and demonstrated in both simulation, as well as experimental studies using an autonomous aerial robot capable of GPS-denied visual-inertial localization and mapping operation.
Induction of frenching-like symptoms in tobacco by Macrophomina phaseolina and its metabolites

Symptoms identical to those described for Trenching of tobacco were induced in tobacco seedlings inoculated with Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. and by factors produced by the fungus. The factors in the cell-free extract of the fungus were partially purified following extraction with ethanol, acidified water, acetone and ether. The major activity was retained in an other-soluble and an ether-insoluble fraction, each fraction exhibiting different chemical properties. These two fractions which were active at less than one part per million were further purified by chromatography on cation exchange Dowex columns, Sephadex columns, and thin layer chromatography plates. The identity of the active factors in the two fractions is not known. However, both are water, ethanol, and acetone soluble, heat stable, ninhydrinrnegative with molecular weights of less than 1000 Da.
Management of Geriatric Gout

The incidence of gout increases with age and it is related to comorbidities and longevity. It is especially important for those caring for our aging population to provide accurate diagnosis, and adequate and effective treatment [1]. Hyperuricemia and gout are associated with cardiovascular disease and other features such as the metabolic syndrome [2] occur more often as renal function (and urate clearance) declines as it does during aging. Acute painful gouty arthritis can be induced with the use of needed drugs in elderly patients such as diuretics. Gout, although uncommon in premenopausal women, occurs commonly in women past the menopause. This is in part due to the loss of the urate-lowering effect of estrogen. Although the general features of effective treatment have changed little, some detail can allow improved use of current modalities. In addition, some newer agents are becoming available and are important to understand.
Towards a “Meta-Ethic” Derived from Evolutionary Lineages

This paper addresses a central moral issue of the coming century brought about by changes in evolutionary systems, exemplified by the internal life of the cyborg. The purpose is to demonstrate that a meta-ethic can be arrived at through the dynamics of evolutionary lineages, which has repercussions in approaching evolution as an internal process.
Educational Gaps Between Immigrant and Native Students in Europe: The Role of Grade

Using data from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2000, we compare differences in reading performance between immigrant and native 15-year-olds in 10 European countries. Our results show considerable variation in the immigrant–native performance gap among our 10 European countries, even after socioeconomic conditions are taken into account. We examine the extent to which between-country differences in grad retention account for the cross-national variation in the effect of immigrant status on reading performance. In countries with grade retention, immigrant students are more likely to be in lower grades than their native peers of the same age, whereas in countries without grade retention, immigrant students do not differ in grade distributions from native students. Our major hypothesis is that countries, where immigrant students are more likely to be retained than their native peers of the same age, should have a larger performance gap between immigrant and native students given previous literature on negative consequences of grade retention. The regression analysis with country dummy variables and two-level hierarchical linear models provide evidence consistent with the expectation. Policy implications of the significant effect of grade retention are discussed for immigrant children’s educational integration in European societies.
APPLICATIONS – TRANSPORTATION | Light Traction: Batteries

Electric bicycles and scooters, collectively termed electric two-wheelers (E2Ws), are an important transportation tool for the estimated 50 million users around the world. This article presents a primer on E2Ws. This article introduces the E2W and its different types. It then describes the global E2W market with a focus on China, the largest market. Next, key characteristics of E2Ws are presented, including cost, energy use, emissions, and safety. Electric two-wheeler battery technology is examined with a focus on valve-regulated lead–acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries. In the final section, the performance of E2Ws is discussed using data from actual road tests. A list of useful references on this subject is provided in the appendix.
3′,4′,5′-Trimethoxy-Substituted Analogs of Cocaine, Cis-/Trans -Cinnamoylcocaine and Tropacocaine: Characterization and Quantitation of New Alkaloids in Coca Leaf, Coca Paste and Refined Illicit Cocaine

Four new alkaloids have been detected in South American coca leaf, coca paste and refined illicit cocaine. The compounds 3′,4′,5′-trimethoxycocaine (TMC), 3′,4′,5′-trimethoxytropacocaine (TMT), 3′,4′,5′-trimethoxy-cis-cinnamoylcocaine (cTMCC) and 3′,4′,5′-trimethoxy-trans-cinnamoylcocaine (tTMCC) were isolated from the coca leaf matrix and other alkaloids by toluene extraction followed by trap and ion-pair column chromatography. The identity of each alkaloid was verified via comparison of its mass spectrum with a synthesized standard. All four alkaloids were quantitated in leaf, paste and refined samples at levels of less than 0.1% relative to cocaine via capillary gas chromatography—flame ionization detection (cGC-FID).
Liver Disease of Pregnancy: Clinical Aspects

The development of liver injury during pregnancy is unusual and occurs in less than 0.2% of cases. Jaundice develops in only 1 in 1500 pregnancies.1 Liver injury can occur as a consequence of or coincident with pregnancy (Table I) developing in any trimester or even postpartum, depending on its etiology (Table II). The most common cause of liver injury in the pregnant patient is acute viral hepatitis accounting for up to 40% of cases. An enterically transmitted form of non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatitis has recently been observed that may cause an increased mortality rate in pregnant women. To date, it has only been observed in patients in or from developing countries. In some areas, such as Scandinavia or Chile, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy occurs with high frequency and may account for 10–20% of jaundice during pregnancy. Other forms of liver injury are unusual during pregnancy.
Exploring Relationships of Psychological Sense of Community With Self-Rated Health and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Chinese Americans.

This study examined the relationships of psychological sense of community (PSOC) with self-rated health and depressive symptoms among older Chinese Americans. The sample was taken from the Populati...
Development and Testing of Program Evaluation Instruments for the iCook 4-H Curriculum.

Abstract Objective To develop and test the validity of program outcome evaluation instruments for cooking, eating, and playing together for obesity prevention during iCook 4-H. Design Instrument development for both youth and adults through pre-post testing of items newly constructed and compiled to address key curriculum constructs. Testing occurred throughout program intervention and dissemination to determine dimensionality, internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and validity. Setting A 5-state out-of-school program in cooperative extension and other community sites. Participants Youths aged 9–10 years; adults were main food preparers; the first phase involved 214 dyads and the second phase, 74 dyads. Main Outcome Measure(s) Youth measures were cooking skills, culinary self-efficacy, physical activity, and openness to new foods. Adult measures were cooking together, physical activity, and eating together. Analysis Exploratory factor analysis to determine initial scale structure and confirmatory factor analysis to confirm factor structures. Longitudinal invariance tests to see whether the factor structure held over time. Test-retest reliability was determined by Pearson r and internal consistency was determined by coefficient Ω and Cronbach α. Validity testing was determined by Pearson r correlations. Results Youth cooking skills, openness to new foods, and adult eating together and cooking together showed strong evidence for dimensionality, reliability, and validity. Youth physical activity and adult physical activity measures showed strong evidence for dimensionality and validity but not reliability. The youth culinary self-efficacy measure showed strong evidence for reliability and validity but weaker evidence for dimensionality. Conclusions and Implications Program outcome evaluation instruments for youths and adults were developed and tested to accompany the iCook 4-H curriculum. Program leaders, stakeholders, and administrators may monitor outcomes within and across programs and generate consistent reporting.
Hypersonic Fluid–Structure Interactions Due to Intermittent Turbulent Spots on a Slender Cone

Fluid–structure interactions due to intermittent turbulent spots were studied on a 7 deg half-angle cone in the Sandia Hypersonic Wind Tunnel at Mach 5 and 8 and in the Purdue Boeing/U.S. Air Force...
Friction in the forest: a confluence of structural and discursive political ecologies of tourism in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Tourism in the Anthropocene is a powerful driver of global connections that has direct consequences for social and environmental well-being across the planet. This political ecological analysis of ...
The Real Estate Academic Leadership (REAL) Rankings For 2012–2016

Last year marked the first release of the Real Estate Academic Leadership (REAL) rankings for authors and institutions. Real estate research continues to be a dynamic, evolving field with far-rangi...
Edge Computing Sever Selection in Fog Radio Access Networks

In this paper, we consider a fog radio access (F-RAN) network formed by two different kinds of node, namely the user and calculator (i.e., the edge computing sever), respectively. It is assumed that the users and calculators follows two independent homogeneous Poisson point processes (HPPPs). Further, it is assumed that the arrival of the computing tasks at each user and the departure of the computing tasks at each calculator follow two Poisson processes with rate η u and η c , respectively. That is, the time between successive arrivals at each user or departures at each calculator are independent exponential random variables with mean given by $\frac{1}{{{\eta _u}}}$ or $\frac{1}{{{\eta _c}}}$. Time is divided into slots. At the beginning each time slot, each user is designed to offload the computing tasks generated in the last time slot to their nearby calculators within a distance of R d for data processing. Different from the random-chosen based calculator selection schemes studied in the previous works, in this paper, we consider a prediction based calculator selection strategy to enhance the delay performance of the F-RAN. Particularly, under the proposed prediction based calculator selection strategy, we estimate the network status in the next time slot, and use which as the criterion for computing server selection and tasks offloading. It is shown through both the analysis and simulations that the proposed prediction based calculator selection strategy outperforms the random-chosen based calculator selection protocol in terms of the successful offloading probability.
The Potential for QT Interval Prolongation with Chronic Azithromycin Therapy in Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients.

INTRODUCTION Oral azithromycin (AZM) has been shown to reduce airway inflammation and disrupt biofilm formation. However, chronic AZM therapy may result in QT interval (QTc) prolongation. OBJECTIVES The goals of this study were twofold: (i) to characterize the risk of QTc prolongation in adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) receiving AZM and other potential QTc-prolonging agents, and (ii) to describe and capture the number of potential QTc-prolonging agents patients with CF are prescribed. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted over a 3-year period in an adult CF center. QTc values were recorded from electrocardiograms. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Standard QTc prolongation definitions (males ≥ 450 msec, females ≥ 470 msec) were used. RESULTS A total of 89 adult CF patient's records were reviewed. Sixty-eight patients received chronic AZM therapy. Two male patients had prolonged QTc, but only 1 received chronic AZM therapy. The median QTc interval between patients receiving and not receiving AZM was not significantly different (405 [interquartile range, IQR: 388-425] vs 394 [IQR: 384-413] msec, respectively, p=0.14). Also, the QTc interval for patients taking chronic AZM 500 mg Monday/Wednesday/Friday or 250 mg daily was not significantly different (401 [IQR: 383-419] vs 409 [IQR: 394-427] msec, respectively, p=0.48). When stratified by the number of QTc-prolonging medications (AZM vs no AZM), there was no significant difference in median QTc values between patients receiving zero to ≥ 5 QTc-prolonging medications. CONCLUSION An association between chronic AZM therapy and longer QTc intervals or significant QTc prolongation was not shown.
Using hippocampal‐dependent eyeblink conditioning to predict individual differences in spatial reorientation strategies in 3‐ to 6‐year‐olds

The hippocampus is a subcortical structure in the medial temporal lobe involved in cognitive functions such as spatial navigation and reorientation, episodic memory, and associative learning. While much is understood about the role of hippocampal function in learning and memory in adults, less is known about the relations between the hippocampus and the development of these cognitive skills in young children due to the limitations of using standard methods (e.g., MRI) to examine brain structure and function in developing populations. This study used hippocampal-dependent trace eyeblink conditioning (EBC) as a feasible approach to examine individual differences in hippocampal functioning as they relate to spatial reorientation and episodic memory performance in young children. Three- to six-year-old children (N = 50) completed tasks that measured EBC, spatial reorientation, and episodic memory, as well as non-hippocampal-dependent processing speed abilities. Results revealed that when age was held constant, individual differences in EBC performance were significantly related to individual differences in performance on the spatial reorientation test, but not on the episodic memory or processing speed tests. When the relations between hippocampal-dependent EBC and different reorientation strategies were explored, it was found that individual differences in hippocampal function predicted the use of geometric information for reorienting in space as opposed to a combined strategy that uses both geometric information and salient visual cues. The utilization of eyeblink conditioning to examine hippocampal function in young populations and its implications for understanding the dissociation between spatial reorientation and episodic memory development are discussed.
Basic principles of brain tumor chemotherapy

Abstract The use of chemotherapy for brain tumors has been an age-old challenge for Neuro-Oncologists. Brain tumor entities are vast and represent a biologically distinct and heterogenous group of diseases with complex tumor heterogeneity and genomic landscapes that govern growth rates and response to therapy. The presence of the blood-brain barrier is also a major hurdle for effective drug delivery to the tumor niche and has garnered research attention for decades. Despite robust research efforts aimed at developing new agents to treat patients with malignant brain tumors such as glioblastoma, high-grade meningioma, childhood atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, survival rates remain low. Yet, with advances in cancer genomics, pharmacogenomics, cancer immunology, and new next-generation therapies are on the horizon and offer a glimmer of hope for an improved patient outcome. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive, broad overview of chemotherapy in Neuro-Oncology and highlight the major challenges of drug development and emerging strategies to improve the standard of care for patients with brain tumors.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy masked by pericarditis

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy used to be regarded as a rare untreatable cause of sudden death in young male athletes. This report is the case of a middle-aged female patient with hereditary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy masked by superimposed pericarditis and revealed by autopsy. This case report illustrates how co-morbidity can hide a crucial diagnosis. This case report also illustrates the value of autopsy disclosing a familial disease that is increasingly recognized and dramatically more treatable than a few decades ago. Sudden death due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has become preventable, if the diagnosis is made soon enough. The lessons for patient care from this case include the importance of not missing the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in female patients.
Effect of blood pressure control in early pregnancy and clinical outcomes in African American women with chronic hypertension.

Abstract Objective Chronic hypertension (cHTN) affects 3–5% of all pregnancies and is twice as prevalent in African American (AA) women. AA women develop more severe HTN at an earlier onset and have higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Blood pressure control during pregnancy is controversial. Study Design. This retrospective cohort included AA women with cHTN and singleton pregnancies delivering between January 2013 and December 2016. Patients were classified as not receiving antihypertensives in the first 20 weeks (Group A), on antihypertensives in the first 20 weeks but with an average BP Results Of the 198 patients included, 68 received at least one AHT before 20 weeks including 45 patients with average BP Conclusions Among AA women with cHTN, use of antihypertensives prior to 20 weeks and lower antenatal BP was associated with a decreased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Predictors of successful randomized phase III studies in the treatment metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis.

e17105Background: The success of randomized phase III therapeutic trials (RP3TT) to reach their primary endpoint is critical given the enormous resources required to conduct such studies. In an era...
Ibalizumab: The First Monoclonal Antibody for the Treatment of HIV-1 Infection.

Objective:To review the efficacy and safety of ibalizumab (IBA) in the treatment of HIV-1 infection.Data Sources:A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar (2010 to mid-June ...
Grouper Tales: Use of Acoustic Telemetry to Evaluate Grouper Movements at Western Dry Rocks in the Florida Keys

The Western Dry Rocks (WDR) area off Key West, Florida, is an open fishing area that contains a multispecies fish spawning aggregation site, but grouper spawning there has yet to be confirmed. The movements of 18 adult and subadult grouper at WDR were tracked using acoustic telemetry to determine how this area is used by grouper species and whether it contains a grouper spawning aggregation site. Tagged fish consisted of 10 Black Grouper Mycteroperca bonaci, 5 Nassau Grouper Epinephelus striatus, 2 Gag M. microlepis, and 1 Yellowfin Grouper M. venenosa. Overall, tagged grouper were more likely to be present in the WDR array during winter spawning months, with species‐specific seasonal differences. Our results indicated that grouper presence increased during spawning months, although some adults and subadults were present year‐round. Grouper made more movements per day during non‐spawning months compared to spawning months, although the north side of WDR was the most heavily used area, regardless of the time of year. Additionally, spatial graphs of grouper movement suggested that different grouper species utilized different areas of WDR. Increased presence of grouper during spawning months suggests that the WDR area may contain a grouper spawning aggregation site, which would mean that fish species aggregate to spawn at this location year‐round. The success of the Florida Keys fisheries critically depends on the protection of multispecies spawning aggregations like that potentially contained at WDR.
Research on Personal Credit Evaluation of Internet Finance Based on Blockchain and Decision Tree Algorithm

With the development of Internet finance, existing financial platforms have gradually formed a large-scale, dynamic operating environment. How to ensure information security and realize personal credit evaluation is an urgent problem to be solved in the development of Internet financial platforms. The rise of blockchain technology has provided new solutions for the management of Internet financial platforms and information security. In view of the shortcomings of the current Internet financial credit evaluation, this article discusses the key standards of personal credit evaluation. With the help of blockchain, decision tree, and other technologies, this paper designs the credit evaluation process and establishes personal credit evaluation technology. Experiments and analyses show that this technology can effectively improve the transparency of personal credit information in Internet finance. This technology is used to study credit risk assessment factors and provide new solutions for the intelligent transformation and upgrading of Internet finance.
Elevated atmospheric concentrations of CO2 increase endogenous immune function in a specialist herbivore

Animals rely on a balance of endogenous and exogenous sources of immunity to mitigate parasite attack. Understanding how environmental context affects that balance is increasingly urgent under rapid environmental change. In herbivores, immunity is determined, in part, by phytochemistry which is plastic in response to environmental conditions. Monarch butterflies Danaus plexippus, consistently experience infection by a virulent parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, and some medicinal milkweed (Asclepias) species, with high concentrations of toxic steroids (cardenolides), provide a potent source of exogenous immunity. We investigated plant-mediated influences of elevated CO2 (eCO2 ) on endogenous immune responses of monarch larvae to infection by O. elektroscirrha. Recently, transcriptomics have revealed that infection by O. elektroscirrha does not alter monarch immune gene regulation in larvae, corroborating that monarchs rely more on exogenous than endogenous immunity. However, monarchs feeding on medicinal milkweed grown under eCO2 lose tolerance to the parasite, associated with changes in phytochemistry. Whether changes in milkweed phytochemistry induced by eCO2 alter the balance between exogenous and endogenous sources of immunity remains unknown. We fed monarchs two species of milkweed; A. curassavica (medicinal) and A. incarnata (non-medicinal) grown under ambient CO2 (aCO2 ) or eCO2 . We then measured endogenous immune responses (phenoloxidase activity, haemocyte concentration and melanization strength), along with foliar chemistry, to assess mechanisms of monarch immunity under future atmospheric conditions. The melanization response of late-instar larvae was reduced on medicinal milkweed in comparison to non-medicinal milkweed. Moreover, the endogenous immune responses of early-instar larvae to infection by O. elektroscirrha were generally lower in larvae reared on foliage from aCO2 plants and higher in larvae reared on foliage from eCO2 plants. When grown under eCO2 , milkweed plants exhibited lower cardenolide concentrations, lower phytochemical diversity and lower nutritional quality (higher C:N ratios). Together, these results suggest that the loss of exogenous immunity from foliage under eCO2 results in increased endogenous immune function. Animal populations face multiple threats induced by anthropogenic environmental change. Our results suggest that shifts in the balance between exogenous and endogenous sources of immunity to parasite attack may represent an underappreciated consequence of environmental change.
Tailoring double-negative metamaterial responses to achieve anomalous propagation effects along microstrip transmission lines

The design of a double-negative metamaterial loaded microstrip transmission line (DNG MTM-TL) to tailor the propagation characteristics at S- and C-band frequencies is presented. Guided-wave propagation along this DNG MTM-TL was studied numerically. The scattering parameters of the DNG MTM-TL were obtained with Ansoft's High Frequency Structure Simulator. A two-port network realization of the DNG MTM-TL is established. The effective permittivity and permeability for the DNG MTM-TL is extracted using this two-port network representation. It is shown that both a negative permittivity and a negative permeability and, hence, a negative index of refraction exist in the design frequency range. These material parameters are dispersive and conform to a two-time derivative Lorentz material model type of resonance behavior. This form of the index of refraction may be very suitable for applications dealing with phase and dispersion compensation along a microstrip transmission line.
Impact of RACM2, Halogen Chemistry, and Updated Ozone Deposition Velocity on Hemispheric Ozone Predictions

We incorporate the Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanism (RACM2) into the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) hemispheric model and compare model predictions to those obtained using the existing Carbon Bond chemical mechanism with the updated toluene chemistry (CB05TU). The RACM2 enhances monthly mean ozone by 2–10 ppbv in polluted areas compared to the CB05TU while reducing mean ozone by 2–6 ppbv in remote areas. We develop an effective halogen reaction that can consume ozone over the gulfs and oceans. The current CMAQ model uses substantially lower ozone deposition velocity over water compared to observed data. We modify the CMAQ deposition velocity to account for the enhanced deposition due to chemical interactions between ozone and oceanic iodide. The effective halogen reaction and enhanced deposition velocity reduce monthly mean ozone by 2–8 ppbv over water. The majority of the reduction occurs via the halogen reaction. A comparison of model predictions with available observed profile reveals that the RACM2 over-predicts surface ozone in polluted areas while improving the comparison in remote areas. Model predictions with the halogen chemistry and enhanced deposition velocity compare better with the observed data.