cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Pseudoflow Algorithm: A New Algorithm for the Maximum-Flow Problem

We introduce the pseudoflow algorithm for the maximum-flow problem that employs only pseudoflows and does not generate flows explicitly. The algorithm solves directly a problem equivalent to the minimum-cut problem---the maximum blocking-cut problem. Once the maximum blocking-cut solution is available, the additional complexity required to find the respective maximum-flow is O(m log n). A variant of the algorithm is a new parametric maximum-flow algorithm generating all breakpoints in the same complexity required to solve the constant capacities maximum-flow problem. The pseudoflow algorithm has also a simplex variant, pseudoflow-simplex, that can be implemented to solve the maximum-flow problem. One feature of the pseudoflow algorithm is that it can initialize with any pseudoflow. This feature allows it to reach an optimal solution quickly when the initial pseudoflow is “close” to an optimal solution. The complexities of the pseudoflow algorithm, the pseudoflow-simplex, and the parametric variants of pseudoflow and pseudoflow-simplex algorithms are all O(mn log n) on a graph with n nodes and m arcs. Therefore, the pseudoflow-simplex algorithm is the fastest simplex algorithm known for the parametric maximum-flow problem. The pseudoflow algorithm is also shown to solve the maximum-flow problem on s, t-tree networks in linear time, where s, t-tree networks are formed by joining a forest of capacitated arcs, with nodes s and t adjacent to any subset of the nodes.
When do optic disc edema and peripheral neuropathy constitute poetry

A patient with chronic, bilateral optic disc edema developed multiple systemic manifestations of POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes). A serum immunoelectrophoresis showed an abnormal serum IgG lambda protein, and urine immunoelectrophoresis revealed a monoclonal lambda protein plus an IgG lambda fragment. Bone survey and MRI scan revealed a sclerotic lesion of the first lumbar vertebra, and lymph node biopsy showed changes consistent with Castleman's disease. Thus, his optic disc edema was the presenting feature of the POEMS syndrome and osteosclerotic myeloma.
Elimination of polyimide stress buffer on integrated circuits using advanced packaging materials

Polyimide is typically used as the final layer in silicon technology process integration. Its primary purpose is to protect the topside structures and relieve the interface of stresses introduced during and after encapsulation. However, developments in mold compound technology as well as in wafer fabrication techniques have caused the industry to re-evaluate the need for a polyimide stress buffer. Mold compound fillers have become finer and more spherical, reducing particulate pressure loading from the fillers on the die top surface. Additionally, the use of CMP in wafer fabrication reduces topographical variations, which result in less stress points on the die surface., This paper presents the evaluations that were conducted to assess the continued use of polyimide, and the effort made to eliminate if from some microelectronic packages. Moisture characterization data for several MAPBGA packages are included and package performance without polyimide is assessed. It was concluded that the removal of polyimide from these devices does not significantly affect the yields, but more work needs to be done to realize the limitations.
Impact of transplantation on quality of life in patients with diabetes and renal dysfunction.

Background Simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplant (SPK) is an effective therapy that enables people with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and renal failure to maintain a more normal lifestyle, without the burdens of dialysis and insulin therapy. However, SPK has been viewed as a higher cost and higher risk procedure than kidney transplant, and it is unclear if SPK offers better health and quality of life (QOL) outcomes than insulin therapy plus kidney transplant alone (KTA). The purpose of this study is to determine which procedure affords better health and QOL outcomes. Methods This is a prospective observational study with assessments at pretransplant and 1 and 3 years posttransplant. Patients with IDDM and renal dysfunction who received either SPK or KTA from August 1990 to September 1993 at a university transplant center were enrolled. A convenience sample of patients with IDDM and complications not seeking transplants were enrolled during the same time interval. The main outcome measures were the SF-36 Short Form Health Survey and a Satisfaction with Diabetes Therapy Scale. Results Most health status and QOL measures improved from baseline values within each transplant group. After adjustment for diabetes severity and other baseline variables, year 3 follow-up scores of the SPK cohort were better than those of the KTA cohort for several SF-36 scales: physical functioning (P=0.038); bodily pain (P=0.047), general health (P=0.014), and the physical component summary (P=0.003). SPK recipients also reported greater satisfaction with diabetes therapy (P=0.014) and perceived more benefits to secondary complications. The KTA patients, however, had higher adjusted scores for the role-emotional subscale (P=.037) and the mental component summary (P=.037). By year 3, the SPK cohort is at the 30th and 51st percentiles of the general adult US population in self-reported physical and mental health; the KTA cohort is at the 10th and 73rd percentile. Conclusions At follow-up, both SPK and KTA patients report better health and quality of life but SPK patients report greater improvements than KTA patients in physical health and in areas that are diabetes specific. Although the improved physical outcomes of SPK patients are consistent with perceived benefits to secondary complications, the mental health differences cannot be explained by the study data and warrant further study.
Inferior vena cava interruption with the hunter-sessions balloon: Eighteen years' experience in 191 cases

Abstract Over a period of 18 years, 191 consecutive patients had interruption of the inferior vena cava with the Hunter-Sessions balloon for complications of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Causes of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism included the postoperative state (33%), cancer (32%), and stroke (11%). There were 93 females and 98 males; ages ranged from 17 to 90 years (average, 57 years). Indications for placement of the Hunter-Sessions balloon were as follows: contraindication to anticoagulants (33%), anticoagulant complications (24%), pulmonary embolism despite anticoagulants (45%), and others including inferior vena cava thrombus (12%). Sixty-eight percent had clinical phlebitis and 36% had positive venography results. Pulmonary embolism had occurred in 165 patients (86%). It was diagnosed by ventilation-perfusion scanning (75%), angiography (23%), or on clinical grounds (2%) in patients with confirmed deep venous thrombosis. At the time of the procedure 52% were in significant cardiopulmonary distress, and 10% were intubated and on respirators. Transjugular placement was done in 188 patients, and transfemoral placement was performed in three. All tolerated inferior vena cava interruption. Thirty patients (15%) died while in the hospital an average of 21 days after balloon placement, which was unrelated to the deaths. Followup was 45 months. Ninety-four patients are dead, 95 are alive, and the status of two patients is unknown. Twenty-nine of 64 patients (45%) who died after they left the hospital died of cancer. At last follow-up, 75% of patients had legs free of edema and 25% had need for elastic stockings. No malfunction or migration has occurred with the device. No patient had a pulmonary embolism while in the hospital after insertion of the Hunter-Sessions balloon, and no patient died of pulmonary embolism. Late minor pulmonary embolism occurred in three patients. (J Vasc Surg 1989;10:450–6.)
Behavioral Activation in Rats Requires Endogenous Ascorbate Release in Striatum

Ascorbate (vitamin C) is found in high concentrations in the striatum in which it may play a role in behavioral activation. To test this hypothesis, freely behaving rats received bilateral intrastriatal infusions of ascorbate oxidase (AAO) to inactivate extracellular ascorbate. Slow-scan voltammetry was used simultaneously to assess changes in ascorbate and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), a major dopamine metabolite, near the infusion site. Intrastriatal AAO, but not saline vehicle, caused a rapid decline in both ascorbate and behavioral activation. Within 20 min, an ascorbate loss of 50-70% led to a near-total inhibition of all recorded behavior, including open-field locomotion, approach of novel objects, and social interactions with other rats. DOPAC levels remained stable, arguing against an AAO-induced disruption of dopamine transmission. Consistent with this interpretation, subsequent injection of 1.0 mg/kg d-amphetamine, an indirect dopamine agonist, quickly restored behavioral activation, which also was accompanied by a marked rise in extracellular ascorbate. Bilateral AAO infusions into dorsal hippocampus, which also has a high level of extracellular ascorbate, failed to alter behavioral activation, indicating that a loss of brain ascorbate per se does not suppress behavior. Collectively, these results implicate ascorbate in the behavioral operations of the striatum and suggest that the extracellular level of this vitamin plays a critical role in behavioral activation.
Appendiceal carcinoids in children--management and outcomes.

Abstract Background Appendiceal carcinoid tumors are very rare in children, and management has been guided by adult presentations and outcomes. Here, we present our experience with pediatric appendiceal carcinoid tumors. Methods We undertook a retrospective review of all cases of appendiceal carcinoids in children over a 20-y period. Data regarding clinical presentation, diagnosis, pathology, follow-up, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results We identified 13 cases of appendiceal carcinoids. All cases were diagnosed after appendectomy for presumed appendicitis (nine acute and four interval;), with no patient having carcinoid syndrome. Mean age at diagnosis was 13.7 y, and all but one case was female. Tumor size ranged from microscopic foci of tumor cells to 2.1 cm (mean, 0.93 cm). Seven cases had invasion of the mesoappendix, three of which underwent a subsequent right hemicolectomy. The patient with the largest tumor (2.1 cm) had evidence of lymphatic invasion with three nodes positive for tumor after right colectomy. No patient had elevation of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid or serum chromogranin A, and surveillance computed tomographic scans did not reveal any liver metastases. Conclusions This is a relatively large series of carcinoids of the appendix in children. We found no evidence of carcinoid syndrome or metastatic disease in these cases other than lymphatic. The need for a secondary colectomy is perhaps questionable.
Some Probabilities Deriving from Dairy Sire Evaluation Models

Abstract Probabilities were illustrated for two models in dairy sire evaluation. The production information on the daughters of each sire was assumed to be summarized into a proof by selection index principles. The proof ( P ) and the true daughter average ( U ) (i.e., the average production for an infinitely large number of daughters on each sire) was assumed to have a bivariate normal distribution. The probabilities illustrated for a population of sires were the probability a) that transmitting ability exceeds the breed average, b) of correctly ranking a pair of sires, c) of correctly ranking two groups of sires, and d) that a random cow will have a record exceeding her expected herdmate average. Theoretical probabilities can be expected to differ from proportions observed in practice in relation to the applicability of the model providing the probabilities.
Texture changes in the hcp → bcc → hcp transformation of zirconium studied in situ by neutron diffraction

The crystallographic texture of hot-rolled polycrystalline zirconium has been studied below and above the hcp–bcc transition temperature with HIPPO, the new time-of-flight neutron diffractometer at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center, making use of the multidetector capabilities and a vacuum furnace. Incomplete pole figures were extracted from diffraction spectra to determine the orientation distribution function and recalculate complete pole figures in situ at various temperatures. The texture analysis reveals that the orientation of grains in the new high-temperature (bcc) phase is related to the texture of the low-temperature (hcp) phase by Burgers relation, but with both an orientation selection and a symmetry variant selection. The cubic transformation texture is best explained if we assume preferential nucleation of the bcc phase in the hcp grain orientations that are most subject to mechanical twinning. After cooling, the new hcp texture closely resembles the original texture. Thermal cycling repeats this process with slight strengthening of the texture. The hexagonal transformation texture (after cooling) may be caused by nucleation and growth of untransformed domains or through variant selection by stresses imposed by neighboring grains.
Designing Combinational Logic Circuits

This chapter contains sections titled: General Concepts Prime Implicants Karnaugh Maps and Their Use in Finding Minimal-Sum Expressions Quine-McCluskey Method for Finding Minimal SOP Expressions Simplification of Multi-output Logic Unate Functions��-��An Interesting Special Case Multistage Logic, Fanin, Fanout Designing Pass-Transistor Circuits Fault Detection in Combinational Logic Overview and Summary Sources Problems ]]>
Cost-of-Capital Exercises

These cost-of-capital exercises stress the weighted-average cost of capital, beginning with a simple capital structure and extending to a company with a complete balance sheet, including four separate debt issues. The problems demand that several different estimates of cost of equity be computed using the CAPM, earnings capitalization, and the dividend-growth model.
Reliability as a factor in small community air passenger choice

Small community airports are at a constant struggle to retain commercial air service. This study supports previous research that airfare cost and travel time are important in air travel choice, but it also concluded that reliability of service is a factor for small community residents. These results were supported by anecdotal data from published sources, as well as both quantitative and qualitative responses from an extensive community survey. It is argued that perceived reliability be considered as an important factor in future research and small commercial airport operations.
d0 Metal Olefin Complexes. Synthesis, Structures, and Dynamic Properties of (C5R5)2Zr(OCMe2CH2CH2CHCH2)+ Complexes: Models for the Elusive (C5R5)2Zr(R)(Olefin)+ Intermediates in Metallocene-Based Olefin Polymerization Catalysis

To model the Zr−olefin interaction in the as-yet unobserved (C5R5)2Zr(R)(olefin)+ intermediates in (C5R5)2Zr(R)+-catalyzed olefin polymerization, the coordination of the tethered vinyl group in (C5R5)2Zr(OCMe2(CH2)nCHCH2)+ species has been investigated. The reaction of (C5H5)2Zr(OCMe2CH2CH2CHCH2)(Me) with B(C6F5)3 or [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] yields the chelated olefin complex (C5H5)2Zr(OCMe2CH2CH2CHCH2)+ as the MeB(C6F5)3- (12a) or B(C6F5)4- (12b) salts. In contrast, the reaction of (C5H5)2Zr(OCMe2CH2CHCH2)(Me) with B(C6F5)3 in CD2Cl2 yields the MeB(C6F5)3- adduct (C5H5)2Zr(+)(OCMe2CH2CHCH2)(μ-Me)B(-)(C6F5)3. The reaction of (C5H5)2Zr(OCMe2CH2CH2CH2CHCH2)(Me) with B(C6F5)3 yields a 1.2/1 mixture (at −90 °C) of the chelated olefin complex (C5H5)2Zr(OCMe2CH2CH2CH2CHCH2)+ and the MeB(C6F5)3- adduct (C5H5)2Zr(+)(OCMe2CH2CH2CHCH2)(μ-Me)B(-)(C6F5)3‘. The reaction of rac-(EBI)Zr(OCMe2CH2CH2CHCH2)(Me) (EBI = ethylene-1,2-bis(1-indenyl)) with B(C6F5)3 or [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] yields the chelated olefin complex rac-(EBI)Zr(OCMe...
Clothing Makes the Man: Impression Management and Prisoner Reentry

Building on the wealth of prisoner reentry scholarship focusing on the process of transitioning home, this article examines clothing and reentry, and the complex interplay of how clothing has meani...
Inhibition of Vaccine Responses by Maternal Antibodies

Asi sonrasi serokonversiyonun maternal antikorlarla inhibisyonu insan ve veteriner hekimliginde siklikla gozlenen bir olaydir. Bu tip antikor etkilesiminin en iyi dokumante edilmis orneklerinden biri kizamik asilamasidir. Biz kizamik virus patogenezinde, beyaz fare (cotton rat, Sigmodon hispidus) modeli kullanarak maternal antikorlarin hedeflenen yeterli immun (B hucre kaynakli) yanitini onleyen bir mekanizmayi kullandigini saptadik. Maternal antikorlar, B hucre reseptor (BCR) ile FcγIIB reseptoru (CD32)’nin karsilikli baglantisini etkileyerek B hucre yanitlarini baskilar. CD32 T hucrelerinde eksprese edilmez, bu durum maternal antikorlarin asi sonrasi T hucre yanitlarinin genellikle saptanabilir olmasina ragmen nicin secici olarak B hucre yanitlarini baskiladigini aciklar. B hucreleri BCR ve kompleman reseptor 2 (CR2) karsilikli baglantisinin, IgM, asi ve C3d kompleman proteini kompleksi yoluyla uyarilabilir. Cocuklarda basarili bir primer asilama sirasinda hem IgG hem de IgM antikorlari gelisir, bu durum inhibitor etki gosterecek olan maternal antikorlu cocuklarda IgG duzeylerine ragmen 2. asilama ile yeterli B hucre yanitlarinin olusturuldugunu aciklar. Asi gelistirilmesi icin, maternal antikor varliginda, B hucre yuzeyindeki 2 reseptoru (interferon reseptoru ve CD21) aktive ettigi icin tip I interferon yoluyla B hucre yanitlarinin uyarilmis olmasi gerektigini akilda tutmak onemlidir ve bu bulgular maternal antikor varliginda asilama icin tip I interferonu uyaran adjuvanlarin gerektigini gosterir. Maternal antikor varliginda cocuklar koruyucu T hucre yanitini uyaran asilarla asilanabilirler. Halen maternal antikor varliginda koruyucu B hucre yanitini uyarmanin tek klinik cozumu bu cocuklar mukerrer asilamaktir. (J Pediatr Inf 2013; 7: 157-61) Anahtar kelimeler: Maternal antikorlar, kizamik virusu, B hucre yaniti, tip I interferon, beyaz fare (cotton rat). Abstract
Coaxial Microincision Cataract Surgery Utilizing Non-Linear Ultrasonic Power: An Alternative to Bimanual Microincision Cataract Surgery

Torsional phacoemulsification is a more efficient use of ultrasound than longitudinal phacoemulsification Followability of nuclear material is improved with torsional ultrasound Torsional phacoemulsification combined with less compliant tubing allows surgeons to use more conservative fluidic settings, lessening the potential for complications Torsional phacoemulsification allows for microi-ncisonal surgery (2.3–2.4 mm) through which currently available IOLs can be placed Microincisions of 2.2 mm produce negligible surgically induced astigmatism
Temporal tuning of word-and face-selective cortex

Sensitivity to temporal change places fundamental limits on object processing in the visual system. An emerging consensus from the behavioral and neuroimaging literature suggests that temporal resolution differs substantially for stimuli of different complexity and for brain areas at different levels of the cortical hierarchy. Here, we used steady-state visually evoked potentials to directly measure three fundamental parameters that characterize the underlying neural response to text and face images: temporal resolution, peak temporal frequency, and response latency. We presented full-screen images of text or a human face, alternated with a scrambled image, at temporal frequencies between 1 and 12 Hz. These images elicited a robust response at the first harmonic that showed differential tuning, scalp topography, and delay for the text and face images. Face-selective responses were maximal at 4 Hz, but text-selective responses, by contrast, were maximal at 1 Hz. The topography of the text image response was strongly left-lateralized at higher stimulation rates, whereas the response to the face image was slightly right-lateralized but nearly bilateral at all frequencies. Both text and face images elicited steady-state activity at more than one apparent latency; we observed early 141-160 msec and late >250 msec text-and face-selective responses. These differences in temporal tuning profiles are likely to reflect differences in the nature of the computations performed by word-and face-selective cortex. Despite the close proximity of word-and face-selective regions on the cortical surface, our measurements demonstrate substantial differences in the temporal dynamics of word-versus face-selective responses.
Debate over Legitimacy

Legitimacy is one of the most frequently used and misused concepts in political science. Legitimacy usually enters the analytical picture when it is missing or deficient.1 Legitimacy can roughly be understood as the right to govern — that one ought to have the authority to get things done. It can be considered metaphorically equivalent to a reservoir of water: as long it stays at a certain level, it can be maintained, but if it falls below a certain level, there is the risk that all will be lost.2 Max Weber believes that every such system attempts to establish and to cultivate the belief in “legitimacy.”3 In China’s case, Tong Yanqi contends that no country concerns regime legitimacy more than China does and no country has removed illegitimate regimes more times than China has.4 Elizabeth Perry and Mark Selden argue that Chinese history boasts a record of resistance and rebellion second to none.5 Guo Baogang, a Chinese American political scientist, states that the enduring question in political development in China today is no different from what was sought after throughout Chinese history, namely, the constant search for political legitimacy.6
The Drosophila postsynaptic DEG/ENaC channel ppk29 contributes to excitatory neurotransmission

The protein family of degenerin/epithelial sodium channels (DEG/ENaCs) is composed of diverse animal-specific, non-voltage-gated ion channels that play important roles in regulating cationic gradients across epithelial barriers. Some family members are also enriched in neural tissues in both vertebrates and invertebrates. However, the specific neurophysiological functions of most DEG/ENaC-encoding genes remain poorly understood. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model for deciphering the functions of DEG/ENaC genes because its genome encodes an exceptionally large number of DEG/ENaC subunits termed pickpocket (ppk) 1-31 Here we demonstrate that ppk29 contributes specifically to the postsynaptic modulation of excitatory synaptic transmission at the larval neuromuscular junction. Electrophysiological data indicate that the function of ppk29 in muscle is necessary for normal postsynaptic responsivity to neurotransmitter release and for normal coordinated larval movement. The ppk29 mutation does not affect gross synaptic morphology and ultrastructure, which indicates that the observed phenotypes are likely due to defects in glutamate receptor function. Together, our data indicate that DEG/ENaC ion channels play a fundamental role in the postsynaptic regulation of excitatory neurotransmission.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Members of the degenerin/epithelial sodium channel (DEG/ENaC) family are broadly expressed in epithelial and neuronal tissues. To date, the neurophysiological functions of most family members remain unknown. Here, by using the power of Drosophila genetics in combination with electrophysiological and behavioral approaches, we demonstrate that the DEG/ENaC-encoding gene pickpocket 29 contributes to baseline neurotransmission, possibly via the modulation of postsynaptic glutamate receptor functionality.
Parallel Transport of a Vector on a Surface

In this chapter, we describe a particular way of moving a vector along a given curve on a surface. It provides an especially revealing means of exploring the non-Euclideanness of the surface.
Transition to Territoriality Without Plunder: A $725 Billion Tax

In this article, Johnson argues that the expected present value of tax on foreign subsidiary income is $725 billion. If Congress moves to exemption for the future, it needs to collect $725 billion now on past earnings. Anything less than that would be plunder.
The Role of the Endocannabinoid System and Genetic Variation in Adolescent Brain Development

During adolescence, both rodent and human studies have revealed dynamic changes in the developmental trajectories of corticolimbic structures, which are known to contribute to the regulation of fear and anxiety-related behaviors. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system critically regulates stress responsivity and anxiety throughout the life span. Emerging evidence suggests that during adolescence, changes in eCB signaling contribute to the maturation of local and corticolimbic circuit populations of neurons, such as mediating the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission within the prefrontal cortex. This function of the eCB system facilitates efficient communication within and between brain regions and serves a central role in establishing complex and adaptive cognitive and behavioral processing. Although these peri-adolescent changes in eCB signaling promote brain development and plasticity, they also render this period a particularly sensitive one for environmental perturbations to these normative fluctuations in eCB signaling, such as stress, potentially leading to altered developmental trajectories of neural circuits governing emotional behaviors. In this review, we focus on the role of eCB signaling on the regulation of stress and anxiety-related behaviors both during and after adolescence. Moreover, we discuss the functional implications of human genetic variation in the eCB system for the risk for anxiety and consequences of stress across development and into adulthood.
Evaluation and failure analysis of linseed oil encapsulated self-healing anticorrosive coating

Abstract In this study, a linseed oil encapsulated self-healing coating was developed by incorporating 10 wt% synthesized microcapsules into an epoxy-polyamine coating matrix. The linseed oil encapsulated polyurea-formaldehyde (PUF) microcapsules had ∼80 wt% core content with ∼80 um diameter. The influence of embedded microcapsules on the anticorrosive property of the self-healing coating had been studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The intact self-healing coating exhibited excellent anticorrosive property as the intact pure epoxy coating, although the addition of microcapsules into the epoxy matrix resulted in a higher water-uptake. The scratched self-healing coating showed excellent healing ability and corrosion inhibition function for microcracks, but it still cannot recover the barrier property as good as the intact coating. The failure of the scratched self-healing coating had been analyzed and the possible reason may be the formation of conductive pathways at the interface between the linseed oil film and the epoxy matrix and/or PUF microcapsule shell.
Novel Hybrid-Cast Approach to Reduce Bandwidth and Latency for Cloud-Based Virtual Space

In this article, we explore the possibility of enabling cloud-based virtual space applications for better computational scalability and easy access from any end device, including future lightweight wireless head-mounted displays. In particular, we investigate virtual space applications such as virtual classroom and virtual gallery, in which the scenes and activities are rendered in the cloud, with multiple views captured and streamed to each end device. A key challenge is the high bandwidth requirement to stream all the user views, leading to high operational cost and potential large delay in a bandwidth-restricted wireless network. We propose a novel hybrid-cast approach to save bandwidth in a multi-user streaming scenario. We identify and broadcast the common pixels shared by multiple users, while unicasting the residual pixels for each user. We formulate the problem of minimizing the total bitrate needed to transmit the user views using hybrid-casting and describe our approach. A common view extraction approach and a smart grouping algorithm are proposed and developed to achieve our hybrid-cast approach. Simulation results show that the hybrid-cast approach can significantly reduce total bitrate by up to 55% and avoid congestion-related latency, compared to traditional cloud-based approach of transmitting all the views as individual unicast streams, hence addressing the bandwidth challenges of the cloud, with additional benefits in cost and delay.
Building better cancer vaccines: researchers on the Baylor Dallas campus are using diverse approaches to optimize immune response

According to Jacques Banchereau, PhD, director of Baylor Institute for Immunology Research (BIIR), the field of cancer vaccines is in a renaissance mode. Researchers at Baylor Dallas are exploring multiple strategies to overcome the difficulties involved in constructing therapeutic vaccines against various types of cancer. Dendritic cells, the primary antigen-presenting cells central to the cellular immune response, are being grown and manipulated in the laboratory for use as vaccines against cancer. Innovative molecular biology techniques are being used to unravel immune alterations in cancer as well as identify biomarkers of clinical efficacy. Modern approaches are being used to stimulate the immune response and to reduce or eliminate naturally occurring immune suppressive factors. And recombinant off-shelf vaccines based on tumor-specific antigens grown in plants are being tested in multi-institutional clinical trials.
Function of the mammalian La protein: evidence for its action in transcription termination by RNA polymerase III.

Abstract We have tested the hypothesis that the mammalian La protein, which appears to be required for accurate and efficient RNA polymerase III transcription, is a transcription termination factor. Our data suggest that 3' foreshortened transcripts generated in La's absence are components of a novel transcription intermediate containing a paused polymerase. These transcripts are produced by fractionated transcription complexes, are synthesized with kinetics different from full-length transcripts, and are chasable to completion from the stalled transcription complexes. Together, these findings argue that termination by RNA polymerase III requires auxilliary factor(s) and implicate La as such a factor. Since La appears to facilitate transcript completion and release and also binds the resulting RNA product, it may be a regulator of RNA polymerase III transcription.
Latest advances in diagnosing and predicting DILI: what was new in 2017?

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) remains an increasingly recognized cause of hepatotoxicity and liver failure worldwide. In 2017, we continued to learn about predicting, diagn...
Predictive modeling of microstructure evolution within multi-phase steels during rolling processes

Abstract Recently, severe plastic deformation induced microstructure evolution has been studied through extensive experimental investigations for various materials with multiple phases during rolling processes. In this study, a dislocation density-based numerical approach is combined with strain-induced phase transformation kinetics to investigate the gain size change within steels consisting of different phases. The microstructure evolution caused by plastic deformation during rolling processes is modeled by finite element formulation with a dislocation density-based model and strain-induced transformation subroutines. The validity of the numerical solutions is evaluated through simulations of cold rolling processes of steels at different rolling strains and comparison with experimental results. It is shown that the microstructure evolution of different phases during rolling processes is well captured by the proposed approach. The predicted mechanical behavior of the rolled steels exhibits a good agreement with the experimental results under tensile loadings.
Spectrochemical mapping using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy as a more objective approach to shooting distance determination

Abstract This study proposes the application of Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as a novel and practical method to detect gunshot residues around bullet holes and to estimate shooting distances in firearm-related criminal events. Clothing samples fired at different distance intervals were analyzed by LIBS, and the spectral data collected from these experiments were used to construct 2D elemental maps. Spatial distributions of inorganic gunshot residues (IGSR), such as lead, barium, and antimony, were used to classify the shooting distance range. Seventy-three cotton textiles of different color and fabric patterns were shot using a 9 mm pistol and a Rossi revolver with different ammunition. Forty-five of the fabrics were shot at known distances to create a control training set, while the remaining twenty-eight samples were used as blind items, of unknown distances to the examiner, to test the accuracy of the method. The performance of the LIBS method was compared to visual and colorimetric tests currently used by crime laboratories. Results show that LIBS offers superior sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility, and accuracy compared to color tests. Unlike the conventional assays, LIBS produces permanent chemical images that allow objective statistical treatment of the data. Principal Component Analysis and Discriminant Analysis of LIBS data resulted in 100% correct classification of the shooting distance ranges, while color tests resulted in 78.6% correct classification, 3.6% misclassification, and 17.8% inconclusive results. The LIBS method offered improvements over conventional tests such as simplicity, versatility, and reliability. First, the technique is virtually reagent-free, does not require sample preparation and the micro-beam can be scanned across a target in a matter of minutes. Second, the ablation platform can accommodate diverse substrates, and the laser settings can be controlled to offer different solutions, from ultra-fast screening for the identification of IGSR on bullet entrance holes to detailed chemical mappings for shooting distance determinations. Finally, LIBS affords a more reliable and objective presentation of the scientific results in the courtroom. The incorporation of LIBS in forensic laboratories will help to modernize current methodologies and increase the scientific validity of the detection of gunshot residues in crime scene reconstructions.
Hawaiian Islands Dry Forest

Abstract We present a status assessment of the Hawaiian islands dry forests, including the current status, stressors, and future viability. Dry forests generally have relatively low rainfall and are found on the leeward sides of the islands in lowland or in montane-subalpine zones. Historically, dry forests were located on all of the main Hawaiian islands and currently they are still found there. However, the quality of these forests is largely composed of a mix of native/nonnative vegetation. In addition to the native lowland and montane-subalpine dry forests that characterized dry forests historically, introduced dry forests and tree plantations are now classified as dry forests. Our assessment of dry forest viability, defined as the likelihood of persistence over the long term, is based on the conservation biology concepts of representation, redundancy, and resiliency. The main stressors to dry forests are invasive ungulates, plants, other herbivores, wildfires; drought; and agriculture and human development. Ongoing conservation efforts help to protect remnant patches of dry forests but this depends largely on combined efforts of various stakeholders. We developed four plausible future scenarios, each differing in levels of natural resource management, to evaluate the status of dry forests into the foreseeable future. Two of the scenarios, which are based on no change in conservation actions (Scenario One; status quo) and a slight increase in conservation actions (Scenario Two) have the highest likelihood of occurring in the foreseeable future while the other two, which are based on a slight to moderate decrease in conservation actions (Scenario Three) and a moderate to large increase in conservation actions (Scenario Four) do not. Scenario Three would severely degrade and fragment native dry forest and result in reduced resiliency, redundancy, and representation. In Scenario Four, the substantial improvements in restoration of native dry forests would result in increased resiliency, redundancy, and representation.
Improving the Transition of Intravenous to Enteral Antibiotics in Pediatric Patients with Pneumonia or Skin and Soft Tissue Infections.

BACKGROUND Despite national recommendations for early transition to enteral antimicrobials, practice variability has existed at our hospital. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to increase the proportion of enterally administered antibiotic doses for Pediatric Hospital Medicine patients aged >60 days admitted for uncomplicated community-acquired pneumonia or skin and soft tissue infections from 44% to 75% in eight months. METHODS This quality improvement study was conducted at a large, urban, academic children's hospital. The study population included Hospital Medicine patients aged >60 days with diagnoses of pneumonia or skin and soft tissue infections. Interventions included education on intravenous and enteral antibiotic charge differentials, documentation of transition plan, structured discussions of transition criteria, and real-time identification of failures with feedback. Our process measure was the total number of enteral antibiotic doses divided by all antibiotic doses in patients receiving enteral medications on the same day. An annotated statistical process control chart tracked the impact of interventions on the administration route of antibiotic doses over time. Additional outcome measures included antimicrobial costs per patient encounter using average wholesale prices and length of stay. RESULTS The percentage of enterally administered antibiotic doses increased from 44% to 80% within eight months. Antimicrobial costs per patient encounter and the associated standard deviation of costs for our target diagnoses decreased by 70% and 84%, respectively. Average length of stay did not change. CONCLUSIONS Standardized communication about criteria for transition from intravenous to enteral antibiotics can lead to earlier transitions for patients with pneumonia or skin and soft tissue infections, subsequently reducing costs and prescribing variability.
Effect of High-Intensity Exercise on Multiple Sclerosis Function and Phosphorous Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Outcomes

ABSTRACTPurposeWe determined if a high-intensity aerobic exercise program would be safe, improve expected fitness and clinical outcomes, and alter exploratory phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) outcomes in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).MethodsThis open-label prospective p
Inverse Bimetallic RuSn Catalyst for Selective Carboxylic Acid Reduction

Inverse bimetallic catalysts (IBCs), synthesized by sequential deposition of noble and oxophilic metals, offer potential reactivity enhancements to various reactions, including the reduction of car...
TEACHING ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION REVISITED: THE CHALLENGES OF TEACHING EFL IN NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES

Learning a new language is a challenging process. It requires learners to devote time and effort to communicate effectively in the target language. One of the main issues in teaching English is not having enough exposure to the language as it is spoken in the real world. That is a major reason why teaching English in a non-English speaking environment can be challenging. Students need to be exposed to native-like resources to develop their language skills. One of the most significant skills to develop is pronunciation. The present paper explores some of the teaching and learning strategies that can be used by foreign language teachers to improve their students’ pronunciation skills. Keywords: EFL, English pronunciation, authentic learning, English teaching. Article visualizations:
Time course determination of the effects of rapid and gradual cooling after acute hyperthermia on body temperature and intestinal integrity in pigs.

Rapid cooling after acute hyperthermia may cause a sustained increase in body temperature and exacerbate intestinal damage in pigs. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate the temporal effects of rapid and gradual cooling on body temperature response and intestinal integrity after acute hyperthermia in pigs. In three repetitions, 54 pigs [83.3 ± 6.7 kg initial body weight (BW)], balanced by sex were exposed to thermoneutral conditions for 6 h (TN; n = 6 pigs/repetition; 21.1 ± 2.0°C), or heat stress conditions (HS; 39.3 ± 1.6°C) for 3 h, followed by a 3 h recovery period of gradual cooling [HSGC; n = 6 pigs/repetition; gradual decrease from HS to TN conditions] or rapid cooling [HSRC; n = 6 pigs/repetition; rapid TN exposure and cold water (4.0°C) dousing every 30 min for 1.5 h]. Feed was withheld throughout the entire 6 h period, but water was provided ad libitum. Gastrointestinal (TGI) and rectal (TR) temperatures were recorded every 15 min during the HS and recovery periods. Six pigs per repetition (n = 2/treatment) were euthanized and jejunal and ileal samples were collected for histology immediately after (d 0), 2 d after, and 4 d after the recovery period. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4. Overall, rapid cooling reduced TR and TGI (P < 0.01; 0.95°C and 0.74°C, respectively) compared to gradual cooling. Jejunal villus height was reduced overall (P = 0.02; 14.01%) in HSGC compared to HSRC and TN pigs. Jejunal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio was reduced overall (P = 0.05; 16.76%) in HSGC compared to TN pigs. Ileal villus height was reduced overall (P < 0.01; 16.95%) in HSGC compared to HSRC and TN pigs. No other intestinal morphology differences were detected. In summary, HSRC did not cause a sustained increase in body temperature and did not negatively impact biomarkers of intestinal integrity in pigs.
Teachers in developing countries

Abstract This chapter reviews rigorous high-quality evaluations of teaching and teacher interventions in developing countries. Teachers can have large impacts on student learning in both developed and developing countries (see Azam & Kingdon, 2015, and the references therein). This review focuses on three main questions: (1) What teaching, teacher and pedagogical policies increase students' time spent in school, as measured by student enrollment, attendance, dropout rates and completed years of schooling? (2) What teaching, teacher and pedagogical policies and programs increase student learning as measured by test scores? and (3) What policies lead to improved teacher outcomes, such as teachers’ time in school, attitudes, and pedagogical practices?
Structure and reconstitution of a hydrolase complex that releases peptidoglycan from the membrane after polymerization

Bacteria are surrounded by a peptidoglycan cell wall that is essential for their survival. During cell wall assembly, a lipid-linked disaccharide-peptide precursor called Lipid II is polymerized and crosslinked to produce mature peptidoglycan. As Lipid II is polymerized, nascent polymers remain membrane-anchored at one end and the other end becomes crosslinked to the matrix. A longstanding question is how bacteria release newly synthesized peptidoglycan strands from the membrane to complete the synthesis of mature peptidoglycan. Here we show that a Staphylococcus aureus cell wall hydrolase and a membrane protein containing eight transmembrane helices form a complex that acts as a peptidoglycan release factor. The complex cleaves nascent peptidoglycan internally to produce free oligomers as well as lipid-linked oligomers that can undergo further elongation. The polytopic membrane protein, which is similar to a eukaryotic CAAX protease, controls the length of these products. A 2.6 A resolution structure of the complex shows that the membrane protein scaffolds the hydrolase to orient its active site for cleavage of the glycan strand. We propose that this complex serves to detach newly-synthesized peptidoglycan polymer from the cell membrane to complete integration into the cell wall matrix.
Innovative health care mobility services in the US

Transportation barriers prevent millions of people from accessing health care each year. Health policy innovations such as shared savings payment models (commonly used in accountable care organizations) present financial incentives for providers to offer patient transportation to medical care. Meanwhile, ridesourcing companies like Uber and Lyft have entered the market to capture a significant share of spending on non-emergency health care transportation. Our research examines the current landscape of innovative health care mobility services in the US. We conducted an environmental scan to identify case examples of utilization of ridesourcing technology to facilitate non-emergency health care transportation and developed a typology of innovative health care mobility services. The scan used a keyword-based search of news publications with inductive analysis. For each instance identified, we abstracted key information including: stakeholders, launch date, transportation provider, location/service area, payment/booking method, target population, level of service, and any documented outcomes. We discovered 53 cases of innovation and among them we identified three core types of innovation or collaboration. The first and most common type of innovation is when a health care provider leverages ridesourcing technology to book patient trips. This involves both established and nascent transportation companies tailoring the ridesourcing experience to the health care industry by adding HIPAA-compliance to the booking process. The second type of innovation involves an insurer or health plan formally partnering with a ridesourcing company to expand transportation offerings to beneficiaries or offer these services for the first time. The third type of innovation is when a paratransit provider partners with a ridesourcing company; these cases cite increased flexibility and reliability of ridesourcing services compared to traditional paratransit. Ridesourcing options are becoming a part of the mode choice set for patients through formal partnerships between ridesourcing companies, health care providers, insurers, and transit agencies. The on-demand nature of rides, booking flexibility, and integration of ride requests and payment options via electronic medical records appear to be the strongest drivers of this innovation.