cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Canny Edge Detection Implementations with Hadoop

Edge detection plays a large role in digital image processing; it allows for easier identification of objects within the image from a human perspective and also opens the door for automated object detection via machine learning. One of the common edge detection algorithms, developed by John F. Canny in 1986, is a multi-stage algorithm making use of gradients within the image to calculate potential edges. Hadoop is a Java library built on the MapReduce framework and was designed to be used for distributed processing of big data projects. We, instead, choose to adapt the Canny edge detection algorithm to run via Hadoop using two methods: a streaming Python implementation and a Java implementation to compare their run times and to determine whether or not using Hadoop for such a problem is desirable over the classic sequential implementation. In Sect. 1, we introduce edge detection, explaining what it is and why it is important. In Sect. 2, we explore Canny’s algorithm. In Sect. 3, we then explain our methodology of parallelizing the sequential code and the issues which arise during the process. In Sect. 4, we display the results of our implementations. In Sect. 5 we conclude with a possible explanation of why our code does not perform as well as we had anticipated; due to memory limitations of our specific Hadoop cluster, the implementations created do not perform well for processing typical images, but do allow for the processing of very large images. We also explore possibilities for future work.
The Santa Clara Ethics Scale

Ethics and ethical decision-making are important for well-functioning communities and societies, including college campuses. Yet, there are very few high quality, cost-effective, relevant, and easy-to-use assessment instruments currently available. This paper introduces the new Santa Clara Ethics Scale, a very brief no-cost questionnaire assessing general ethics. The 10-item scale was administered to 200 university students along with several other measures to assess convergent and divergent validity. Information regarding the validity and reliability of the scale along with test utility is presented. Implications for future research and use are discussed as well.
SLM-Transform: A Method for Memory-Efficient Indexing of Spectra for Database Search in LC-MS/MS Proteomics

Abstract The most commonly used strategy for peptide identification in shotgun LC-MS/MS proteomics involves searching of MS/MS data against an in-silico digested protein sequence database. Typically, the digested peptide sequences are indexed into the memory to allow faster search times. However, subjecting a database to post-translational modifications (PTMs) during digestion results in an exponential increase in the number of peptides and therefore memory consumption. This limits the usage of existing fragment-ion based open-search algorithms for databases with several PTMs. In this paper, we propose a novel fragment-ion indexing technique which is analogous to suffix array transformation and allows constant time querying of indexed ions. We extend our transformation method, called SLM-Transform, by constructing ion buckets that allow querying of all indexed ions by mass by only storing information on distribution of ion-frequencies within buckets. The stored information is used with a regression technique to locate the position of ions in constant time. Moreover, the number of theoretical b- and y-ions generated and indexed for each theoretical spectrum are limited. Our results show that SLM-Transform allows indexing of up to 4x peptides than other leading fragment-ion based database search tools within the same memory constraints. We show that SLM-Transform based index allows indexing of over 83 million peptides within 26GB RAM as compared to 80GB required by MSFragger. Finally, we show the constant ion retrieval time for SLM-Transform based index allowing ultrafast peptide search speeds. Source code will be made available at: https://github.com/pcdslab/slmindex
MEAT PRICING SYSTEMS

The retail meat supply chain is characterized by a constantly changing complex of product offerings. The price of a meat package plays a critical role in signaling how limited resources should be allocated both by the supplying industry and the consuming public. This article overviews the price discovery process and efficiency of meat pricing systems. Additional insights on changes underway, public policy issues of current discussion, and possible trends for meat pricing systems in the future are also presented.
Different Lung Nodule Detection Tasks at Different Dose Levels by Different Computed Tomography Image Reconstruction Strategies

Detecting clinically-significant lung nodules, a potential precursor of lung cancer, at as low as achievable radiation dose is demanded to minimize the stochastic radiation effects. This study aims to fulfill these goals by exploring optimal image reconstruction strategies and evaluating these strategies at multiple dose levels with prospective patient studies. Total 133 patients with a suspicious pulmonary nodule scheduled for biopsy, were recruited and data were acquired at 120kVp with three different dose levels of 100, 40 and 20mAs. Three reconstruction algorithms were implemented: analytical filtered back-projection (FBP) with optimal noise filtering; statistical Markov random field (MRF) model with optimal Huber weighting (MRF-H) for piecewise smooth reconstruction; and tissue-specific texture model (MRF-T) for texture preserved statistical reconstruction. Experienced thoracic radiologists reviewed and scored all images in a random fashion, blinded to the algorithms used for the reconstructions. Each nodule identified in the image volume was marked, (including the 133 biopsy target nodules and 28 other non-target nodules). A 10-point likert scale was used for all scoring to characterize the target nodule images. The score for FBP drops from 100 to 20mAs faster than MRF-H, who drops faster than MRF-T, as expected. All the plots drop faster from 100 to 40 than from 40 to 20mAs. For detection of both the target nodules and the non-target nodules some as small as 3mm, MRF-T at 40 and 20mAs levels showed no statistically significant difference from FBP at 100mAs, respectively, while MRF-H and FBP at 40 and 20mAs levels performed statistically differently from FBP at 100mAs.
Thalidomide-Associated Thromboembolism in Cancer: Reimbursement for Thalidomide’s “Off-Label” Prescribing under the 2004 Medicare Oral Pharmaceutical Demonstration Project Raises Concerns.

Purpose: In 1999, one year after its approval by the FDA for erythema nodosum leprosum, thalidomide’s effectiveness as an off-label treatment for multiple myeloma was noted. A 28% rate of thromboembolism with thalidomide-doxorubicin therapy for myeloma was reported in 2001. Thalidomide’s inclusion in the 2004 Medicare Oral Pharmaceutical Demonstration Project as treatment for multiple myeloma represents the only off-label use drug covered. FDA regulations prohibit manufacturer dissemination of comprehensive safety information describing thalidomide-associated thromboembolism (TAT) in the off-label oncology setting. Herein, we reviewed FDA and published information for TAT in the oncology setting. Methods: Adverse event reports contained in FDA databases (n= 190 patients) and 48 prospective clinical trials (n= 2,329 patients) were reviewed for information on thromboembolism occurring among thalidomide-treated cancer patients. Results: TAT occurred after a median of 52 days of therapy (range, 6 to 469 days), with more than half of these events among persons with multiple myeloma. TAT rates of 30% were noted among patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma receiving concomitant doxorubicin. Previously treated myeloma patients receiving thalidomide and doxorubicin and newly diagnosed patients on thalidomide, doxorubicin, and low molecular weight heparin had thromboembolism rates of 15% or lower. Conclusions: Revision of FDA regulations to allow dissemination of information describing benefits and toxicities of thalidomide as an off-label cancer treatment is important, particularly for multiple myeloma patients receiving thalidomide under the 2004 Medicare Oral Pharmaceutical Demonstration Project.
Hemoptysis, Cough, and Weight Loss

A 71-year-old male presents to his primary care physician with an 8-week history of cough with intermittent blood-tinged sputum. He denies fevers or sick contacts. However, he notes a 20-pound weight loss in the last 3 months and feeling more fatigued. He has a 40-pack-year smoking history. He previously worked as a welder in a shipyard for 30 years before retiring 5 years ago. His past medical history only includes hypertension. Breath sounds are equal without crackles. Cardiac exam also reveals a regular rate and rhythm. His blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, and heart rate is 88/min. An initial chest x-ray reveals a mass in the right hilar region measuring 3.1 cm × 3.5 cm.
Childhood obesity increases the need for reduction and operative management of ankle fractures

Purpose: Pediatric ankle injuries are common and have a wide range of severity, ranging from ligament strain/sprain to unstable fracture-dislocations. Overweight (BMI ≥85th percentile to < 95th percentile) and obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) children have been noted to be more prone to sustaining fractures, losing reduction of fractures, and having more pre/post-operative complications than their normal-BMI counterparts. The goal of this study is to define the relative need for a reduction or surgical treatment for ankle fractures in …
Innovation in resident oncology education: Switching from an inpatient ward rotation to a hybrid model of inpatient consultations and outpatient clinics.

11006Background: Interest in pursuing a career in oncology has decreased among internal medicine residents completing an inpatient oncology rotation. Over several years, our institutional data at I...
Value of renal ADC in the kidney of children with unilateral congenital hydronephrosis

Objective To evaluate the value of apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) value of renal magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating the function of molecular diffusion in the kidney of children under 6 years old. Methods Eighty children under 6 years old were selected as the study subjects, all the children had unilateral congenital hydronephrosis, magnetic resonance examination was performed in 40 children with normal renal function, the children were first, divided into two groups according to the age: less than 1 year old group and 1-6 years old group. The children were divided into normal, light-moderate hydronephrosis, severe hydronephrosis and huge hydronephrosis supgroup in different age groups, and then to examine whether there were differences in ADC values among the different degrees of unilateral hydronephrosis supgroups in different age groups. Results There was significant difference in the ADC value of severe, huge hydronephrosis and the ADC of the normal kidney in less than 1 year old children; ADC was significantly different between severe and huge hydronephrosis in 1-6 years old children(P 0.05). Conclusions The magnetic resonance imaging of the kidney is DWI, by calculating the ADC value of the kidney, can clear the change of the molecular diffusion function of the kidney in children with congenital hydronephrosis, to provide guidance for the quantitative diagnosis and treatment of unilateral congenital renal hydrocephalus in infants and preschool children. Key words: Congenital hydronephrosis; Ureteropelvic junction obstruction; Diffusion weighted imaging; Apparent diffusion coefficient
Formic Acid Dehydration Rates and Elementary Steps on Lewis Acid–Base Site Pairs at Anatase and Rutile TiO2 Surfaces

Formic acid (HCOOH) decomposition is often used to assess the acid–base properties of oxide surfaces. Its reverse reaction forms HCOOH and formate species that can act as intermediates in CO2/CO/H2...
Management Patterns and Visual Outcomes of Endophthalmitis After Glaucoma Drainage Device Placement: A Case Series.

PURPOSE To describe clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of eyes with endophthalmitis related to glaucoma drainage device (GDD) placement. PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with GDD-related endophthalmitis at Duke Eye Center from 2009 to 2018. RESULTS Six eyes of 6 patients had endophthalmitis related to a GDD (2 Ahmed, 4 Baerveldt). The mean time from surgery to presentation was 22.7 months. Five of 6 cases (83%) had culture-proven infectious endophthalmitis. Eyes undergoing GDD explantation (n=2) had better visual acuity at 6 months compared with those without hardware removal (20/11,314 vs. 20/358). Visual acuity at 6 months was hand motion (20/8000) or worse in 3 of 6 cases (50%). CONCLUSIONS GDD-related endophthalmitis often leads to poor visual outcomes. Hardware removal may lead to improved visual outcomes; a multicenter prospective study assessing the benefit of hardware removal may be warranted.
RTID-03. A PHASE I CLINICAL TRIAL TO EVALUATE MTD OF PERAMPANEL AND MEMANTINE IN COMBINATION WITH STANDARD CHEMORADIOTHERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED GBM –A STUDY DESIGN

Abstract BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant brain tumor in adults with poor prognosis. Effective treatment is urgently needed. Recent studies demonstrated cross-talk between neuron and glioma through neuro-transmitter glutamate receptors (AMPA and NMDA receptors) promotes glioma invasion and progression in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, dual blocking AMPA and NMDA receptor therapy is a potential strategy to prevent and treat GBM progression, particularly given the fact that the two blockers act through different anti-glioma mechanism. OBJECTIVE/ HYPOTHESIS We hypothesize that adding Perampanel (an AMPA receptor blocker) and Memantine (a NMDA receptor antagonist) to standard temozolomide plus radiation therapy for the treatment of newly diagnosed GBM patients may be well tolerated and have a safe profile to prevent tumor progression, seizure recurrence or cognition impairment from radiation. STUDY DESIGN 3 + 3 DESIGN: Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) is dose level at which 0/3 or 1/6 patients experience DLT with the next higher dose having at least 2/3 or 2/6 patients encountering DLT. MTD will not be more than FDA approved maximized doses for Perampanel (12 mg daily) and Memantine (20 mg bid) for the treatment of neurological diseases. Once the MTD is found, the patient will continue at MTD for the completion of concurrent chemoradiation therapy plus completion of 6 cycles of adjuvant temozolomide therapy. SUMMARY A Phase I trial to study the safety and toxicity of combined Perampanel and Memantine with standard chemo-radiation therapy to treat patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM). To find Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) Levels of Perampanel and Memantine at concurrent chemoradiation therapy phase and adjuvant chemotherapy phase to prepare for future phase II or III trial.
Truncated, censored, and actuarial payment-type moments for robust fitting of a single-parameter Pareto distribution

Abstract With some regularity conditions maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) always produce asymptotically optimal (in the sense of consistency, efficiency, sufficiency, and unbiasedness) estimators. But in general, the MLEs lead to non-robust statistical inference, for example, pricing models and risk measures. Actuarial claim severity is continuous, right-skewed, and frequently heavy-tailed. The data sets that such models are usually fitted to contain outliers that are difficult to identify and separate from genuine data. Moreover, due to commonly used actuarial “loss control strategies” in financial and insurance industries, the random variables we observe and wish to model are affected by truncation (due to deductibles), censoring (due to policy limits), scaling (due to coinsurance proportions) and other transformations. To alleviate the lack of robustness of MLE-based inference in risk modeling, here in this paper, we propose and develop a new method of estimation – method of truncated moments (MTuM) and generalize it for different scenarios of loss control mechanism. Various asymptotic properties of those estimates are established by using central limit theory. New connections between different estimators are found. A comparative study of newly-designed methods with the corresponding MLEs is performed. Detail investigation has been done for a single parameter Pareto loss model including a simulation study.
Complexity for link complement states in Chern-Simons theory

We study notions of complexity for link complement states in Chern-Simons theory with compact gauge group $G$. Such states are obtained by the Euclidean path integral on the complement of $n$-component links inside a 3-manifold ${M}_{3}$. For the Abelian theory at level $k$ we find that a natural set of fundamental gates exists, and one can identify the complexity as differences of linking numbers modulo $k$. Such linking numbers can be viewed as coordinates which embeds all link complement states into ${\mathbb{Z}}_{k}^{\ensuremath{\bigotimes}n(n\ensuremath{-}1)/2}$, and the complexity is identified as the distance with respect to a particular norm. For non-Abelian Chern-Simons theories, the situation is much more complicated. We focus here on torus link states and show that the problem can be reduced to defining complexity for a single knot complement state. We suggest a systematic way to choose a set of minimal universal generators for single knot complement states and then evaluate the complexity using such generators. A detailed illustration is shown for $SU(2{)}_{k}$ Chern-Simons theory, and the results can be extended to a general compact gauge group.
Effects of an Augmented Reality Library Orientation on Anxiety and Self-Efficacy: An Exploratory Study

Academic libraries use scavenger hunt library orientations to engage students and teach them about the library. Libraries are also starting to use augmented reality (AR) technology in orientations, instruction, and programming. Some libraries have tried augmented reality scavenger hunts for freshman library orientations, but studies have not been done to compare the traditional and AR orientations. This exploratory, quasi-experimental study investigates if the AR library orientation impacts freshman undergraduates’ perceptions of the library as measured by students’ anxiety and confidence levels. Two groups of first-time, first-year undergraduate students participated in a library orientation in Summer 2019. One received the traditional scavenger hunt model, and another experienced an augmented reality version of the scavenger hunt. Both groups took a pre-orientation survey to determine their comfort with the libraries and librarians in general, and then a post-orientation questionnaire to determine any change in perception of libraries and librarians as well as their satisfaction with the orientation experience. By comparing pre- and post-survey results from both sets of students, this study determined that while both orientations had a positive impact on students’ perceptions of the library, the AR orientation had a significant impact on students’ perceptions of librarians’ desire to help them.
Climate Change Driving Widespread Loss of Coastal Forested Wetlands Throughout the North American Coastal Plain

Coastal forested wetlands support many endemic species, sequester substantial carbon stocks, and have been reduced in extent due to historic drainage and agricultural expansion. Many of these unique coastal ecosystems have been drained, while those that remain are now threatened by saltwater intrusion and sea level rise in hydrologically modified coastal landscapes. Several recent studies have documented rapid and accelerating losses of coastal forested wetlands in small areas of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, but the full extent of loss across North America’s Coastal Plain (NACP) has not been quantified. We used classified satellite imagery to document a net loss of ~ 13,682 km2 (8%) of forested coastal wetlands across the NACP between 1996 and 2016. Most forests transitioned to scrub-shrub (53%) and marsh habitats (24%). Even within protected areas, we measured substantial rates of wetland deforestation and significant fragmentation of forested wetland habitats. Variation in the rate of sea level rise, the number of tropical storm landings, and the average elevation of coastal watersheds explained about 78% of the variation in coastal wetland deforestation extent along the South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The rate of coastal forest loss within the NACP (684 km2/y) exceeds the recent estimate of global losses of coastal mangroves (210 km2/y). At the current rate of deforestation, in the absence of widespread protection or restoration efforts, coastal forested wetlands may not persist into the next century.
Postoperative Monitoring and Recovery

Even the best surgical technique can be undone by poor postoperative flap care. Postoperative care includes extremity dressing, extremity positioning in the postoperative period, and aggressive postoperative monitoring.
The Authority of Law

This chapter summarizes the reasons for doubting that any government has authority. The main arguments for government authority all fail, including the actual social contract theory, the hypothetical contract theory, democratic theories, and utilitarian theories of authority. There is no reason to believe that individuals are generally obligated to obey laws merely as such.
Dynamical Quenching of the $\alpha^2$ Dynamo

We present a two-scale approximation for the dynamics of a nonlinear $\alpha^2$ dynamo. Solutions of the resulting nonlinear equations agree with the numerical simulations of Brandenburg (2001), and show that $\alpha$ is quenched by the buildup of magnetic helicity at the forcing scale $1/k_2$ as the $\alpha$ effect transfers it from the large scale $1/k_1$. For times $t > (k_1/k_2)R_{M,2}$ in eddy turnover units (where $R_{M,2}$ is the magnetic Reynolds number of the forcing scale), $\alpha$ is resistively limited in the form predicted for the steady-state case. However, for $t << R_{M,2}$, $\alpha$ takes on its kinematic value, independent of $R_{M,2}$, allowing the production of large-scale magnetic energy equal to $k_1/k_2$ times equipartition. Thus the dynamic theory of $\alpha$ predicts substantial "fast" growth of large-scale field despite being "slow" at large times.
Power dissipation and temperature variations in nanoscale devices

Equivalent circuit techniques are used to obtain time and frequency dependent solutions to the diffusion equation. These are demonstrated to provide detailed time and frequency dependent temperature variations in nanoscale electron devices.
Amino Acid Analysis

The most revealing piece of information that can readily be obtained about a peptide is its amino acid composition. Yet, the results of amino acid analysis are really meaningful only if the sample consists of a single peptide. Analysis of mixtures is usually an unrewarding effort. Thus, purification should precede analysis, and this generalization is valid for most other methods of structure determination as well. Homogeneity as a prerequisite of analysis cannot be overemphasized. Purification is sometimes possible by crystallization but in most cases chromatography, electrophoresis or countercurrent distribution or a combination of these techniques is needed.
Interference Effects in Multicomponent Chromatography

For an isotherm such as the Langmuir isotherm, it becomes linear if the concentration range is sufficiently low. Each component’s isotherm will be independent of the other components. There will be no competition among the components for binding sites. Analytical LC usually involves small or dilute samples. Components in the sample are quickly diluted and/or separated away from each other during migration inside a column. Thus, interference effects among different sample components are often negligible. With the rapid growth of biotechnology, preparative- and large-scale LC operations become more and more important. High-feed concentrations and large sample volumes are often used to increase productivity. In such cases, interference effects may no longer be ignored.
Crack growth model for pipeline steels exposed to near‐neutral pH groundwater

This paper postulates a crack growth model for pipeline steels in near-neutral pH soil environments, on the basis of the experimental results reported in literature and the fundamental understanding of the corrosion fatigue crack growth dominated by hydrogen embrittlement mechanism. The comparison with the laboratory data indicates that this model can provide reasonable predictions for the dependence of the crack growth rates on the stress intensity factor, stress ratio, loading frequency, solution pH and electrochemical potential.
The Detection and Characterization of Ions, DNA, and Proteins Using Nanometer‐Scale Pores

Protein ion channels are nanometer-scale pores that are central to many biological processes, including the sensing of a wide variety of molecules. They have also demonstrated potential for use in the sensitive and selective detection of ions, the characterization of polynucleotides and toxins as well as the screening of therapeutic agents against lethal anthrax proteins. Further advances in materials engineering, theory, and signal processing are needed to enable practical applications based on biological or synthetic nanopores. Keywords: α-haemolysin; α-hemolysin; analyte detection; anthrax; biosensor; biotechnology; DNA; edema factor; lethal factor; nanobiotechnology; nanopore; polynucleotide; polymer transport; protective antigen; protein ion channel; protein structure function; stochastic sensor
Quality by Design and the Importance of PAT in QbD

Abstract This chapter clearly describes the modern philosophy for pharmaceutical drug product development and manufacturing beginning with the identification of core regulatory documents that define cGMPs for the twenty-first century, process analytical technology (PAT) and quality by design (QbD). The critical role of PAT in a successful QbD environment is documented, providing an overview of important multivariate mathematical techniques and modern analytical technologies for process monitoring that facilitate process understanding and ultimately process control. The concept of design space is considered, describing the relationship between critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs). A discussion of control models provides a perspective on how such models function to ensure that CPPs and other process variables are maintained in a state of control within the working range that corresponds to the desired set of CQAs. Finally, the chapter provides considerations regarding how the pharmaceutical industry may achieve return-on-investment (ROI) while achieving advanced process control and real-time release (RTR) by capitalizing on manufacturing efficiencies.
Data assimilation methods for ocean tides

Abstract Using a common notational framework, we compare a range of assimilation schemes for combining dynamical and observational information into a single tidal solution. We consider approaches which make only indirect use of dynamics (fitting modes, objective analysis), approaches which incorporate dynamics directly but in an ad hoc manner (nudging), and formal generalized inverse approaches based on minimizing an explicitly defined penalty functional. We show that solutions for each of these schemes can be expressed in terms of a set of basis functions which is characteristic of the particular assimilation method. Understanding the similarities and differences between the approaches can be greatly facilitated by examination of these bases. We show in particular that representers, which arise naturally in the generalized inverse approach, can be interpreted as dynamically consistent, spatially inhomogeneous tidal error covariances. We contrast these to simpler, spatially homogeneous covariances used in objective analysis, to Green's functions (which arise in nudging), and to various dynamical modes (normal modes, Proudman functions) which have been used in tidal modeling. As an illustration of these ideas we consider a hypothetical tidal inverse problem for the Gulf of Mexico.
President Obama, the Senate, and the Polarized Politics of Treaty Making*

Objective We examine President Obama's use of international agreements as he pursued his foreign policy agenda during his first three years in office. While President Obama uses executive agreements at similar levels as previous presidents, he has used the treaty mechanism far less often. This presents an interesting puzzle: Why has Obama used so few treaties when his own party controls the Senate? Methods We address this puzzle by analyzing Obama alongside other presidents in analyses of treaty use and in presidents’ experience with treaty delay employing ordinary least squares (OLS) and maximum likelihood estimation regression techniques. We also utilize the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and Obama's use of treaty priority lists as qualitative case studies. Results The various findings together suggest that the rise of partisan polarization, including conservatives’ propensity to oppose significant treaties, factors into Obama's decisions to use treaties when completing major diplomacy. Conclusions The partisan context of the Senate provides a substantial constraint on presidents looking to cement important new foreign policies through international agreements.
The IBM operating system/360

From its inception in 1961 until mid-1965, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to manage the IBM System/360 Computer Family Project — first the hardware and then the Operating System/360 software. This computer family, announced on April 7, 1964, and first shipped in February, 1965, defined “third-generation” computers and introduced (semi-)integrated-circuit technology into off-the-shelf computer products.
Efficient search procedures for solving combinatorial problems

Solving combinatorial problems is an interplay between search and inference. In this thesis, we focus on search and investigate its important aspects. We start with complete search procedures and consider binary search, which is frequently used to augment a feasibility solver to handle optimization problems. In this setting, we often observe that negative trials (i.e., showing that a certain solution quality cannot be achieved) are significantly harder than positive trials. We consider a simple cost model where negative trials cost a constant factor more than positive trials and show how binary search can be biased optimally to achieve optimal worst-case and average-case performance. Next, as a complementary approach, we turn to incomplete search procedures. We propose Hegel and Fichte’s dialectic as a local search meta-heuristic. Dialectic is an appealing mental concept for local search as it allows developing functions for search space exploration and exploitation independently. We illustrate dialectic search, its simplicity and great efficiency on problems from highly different problem domains. We then study variable and value selection heuristics, and propose a simple modification to impact-based search strategy. We present computational results on constraint satisfaction problems that show improvements in the search performance. Finally, we look at the interaction between search and inference. In particular, we investigate incrementality during tree search interleaved with constraint propagation. We first consider constraints based on context-free grammars for which we devise a time-and space-efficient filtering algorithm. We then look at constraints that enforce the same-relation for every pair of variables in binary constraint satisfaction problems. We show that achieving generalized arcconsistency in special graphs such as cliques, complete bipartite, and directed acyclic graphs is
Does the oxidation of methane leave an isotopic fingerprint in the geologic record

[1] Pore water ΣCO2 and δ13C data are presented for the dysoxic Santa Barbara and Santa Monica Basins in an attempt to constrain the influence of methane oxidation on the pore water gradients and benthic foraminiferal δ13C. Although these two basins are adjacent to one another Santa Barbara Basin has steeper pore water ΣCO2 and δ13C gradients. Methane oxidation could be contributing to the higher gradients in this basin. The isotope mass balance for pore water ΣCO2 indicates, however, that the pore water gradients in the upper 2 cm of both basins are controlled only by the rate of photosynthate carbon oxidation and the rate of diffusion. Methane derived CO2 has no discernable influence on pore water or carbonate δ13C values at these sediment depths in either basin. Benthic foraminiferal species inhabiting different depth horizons in the top centimeter incorporate these steep isotopic gradients in their calcite tests and can be used therefore to reconstruct the history of carbon oxidation within the basins. On the basis of these modern geochemical constraints, a more likely explanation for the apparent δ13C excursions recorded in the late Pleistocene sediments from Santa Barbara Basin involves enhanced carbon rain and carbon oxidation in the basin sediments rather than clathrate destabilization.
Photo‐induced toxicity of Deepwater Horizon slick oil to blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) larvae

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill resulted in the accidental release of approximately 700 million L of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Photo-induced toxicity after co-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is 1 mechanism by which polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from oil spills may exert toxicity. Blue crab are an important commercial and ecological resource in the Gulf of Mexico, and their largely transparent larvae may make them sensitive to PAH photo-induced toxicity. The goal of the present study was to examine the sensitivity of early lifestage blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) zoea to slick oil collected during the Deepwater Horizon spill. Blue crab zoea were exposed to 1 of several dilutions of water accommodated fractions from 1 of 2 sources of oil and gradations of natural sunlight in a factorial design. Two 7-h solar exposures were carried out with a recovery period (dark) in between. Survival was found to be UV- and PAH-dependent. Toxicity was observed within the range of surface PAH concentrations reported in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon spill. These findings indicate that early lifestage blue crab are sensitive to photo-induced toxicity from Deepwater Horizon slick oil. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2061–2066. © 2015 SETAC
Galeterone and VNPT55 induce proteasomal degradation of AR/AR-V7, induce significant apoptosis via cytochrome c release and suppress growth of castration resistant prostate cancer xenografts in vivo

Galeterone (Gal) is a first-in-class multi-target oral small molecule that will soon enter pivotal phase III clinical trials in castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients. Gal disrupts androgen receptor (AR) signaling via inhibition of CYP17, AR antagonism and AR degradation. Resistance to current therapy is attributed to up-regulation of full-length AR (fAR), splice variants AR (AR-Vs) and AR mutations. The effects of gal and VNPT55 were analyzed on f-AR and AR-Vs (AR-V7/ARv567es) in LNCaP, CWR22Rv1 and DU145 (transfected with AR-Vs) human PC cells in vitro and CRPC tumor xenografts. Galeterone/VNPT55 decreased fAR/AR-V7 mRNA levels and implicates Mdm2/CHIP enhanced ubiquitination of posttranslational modified receptors, targeting them for proteasomal degradation. Gal and VNPT55 also induced significant apoptosis in PC cells via increased Bax/Bcl2 ratio, cytochrome-c release with concomitant cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP. More importantly, gal and VNPT55 exhibited strong in vivo anti-CRPC activities, with no apparent host toxicities. This study demonstrate that gal and VNPT55 utilize cell-based mechanisms to deplete both fAR and AR-Vs. Importantly, the preclinical activity profiles, including profound apoptotic induction and inhibition of CRPC xenografts suggest that these agents offer considerable promise as new therapeutics for patients with CRPC and those resistant to current therapy.
The eyeless axolotl: experimental embryogenetics and the development of the nervous system

Abstract Genes that control the building of a nervous system are becoming known through mutations that disrupt neurogenesis 10 . These genes are intriguing on many levels. What gene products do they make? In what cells are they expressed? Can we determine a comprehensible series of consequences that leads to the observed mutant phenotypes when these gene functions are disturbed? Amphibians are not the easiest animals with which to do genetics and search for such mutants. As a consequence few laboratories have undertaken the task 2,17,18,24 . Yet when neurogenetic mutants are found in amphibians there is the possibility of doing decisive embryological transplantations and experiments, many of which are not possible with other complex metazoans 11 . Such experiments may give us rapid insight into the nature of the gene in question and its effects on neural development. One particularly interesting amphibian mutant is the eyeless axolotl. As yet, little is known about the molecular defects in this mutant, though much is understood about the embryogenetic dysfunctions in terms of cellular and tissue interactions. The eyeless axolotl has also proven to be a very useful resource material for embryonic experiments, that could not so easily be done with normal amphibians, on the development of CNS connections.
A psychiatric follow-up of children with rheumatic fever and other chronic diseases.

Abstract 1. 1. Previous data [2] led to the theory that rheumatic fever originating during puberty might often produce nervous-system symptoms which mimic ‘functional’ mental disorder. The present psychiatric follow-up of children with rheumatic fever and other chronic diseases was undertaken to test this theory. 2. 2. Children first showing rheumatic symptoms during puberty (peak at ages 12 to 13) were found to have subsequent ‘functional’ psychiatric records about four times as often as children with rheumatic disease at other ages, or with non-rheumatic disease at any age. This trend occurred in a sample of New York children as well as in a sample of Colorado children, and was found among rheumatics without chorea as well as among chorea cases. 3. 3. Clinically non-rheumatic children, whose greatest known risk of rheumatic fever occurred at puberty, also showed an increased rate of psychiatric disorder. It was suggested that some of these cases actually acquired rheumatic fever at the time of risk, but that the classical rheumatic symptoms remained subclinical while the hypothesized symptom of rheumatic mental disorder occasionally became manifest (particularly among those affected at puberty). 4. 4. The type and extent of treatment suggested that more severe psychiatric disorders were encountered in the rheumatic groups than in the controls. Qualitatively, the chronic, insidious schizophrenias and the psychiatric disorders with antisocial implications predominated in the rheumatic groups.
Cerebrospinal parelaphostrongylosis in fallow deer.

Neurologic disease attributed to infection by meningeal worm (Parela-phostrongylus tenuis) was diagnosed in seven fallow deer (Dama dama) from the Land Between The Lakes region of Kentucky. Afflicted deer had paresis or paralysis of the hindquarters which quickly progressed to tetraplegia. Gross and microscopic cerebrospinal lesions were similar to those previously reported and consisted mainly of nonsuppurative meningitis and radiculitis, focal granulomas on the surface of the spinal cord, and nonselective malacia and glial scarring in brain and spinal cord. Living P. tenuis were recovered from brain or spinal cord in two deer, and degenerating nematodes were found in four. Possible epizootiologic relationships between the parasite, fallow deer and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are discussed.
A variant of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy—a case report and review of literature

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a rare syndrome, and it is even more rare to find it in a premenopausal lady in the immediate postoperative period. Here, we are reporting a case of variant of TCM, along with review of existing literature. A 26-year-old lady who successfully underwent pericardiectomy went into low cardiac output on the first postoperative day. Echocardiography revealed apical ballooning with drastic reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Her coronary angiography revealed normal coronaries. She was managed conservatively with inotropic support. She made remarkable recovery and her echocardiography on 7th postoperative day showed excellent recovery of apical wall motion abnormality and ejection fraction. Repeat echocardiography after 2 weeks of discharge showed complete normalization of apical ballooning and LV function. She remained well until 1 year after operation with normal LVEF. Regular follow-up is important as it may rarely recur. TCM should be kept in mind as a rare though possible complication after cardiac surgery.
A Mouse Model of Dilated-Type Cardiomyopathy Due to Coxsackievirus B3

Myocardial scarring was induced in 111 mice (group 3) inoculated at 14 days of age with coxsackievirus B3 and forced to swim for 30 min daily during the initial nine days of infection. The animals were observed until age 15 months. Control animals included mice infected but not forced to swim (group 2), neither infected nor forced to swim (group 1), and not infected but forced to swim (group 4). The cumulative mortality was 45% among mice in group 3 but was significantly lower in the control animals. At 15 months, mice in group 3 showed heavy deposits of calcium in the injured myocardium, atrial hypertrophy with thrombi, and myocardial fiber disintegration with replacement by fibrous scar. Mononuclear infiltration was no longer present. Pathologic changes were concentrated in the left ventricle, interventricular septum, and atrioventricular junction. Titers of type-specific neutralizing antibodies had declined to one-fifth the level present at one month. These findings represent a model of dilated-type cardiomyopathy.
Generation of Gas and Liquid Hydrocarbon Mixtures from a Single Pressurized Cylinder for Inhalation Exposures

The generation of controlled atmospheres composed of mixtures of gases and liquids from a single pressurized gas cylinder is very difficult, yet logistically desirable. An equal mixture of the hydrocarbons n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane and isopentane was pressurized to 250 p.s.i.g. with nitrogen in a gas cylinder. The four-component mixture was taken from the cylinder as a liquid to a heated microvalve where all components underwent a simultaneous liquid to gas phase change. The resultant vapor was drawn through a heated delivery line maintained at a negative partial pressure to the mixing turret of a one cubic meter inhalation chamber. In this manner, the concentrations of total hydrocarbons and the relative make-up of the components were kept constant. The functional operation of the system was confirmed during the conduct of a three-week inhalation toxicity study at target concentrations of 0.11, 1.11, and 11.11 mg/L. The actual analytical concentrations were within 9 percent of the target values with...
An algorithm for treatment of the drooping nose.

Nasal tip ptosis (“drooping” or long nose) occurs when the tip of the nose is more caudal than what is deemed ideal. Intrinsic factors, such as elongated or caudally-rotated lower lateral cartilages, can lead to nasal tip ptosis. Extrinsic factors, such as elongated upper lateral cartilages or excessive caudal anterior septum and heavy nasal skin, can push the nasal tip caudally and lead to drooping of the nasal tip. The loss of maxillary or nasal spine support may enhance the potential for tip ptosis. In addition, a hyperactive depressor nasi septi could, as a result of continuous pull on the tip, result in tip ptosis. Aging or previous nasal procedures (such as the Goldman-type tip surgery) where the continuity of the lateral and medial crura of the lower lateral cartilages have been violated may cause a weakening of the tip-supporting mechanisms and de-rotation of the nasal tip. Correction of this deformity is challenging and rewarding; it can resolve both the cosmetic deformity and nasal obstruction symptoms related to this entity. The goal of this article is to present our current principles of diagnosis and treatment of nasal tip ptosis, as well as to introduce and algorithm of preferred methods and techniques for its reliable and stable correction. Results Correction of the nasal tip ptosis requires accurate diagnosis, a recognition of the interplay between various anatomic components, specific strategy planning, and a correction of anatomic abnormalities.
Characteristics of indium-gallium-nitride multiple-quantum-well blue laser diodes grown by MOCVD

Room temperature (RT) pulsed operation of blue (420 nm) nitride-based multi-quantum well (MQW) laser diodes grown on c-plane sapphire substrates has been demonstrated. Atmospheric pressure MOCVD was used to grow the active region of the device which consisted of a 10 pair In 0.21 Ga 0.79 N (2.5 nm)/In 0.07 Ga 0.93 N (5 nm) InGaN MQW. Threshold current densities as low as 12.6 kA/cm 2 were observed for 10 x 1200 μm lasers with uncoated reactive ion etched (RIE) facets. The emission is strongly TE polarized and has a sharp transition in the far-field pattern above threshold. Laser diodes were tested under pulsed conditions lasted up to 6 h at room temperature.
The Cytokinin Side Chain Commands Shooting

Functional distinction between structurally diverse cytokinins as essential plant hormones has remained enigmatic for decades. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Kiba et al. (2013) provide compelling evidence for the central role of CYP735A1/2 in synthesizing trans-hydroxylated cytokinins, which specify shoot growth, vital for energy and biomass production.
Classroom and Developmental Differences in a Path Model of Teacher Expectancy Effects.

A path model of teacher expectancy effects was evaluated in a sample of 376 first- through fifth-grade urban elementary school children. The roles of two moderators (classroom perceived differential treatment environment and developmental differences) and one mediator (children's self-expectations) of teacher expectancy effects on children's year-end achievement were examined. Significant differences in effects and effect sizes are presented. Both classroom environment (high versus low in differential treatment, as seen through children's eyes) and developmental differences moderated the strength of teacher expectancy effects. Generally, stronger effects were found in classrooms in which expectancy-related cues were more salient to children, but developmental differences moderated which effect was most pronounced. A significant age-related decline in direct effects on ending achievement was interpreted as evidence that teacher expectations may tend to magnify achievement differences in the early grades, but serve to sustain them in later grades. Support for indirect effects (teacher expectations → children's self-expectations → ending achievement) was limited to upper elementary grade classrooms perceived as high in differential treatment. In contrast to prior research that emphasized small effect sizes, the present analyses document several instances of moderate effects, primarily in classrooms in which expectancy-related messages were most salient to children. These results underscore the importance of explicit attention to the inclusion of moderators, mediators, and multiple outcomes in efforts to understand teacher expectancy effects.