cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outlet Type, Access to Alcohol, and Violent Crime.

BACKGROUND While there are overwhelming data supporting the association between alcohol outlet density and violent crime, there remain conflicting findings about whether on- or off-premise outlets have a stronger association. This inconsistency may be in part a result of the methods used to calculate alcohol outlet density and violent crime. This analysis uses routine activity theory and spatial access methods to study the association between access to alcohol outlets and violent crime, including type of outlet and type of crime in Baltimore, MD. METHODS The data in this analysis include alcohol outlets from 2016 (n = 1,204), violent crimes from 2012 to 2016 (n = 51,006), and markers of social disorganization, including owner-occupied housing, median annual household income, drug arrests, and population density. The analysis used linear regression to determine the association between access to alcohol outlets and violent crime exposure. RESULTS Each 10% increase in alcohol outlet access was associated with a 4.2% increase in violent crime exposure (β = 0.43, 95% CI 0.33, 0.52, p < 0.001). A 10% increase in access to off-premise outlets (4.4%, β = 0.45, 95% CI 0.33, 0.57, p < 0.001) and LBD-7 outlets (combined off- and on-premise outlets; 4.2%, β = 0.43, 95% CI 0.33, 0.52, p < 0.001) had a greater association with violent crime than on-premise outlets (3.0%, β = 0.31, 95% CI 0.20, 0.41, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Access to outlets that allow for off-site consumption had a greater association with violent crime than outlets that only permit on-site consumption. The lack of effective measures to keep order in and around off-premise outlets could attract or multiply violent crime.
The progression of the ClinGen gene clinical validity classification over time.

In order for ClinGen to maintain up-to-date gene-disease clinical validity classifications for use by clinicians and clinical laboratories, an appropriate timeline for re-evaluating curated gene-disease associations will need to be determined. To provide guidance on how often a gene-disease association should be re-curated, a retrospective analysis of 30 gene curations was performed. Curations were simulated at one-year intervals starting with the year of the first publication to assert disease-causing variants in the gene to observe trends in the classification over time, as well as factors that influenced changes in classification. On average, gene-disease associations spent the least amount of time in the “Moderate” classification before progressing to “Strong” or “Definitive”. In contrast, gene-disease associations that spent five or more years in the “Limited” classification were most likely to remain “Limited” or become “Disputed/Refuted”. Large population datasets contributed to the re-classification of several gene-disease associations from “Limited” to “Disputed/Refuted”. Finally, recent advancements in sequencing technology correlated with an increase in the quantity of case-level evidence that was curated per paper. This study provided a number of key points to consider when determining how often to re-curate a gene-disease association.
Minimally Invasive and Robotic Esophagectomy: A Review

Great advances have been made in the surgical management of esophageal disease since the first description of esophageal resection in 1913. We are in the era of minimally invasive esophagectomy. The current three main approaches to an esophagectomy are the Ivor Lewis technique, McKeown technique, and the transhiatal approach to esophagectomy. These operations were associated with a high morbidity and mortality. The recent advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques have greatly improved the outcomes of these surgical procedures. This article reviews the literature and describes the various techniques available for performing minimally invasive esophagectomy and robot-assisted esophagectomies, the history behind the development of these techniques, the variations, and the contemporary outcomes after such procedures.
Challenges Assessing the Conceptual Understanding of Students with Disabilities in Statistics.

Standardized assessment of content knowledge for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) topics is pervasive in both K-12 and postsecondary institutions. Yet, most instruments are deve...
Galaxy properties as revealed by MaNGA – II. Differences in stellar populations of slow and fast rotator ellipticals and dependence on environment

We present estimates of stellar population (SP) gradients from stacked spectra of slow (SR) and fast (FR) rotator elliptical galaxies from the MaNGA-DR15 survey. We find that: 1) FRs are $\sim 5$ Gyrs younger, more metal rich, less $\alpha$-enhanced and smaller than SRs of the same luminosity $L_r$ and central velocity dispersion $\sigma_0$. This explains why when one combines SRs and FRs, objects which are small for their $L_r$ and $\sigma_0$ tend to be younger. Their SP gradients are also different. 2) Ignoring the FR/SR dichotomy leads one to conclude that compact galaxies are older than their larger counterparts of the same mass, even though almost the opposite is true for FRs and SRs individually. 3) SRs with $\sigma_0\le 250$ km s$^{-1}$ are remarkably homogeneous within $\sim R_e$: they are old, $\alpha$-enhanced and only slightly super-solar in metallicity. These SRs show no gradients in age and $M_*/L_r$, negative gradients in metallicity, and slightly positive gradients in [$\alpha$/Fe] (the latter are model dependent). SRs with $\sigma_0\ge 250$ km $s^{-1}$ are slightly younger and more metal rich, contradicting previous work suggesting that age increases with $\sigma_0$. They also show larger $M_*/L_r$ gradients. 4) Self-consistently accounting for $M_*/L$ gradients yields $M_{\rm dyn}\approx M_*$ because gradients reduce $M_{\rm dyn}$ by $\sim 0.2$ dex while only slightly increasing the $M_*$ inferred using a Kroupa (not Salpeter) IMF. 5) The FR population all but disappears above $M_*\ge 3\times 10^{11}M_\odot$; this is the same scale at which the size-mass correlation and other scaling relations change. Our results support the finding that this is an important mass scale which correlates with the environment and above which mergers matter.
An Angular Approach to Untangling High-Order Curvilinear Triangular Meshes

To achieve the full potential of high-order numerical methods for solving partial differential equations, the generation of a high-order mesh is required. One particular challenge in the generation of high-order meshes is avoiding invalid (tangled) elements that can occur as a result of moving the nodes from the low-order mesh that lie along the boundary to conform to the true curved boundary. In this paper, we propose a heuristic for correcting tangled second- and third-order meshes. For each interior edge, our method minimizes an objective function based on the unsigned angles of the pair of triangles that share the edge. We present several numerical examples in two dimensions with second- and third-order elements that demonstrate the capabilities of our method for untangling invalid meshes.
P25 Exploring the Use of Decision Cases for Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) Trainings

Background As the roles of SNAP-Ed implementers have expanded beyond the delivery of nutrition education to include implementation of Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) strategies, it will be critical that training opportunities to increase their capacity are provided. Decision cases have been used across disciplines to generate discussions among practitioners to sharpen critical thinking and problem-solving skills; however, using cases as a training tool has not been explored in the SNAP-Ed program. The purpose of this study was to develop decision cases and corresponding discussion guides for trainings to build SNAP-Ed implementors’ capacities to implement PSE strategies. Objective To determine the utilization of decision case studies to build SNAP-Ed implementors’ capacities to implement PSE strategies to encourage healthy eating behaviors. Study Design, Settings, Participants The development and validation process of using decision cases were: a) Through in-depth interviews with SNAP-Ed partner sites and implementers, barriers to implement PSE strategies in SC were identified; b) in response, the evaluation team wrote cases and discussion guides to highlight barriers; and c) during two focus groups, SNAP-Ed implementers (n = 8) reviewed a case and discussion guide to determine its utility for a larger training. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Each focus group session lasted approximately 40 minutes. Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative software to determine the case's utility. Results The decision case stimulated discussions with SNAP-Ed implementers about dilemmas related to the implementation of PSEs, as they considered social contexts. SNAP-Ed implementers recommended decisions cases be incorporated into trainings on a regular basis. Conclusion Decision cases may help foster an environment where complex issues regarding the implementation of PSEs are regularly discussed, which could build nutrition educators’ capacities for implementation and lead to: a) A reduction in staff turn-over, as SNAP-Ed implementers are better able to solve issues collectively; b) strengthened SNAP-Ed partnerships due to increased capacity of SNAP-Ed implementers; and c) for those in leadership roles, more opportunities to hear SNAP-Ed implementers’ experiences, which could inform their supervisory decisions. Funding USDA.
Building undergraduate STEM majors’ capacity for delivering inquiry-based mathematics and science lessons: An exploratory evaluation study

Abstract Recruiting and preparing STEM majors for teaching has become one of the major efforts at improving mathematics and science teacher quality at secondary level. One question is whether STEM majors who have not had the chance to experience active learning in mathematics and science classes as secondary students themselves know what inquiry pedagogy is. Secondly, it is unclear whether those who experienced inquiry in their college introductory discipline courses will be able to utilize the pedagogy in teaching secondary content. We address these questions through studying an undergraduate research methods course designed to improve STEM majors’ capacity for delivering inquiry-based mathematics and science lesson. Analysis of data from pre-and-post course surveys and students’ written research reports including students’ reflection on their inquiry projects suggests that offering future STEM teachers opportunities to conduct inquiry and reflect explicitly on how inquiry can be used to teach secondary content is important and beneficial.
A behavioral activation intervention administered in a 16-week freshman orientation course: Study protocol.

Abstract Introduction The transition from high school to college is a developmentally sensitive period that is high-risk for the escalation of alcohol use. Although risky drinking is a common problem among freshmen, engagement in treatment services is very low. College alcohol interventions target drinking directly at a time when students may be uninterested in changing their drinking. Approaches that indirectly target drinking may be particularly effective. Behavioral activation (BA) is an intervention that indirectly addresses mental health conditions by guiding individuals to engage in reinforcing activities that align with their values (Lejuez et al., 2001). A pilot study of a BA intervention administered in a semester-long freshman orientation course reported a significant decrease in drinking-related problems compared to students in standard orientation course (Reynolds et al., 2011). Methods The cluster-randomized trial will test the efficacy of BA administered in a semester-long (16 week) freshman orientation course, compared to a standard orientation course in 540 freshmen spread over 36 course sections (18 sections each). A 5-month post-treatment assessment will measure durability of effects. Discussion The study will test a promising BA intervention that addresses factors limiting participation in other programs by targeting alcohol use indirectly and by integrating an intervention into college curriculum. This study represents a first step toward developing an intervention course that could be widely disseminated to address the persistent college drinking problem and its consequences. Clinical trials registration number NCT04038190.
Cryptocurrency return reversals

Analysing a set of 200 cryptocurrencies over the period from 2015 to 2019, we document a significant return reversal effect that holds at the daily, weekly, and monthly rebalancing frequencies and ...
The Role of the Military in Russian Politics and Foreign Policy Over the Past 20 Years

Abstract The Vladimir Putin regime has framed the Russian national idea in terms of security and militarization, both domestically and internationally. This unifying vision emerged as a reaction against the 1990s and blended together a cultivation of militant and anti-Western patriotism, Soviet nostalgia, and religious orthodoxy. Emphasis on cultivation of the youth has been another key defining feature of these efforts. This vision required a growing Russian presence regionally and globally, which in turn necessitated restoration of Russian military power. It resulted in growing self-confidence, internal repressions, and external military interventionism. There are glimmers of hope, but the Putin regime has shown that it will fight to stay in power, and the cult of militarization which has permeated multiple aspects of the Russian society will influence Russia's uncertain future.
Electrostatic Engineering Using Extreme Permittivity Materials for Ultra-Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Transistors

The performance of ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors like ${\beta }$ -Ga2O3 is critically dependent on achieving high average electric fields within the active region of the device. In this article, we show that dielectrics like BaTiO3 with extremely high dielectric constant can provide an efficient field management strategy by improving the uniformity of electric field profile within the gate–drain region of lateral field-effect transistors. Using this strategy, we achieved high average breakdown field of 1.5 and 4 MV/cm at gate–drain spacing ( ${L}_{\text {gd}}$ ) of 6 and $0.5~{\mu }\text{m}$ , respectively in ${\beta }$ -Ga2O3, at a high channel sheet charge density of $1.6\,\,{\times }\,\,10^{{13}}$ cm−2. The high channel charge density along with the high breakdown field enabled a record power figure of merit ( ${V}_{\text {br}}^{{2}}/{R}_{\text {ON}}$ ) of 376 MW/cm2 at a gate–drain spacing of ${3}~{\mu }\text{m}$ .
Review of combustion stabilization for hypersonic airbreathing propulsion

Abstract A review of fundamental research in combustion stabilization for hypersonic airbreathing propulsion is presented. Combustion in high-speed airbreathing propulsion systems demands stable flame distribution and chemical reaction to provide reliable thrust over a wide flight envelope. Various methods have been developed to stabilize combustion depending on the hypersonic regime. For low hypersonic conditions, combustion occurs mainly in the diffusive mode in which the gas/liquid fuels are injected into supersonic freestreams for simultaneous fuel-air mixing and chemical reaction. Flame stability is generally enhanced by improved mixing, physical flameholding, and external energy addition. In higher hypersonic conditions, partially/fully premixed combustion relying on shock induced stabilization becomes more dominant. In such cases, flame stabilization can be achieved through alternative means such as radical generation and standing oblique detonation waves. The review outlines both experimental and numerical research progress made towards combustion stabilization over the entire hypersonic regime, and intended to lay the groundwork for further studies which can provide optimized design guidelines for the next generation of high-speed airbreathing propulsion systems.
Determining MMP-2 and MMP-9 reductive activities of bovine and equine amniotic membranes homogenates using fluorescence resonance energy transfer

Introduction Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 and -9 are present in corneal ulcers, and an imbalance between MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) leads to further corneal degradation. Amniotic membrane homogenate (AMH) has proteolytic properties beneficial for corneal healing, but it is unknown whether AMH possesses TIMPs or effectively inhibits MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. Objective To determine if bovine and equine AMH reduce in vitro MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities associated with the presence of TIMPs. Procedures Undiluted and diluted twofold series (0-fold to 16-fold dilutions) of equine amniotic membrane homogenates (EAMH, n = 8) and bovine amniotic membrane homogenates (BAMH, n = 8) were subjected to fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and the fluorescence emitted was recorded over time. Average fluorescence was calculated versus recombinant concentration. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for TIMPs 1-4 were applied to quantify TIMPs in the samples. Results AMH from both species were able to inhibit MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in vitro, and the inhibition efficacy decreased gradually with dilution. BAMH was significantly more effective than EAMH at inhibiting MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vitro. TIMPs -2 and -3 were present in EAMH and BAMH. TIMP-1 was detected only in BAMH, and TIMP-4 was not detected in any samples. Conclusion Both EAMH and BAMH directly inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vitro without dilution, and BAMH showed better inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 before and after dilution compared to EAMH.
Novel ZAP-70-Related Immunodeficiency Presenting with Epstein-Barr Virus Lymphoproliferative Disorder and Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis.

Zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP-70) plays an integral role in the T-cell antigenic receptor complex. A deficiency of this kinase leads to a phenotype of severe combined immunodeficiency, while hypomorphic mutations of the kinase lead to more mild immunodeficiency phenotypes. We present a case of a 21-year-old patient with lymphadenopathy who was found to have Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) and the development of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). On further workup, the patient was ultimately found to have a homozygous intrionic mutation in ZAP-70. This is a novel ZAP-70 mutation (c.1623 + 5G > A) associated with combined immunodeficiency and an EBV-positive LPD. A primary immunodeficiency is important to consider in a young, otherwise healthy patient presenting with an EBV-positive LPD.
Suspected SARS-CoV-2 Reinfections: Incidence, Predictors, and Healthcare Use among Patients at 238 U.S. Healthcare Facilities, June 1, 2020- February 28, 2021.

In a retrospective cohort study, among 131,773 patients with previous COVID19, reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 was suspected in 253(0.2%) patients at 238 U.S. healthcare facilities between June 1, 2020- February 28, 2021. Women displayed a higher cumulative reinfection risk. Healthcare burden and illness severity were similar between index and reinfection encounters.
Practical Operations of Energy Storage Providing Ancillary Services: From Day-Ahead to Real-Time

As renewable resources are increasingly penetrating power systems, energy storage systems (ESSs) become essential in providing both energy arbitrage and ancillary services. Because of its high flexibility, ESSs have been taken into account in the daily operation of the bulk power system in many places. This paper proposes a general framework in the current electricity market environment to help system operators model the participation of multi-type ESSs and evaluate the performance of both energy arbitrage and reserve provision. We discuss different levels of ESSs' flexibility in providing ancillary services and also consider a deliberate and practical implementation of the modeling. This framework can be seamlessly integrated into the daily market operation without sacrificing computational efficiency. Numerical experiments validate the efficacy of the proposed framework and show that ESSs possess excellent potential in providing ancillary services for the bulk power system.
Urban Green Equity and COVID-19: Effects on Park Use and Sense of Belonging in New York City

Abstract Public spaces in cities of today are characterized by socio-spatial inequalities that often result in restricted mobility for, and exclusion of, marginalized populations—inequalities that have intensified due to COVID-19. In this exploratory study, we distributed a survey comprised of close- and open-ended questions through convenience sampling in late July 2020 with the aim of understanding (1) if and how sense of belonging to urban green space (UGS) has shifted since the start of the pandemic and (2) how do changes in UGS use, satisfaction, and sense of belonging relate to sociodemographic characteristics of New York City (NYC) neighborhoods. Participants (N = 138) were racially diverse, predominantly female and between 18–44yo with a neighborhood median income of $67,500. While the level of satisfaction that people feel in relation to their UGS did not change with the offset of the pandemic, how much people use these spaces and how much they “feel at home” in them did. Participants reported higher use of UGS currently in comparison to their use of these spaces pre-pandemic. This increased use of UGS was particularly evident among White participants and participants living in more upper-middle- and upper-income areas. The same trend is evident when it comes to sense of belonging. New Yorkers in general reported a stronger sense of belonging to UGS spaces as a result of the pandemic. As with UGS use, while both reported a favorable sense of belonging, White and more affluent participants had a stronger sense of belonging pre-pandemic, and their sense of belonging showed greater rise due to the pandemic. Overall, our research suggests that COVID-19 has widened existing socio-spatial disparities in NYC, with the lowest income neighborhoods most effected. We suggest further exploration of sense of belonging to UGS as an avenue to promote urban green equity in multicultural cities.
Experimental Techniques and Data Treatment

Chapter 3 treats the fabrication techniques, characterization schemes and data treatment methods that are very general for the study of optical metamaterials. The chapter starts with a broad overview of fabrication processes commonly used for quasi-two-dimensional optical metamaterials, including electron beam lithography, focused ion beam milling, interference lithography and nanoimprint lithography. We then discuss a few techniques for truly three-dimensional metal-dielectric nanostructures. We also present commonly used characterization methods for testing the spectral properties of optical metamaterials. Finally, in the last section we discuss a technique for the extraction of the homogenized effective parameters from experimental observables.
The Snake Valley Water Dispute: Forecast For a Water Crisis in America's Southwest, or a Catalyst for Change in Water Policy?

Water policies in Utah and Nevada have created a sense of entitlement when it comes to fresh water. The result of that attitude is catching up to them both in the form of a worsening water shortage. Southern Nevada stands in a particularly difficult spot, as its population has grown nearly as rapidly as its water sources have depleted. Consequently, southern Nevada has looked eastward for new sources of fresh water, specifically in the Snake Valley region between Nevada and Utah. A majority of the available water, however, lies underneath Utah, creating a political and geographical debate that has raged for over 20 years. Many questions in the debate have focused on which side deserves what, but the true question is whether anyone besides the Snake Valley itself deserves the water in the first place. This article will seek to answer that question, specifically by looking at water policies in each state and determining the actual roots of the problem. The Snake Valley dispute could, ideally, be an indication that water policies must change. Suggestions will be given as to how both states’ policies could change, which would solve not only the Snake Valley dispute, but those which will inevitably follow it if current policies remain.
Experiments in Classification Clustering and Thesaurus Expansion for Domain Specific Cross-Language Retrieval

In this paper we will describe Berkeley's approach to the Domain Specific (DS) track for CLEF 2007. This year we are using forms of the Entry Vocabulary Indexes and Thesaurus expansion approaches used by Berkeley in 2005[7]. Despite the basic similarity of approach, we are using quite different implementations with different characteristics. We are not, however, using the tools for de-compounding for German. All of the runs submitted were performed using the Cheshire II system. This year Berkeley submitted a total of 24 runs, including one for each subtask of the DS track. These include 6 Monolingual runs for English, German, and Russian, 12 Bilingual runs (4 X2EN, 4 X2DE, and 4 X2RU), and 6 Multilingual runs (2 EN, 2 DE, and 2 RU).
Coastal ocean CO2–carbonic acid–carbonate sediment system of the Anthropocene

[1] There is little doubt that human activities such as burning of fossil fuels and land use practices have changed and will continue to change the cycling of carbon in the global coastal ocean. In the present study, two biogeochemical box models were used to investigate the consequences of increasing atmospheric CO2 and subsequent ocean acidification and increasing riverine transport of organic matter and nutrients arising from human activities on land on the global coastal ocean between the years 1700 and 2300. Numerical simulations show that the net flux of CO2 between coastal ocean surface water and the atmosphere is likely to change during this time from net evasion to net invasion owing to increasing atmospheric CO2, increasing net ecosystem production arising from increasing nutrient loading to this region, and decreasing net ecosystem calcification due to lower carbonate ion concentration and subsequent lower surface water saturation state with respect to carbonate minerals. Model calculations show that surface water saturation state with respect to calcite will decrease 73% by the year 2300 under a business-as-usual scenario, which in concert with increasing temperature will cause overall biogenic calcification rate to decrease by 90%. Dissolution of carbonate minerals increased by 267% throughout the model simulation. This increase was in part due to increased invasion of atmospheric CO2, but mainly due to greater deposition and remineralization of land-derived and in situ produced organic matter in the sediments, producing CO2 that caused pore water pH and carbonate saturation state to decrease. This decrease, in turn, drove selective dissolution of metastable carbonate minerals. As a consequence, the relative carbonate composition of the sediments changed in favor of carbonate phases with lower solubility than that of an average 15 mol% magnesian calcite phase. Model projected changes in surface water carbonate saturation state agree well with observations from the Hawaiian Ocean Time series and the calculated air-sea CO2 exchange agrees well with a recent independent estimate of this flux derived from measurements from diverse coastal ecosystems scaled up to the global coastal ocean area.
Federal Tax Update: Important Developments in Federal Income, Estate & Gift Taxation Affecting Individuals - August, 2006 to August, 2007

This update explains several developments in the substantive federal income, estate and gift tax laws affecting individual taxpayers and small businesses. It contains summaries of significant cases, rulings, regulations, legislation and other matters from August, 2006, through September, 2007. This update generally does not discuss developments in the areas of qualified plans or the taxation of business entities (except to a very limited extent).
Scheduling tertiary I/O in database applications

We study the problem of scheduling I/O requests for tertiary storage libraries to improve performance. The focus is on scheduling policies that process all requests on a loaded medium before unloading it. For single drive settings, an efficient algorithm that produces optimal schedules is developed. For multiple drives, the problem is shown to be NP complete. Efficient and effective heuristics are presented for the multiple drives case. The scheduling policies developed achieve significant performance gains over more naive first come first served policies. The study is general enough to be applicable to any storage library handling removable media, such as tapes or optical disks.
Living A.R.T.

In this narrative, Professor Jaime King explores her personal experience as a patient undergoing in vitro fertilization after studying the procedure as part of her doctoral dissertation in Health Policy and Ethics. Professor King reveals the challenges of being a patient when faced with medical uncertainty and a more paternalistic-minded physician. She then argues in favor of changing informed consent law and physician practice patterns to promote the use of shared decision-making in order to improve medical decision-making in the context of I.V.F.
Mathematical Neuro-Oncology: Translating Patient-specific Mathematical Modeling of Brain Tumors to Clinical Care

Glioblastoma are notoriously aggressive, malignant brain tumors that have variable response to treatment. Mathematical neuro-oncology (MNO) is a young and burgeoning field that leverages mathematical models to predict and quantify response to therapies. These mathematical models can form the basis of modern “precision medicine” approaches to tailor therapy in a patient-specific manner. Patient-specific models (PSMs) can be used to overcome imaging limitations, improve prognostic predictions, stratify patients, and assess treatment response in silico. The information gleaned from such models can aid in the construction and efficacy of clinical trials and treatment protocols, accelerating the pace of clinical research in the war on cancer. This talk will focus on the growing translation of PSM to clinical neuro-oncology. It will also provide a forward-looking view on a new era of patient-specific MNO.
Accelerating cast traffic delivery in data centers leveraging physical layer optics and SDN

The rising popularity of cloud computing and big data applications has led to massive volumes of rack-to-rack traffic featuring diverse communication patterns denoted as *-cast that combines unicast, multicast, incast and all-to-all cast. Effective support of these traffic patterns in data center networks is still an open problem. We propose a hybrid (optical and electrical) approach that leverages physical layer optics to accelerate traffic delivery for each pattern. Our design consists of an application-driven control plane compatible with software defined networking (SDN) to dynamically configure the optics. We present the network architecture and control plane design and results on the multicast case.
Applying nonlinear diffusion acceleration to the neutron transport k-Eigenvalue problem with anisotropic scattering

High-order/low-order (or moment-based acceleration) algorithms have been used to significantly accelerate the solution to the neutron transport k-eigenvalue problem over the past several years. Rec...
A Possible Relation between Elevated FSH Levels and Leydig Cell Dysfunction in Azoospermic and Oligospermic Men

Plasma testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured in the male partners of 69 infertile couples and in 260 allegedly fertile men requesting vasectomy. All hormone levels were within normal range in men with total sperm counts (TSCs) above 25 million/ejaculate, while FSH levels were abnormally elevated in azoospermic subjects and some (not all) men with TSCs below 25 million/ ejaculate. The mean TSC of oligospermic men with elevated FSH levels was not statistically different from the mean TSC of men with normal FSH levels and sperm outputs below 25 million/ejaculate. Thus, the elevation of FSH levels observed in some oligospermic men was not related solely to decreased sperm counts. LH levels were higher in patients with TSCs below 25 million/ejaculate and high FSH levels than in men with TSCs below 25 million/ ejaculate and normal FSH levels. FSH levels were directly correlated with LH levels and negatively correlated with testosterone levels. These results suggest a relation between Leydig cell dysfunction and elevation of FSH levels in oligospermic men.
Rapid ethnographic assessment for cultural mapping

Abstract Today researchers need an efficient and valid approach to mine and analyze the large amount of textual information that is available. Automated coding approaches offer promise but a major concern is the accuracy of such codes in capturing the meaning and intent of the original texts. We compare the recall (number of codes identified) and precision (accuracy of the codes) that included bodies of texts coded (1) manually by humans based on the Outline of Cultural Materials (OCM) code book, (2) semi-automatically by computers that used a human-generated content dictionary containing Rapid Ethnographic Retrieval (RER) codes, and (3) automatically by computers that used an automated version of the OCM content dictionary (AOCM). We applied network visualization and statistics to quantify the relative importance of codes. The semi-automatic coding approach had the highest balance of recall and precision. Network visualization and metrics identified relationships among concepts and frame codes within a context. Semi-automated approaches can code much more data in a shorter period of time than humans and researchers can more easily refine content dictionaries and analyses to address errors, which makes semi-automated coding a promising method to analyze the ever-expanding amount of textual information that is available today.
Molecular cloning and functional expression of 5-HT1E-like rat and human 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor genes.

Abstract Sequential polymerase chain reaction experiments were performed to amplify a unique sequence representing a guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein)-coupled receptor from rat hypothalamic cDNA. Degenerate oligonucleotides corresponding to conserved amino acids from transmembrane domains III, V, and VI of known receptors [5-HT1A, 5-HT1C, and 5-HT2; 5-HT is serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine)] were used as primers for the sequential reactions. The resulting product was subcloned and used to screen a rat genomic library to identify a full-length clone (MR77) containing an intronless open reading frame encoding a 366-amino acid seven-transmembrane domain protein. The human homolog was isolated, and its encoded protein had 93% overall amino acid identity with the rat sequence. Within the conserved transmembrane domains, the sequences exhibit approximately 52%, 59%, 65%, and 68% amino acid identity with the known rat 5-HT1A, rat 5-HT1B, rat 5-HT1D, and human 5-HT1E receptors, respectively. MR77 was subcloned into a eukaryotic expression vector system and expressed in CosM6 cells. Studies on broken cell preparations indicate that the expressed receptor exhibits 125I-labeled d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) binding that can be displaced by serotonin but not by other biogenic amines. The specific binding is displaced by the selective 5-HT1D agonist sumatriptan but not by the mixed 5-HT1A/1D agonist 5-carboxyamidotryptamine. 125I-labeled LSD binding was competitively antagonized by the ergot alkaloids methysergide and ergotamine. HeLa cells transfected with the MR77 gene exhibited inhibition of adenylate cyclase in response to serotonin. MR77 is expressed at low levels throughout the brain, with the greatest expression in the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. MR77 thus represents a 5-HT receptor of the 5-HT1 class, and we propose that, based on the pharmacological characterization, MR77 represents an additional 5-HT1E-like receptor.
Ultrasonic and computed tomographic imaging of the abdominal aorta.

Although ultrasonic and computed tomographic technology is continuing to evolve, these already sophisticated imaging tests have become the primary methods of evaluating the patients with aortic aneurysms. Both modalities are accurate and noninvasive. The major value of these techniques to the surgeon is in assessing those patients in whom the diagnosis is in doubt and in following patients in whom it has been elected to observe a small stable aneurysm. Changes in an aneurysm can be detected on serial examinations which might indicate the need for surgery in spite of adverse patient risk factors, and these techniques may provide a means of detecting false aneurysms in patients who are difficult to assess accurately by physical examination. Ultrasound and computed tomography are very helpful techniques in the diagnosis and assessment of aortic aneurysms. These diagnostic modalities are not required in every patient and should be used discriminately and when indicated.
Partisan gerrymandering and population instability: Completing the redistricting puzzle

Abstract How can partisan mapmakers enact a partisan gerrymander in the presence of risk-averse co-partisan incumbents who wish to keep most of their constituencies intact? Until now the literature on redistricting has focused on how redistricting affects the geography of partisan support, that is, the underlying partisan balance of electoral districts. We posit that this emphasis on partisanship misses half of the story. Partisan mapmakers have another tool at their disposal: the fostering of population instability that may not affect a district's partisan balance. By examining all redistricting plans enacted in 2001–2002, as well as three case studies, we show that partisan mapmakers strategically foster population instability, which poses problems for incumbents in a way that may not be apparent when looking exclusively at the effects of redistricting on partisanship. Our results show how partisan mapmakers simultaneously achieve two goals: enacting an “optimal gerrymander,” which strengthens some opposition-party incumbents, while inducing instability and reducing the personal vote of those same incumbents. We also show that so-called “neutral” redistricting plans are successful in disregarding incumbency. Finally, our results suggest another mechanism that explains why the 2002 congressional elections in the U.S. produced little competition.
Budding and mycelium formation in the life cycle of Coccidioides immitis Rixford and Gilchrist, 1896-in vivo, with a review of the literature.

Mycelial forms in the parasitic life cycle ofC. immitis have been reported several times. These observations are confirmed by the findings of the author. Mycelia and coremium formation of the mycelia (this latter never reported before) of C. immitis were found in the pus of a huge abscess in a patient suffering for many years from coccidioidal granuloma of the lungs. Mycelia were also present in the serum of a cantharides blister, a proof of their presence in the circulation. The development of mycelial forms in the animal tissue must be, thus, considered as an established fact.
Psychometric evaluation of daytime sleepiness and nocturnal sleep onset scales in a representative community sample

Abstract Background: The public health importance of daytime sleepiness as a risk factor for accidents, interpersonal problems, and decreased productivity has been recognized. However, epidemiologic research on this topic has been limited by the reliance on laboratory measures (i.e., the Multiple Sleep Latency Test—MSLT). Two scales, daytime sleepiness and nocturnal sleep onset, have been identified from the self-report Sleep–Wake Activity Inventory (SWAI) in a clinic sample and validated against the MSLT. This study evaluates the replicability of the two scales in a population sample and assesses potential thresholds in scale scores that distinguish normal from pathologic levels of daytime sleepiness and difficulty falling asleep. Methods: The sample consisted of 2181 subjects 18–45 years old in the Detroit metropolitan area. All sleep characteristic information covered the 2 weeks prior to interview. Split-half sample factor analyses were conducted to assess replicability of the results. Distribution of scale scores and their relation to construct validity variables were used to evaluate possible thresholds. Results: A two-factor model appeared to best account for the variation among the 12 items from the SWAI. The two factors accounted for 50% of the variance in both split-half sample analyses. The revised eight-item daytime sleepiness and two-item nocturnal sleep onset scales showed good and fair internal consistency respectively across both split-half samples. There appeared to be a “natural break” in daytime sleepiness scale scores that was associated with a substantial and consistent change in number of hours slept. No breaks appeared in nocturnal sleep onset scores. Conclusions: This study replicated the results of the clinic-based study and suggested a potentially useful diagnostic threshold for self-report excessive daytime sleepiness. Epidemiology of sleep depends on the ability to move from the laboratory to population surveys in reliable and valid ways. Development of self-report is a step in that direction.
Sub1 and RPA Associate with RNA Polymerase II at Different Stages of Transcription

Single-stranded DNA-binding proteins play many roles in nucleic acid metabolism, but their importance during transcription remains unclear. Quantitative proteomic analysis of RNA polymerase II (RNApII) preinitiation complexes (PICs) identified Sub1 and the replication protein A complex (RPA), both of which bind single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Sub1, homolog of mammalian coactivator PC4, exhibits strong genetic interactions with factors necessary for promoter melting. Sub1 localizes near the transcription bubble in vitro and binds to promoters in vivo dependent upon PIC assembly. In contrast, RPA localizes to transcribed regions of active genes, strongly correlated with transcribing RNApII but independently of replication. RFA1 interacts genetically with transcription elongation factor genes. Interestingly, RPA levels increase at active promoters in cells carrying a Sub1 deletion or ssDNA-binding mutant, suggesting competition for a common binding site. We propose that Sub1 and RPA interact with the nontemplate strand of RNApII complexes during initiation and elongation, respectively.
Coupled-mode analysis of TROPICS

A coupled-wave analysis of a transversely pumped, counterpropagating nonlinear optical interaction is discussed. The analysis includes the effects of a Gaussian spatial variation on the pump beam via a plane wave expansion.
Imagery with Pseudo-Randomly Diffused Coherent Illumination

Image formation with coherent light may be improved by passing the coherent beam through a pseudorandom coded diffuser, which resembles ground glass except that it is designed in accordance with certain constraints.
Microscopic simulation of short-pulse laser damage of melanin particles

Microscopic mechanisms of short pulse laser damage to melanin granules, the strongest absorbing chromophores of visible and near -- IR light in the retina and skin, are studied using the molecular dynamics simulations. The pulse width dependence of the fracture/cavitation and vaporization processes within the small particles, their coupling to the surrounding medium and the resulting tissue injury are discussed based on the simulation results. The effect of laser irradiation on an isolated submicron particle at different laser fluences and pulse durations is first analyzed. The mechanical disruption of the particle due to the laser induced pressure is found to define the character of damage for short pulse widths (tens of picoseconds) at laser fluences that ar significantly lower than those required for boiling. Thermal relaxation and explosive disintegration of the overheated particle at higher laser fluencies are the processes that dominate at longer laser pulses (hundreds of picoseconds). Damage of an absorbing particle embedded into a transparent medium with different mechanical characteristics is then simulated. Coupling of the acoustic and thermal pulses generated within absorbing particles to the surrounding medium is studied and the possible cumulative effects from an ensemble of absorbing particles are discussed. The simulation results provide the basis for future work in which the microscopic and continuum descriptions are combined for multiscale modeling of laser tissue interaction.
Total synthesis of (+)- and (−)-norsecurinine

Abstract (−)-Norsecurinine ( 1a ) has been prepared in a stereospecific fashion beginning with the acetylenic oxazole 18 . Diels-Alder cyclization of 18 afforded the furanoketone 19 , which was transformed in five steps to the butenolide mesylate 24 . Transannular alkylation of 24 then afforded 1a . In identical fashion, ent- 18 gave (+)-norsecurinine ( 1b ).
Inelastic electron tunnelling spectroscopy—III. A study of the molecular orientation of phthalic, isophthalic and terephthalic acids adsorbed on alumina

Abstract Inelastic electron tunnelling spectroscopy has been employed to determine the molecular orientation of the three benzene dicarboxylic acids on alumina. All three acids are assigned as coordinating to the alumina via one of their carboxyl groups; the non-adsorbed carboxyl group participating in intermolecular hydrogen bonding with its neighbour.
Self-concept in artistic domains: An extension of the Shavelson, Hubner, and Stanton (1976) model.

Ways of integrating self-perceptions of dance, dramatic art, visual art, and music skills into the R. J. Shavelson, J. J. Hubner, and G. C. Stanton (1976) hierarchical model of self-concept were examined among 831 college students who responded to two multidimensional self-concept measures. Dance, dramatic art, visual art, and music self-concepts were best integrated into the hierarchy as components of a higher order artistic self-concept factor distinct from academic (math and verbal) and other nonacademic (physical, social, and moral) higher order factors. Although all domain-specific facets of self-concept were clearly defined, much of the variance in these facets was unaccounted for by higher order factors. These findings support the multifaceted or domain-specific nature of self-concept but only moderately support self-concept hierarchies
Convulsant and anticonvulsant effects on spontaneous CA3 population bursts.

This paper analyzes the effects of a convulsant and an anticonvulsant manipulation on spontaneous bursts in CA3 pyramidal cells in the in vitro slice preparation under conditions of low (3.3 mM [K+...
An American pioneer neurosurgeon and medical historian.

(2003). An American Pioneer Neurosurgeon and Medical Historian. Journal of the History of the Neurosciences: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 55-55.