cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organizational Support for Sexual Minority Adolescents: Effects of Level of Youth Involvement and Diversity Training

A two-phase, cross-section and case study design examined the level of youth involvement in the decision-making processes of youth-serving organizations and the effects of diversity training on organizational support for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) adolescents. Results indicate the organizations studied differed with respect to levels of youth involvement, but did not significantly differ with respect to the outcome variable. In-depth analysis to open-response questions indicated organizational support is extremely varied and organizations do support diversity, but not necessarily in regard to LGBT adolescents. The LGBT content within diversity training programs is also discussed. Finally, some religious ideas or beliefs seem to negatively affect the environment in youth-serving organizations in regard to support for LGBT adolescents. Implications for further research, youth practitioners and organizations are discussed.
Defective Adhesion, Migration and Homing Are Associated with Altered Rho GTPase Activity in Cells from Fanconi Anemia Patients.

Abstract Fanconi anemia (FA) is a genetic disorder characterized by bone marrow failure and predisposition to malignancy. One of the potential therapeutic options for patients with FA is collection of autologous multipotent hematopoietic progenitors prior to the development of severe pancytopenia for autologous transplantation and gene therapy. However, poor engraftment of FA hematopoietic cells represents a major obstacle for effective transplantation. Our current study attempted to investigate the mechanism underlying defective engraftment of FA bone marrow (BM) cells. Using BM cells from patients carrying mutations in the FA complementation group A (FA-A), we demonstrate that SDF (Stromal cell-derived factor)-1alpha – and integrin-mediated migration and adhesion, respectively, is defective in FA primary BM cells compared to those from normal donors (more than 2-fold decrease in both migration and adhesion compared to normal BM cells). Complementation of the FA-A defect by retrovirus gene transfer of FANCA gene almost completely restores the ability of the BM cells to migrate towards the chemokine SDF-1alpha. Similar results are obtained with primary fibroblast cells derived from a FA-A patient, which show 3-fold and 35% decrease in adhesion and migration, respectively, compared to FANCA-corrected cells. Furthermore, when transplanted into immunodeficient Nod/scid recipient mice, the FA-A BM cells exhibited significantly impaired homing function whereas normal cells were efficiently homed in the bone marrow. A significant decrease in the activity of the Rho GTPase Cdc42 in FA-A cells is found associated with the patient cell defective functions. Taken together, these data suggest that the FA proteins play a role in the regulation of cell adhesion and migration in addition to maintaining genomic stability, influencing homing and engraftment, possibly via the small GTPase signaling pathway. These findings may have implications in development of strategies for restoring engraftment function of FA hematopoietic cells.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lawsonia intracellularis Strain E40504, Isolated from a Horse Diagnosed with Equine Proliferative Enteropathy.

ABSTRACT Reported herein is the draft genome sequence of equine-origin Lawsonia intracellularis strain E40504, an obligate intracellular bacterium and the etiological agent of equine proliferative enteropathy. The 1.69-Mb draft genome sequence includes 1,380 protein-coding genes and 49 RNA genes, and it lacks a genomic island reported in swine-origin L. intracellularis strain PHE/MN1-00.
The effect of cold ambient temperatures on climbing-specific finger flexor performance

AbstractDifferent ambient temperatures are known to affect muscular performance based on the type of contraction. The effect of cold (10°C) and thermoneutral (TN) (24°C) ambient temperatures on finger flexor performance was examined in 12 rock climbers. After 30 min of seated rest in the designated temperature condition, participants completed maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) on a climbing-specific finger flexor assessment device equipped with a crimp grip hold. Participants then completed an intermittent fatiguing task until failure. The fatiguing task consisted of 10-s contractions at 40% MVC followed by a 3-s of rest. MVC recovery was assessed immediately, 5, 10, and 15 min post-task failure. Estimated muscle temperature and subjective thermal ratings were significantly lower throughout testing in the cold condition (P < .001). Finger flexor MVC strength was similar between conditions at baseline and throughout recovery. Time to task failure was significantly longer (364 ± 135 vs. 251 ± 97 s, P = ....
The Effects of Central Nervous System Stimulants on Drosophila melanogaster Reproduction

Stimulant drugs are used every day by people around the world. The effect stimulants have on developing human fetuses is widely unknown. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has become a valuable system to model the complex effects and properties of drugs in mammals. In this study, Drosophila is used to analyze the effects of stimulant exposure on reproduction to determine if stimulants cause a significant decrease in the number of offspring produced by parent generations. Caffeine, nicotine, and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride were found to significantly decrease the number of offspring in experimental populations. Further experimentation is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying these results.
Lead Poisoning,Toxocariasis,and Pica

In this chapter we will explore relationships among environmental toxins and an eating disorder in which individuals (infants, children, and adults) mouth, taste, and ingest a variety of strange and often inedible substances, which may include sand, dirt, insects, animal excreta, hair, and cloth, among other things. This eating disorder is known as pica. A more complete discussion of pica will follow; however, it should be obvious that such eating habits can lead to exposure to toxins, parasites, bacterial infections, and other causes of disease. Similarly, there are many “conditions “ that may lead to and/or exacerbate pica. In addition, we will examine the neurobehavioral consequences of the ingestion of harmful environmental toxins and pathogens. More specifically, we will present a necessarily selective review of the animal and human literature related to environmental neuropsychology using lead poisoning and a parasitic disease, toxocariasis, as examples of pathologies often related to the eating of inappropriate matter (i.e., pica).
Representing Genocide: The Holocaust as Paradigm?

This is an important book in the field of what might be considered serious academic scholarship on genocide. British scholar Rebecca Jinks has sought to explore a range of ways in which memory and ...
Survey research, focus groups, and information technology in research and practice

The integration of computing into survey research and focus groups in research and practice in public administration and related fields is the focus of this chapter. Coverage applies to other social science disciplines as well. This chapter reviews uses of computers in computer-assisted information collection (CASIC), computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI), computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI), and transferring survey research methods onto the Web. A second portion of the chapter gives special attention to continuous audience response technology (CART). An example of a citizen survey focused on growth issues combined with a focus group dealing with the same topic in Cary, North Carolina, is also discussed.
The clinical utility of shock index to predict the need for blood transfusion and outcomes in trauma.

Abstract Background We aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of shock index (SI) to assess the need for blood transfusion and predict the outcomes in trauma. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective analysis for trauma patients between 2012 and 2016 in a level-1 trauma center. Data included patient demographics, vital signs, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score (ISS), New Injury Severity Score (NISS), Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS), blood transfusion, hospital length of stay (HLOS), and mortality. Patients were classified into group I (SI Results Out of 8710 admitted patients, 1535 (22%) had SI ≥ 0.8 and 976 (12.5%) received blood transfusion (89 received massive transfusion, following massive blood transfusion protocol [MTP]). In comparison to lower SI, patients with SI ≥ 0.8 were mostly female patients, 8 y younger (43 ± 22 versus 51 ± 23), had greater ISS (15 ± 12 versus 10.5 ± 8), higher NISS (19 ± 15 versus 14 ± 11), lower pulse pressure (43 ± 14 versus 62 ± 18), lower TRISS (0.892 ± 0.20 versus 0.953 ± 0.11), and received more blood transfusion (28.6% versus 9.0%) or MTP (17.7% versus 3%), P = 0.001. Also, they had mostly exploratory laparotomy (13.3% versus 6.6%, P = 0.001), longer HLOS (11.3 versus 7.0 d, P = 0.001), and higher mortality (7.0% versus 3.1%, P = 0.001). SI was correlated with age (r = −0.188), pulse pressure (r = −0.51), HLOS (r = 0.168), ISS (r = 0.251), NISS (r = 0.211), amount of blood transfused (r = 0.27), Glasgow Coma Scale (r = −0.96), and TRISS (r = −0.230). After adjusting for age and sex, ISS, and Glasgow Coma Scale in two multivariable analyses, high SI was found to be an independent predictor for mortality (odd ratio, 2.553; 95% confidence intervals: 1.604-4.062) and blood transfusion (odd ratio, 3.57; 95% confidence intervals: 3.012-4.239). The cutoff point of SI for predicting MTP is 0.81 (sensitivity, 85%; specificity, 64%; positive predictive value, 16%; and negative predictive value, 98%). Conclusions The SI after injury can be used early to predict the need for MTP and laparotomy and mortality. It correlates with other physiological and anatomical variables. However, its cutoff values for risk stratification and prognostication need further evaluation.
Multiscale Modeling and Simulation of Macromixing, Micromixing, and Crystal Size Distribution in Radial Mixers/Crystallizers

Continuous-flow tubular crystallization in which seed crystals are continuously generated is of interest due to its enabling of tighter control of crystal properties. This article is the most detailed simulation study on the design and operation of continuous-flow crystallizers using radial mixers, which have potential for inducing rapid and intense turbulent mixing and having easy construction, high reliability, and low operating costs. A multiscale model is employed that couples computational fluid dynamics (CFD), micromixing modeling, energy balance, and population balance equation (PBE) using the open-source CFD package OpenFOAM. The approach is demonstrated for the methanol–water antisolvent crystallization of lovastatin. A new crystallizer design with multiple radial inlets is proposed and shown to deliver improved mixing compared to one radial inlet. The effects of varying operating conditions on micromixing and crystal size distribution are analyzed. A systematic approach is provided for the desig...
Effect of Transmit Beamforming on Clutter Levels in Transthoracic Echocardiography

Transmit beamforming has a strong impact on several factors that govern image quality, field-of-view, and frame-rate in ultrasound imaging. For cardiac applications, the visualization of fine structures and the ability to track their motion is equally important. Consequently, beamforming choices for echocardiography aim to optimize these trade-offs. Acoustic clutter can dramatically impact image quality and degrade the diagnostic value of cardiac ultrasound imaging. Clutter levels, however, are closely tied to the choice of beamforming configuration. This study aims to quantify the impact of transmit beamforming on clutter levels under in vivo conditions. The performance of focused as well as plane wave transmit configurations in fundamental and harmonic modes is evaluated under matched conditions. Contrast between the cardiac chambers and the interventricular septum is used as a surrogate for the level of clutter in a given imaging scenario. Under in vivo conditions, contrast was found to improve incrementally across the four beamforming configurations in the following order : fundamental-plane, fundamental-focused, harmonic-plane, and harmonic-focused. Using the fundamental-focused configuration as a reference, the harmonic-plane and harmonic-focused cases showed improvements in median contrast of 2.97 dB and 6.1 dB, respectively while the fundamental-plane case showed a contrast deterioration of 1.23 dB. Contrast was also found vary systematically as a function of imaging depth. Median contrast for the right ventricle (shallow chamber) was measured to be 2.96 dB lower than that in the left ventricle (deep chamber). The improved clutter suppression in both harmonic cases as well as the decay of clutter magnitude with imaging depth suggest that a substantial amount of clutter for transthoracic imaging is generated from reverberation between near-field tissue layers.
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Biphasic Type: An Unusual and Insidious Case of Rapidly Progressive Small Blue Cell Tumor

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare neoplasm. It predominantly affects elderly individuals aged over 70 years presenting with a unilateral pleural tumor usually associated with previous asbestos exposure. The respiratory symptoms are associated with ipsilateral pleural involvement with concomitant pleural effusions. The diagnosis of MPM is established by the morphologic and immunohistochemical features of a cytologic specimen. MPM can present as three histologic subtypes: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic. We present a case of an 85-year-old Caucasian female with a history of occupational asbestos exposure. She complained of 1-week history of progressive sharp right flank and scapular pain with mild shortness of breath, dry cough and pleuritic chest pain. CT of the chest showed a large loculated right pleural effusion with adjacent pleural thickening. CT abdomen and pelvis was negative for other neoplastic findings. CT-guided core biopsy of the right pleural-based mass was positive for a spindle to plasmacytoid small blue cell tumor. An extensive immunohistochemical panel was non-specific. A focal OSCAR keratin and WT-1 expression in the absence of carcinoma markers, a malignant mesothelioma, biphasic type was diagnosed. Further workup with PET-CT and cytotoxic chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitors was recommended by oncology. The patient refused further imaging and treatment, and palliative care was consulted.
Cell Division Cycles and Circadian Rhythms

Cell division cycles and circadian clocks are major periodic processes in living organisms. Circadian rhythms of cell division have been found in many eukaryotes and some prokaryotes. Circadian clocks gate cell division within discrete time windows. Among bacteria, circadian clocks have been found only in cyanobacteria. The freshwater unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus elon-gatusM PCC 7942, which utilizes light as an energy source, grows and divides in the daytime and stops dividing during the night. When the cells are placed in continuous light conditions, the rhythmic occurrence of cell division continues with a period of 24 h. Whether the cyanobacterial cells are rapidly growing or halted in their division cycle, the circadian clock appears to tick steadily and operates normally. This phenomenon implies an independence of circadian timekeeping from the cell division cycle. The mechanisms and significance of circadian control of the cell division cycle in cyanobacteria are discussed here.
A model for the role of feedback in ocular dominance column development

Feedback is ubiquitous in the mammalian brain, and has been shown to play a very important role in perception and cognition. However, feedback is also present in the developing brain, and as such may play an important role in brain development. We present a model to investigate the role of feedback during brain development, specifically in formation of ocular dominance columns (ODC's). Feedback is a unique feature of our model. Results of anatomical and physiological experiments show that feedback loops exist between cortical layer-4 and other neuron populations (the subplate and cortical layer-6) during ODC development. Our model puts forth the hypothesis that these neuron populations locally integrate the activity of layer-4 neurons and feed it back to same, specifically to the post-synaptic sites of geniculocortical NMDA synapses. In this way, the feedback activity directly controls the synaptic strength changes, causing the development of ODC's. Another unique feature of our model is that the ALOPEX algorithm is used change the geniculocortical synaptic strengths. Unlike the Hebb rule, ALOPEX is naturally suited to systems with feedback. Through detailed neuronal simulations, we demonstrate the biophysical feasibility of ALOPEX in the current system. Computer simulations demonstrate that our model is extremely robust. The average column width remains constant against variations in thalamic and cortical parameters. When biologically realistic parameter values are used, the model renders ODC's of an appropriate width. Further, the model successfully replicates the effects of monocular deprivation, reversed monocular deprivation, and strabismus. It also renders a consistent column width under different scales of cortical representation. From these results, we conclude that the role of feedback is to make development robust against biological variabilities.
Politics and the Evolutionary Process

Homo sapiens—the knowing, the wise, the sagacious animal—that is what the taxonomists of the eighteenth century named this remarkable—nay, this transcendent—species.
Trends in weather type frequencies across North America

While 20th century changes in many individual meteorological variables are well documented, the trends in multivariate synoptic-scale air masses—or weather types—largely remain unexplored. Utilizing a recently developed gridded weather typing classification system, this research investigates the changes in the frequency of weather types (WTs) across North America, 1979–2017. Averaged across the study domain as a whole, Humid Warm WTs are occurring 22 more days per year, while Dry Warm WTs have increased by 10 days/year. These increases are offset mostly by decreased frequency of Dry Cool (−17 days/year) and Cool WTs (−21 days/year). The largest absolute changes are in the Canadian Archipelago, where the Warm WT is occurring 42 more days/year and the Cool WT is occurring 48 fewer times per year. In western Canada all humid types are occurring more frequently, including a Humid Cool type that is occurring 16 more days/year. The Desert Southwest US and northern Mexico show significant increases in Dry Warm WTs (+33 to +40 days/year). Cold front and warm front passages show increases in most of the US and decreases in most of Canada. Describing these secular changes to the frequency of intuitive weather types may be an effective means of communicating these climate trends to policymakers and the general public, especially considering their large magnitude. Weather types, or synoptic-scale air masses, are shifting in frequency across North America, with consequences for human health and mortality. Cameron Lee and Scott Sheridan from Kent State University, USA, use the Gridded Weather Type Classification (GWTC)—wherein weather conditions are characterized into 11 categories, mainly on the basis of being warm/cool, or humid/dry—to investigate changes in the US and Canada over 1979–2017. Across North America, all warm weather types have increased in frequency at the expense of cold weather types: collectively, dry-warm, warm, and humid-warm have increased by 45 days per year, whereas dry-cool, cool, and humid-cool have decreased by 43 days per year. Observed shifts are strongest in north-eastern Canada and the US Southwest. It is unknown whether these changes can be linked to anthropogenic warming or natural variability.
Area-constant strain and dilation in sandbox models: Insights from whole-model area balance

Abstract Line-length restoration of sandbox models of contractional structures typically shows that bed lengths are too short, implying that the models are not area balanced. Two alternative hypotheses have been proposed to explain this discrepancy: horizontal (or tectonic) compaction, a porosity loss caused by horizontal shortening, and area-constant shortening with bed thickening. Whole-model area-balance shows that two very different sandbox models, for which line-length restoration implies compaction, are actually area balanced with small dilations. The line-length imbalance is due to area-constant thickening that accompanies the shortening. This thickening may not be obvious to the eye and may be impossible to recognize in the deformed state unless the initial thickness is known independently because when the entire model is shortened and thickened, no undeformed thickness may remain.
Fast and Provable Algorithms for Learning Two-Layer Polynomial Neural Networks

In this paper, we bridge the problem of (provably) learning shallow neural networks with the well-studied problem of low-rank matrix estimation. In particular, we consider two-layer networks with quadratic activations, and focus on the under-parameterized regime where the number of neurons in the hidden layer is smaller than the dimension of the input. Our main approach is to “lift” the learning problem into a higher dimension, which enables us to borrow algorithmic techniques from low-rank matrix estimation. Using this intuition, we propose three novel, non-convex training algorithms. We support our algorithms with rigorous theoretical analysis, and show that all three enjoy a linear convergence, fast running time per iteration, and near-optimal sample complexity. Finally, we complement our theoretical results with numerical experiments.
Changing of the guard

Anti-PD-1 therapy induces clonal expansion of tumor-specific T cells with antigen specificities distinct from the tumor-specific T cells present before therapy.
Sleep and Transportation Safety: Role of the Employer

Human fatigue is an important factor in transportation safety and a major causal factor of accidents. Employers play a vital role in minimizing fatigue-related risk, and are legally liable for damages arising from failure to address the risk. By taking an active role as stakeholders in transportation safety, employers not only reduce their risk of adverse safety events and limit their legal liability but may also benefit from improvements in productivity, morale, and health care expenditures. Employers should focus on reducing fatigue-related risk, with ongoing support from sleep safety research.
Evaluation of Stormwater Treatment Vault with Coanda-Effect Screen for Removal of Solids and Phosphorus in Urban Runoff

AbstractCatch basins commonly are used by cities as part of a stormwater management plan to remove sediment and associated contaminants from stormwater, keeping them in compliance with regulations....
Effects of instructors’ academic disciplines and prior experience with learning management systems: A study about the use of Canvas

This study examines the effects of instructors’ academic disciplines and prior experience with the learning management system (LMS), Canvas, on current use. Our mixed method study collected data via an online survey from 557 instructors at two United States universities. Quantitative analyses found significant differences in instructors’ use of Canvas by their academic discipline and prior Canvas experience. Content analysis of the open-ended responses revealed that, when reporting the strengths and weaknesses of Canvas, while instructors across disciplines reported common strengths, the weaknesses they identified varied according to the features they used for their specific disciplines. Our findings lead us to recommend routine evaluation and assessment of instructors’ needs related to LMS. We suggest that, together with general LMS training, campuses design and offer discipline-specific LMS training to ensure instructors’ needs for LMS based on their academic fields are addressed. Also, we propose that universities should design and offer basic and advanced LMS training programs for instructors with different levels of LMS experience.
Predicting Current Juul use among Emerging Adults through Twitter Feeds

Abstract Introduction Can we predict whether someone uses Juul based on their social media activities? This is the central premise of the effort reported in this paper. Several recent social media-related studies on Juul use tend to focus on the characterization of Juul-related messages on social media. In this study, we assess the potential in using machine learning methods to automatically identify whether an individual uses Juul (past 30-day usage) based on their Twitter data. Methods We obtained a collection of 588 instances, for training and testing, of Juul use patterns (along with associated Twitter handles) via survey responses of college students. With this data, we built and tested supervised machine learning models based on linear and deep learning algorithms with textual, social network (friends and followers), and other hand-crafted features. Results The linear model with textual and follower network features performed best with a precision-recall trade-off such that precision (PPV) is 57% at 24% recall (sensitivity). Hence, at least every other college-attending Twitter user flagged by our model is expected to be a Juul user. Additionally, our results indicate that social network features tend to have a large impact (positive) on predictive performance. Conclusion There are enough predictive signals from social feeds for supervised modeling of Juul use, even with limited training data, implying that such models are highly beneficial to very focused intervention campaigns. Moreover, this initial success indicates potential for more involved automated surveillance of Juul use based on social media data, including Juul usage patterns, nicotine dependency, and risk awareness.
Working Memory Impairments in Cerebellar Disorders of Childhood

The cerebellum is a crucial center for motor control and integration. Increasing evidence supports the notion that the cerebellum is also involved in nonmotor functions. Along these lines, multiple cerebellar disorders of childhood and adulthood are associated with behavioral and cognitive symptoms, including impairments in memory. One form of memory commonly affected in cerebellar disorders is working memory, which uses attention to manipulate information that is immediately available to execute cognitive tasks. This article reviews the literature illustrating that working memory impairments are frequently observed in acquired, congenital, and genetic/developmental cerebellar disorders of childhood. Functional neuroimaging studies demonstrate that working memory tasks engage many posterior regions of the cerebellar hemispheres and vermis. Thus, the cerebellum acts as one important node in the working memory circuit, and when the cerebellum is involved in childhood disorders, deficits in working memory commonly occur.
“I Seek a Partner Who Actually Wants Me to Make Up for Lost Time”: The Girlfriend Experience in Outside Partnerships Helps Reduce FOMO

Outside partners provided the Girlfriend Experience, characterized by lingering touch, deep kisses, and leisurely encounters (Sanders, 2008). Men interpreted their outside partners’ willingness and interest in making time for extended sexual sessions as proof of their desire for them and their approval of the men as sexual partners. Feeling desired proved important. Many men reported a lack of sexual experience going into their primary partnerships, which allowed the sex in their marriages to serve as their only sense of themselves in terms of prowess. As a result, many men bemoaned their misspent youth, wishing they had spent the time dating more and experiencing other sexual partners. These outside partnerships helped alleviate FOMO, e.g. concerns of missing out or a sense of life passing them by.
Self-reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) and polyethylene composite gaskets for prevention of mechanically-assisted corrosion in modular taper junctions: Seating, micromotion and short-term fretting corrosion.

Abstract Mechanically-assisted crevice corrosion (MACC) is a phenomenon known to cause complications in modular orthopedic implants, particularly at metal-metal taper junctions. Previous studies of the properties and corrosion performance of an interfacial polymeric self-reinforced composite (SRC) gaskets have shown its capability as a high-strength, insulating barrier against oxide abrasion and metal degradation of metal-metal (or metal-hard) contacts in MACC conditions. This study characterizes the short-term tribocorrosion performance of poly (ether ether ketone) SRCs (SRC-PEEK) and polyethylene SRC (SRC-PE) films under in vitro test conditions for head-neck modular junction designs in hip replacement devices. SRC films composed of SRC-PEEK and SRC-PE were seated between 9/10 femoral head bores and stem tapers as thin interfacial gaskets and tested against metal-metal controls under short-term cyclic loading conditions in a custom in vitro test setup. Head-neck seating mechanics were measured, followed by incremental cyclic fretting corrosion testing with monitoring of fretting current, force, and relative micromotion between head and neck components during cyclic loading. SRC-PEEK tapers had a seating subsidence that was approximately three times that of the SRC-PE tapers and nine times that of controls. SRC-PE tapers, likely due to low friction, partially failed to lock during seating resulting in a pushing up of the head on the taper. Average fretting currents were significantly lower for both SRC groups (less than 0.3 μA at 4000 N) compared to control tapers experiencing fretting corrosion currents between 1.7 μA and 32 μA, (p
Particle track classification using quantum associative memory

Abstract Pattern recognition algorithms are commonly employed to simplify the challenging and necessary step of track reconstruction in sub-atomic physics experiments. Aiding in the discrimination of relevant interactions, pattern recognition seeks to accelerate track reconstruction by isolating signals of interest. In high collision rate experiments, such algorithms can be particularly crucial for determining whether to retain or discard information from a given interaction even before the data is transferred to tape. As data rates, detector resolution, noise, and inefficiencies increase, pattern recognition becomes more computationally challenging, motivating the development of higher efficiency algorithms and techniques. Quantum associative memory is an approach that seeks to exploits quantum mechanical phenomena to gain advantage in learning capacity, or the number of patterns that can be stored and accurately recalled. Here, we study quantum associative memory based on quantum annealing and apply it to the particle track classification. We focus on discrimination models based on Ising formulations of quantum associative memory model (QAMM) recall and quantum content-addressable memory (QCAM) recall. We characterize classification performance of these approaches as a function detector resolution, pattern library size, and detector inefficiencies, using the D-Wave 2000Q processor as a testbed. Discrimination criteria is set using both solution-state energy and classification labels embedded in solution states. We find that energy-based QAMM classification performs well in regimes of small pattern density and low detector inefficiency. In contrast, state-based QCAM achieves reasonably high accuracy recall for large pattern density and the greatest recall accuracy robustness to a variety of detector noise sources.
Furman‘s Resurrection: Proportionality Review and the Supreme Court's Second Chance to Fulfill Furman‘s Promise

Last term, Justice Stevens‘ statement respecting the denial of certiorari in Walker v. Georgia resurrected the specter of Furman‘s unfulfilled promise-that the Court would not tolerate a death sentence based upon arbitrary or discriminatory factors. Stevens observed that "the likely result of such a truncated [proportionality] review . . . is the arbitrary or discriminatory imposition of death sentences in contravention of the Eighth Amendment." Not only has this statement sparked renewed interest in an area of death penalty jurisprudence many believed to be a dead letter, but it also may provide capital defendants with the opportunity to present the Court with pervasive evidence that death sentencing today is no less arbitrary than when the Court decided Furman.After briefly revisiting Furman‘s holding, this article reviews the trajectory of the Court‘s proportionality review jurisprudence. It then explores how meaningful proportionality review can substantially decrease the risk that criminal defendants will suffer arbitrary death sentences. Finally, it argues that in the face of mounting evidence that the death penalty is as arbitrary now as it was when Furman was decided, challenges to deficient proportionality review practices provide the Court with a new and timely opportunity to fulfill a constitutional promise it recognized nearly forty years ago.
Reduced-state Viterbi equalization using state partitioning

A reduced-state sequence estimator for linear dispersive channels is described. The technique is based on partitioning the set of all possible channel states in a way that defines a trellis with fewer states resulting in reduced complexity. The outcome of the new technique results is a generalization of trellises previously obtained in Duel-Hallen and Heegard. While the approach in Duel-Hallen and Heegard results in power of two-state trellises, the new technique generates trellises with an arbitrary number of states. Therefore, the set partitioning approach described in the present paper provides a better performance/complexity tradeoff. The Viterbi algorithm (VA) is used to search for the best path through the reduced state trellis.
A piggyback method to collect statistics for query optimization in database management systems

A database management system (DBMS) performs query optimization based on statistical information about data in the underlying data-base. Out-of-date statistics may lead to inefficient query processing in the system. Existing solutions to this problem have some drawbacks such as heavy administrative burden, high system load, and tardy updates. To overcome these drawbacks, our new approach, called the piggyback method, is proposed in this paper. The key idea is to piggyback some additional retrievals during the processing of a user query in order to collect more up-to-date statistics. The collected statistics are used to optimize the processing of subsequent queries. To specify the piggybacked queries, basic piggybacking operators are defined in this paper. Using the operators, several types of piggybacking such as vertical, horizontal, mixed vertical and horizontal, and multi-query piggybacking are introduced. Statistics that can be obtained from different access methods by applying piggyback analysis during query processing are also studied. In order to meet users' different requirements for the associated overhead, several piggybacking levels are suggested. Other related issues including initial statistics, piggybacking time, and parallelism are also discussed. Our analysis shows that the piggyback method is promising in improving the quality of query optimization in a DBMS as well as in reducing the user's administrative burden for maintaining an efficient DBMS.
A polymorphic radix-n framework for Fast fourier Transforms

We provide a polymorphic framework for radix-n Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs) where all known kinds of monomoporhic radix-n algorithms can be obtained by specialization. The framework is mathematically based on the Cooley-Tukey mapping, and implemented as a C++ template meta-program. Avoiding run-time overhead, all specializations are performed statically.
Modern systemic chemotherapy in surgically unresectable neoplasms of appendiceal origin: a single-institution experience

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal neoplasms include tumors ranging from benign-appearing cells with widespread mucin deposits to aggressive poorly differentiated signet ring cell adenocarcinomas. Traditionally, these tumors are treated with cytoreductive surgery followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. For some patients, cytoreductive surgery is not an option, and minimal published data exist in the management and outcome of these patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the benefit of modern systemic chemotherapy in patients with disseminated appendiceal neoplasm who were not considered optimal candidates for cytoreductive surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted using The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center tumor registry between January 2000 and July 2005. Response was determined by radiographic response and/or overall clinical benefit. RESULTS: Of 186 patients diagnosed with appendiceal neoplasm, 54 (29%) patients considered to be suboptimal surgical candidates received ≥2 cycles of systemic chemotherapy. Thirty (55.6%) patients had a disease control rate noted as a complete response, partial response, or stable disease. After a median follow-up of 24 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were determined to be 7.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4-11) and 56 months (95% CI, 36-not applicable), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic chemotherapy has a role in appendiceal neoplasm patients who are suboptimal candidates for cytoreductive surgery. The intermediate PFS indicates the challenges that exist for appendiceal neoplasm patients in this setting. Prospective randomized trials including systemic chemotherapy are needed to provide further insight into this malignancy, for which no standard exists. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Mobility and Immobility in a Transnational Context: Changing Views of Migration among the Kazakh Diaspora in Mongolia

Inquiry into the causes and outcomes of transnational migration spans numerous disciplines, scales and methodological approaches. Fewer studies focus on immobility. Utilizing the Kazakh population of Mongolia as a case study, this paper considers how non-migrants view the economic and cultural costs of migrating. We posit that three factors, including local place attachments specific to Mongolia, access to information about life in Kazakhstan and the importance of maintaining social networks in Mongolia, contribute substantially to their decision to not migrate. Our findings suggest that the decision to not migrate can be very strategic for non-migrants in highly transnational contexts.
Licensing Intellectual Property in the Presence of Non-Contractible Complements

This paper provides a simple model of licensing intellectual property to licensees who sell complementary products, revenues from which are at least partially uncontractible. When the licensor cannot use fixed fees, he prefers output-based royalties over profit-sharing agreements if the licensee's revenues from complements are not too high and if the fraction thereof that can be brought under the incidence of a licensing agreement is sufficiently large. The public policy implication is that, in such licensing contexts, there is a compelling case for broadening the ability of licensors to share in revenues from sales of adjacent products in order to allow for the internalization of externalities due to product complementarities. We illustrate our arguments with two case studies: licensing of printer technology to Dell and licensing of music to Apple Computer.
Machinability study and process optimization in face milling of some super alloys with indexable copy face mill inserts

Abstract Hard-to-cut materials such as stainless steels and nickel-based super alloys are widely applied in different critical areas, e.g., aerospace and automotive components and chemical plants. Complex parts used in these areas are machined by recently developed indexable copy face mills with round inserts. This work aims to apply such inserts for studying machinability and process cost optimization during face milling of several hard alloys including SS 403cb+ (a new grade of stainless steel), Inconel 718, and Inconel 625 with indexable copy face mills. Machining experiments on these alloys are performed at different cutting speed and feed rate combinations, and machinability is studied in terms of tool life and wear, material removal rate, cutting forces, and force coefficients. The extended Taylor's tool life model that includes both the cutting speed and feed rate are also used to determine the model coefficients. Using standard cost optimization model, process parameters are optimized considering the trade-off between material removal rate and tool life. The coefficients estimated for the extended Taylor's tool life model are also validated. Findings reveal that machinability of Inconel 625 is poorest among the three alloy materials considered. Also, machining cost is found to be about 5 and 6 folds for Inconel 718 and Inconel 625, respectively, as compared to that for SS 403cb+ when considering a fixed volume to be removed at the optimized speed and feed combinations of each material.
The New Federal Role in Education and Family Services: Goal Setting without Responsibility

This article explores the diminishing role of federal government following a series of legislative mandates to maximize equal educational opportunity; it also examines the escalating poverty rate resulting from the economic restructuring of the country. It calls for systemic reform in education, health, and human services followed by an integration of these services.
Ab Initio prediction of mycobacteriophages protein structure and function

* Correspondence: claire.rinehart@wku.edu Department of Biology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, 42101, USA Figure 1 Seven predicted pham 6714 structures superimposed into a single model matching methyltransferase structures. PDB files were rendered using UCSF Chimera (http://www.cgl.ucsf.edu/chimera/). Proteins include MeeZee gp 78, JN243856.1; Backyardigan gp 74, JF704093.1; and ShiLan gp 70, JN020143.1 Kapadia and Rinehart BMC Bioinformatics 2013, 14(Suppl 17):A10 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2105/14/S17/A10
Growth cycle of fowlpox virus and change in plaque morphology and cytopathology by contaminating mycoplasma

Abstract Studies of the multiplication of fowlpox virus (FP) in chick embryo (CE) monolayers indicate that the eclipse period in this system extends for 24–36 hours and the increase of infectious virus is exponential from 36 to 72 hours with a decline in titer by 120 hours. Most of the virus remains cell-associated throughout this period. The kinetics of the in vitro growth curve in cultures dually infected with FP and Mycoplasma gallisepticum are very similar to pure FP infection, but the in vivo infectivity is markedly decreased. Whereas the pock count of FP alone was approximately 1 log lower than the plaque titer, the pock count of the FP- Mycoplasma mixture was at least 5–6 logs lower. The mechanism of this effect of Mycoplasma on the in vivo infectivity of FP has not been elucidated.
Preparation and structures of dinuclear complexes containing MII–OH centers

The synthesis of MII2 complexes (MIICo, Mn) with terminal hydroxo ligands has been achieved utilizing a dinucleating ligand containing a bridging pyrazolate unit and appended (neopentyl)aminopyridyl groups. Structural studies on the complexes revealed that the MII–OH units are positioned in a syn-configuration, placing the hydroxo ligands in close proximity (ca. 3 A apart), which may be a prerequisite for water oxidation.
Operons in C. elegans: Polycistronic mRNA precursors are processed by trans-splicing of SL2 to downstream coding regions

The mRNAs of six C. elegans genes are known to be trans-spliced to SL2. We report here that a similarly oriented gene is located 100-300 bp upstream of each. We present evidence that the genes in these clusters are cotranscribed and downstream mRNAs are formed by cleavage at the polyadenylation site and trans-splicing. From one three-gene cluster we isolated cDNA clones representing both polycistronic RNAs and mRNAs polyadenylated at the free 3' end created by trans-splicing, suggesting that polycistronic RNAs can be processed by trans-splicing. Several experiments indicate that SL2 trans-splicing is a consequence of a gene's downstream location in an operon. In particular, when an SL1-accepting gene was moved to a downstream location, its mRNA was trans-spliced largely to SL2. The possible regulatory significance of cotranscription of C. elegans genes is discussed.
Junction temperature measurement of IGBTs using short circuit current

In this paper, a method is proposed to measure the junction temperatures of IGBT discrete devices and modules using short circuit current. Experimental results show that the short circuit current has good sensitivity, linearity and selectivity, which is suitable to be used as temperature sensitive electrical parameters (TSEP). Test circuit and hardware design are proposed for junction temperature measurement in single phase and three phase converters. By connecting a temperature measurement unit to the converter and giving a short circuit pulse, the IGBT junction temperature can be measured.
Inter-relationships between nematode and plant communities in agricultural ecosystems

Abstract In a consideration of nematode and plant inter-relationships, five nematode trophic groups must be considered: microbivores, fungivores, parasites of higher plants, predators, and omnivores. In uncultivated areas, such as deciduous forests, many species of nematodes are likely to be present (often 100 to 200 species in temperate areas) with the trophic structure stable and dependent on topographic, edaphic, vegetative and climatic factors that characterize the habitat. When formerly uncultivated lands are placed in cultivation, some species build up, and other members of the nematode community decline and even disappear. Soils of perennial crops may have a nematode species diversity comparable to soils of undisturbed areas. Soils planted to annual crops, however, usually have a low species diversity although nematode densities may be high during certain seasons of the year. Nematode community structure depends on a number of factors including soil type and crop grown, and may shift from year to year depending on cropping history. In the tropics monocultures and their subsequent effect on nematode communities are an even greater departure from the natural state than they are in temperate zones. Primary control strategies for nematodes have included the use of nematicides and resistant varieties. Also used are crop rotation, summer or winter fallow, trap cropping, and other techniques. New strategies must be developed by which all biological and physical aspects of the feedback system can be managed.