cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bevacizumab-Associated Fistula Formation in Postoperative Colorectal Cancer Patients

Background Adjuvant chemotherapy regimens for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) routinely include bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We have identified a correlation between bevacizumab and fistula formation after resection of advanced CRC. Study design Patients undergoing treatment with bevacizumab for metastatic CRC after 2005 were identified and reviewed. Of 222 consecutive patients, 9 patients treated with bevacizumab subsequently developed fistulas. These patients' charts were reviewed with attention to diagnosis, timing of operation relative to bevacizumab therapy, location of fistula, and fistula treatment. Results Of the 9 identified patients (9 of 222, 4.1%), 6 had rectal cancer, 2 had colon cancer, and 1 had synchronous CRC. Fistulas were most commonly anal or perineal (6 of 9, 66.7%) and colovesicular (3 of 9, 33%). On average, bevacizumab was initiated 23.6 months after the initial operation; complications occurred 3.9 months after starting bevacizumab. Nearly uniformly, cessation of bevacizumab led to fistula healing; however, 3 patients (33%) required fecal diversion. Conclusions Bevacizumab is the most common antiangiogenesis agent used for treatment of metastatic CRC. Previous adverse events associated with bevacizumab treatment include venous thromboembolism, poor wound healing, and spontaneous bowel perforation. In this report, late postoperative development of fistulas occurred relatively soon after initiation of bevacizumab and usually spontaneously resolved with cessation of bevacizumab treatment. Based on the timing of fistula development relative to operation and initiation of bevacizumab, fistulas are likely secondary to bevacizumab therapy rather than postsurgical complications. Bevacizumab-induced fistulas occur in a small, but significant proportion of CRC patients and must be recognized early.
Variational approach to fluid-structure interaction with sloshing

Abstract A general variational principle for fluid-structure interaction problems with sloshing is presented. Both seismic and body forces are accounted for in the development. It is shown that various fluid-structure interaction formulations can be obtained from the developed functional.
A second double movement? Polanyi and shifting global opinions on neoliberalism:

Karl Polanyi’s theory of the ‘double movement’ has gained great currency in recent years to explain the global growth of contemporary social movements resisting neoliberalism. However, there has be...
Diffeomorphic metric surface mapping in subregion of the superior temporal gyrus

This paper describes the application of large deformation diffeomorphic metric mapping to cortical surfaces based on the shape and geometric properties of subregions of the superior temporal gyrus in the human brain. The anatomical surfaces of the cortex are represented as triangulated meshes. The diffeomorphic matching algorithm is implemented by defining a norm between the triangulated meshes, based on the algorithms of Vaillant and Glaunes. The diffeomorphic correspondence is defined as a flow of the extrinsic three dimensional coordinates containing the cortical surface that registers the initial and target geometry by minimizing the norm. The methods are demonstrated in 40 high-resolution MRI cortical surfaces of planum temporale (PT) constructed from subsets of the superior temporal gyrus (STG). The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated via the Euclidean positional distance, distance of normal vectors, and curvature before and after the surface matching as well as the comparison with a landmark matching algorithm. The results demonstrate that both the positional and shape variability of the anatomical configurations are being represented by the diffeomorphic maps.
The forcing of southwestern Asia teleconnections by low-frequency sea surface temperature variability during boreal winter.

AbstractSouthwestern Asia, defined here as the domain bounded by 20°–40°N and 40°–70°E, which includes the nations of Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, is a water-stressed and semiarid region that receives roughly 75% of its annual rainfall during November–April. The November–April climate of southwestern Asia is strongly influenced by tropical Indo-Pacific variability on intraseasonal and interannual time scales, much of which can be attributed to sea surface temperature (SST) variations. The influences of lower-frequency SST variability on southwestern Asia climate during November–April Pacific decadal SST (PDSST) variability and the long-term trend in SST (LTSST) is examined. The U.S. Climate Variability and Predictability Program (CLIVAR) Drought Working Group forced global atmospheric climate models with PDSST and LTSST patterns, identified using empirical orthogonal functions, to show the steady atmospheric response to these modes of decadal to multidecadal SST variability. During November–Apri...
The virtues of illusion

The moral is plain enough. For purposes of distinguishing an object from surroundings of similar lightness, one needs to have a receptive system that is sensitive to small wavelength differences. For signalreception and identification purposes, one needs to have a receptive system engendering a few basic categories that can ignore minor variations and lump stimuli together into a small number of salient, memorable equivalence classes. With elegant economy, our visual systems does both by drawing on the same neural resources. The system of qualitative classification that this involves need not match any analogous set of structures outside the organism in order to provide real advantages to the animal that uses it. The hues that we human beings see express our system of coding wavelength information rather than some set of properties of reflecting surfaces. But the form of the coding is not just a bit of non-functional adornment freeloading on the serious business of visual information processing. We must see it, rather, as supplying the means by which a rich amount of sensory information can be rapidly and efficiently represented by cognitive machinery of limited capacity [Miller, 1957]. With color, the medium is the message.
Introduction: special issue on selected papers from the Fifth Workshop on Coalgebraic Methods in Computer Science

The articles in this part of this issue of the journal are a selection of the papers originally presented to the Fifth Workshop on Coalgebraic Methods in Computer Science. CMCS was held in April 2002, in Grenoble, France as a satellite conference of ETAPS. The conference proceedings were published in Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science 65 (1). There were fifteen contributed papers and two invited talks. Six papers were selected by the Program Committee after a meeting for consideration of this issue, and revised versions were then sent to referees. In consultation with them, I selected the four published here. Most of them were later revised, so, in general, the papers appearing here are improved versions of the conference versions.
Feathers of Archaeopteryx: Asymmetric Vanes Indicate Aerodynamic Function

Vanes in the primary flight feathers of Archaeopteryx conform to the asymmetric pattern in modern flying birds. The asymmetry has aerodynamic functions and can be assumed to have evolved in the selective context of flight.
Structured de-chirp for compressive sampling of LFM waveforms

Stretch processing is often used by radar systems to capture LFM waveforms. Although stretch processing reduces sampling rate, it does so at the expense of increased data collection period. Therefore, the time-bandwidth product of the de-chirped waveform is approximately constant, and stretch processing cannot be considered a compressive technique. The sample rate of a stretch processor must match the bandwidth of the beat frequencies created in the de-chirp process. Uniform sampling at lower rates will cause range ambiguities without an anti-aliasing filter, but an anti-aliasing filter removes part of the range swath. We propose a hopping de-chirp signal (sensing matrix) that shifts regions of the range swath in and out of the anti-aliasing filter's bandwidth. This hopping produces a unique time profile of beat frequencies for each range in the swath and enables compressive sampling without sacrificing range swath or resolution and without introducing ambiguities. After describing the hopping de-chirp technique, we analyze multichannel implementations where it is possible to use a different hopping sequence on each channel.
Cognitive radio testbed: further details and testing of a distributed genetic algorithm based cognitive engine for programmable radios

This paper provides details of a distributed genetic algorithm (GA) based cognitive radio engine model for disaster communications and its implementation in a cognitive radio test bed using programmable radios. Future applications include tactical and covert communications. The cognitive system monitor (CSM) module presented here permits cross layer cognition and adaptation of a programmable radio by classifying the observed channel, matching channel behavior with operational goals, and passing these goals to a wireless system genetic algorithm (WSGA) adaptive controller module to evolve and optimize radio operation. The CSM module algorithm provides for parallel distributed operation and includes a learning classifier and meta-GA functions that work from a knowledge base (which may be distributed) in long term memory to synthesize matched channels and operational goals that are retained in short term memory. Experimental results show that the cognitive engine finds the best tradeoff between a host radio's operational parameters in changing wireless conditions, while the baseline adaptive controller only increases or decreases its data rate based on a threshold, often wasting usable bandwidth or excess power when it is not needed due its inability to learn.
Moderate Exercise Attenuates the Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass That Occurs With Intentional Caloric Restriction–Induced Weight Loss in Older, Overweight to Obese Adults

BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with a loss of muscle mass and increased body fat. The effects of diet-induced weight loss on muscle mass in older adults are not clear. PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of diet-induced weight loss, alone and in combination with moderate aerobic exercise, on skeletal muscle mass in older adults. METHODS: Twenty-nine overweight to obese (body mass index = 31.8 +/- 3.3 kg/m(2)) older (67.2 +/- 4.2 years) men (n = 13) and women (n = 16) completed a 4-month intervention consisting of diet-induced weight loss alone (WL; n = 11) or with exercise (WL/EX; n = 18). The WL intervention consisted of a low-fat, 500-1,000 kcal/d caloric restriction. The WL/EX intervention included the WL intervention with the addition of aerobic exercise, moderate-intensity walking, three to five times per week for 35-45 minutes per session. Whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, thigh computed tomography (CT), and percutaneous muscle biopsy were performed to assess changes in skeletal muscle mass at the whole-body, regional, and cellular level, respectively. RESULTS: Mixed analysis of variance demonstrated that both groups had similar decreases in bodyweight (WL, -9.2% +/- 1.0%; WL/EX, -9.1% +/- 1.0%) and whole-body fat mass (WL, -16.5%, WL/EX, -20.7%). However, whole-body fat-free mass decreased significantly (p < .05) in WL (-4.3% +/- 1.2%) but not in WL/EX (-1.1% +/- 1.0%). Thigh muscle cross-sectional area by CT decreased in both groups (WL, -5.2% +/- 1.1%; WL/EX, -3.0% +/- 1.0%) and was not statistically different between groups. Type I muscle fiber area decreased in WL (-19.2% +/- 7.9%, p = .01) but remained unchanged in WL/EX (3.4% +/- 7.5%). Similar patterns were observed in type II fibers (WL, -16.6% +/- 4.0%; WL/EX, -0.2% +/- 6.5%). CONCLUSION: Diet-induced weight loss significantly decreased muscle mass in older adults. However, the addition of moderate aerobic exercise to intentional weight loss attenuated the loss of muscle mass.
Video Game Access, Parental Rules, and Problem Behavior: A Study of Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Environmental correlates of problem behavior among individuals with autism spectrum disorder remain relatively understudied. The current study examined the contribution of in-room (i.e. bedroom) access to a video game console as one potential correlate of problem behavior among a sample of 169 boys with autism spectrum disorder (ranging from 8 to 18 years of age). Parents of these children reported on (1) whether they had specific rules regulating their child’s video game use, (2) whether their child had in-room access to a variety of screen-based media devices (television, computer, and video game console), and (3) their child’s oppositional behaviors. Multivariate regression models showed that in-room access to a video game console predicted oppositional behavior while controlling for in-room access to other media devices (computer and television) and relevant variables (e.g. average number of video game hours played per day). Additionally, the association between in-room access to a video game console ...
Monte Carlo modeling for implantable fluorescent analyte sensors

A Monte Carlo simulation of photon propagation through human skin and interaction with a subcutaneous fluorescent sensing layer is presented. The algorithm will facilitate design of an optical probe for an implantable fluorescent sensor, which holds potential for monitoring many parameters of biomedical interest. Results are analyzed with respect to output light intensity as a function of radial distance from source, angle of exit for escaping photons, and sensor fluorescence (SF) relative to tissue autofluorescence (AF). A sensitivity study was performed to elucidate the effects on the output due to changes in optical properties, thickness of tissue layers, thickness of the sensor layer, and both tissue and sensor quantum yields. The optical properties as well as the thickness of the stratum corneum, epidermis, (tissue layers through which photons must pass to reach the sensor) and the papillary dermis (tissue distal to sensor) are highly influential. The spatial emission profile of the SF is broad compared that of the tissue fluorescence and the ratio of sensor to tissue fluorescence increases with distance from the source. The angular distribution of escaping photons is more concentrated around the normal for SF than for tissue AF. The information gained from these simulations will he helpful in designing appropriate optics for collection of the signal of interest.
Subjectivity in Issue Polarization

SYMLOG, a method and theory of group observation and analysis developed by Bales, is applied to the examination of issue polarization. Using a “phantom other” technique, the locations in SYMLOG's three-space of values for polar stands on ten controversial issues were measured. There was a high rate of agreement on these locations despite great diversity of opinion on the issues themselves. Subjectivity in locations is explained by Lewin's theory of vectors of attraction and repulsion. Individuals tend to draw toward their global favored (PRO) locations those stands with which they agree. For example, one who opposes abortion on demand will draw toward his or her PRO location the image of “opposes abortion on demand.” Subjectivity in issue polarization seems to be organized around attraction to and repulsion from the PRO location without regard to the individual's global opposed (CON) location.
Psychological tests and clinical discriminations: Beginning to address the base rate problem

Abstract Psychologists often use tests to make clinical discriminations. The accuracy of those decisions depends on the discriminant validity of the tests on which they are based. However, traditional measures of discriminant validity do not reflect the accuracy of individual classifications. Although the effect of base rate on the accuracy of clinical discriminations has long been recognized, base rates have only recently been considered in clinical assessment. A scheme for determining the probabilities of valid test-based discriminations is discussed and related to several commonly used clinical tests. It is argued that such probabilities must be considered in routine clinical practice, not just in the assessment of very low base rate disorders.
Emergence of New Strains of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background Genetically distinct strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) of community rather than hospital origin have emerged in many areas of the United States. We determined if MRSA strains causing bacteremia in infants treated from birth in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) demonstrated the genetic traits of community-associated MRSA. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among NICU infants with bacteremia due to MRSA during 2003 in a large tertiary care center NICU in Houston. MRSA isolates were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing by polymerase chain reaction. All MRSA cases were reviewed for clinical severity of infection and outcome. Results During 2003, a total of 8 (47%) of 17 infants with bacteremia due to S. aureus had MRSA infection. Isolates from 6 (75%) of these 8 infants carried the SCCmec genes (class B mec and ccr2) that are characteristic of community MRSA; 4 isolates were type IVa. All 6 isolates were resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics and erythromycin; 1 was also resistant to clindamycin. One isolate was nontypeable, and another carried the SCCmec type II gene (typical of hospital-associated strains) and was susceptible only to vancomycin. Seven (88%) of 8 infants presented in septic shock. Despite initial treatment with vancomycin, 3 (38%) died, and 3 survivors had complications requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy; these 6 infants had MRSA isolates with genetic characteristics of isolates of community origin. Conclusions Community-associated MRSA strains have emerged as a significant cause of sepsis in neonates hospitalized in NICU since birth and have caused disseminated infection with substantial morbidity and mortality.
CaMKK is an upstream signal of AMP-activated protein kinase in regulation of substrate metabolism in contracting skeletal muscle.

Multiple signals have been shown to be involved in regulation of fatty acid (FA) and glucose metabolism in contracting skeletal muscle. This study aimed to determine whether a Ca2+-stimulated kinas...
Infective Endocarditis Following Cardiac Catheterization in Infancy A Case Report and Review

A 4.5-month-old infant with transposition of great vessels and large ventricular septal defect developed acute infective endocarditis following cardiac catheterization. Beta-hemolytic streptococcus was recovered from three blood cultures. The infant survived after 6 weeks intravenous antibiotic therapy. The occurrence of infective endocarditis following cardiac catheterization during infancy is briefly reviewed and discussed. The importance of distinguishing febrile episodes of infancy from infective endocarditis and the use of two-dimensional echocardiography for diagnosis is re-emphasized.
Investor Sentiment, Trading Behavior and Informational Efficiency in Index Futures Markets

This paper shows that traders in index futures markets are positive feedback traders—they buy when prices increase and sell when prices decline. Positive feedback trading appears to be more active in periods of high investor sentiment. This finding is consistent with the notion that feedback trading is driven by expectations of noise traders. Consistent with the noise trading hypothesis, order flow in index futures markets is less informative when investors are optimistic. Transitory volatility measured at high frequencies also appears to decline in periods of bullish sentiment, suggesting that sentiment-driven trading increases market liquidity.
Investigation of diffusion and electromigration parameters for Cu–Sn intermetallic compounds in Pb-free solders using simulated annealing

An efficient numerical method was developed to extract the diffusion and electromigration parameters for multi-phase intermetallic compounds (IMC) formed as a result of material reactions between under bump metallization (UBM) and solder joints. This method was based on the simulated annealing (SA) method and applied to the growth of Cu–Sn IMC during thermal aging and under current stressing in Pb-free solder joints with Cu-UBM. At 150 � C, the diffusion coefficients of Cu were found to be 3.67 · 10 17 m 2 s � 1 for Cu3Sn and 7.04 · 10 16 m 2 s � 1 for Cu6Sn5, while the diffusion coefficients of Sn were found to be 2.35 · 10 16 m 2 s � 1 for Cu3Sn and 6.49 · 10 16 m 2 s � 1 for Cu6Sn5. The effective charges of Cu were found to be 26.5 for Cu3Sn and 26.0 for Cu6Sn5, and for Sn, the effective charges were found to be 23.6 for Cu3Sn and 36.0 for Cu6Sn5. The SA approach provided substantially superior efficiency and accuracy over the conventional grid heuristics and is particularly suitable for analyzing many-parameter, multi-phase intermetallic formation for solder systems where quantitative deduction for such parameters has seldom been reported. � 2007 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The combined effect of surface rain and wind on scatterometer observations of surface roughness

The wind stress on the sea surface is closely related to the sea surface roughness. When rain impacts affect this roughness, we need to learn the consequences for the air-sea momentum exchange. Our data shows that areas of highest winds correlate closely with the heaviest rainfall. Changes in the sea surface radar cross section from the combined effects of wind and rain, on scales of tens of kilometers, are being studied using the QuikSCAT scatterometer and simultaneous NEXRAD three-dimensional measurements of rain within Hurricane Ike. Buoys, NOAA HRD H∗Winds and related data provide the additional wind information. From the remote sensing perspective, these results will show the dependence of the sea surface radar cross section, at Ku-band, as a function of the rainrate, wind speed and relative direction, and polarization. At this microwave frequency the surface backscatter is controlled by the centimeter-scale roughness, but at these high wind speeds the simple models based on Bragg scattering are not useful. In order to study the air-sea interaction that is related to surface fluxes (e.g., momentum, sensible heat, and latent heat) during rain events, extended experimental investigations are needed. Heavy rain in the boundary layer changes the profiles of wind and stratification which alter the surface stress and turbulent heat fluxes. The wind driven rain also creates roughness properties that need to be modeled in order to interpret the Ku-band NRCS at the two polarizations, When high winds also exist (>20 m/s), the interaction is complicated by sea spray.
Role of C5 Activation Products in Sepsis

Complement activation products are known to be generated in the setting of both experimental and human sepsis. C5 activation products (C5a anaphylatoxin and the membrane attack complex [MAC] C5b-9) are generated during sepsis following infusion of endotoxin, or after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), which produces polymicrobial sepsis. C5a reacts with its receptors C5aR and C5L2 in a manner that creates the "cytokine storm", and is associated with development of multiorgan failure (MOF). A number of other complications arising from the interaction of C5a with its receptors include apoptosis of lymphoid cells, loss of innate immune functions of neutrophils (PMNs, polymorphonuclear leukocytes), cardiomyopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and complications associated with MOF. Neutralization of C5a in vivo or absence/blockade of C5a receptors greatly reduces the adverse events in the setting of sepsis, markedly attenuates MOF, and greatly improves survival. Regarding the possible role of C5b-9 in sepsis, the literature is conflicting. Some studies suggest that C5b-9 is protective, while other studies suggest the contrary. Clearly, in human sepsis, C5a and its receptors may be logical targets for interception.
Treatment of postoperative tracheal granulation tissue with inhaled budesonide in congenital tracheal stenosis.

Abstract Purpose Tracheal obstruction by granulation tissue can compromise the postoperative course in congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS). Balloon dilatation and stenting may be required. Budesonide is a corticosteroid with topical anti-inflammatory effects. In 2008, we used inhaled budesonide for treatment of postoperative granulation tissue for the first time in CTS, resulting in significant improvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of inhaled budesonide for treatment of postoperative granulation tissue in CTS. Methods Retrospective chart review was conducted. From 2004 through 2011, we performed 39 tracheoplasties. Forced stenting±balloon dilatation (S/B) was required when airway obstruction with tissue granulation was life-threatening. We compared the requirement for S/B between the early group without budesonide (2004–Nov. 2008, Early ) and the late group with budesonide (Dec. 2008–2011, Late ). Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's Exact test. Results Eleven of 22 in Early and 8 of 17 in Late were successfully extubated, never having had life-threatening tissue granulation. The remaining patients in each group (11 in Early and 9 in Late) required tracheostomies due to postoperative complication. Ten in Early and 5 in Late with tracheostomies developed granulation tissue. Of these patients, the 10 in Early required S/B, while none of the 5 in Late required S/B ( P =.0003). Bronchoscopy demonstrated significant regression of granulation tissue in all cases treated with inhaled budesonide. Conclusion Inhaled budesonide is effective for treatment of tracheal granulation tissue in patients with tracheostomies after repair of CTS.
Beam-beam performance as a function of beta v * at CESR

The beam-beam tune shift parameter for beams colliding at a single interaction point was measured for several values of the vertical beta minimum. The authors report linear tune shift parameter as a function of current for 1 cm >
Statistical regression for efficient high-dimensional modeling of analog and mixed-signal performance variations

The continuous technology scaling brings about high-dimensional performance variations that cannot be easily captured by the traditional response surface modeling. In this paper we propose a new statistical regression (STAR) technique that applies a novel strategy to address this high dimensionality issue. Unlike most traditional response surface modeling techniques that solve model coefficients from over-determined linear equations, STAR determines all unknown coefficients by moment matching. As such, a large number of (e.g., 103~105) model coefficients can be extracted from a small number of (e.g., 102~103) sampling points without over-fitting. In addition, a novel recursive estimator is proposed to accurately and efficiently predict the moment values. The proposed recursive estimator is facilitated by exploiting the interaction between different moment estimators and formulating the moment estimation problem into a special form that can be iteratively solved. Several circuit examples designed in commercial CMOS processes demonstrate that STAR achieves more than 20times runtime speedup compared with the traditional response surface modeling.
High Performance Waveform, MIL-STD-188-181b and MIL-STD-188-184: their differences, similarities and applications

This paper explains the relationships between MIL-STD-188-181b, MIL-STD-188-184, High Performance Waveform modulation and High Performance Waveform protocol. We discuss the important features of each of these items, their similarities and differences, and how these various pieces do and do not work together. The paper discusses these issues with regard to non-DAMA satellite communications since, at the time of this writing, 181b and 184 are not officially part of DAMA.
Balanced Recurrent Excitation and Inhibition in Local Cortical Networks

A basic feature of cortical networks is a large degree of divergence and convergence, both locally and between cortical areas. Each cortical pyramidal cell receives approximately 10,000 synaptic inputs, of which about 75% are excitatory 1–3. The vast majority of these excitatory inputs arise from other cortical neurons, with each presynaptic cell donating only a few synapses, leading to a very large degree of convergence of synaptic input onto each cortical cell. Since cortical pyramidal cells typically give rise to a dense innervation of the local region in which they reside, a high degree of local, recurrent connectivity is generated. Pyramidal to pyramidal cell recurrent connectivity is expressed within a cortical lamina as well as between cortical laminae, resulting in a local horizontal and vertical interconnected network. Interposed between this recurrent excitatory network of pyramidal cells are a large variety of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons4,5. One prominent pattern of connectivity in the cerebral cortex is that local axons from pyramidal cells innervate not only other pyramidal cells, but also GABAergic interneurons, which in turn innervate local pyramidal cells. This pattern of connectivity places GABAergic neurons in the role of regulator of excitatory communication within the cortex. Indeed, reduction or loss of this inhibitory control quickly results in the generation of the abnormal and powerful synchronized cortical discharges of epilepsy6.
Feasibility report of stereotactic body radiotherapy with tomotherapy for early stage medically inoperable lung cancer using extreme hypofractionation

17097 Background: This is a report on the technical feasibility, dosimetric aspects, and daily image-guidance capability with megavoltage computed tomography (MvCT) imaging of stereotactic body rad...
Design and applications of an indirection-based cache structure

The gap between CPU and main memory speeds has long been a performance bottleneck. As we move towards the future, gains in processor performance further outpace those seen in memory latencies and bandwidths increasing the CPU/memory gap. The gap has grown so large that is has been proposed to stop execution of a program when an off-chip access occurs, much like when a disk access occurs. This memory gap has largely been addressed through the uses of caches. These caches are smaller and faster memories that reduce accesses to main memory by keeping data closer to the processor. The early generations of caches were a few kilobytes in size and were off-chip. Later generations have moved the caches on-chip and increased their size. With current technology trends we are seeing multiple levels of on-chip caches, with the last level being many megabytes in size. These increasing memory latencies motivate a more aggressive approach to reducing the number of off-chip accesses. The central thesis of this dissertation is that increasing the flexibility of available on-chip storage can lead to significant improvements in memory-system efficiency and performance. This work proposes and evaluates an indirection-based cache structure that removes the limitations imposed by traditional caches on where data is placed and how it is accessed. This new freedom enables a number of new techniques; this dissertation focuses on three. First, managing cache contents more efficiently reduces unnecessary off-chip accesses by up to 84% on system level memory traces while maintaining performance equivalent to traditional caches for less memory-intensive programs. Second, allocating different amounts of storage for different data blocks based on their information content (compressibility) increases the effective capacity of the cache, improving performance by an average 20% with a peak increase of 292%. Finally, using a single physical copy for data that appears in multiple memory locations increases cache capacity by 33% and reduces the cost of copy operations, increasing network bandwidth by up to 5%.
Morphological Awareness Assessment and Intervention to Improve Language and Literacy

Morphological awareness positively influences language and literacy development and may be an ideal intervention focus for improving vocabulary, sight word reading, reading decoding, and reading comprehension in students with and without language and literacy deficits. This article will provide supporting theory, research, and strategies for implementing morphological awareness intervention with students with language and literacy deficits. Additionally, functional connections are explored through the incorporation and application of morphological awareness intervention in academic literacy contexts linked to Common Core State Standards.
Expression of Cytokine mRNA by Human Peripheral Blood Dendritic Cells Stimulated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Herpes Simplex Virus

Dendritic cells (DC) have been implicated in antigen presentation to naive and memory T lymphocytes and in pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. In order to define the mechanisms underlying the immunostimulatory capacities of DC in HIV-1 infection, it is critical to explore their ability to deliver the signals needed for T cell activation. We have demonstrated by using a bioassay that DC purified from human blood are the major producers of interferon-a (IFN-α) in response to HIV-1 and herpes simplex virus (HSV).1 The present studies were undertaken to determine the ability of DC to express mRNA for IFN-α and other cytokines potentially involved in host immunity.
Situational Variables in Industrial Services Marketing: An Exploratory Study

Industrial buyers’ and sellers’ behaviors in a sales encounter for services may be influenced by a variety of situational factors. This exploratory study, using a script theory framework, examines whether the service purchase process differs when dealing with (1) firms of different sizes, and (2) firms in different industries. The results suggest that, for these two context variables, no significant differences seem to exist. The industrial purchase/sale process for support services appear to be consistent across industries and firm sizes.
On Fire Distinguishing with an Automatic Water Sprinkling Systems

This paper analyses the exiting problem of such sprinkler systems aspects as applying range and modality of sprinkler systems, control of pump, etc. It also puts forward some fundamental points of view in reform and innovation of sprinkler systems.
A High-Level Language for Homeland Security Response Plans.

In this paper we discuss the applicability of the agent control language GoLog for the representation of plans to handle the response to homeland security incidents. Our goal is a representation for plans that is high-level and flexible. The specific actions executed when the plan is interpreted should be selected through logical inferencing to be the appropriate actions under current circumstances. Our approach is illustrated with an example of agricultural bio-terrorism. Introduction and Motivation After a homeland security incident has occurred (no matter of what type), the speed of the response is of utmost importance. The amount of detail that human analysts must take into account is immense. We propose the specification of high-level plans to be executed automatically by agents/programs to relieve some of the responsibilities from human analysts. The hope is that the execution of these plans which incorporate both common-sense and specialized background knowledge will exhibit some of the flexibility of human responders. Our goal is a language that allows the specification of relatively abstract high-level plans. When the plans are evaluated (i.e. interpreted by an agent) the specific actions to be executed are selected through logical inferencing given the background knowledge. For example, the response to an act of bio-terrorism can be specified in general terms, but the specifics depend upon the particular biological agent suspected and the specifics of the location. First we briefly describe the GoLog language and its variants. Our plan specification language is being built upon GoLog. Next an illustrative bio-terrorism example is described. Finally, current and future work is discussed.
The Transfer Ribonucleic Acids

If not among all the universal components of organisms, then among the nucleic acids at least, the transfer RNAs are unique in having both a relatively constant molecular size and configuration. These consistencies are even more noteworthy because the class of substances (amino acids) they transport is totally lacking in both traits. Thus contrary to what might be expected from physicochemical considerations, no molecular relationships are in evidence between the carrier and transported compounds, a point that merits serious attention as the discussion proceeds. This chapter principally compares the characteristics of the base sequences of over 95 different species of tRNA. These results are then analyzed from an evolutionary standpoint in Chapter 8 in order to seek evidence relevant to the origin of life.
Discography: its comparative value.

(1958). Discography: Its Comparative Value. Postgraduate Medicine: Vol. 24, No. 6, pp. 586-593.
Stream-Lake Interaction: Understanding Coupled Hydro-Ecological Systems

Despite the obvious hydrologic connection between streams and lakes in many regions of the world, rarely has this linkage been recognized conceptually. Most watersheds contain lakes or artificial reservoirs, so the linkages between these systems are widespread. Drawing on recent research in temperate and arctic regions, we describe a conceptual model of stream-lake interactions to examine how hydrologic connections between streams and lakes can influence material transport and retention in watersheds. Stream-lake interactions affect temperature, flow regime, and sediment transport, resulting in distinctive habitats for periphyton, benthic invertebrates, and fishes. As coupled ecosystems, stream-lake interfaces generate important feedbacks that affect hydrological and ecological functioning, yet the responses of these to different elements of environmental change (land-use, land-cover change, atmospheric deposition, water development, and climate change) are uncertain.
Don't Stop Believing: Mapping Distance Learners' Research Journeys

ABSTRACTJourney mapping, a method of collecting data that illustrates individuals' paths toward a specific goal, was originally developed for use in retail/customer service environments. Much of the literature describes its application in examining customer behavior when navigating merchants' Websites, allowing researchers to examine the effectiveness, user-friendliness, as well as confusing or ambiguous junctures of their Webpages referred to as “points of pain.” The research approach has been applied minimally in library environments, and exclusively to patrons' experiences in the physical, brick and mortar library. The present study aimed to gather data about distance patrons' experiences in using online library resources. Input was solicited from students in Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) and the Graziadio Graduate School of Business and Management. Springshare's LibGuide software was used to collect data.
The Role of Positive Affect in Enhancing Extinction Learning and Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

Although exposure is a valid treatment for anxiety disorders, efforts are being made to improve its overall effectiveness. The present article discusses one potential method of optimizing extinctio...
The mobile Internet and digital citizenship in African-American and Latino communities

ABSTRACTSmartphone use is transforming the meaning of being online, especially for African-Americans and Latinos. To what extent has this enabled these populations to become digital citizens, able to participate in society online? Internet use is increasingly important for the exercise of the political, economic and social rights that have often been associated with citizenship [Mossberger, K., Tolbert, C. J., & McNeal, R. S. (2008). Digital citizenship: The Internet, society, and participation. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press], and can be measured by the political and economic activities that individuals engage in online. Using unique survey data from a diverse city, we use multilevel analysis and interactions to examine relationships between forms of access and activities online in 2013, controlling for neighborhood context as well as individual characteristics. In contrast with prior work, we find that while broadband access is most strongly associated with political and economic activities online, that mobil...
Intervention mapping to address social and economic factors impacting indigenous people's health in Suriname's interior region.

Previous studies found that while internationally financed economic development projects reduced poverty when measured in terms of per capita GDP, they also caused indigenous people to become disassociated, impoverished and alienated minorities whose health status has declined to unacceptable lows when measured in terms of mercury poisoning and the burgeoning rate of suicide. In this study, we developed a needs assessment and a policy-oriented causal diagram to determine whether the impaired health of the people in this region was at least partially due to the role the country has played within the global economy. Specifically, could the health and well-being of indigenous people in Suriname be understood in terms of the foreign investment programs and economic development policies traceable to the Inter-American Development Bank’s Suriname Land Management Project. Interviews took place from 2004 through 2015 involving stakeholders with an interest in public health and economic development. A policy-oriented causal diagram was created to model a complex community health system and weave together a wide range of ideas and views captured during the interview process. Converting land and resources held by indigenous people into private ownership has created an active market for land, increased investment and productivity, and reduced poverty when measured in terms of per capita GDP. However, it has also caused indigenous people to become disassociated, impoverished and alienated minorities whose health status has declined to unacceptable lows. While the effects of economic development programs on the health of vulnerable indigenous communities are clear, the governance response is not. The governance response appeared to be determined less by the urgency of the public health issue or by the compelling logic of an appropriate response, and more by competing economic interests and the exercise of power. The health and well-being of the indigenous Wayana in Suriname’s interior region is at least partially due to the role the country has played within the global economy. Specifically, the health and well-being of indigenous people in Suriname can be understood to be a result of foreign development bank-funded projects that drive the government of Suriname to trade land and natural resources on the global market to manage their country’s balance of payments.
Development of a public knowledgebase to facilitate decision support for clinical cancer genomics reporting and clinical trial enrollment.

e22163 Background: Public efforts characterizing thousands of human tumors and germline information have confirmed that any number and combination of alterations may drive tumorigenesis. At MD Ande...
Prospective cluster controlled crossover trial to compare the impact of an improved hydrogen peroxide disinfectant and a quaternary ammonium-based disinfectant on surface contamination and health care outcomes

Background Quaternary ammonium–based (Quat) disinfectants are widely used, but they have disadvantages. Methods This was a 12-month prospective cluster controlled crossover trial. On 4 wards, housekeepers performed daily cleaning using a disinfectant containing either 0.5% improved hydrogen peroxide (IHP) or Quat. Each month, 5-8 high-touch surfaces in several patient rooms on each ward were tagged with a fluorescent marker and cultured before and after cleaning. Hand hygiene compliance rates and antimicrobial usage on study wards were obtained from hospital records. Outcomes included aerobic colony counts (ACCs), percent of wiped surfaces yielding no growth after cleaning, and a composite outcome of incidence densities of nosocomial acquisition and infection caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococci, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , and Clostridium difficile infection. Statistical analysis was performed using χ 2 test, Fisher exact test, Welch test, and logistic regression methods. Results Mean ACCs per surface after cleaning were significantly lower with IHP (14.0) than with Quat (22.2) ( P = .003). The proportion of surfaces yielding no growth after cleaning was significantly greater with IHP (240/500; 48%) than with Quat (182/517; 35.2%) ( P P = .068; 95% confidence interval, 0.579-1.029). Conclusions Compared with a Quat disinfectant, the IHP disinfectant significantly reduced surface contamination and reduced a composite colonization or infection outcome.
Improving detection range, signal-to-noise ratio, and measurement time through hyperentanglement

An atmospheric imaging system based on quantum hyperentanglement has been developed. Hyper-entanglement can increase the maximum detection range of the system by more than a factor of 10, improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by more than a factor of 10,000, and decrease measurement time. Hyperentanglement refers to entanglement in more than one degree of freedom. A design for creating states hyperentangled in the degrees of freedom polarization, energy-time, orbital angular momentum (OAM), and the radial quantum number is examined. The design helps reduce propagation loss. Figures of merit related to generation and detection efficiencies, the SNR, signal to interference ratio, the measurement time, and phase estimation are provided in closed form. A formula describing how hyperentanglement greatly improves the maximum detection range of the system is derived. Hermite–Gaussian modes, Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) modes, OAM dependence of the LG modes, and mode conversion are discussed. Bell state generation and Bell state measurement, i.e., the ability to distinguish the various Bell states, is discussed. Mathematical and circuit representations of Bell state generation and the Bell state analyzer are provided. Signatures for unique detection of the various Bell states are developed. The formalism permits random noise and entangled or nonentangled sources of interference to be modeled.
A case study of microphysical structures and hydrometeor phase in convection using radar Doppler spectra at Darwin, Australia

To understand the microphysical processes that impact diabatic heating and cloud lifetimes in convection, we need to characterize the spatial distribution of supercooled liquid water. To address this observational challenge, vertically pointing active sensors at the Darwin Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) site are used to classify cloud phase within a deep convective cloud in a shallow to deep convection transitional case. The cloud cannot be fully observed by a lidar due to signal attenuation. Thus we develop an objective method for identifying hydrometeor classes, including mixed-phase conditions, using k-means clustering on parameters that describe the shape of the Doppler spectra from vertically pointing Ka band cloud radar. This approach shows that multiple, overlapping mixed-phase layers exist within the cloud, rather than a single region of supercooled liquid, indicating complexity to how ice growth and diabatic heating occurs in the vertical structure of the cloud.