cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linked-cluster series-expansion technique for quantum spin systems

The linked-cluster series expansion is developed for use on models of quantum spin systems with single-ion potentials. A Wick-like theorem is used to calculate the \ensuremath{\tau} integrals occurring in the series expansion. Such a new approach can deal with many realistic models of magnetic materials and will yield high-accuracy results in both ordered and disordered phases. These developments are illustrated by calculating the first seven terms of the linked-cluster series for the free energy, susceptibility, specific heat, and spontaneous magnetization of the spin-1 anisotropic Heisenberg model with a uniaxial single-ion potential. Thermodynamic properties of the system in both paramagnetic and magnetically ordered phases are discussed including the magnetization and susceptibility as functions of temperature, the critical exponents \ensuremath{\beta} and \ensuremath{\gamma}, and the existence of tricritical and bicritical points.
Influence of sex and handedness on hemispheric functioning.

Summary Forty normal adult volunteers comprising an equal number of right- and left-handed males and females solved simple multiplication problems presented visually to one cerebral hemisphere while various competing stimuli were simultaneously presented to the other hemisphere. The contribution of sex of subject, handedness, hemisphere of presentation and the nature of the competing stimulus in relation to task performance was examined. Each of these variables was significantly associated with correct responses and errors, with few statistically significant interactions. Females and dextrals made more correct responses than males or sinistrals. Type of error depended upon which hemisphere received the problem, with the right hemisphere yielding more errors of commission and the left more errors of omission. Simultaneously presented identical or different arithmetic problems resulted in the most errors compared to the other competing stimuli.
Clinical and angiographic implications of a depressed echocardiographic ejection fraction in coronary artery disease

To evaluate the clinical and angiographic implications of a depressed echocardiographic ejection fraction (EF) in coronary artery disease, 45 patients with an echocardiographic EF < 0.50 were studied with complete cardiac catheterizations. Most of the patients had clinical evidence of a prior myocardial infarction, cardiomegaly, and/or congestive heart failure. All had coronary arteriographic evidence of multivessel disease and either reduced cardiac output, elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, or both. Reduction in percentage of echocardiographic dimensional shortening closely paralleled reduction in echocardiographic EF. Forty of the 45 patients (89%) had an angiographic EF less than 0.50. There was considerable scatter of angiographic EF's with echocardiographic EF's between 0.40 and 0.50, limiting the usefulness of these latter values. However, 23 of the 24 patients (96%) with an echocardiographic EF less than 0.40 had an angiographic EF less than 0.40, and there was a linear relationship between these echocardiographic and angiographic values with a correlation coefficient (r) = 0.54 (SEE = ±0.15, p<0.05). All of the 12 patients with both reduced septal and reduced posterior wall excursion on the echocardiogram had both abnormal echocardiographic and angiographic ejection fractions, and 10 of the 12 had EF < 0.40 by both techniques. Our study suggests that coronary artery disease patients with extensive left ventricular dysfunction can be identified noninvasively, and the echocardiographic EF may be useful in deciding whether such patients may require special cardiac catheterization procedures to evaluate contractile reserve if cardiac surgery is being considered.
Automated Testing Design and Description for Certain Functions

The object oriented design and description of an automated software testing tool is presented. The tool mechanically generates the test cases using the specifications of certain functions and automatically runs the test cases on specified software to evaluate correctness.
The origin of photo-induced optical anisotropies in chalcogenide glasses

Abstract We propose that the light-induced optical anisotropies in chalcogenide glasses and amorphous films are produced by non-radiative geminate recombination events that occur in the absorbing microvolumes and cause local changes in atomic bond configurations. The model accounts for the sign of the observed linear and circular dichroism and predicts that even unpolarized light will cause these materials to become optically anisotropic.
Validation of the Attitudes Regarding Bisexuality Scale: Correlations With Ratings of a Positive Media Image of Bisexual Men and Women

An important limitation of past research concerning discrimination toward nonheterosexual groups has been the lack of differentiation between attitudes toward homosexuality versus bisexuality. The current researchers addressed this limitation by validating a scale measuring attitudes toward bisexuality, the Attitudes Regarding Bisexuality Scale (ARBS). Two studies validated the male and female subscales of the measure. Participants included 57 individuals for the first study and 38 for the second, all of whom were recruited using an online clearinghouse. Three surveys were given to participants to assess how ARBS scores correlated with character ratings of a bisexual media figure. Results showed that ARBS scores covaried with the ratings: low ARBS scores were associated with less favorable ratings, even when assessing the most positive bisexual representation recalled. Internal consistency estimates were also evaluated and determined to be strong.
Distributed via connectivity in high resolution package power delivery modeling

High resolution electrical models can be generated for chip packaging power delivery networks. The lumped versus distributed stitching of vertical path connections such as micro-via and plated-through-holes can introduce various effects on the model predictions.
Determinants of premiums in acquisition transactions

This paper presents a framework to identify the determinants of acquisition premiums so as to explain their cross-section variability. Observed premiums are predicted to be positively related to (1) the magnitude of the acquiring firm's estimate of acquisition gains and (2) the acquired firm's relative bargaining strength. Increased acquisition gains are argued to result from two sources—underpricing and undermanagement. The variables representing these sources are constructed from pre-acquisition data. A gains variable based on the post-acquisition stock-price reactions of the acquiring and acquired firm is also constructed. It is argued that acquired-firm bargaining strength is enhanced by an increase in the degree of competition in the acquisitions market and by the inclusion of anti-takeover amendments in the acquired firm's corporate charter. The predictions are tested on a sample of 77 completed cash-for-stock and stock-for-stock acquisitions over the time period 1975–80. The empirical results provide strong support for the predicted effects of the determinants of (2) and mixed support for the determinants of (1). This is the first study to document the predicted effects of anti-takeover amendments on observed premiums.
In Vivo Dopamine Metabolism Is Altered in Iron-Deficient Anemic Rats

Previous studies of dopamine metabolism in iron-deficient rats demonstrated an elevation in extra-neuronal levels of dopamine and a depression in the number of dopamine D 2 receptors; however, the importance of anemia per se and the reversibility of these observations are not completely resolved. The purpose of this study was to determine if in vivo reuptake of caudate dopamine is altered by iron deficiency anemia, if it is reversible with iron therapy, and if anemia per se produced the same effects on dopamine metabolism. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (21-d old) were fed an iron-deficient diet (4 mg Fe/kg diet) and then iron repleted (5 mg iron dextran), or were fed an iron adequate diet (35 mg Fe/kg diet) and then given phenylhydrazine to induce hemolytic anemia. In vivo microdialysis was performed in steady-state conditions both before and after iron or no therapy and was followed by an intraperitoneal injection of a dopamine reuptake blocker (cocaine-HCI 30 mg/kg). Thirty percent higher extracellular dopamine levels in the caudate-putamen were observed in iron-deficient rats compared with control rats, but no differences were observed in tissue levels. Hemolytic anemic and iron-repleted rats had normal extracellular dopamine levels. The response to dopamine reuptake blockade was significantly attenuated in iron-deficient rats compared with control, iron-repleted, or hemolytic anemic rats. These experiments provide evidence that iron deficiency blunts the dopamine reuptake mechanism, that this is a reversible process in postweaning rats, and that anemia per se does not cause the increased extracellular dopamine levels.
Restoration-Based Procedures With Set Covering Heuristics for Static Test Compaction of Functional Test Sequences

The goal of static test compaction is to reduce the number or tests, or the lengths of test sequences, without reducing the fault coverage. Static test compaction that reduces the number of tests was formulated as a set covering problem in order to benefit from the heuristics that exist for solving this problem. This paper applies set covering concepts and heuristics to static test compaction that reduces the length of a functional test sequence. Although set covering is not applicable directly to a single test sequence, it provides a theoretical framework and justification for a particular set of heuristics. The procedure uses a parameter denoted by n to determine the computational effort for computing the sets that are used for making compaction decisions. With n=1, the procedure is equivalent to a static test compaction procedure that does not use set covering. Experimental results demonstrate that shorter test sequences are obtained for n>1 than for n=1. A variation of the static test compaction procedure that produces a monotonic decrease in test sequence length with n is also described.
Arabian killifish (Aphanius dispar) embryos: A model organism for the risk assessment of the Arabian Gulf coastal waters

Fish embryos are excellent models for studies aimed at understanding toxic mechanisms and indications of possible acute and chronic effects. For the past 3 yr, an Arabian killifish (Aphanius dispar) fish embryo test has been developed in the authors' laboratory as a routine ecotoxicological test that can be used to support risk assessment of potential contaminants in Arabian Gulf coastal waters. Tests were conducted with 3 reference toxicants (3,4-dichloroaniline [DCA], sodium dodecyl sulfate, and zinc sulfate [Zn]) and chlorine, a disinfectant used widely in industrial cooling systems around the Arabian Gulf region. The 50% effect concentration (EC50) for DCA was 0.47 mg/L and 1.89 mg/L for embryos exposed before 6 hpf and after 168 hpf, respectively. Sublethal effects were mainly observed at concentrations above 2.5 mg/L, the effects included severe pericardial edema and tail shortage. The sodium dodecyl sulfate ionic surfactant caused mortality at both early and late stages of embryo development; it caused coagulation, severe deformity, and hemolysis. Both the EC50 and the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) for sodium dodecyl sulfate were 9.37 mg/L. Salinity influenced the toxicity of Zn to killifish embryos: at 40 psu Zn was found not to be toxic, whereas at 20 psu toxicity had increased significantly (p < 0.05). Values of EC50 and LC50 were 2.5 mg/L and 4 mg/L, respectively. Concentrations above 15 mg/L in embryos were often accompanied by upper abdominal edema and inhibition of growth, especially evident in the tail. Chlorine caused mortality at a lower concentration; for example, at 0.05 mg/L 33% of embryos were found dead at the end of the experiment. The LC50 for chlorine was determined to be 0.08 mg/L. Examination of the existing literature showed similar results to the present study's findings. The results suggest a more comparable sensitivity of killifish embryos to that of other fish embryo test recommended species. The present study's findings support the ability of killifish to be an indicator organism for environmental risk assessments of Arabian Gulf waters. Benefits include sensitivity to a wide range of substances and conditions, animal alternative, ease of fish breeding, and clarity of the embryos.
Impact of surgical delay on long-term cancer control for clinically localized prostate cancer.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) as definitive management for clinically localized prostate cancer is commonly performed within months of diagnosis. Despite patient anxiety there is little evidence to suggest that a delay of several months from diagnosis to RRP is associated with a worse cancer control rate. However, a recent study cast doubt on the safety of such a delay with respect to cancer control. Therefore, in a contemporary series we determined long-term cancer control in men who underwent RRP for clinically localized prostate cancer with some treated early and others treated after a longer delay. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data on 926 men who underwent RRP between January 1989 and December 1994. Age, preoperative serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), biopsy Gleason score, clinical and pathological stage, and biochemical recurrence were compared between 162 men who underwent RRP 60 days or less from biopsy and 764 who underwent RRP after a greater delay. Disease-free (PSA less than 0.2 ng/ml) survival rates were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Pathological staging was compared using logistic regression. Results: The different groups were well matched for age, serum PSA, pathological stage and followup. However, significantly more men who underwent RRP between 121 and 150 days, and 151 days or greater had T1c disease (48% and 57% vs 35%, p Conclusions: Delays of up to several months from prostate cancer diagnosis to RRP do not appear to impact long-term biochemical cancer control rates. Therefore, patients can be reassured that there is no immediate urgency to perform RRP after prostate cancer diagnosis, especially in those with T1c disease and biopsy Gleason scores less than 7.
Unmanned aircraft navigation for shipboard landing using infrared vision

This paper addresses the problem of determining the relative position and orientation of an unmanned air vehicle with respect to a ship using three visible points of known separation. The, images of the points are obtained from an onboard infrared camera. The paper develops a numerical solution to this problem. Both simulation and flight test results are presented.
Incidence of sudden cardiac arrest in high school student athletes on school campus

Background An accurate estimate of the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in high school student athletes is needed to guide prevention strategies. Objective To prospectively investigate SCA rates in high school student athletes vs student nonathletes. Methods A prospective observational study of 2149 US high schools participating in the National Registry for AED Use in Sports was conducted from August 2009 to July 2011. Schools were contacted quarterly to collect and review SCA cases occurring on school campus. Ninety-five percent (2045) of the schools confirmed participation for the entire 2-year period. Results The average numbers of total students and student athletes per school were 963 and 367, respectively, providing more than 4.1 million total student-years and more than 1.5 million student athlete-years of surveillance. Twenty-six cases of SCA occurred in students, including 18 cases in student athletes—all during exercise. The incidence of SCA in all students was 0.63 per 100,000; in student athletes, 1.14 per 100,000; and in student nonathletes, 0.31 per 100,000. The relative risk of SCA in student athletes vs nonathletes was 3.65 (95% confidence interval 1.6–8.4; P P Conclusion The incidence of SCA in high school student athletes is higher than previous estimates and may justify more advanced cardiac screening and improved emergency planning in schools.
Automated Prescription of an Optimal Imaging Plane for Measurement of Cerebral Blood Flow by Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This study describes and evaluates a semiautomated method for prescribing an optimal imaging plane that is located as close as possible to the skull base, and is simultaneously nearly perpendicular to the four arteries leading blood to the brain [internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and vertebral arteries (VAs)]. Such a method will streamline and improve reliability of the measurement of total cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure by velocity encoding phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. The method first extracts the vessels' centerline from a 2-D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiogram of the neck by performing distance transformations. An anatomical marker, the V2 segment of the VAs, is then identified to guide the imaging plane to be as close and below the skull base. An imaging plane that is nearly perpendicular to the ICAs and V2 segment of VAs is then identified by minimizing a misalignment value, estimated by a weighted mean of the angles between the plane's normal and the vessel axes at the vessel-plane intersections. The performance of the semiautomated method was evaluated by comparing manually selected planes to those found semiautomatically in nine magnetic resonance angiogram datasets. The semiautomated method consistently outperformed manual prescription with a significantly smaller misalignment value, 8.6° versus 20.7° (P <; 0.001), respectively, and significantly improved reproducibility.
Functional Characterization of a Cloned Human Kidney Na+:HCO3 − Cotransporter

Abstract Functional properties of a cloned human kidney Na+:HCO3 − cotransporter (NBC-1) were studied in cultured HEK-293 cells that were transiently transfected with NBC-1 cDNA. The Na+:HCO3 −cotransporter activity was assayed as the Na+ and HCO3 −dependent pHi recovery from intracellular acidosis with the use of the pH-sensitive dye 2′,7′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein. In acid-loaded cells and in the presence of amiloride (to block Na+/H+ exchange), switching to a Na+-containing solution (115 mm) resulted in rapid pHi recovery only in the presence of HCO3 −. This recovery was completely abolished by 300 μm 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid. Replacing the Na+ with Li+ (115 mm) caused significant HCO3 −-dependent, DIDS-sensitive pHi recovery from intracellular acidosis, with Li+ showing lower affinity than Na+. Potassium (K+) had no affinity for the Na+:HCO3 − cotransporter. The Na+-dependent HCO3 −cotransport was abolished in the presence of 0.2 mmharmaline. The Na+:HCO3 − cotransporter could also function in Na+:OH− cotransport mode, although only at high external pH (7.8). Based on functional similarities with the mammalian kidney experiments, we propose that NBC-1 is the proximal tubule Na+:HCO3 −cotransporter.
Visualizing recall immune responses with multi-photon microscopy

Multi-photon microscopy has increased our understanding of T-cell behaviour during the initiation of primary immune responses. In this issue of Immunology a study uses real-time imaging of lymph nodes to observe and compare the early events in naive, tolerized and primed CD4 T-cell responses.
Measurement of assertive behavior: Construct and predictive validity of self‐report, role‐playing, and in‐vivo measures

Examined the predictive validity and construct equivalence of the three major procedures used to measure assertive behavior: Self-report, behavioral role-playing, and in-vivo assessment. Seventy-five Ss, who spanned the range of assertiveness, completed two self-report measures of assertiveness, the Rathus Assertiveness Scale (RAS) and the College Self-Expression Scale (CSES); two scales from the Endler S-R Inventory of General Trait Anxiousness, the interpersonal and general anxiety scales; eight role-playing situations that involved the expression of positive and negative assertiveness; and a telephone in-vivo task. In general, the study revealed the following: (1) assertiveness measures are task-dependent in that there was more overlap within task than between tasks; (2) there is a moderate degree of correspondence between self-report and role-playing measures, although this was true only for negative assertion; (3) positive and negative assertion do not appear to have the same topography of responding; and (4) there appears to be no consistent relationship between the in-vivo measure and any other type of assertiveness measure.
Response-Driven Models Based on MRI and SPECT Findings on Hippocampus for Lateralization of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (P6.190)

OBJECTIVE: To develop response-driven models for lateralization of epileptogenicity in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients based upon MRI and SPECT images. BACKGROUND: MRI findings such as atrophy on T1-weighted and hyperintensity on FLAIR images and SPECT findings such as hyperintensity in the difference between ictal and interictal phases in the ipsilateral hippocampus, are helpful in decision making on the laterality, before resection of the mesial temporal structures. However, the patients without concordant findings undergo implantation of intracranial electrodes to determine the epileptogenic side which is not risk-free. DESIGN/METHODS: Preoperative T1-weighted, FLAIR, and SPECT images of a retrospective cohort of seventy-six TLE patients with surgical outcome of Engel class I were quantitatively analyzed to extract attributes of volumetrics, mean and standard deviation of FLAIR intensity, and mean of normalized ictal-interictal SPECT intensity on the left and right hippocampi. Using multinomial logistic regression, the parameters of 4 independent univariate response models were estimated and used in development of a multinomial model based on Bayesian model averaging (BMA) theorem. RESULTS: Using BMA response model, we achieved a correct lateralization rate of 90.8%, a probability of detection of 0.91 (with false alarm probability of 0.03) for the left side as well as the right side of TLE patients. Out of thirty-four patients who underwent phase II of intracranial monitoring, BMA was concordant with other models for 59% of cases with the detection rate of 90% (18/20) and false alarm rate of 5% (1/20). For 41% of cases where a discrepancy existed between BMA and other models, BMA detection rate was 71% (10/14) and false alarm rate was 21% (3/14). In summary, using the proposed lateralization models, the phase II of intracranial monitoring could have been avoided for 53% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The application of proposed lateralization models can improve the decision-making for surgical resection for TLE patients and may reduce the need for implantation of intracranial monitoring electrodes. Study Supported by: NIH grant R01EB013227 Disclosure: Dr. Nazemzadeh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schwalb has nothing to disclose. Dr. Elisevich has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bagher-Ebadian has nothing to disclose. Dr. Soltanian-Zadeh has nothing to disclose.
Estimation of the radiometric response functions of a color camera from differently illuminated images

The mapping that relates the image irradiance to the image brightness (intensity) is known as the Radiometric Response Function or Camera Response Function. This usually unknown mapping is nonlinear and varies from one color channel to another. In this paper, we present a method to estimate the radiometric response functions (of R, G and B channels) of a color camera directly from the images of an arbitrary scene taken under different illumination conditions (The illumination conditions are not assumed to be known). The response function of a channel is modeled as a gamma curve and is recovered by using a constrained nonlinear minimization approach by exploiting the fact that the material properties of the scene remain constant in all the images. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated experimentally.
The Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics in variation testing

Traditionally, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics are used as general goodness-of-fit tests which are known to be more sensitive to location than to scale alternatives. In this paper a statistic is defined in terms of the one-sample Kolmogorov statistics, and a distribution free scale test for the one-sample problem is developed. The understanding of this new scale statistic aids in the interpretation of p-p plots with respect to differences in scale and location alternatives. The critical values of the proposed test statistic and its limiting distribution are given. Power studies based on computer simulation indicate that the proposed test statistic has, for scale alternatives, power which is never less and usually greater than the traditional Kolmogorov goodness-of-fit test. The Bahadur asymptotic relative efficiency is shown to be the same as a nonparametric scale test proposed by Gelzer and Pyke (1965).
Piezoelectric Bending Control of Nonlinear Viscoelastic Plates: Probabilities of Failure and Survival Times

Analytical and numerical formulations and simulations are carried out in order to conduct sensitivity studies of physical parameters motion and amplitude control by viscoelastic piezoelectric and material damping of viscoelastic plates. Numerical simulations in terms of critical parameters, such as relaxation fanetions of the structure and piezoelectric devices, are carried out to evaluate system responses, sensing and structural control.
Allowing for Weather in Crop Production Model Building

Several alternative methods have been presented to measure weather effects upon crop production. This paper presents two more methods. These are the work of de Martonne and Angstrom in the 1920's and 1930's applied to an econometric production model. The use of composite "aridity indexes" might provide a relatively simple approach to a difficult problem encountered in agricultural supply analysis. The concept is simple and is not confined to a single agricultural area or to a single crop. The indexes, both de Martonne's and Angstrom's, can be calculated wherever basic weather data—precipitation and temperature—are available.
Emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in core binding factor acute myeloid leukaemia.

Purpose of reviewIn acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), the presence of t(8;21)(q22;q22) and inv(16)(p13q22)/t(16;16)(p13;q22) and/or the corresponding molecular rearrangements RUNX1/RUNX1T1 and CBFB/MYH11 [collectively referred to as core binding factor (CBF) AML] predict for a more favourable outcome i
FREE EXPLORATION TRENDS OF DEVELOPING ALBINO RATS

Summary.-Previous research found significantly more free exploration in immature and adult albino rats compared to adolescent rats. The present study indicated this to be true only in adult rats (N = 12). Housing procedures prior to testing may explain the lack of replication. Goodrick (1967, 1971) found that the free exploration of developing albino rats was U-shaped. Immature (31 days) and adult (94 days) rats were approximately equal in amount of free exploration and significantly higher than that of adolescent rats (51 and 73 days). The present experiment artempted to replicate this finding. Male Wistar rats (N = 12) were caged individually in a 12-hr. light, 12hr. dark vivarium, with free access to food and water. They were handled only during arrival in the vivarium and testing. The black open field, 90 un square and 48 cm high, had 5 ft-c. of light from an overhead lamp. An enclosed dark area, 16 cm high with an entrance 9 cm high and 9 cm wide, was in the corner of rhe open field. Rats were individually tested at 30, 50, 70, and 90 days of age. Testing began approximately 2 to 3 hr. into the light cycle. To begin a test, the rat was placed in the field facing the entrance of the enclosed area. Every 6 sec. for 4 min. subjects were recorded as in the enclosed area or in the open field. Free exploration was defined as sniffing in the open-field with all four paws outside the enclosed area (Goodrick, 1967, 1971).
Research and Development: Opportunities and Challenges

Chapter 1 describes the tension between the goals of policymakers who seek to make research and development (R&D) a cornerstone of national economic progress and the reality that R&D programs operate in a complex environment where program design and implementation is challenging and success is difficult to measure. The chapter also summarizes how the rest of the book offers insights and tools to improve the opportunities for success in government R&D programs.
Determination of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose in Contact Lens Care Solution by High Performance Gel Chromatography

High performance gel chromatography was applied to the determination of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose(HPMC)in contact lens care solution,and the effect of the other lubrication composition in care solution on the measurement was investigated.Contact lens care solutions with HPMC in the market were selected.Hydrogel chromatographic column(TSK-Gelα3000and TSK-Gelα3000)was used as stationary phase,with50mmol·L-1 NaCl solution as mobile phase and flow rate of 0.7mL·min-1.The RI Shimadzu RID-2Adetector was used.Linear relationship between values of peak area and mass concentration of HPMC was kept in the range of0.1-5.0g·L-1 with detection limit(3S/N)of 0.056g·L-1.The proposed method was applied to the analysis of contact lens care solutions,values of recovery found by standard addition method were in the range of 98.0%-102%.Precision of the method was tested in HPMC standard solutions for 6determination,values of RSD′s(n=6)found were less than 1.5%.
Self-configuring Software-defined Overlay Bypass for Seamless Inter- and Intra-cloud Virtual Networking

Many techniques have been proposed to provide, transparently, the abstraction of a layer-2 virtual network environment within a provider, e.g. by leveraging Software-Defined Networking (SDN). However, cloud providers often constrain layer-2 communication across instances; furthermore, SDN integration and layer-2 messaging between distinct domains distributed across the Internet is not possible, hindering the ability for tenants to deploy their virtual networks across providers. In contrast, overlay networks provide a flexible foundation for inter-cloud virtual private networking (VPN), by tunneling virtual network traffic through private, authenticated end-to-end overlay links. However, overlays inherently incur network virtualization overheads, including header encapsulation and user/kernel boundary crossing. This paper proposes a novel system -- VIAS (VIrtualization Acceleration over SDN) -- that delivers the flexibility of overlays for inter-cloud virtual private networking, while transparently applying SDN techniques (available in existing OpenFlow hardware or software switches) to selectively bypass overlay tunneling and achieve near-native performance for TCP/UDP flows within a provider. Architecturally, VIAS is unique in how it integrates SDN and overlay controllers in a distributed fashion to coordinate the management of virtual network links and flows. The approach is self-organizing, whereby overlay nodes can detect that peer endpoints are in the same network and program bypass flows between OpenFlow switches. While generally applicable, VIAS in particular applies to nested VMs/containers across cloud providers, supporting seamless communication within and across providers. VIAS has been implemented as an extension to an existing virtual network overlay platform (IP-over-P2P, IPOP) by integrating OpenFlow controller functionality with distributed overlay controllers. We evaluate the performance of VIAS in realistic cloud environments using an implementation based on IPOP, the RYU SDN framework, Open vSwitch, and LXC containers across various cloud environment including Amazon, Google compute engine, and CloudLab.
Pottery Analysis: A Sourcebook

My first edition of Pottery Analysis: A Sourcebook (Rice, 1987) sits within easy reach of my desk. Tape on the binding is an indication that it has indeed been a ‘sourcebook’ for my work. I recall ...
1 – Prothoracicotropic Hormone

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), a brain neuropeptide hormone that stimulates the secretion of the molting hormone, ecdysone, from the prothoracic glands. Hardened portions of the cuticle restrict the physical growth of insects; insects solve this problem by periodic molts in which the old cuticle is partly resorbed and partly shed and a new cuticle is laid down, allowing for further growth. In addition, many insects undergo metamorphic molts in which significant changes in structure occur. A suite of hormones controls and coordinates these episodes of rapid developmental change. Physiological, biochemical, and genetic studies on PTTH have shaped our current understanding of how insect molting and metamorphosis are controlled. This chapter reviews the discovery of PTTH followed by sections describing PTTH structure, regulation of PTTH release, and the cellular mechanisms by which PTTH stimulates ecdysteroid secretion. It ends with a brief discussion of developmental changes in the prothoracic glands and of roles played by factors aside from PTTH which have modified our current picture of the regulation of ecdysteroid secretion in insects.
Antioxidant Capacity and Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Adrenoleukodystrophy

Importance X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) may switch phenotype to the fatal cerebral form (ie, cerebral ALD [cALD]), the cause of which is unknown. Determining differences in antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels between phenotypes may allow for the generation of a clinical biomarker for predicting the onset of cALD, as well as initiating a more timely lifesaving therapy. Objective To identify variations in the levels of antioxidant capacity and SOD activity between ALD phenotypes in patients with cALD or adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), heterozygote female carriers, and healthy controls and, in addition, correlate antioxidant levels with clinical outcome scores to determine a possible predictive value. Design, Setting, and Participants Samples of monocytes and blood plasma were prospectively collected from healthy controls, heterozygote female carriers, and patients with AMN or cALD. We are counting each patient as 1 sample in our study. Because adrenoleukodystrophy is an X-linked disease, the affected group populations of cALD and AMN are all male. The heterozygote carriers are all female. The samples were assayed for total antioxidant capacity and SOD activity. The data were collected in an academic hospital setting. Eligibility criteria included patients who received a diagnosis of ALD and heterozygote female carriers, both of which groups were compared with age-matched controls. The prospective samples (n = 30) were collected between January 2015 to January 2016, and existing samples were collected from tissue storage banks at the Kennedy Krieger Institute (n = 30). The analyses were performed during the first 3 months of 2016. Main Outcome and Measures Commercially available total antioxidant capacity and SOD assays were performed on samples of monocytes and blood plasma and correlated with magnetic resonance imaging severity score. Results A reduction in antioxidant capacity was shown between the healthy controls (0.225 mmol trolox equivalent) and heterozygote carriers (0.181 mmol trolox equivalent), and significant reductions were seen between healthy controls and patients with AMN (0.102 mmol trolox equivalent; P P P = .01), and patients with cALD (0.8 units/mg protein; P P = .03). Plasma SOD levels from patients with cALD demonstrated an inverse correlation to brain magnetic resonance imaging severity score ( R 2 = 0.75, P Conclusions and Relevance Plasma SOD may serve as a potential biomarker for cerebral disease in ALD following future prospective studies.
Implications of electronic health record downtime: an analysis of patient safety event reports

Objective We sought to understand the types of clinical processes, such as image and medication ordering, that are disrupted during electronic health record (EHR) downtime periods by analyzing the narratives of patient safety event report data. Materials and methods From a database of 80 381 event reports, 76 reports were identified as explicitly describing a safety event associated with an EHR downtime period. These reports were analyzed and categorized based on a developed code book to identify the clinical processes that were impacted by downtime. We also examined whether downtime procedures were in place and followed. Results The reports were coded into categories related to their reported clinical process: Laboratory, Medication, Imaging, Registration, Patient Handoff, Documentation, History Viewing, Delay of Procedure, and General. A majority of reports (48.7%, n = 37) were associated with lab orders and results, followed by medication ordering and administration (14.5%, n = 11). Incidents commonly involved patient identification and communication of clinical information. A majority of reports (46%, n = 35) indicated that downtime procedures either were not followed or were not in place. Only 27.6% of incidents (n = 21) indicated that downtime procedures were successfully executed. Discussion Patient safety report data offer a lens into EHR downtime-related safety hazards. Important areas of risk during EHR downtime periods were patient identification and communication of clinical information; these should be a focus of downtime procedure planning to reduce safety hazards. Conclusion EHR downtime events pose patient safety hazards, and we highlight critical areas for downtime procedure improvement.
Teachers who Initiate Changes with an Ebook-Integrated Curriculum: Revisiting the Developmental Assumptions of Stages of Concerns in the Concerns-Based Adoption Model

Understanding teachers’ concerns about integrating new technology to their curricular practices is essential for the improvement of pedagogical practices. Using in-depth interviews, this study aims 1) to explore and describe concerns of teachers who attempted to initiate ebook-integrated curriculum independently in a higher education setting, and 2) to examine how well the Stages of Concerns (SoC) in Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) explains the change processes of the teachers. This study challenges the developmental assumptions underlying the SoC in CBAM and suggests that the theoretical framework must address individuals’ idiosyncratic traits as a contextual factor to better explain the change processes of teachers who initiate change in higher education. Additionally, future research directions pertaining to the adoption of innovations by teachers are suggested. Afin d’ameliorer les pratiques pedagogiques, il est essentiel de comprendre les preoccupations qu’ont les enseignants par rapport a l’integration de la nouvelle technologie a leurs pratiques pedagogiques. Reposant sur des entrevues en profondeur, cette etude a comme objectif, d’une part, d’explorer et de decrire les preoccupations d’enseignants qui ont tente, de facon autonome, d’initier un programme d’etudes integrant des livres electroniques dans un milieu universitaire, et d’autre part, d’examiner la mesure dans laquelle les etapes de preoccupation du modele d’adoption reposant sur les preoccupations (Concerns-Based Adoption Model – CBAM) reussissent a expliquer les processus de changement chez les enseignants. Cette etude remet en question les hypotheses developpementales sur lesquelles sont fondees les etapes de preoccupation du CBAM et propose que le cadre theorique doit considerer l’idiosyncrasie des gens comme facteur contextuel pour mieux comprendre les processus de changement des enseignants qui initient des changements dans les milieux universitaires. Nous proposons egalement des orientations de recherche a l’avenir portant sur l’adoption d’innovations par les enseignants.
Evaluation of a Shorter Follow-up Time to Capture Benefit of a Trial Vocal Fold Augmentation.

Summary Objective Trial vocal fold injection (TVFI) is employed diagnostically for patients with subtle glottic insufficiency to explore potential for improvement. Clinical experience demonstrates the time to and length of peak benefit of the TVFI is variable. Previous studies collected data 4 weeks or more after TVFI. The aim of this study was to compare subjectively successful and unsuccessful TVFI patient groups. It is hypothesized that patients with subjectively reported success will also have significant improvements in Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), phase closure percentage, and aerodynamic measures 2 weeks after trial augmentation. Methods/Design Subjects with glottic insufficiency were included in this retrospective review if they underwent office-based, per-oral vocal fold injection augmentation specifically for trial purposes. Patients were divided into “successful” and “unsuccessful” groups based on their subjective experience during the 2-week post-TVFI period. VHI-10, subjective report, phase closure evaluation using frame-by-frame analysis, and aerodynamic data were collected pre- and 2 weeks post-TVFI. Results Of the subjects, 15 of 23 (65%) reported a successful subjective improvement of their symptom, whereas 8 (35%) were unsuccessful (only partial improvement or no improvement). The number of subjects with an improvement in VHI-10 by 5 or more points was not significantly different between groups. The number of subjects that demonstrated complete, long phase closure was significantly higher in the successful group ( P = 0.021). Conclusions The understanding of how to more precisely determine the success of TVFI remains incomplete. Subjective improvement of successful TVFI was captured with basic clinical questioning, yet the VHI-10 was unable to confidently demonstrate this reported success 2 weeks after TVFI.
Communicating with children about parental cancer: The devil in the details.

81Background: Parents with dependent children express concerns about cancer’s impact on children, and describe challenges with communication, such as deciding how to share news of a diagnosis (Asbury et al., 2014). Though open communication may contribute to better adjustment in children (Lindqvist et al., 2007), little is known about how parents typically talk to children at different developmental stages about their illness, and how soon information is shared after diagnosis. Methods: Five clinicians from a well-established parent guidance program provided 109 consultations to patients (68% female) treated in an urban Comprehensive Cancer Center and/or their co-parent. Consults occurred in outpatient offices (29%), inpatient units (37%) and by telephone (34%). Afterward, clinicians completed a questionnaire about parents’ communication with their children about cancer. Descriptive statistics summarize information shared by patient groups with different characteristics. Results: Children of patients rang...
Failed Knights and Broken Narratives: Mark Twain and Charles Chesnutt’s Black Romance

This chapter resumes the set of questions provoked in the second chapter about using the past as a political tool to intervene into the construction of race and ethnicity. Vernon puts into conversation Mark Twain and Charles Chesnutt, who use the novels A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court and The House behind the Cedars to escape and critique the authorial shadow of Walter Scott. Chesnutt and Twain take pains to show how flimsy the mythology underpinning Scott’s work is. Both authors recognize the power of Scott’s myth-making to penetrate the sphere of social reality by offering an attractive mythical history consonant with the desires of some Americans for a pure lineage. Chesnutt and Twain critically engage and supersede Scott’s legacy by addressing the fundamental appeal of his work; that is, its claims to provide a fictional heritage for its readers.
Comparing Comparatives: The Argumentative Force of Comparative Quantifiers

This study investigates the difference between more than n and at least n + 1. It is observed that these two quantifiers can generate different implicatures in intensional contexts due to their exhaustivity properties. Building on theoretical notions of argumentation in discourse, it is proposed that more than n, but not at least n + 1, is associated with positive argumenatative orientation (an attempt to convince the addressee of something). In a large-scale corpus investigation, more than n is shown to be associated with much larger numerical values than at least n (as well as other comparative quantifiers). Based on a qualitative investigation of the data, I propose that more than n is used more commonly to convey subjective positions that are being made more convincing by larger values of n, while at least n + 1 is used more commonly to convey objectively informative content. The quantifiers’ behavior in intensional contexts is explained as a combined effect of their respective argumentative orientation and the exhaustivity implicatures they generate.
Emergence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Infections

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is typically considered an opportunistic bacterial pathogen, only affecting individuals with a compromised immune system. Despite the presence of a seemingly intact immune system, patients with the disease cystic fibrosis (CF) are uniquely susceptible to lung infections with P. aeruginosa. Chronic lung infections with this bacterium are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. This chapter reviews the literature on the emergence of P. aeruginosa in chronic lung infections in CF, an understanding of which may identify strategies for future drug development.