cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fanconi Anemia Pathway Suppression of R Loops Is a Mechanism of Maintenance of Genomic Stability

Background The FA pathway involvement in homologous recombination and translesion synthesis repair requires binding to DNA by central proteins of the pathway, but interaction with RNA and modulation of genotoxic intermediates such as R loops has not been explored. In this study we explore the incidence of R loops in FA mutant cells. Methods DRIP duplex RNA hybrid immunoprecipitation-genomic DNA was extracted, sonicated, and subjected to immunoprecipitation using S9.6 DNA:RNA hybrid antibody. Resulting immunoprecipitates were run on agarose gel and stained using ethidium bromide. Bisulfite modification/DNA Sequencing: genomic DNA was extracted and a portion was denatured. After bisulfite modification, coding sequence in GAPDH was amplified by PCR, and the resulting products sequenced. Similarly prepared genomic DNA was prepared, exomic sequencing was performed. Bioinformatic analysis was undertaken on each sample. Immunofluorescence microscopy cells were cultured in chamber slides, treated or not with mitomycin C, fixed, and stained. Cell culture mutant and complemented versions of each Results Using anti-RNA:DNA hybrid antibodies, we used a series of assays to test for the presence of R loops in FA mutant cells. Agarose gel electrophoresis demonstrated increased pulldown of RNA:DNA hybrids in FA-D2 and FA-A mutant cells but not FA-J. Similar results were seen in qPCR data designed to detect R loops in multiple sites in G-C rich areas of beta-actin and GAPDH. Immunofluorescence revealed increased signal using the S9.6 antibody in a DNA damage inducible manner in mutant FA-D2 and FA-A cells but not FA-J mutant cells. BRCA2 mutant cells also demonstrated increases in R loops. Exome sequencing revealed that R loops were globally present in far greater amounts in FA-D2 mutant cells. Conclusions RNA DNA hybrids as represented by R loops are present in greater amounts in FA-D2, FA-A, and BRCA2/FA-D1 mutant cells but not in FA-J mutant cells. Suppression of R loops represents a non-canonical function for the FA pathway in maintenance of genomic stability. Translational potential statement The net cause of genomic instability in FA may be formation of DNA RNA hybrids, which could be prevented by means of small molecules. Understanding the biology can lead to enhanced treatment of bone marrow failure as well as of FA-associated tumors. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
ALIROCUMAB EFFICACY AND SAFETY IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA AND WITH OR WITHOUT CLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROTIC CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: POOLED ANALYSIS OF 10 ODYSSEY RANDOMIZED TRIALS

Background: The alirocumab (ALI) ODYSSEY clinical trial program recruited patients with hypercholesterolemia, ∼70% of whom had atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and were at very high ASCVD risk. This analysis evaluated the lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of ALI among patients with
Seasonal patterns and socio-economic predictors of household rainwater and greywater use

AbstractSeasonal water insecurity is a growing concern in many countries. For some households, rainwater and greywater are important alternative water sources. This study examines household patterns and socio-economic predictors of using rainwater and greywater in urban Philippines, in rainy versus dry seasons. Results from a household survey (N = 396) and in-depth interviews (N = 18) suggest that rainwater and greywater use are widespread, particularly among households with more members, less financial resources, and less access to the public utility, in seasonal ways. Future research into the adoption and diffusion of these practices may inform policies that promote equitable water access year-round.
Social Movements as Women’s Political Empowerment: The Case for Measurement

This chapter explores how to quantitatively measure women’s social movements: women who draw on their identities as women and engage in collective action to target national governments and their laws and policies. Drawing on previous qualitative and quantitative studies of politically influential social movements addressing women’s rights across developing countries, the authors examine what aspects of women’s collective action must be addressed to create a meaningful variable. The chapter concludes with a call for new methods to measure women’s movements, which can provide a more meaningful way to quantify the circumstances that lead to mobilization, the intricacies of women’s movements, and the ways women’s collective action leads to women’s political empowerment and gender equality in both the developing world and a global context.
Understanding the Role of Notch in Osteosarcoma

The Notch pathway has been described as an oncogene in osteosarcoma, but the myriad functions of all the members of this complex signaling pathway, both in malignant cells and nonmalignant components of tumors, make it more difficult to define Notch as simply an oncogene or a tumor suppressor. The cell-autonomous behaviors caused by Notch pathway manipulation may vary between cell lines but can include changes in proliferation, migration, invasiveness, oxidative stress resistance, and expression of markers associated with stemness or tumor-initiating cells. Beyond these roles, Notch signaling also plays a vital role in regulating tumor angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, which are vital aspects of osteosarcoma growth and behavior in vivo. Further, osteosarcoma cells themselves express relatively low levels of Notch ligand, making it likely that nonmalignant cells, especially endothelial cells and pericytes, are the major source of Notch activation in osteosarcoma tumors in vivo and in patients. As a result, Notch pathway expression is not expected to be uniform across a tumor but likely to be highest in those areas immediately adjacent to blood vessels. Therapeutic targeting of the Notch pathway is likewise expected to be complicated. Most pharmacologic approaches thus far have focused on inhibition of gamma secretase, a protease of the presenilin complex. This enzyme, however, has numerous other target proteins that would be expected to affect osteosarcoma behavior, including CD44, the WNT/β-catenin pathway, and Her-4. In addition, Notch plays a vital role in tissue and organ homeostasis in numerous systems, and toxicities, especially GI intolerance, have limited the effectiveness of gamma secretase inhibitors. New approaches are in development, and the downstream targets of Notch pathway signaling also may turn out to be good targets for therapy. In summary, a full understanding of the complex functions of Notch in osteosarcoma is only now unfolding, and this deeper knowledge will help position the field to better utilize novel therapies as they are developed.
The fallacy of impact without relevance- Reclaiming relevance and rigor

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to underscore the fundamental importance of relevance to an applied field such as supply chain management (SCM). It is argued that simultaneity of research rigor and relevance is necessary to assert claims of impact. Design/methodology/approach This paper acts as a reflective essay, inductive reasoning and prescriptive framework. Findings Impact needs to be evaluated based on both rigor and relevance, and not exclusively based on whether a paper is published in a “top-tier” journal. Without relevance, academic research in SCM will cease to be of practical importance. Research limitations/implications The primary limitation is that this is a conceptual paper relying on logical arguments. Practical implications The paper exhorts academics in SCM to recognize and insure practical relevance in their research. It develops strong arguments for why such a combined focus is needed and should be encouraged by journals. Originality/value Thought provoking paper intended to change how the field evaluates research for its impact. General strategies for increasing relevance in academic research are offered.
A 140 GHz gyro-amplifier using a dielectric-loaded, sever-less confocal waveguide

We report results of the high gain operation of a pulsed 140 GHz gyro-amplifier system under development at MIT for pulsed Dynamic Nuclear Polarization NMR (DNP-NMR). With a 46 kV, 3 A beam, the gyro-amplifier operated with 23 dB of device gain at 140 GHz, measured from the input port to the output port. With input / output coupling losses estimated at 12 dB, the gain of the confocal circuit itself is estimated to be 35 dB at 140 GHz. The gyro-amplifier uses a sever-less, confocal geometry to provide an overmoded interaction circuit with reduced mode competition. Higher gain has been achieved by including ceramic absorbers in order to attenuate unwanted oscillations due to spatial modes that are reflected from the outer vacuum tube wall.
Burn wounds in the young versus the aged patient display differential immunological responses

Abstract Background Individuals in the geriatric age range are more prone than younger individuals to convert their partial thickness thermal burns into full thickness injuries. We hypothesized that this often observed clinical phenomenon is strongly related to differential local injury responses mediated by the immune system. Materials & methods Skin samples from areas with partial thickness thermal burns were obtained during routine excision and grafting procedures between post burn days 2–6. Tissue samples were grouped by age ranges with young patients defined as 65. Formalin fixed samples were used to confirm depth of burn injury and companion sections were homogenized for multiplex analysis using a Luminex platform. Immunohistochemical staining was used to quantify total macrophage numbers as well as the M1 and M2 subpopulations. Results Our analysis includes samples derived from 11 young subjects (mean age = 23) and 3 aged subjects (mean age = 79.2). Our initial survey of analytes examined 31 cytokines/chemokines. Twelve were excluded from consideration as they were present in concentrations either above or below the optimal detection range. Two analytes emerged as candidate molecules with significant differences between the young and the aged patient responses to burn injury. EGF levels were on average 21.69 pg/ml in young vs 14.87 pg/ml in aged (p = 0.032). RANTES/CCL5 levels were on average 14.86 pg/ml in young vs 4.26 pg/ml in aged (p = 0.026). Elevated macrophage numbers were present within wounds of younger patients compared to the old (p 0.05). Conclusion Our study has identified at least 2 well known cytokines, CCL5 (RANTES) and EGF, which are differentially regulated in response to burn injury by young versus aged burn victims. Evidence suggests that a proinflammatory environment can explain the high conversion rate from partial to full thickness burns. Our data suggest the need for future studies at the point of injury (cutaneous targets) that may be modulated by post burn release of cytokines/chemokines.
Towards superior dendritic-cell vaccines for cancer therapy.

Potent dendritic-cell cancer vaccines could be used to induce functional antitumour immunity without off-target toxicity.
Competing Physiological Demands During Incipient Colony Foundation in a Social Insect: Consequences of Pathogenic Stress

The social nature of termites has allowed them to become an ecologically dominant taxon. However, their nesting and foraging habits (decayed wood and/or soil), combined with frequent social interactions enhances the risk of pathogen transmission. New dispersing kings and queens are especially vulnerable to such pathogens due to the metabolic demands of nest construction, courtship, mating, oogenesis, and parental care, all while mounting an immune response to novel pathogens encountered upon leaving the natal nest. To quantify differential allocation of resources during colony establishment in response to disease exposure, Zootermopsis angusticollis kings and queens were paired after one or both individuals received an injection of saline, heat-killed Serratia marcescens (ecologically relevant, Gram-negative, soil bacterium), a sub-lethal dose of live S. marcescens, or were left untreated. We then quantified several indices of fitness, including the survival of the reproductive pair, onset and likelihood of oviposition, number of eggs produced, and egg quality as a function of parental immunological treatment. Our results uncovered complex and dynamic interactions between these fitness measures and pathogenic stress. Overall, pathogenic stress reduced the survival of kings and queens, the likelihood of oviposition and egg total, but not the onset of oviposition or egg quality, indicating that, in the face of disease, queens “opt” to maintain offspring quality over quantity. These impacts appear to be context-dependent – modulated by colony of origin, sex, mass, and the presence of a mate – rather than absolute. The acquisition of resources prior to colony foundation combined with the effects of pathogenic exposure, can dramatically limit the success of termites. Based on these empirical data, we have developed a conceptual model of the first 30-days of colony life, involving two successive fitness checkpoints, survival and oviposition, followed by an initial growth phase in which the first egg cohort is produced. In summary, we identified not only the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence successful termite colony foundation, but also the maternal and paternal pathogen-induced effects. Such effects alter resource allocation decisions of parents toward their offspring, with cascading consequences on colony fitness.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibition

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) represent a class of immuno-oncology drugs consisting of monoclonal antibodies occurring against inhibitory receptors or ligands within the immune system including CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1. ICI has transformed oncology in the last decade leading to increased response rates and improved overall survival across several advanced malignancies. ICI is associated with a unique array of toxicities termed immune-related adverse events (IrAEs) which are T-cell-mediated autoimmune toxicities reported in nearly every organ system; most commonly affecting the skin, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and endocrine system. Most IrAEs are manageable with prompt recognition and initiation of appropriate management. General treatment of IrAEs is based on immunosuppression using varying strengths of glucocorticoids. Severe steroid-refractory IrAEs have required nonsteroidal immunosuppressive agents. In this chapter, we describe IrAEs observed with CTLA-4 and PD-1/PDL-1 inhibition by system describing clinical presentation, grading, incidence, time of onset, management, and time to resolution.
Alternative methods for measuring obesity in African American Women

The use of body mass index (BMI) may not be the most appropriate measurement tool in determining obesity in diverse populations. We studied a convenience sample of 108 African American (AA) women to determine the best method for measuring obesity in this at-risk population. The purpose of this study was to determine if percent body fat (PBF) and percent body water (PBW) could be used as alternatives to BMI in predicting obesity and risk for hypertension (HTN) among AA women. After accounting for age, BMI, and the use of anti-hypertensive medication, PBF (p = 0.0125) and PBW (p = 0.0297) were significantly associated with systolic blood pressure, while BMI was not. Likewise, PBF (p = 0.0316) was significantly associated with diastolic blood pressure, while PBW and BMI were not. Thus, health care practitioners should consider alternative anthropometric measurements such as PBF when assessing obesity in AA women.
Introduction and Presentation of Data

Although a few poorly documented reports of cases of multiple primary malignant neoplasms may be found in the earlier literature, the real foundation and stimulus for study of this interesting phenomenon was provided by Billroth in 1889, when he documented several cases of more than one independent cancer developing in the same patient.
Evaluation of Different Formulations and Routes for the Delivery of the Ionizing Radiation Mitigator GS-Nitroxide (JP4-039).

BACKGROUND/AIM The mitochondrial targeted GS-nitroxide, JP4-039, is an effective total body irradiation (TBI) mitigator when delivered intravenously (IV) up to 72 h after exposure. Effective systemic and localized administration to oral cavity/oropharynx and esophagus has been demonstrated. The objective of the study was to establish alternatives to IV administration suitable for JP4-039 delivery to mass casualties. MATERIALS AND METHODS JP4-039 was administered to C57BL/6 mice by topically applied carboxy-methyl-cellulose microneedle arrays (MNAs) or by intramuscular (IM) injection. Three different formulations that have passed Food and Drug Administration review, namely Captisol, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (cyclodextrin), and Miglyol-812-N, were used for drug delivery. Intraoral (IO) administration with each formulation was also evaluated. RESULTS All tested formulations and MNAs successfully delivered JP4-039. However, IM delivery of the Miglyol-812-N displayed very efficient and highly reproducible radiation mitigation. CONCLUSION Effective IM delivery of JP4-039 in animal models after TBI or partial-body irradiation suggested the use of the Miglyol-812-N formulation in both medical indications and radiation countermeasures.
The Influence of Cognitive Reserve on Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury.

Objective we sought to determine the degree to which cognitive reserve, as assessed by the Test of Premorbid Functioning in combination with demographic variables, could act as a buffer against the effect of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on cognitive test performance. Method retrospective analysis of a cohort of 121 persons with TBI who completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) within 1-12 months after injury. Results regression analyses indicated that cognitive reserve was a statistically significant predictor of all postinjury WAIS-IV factor index scores, after controlling for various premorbid and comorbid confounding variables. Only for Processing Speed did injury severity make an additional statistically significant contribution to the prediction model. Conclusions cognitive reserve has a protective effect with regard to the impact of TBI on cognitive test performance but this effect is imperfect and does not completely negate the effect of injury severity.
Servant Leadership: An Introduction

This chapter is an introduction to the work of Robert K. Greenleaf, his seminal 1970 essay, Servant as Leader, and to some of the interpretations by leading Greenleaf authorities of his original works. The goal is to provide an understanding of how Greenleaf developed his ideas and they evolved. Interpretations of Greenleaf’s work are provided by two former CEOs of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, Larry Spears and Kent Keith. Their insights enable the reader to gain an understanding of the attributes and behaviors of a servant leader. This chapter also discusses the growth of servant leadership as a dyadic (leader–follower) construct to a multilevel approach where a culture of serving can be developed. Finally, this chapter briefly addresses the growth and interest in servant leadership, particularly in the athletic domain.
Stochastic Theory of Outer Hair Cell Electromotolity

ABSTRACT A simplified theory of outer hair cell electromotility, based on the operation of two-state molecular motors, is presented The theory is adapted for describing motile responses of cells tested in the microchamber configuration ( Evans et al., 1989 ; 1991 ). Properties of both axial and radial displacements are predicted as a function of cell extrusion from the microchamber. In response to sinusoidal command signals the model predicts the behavior of both AC and DC response components. These are compared to experimental data and a good match is demonstrated.
35 Investigating intersections between firearm suicide, drug-related mortality and primary economic dependency in rural America: a cross-sectional study

Statement of Purpose Rural counties in the United States have higher firearm suicide rates and opioid overdoses than urban counties. We determined whether rural counties can be grouped based on ‘diseases of despair’ by firearm suicides, drug deaths, opioid prescriptions, and socioeconomic characteristics. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study of all rural county residents in the United States from 2012 to 2016. Age-adjusted firearm suicide death rates; drug-related death rates; homicide rate, opioid prescribing rate, %black, %Native American and %veteran population, median home price, violent crime rates, primary economic dependency (non-specialized, farming, mining, manufacturing, government and recreation), and economic variables (low education, low employment, retirement destination, persistent poverty, persistent child poverty). Results Hierarchical clustering using complete linkage yielded five distinct rural county clusters. The firearm suicide rates in the clusters were 5.9, 6.8, 6.4, 8.5 and 3.8 per 100,000 respectively. The counties in cluster 1 were poor, mining dependent, with population loss, cluster 2 were non-specialized economies, with high opioid prescription rates, cluster 3 were manufacturing and government economies with moderate unemployment, cluster 4 were recreational economies with substantial veterans and Native Americans populations, high median home price, drug death rates, opioid prescribing, and violent crime and cluster 5 were farming economies, with high population loss; low median home price; low rates of drug mortality; opioid prescribing; and violent crime. Cluster 4 counties were spatially adjacent to urban counties. Conclusions Interventions to reduce firearm suicides should be community-based and include programs to reduce other diseases of despair. Significance Focusing on prevention related to firearms alone without considering the built environment may not be effective. A targeted approach towards high-risk areas identified by intersectionality between opioid and firearm use particularly in recreational counties that abut urban areas may be a better-tailored strategy for prevention.
Conditional Rényi Entropy and the Relationships between Rényi Capacities.

The analogues of Arimoto’s definition of conditional Renyi entropy and Renyi mutual information are explored for abstract alphabets. These quantities, although dependent on the reference measure, have some useful properties similar to those known in the discrete setting. In addition to laying out some such basic properties and the relations to Renyi divergences, the relationships between the families of mutual informations defined by Sibson, Augustin-Csiszar, and Lapidoth-Pfister, as well as the corresponding capacities, are explored.
The History of Neurosurgery at Houston Methodist Hospital.

The history of neurosurgery in Texas is linked with the development over the past century of the Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH) from a 30-bed hospital in downtown Houston to an academic medical center with 900 beds in the Texas Medical Center. Neurosurgery at HMH has developed to meet the needs of the Houston Metropolitan Area, which has grown from 130,000 people in 1919 to 7 million people today. Neurosurgery at HMH has had steady growth and stable leadership with Dr. James Greenwood Jr. 1936–1980, Dr. Robert Grossman 1980–2013, and Dr. Gavin Britz 2013–present, as Chiefs of the Neurosurgical Service. HMH has been affiliated with 2 medical schools: Baylor College of Medicine 1950–2003 and Weill College of Medicine Cornell University 2004–present. Neurosurgical training began at HMH with the establishment of the Baylor College of Medicine Neurosurgery Residency Program with Dr. George Ehni as Program Director 1959–1979 and Dr. Robert Grossman as Program Director 1980–2006. Training has continued in the HMH residency program from 2006 to present with Dr. David Baskin as Program Director. As of 2019, 138 neurosurgical residents have been trained at HMH. The goals of delivering responsible patient care, advancing neurosurgical knowledge, and training the next generation of practitioners and teachers of neurosurgery have remained constant and have been met and remain the mission of the department.
Systems neuroscience of curiosity

Curiosity refers to a demand for information that has no instrumental benefit. Because of its critical role in development and in the regulation of learning, curiosity has long fascinated psychologists. However, it has been difficult to study curiosity from the perspective of the single neuron or the circuit – that is, at the systems level. Recent advances; however, have made doing so more feasible. These include theoretical advances in defining curiosity in animal models, the development of tasks that manipulate curiosity, and the preliminary identification of circuits responsible for curiosity-motivated learning. Taken together, resulting scholarship demonstrates the key roles of executive control, reward, and learning circuits in driving curiosity and has helped us to understand how curiosity relates to information-seeking more broadly. This work has implications for mechanisms of reward-based decisions. Here we summarize these results and highlight important remaining questions for the future of curiosity studies.
Can Faculty Be Forced Back to Campus

This essay discusses the right of faculty to work from home during this COVID-19 pandemic. Various laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, provide protections for faculty who do not feel safe returning to campus.
Fatal attraction: A systematic review and research agenda of the dark triad in entrepreneurship

Abstract Using meta-analytic techniques, relations among the Dark Triad personality traits – Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy – were examined in relation to outcomes associated with two different stages of the entrepreneurial process: entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial performance. From 39 independent samples (N = 11,819), we found that Machiavellianism positively relates to entrepreneurial intention (rc = 0.16) and negatively relates to entrepreneurial performance (rc = −0.22), narcissism positively relates to entrepreneurial intention (rc = 0.24) and entrepreneurial performance (rc = 0.09), and psychopathy positively relates to entrepreneurial intention (rc = 0.17) and negatively relates to entrepreneurial performance (rc = −0.10). Amid conflicting empirical results and theoretical viewpoints, we leverage our findings to present an exploration into how and why the Dark Triad personality traits relate to the initiation and performance of entrepreneurship. We interpret the existing literature through the lens of Nietzsche's will to power and propose that power acquired over others (domination) is likely to be as viable a predictor of entrepreneurial agency as power removed from others (emancipation). Limitations to the primary studies included in our review are thoroughly examined, and we offer direction for future research.
Complication to consider: delayed traumatic hemothorax in older adults.

Background Emerging evidence suggests older adults may experience subtle hemothoraces that progress over several days. Delayed progression and delayed development of traumatic hemothorax (dHTX) have not been well characterized. We hypothesized dHTX would be infrequent but associated with factors that may aid prediction. Methods We retrospectively reviewed adults aged ≥50 years diagnosed with dHTX after rib fractures at two level 1 trauma centers (March 2018 to September 2019). dHTX was defined as HTX discovered ≥48 hours after admission chest CT showed either no or ‘minimal/trace’ HTX. Two blinded, board-certified radiologists reviewed inpatient chest imaging and classified injury patterns according to Chest Wall Injury Society (CWIS) taxonomy. Descriptive analysis was performed for demographic and hospitalization characteristics. Results We identified 14 patients with pooled dHTX rate of 1.3%. After initial chest CT negative for concerning hemothoraces, the patients did not undergo follow-up imaging until new symptoms (shortness of breath, chest pain) developed: eight (57%) were not diagnosed until after discharge from initial hospitalization (mean (range): 9 (2–20) days after discharge). Aspirin and/or anticoagulants were involved in fewer than half of cases (43%). According to CWIS taxonomy, all patients had a series of posterolateral fractures with at least one offset or displaced fracture, and an average of six consecutive rib fractures. All patients underwent tube thoracostomy and six patients (42%)—all aged Discussion Preliminary data suggest older adults with rib fractures may be at risk of experiencing delayed progression of trace hemothoraces or a delayed presentation of hemothoraces. Asymptomatic progression or readmission to other services/hospitals likely occurs and true dHTX rates are likely higher. Our preliminary findings suggest a possible anatomic explanation for severe chest wall injury patterns’ association with dHTX. Further characterization and capturing the true incidence of dHTX first requires wider recognition of this complication.
Autonomic Resource Management for Fog Computing

Fog computing extends cloud computing capabilities to the edge of the network and reduces high latency and network congestion. This paradigm enables portions of a transaction to be executed at a fog server and other portions at the cloud. Fog servers are generally not as robust as cloud servers; at peak loads, the data that cannot be processed by fog servers is processed by cloud servers. The data that need to be processed by the cloud is sent over a WAN. Therefore, only a fraction of the total data needs to travel through the WAN, as compared with a pure cloud computing paradigm. Additionally, the fog/cloud computing paradigm reduces the cloud processing load when compared with the pure cloud computing model. This paper presents a multiclass closed-form analytic queuing network model that is used by an autonomic controller to dynamically change the fraction of processing between edge and cloud servers in order to maximize a utility function of response time and cost. Experiments show that the controller can maintain a high utility in the presence of a wide variations of request arrival rates for various workloads.
Detect Stepping-stone Intrusion by Mining Network Traffic using k-Means Clustering

Attackers on the Internet often launch network intrusions through compromised hosts, called stepping-stones, in order to reduce the chance of being detected. In a stepping-stone attack, an attacker uses a chain of hosts on the Internet as relay machines and remotely login these hosts using tools such as SSH. An effective method to detect stepping-stone intrusion is to estimate the length of a connection chain. In this paper, we develop an efficient algorithm to detect stepping-stone intrusion by mining network traffic using the k-Means clustering algorithm. Our proposed detection algorithm does not require a large number of TCP packets to be captured and processed. The length of a connection chain can be accurately determined by using our proposed detection method. Our proposed detection algorithm is more efficient and easier to implement than all of the existing connection-chain based approaches for stepping-stone intrusion detection. The effectiveness and correctness of our proposed detection algorithm are verified through well-designed network experiments.
Two-photon lithography for three-dimensional fabrication in micro/nanoscale regime: A comprehensive review

Abstract With the advent of femtosecond lasers in the early 1990s, ultrafast laser processing has proven to be an imperative tool for micro/nano machining. Two-photon lithography (TPL) is one such unique microfabrication technique exploiting the nonlinear dependency of the polymerization rate on the irradiating light intensity to produce true three-dimensional structures with feature sizes beyond the diffraction limit. This characteristic has revolutionized laser material processing for the fabrication of micro and nanostructures. In this paper, an overview of TPL including its working principle, experimental setup, and materials is presented. Then, the effect of resolution with a focus on techniques adopted to improve the final resolution of the structures is covered. Insights to improve throughput and speed of fabrication to pave a way for industrialization of this technique are provided. Finally, TPL for microfabrication of structures with the emphasis on metamaterials is thoroughly reviewed and presented.
Sleepy and Secluded: Sleep Disturbances are Associated With Connectedness in Early Adolescent Social Networks

Studies in adults suggest that sleep disturbances predict poorer socioemotional skills and impaired social interactions. However, little is known regarding how sleep disturbances are associated with social processes during adolescence, a period when both sleep neurobiology and social relationships are undergoing dramatic developmental changes. The current study examined associations among sleep disturbances and peer connectedness in a sample of middle-school students (N = 213, 11-15 years old, 57% female) using a social network approach. Findings suggested that youth with greater sleep disturbances reported having fewer social connections, were rated as a social connection by fewer peers, and were less likely to have reciprocated nominations, even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and mental health symptoms.
A longitudinal examination of the interpersonal theory of suicide for predicting suicidal ideation among LGBTQ+ youth who utilize crisis services: The moderating effect of gender.

INTRODUCTION Despite high rates of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, the interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS) has rarely been examined in this population. The current study utilized a longitudinal design to examine whether perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness independently and simultaneously predicted higher levels of suicidal ideation over time in a sample of LGBTQ+ youth who utilized crisis services. We also investigated whether gender identity moderated these associations. METHODS A total of 592 youth (12-24 years old) who had contacted a national crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ youth completed two assessments 1-month apart. RESULTS Perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness independently predicted greater suicidal ideation 1 month later; however, only perceived burdensomeness remained prospectively associated with suicidal ideation when both factors were tested in the same model. Gender identity moderated the associations between IPTS factors and suicidal ideation, such that both perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were associated with greater suicidal ideation 1 month later for sexual minority cisgender young women and transgender/genderqueer individuals, but not for sexual minority cisgender young men. CONCLUSION The IPTS helps explain increases in suicidal ideation over time among LGBTQ+ youth and therefore can be used to inform suicide prevention and intervention approaches for this population.
Pregnancy and birth in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic: The views of doulas.

Background Much of the emerging research on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) on pregnant people and their infants has been clinical, devoting little attention to how the pandemic has affected families navigating pregnancy and birth. This study examined the perspectives of doulas, or nonclinical labor support professionals, on how pregnancy and birth experiences and maternal health care delivery systems changed in the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions were conducted over the phone with 15 birth doulas. Doulas were invited to participate because of their close relationships with pregnant and birthing people and the comprehensive support they offer. The interview transcripts were analyzed inductively. Results Doulas' clients faced three predominant COVID-19-related pregnancy and birth challenges: (a) fear of exposure; (b) limited access to their expected support systems; and (c) uncertainties surrounding hospital restrictions on labor and birth. Doulas responded creatively to help their clients confront these challenges. Participants expressed various criticisms of how maternal health care systems handled the emerging crisis, argued that COVID-19 exposed preexisting weaknesses in US maternity care, and called for a coordinated care model involving doulas. Discussion Doulas' close relationships with pregnant people enabled them to be an important source of support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Added to the larger body of work on the impacts of doula care, this study supports widespread calls for universally integrating doulas into maternity care systems as a targeted strategy to better support pregnant and birthing people in both crisis and noncrisis situations.
Techniques of Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Pediatric Appendicitis: How I Do It

Background: Appendicitis is the most common operative emergency in children. As a result of accumulating evidence from randomized trials, observational studies, database work, and meta-analyses, the management of appendicitis in children has been shifting the past 15 years with many new debates emerging. In this article, we review our current management schemes. Methods: We reviewed the current and critical literature relevant to the rationale for our current management. Results: Clinical pathways appear to reduce variation and cost while improving the ability to diagnose and treat the disease. Minimally invasive approaches can be used to treat all forms of appendicitis. Conclusions: The future role of non-operative management deserves ongoing exploration. Refining diagnostic treatment algorithms and enhancing antibiotic stewardship are important moving forward.
Evaluation of the Nallasamy Formula: A Stacking Ensemble Machine Learning Method for Refraction Prediction in Cataract Surgery

AimsTo develop a new intraocular lens (IOL) power selection method with improved accuracy for general cataract patients receiving Alcon SN60WF lenses. Methods and AnalysisA total of 5016 patients (6893 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery at University of Michigan s Kellogg Eye Center and received the Alcon SN60WF lens were included in the study. A machine learning-based method was developed using a training dataset of 4013 patients (5890 eyes), and evaluated on a testing dataset of 1003 patients (1003 eyes). Each eye had a complete profile of preoperative biometry, the implanted IOL power, and postoperative refraction. The performance of our method was compared to that of Barrett Universal II, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, and SRK/T. ResultsMAE of the Nallasamy formula in the testing dataset was 0.312 Diopters (MedAE = 0.242 D). Performance of existing methods were as follows: Barrett Universal II MAE = 0.328 D (MedAE = 0.256 D), Haigis MAE = 0.363 D (MedAE = 0.289 D), Hoffer Q MAE = 0.404 D (MedAE = 0.331 D), Holladay 1 MAE = 0.371 D (MedAE = 0.298 D) and SRK/T MAE = 0.376 D (MedAE = 0.300 D). The Nallasamy formula performed significantly better than all five existing methods based on the paired Wilcoxon test with Bonferroni correction (p-value < 0.05). ConclusionsNallasamy formula outperformed the five methods studied (including Barrett Universal II) on overall MAE and MedAE, percentage of eyes within 0.5 D of prediction, as well as MAE in short, medium, and long axial length eyes. SYNOPSISNallasamy formula, a novel machine learning-based IOL power calculation formula developed based on a dataset of 6893 eyes, achieved significantly better prediction accuracy than five traditional IOL power formulas including Barrett Universal II.
Adolescent Suicidality and Homicidality: Who Is at Risk?

Suicide and homicide are the second and third leading causes of adolescent mortality in the United States, respectively. Adolescent deaths by these means outnumber all medical causes combined. Suicide and violence prevention begins foremost with an accurate risk assessment. Clinicians, educators, and public officials can significantly improve their effectiveness in adolescent risk assessment through focusing on several key tenets. Key risk factors for both suicide and homicide include the presence of demographic variables, psychiatric diagnoses, and psychosocial stressors. Protective factors, such as strong family cohesion, help-seeking behavior, and resilience, are also key to the assessment. Inquiry into the adolescent’s current mental status and interviewer comfort in performing such an inquiry is also important. As firearms are the leading means of death in both adolescent suicide and homicide, risk assessment is paramount in efforts towards adolescent gun violence prevention.
One-bank holding company formation and the 1970 Bank Holding Company Act Amendment: An empirical examination allowing for industry group effects

Abstract The current study attempts to resolve the apparent empirical inconsistencies concerning the combined effect of the passage of the Bank Holding Company Act Amendment of 1970 and the formation of one-bank holding companies (OBHCs) found by Billingsley and Lamy (1984) on one hand and Martin and Keown (1981), Aharony and Swary (1981), and Eisenbeis, Harris and Lakonishok (1984) on the other hand. In the present study we demonstrate that the findings of Billingsley and Lamy of a major impact on OBHCs resulting from the 1970 Amendment reflect an ‘industry specific’ factor induced into their findings by calendar date clustering of the OBHC formation dates. When a banking industry group effect is allowed the results of Billingsley and Lamy simply disappear. Thus, the results of this paper suggest that the latter group of authors was correct in suggesting that neither OBHC formation nor the 1970 Amendments have prompted a change in the risk-return characteristics of the affected banks.
Autophosphorylation by the Histidine kinase CheA (LB222)

Chemotaxis is the signal transduction mechanism that allows bacteria to change direction in response to an external stimulus. Detection of an environmental stimulus by the receptors has a cascading...
Chapter 3 Examples of singular limits in hydrodynamics

Abstract This chapter is devoted to the study of some asymptotic problems in hydrodynamics. In particular, we will review results about the inviscid limit, the compressible–incompressible limit, the study of rotating fluids at high frequency, the hydrodynamic limit of the Boltzmann equation as well as some homogenization problems in fluid mechanics.
A thermal emission spectrometer for field use

A field portable spectrometer has been built at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory which is suitable for collecting data relevant to remote sensing applications in the 4.7- to 5.6- and 8- to 12-micrometer atmospheric windows. The instrument employs a single cooled HgCdTe detector and a continuously variable filter wheel analyzer. The spectral range covered is 5- to 14.5-micrometers and the resolution is approximately 1.5 percent of the wavelength. A description of the hardware is followed by a discussion of the data processing steps leading to emissivity and radiance spectra. A section is devoted to the evaluation of the instrument performance with respect to spectral resolution, radiometric precision, and accuracy. Several examples of spectra acquired in the field are included.
Nondestructive Thickness Determination of High‐k Dielectric HfO2 and Interfacial Oxide by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry

Nondestructive thickness determination of 2‐layer ultrathin dielectric stacks was investigated with spectroscopic ellipsometry. The high‐k dielectric HfO2 film (∼40A) was formed by e‐beam evaporation followed by thermal oxidation at different temperatures. The interfacial layer, assumed to be SiO2, was inevitably formed in this process. The ellipsometric ψ and Δ data for the 4‐layer structure, air/HfO2/SiO2/Si, were accurately calculated and fitted to the experimental data acquired at incident angles 70° and 75° with the thickness of each dielectric layer as fitting parameters. The effect of optical constant on the fitted thickness was also taken into account. The ellipsometric thickness was examined with subsequent TEM, and the agreement between TEM and ellipsometry was excellent with an error of less than 10%. The ellipsometric thickness was also consistent with the thickness from C‐V measurements.
Using Historical Atlas Data to Develop High-Resolution Distribution Models of Freshwater Fishes

Understanding the spatial pattern of species distributions is fundamental in biogeography, and conservation and resource management applications. Most species distribution models (SDMs) require or prefer species presence and absence data for adequate estimation of model parameters. However, observations with unreliable or unreported species absences dominate and limit the implementation of SDMs. Presence-only models generally yield less accurate predictions of species distribution, and make it difficult to incorporate spatial autocorrelation. The availability of large amounts of historical presence records for freshwater fishes of the United States provides an opportunity for deriving reliable absences from data reported as presence-only, when sampling was predominantly community-based. In this study, we used boosted regression trees (BRT), logistic regression, and MaxEnt models to assess the performance of a historical metacommunity database with inferred absences, for modeling fish distributions, investigating the effect of model choice and data properties thereby. With models of the distribution of 76 native, non-game fish species of varied traits and rarity attributes in four river basins across the United States, we show that model accuracy depends on data quality (e.g., sample size, location precision), species’ rarity, statistical modeling technique, and consideration of spatial autocorrelation. The cross-validation area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) tended to be high in the spatial presence-absence models at the highest level of resolution for species with large geographic ranges and small local populations. Prevalence affected training but not validation AUC. The key habitat predictors identified and the fish-habitat relationships evaluated through partial dependence plots corroborated most previous studies. The community-based SDM framework broadens our capability to model species distributions by innovatively removing the constraint of lack of species absence data, thus providing a robust prediction of distribution for stream fishes in other regions where historical data exist, and for other taxa (e.g., benthic macroinvertebrates, birds) usually observed by community-based sampling designs.