cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resilience and Resistance of Sagebrush Ecosystems: Implications for State and Transition Models and Management Treatments

In sagebrush ecosystems invasion of annual exotics and expansion of pi ˜ non (Pinus monophylla Torr. and Frem.) and juniper (Juniperus occidentalis Hook., J. osteosperma [Torr.] Little) are altering fire regimes and resulting in large-scale ecosystem transformations. Management treatments aim to increase resilience to disturbance and enhance resistance to invasive species by reducing woody fuels and increasing native perennial herbaceous species. We used Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project data to test predictions on effects of fire vs. mechanical treatments on resilience and resistance for three site types exhibiting cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) invasion and/or pi ˜ non and juniper expansion: 1) warm and dry Wyoming big sagebrush (WY shrub); 2) warm and moist Wyoming big sagebrush (WY PJ); and 3) cool and moist mountain big sagebrush (Mtn PJ). Warm and dry (mesic/aridic) WY shrub sites had lower resilience to fire (less shrub recruitment and native perennial herbaceous response) than cooler and moister (frigid/xeric) WY PJ and Mtn PJ sites. Warm (mesic) WY Shrub and WY PJ sites had lower resistance to annual exotics than cool (frigid to cool frigid) Mtn PJ sites. In WY shrub, fire and sagebrush mowing had similar effects on shrub cover and, thus, on perennial native herbaceous and exotic cover. In WY PJ and Mtn PJ, effects were greater for fire than cut-and-leave treatments and with high tree cover in general because most woody vegetation was removed increasing resources for other functional groups. In WY shrub, about 20% pretreatment perennial native herb cover was necessary to prevent increases in exotics after treatment. Cooler and moister WY PJ and especially Mtn PJ were more resistant to annual exotics, but perennial native herb cover was still required for site recovery. We use our results to develop state and transition models that illustrate how resilience and resistance influence vegetation dynamics and management options.
The ligand exchange reaction between Re(V)NCl2(PPh3)2 and 2-aminothiophenol: formation of a neutral Re(V) phosphorane thioiminato complex

Reaction of bis(triphenylphosphine)bis(chloro)-nitrido-rhenium(V) with two equivalents of 2-aminothiophenol results in the formation of a neutral, diamagnetic phosphorane thioiminato complex, Re(V)(NPPh 3 )(2-amino- thiophenolato) 2 , for which the X-ray crystal structure is reported. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic, P 2 1 / c space group with a =12.938(4), b = 21.091(7), c = 11.578(4) A and β= 102.71(3)°. The nucleophilic attack by the free triphenylphosphine ligand onto the nitrido group is rather unusual. Therefore the neutral oxo complex, Re(V)O(2-aminothiophenolato)2, where one amino group is deprotonated, was synthesized and investigated for its reactivity towards nucleophilic attack by triphenylphosphine. This complex was found to have little such reactivity.
A new multihit digital TDC implemented in a gallium arsenide ASIC

A monolithic multi-hit digital TDC (time-to-digital converter) has been developed for the DUMAND II experiment. This TDC has a 27 channel pipelined architecture, with a 1ns least count. An overview of the performance requirements and implementation in a GaAs gate array is described here. >
Calibration of five small forested watersheds

On the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virginia, five forested watersheds, 38 to 96 acres in area, have been gaged by the U. S. Forest Service since 1951. The watersheds are close together, for the most part contiguous, and are similar in topography, soil, forest cover, and stream-flow characteristics. The methods and problems of calibration should interest other investigators in this field because seldom has a group of watersheds been calibrated for forest watershed research to determine the effects of a range of cutting treatments. After calibration, four watersheds will be cut over, using four different cutting practices. One watershed will be used as a control. Effects of treatment on stream flow will then be measured. Methods of Wilm and of Kovner and Evans were used to determine length of calibration period based on an analysis of annual, monthly, peak, and low flows. Problems of treatment assignment are discussed.
Positioning a ‘mature’ self in interactive practices: How adolescent males negotiate ‘physical attraction’ in group talk

This article presents a discursive psychological approach in examining the ways that adolescent boys (ages 12–15 years) accomplish a sense of ‘maturity’ by bringing off and managing certain features of ‘heterosexuality’ in group interaction. We focus on and analyse moments when the boys negotiate implicit challenges, make evaluations and offer assessments concerning their physical and sexual attraction to girls’ looks. These moments are highly important for negotiating their peer status, for working toward a distinction between ‘childhood’ and ‘adolescence’, and for marking a normatively heterosexual self within the burgeoning institution of adolescence. We will specifically show how ‘heterosexual desire’ is carefully managed in group discussions where the boys participate in normative heterosexuality, but in ways that are nevertheless
Phoma (peyronellaea) as zoopathogen

Two case reports add to the rare recorded instances of infection of man and other animals by Phoma or Phoma-like molds. Phoma cava was consistently cultured from aural dermatitis of a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and tissue sections of the ear revealed fragments of apparent pycnidial walls, as well as many septate hyphae. In the second instance, numerous Phoma-like pycnidia occurred in and upon the hairs of a young child, in a lesion initiated by Trichophyton infection.
Genetic similarity of social mates predicts the level of extrapair paternity in splendid fairy-wrens

Why females mate with multiple males, particularly in socially monogamous species, is one of the central unanswered questions in sexual selection and behavioural ecology. Recent theory suggests that socially monogamous females may improve the genetic quality of their offspring by mating with extrapair males with whom they are more genetically dissimilar (relative to their social mates), because decreased genetic similarity between mates may lead to decreased inbreeding depression of offspring and other benefits. We found that levels of extrapair paternity in splendid fairy-wren, Malurus splendens, broods were predicted by genetic similarity between social mates. Females whose entire broods were sired by extrapair males were more genetically similar to their social mates than they were to their extrapair mates, but females were no less similar to their extrapair mates than they were to the average male from the population. Within-pair young (WPY) from mixed-paternity broods showed higher levels of inbreeding and lower heterozygosity than did their extrapair nestmates or WPY from broods without extrapair paternity. Several processes could account for these patterns, including female choice of genetically dissimilar mates, differential sperm investment by males or differential survival of embryos as a function of genetic dissimilarity between mates, or postcopulatory processes such as sperm competition, cryptic female choice, or interactions between sperm and ova. Regardless of the mechanism, our results suggest that female splendid fairy-wrens may indirectly benefit from extrapair mating because it leads to lower levels of inbreeding and increased heterozygosity in their offspring.
Assessment of dermatopharmacokinetic approach in the bioequivalence determination of topical tretinoin gel products

Abstract Background: A new dermatopharmacokinetic (DPK) approach has been proposed for bioequivalence determination of topical drug products by comparing the drug content kinetics in stratum corneum. Objective: We sought to establish any correlation between clinical safety/efficacy and DPK approach in bioequivalence determination of tretinoin gel 0.025%. Methods: Tretinoin and isotretinoin were quantified in human volar forearm stratum corneum as a function of time with 3 tretinoin gel 0.025% products in 49 patients. Stratum corneum layers were harvested using multiple adhesive disks, which were subsequently extracted and quantified for both isomers by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Products with similar composition and therapeutic equivalence were found bioequivalent, and products with different composition and clinical profiles were found bioinequivalent by DPK methodology. Conclusions: There is a direct correlation between DPK parameters in healthy patients and clinical safety/efficacy of tretinoin gel products in patients with acne. Data support the use of DPK parameters and methodology in the bioequivalence assessment of topical tretinoin gel products. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;48:740-51.)
Alcohol Consumption at Midlife and Successful Ageing in Women: A Prospective Cohort Analysis in the Nurses' Health Study

Background: Observational studies have documented inverse associations between moderate alcohol consumption and risk of premature death. It is largely unknown whether moderate alcohol intake is also associated with overall health and well-being among populations who have survived to older age. In this study, we prospectively examined alcohol use assessed at midlife in relation to successful ageing in a cohort of US women. Methods and Findings: Alcohol consumption at midlife was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Subsequently, successful ageing was defined in 13,894 Nurses’ Health Study participants who survived to age 70 or older, and whose health status was continuously updated. ‘‘Successful ageing’’ was considered as being free of 11 major chronic diseases and having no major cognitive impairment, physical impairment, or mental health limitations. Analyses were restricted to the 98.1% of participants who were not heavier drinkers (.45 g/d) at midlife. Of all eligible study participants, 1,491 (10.7%) achieved successful ageing. After multivariable adjustment of potential confounders, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption at midlife was associated with modestly increased odds of successful ageing. The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.0 (referent) for nondrinkers, 1.11 (0.96–1.29) for #5.0 g/d, 1.19 (1.01–1.40) for 5.1–15.0 g/d, 1.28 (1.03–1.58) for 15.1–30.0 g/d, and 1.24 (0.87–1.76) for 30.1–45.0 g/d. Meanwhile, independent of total alcohol intake, participants who drank alcohol at regular patterns throughout the week, rather than on a single occasion, had somewhat better odds of successful ageing; for example, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.29 (1.01–1.64) and 1.47 (1.14–1.90) for those drinking 3–4 days and 5–7 days per week in comparison with nondrinkers, respectively, whereas the odds ratio was 1.10 (0.94–1.30) for those drinking only 1–2 days per week. Conclusions: These data suggest that regular, moderate consumption of alcohol at midlife may be related to a modest increase in overall health status among women who survive to older ages. Please see later in the article for the Editors’ Summary.
Multiple trains of same-color surface plasmon-polaritons guided by the planar interface of a metal and a sculptured nematic thin film

A sculptured nematic thin film (SNTF) is an assembly of parallel nanowires that are shaped in a fixed plane orthogonal to the substrate on which the film is deposited. The absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance of a linearly polarized, obliquely incident plane wave were calculated for a planar metal/SNTF interface in the Kretschmann configuration, the wave vector of the plane wave lying wholly in the morphologically significant plane of the SNTF. The permittivity profile of the chosen SNTF was supposed to have been sculptured during physical vapor deposition by varying the vapor incidence angle sinusoidally about a mean value. Calculations revealed that (i) multiple surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP) trains of the same color can be independently guided by the metal/SNTF interface, (ii) not all SPP trains have to be co-propagating, and (iii) not all SPP trains have to be of the same linear polarization state. As different SPP trains move with different speeds, guided by the interface, exciting prospects emerge for error-free sensing and plasmonics-based communication.
Camera Surveillance: The Effect of Policy Characteristics on Perceived Fairness and Organizational Commitment

The use of camera surveillance in the workplace is increasing. Many corporations have found that cameras are an appropriate tool for reducing employee theft and monitoring employee performance. How...
Side chain methyl analogues of Δ8-THC

Abstract The synthesis of both side chain epimers of 1′-( 4 ), 2′-( 5 ), 3′-methyl-( 6 ) and 4′-methyl-Δ 8 -tetrahydrocannabinol ( 7 ) has been carried out. The synthetic approach entailed the acid catalyzed condensation of the appropriate substituted resorcinol with menthadienol to provide the Δ 8 -THC analogue. Both isomers of 1′-( 4 ) and 2t-Δ 8 -THC ( 5 ) were more potent than Δ 8 -THC, both in vitro and in vivo . The 3′-methyl isomers ( 6 ) were approximately equal in potency to Δ 8 -THC, and 4t-methyl-Δ 8 -THC was less potent. There was relatively little difference in potency between the epimers of 4 , 5 , and 6 .
New Insights Regarding the Interrelationship of Obesity, Diet, Physical Activity, and Kidney Stones

Obesity (body mass index [BMI]>30 kg/m2) is widely regarded as an epidemic in the United States, now affecting >20% of the population.[1][1] Kidney stone disease is also common, with a United States lifetime prevalence of 12% in men and 7% in women, with stones responsible for at least $2 billion
Robust consensus tracking of a class of second-order multi-agent dynamic systems

In this paper, a robust consensus tracking problem for a class of second-order multi-agent systems has been addressed in the presence of disturbances and unmodeled dynamics. The desired trajectory to be tracked is only provided to a small group of team members. An identifier is developed to estimate the unknown disturbances and unmodeled dynamics. A continuous consensus tracking controller is developed based on this identifier to achieve asymptotic consensus tracking using the local information obtained from neighboring agents. A sufficient condition is derived to ensure consensus tracking and asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system using algebraic graph theory, Lyapunov-based analysis, and an invariance-like theorem. Numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed robust consensus controller.
Status Decreases Dominance in the West but Increases Dominance in the East

In the experiments reported here, we integrated work on hierarchy, culture, and the enforcement of group cooperation by examining patterns of punishment. Studies in Western contexts have shown that having high status can temper acts of dominance, suggesting that high status may decrease punishment by the powerful. We predicted that high status would have the opposite effect in Asian cultures because vertical collectivism permits the use of dominance to reinforce the existing hierarchical order. Across two experiments, having high status decreased punishment by American participants but increased punishment by Chinese and Indian participants. Moreover, within each culture, the effect of status on punishment was mediated by feelings of being respected. A final experiment found differential effects of status on punishment imposed by Asian Americans depending on whether their Asian or American identity was activated. Analyzing enforcement through the lens of hierarchy and culture adds insight into the vexing puzzle of when and why people engage in punishment.
The Utility of Manual and Automatic Linguistic Error Codes for Identifying Neurodevelopmental Disorders

We investigate the utility of linguistic features for automatically differentiating between children with varying combinations of two potentially comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders: autism spectrum disorder and specific language impairment. We find that certain manual codes for linguistic errors are useful for distinguishing between diagnostic groups. We investigate the relationship between coding detail and diagnostic classification performance, and find that a simple coding scheme is of high diagnostic utility. We propose a simple method to automate the pared down coding scheme, and find that these automatic codes are of diagnostic utility.
Molecular and Atomic Emission in Femtosecond and Nanosecond LIBS of Explosives on Surfaces

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is sensitive to explosives on substrates. LIBS results show that species fragmentation is highest for nanosecond irradiation of explosives on metal substrates while molecular fragment emission is enhanced under femtosecond excitation.
Ethnic differences in the rates of low birth weight attributable to differences in early motherhood: a study from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Ethnic Differences in the Rates of Low Birth Weight Attributable to Differences in Early Motherhood: A Study from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Survey On AIDS Knowledge And Attitude Of General Population In Huaiyuan County

Objective To learn AIDS related knowledge,attitudes and behavior of the general population in Huaiyuan county,and provide reference for controlling the prevalence of AIDS.Method The cluster sampling method was used and the questionnaire investigation was conducted.Results The awareness rate of AIDS knowledge was 67.80% in urban residents and 59.00% in rural residents,the difference was significant.The score of AIDS knowledge was decreasing with the rise of age,but it was increasing with the rise of educational level.Looked at occupation,the score was the highest in teacher.If your friends were infected with HIV,46.14% of urban residents and 46.67% of rural residents chose to associate with them.Conclusion In Huai-yuan county,the level of AIDS prevention and control knowledge of general population is poorer,especially the rural residents,they have fears and discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS.We should enhance AIDS health education and related behavior intervention among general population.
Regulation of therapeutic resistance in cancers by receptor tyrosine kinases

In response to DNA damage lesions due to cellular stress, DNA damage response (DDR) pathways are activated to promote cell survival and genetic stability or unrepaired lesion-induced cell death. Current cancer treatments predominantly utilize DNA damaging agents, such as irradiation and chemotherapy drugs, to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce cell death through the activation of DDR. However, a portion of cancer patients is reported to develop therapeutic resistance to these DDR-inducing agents. One significant resistance mechanism in cancer cells is oncogenic kinase overexpression, which promotes cell survival by enhancing DNA damage repair pathways and evading cell cycle arrest. Among the oncogenic kinases, overexpression of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is reported in many of solid tumors, and numerous clinical trials targeting RTKs are currently in progress. As the emerging trend in cancer treatment combines DNA damaging agents and RTK inhibitors, it is important to understand the substrates of RTKs relative to the DDR pathways. In addition, alteration of RTK expression and their phosphorylated substrates can serve as biomarkers to stratify patients for combination therapies. In this review, we summarize the deleterious effects of RTKs on the DDR pathways and the emerging biomarkers for personalized therapy.
Services 101: Lessons to Apply in Government

Just as various service industries have and are learning from one another (e.g., hospitals now view patients as guests a la the hospitality industry), government needs to take a closer look at what can be learned from services. It is evident that a number of service concepts are and can be applied to reinvent government. While there is not one exact path for public sector organizations’ metamorphoses, there appear to be common elements or components which need to be present for long-term reform to occur. The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of these elements and illustrate their application.
Choosing Wisely: Decreasing the incidence of perioperative blood transfusions in gynecologic oncology

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy and economic impact of a transfusion reduction initiative for patients undergoing gynecologic surgery. Methods We conducted a prospective healthcare improvement study to align transfusion practices with the American Society of Hematology's Choosing Wisely® campaign. Baseline transfusion rates were determined retrospectively for all major gynecologic surgical cases from 3/1/14 to 6/30/14. Data for the post-intervention period from 5/15/15 to 5/16/16 were captured prospectively. The primary outcome was transfusion within 72 h of surgery. Secondary outcomes included perioperative morbidity, mortality, number of units ordered per transfusion episode and cost. Results We identified 1281 surgical cases, 334 in the baseline and 947 in the post-implementation cohort. The baseline cohort was noted to have a higher median estimated blood loss (100 v. 75 mL, P Conclusions Implementation of an educational based transfusion reduction program was associated with substantial reductions in perioperative transfusions and cost without significant changes in morbidity or mortality.
Alternative treatment strategies for catatonia: A systematic review.

Abstract Background Catatonia is a commonly encountered syndrome, affecting 10–20% of various psychiatric populations and carrying significant medical co-morbidities. However, there are few established alternative treatment strategies when benzodiazepines are ineffective and electroconvulsive therapy is unavailable. Objective The authors systematically review evidence for alternative treatment strategies for catatonia using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Method The authors conducted a search of PubMed database from 1983 to August 2016 to identify articles. Eligible reports presented cases involving treatment of catatonia using modalities other than benzodiazepines or electroconvulsive therapy. Results The authors identified 72 articles, comprising 98 individual cases. N -methyl-d-aspartate-receptor antagonists, anti-epileptic drugs, and atypical antipsychotic agents appeared to have the largest number of reports supporting their effectiveness and safety in treating catatonia patients. Conclusions Based on the case report literature, the authors propose an updated algorithm for catatonia treatment in cases where benzodiazepines fail and electroconvulsive therapy is not available.
‘Vienen de gente de mucha discreción y entendimiento:’ ethnic identity, ambivalence, and colonial discourses in Diego Muñoz Camargo’s Descripción de la ciudad y provincia de Tlaxcala

Diego Munoz Camargo's Descripcion de la ciudad y provincia de Tlaxcala (1585) is a well-known reference on the history of Tlaxcala that scholars have studied to better understand Tlaxcalan participation in the conquest of Tenochtitlan, its relationship with the Spanish Crown, and the author's selective approach to local history. Often, these approaches present the historian as acculturated or Hispanized because of his celebration of the Spanish or criticism of local religious practices. This article complicates such approaches in order to show the complex ways that the author approached issues of cultural difference. Examining Munoz Camargo's recourse to colonial discourses of morality, I argue that the author molds and tailors these discourses to fit local Tlaxcalan circumstances. In doing so, I show how he humanizes Tlaxcala's ruling elite while exemplifying the inherent ambivalence of moral authority in Colonial New Spain.
Longitudinal studies of botulinum toxin in cervical dystonia: Why do patients discontinue therapy?

Abstract Background Numerous studies have established botulinum toxin (BoNT) to be safe and effective for the treatment of cervical dystonia (CD). Despite its well-documented efficacy, there has been growing awareness that a significant proportion of CD patients discontinue therapy. The reasons for discontinuation are only partly understood. Methods This summary describes longitudinal studies that provided information regarding the proportions of patients discontinuing BoNT therapy, and the reasons for discontinuing therapy. The data come predominantly from un-blinded long-term follow-up studies, registry studies, and patient-based surveys. Results All types of longitudinal studies provide strong evidence that BoNT is both safe and effective in the treatment of CD for many years. Overall, approximately one third of CD patients discontinue BoNT. The most common reason for discontinuing therapy is lack of benefit, often described as primary or secondary non-response. The apparent lack of response is only rarely related to true immune-mediated resistance to BoNT. Other reasons for discontinuing include side effects, inconvenience, cost, or other reasons. Discussion Although BoNT is safe and effective in the treatment of the majority of patients with CD, approximately one third discontinue. The increasing awareness of a significant proportion of patients who discontinue should encourage further efforts to optimize administration of BoNT, to improve BoNT preparations to extend duration or reduce side effects, to develop add-on therapies that may mitigate swings in symptom severity, or develop entirely novel treatment approaches.
Enrolling Genomics Research Participants through a Clinical Setting: the Impact of Existing Clinical Relationships on Informed Consent and Expectations for Return of Research Results

Genetic counselors working in a clinical setting may find themselves recruiting, enrolling, and returning results for genomic research, and existing clinical relationships with study participants may impact these research interactions. We present a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of participants enrolled in a genome sequencing/exome sequencing (GS/ES) study at the same institution where they receive clinical care. Interviews were coded for motivations to participate and expectations of this research. The interviews revealed common motivations for participation, including altruism and hope for benefit for themselves, family members, and/or others with their condition. Additionally, themes emerged related to unintentional influence based on trust of the clinical provider that recruited them to the study. Participant trust in the enrolling provider at times appeared to extend to the study team to decide which research results to return and to do so in an appropriate format. Participants also based expectations for research results return on previous clinical genetic testing experiences, which may or may not be realistic depending on study design. It is imperative that genetic counselors enrolling patients into research studies be aware of the potential influence of their clinical relationship on potential subjects, be transparent about their role on the study team, and help set expectations about the study process, including results return.
Bilateral Free Flap Breast Reconstruction Outcomes: Do Abdominal Scars Affect Bilateral Flaps?

BACKGROUND The incidence of bilateral mastectomies is increasing along with the rates of breast reconstructions. A substantial number of patients will present with abdominal scars after Cesarean section, laparoscopy, laparotomy, and so on. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of prior abdominal scars on complication rates in abdominal bilateral free flap breast reconstruction. METHODS All consecutive patients with autologous free flap breast reconstruction between 2007 and 2014 were eligible. The relevant demographic and clinical data were prospectively collected into a study-specific database. Complications and reoperations were prospectively registered after postoperative outpatient visits. RESULTS Overall, 493 patients underwent abdominally based breast reconstruction during the study period: unilateral (n = 250; 50.7%) or bilateral (n = 243; 49.3%). In the bilateral group, the abdominal scar locations were Pfannenstiel (n = 73; 30.1%), midline (n = 16; 6.6%), lower oblique (n = 17; 7.0%), upper oblique (n = 5; 2.1%), and laparoscopic (n = 69; 28.4%). Four (1.7%) flap failures (including 1 converted to a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis flap) were registered, all occurring in patients from the scar group: 3 with Pfannenstiel incision and 1 patient with prior laparoscopy. Pfannenstiel scar was associated with higher risk of hematoma at the recipient site when compared with no scar group (13.7% versus 2.2%; P = 0.006). Partial flap necrosis, infection, and seroma occurred in 14 (5.9%), 8 (3.4%), and 5 (2.1%) patients, respectively, and no differences between the scar groups were identified. CONCLUSION Surgical outcomes of bilateral reconstructions in patients with abdominal scars are generally comparable with ones in patients without prior surgery; however, some problems have been identified. These procedures might have some intraoperative considerations and often require increased operative times. Apart from the traditional preoperative computed tomography angiography, intraoperative imaging (e.g., fluorescence angiography) may be advocated in patients with abdominal scars.
Design and implementation of an analytical framework for interference aware job scheduling on Apache Spark platform

Apache Spark is one of the recently popularized open-source platforms that is increasingly being used for large-scale data analytic applications. However, while performance prediction in such systems is important for efficient job scheduling and optimizing resource allocation, interference among multiple Apache Spark jobs running concurrently in a virtualized environment makes it extremely difficult, which is addressed in this paper. Towards that, first, we develop data-driven analytical models to estimate the effect of interference among multiple Apache Spark jobs on job execution time in virtualized cloud environments. Next, we present the design of an interference aware job scheduling algorithm leveraging the developed analytical framework. We evaluated the accuracy of our models using four real-life applications (e.g., Page rank, K-means, Logistic regression, and Word count) on a 6 node cluster while running up to four jobs concurrently. Our experimental results show that the scheduling algorithm reduces the average execution time of individual jobs and the total execution time significantly, and ranges between 47 and 26% for individual jobs and 2–13% for total execution time respectively.
Team-Based Care

Caring for patients with chronic disease has become increasingly complex, and coordinating the many facets of medical and social care can be challenging to a clinician. Teams of health professionals working together and communicating regularly can provide such care more effectively. Successful integration of team-based care into practices improves outcomes for patients while decreasing costs associated with chronic illness. Clinicians and staff also benefit from the team approach due to increased career satisfaction. Team-based care is crucial in providing quality care while optimizing resources and minimizing costs.
Lifetime of the 2(1)S0 state of heliumlike Ni26

We report the observation of the two-photon decay of the ${2}^{1}$${S}_{0}$ level in heliumlike ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{26+}$ and a measurement of the lifetime of this state. We find a lifetime of 150(16) ps, in agreement with the theoretical calculation of G. W. F. Drake [Phys. Rev. A 34, 2871 (1986)] which yields 154.3(5) ps.
Prolegomena to Any Future Bioethics

The field of bioethics has incorporated the theory and principles of moral philosophy and has become adept at dealing with cases. However, practitioners of bioethics are often unfamiliar with the standard arguments or “commonplaces” associated with ethical discourse, such as arguments about “finality,” “intention,” “free will,” etc. These commonplaces underlie many of the current problems of bioethics, and bioethicists should acquire mastery of them.
Binders in Wet Granulation

Abstract Binders or “granulating agents” are a critical formulation component in wet granulation, ensuring appropriate surface wetting ability to ensure adhesion and cohesion between inter-particulate surfaces in the wet state, as well as excellent plasticity, compactibility and binding ability. Traditionally binder selection has been empirical however advances have been made in mechanistic and quantitative particle engineering and materials science. The purpose of this chapter is to review the physical-chemical properties of the major binders in current pharmaceutical and commercial use, and to provide a practical and logical guide to wet binder selection and use in the context of physical-chemical properties of the substrate and the binder. Recent advances in mechanistic understanding of granulation technology will be discussed in detail, specifically the importance of selecting binders with a focus on surface energetics, wetting, spreadability, and mechanical properties of the system.
Targeting HMG-CoA Reductase in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Statins Inhibit Proliferation and Induce Apoptosis in ALL Cells

Abstract HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are commonly used, FDA-approved agents for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. In addition to reducing serum cholesterol, statins have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and anti-proliferative effects on a number of cell types, including lymphocytes. Many of these effects occur because inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase results in depletion of a number of important cellular intermediates required for signal transduction through the AKT, Ras, and Erk pathways. Statins have been demonstrated to have anti-proliferative effects in a number of malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia using preclinical models; however, there are no published reports evaluating the efficacy of these agents against acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Large population studies have also suggested that statins may reduce the incidence of a number of cancers, furthering interest in the use of these agents in malignancies, especially since the dose-limiting toxicities (hepatitis and rhabdomyolysis) do not overlap with the majority of commonly used cytotoxic agents. We hypothesized that ALL cells are dependent on the function of HMG-CoA reductase for survival. We tested this hypothesis by studying the efficacy of statins against ALL cells. We studied the effects of 5 different compounds (mevastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) against 7 ALL cell lines (4 human and 3 murine). We found that the more potent 2nd generation statins (fluvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) had marked effects on ALL cells, whereas the less potent first generation statins (mevastatin and pravastatin) had less significant effects. We found that fluvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin inhibited proliferation of all 7 ALL cell lines using MTT assay (p 10uM) in all cell lines, making the explanation of an off-target, non-HMG-CoA reductase-based mechanism unlikely. Ongoing work includes the testing of statins in NOD/SCID xenograft models of primary human ALL models, assessing the effects of statins on AKT, Ras, and Erk in ALL cells, and assessing the combination of statins with cytotoxic agents in ALL. In conclusion, we found that ALL cells are dependent of HMG-CoA reductase for survival. Since statins are safe and well-tolerated, this class of agents should be further explored in patients with ALL.
Morphological changes of the dorsal contour of the corpus callosum during the first two years of life.

In the medicolegal literature, focal concavities or notching of the corpus callosum has been thought to be associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Recent work suggests corpus callosum notching is a dynamic and normal anatomical feature, although it has not yet been defined in early life or infancy. Our purpose was to characterize the dorsal contour of the corpus callosum during the first 2 years of life by defining the prevalence, onset and trajectory of notching on midsagittal T1-weighted images. We reviewed retrospectively 1,157 consecutive patients between birth and 2 years of age. Corpus callosum morphology was evaluated and described. A notch was defined as a dorsal concavity of at least 1 mm in depth along the dorsal surface of the corpus callosum. Patient age as well as notch depth, location, number and presence of the pericallosal artery in the notch were noted. Two hundred thirty-three notches were identified in 549 patients: 36 anterior, 194 posterior and 3 patients with undulations. A statistically significant (R2=0.53, Beta=0.021, P=0.002) positive correlation between posterior notch prevalence and age in months was noted. A positive correlation between age and depth of the posterior notch was also statistically significant (r=0.32, n=179, P≤0.001). A trend for increased anterior notch prevalence with age was identified with significant correlation between visualized pericallosal artery indentation and anterior notching (r=0.20, n=138, P=0.016). Sub-analysis of the first month of life showed corpus callosum notching was not present. The presence of posterior notching increased significantly with age and was more frequent than that of anterior notching. Corpus callosum notching was absent in the first week of life, building on prior studies suggesting corpus callosum notching is acquired. This study provides baseline data on normative corpus callosum notching trajectories by age group during early life, a helpful correlate when associating corpus callosum morphology with disease.
“The Injustice of the Thing”: Negotiating the Song Market in the U. S. Copyright Debates of 1906-1910

This article explores and contextualizes the disputes between the music publishing and recording industries during the U. S. copyright debates of 1906–1910. While seemingly antagonistic, a deeper l...
ERβ regulated ovarian kisspeptin plays an important role in oocyte maturation

Kisspeptin (KISS1) signaling in the hypothalamic-pituitary (H-P) axis plays essential role in regulating gonadotropin secretion. KISS1 and KISS1 receptor (KISS1R) are also expressed in the ovary; however, the role of intraovarian KISS1 signaling remains largely unclear. Granulosa cell (GC)-specific expression of KISS1, and oocyte-specific expression of KISS1R indicate that GC-derived KISS1 may act on oocytes. Expression of KISS1 in GCs is induced by gonadotropins but it is absent in estrogen receptor {beta} knockout (Er{beta}null) rats. We also observed that gonadotropin stimulation failed to induce maturation of Er{beta}null oocytes. Interestingly, KISS1 treatment of cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) isolated from antral follicles promotes in vitro maturation of oocytes. Treatment of oocytes with KISS1 induced intracellular Ca2+ release, and increased activation of MAP kinase ERK1/2. KISS1 treatment also induced the expression of oocyte genes that are crucial for differentiation of GCs, and maturation of oocytes. Our findings suggest that ovarian KISS1-signaling plays an important role in gonadotropin induced follicle development and oocyte maturation.
Concussion history is associated with increased lower-extremity injury incidence in Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets.

Introduction Concussions have been associated with an increased risk of lower-extremity musculoskeletal injury (LE-MSI) in athletes and US Army soldiers, creating an added economic, physical and social burden. Yet, there is a paucity of evidence on this relationship among Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, a group which engages in activities with high-injury risk and will subsequently commission as active duty officers. This study aimed to examine the association between concussions and LE-MSI in ROTC cadets. Methods 125 (83 were male) Army and Air Force ROTC cadets (19.8±2.0 years) from two large state universities’ Army and Air Force ROTC programmes participated in this study. Cadets completed a reliable injury history questionnaire to ascertain the following variables of interest: (1) any concussion history, (2) reported concussions, (3) undiagnosed concussions, and (4) potentially unrecognised concussion history and LE-MSI history (eg, ankle sprain, knee sprain or muscle strain). Data were analysed using a χ2 test for association and binary logistic regression to determine ORs. Results Cadets with any concussion history (n=42) had a significantly (p=0.035) higher association with LE-MSI (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.05 to 5.83) than those without. Cadets who had a reported concussion (n=33) had a significantly (p=0.026) higher association with LE-MSI (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.11 to 7.84) compared to cadets without. Conclusions ROTC cadets with a history of diagnosed concussion were more likely to have suffered an LE-MSI than cadets without a concussion history. ROTC cadre should be aware of this relationship and incorporate injury prevention protocols.
Crack the Code: 10 Proven Secrets that Motivate Healthy Behavior and Inspire Fulfillment in Men Over 50

The title of the book Crack the Code: 10 Proven Secrets that Motivate Healthy Behavior and Inspire Fulfillment in Men Over 50 captures this topic well. The author focuses on motivating men over 50 ...
Thermal Conductivity of Ca F 2 , Mn F 2 , Co F 2 , and Zn F 2 Crystals

The thermal conductivity of single crystals of Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, Mn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, Co${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, and Zn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ has been measured over the temperature range from 3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. In this series, Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ and Zn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ are diamagnetic, whereas Mn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ and Co${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ are antiferromagnetic. All four crystals have nearly equal thermal conductivities at room temperature, but differ at lower temperatures. Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, which is nearly isotopically pure, exhibits an exponential rise in conductivity with decreasing temperature characteristic of umklapp processes. Zn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ shows only traces of such umklapp behavior because its conductivity is limited by isotope and impurity scattering. Small cusps are observed in the conductivities of Mn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ and Co${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ at their N\'eel temperatures of 67\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and 38\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, respectively, which indicate the presence of phonon-magnon scattering. Some experimental details concerning thermal conductivity measurements and the behavior of gold-cobalt thermocouples are also given.
Catchment processes can amplify the effect of increasing rainfall variability

By filtering the incoming climate signal when producing streamflow, river basins can attenuate -- or amplify -- projected increases in rainfall variability. A common perception is that river systems dampen rainfall variability by averaging spatial and temporal variations in their watersheds. However, by analyzing 671 watersheds throughout the United States, we find that many catchments actually amplify the coefficient of variation of rainfall, and that these catchments also likely amplify \emph{changes} in rainfall variability. Based on catchment-scale water balance principles, we relate that faculty to the interplay between two fundamental hydrological processes: water uptake by vegetation and the storage and subsequent release of water as discharge. By increasing plant water uptake, warmer temperatures might exacerbate the amplifying effect of catchments. More variable precipitations associated with a warmer climate are therefore expected to lead to even more variable river flows -- a significant potential challenge for river transportation, ecosystem sustainability and water supply reliability.
The Global Crisis of Commodity Glut During the Second World War

This article examines the global crisis of commodity glut that came in the wake of the Fall of France and Italy’s entry into the Second World War in June 1940, when the extension of the British blo...
Reconfigurable acoustic multiplexer/demultiplexer using time division

Implementing guided-wave technologies in mechanical systems has always been a significant challenge due to losses associated with defects and sharp angles. Inspired by quantum Hall effects in condensed matter physics, mechanical topological insulators (TIs) have recently addressed these issues using efficient and robust signal transport supported by backscattering-immune topological protection. In this Letter, we demonstrate the first mechanical TI-based multiplexer/demultiplexer using acoustic waves. Triangular arrays of circular piezoelectric disks bonded to an aluminum host medium, shunted through external circuits with equivalent negative capacitance, break inversion symmetry and create topologically protected interface states. Combined with programmable switches, the device enables acoustic waves to travel efficiently from an input source to multiple output receivers, or vice versa, via dynamic topological interfaces. The proposed acoustic multiplexer/demultiplexer is envisioned to find application in wave-based devices, as an accompaniment to ubiquitous surface acoustic wave filtering used in communication devices, such as cell phones, radios, and computer peripherals.
Basic aspects of cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is manifestly a disease of the exocrine organs (1) to which the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive tracts are hereby included as honorary members. In years past, few individuals with CF survived infancy. Up to 10% of affected children died shortly after birth as a result of complications from meconium ileus, and survivors, who were typically malnourished, usually succumbed to repeated and persistent lung infections. These problems can now be ameliorated, but the underlying defect remains (Fig. 1).
Neocolonialism, Anticommons Property, and Biopiracy in the (Not-so-Brave) New World Order of International Intellectual Property Protection

In the not-so-brave new world order following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, questions about the limits of the nation-state and the market are more important than ever. There are three large categories that may used to discuss about the politics of international intellectual property protection. These categories consist of issues raised when asking questions about the following: the political economy of intellectual property, considered both domestically and globally; that which James Boyle has called "Logging the Cyberforest", basically, how are we to think about the intellectual "commons", or public domain; and the legitimacy of various types of cultural appropriation. The chapter describes some of the issues in each of these three areas and suggests some tentative connections pointing in the direction of understanding the rapidly emerging politics of intellectual property law, international and otherwise. It talks about the emerging globalized vision of intellectual property protection embedded in multilateral agreements.
LEAD ACCUMULATION ON AUTOMOTIVE CATALYSTS

Engine dynamometer and laboratory flow reactor studies of automotive catalyst deactivation caused by the use of leaded fuel indicate that there are two different deactivation mechanisms: one, which dominates between 700 and 800 C, is the poisoning of the active platinum sites by lead oxide, or perhaps lead, and the other, which occurs below 550 C, is a build up of a gas diffusion barrier of lead sulfate. Both deactivation mechanisms can be temporarily reversed. Poisoning is reversed when the platinum is freed of lead oxide by lead sulfate formation below 650 C; and the barrier formed below 550 C can be made more permeable by thermal sintering of the lead sulfate at 600 to 700 C or its decomposition to lead oxide at 700 to 800 C. However, further exposure of the catalyst will again render it inactive via the mechanism predominating in that temperature region.