cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A performance evaluation of optimal hybrid cache coherency protocols

The caches within a multiprocessor typically use either a write-invalidate protocol or a write-update protocol to maintain consistency. The recently introduced MIPS R4000 processor allows operating system software to select, on a per-page basis, which multiprocessor cache coherence protocol (write-invalidate versus write-update) the hardware will use. The availability of the R4000 and the prospect of even more flexible hardware motivated us to examine the potential performance advantages of allowing user-level control over the choice of coherence protocol on a per-page basis and to ask whether more powerful hybrid protocols provide substantially more benefit. We examine the potential benefits of three classes of hybrid protocols: (1) hybrid protocols that choose statically, at the beginning of the program, between write-invalidate (WI) or write-update (WU) on a per-page basis, (2) hybrid protocols that choose statically between WI or WU for each cache block, and (3) dynamic hybrid protocols that can choose between WI or WU at each write. In order to determine how much potential benefit could be obtained by each of these protocol classes, we used trace-driven simulations to evaluate the optimal off-line protocol for each class. We found that the use of a hybrid protocol can substantially reduce the cost of memory references for most of the programs studied. A few programs can also realize large additional benefits from a per-block static hybrid protocol compared to a per-page static hybrid protocol. None of the programs, however, receive a significant additional benefit from using a dynamic hybrid protocol compared to the per-block static hybrid protocol, unless cache block sizes are larger than 16 words (64 bytes).
Seasonal variability of chlorophyll a in the Mid-Atlantic Bight

Abstract For this manuscript we use a 9-year time series of Sea-viewing Wide Field of view Sensor (SeaWiFS), HF radar, and Webb Glider data to assess the physical forcing of the seasonal and inter-annual variability of the spatial distribution in phytoplankton. Using Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis, based on 4-day average chlorophyll composites, we characterized the two major periods of enhanced chlorophyll biomass for the MAB in the fall–winter and the spring. Monthly averaged data showed a recurrent chlorophyll biomass in the fall–winter months, which represented 58% of the annual surface chlorophyll for the MAB. The first EOF mode explained ∼33% of the chlorophyll variance and was associated with the enhanced phytoplankton biomass in the fall–winter found between the 20 and 60 m isobaths. Variability in the magnitude of the enhanced chlorophyll in fall–winter was associated with buoyant plumes and the frequency of storms. The second EOF mode accounted for 8% of the variance and was associated with the spring time enhancements in chlorophyll at the shelf-break/slope (water depths greater than 80 m), which was influenced by factors determining the overall water column stability. Therefore the timing and the inter-annual magnitude of both events are regulated by factors influencing the stability of the water column, which determines the degree that phytoplankton are light-limited. Decadal changes observed in atmospheric forcing and ocean conditions on the MAB have the potential to influence these phytoplankton dynamics.
Ehrlichia chaffeensis infections among HIV-infected patients in a human monocytic ehrlichiosis-endemic area.

Manifestations of human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME), a tick-borne infection caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis, range from asymptomatic disease to fulminant infection and may be particularly severe in persons infected with HIV. We conducted a serologic study to determine the epidemiology of HME in HIV-positive patients residing in an HME-endemic area. We reviewed charts from a cohort of 133 HIV-positive patients who were seen during the 1999 tick season with symptoms compatible with HME (n=36) or who were asymptomatic (n=97). When available, paired plasma samples obtained before and after the tick season were tested by using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to detect antibodies reactive to E. chaffeensis. Two symptomatic incident cases were identified by IFA, resulting in a seroincidence of 6.67% among symptomatic HIV-positive participants with paired samples available for testing and 1.64% overall. The baseline seroprevalence of HME was 0%. In contrast to infection in immunocompetent patients, E. chaffeensis infection in HIV-positive persons typically causes symptomatic disease.
Minimum vertex blocker clique problem

We study the minimum vertex blocker clique problem VBCP,1 which is to remove a subset of vertices of minimum cardinality in a weighted undirected graph, such that the maximum weight of a clique in the remaining graph is bounded above by a given integer ri¾?1. Cliques are among the most popular concepts used to model cohesive clusters in different graph-based applications, such as social, biological, and communication networks. The general case of VBCP on weighted graphs is known to be NP-hard, and we show that the special case on unweighted graphs is also NP-hard for any fixed integer ri¾?1. We present an analytical lower bound on the cardinality of an optimal solution to VBCP, as well as formulate VBCP as a linear 0-1 program with an exponential number of constraints. Facet-inducing inequalities for the convex hull of feasible solutions to VBCP are also identified. Furthermore, we develop the first exact algorithm for solving VBCP, which solves the proposed formulation by using a row generation approach. Computational results obtained by utilizing this algorithm on a test-bed of randomly generated instances are also provided. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 641, 48-64 2014
HEADWATER STREAMS OF FLORIDA: TYPES, DISTRIBUTION AND A FRAMEWORK FOR CONSERVATION

Using geographic information system and topographic maps, 5829 headwater streams in Florida were surveyed for several parameters including elevation, stream length, flow regime and surrounding geology, and vegetation. Each was assigned to one of four headwater types: wetland, seep, lake, and spring. Wetland headwaters were the most common and widespread followed by seeps, many displaying temporary flow, while springs were perennial and least numerous. Four groups of Florida rivers were identified through cluster analysis of drainage densities (number headwaters/km of river length). Group 1 consisted of six rivers with lowest drainage densities (0.30–1.39 streams/km main channel). All were coastal rivers of peninsular Florida and, with one exception, drain to the Gulf of Mexico. Seven of eight rivers (group 2) with intermediate drainage densities (1.77–3.04 streams/km main channel) were located in peninsular Florida. Only three of 12 rivers comprising the two groups (groups 3 and 4) with greatest drainage densities (5.16–9.37 and 15.49–16.96 streams/km main channel) were not located in the Florida panhandle. Stream conservation efforts should focus on both highly complex dendritic river networks of the panhandle and on the 7000km 2 area in central Florida mostly lacking headwaters that may become a significant dispersal bottleneck for aquatic biota seeking refugia farther north from projected climate change. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
"The Goddamndest, Toughest Voting Rights Bill": Critical Race Theory and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The author utilized Critical Race Theory (CRT) to examine the passage of the US Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 in an effort to disrupt the simplistic, uncritical understandings of the US Civil Rights Movement common to school texts while also arguing for the ongoing importance of the VRA in a time when voting rights for people of color are under attack. The author identified four points of interest convergence in the passage of the VRA and contends that a critical revisionist narrative of the VRA – along with other events and individuals Civil Rights Movement – is necessary to help students and teachers understand the persistence of racism and the limitations of liberalism in addressing racial inequality.
Better Understanding Through Falsehood

Can understanding be based on false beliefs? I argue that it can. I first argue that the best way to understand the question is that it is whether one can increase one's degree of understanding by adopting an overall less accurate body of beliefs. I identify three sufficient conditions for one body of beliefs to be more accurate than another. Next, I appeal to two widely used methods of comparing degrees of understanding. With these methods, I show that understanding can be gained by acquiring false beliefs. In addition, I show that this implies that understanding is not factive.
Does the day or season of operation predict biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy

e16162 Background: Outcomes in hospital based medicine are associated with the experience and availability of the medical staff, as mortality and morbidity rates increase each summer with new medic...
Challenging the Overuse of Foster Care and Disrupting the Path to Delinquency and Prison

Foster care is supposed to be a temporary safe haven for abused and neglected children, a place where they are cared for while their parents solve the problems that led to their mistreatment. For many children, foster care undoubtedly serves this function well. However, thousands of children live in foster care for extended periods of time, many leaving care only when they become adults. Recent studies show that for many of these children, foster care is not a safe, nurturing place. Instead, being in care exposes these children to substantial risks of later juvenile delinquency and adult criminal arrest and conviction, as well as mental health problems, difficulties in school, poor employment prospects, poverty and homelessness. Ironically, reducing the use of foster care and focusing more on in-home services have been public policy goals in the United States for more than thirty years, and the roots of these policies go back more than a century. Despite this long consensus, the foster care system has been stubbornly resistant to change. I argue that the system persists because it allows society to assert that it is protecting children from harm while refusing to provide substantial material support to poor parents and that turning this analytical lens onto the actual functioning of the foster care system and its harmful effects on many children could provide new ways to argue for legal and policy reforms to the child welfare system that could reduce the unnecessary use of foster care and its consequences for delinquency.
Investigation of Decorative Coating on Kongo Ceramics Using U. V. Light and FTIR Analysis

The ethnographic and art historical literature reports the use of vegetable resins on Central African ceramics, specifically those made by the Kongo peoples. The purpose of this investigation was to develop a procedure for determining the nature of decorative coatings generally on African ceramics. The investigation focused on a group of Kongo ceramics. FTIR spectra of known resins were obtained and compared with several samples taken from Kongo ceramics. The ceramics were also examined under U.V. light. This paper discusses the results of the examinations and analysis.
Evaluating Chemical Mitigation of Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028 in Animal Feed Ingredients

ABSTRACT Salmonella Typhimurium is a potential feed safety hazard in animal feed ingredients. Thermal mitigation of Salmonella spp. during rendering is effective but does not eliminate the potential for cross-contamination. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of chemicals to mitigate postrendering Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028 contamination in rendered proteins over time. Treatments were arranged in a 6 ×4 factorial with six chemical treatments and four rendered protein meals. The chemical treatments included (i) control without chemical treatment, (ii) 0.3% commercial formaldehyde product, (iii) 2% essential oil blend, (iv) 2% medium chain fatty acid blend, (v) 3% organic acid blend, and (vi) 1% sodium bisulfate. The four rendered protein meals included (i) feather meal, (ii) blood meal, (iii) meat and bone meal, and (iv) poultry by-product meal. After matrices were chemically treated, they were inoculated with Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, stored at roo...
National Cost-effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 Compared to ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) completed this project for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Building Energy Codes Program (BECP). DOE’s BECP supports upgrading building energy codes and standards, and the states’ adoption, implementation, and enforcement of upgraded codes and standards. Building energy codes and standards set minimum requirements for energy-efficient design and construction for new and renovated buildings, and impact energy use and greenhouse gas emissions for the life of buildings. Continuous improvement of building energy efficiency is achieved by periodically upgrading energy codes and standards. Ensuring that changes in the code that may alter costs (for building components, initial purchase and installation, replacement, maintenance and energy) are cost-effective encourages their acceptance and implementation. ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 is the energy standard for commercial and multi-family residential buildings over three floors.
Brain Metastasis: Clinical Implications of Branched Evolution

Brain metastases (BM) are the most common intracranial tumor in adults. An improved understanding of the genomic architecture of cancers has facilitated a transition from chemotherapy to genotype-guided treatment approaches. Although this shift has translated into improved extracranial disease control and patient outcomes, progression of BM is still a common occurrence. In this review we provide an overview of the current understanding of intermetastatic genomic heterogeneity, summarize the spectrum of genetic alterations detected in BM, and discuss how molecular profiling of BM can create opportunities for refining therapeutic strategies to not only minimize the morbidity from progression of BM but potentially also improve outcomes.
Ionizing Radiation-Induced Endothelial Cell Senescence and Cardiovascular Diseases

Exposure to ionizing radiation induces not only apoptosis but also senescence. While the role of endothelial cell apoptosis in mediating radiation-induced acute tissue injury has been extensively studied, little is known about the role of endothelial cell senescence in the pathogenesis of radiation-induced late effects. Senescent endothelial cells exhibit decreased production of nitric oxide and expression of thrombomodulin, increased expression of adhesion molecules, elevated production of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines and an inability to proliferate and form capillary-like structures in vitro. These findings suggest that endothelial cell senescence can lead to endothelial dysfunction by dysregulation of vasodilation and hemostasis, induction of oxidative stress and inflammation and inhibition of angiogenesis, which can potentially contribute to radiation-induced late effects such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In this article, we discuss the mechanisms by which radiation induces endothelial cell senescence, the roles of endothelial cell senescence in radiation-induced CVDs and potential strategies to prevent, mitigate and treat radiation-induced CVDs by targeting senescent endothelial cells.
Voice and Sign in Pindar

We all secretly venerate the ideal of a language which in the last analysis would deliver us from language by delivering us to things. M. Merleau-Ponty, The Prose of the World In a study published some years ago, J.-P. Vernant drew attention to the fundamental distinction Greek thought makes between spoken and all other modes of divination. It is a difference that reflects certain givens of ancient social and political structure, and that has its roots in the marked orientation of Greek society towards open discourse. What he has in mind as a paradigm of oral divination is the question-and-answer format of many ancient oracles. He argues that this provides far more direct and more ‘democratic’ access to the will of deity or the way of things than do styles of consultation dependent on interpretative schemes which, because of their indirect nature, are accessible only to a small and privileged group. The fine art of pyromancy, for instance, deploys a framework of transformational rules and techniques whose complexity removes the interpretation of ‘fire signs’ ( empura sēmata ) from the realm of ordinary skills and makes it instead the special province of a priestly caste, such as that of the Iamidai at Olympia.
A Causal Network Analysis of the Fatty Acid Metabolome in African-Americans Reveals a Critical Role for Palmitoleate and Margarate.

Abstract Fatty acids are important sources of energy and possible predictors and etiologic factors in many common complex pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain forms of cancers. While fatty acids are thought to covary with each other, their underlying causal networks have not been fully elucidated. This study reports the identification and analysis of a statistical causal network among 15 mostly long-chain fatty acids. In an African-American population sample and using the Genome granularity-Directed Acyclic Graph (GDAG) algorithm, we determined directions or causal relationships in the fatty acid metabolome. A directed causal network was constructed that revealed 29 significant edges among the 15 nodes (p < 0.001). We report that two fatty acid metabolites, palmitoleate and margarate, which originate from dietary intake, together influence every other fatty acid in the network. On the other hand, despite its high connectivity, dihomo-linoleate did not appear to play an importa...
Wavelength Multicasting of 4/16QAM Channel in a Dual-Pump Two-Stage Silicon Mixer

We demonstrate nine-fold wavelength multicasting of 4- and 16-QAM signals in a two-stage, dual-pump silicon mixer. Characterized multicast performance varied for up to 10 dB for the generated copies over 15 nm.
Concluding Comments by Martin

After a very brief comment on Yuri Matiyasevich’s contribution, I discuss at greater length proposals to use modal logic to clarify foundational issues in set theory. Finally, I very sadly bid farewell to my friend and collaborator Hilary Putnam.
Copolymerized and bonded silica nanoparticles as labels and pseudostationary phase in bioanalytical applications (Conference Presentation)

Silica nanoparticles have been increasingly used in developing bioanalytical, biomedical and in many other applications. Silica nanoparticles can easily be synthesized and with the advent of wide availability of modified TEOS reactive analogues only the researcher imagination is the limit of preparing silica nanoparticles that contain different molecules that are either copolymerized inside of the silica nanoparticle or chemically attached (bonded) to the silica nanoparticle surface. Relatively non-porous silica nanoparticles can contain copolymerized dyes for the creation of bright fluorescence labels while the surface of these silica nanoparticles can be bonded with reactive moieties that are suitable for covalently labeling the molecule of interest. Also the surface bonded moieties can serve other purposes, e.g., molecular recognition either on a non-fluorescent or fluorescent silica nanoparticle. As far as the fluorescent nanoparticles development concerns near-infrared (NIR) absorbing carbocyanine dyes have been increasingly used as they can be useful for developing bioanalytical, biomedical methods and in many other applications. Carbocyanines are preferred as they are relatively easy to synthesize and can be designed to achieve particular spectroscopic properties. For example either copolymerized or surface bound dyes can contain appropriate functional moieties absorption and fluorescence properties change when it is complexed to metal ions, to detect pH changes, bind to biological molecules, etc. Fluorescence intensity of carbocyanines significantly increases by enclosing several dye molecules in a single silica nanoparticle due to shielding however self quenching may become a problem at high dye concentrations in confined spaces. Large Stokes’ shift dyes can significantly decrease this problem. This can be achieved by substituting meso position halogens in the NIR fluorescent carbocyanines with a linker containing amino moiety which can also serve as linker to covalently attach the dye molecule during the nanoparticle synthesis. This presentation discusses facile synthesis and applications of silica nanoparticles containing copolymerized fluorophores and/or surface bound moieties. Applications include silica nanoparticles containing several dye molecules as bright labels in immunochemical uses, cell imaging and forensic applications for latent blood detection. This latter application was developed using leuco fluorescein copolymerized silica nanoparticles. This synthesis proved that copolymerized dyes can be further modified after the dye containing silica nanoparticle was formed. Surface bound moiety examples will be given for capillary electrochromatography using amino acid-bonded silica nanoparticles as pseudostationary phases as chiral selectors.
The development of declarative memory in infants born preterm

Publisher Summary The ability to recall modeled actions can be enhanced by extra experience when risk factors are at a minimum; the greater the number of risk factors in an infant's history, the smaller the positive effect of the additional experience. It was also evident that experience did more to enhance the ability to recall modeled actions immediately relative to after a short delay. Moreover, with shorter gestational periods, the ability to tolerate a delay of minutes decreases. This can be seen in a comparison of the results of the higher risk moderately preterm group and the lower risk very preterm group. Although precise risk assessment was not possible due to only having access to complete medical records for the very preterm group, the risk factors for these two groups are similar—both groups had minor respiratory problems, minor infections, and non-major neurological events.
Prosthodontic Management of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction in Speakers With Neurological Conditions

The purpose of this article is to describe the use of palatal lift and nasal obturator interventions for children and adults with velopharyngeal dysfunction due to neurological conditions. These in...
Iatrogenic fracture gapping during fixation of Jones fractures: Anatomic and mechanical considerations in a cadaveric model

Abstract Background Surgical fixation of Jones fractures is often recommended to facilitate recovery and achieve union. Iatrogenic fracture displacement during intramedullary screw fixation is a commonly encountered technical issue. This may be related to fracture location in relation to the surrounding ligamentous attachments, namely the robust intermetatarsal ligaments found at the proximal articulation of the 4th and 5th metatarsals. This study examines the relationship between fracture line and its location in regards to the surrounding ligamentous structures and its effect on Jones fracture displacement, reduction and fixation in a cadaveric model. Methods Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaveric feet were dissected with preservation of all ligamentous attachments. Given the similar anatomic distal extent of the dorsal and plantar intermetatarsal ligaments on the 5th metatarsal, measurements were obtained detailing the anatomic position of the dorsal intermetatarsal ligament (DIL) only. The specimens were divided into two groups with modelled fractures created at the 4th & 5th metatarsal articulation proximal to the distal extent of the DIL (Group 1) or just distal to the DIL (Group 2). Fractures were fixed in standard fashion with serial fluoroscopic images obtained to study fracture gapping and rotation. Results There was approximately 5 mm of fracture gapping created iatrogenically during tapping with no statistically significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 (4.53 mm versus 5.25 mm, p = 0.5430). The distal aspect of the DIL was anatomically located 2.77 mm (Range 1.58 mm–4.46 mm) distal to the 4th & 5th metatarsal articulation. Conclusions Considerable iatrogenic fracture gapping occurs during intramedullary screw fixation of Jones fractures in a cadaveric model regardless of fracture location in relation to the intermetatarsal ligamentous attachments. Specific techniques may be required to maintain anatomic alignment during tapping and screw fixation to prevent iatrogenic displacement. Level of evidence V, Expert Opinion.
‘What have you HEARD about the HERD?’ Does education about local influenza vaccination coverage and herd immunity affect willingness to vaccinate?

Abstract Background Vaccination protects individuals directly and communities indirectly by reducing transmission. We aimed to determine whether information about herd immunity and local vaccination coverage could change an individual’s vaccination plans and concern about influenza. Methods We surveyed Minnesota residents ≥18 years during the 2016 Minnesota State Fair. Participants were asked to identify the definition of herd immunity, to report their history of and plans to receive influenza vaccine, to report their concern about influenza, and to estimate the reported influenza vaccination coverage in their county. After providing educational information about herd immunity and local vaccination rates, we reassessed vaccination plans and concerns. We used logistic regression to estimate predicted percentages for those willing to be vaccinated, for concern about influenza, and for changes in these outcomes after the intervention. We then compared those individuals with and without prior knowledge of herd immunity, accounting for other characteristics. Results Among 554 participants, the median age was 57 years; most were female (65.9%), white (91.0%), and non-Hispanic/Latino (93.9%). Overall, 37.2% of participants did not know about herd immunity and 75.6% thought that the influenza vaccination coverage in their county was higher than it was reported. Those not knowledgeable about herd immunity were significantly less likely than those knowledgeable about the concept to report plans to be vaccinated at baseline (67.8% versus 78.9%; p = 0.004). After learning about herd immunity and influenza vaccination coverage, the proportion of those not knowledgeable about herd immunity who were willing to be vaccinated increased significantly by 7.3 percentage points (p = 0.001). Educating participants eliminated the significant difference in the proportion planning to be vaccinated between these two groups (80.1% of those knowledgeable and 75.1% of those who were not initially knowledgeable became willing; p = 0.148). Conclusions Education about herd immunity and local vaccination coverage could be a useful tool for increasing willingness to vaccinate, generating benefits both to individuals and communities.
GDoF region characterization of the weak MIMO IC with No CSIT

We characterize the generalized degrees of freedom (GDoF) region of an ergodic fading 2-user interference channel (IC) with multiple antennas at each node (MIMO) under the assumption that the channel realizations are known only at the receivers and not at the transmitters (No CSIT). We consider the weak interference scenario where the ratio — denoted by α — of the signal strength of the interfering links to that of the corresponding direct links in dB scale is assumed to be smaller than half. Assuming that transmitters and receivers have Mi, M 2 and N 1 , N 2 , antennas respectively, except from a small class where (M2 + N2) > min{Mi, Ni} > N2 > M2, we characterize the GDoF region of the weak IC for all other antenna configurations. We derive newer outer bounds to the GDoF which enable us bypass the use of full CSIT GDoF bounds as outer bounds for the No-CSIT scenario and therefore has the potential to be useful for analyzing other networks for which full-CSIT GDoF characterization is not available. The achievability of these upper bounds are then proved specifying explicit coding-decoding schemes.
Physiological and proteomic analyses of Fe(III)-reducing co-cultures of Desulfotomaculum reducens MI-1 and Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA.

We established Fe(III)-reducing co-cultures of two species of metal-reducing bacteria, the Gram-positive Desulfotomaculum reducens MI-1 and the Gram-negative Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA. Co-cultures were given pyruvate, a substrate that D. reducens can ferment and use as electron donor for Fe(III) reduction. G. sulfurreducens relied upon products of pyruvate oxidation by D. reducens (acetate, hydrogen) for use as electron donor in the co-culture. Co-cultures reduced Fe(III) to Fe(II) robustly, and Fe(II) was consistently detected earlier in co-cultures than pure cultures. Notably, faster cell growth, and correspondingly faster pyruvate oxidation, was observed by D. reducens in co-cultures. Global comparative proteomic analysis was performed to observe differential protein abundance during co-culture vs. pure culture growth. Proteins previously associated with Fe(III) reduction in G. sulfurreducens, namely c-type cytochromes and type IV pili proteins, were significantly increased in abundance in co-cultures relative to pure cultures. D. reducens ribosomal proteins were significantly increased in co-cultures, likely a reflection of faster growth rates observed for D. reducens cells while in co-culture. Furthermore, we developed multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assays to quantitate specific biomarker peptides. The assays were validated in pure and co-cultures, and protein abundance ratios from targeted MRM and global proteomic analysis correlate significantly.
Thioether macrocycles of the microbisporicins via reductive desulfurization

Abstract The microbisporicins are the most potent lantibiotics isolated to-date. Cyclic tetra-, hexa- and octapeptides, inspired by this family of antimicrobial agents, have been synthesized from linear peptides. Generalized reaction conditions are reported for the two-step conversion of linear peptides to thioether macrocycles: formation of a disulfide followed by reductive desulfurization. 1H NMR analysis of the reduction reaction mixture indicated the intermediacy of a dehydroalanine when excess hexamethylphosphorus triamide (HMPT) was employed for the reduction. Maintaining a stoichiometric amount of HMPT, in dilute methanolic solution, gave the corresponding thioethers, retaining stereochemical integrity.
Some Observations on the Boundary Element Method

This is a qualitative look at the boundary element method (BEM) first with comments on problem types subject to BEM analysis. Next, there are some comments on BEM issues in general which, in the author’s view, deserve more attention and clarification. There is a call for additional interaction with the mathematics community and with other disciplines such as physics and electromagnetics. Finally, there are a few remarks about what has been most appealing to the author and distinctive about the BEM over the last twenty-five years.
Abstract 11513: Eplerenone Treatment Mitigates Atrial Structural Remodeling but Does Not Modify the Transition From Paroxysmal to Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in an Ovine Model

Introduction: Recently we demonstrated that inhibition of the pro-fibrotic protein Galectin-3 reduces atrial dilatation, fibrosis and electrical remodeling as well as atrial fibrillation (AF) burden in a clinically relevant sheep model of lone persistent AF (Takemoto Y, et al. Heart Rhythm 12:S4; 2015). The mineralocorticoid blocker eplerenone (EPL) has been shown to reduce fibrosis and the incidence of AF in patients with systolic heart failure and mild symptoms, but the mechanism is poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that by reducing atrial dilatation and fibrosis alone in the absence of heart failure EPL treatment also reduces atrial fibrosis and prevents AF perpetuation. Methods: We conducted a placebo-controlled drug study in 17 atrially tachypaced sheep for 14±2 weeks (maximum 23 weeks). We compared effects of EPL treatment (100 mg/day, N=10) with sugar pill (SP, N=7) orally administered daily from the start of tachypacing. The terminal point of the study was a continuous 7-day stretch of persistent AF (N=14) or the completion of 23-weeks tachypacing (N=3). Results: In vivo, EPL significantly reduced the rate of left atrial (LA) dilatation, mitral regurgitation, cellular hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis (picrosirius red staining), and serum procollagen III N-terminal peptide (P3NP) levels during AF progression. However EPL did not affect the rate of dominant frequency (DF) increase or the maximum DF (DFmax). Ex-vivo optical mapping of the explanted hearts showed that EPL did not affect action potential duration or conduction velocity during pacing, or the DFmax during AF compared with hearts from SP-treated animals. However, EPL treatment significantly reduced the number of rotors and the trajectory areas of wavebreaks in LA during AF. Most important, unlike Gal-3 inhibition, EPL treatment did not change AF inducibility or AF burden at any time of weekly evaluation during AF progression. Conclusions: Mineralocorticoid inhibition during AF progression mitigates fibrosis and structural remodeling, which reduces complexity of AF and possibly contributes to delay the AF substrate somewhat. However, while reduction of fibrosis might be necessary, it is not sufficient to prevent AF perpetuation when electrical remodeling endures.
Incidence and magnitude of post-transplant cardiovascular disease after pediatric kidney transplantation: Risk factor analysis of 1058 pediatric kidney transplants at the university of Minnesota.

BACKGROUND KT recipients have increased the risk of CVD. The incidence of post-transplant CVEs among pediatric recipients has not been well-characterized. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1963 and 2015, 884 pediatric (age: 0-17 years old) recipients received 1058 KTs at our institution. The cumulative incidence of CVEs was analyzed. Statistical models were used to estimate risk factors for developing post-transplant CVEs. RESULTS Overall median patient survival was 33 years (IQR: 18.7-47). A total of 362 CVEs occurred in 161 (18.3%) patients at a median age of 20.5 years. Arrhythmias (18%) were most common. Cumulative risk of post-transplant CVEs was 9% at 10 years, 17% at 20 years, 25% at 30 years, and 36% at 40 years. Development of post-transplant CVEs was associated with increased mortality (HR 2.25 [95% CI 1.61-3.14]); of those who developed a CVE and died, 22/51 (43.1%) died of CVD. Multivariable risk factors for post-transplant CVEs included a history of pretransplant CVD (aHR 1.92 [1.18-3.13] and graft failure (4.57 [3.13-6.67]). DISCUSSION A pretransplant history of CVD and a failed graft are significant risk factors for the development of post-transplant CVE. CVD increases the risk of post-transplant death or graft loss.
Aligning Business Strategies and Analytics: Bridging Between Theory and Practice

In this chapter, we discuss the current gap between academic training and the needs within the business community, the potential for this gap to widen, and the role joint work between academic and industry experts can play in bridging this gap. We highlight the particular case of business analytics, calling attention to the current business landscape and the need for strong training of future employees, grounded in both rigorous theoretical background and links to the practical applications. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the particular contributions of each chapter and making a case for this type of work to be among the first of many steps in creating more meaningful dialogue between higher education and business practitioners.
Permeability of Epithelial/Endothelial Barriers in Transwells and Microfluidic Bilayer Devices

Lung-on-a-chip (LoC) models hold the potential to rapidly change the landscape for pulmonary drug screening and therapy, giving patients more advanced and less invasive treatment options. Understanding the drug absorption in these microphysiological systems, modeling the lung-blood barrier is essential for increasing the role of the organ-on-a-chip technology in drug development. In this work, epithelial/endothelial barrier tissue interfaces were established in microfluidic bilayer devices and transwells, with porous membranes, for permeability characterization. The effect of shear stress on the molecular transport was assessed using known paracellular and transcellular biomarkers. The permeability of porous membranes without cells, in both models, is inversely proportional to the molecular size due to its diffusivity. Paracellular transport, between epithelial/endothelial cell junctions, of large molecules such as transferrin, as well as transcellular transport, through cell lacking required active transporters, of molecules such as dextrans, is negligible. When subjected to shear stress, paracellular transport of intermediate-size molecules such as dextran was enhanced in microfluidic devices when compared to transwells. Similarly, shear stress enhances paracellular transport of small molecules such as Lucifer yellow, but its effect on transcellular transport is not clear. The results highlight the important role that LoC can play in drug absorption studies to accelerate pulmonary drug development.
People’s War and the New Democratic Patriarchy in China*

This case analysis of family revolution in China counters the widespread theoretical misunderstanding of the relationship between family transformation and Communist revolutions. It analyzes the im...
An introduction to nonlinear programming—I: Necessary and sufficient conditions

Abstract Parameter optimization problems arise in a wide variety of applications. The importance of the general problem has led to the investigation and development of the field of nonlinear programming and of the special classes of these problems such as linear programming . The study of these problems has reached a sophisticated level and an extensive literature exists, including a number of excellent textbooks. In this and in subsequent articles, the basic results of nonlinear programming are reviewed, developed, and discussed. No attempt is made here to survey the vast literature on the subject but sufficient references are included to provide the reader with a basis for a more detailed study. It is hoped that this series of tutorial articles will make the literature more accessible and will provide a useful perspective on the current status of the field. In this first article, the conditions which a solution must satisfy are discussed. To a lesser extent, conditions are examined which, when satisfied, ensure that a solution has been obtained. The discussion in this article of necessary and sufficient conditions for an optimum provides a basis for the subsequent examination of algorithms which can be used to determine the solution of parameter optimization (i.e. nonlinear programming) problems.
Preventing a Parallel Pandemic - A National Strategy to Protect Clinicians' Well-Being.

Preventing a Parallel Pandemic Just as the country rallied to care for September 11 first responders who suffered long-term health effects, we must take responsibility for the well-being of clinici...
Opportunities in Catalysis over Metal-Zeotypes Enabled by Descriptions of Active Centers Beyond Their Binding Site

Active centers in porous solid catalysts are multifaceted in structure, comprised of primary sites that bind intermediates, secondary environments that confine intermediates and transition states, ...
Parents and kindergartners: money and number, practices, concepts and skills

This literature review focuses on the current understanding of how young children's number concepts, and monetary concepts and monetary skills develop, and how parenting practices influence this learning for their children. Research reveals that children's number concepts emerge from their numerosity in infancy. According to Gelman and Gallistel, number concepts are number abstraction, such as one-to-one correspondence, cardinality, and comparison of numbers. Counting is the common way for young children to leam number concepts. Young children, 2to 6-year-olds, can leam numbers. Numbers 1 to 7 are counted accurately by many 5-year-olds. Similarly, monetary concepts are an aspect of money abstraction, such as identifying money and comparing the value of money. Monetary skills are considered as money reasoning, such as young children's paying in buying-selling activities. Most 3-year-olds can distinguish between money and non-money items and can name pennies. For 4and 5-year-olds, they can name a penny, a nickel, and a dime, and compare the value of coins. Five-year-olds have basic knowledge of money and the functions of money, business practices, and banks. Several studies have indicated that parenting was a significant factor influencing children's learning of numbers and money. Parents who provided more number teaming practices at home or participated in more school activities benefited their children's achievement in mathematics. Parents who provided more direct money experiences at home helped their children acquire monetary knowledge. 1
Analysis of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke on Nights and Weekends Versus Weekdays at Comprehensive Stroke Centers.

Abstract Objective The “weekend effect” has been shown to affect outcomes in acute ischemic stroke. We sought to compare metrics and outcomes of emergent stroke thrombectomy at three affiliated comprehensive stroke centers on weekdays versus nights/weekends for a three-year period beginning in 2015, when thrombectomy became common practice for large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of all stroke thrombectomy patients treated from 2015 to 2018 to compare standard thrombectomy metrics and outcomes in patients presenting during weekdays or nights/weekends. Results Two hundred-sixteen mechanical thrombectomy cases were evaluated, with 50.9% of patients presenting on weekdays and 49.1% presenting on nights/weekends. There were no statistical differences in baseline characteristics in demographics, stroke risk factors, or stroke severity, but patients presenting on nights/weekends had longer times from last known normal to presentation (130 versus 72.5 minutes, p=0.03). Door-to-groin times were delayed in patients presenting on nights/weekends compared to weekdays (median 104.5 versus 86 minutes, respectively; p=0.007) but groin-to-reperfusion times were similar (51.5 versus 48 minutes, respectively; p=0.4). Successful reperfusion was similar in both groups (90.6% nights/weekends versus 90% weekdays; p=1.0) as were the incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (10.4% nights/weekend versus 7.3% weekdays; p=0.48) and 90-day good functional outcomes based on the modified Rankin Scale did not differ between the two groups in a shift analysis (p=0.545). Conclusions Despite delays in door-to-groin puncture times in acute ischemic stroke patients presenting on nights/weekends compared to weekdays, we did not identify significant differences in successful reperfusion or functional outcomes in this cohort. Further studies are warranted to continue to evaluate differences in stroke care on nights/weekends versus weekdays.
The relationship between political affiliation and beliefs about sources of “fake news”

The 2016 US Presidential campaign saw an explosion in popularity for the term “fake news.” This phenomenon raises interesting questions: Which news sources do people believe are fake, and what do people think “fake news” means? One possibility is that beliefs about the news reflect a bias to disbelieve information that conflicts with existing beliefs and desires. If so, then news sources people consider “fake” might differ according to political affiliation. To test this idea, we asked people to tell us what “fake news” means, and to rate several news sources for the extent to which each provides real news, fake news, and propaganda. We found that political affiliation influenced people’s descriptions and their beliefs about which news sources are “fake.” These results have implications for people’s interpretations of news information and for the extent to which people can be misled by factually incorrect journalism.
Model Predictive Control of Nonlinear Latent Force Models: A Scenario-Based Approach

Control of nonlinear uncertain systems is a common challenge in the robotics field. Nonlinear latent force models, which incorporate latent uncertainty characterized as Gaussian processes, carry the promise of representing such systems effectively, and we focus on the control design for them in this work. To enable the design, we adopt the state-space representation of a Gaussian process to recast the nonlinear latent force model and thus build the ability to predict the future state and uncertainty concurrently. Using this feature, a stochastic model predictive control problem is formulated. To derive a computational algorithm for the problem, we use the scenario-based approach to formulate a deterministic approximation of the stochastic optimization. We evaluate the resultant scenario-based model predictive control approach through a simulation study based on motion planning of an autonomous vehicle, which shows much effectiveness. The proposed approach can find prospective use in various other robotics applications.
Small Liberal Arts Colleges, Fraternities, and Antitrust: Rethinking Hamilton College

When small liberal arts colleges, particularly those in the Northeastern United States, abolish fraternities and sororities, they may be violating the antitrust laws. Additionally, by removing what may be the only viable competitor for room and board services for students in the small towns that host these liberal arts colleges, these schools are then free to raise room and board prices, at least to the level of their most expensive competitor. Since small liberal arts colleges in the Northeast are typicall the most expensive colleges in the country, and since their charges are outliers for all colleges, these increases in room and board prices may provide cover for increases in colleges across the United States.
Brief treatments with forskolin enhance s-phase entry in balance epithelia from the ears of rats.

In the ears of mammals, hair cell loss results in permanent hearing and balance deficits, whereas in fish, amphibians, and birds, the production of replacement hair cells can restore those modalities. In avian ears, continuous exposures to forskolin trigger cell proliferation and the regeneration of hair cells, so we investigated the effect of forskolin on sensory epithelia cultured from the ears of mammals. Continuous 72 hr exposures to forskolin failed to induce proliferation in neonatal rat utricles, but brief (≤1 hr) exposures to forskolin or Br-cAMP did. Proliferation occurred only in media that contained serum. Forskolin also augmented the mitogenic effects of glial growth factor 2. The S-phase entry induced by forskolin was blocked by monensin and bafilomycin, two compounds that can inhibit the recycling of membrane receptors. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that in mammalian vestibular epithelia elevated cAMP induces S-phase entry by increasing the number of growth factor receptors at the plasma membrane.
A World of Others' Words: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Intertextuality

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Richard Bauman Year: 2004 Pages: x + 184 Publisher: Blackwell Publishing ISBN: 1-4051-1604-8 Prices: $28.95 US