cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermocline Forced by Varying Ekman Pumping. Part II: Annual and Decadal Ekman Pumping

Abstract Thermocline variability forced by zonally uniform Ekman pumping with annual to decadal periods is investigated. Both analytical and numerical solutions are obtained by the method of characteristics. As found in Part I, there is little thermocline variability in the ventilated zone or pool zone. In contrast, strong variability may exist in the shadow zone. For annual forcings, nonlinearity is negligible. However, the linear solution is influenced substantially by the basic-state thermocline structure. As a result, local responses dominate for a shallow interface, while remote Rossby waves dominate for a deep interface. Under a strong decadal forcing, nonlinearity may become important. The time-mean thermocline in the shadow zone is shallower than the steady thermocline under the mean Ekman pumping, particularly in the western part of a shadow zone where the mean deviation may reach the order often meters. This shallower mean thermocline is caused by the nonlinear Rossby wave.
Criminal Prosecution and the Legal Control of Protest

Criminal prosecutions and trials are normal events in the life cycle of many protest efforts and often have important consequences for the struggle between social movements and their opponents. Even so, social movement and law and society scholars have neglected protest prosecutions and trials since some initial work twenty to thirty years ago. This article discusses the relevance of these legal events for issues in contemporary research and offers several hypotheses for future investigation. More generally, it argues that the study of the social control of social movements will benefit from addressing the criminal proceedings arising from political dissent.
Elevated Neutrophil: Lymphocyte Ratio Does Not Predict Survival In Multiple Myeloma Patients

Background Cancer associated inflammation is one of the key determinants of outcome in patients with cancer. An elevated neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been identified as a predictor of worse survival in patients with various solid tumors compared to hematologic malignancies but no reports yet examined its impact on multiple myeloma. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic value of an elevated NLR in multiple myeloma. Methods We had approval by our institutional review board to collect the data on patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma at Staten Island University Hospital between year 2000 and 2012 identified from our local cancer database. Data on demographics, conventional prognostic markers, laboratory analyzes including blood count results, and histopathology were collected and analyzed. A cox proportional survival analysis was carried out to assess the relationship between NLR and mortality. NLR was assessed as a continuous variable as well as categorical variable (quartile 0.5-1.5, 1.6-2.2, 2.3-3.8, and 3.9-22.3). Results A total of 96 patients were identified with a median age at diagnosis of 70 (IQR of 61 to 79) years. The median neutrophil count was 3.5 (2.5—5.1) x 10-9/liters, median lymphocyte count 1.5 (1.05-2.4) × 10-9/liters, while the NLR was 2.28 (1.53-3.88). The median overall survival was 147.5 weeks, IQR (88.5-320). NLR did not prove to be a significant predictor of death as a continuous variable (0.95 (0.85-1.06), p =0.35). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in survival with any of the quartiles of NLR. Compare to lowest quartile of NLR, Hazards ratio for the consecutive quartiles were 1.25 (0.56-2.79, p 0.55), 1.36 (0.61-3.04, p=0.45) and 0.89 (0.36-2.22, p=0.80). Conclusion NLR does not appear to offer useful predictive ability for outcome and survival in multiple myeloma patients. Our study is limited with small sample size, further studies are needed to validate our results. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Effect of Body Mass Index on Outcomes in Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipients

Background and Aim Obesity is associated with higher mortality following heart transplantation, but there remains no consensus regarding outcomes in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients. We sought to determine the impact of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes in patients undergoing LVAD implantation. Methods This was a single-institution retrospective review, including all patients who received a HeartMate II LVAD or HeartWare HVAD between March 2006 and June 2014. Patients were stratified into three groups based on normal ( 30 kg/m2) BMI. Results Two hundred patients were included in the analysis. Mean BMI was 28.3 kg/m2, (27% normal, 36% overweight, and 36.5% obese). Obese patients were younger (51.9 years, p = 0.03) and had higher incidence of diabetes (58.9% vs. 24.1%; p < 0.001) and peripheral vascular disease (16.4% vs. 1.9%; p = 0.03). Normal BMI patients were more likely to undergo LVAD implantation as destination therapy compared to the overweight and obese groups (67% vs. 39% vs. 51%; p = 0.01) and had higher incidence of postoperative stroke/transient ischemic attack (22.2% vs. 6.9% vs. 12.3%; p = 0.04) and postoperative bleeding requiring reoperation (27.8% vs. 12.5% vs. 9.6%; p = 0.01). Survival at one, three, and five years was similar across all BMI groups. BMI was not an independent predictor of overall survival. Conclusions Appropriately-selected patients at the extremes of BMI can safely undergo LVAD implantation with no difference in survival. BMI should not in itself be considered a contraindication to LVAD placement. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12702 (J Card Surg 2016;31:242–247)
Evaluation of performance validity using a Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test forced-choice trial

AbstractObjective: Forced-choice (FC) recognition memory is a common performance validity assessment methodology. This study introduces and evaluates the classification accuracy of a FC recognition trial for the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). Method: The present sample of 122 military veterans (Mean age = 35.4, SD = 9.3) were all administered the RAVLT along with the FC procedure as part of a full neuropsychological protocol. Veterans were assigned to valid (n = 94) or invalid (n = 28) groups based on outcomes of performance validity measures. Results: The FC procedure was found to have strong sensitivity (67.9%) and specificity (92.6%) in predicting validity group status based on a cutoff score of ≤ 13. The FC trial outperformed RAVLT recognition hits (sensitivity = 46.4%, specificity = 91.5%) as a predictor of invalid performance. Conclusions: The RAVLT FC is demonstrated to be an effective measure of performance validity and is recommended for use as an adjunctive trial for the RAVLT.
Stress ulcer prophylaxis. Do critically ill patients need it

Critically ill patients who have a coagulopathy or require mechanical ventilation or high-dose corticosteroids are at increased risk for significant stress-related gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Unfortunately, it is not clear that prophylaxis has any impact on the incidence of bleeding or its outcome. When preventive therapy seems warranted, sucralfate (Carafate) is a good first choice if the patient has a nasoenteric tube in place. If not, histamine2 blockers in fixed doses by either continuous infusion or bolus can be used.
Ecocriticism in the Modernist Imagination: Forster, Woolf, and Auden

Although modernism has traditionally been considered an art of cities, Ecocriticism in the Modernist Imagination claims a significant role for modernist texts in shaping environmental consciousness. Analyzing both canonical and lesser-known works of three key figures - E. M. Forster, Virginia Woolf, and W. H. Auden - Sultzbach suggests how the signal techniques of modernism encourage readers to become more responsive to the animate world and non-human minds. Understanding the way these writers represent nature's agency becomes central to interpreting the power dynamics of empire and gender, as well as experiments with language and creativity. The book acknowledges the longer pastoral tradition in literature, but also introduces readers to the newly expanding field of ecocriticism, including philosophies of embodiment and matter, queer ecocriticism, and animal studies. What emerges is a picture of green modernism that reifies our burgeoning awareness of what it means to be human within a larger living community.
Increasing hepatitis C virus RNA levels in hemophiliacs: relationship to human immunodeficiency virus infection and liver disease. Multicenter Hemophilia Cohort Study

We have previously observed an increased frequency of liver failure in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected hemophiliacs. The purpose of this study was to quantitate hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels in serial samples from HIV-seropositive (HIV+) and HIV-seronegative (HIV-) hemophiliacs before and after HIV seroconversion, and to examine the relationship of HCV RNA levels to CD4 cell counts and to hepatic dysfunction over time. HCV RNA levels were measured on serial samples of serum stored frozen from 17 HCV+/HIV+ and 17 HCV+/HIV- subjects matched within 5 years of their birth dates. All were HCV+ before study entry. HCV RNA levels were quantitated by a branched DNA-enhanced label amplification (bDNA) assay. For samples less than the cut off, HCV RNA was measured by the nested polymerase chain reaction. Individual changes over time, clinical groups, and mean values within predetermined time windows were compared with Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Mean HCV RNA levels increased from 2.76 (standard error [SE] 1.33) x 10(5) to 2.84 (SE 1.39) x 10(6) eq/mL during the first 2 years after HIV seroconversion (P = .006). Baseline HCV RNA levels in the pre-HIV seroconversion group were not significantly different from the baseline levels in those who remained HIV (P = .79). Over the entire period of study, HCV RNA levels increased nearly threefold in those who remained HIV- (mean 9.47 [SE 4.78] x 10(5) to 2.81 [SE 1.13] x 10(6)/mL; P = .02). Among those who became HIV+, HCV RNA levels increased 58-fold (mean 2.85 [SE 1.26] x 10(5) to 1.66 [SE 0.57] x 10(7) eq/mL; P = .0001). The rate of increase in HCV RNA levels was eightfold faster for HIV+ subjects than for subjects who remained HIV- (P = .009). HCV RNA levels increased twofold higher in 5 subjects who developed liver failure compared with the 12 who did not (P = .43). HCV RNA levels correlated significantly with CD4 counts (R = -.33, P = .01) and serum aspartate aminotransferase levels (AST) (R = .36, P = .007). We conclude that HCV RNA levels are significantly higher in HIV+ than in HIV- multitransfused hemophiliacs. HCV load increases over time, is enhanced by HIV, and further increases as immune deficiency progresses. HCV RNA levels are directly associated with high AST levels. These findings suggest that HIV-induced immune deficiency may promote increased HCV replication.
The Churches of San Xavier, Arizona and Caborca, Sonora a Comparative Analysis

ABSTRACTLocated less than 200 miles apart on opposite sides of the international border separating Arizona and Sonora, Mexico are two mission churches, strikingly similar in appearance, but of undetermined relationship. The churches of San Xavier del Bac, located near Tucson, Arizona, and Nuestra Senora de la Purisima Concepcion del Caborca in the town of Caborca, Mexico have been referred to as sister or twin churches. Visually the resemblance between the structures is sufficiently strong to suggest kinship. However, of the many Latin cross plan churches built with crossing domes and twin towers in New Spain, a considerable number probably appeared quite similar without necessarily sharing the same plan, architect, or inspiration. Since little evidence concerning the facts of construction of either the San Xavier or Caborca church has been uncovered, the existing structures themselves must be examined for clues that help explain their similarity. This paper investigates the relationship between the two m...
Trump & VAT: NAFTA, Trade Barriers & Retaliatory Tariffs

During the first presidential debate President-elect Donald J. Trump argued that the value added tax (VAT) operated as a trade barrier to American business everywhere. He particularly pointed to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Mexico was a special concern. China was also a concern, but in this instance Trump was troubled both by China’s VAT and by China’s alleged currency manipulation. This paper can only consider the VAT aspect of Trump’s trade policy. There appears to be some confusion about the operation of the VAT, particularly the border adjustment mechanism, and how US tariffs could “level the playing field.” The confusion needs to be cleared up. Trump indicated that as president he would respond to “unfair trade practices” by imposing retaliatory tariffs on goods and services coming into the US from any country that imposed an import VAT on American businesses exporting goods or services to their country. There are more than 160 countries that have a VAT and all of them impose an import VAT. Trump is promising a trade war. He promises to set US tariffs at a rate that would force governments and businesses to take notice. The argument for imposing US tariffs on imported goods coming from countries that collect an import VAT on US goods raises three questions that can be adequately handled by looking just at the NAFTA relationship. Two questions consider the issue from the perspective of a US manufacturer exporting to a NAFTA country, the third question hypothetically moves a US manufacturer into a NAFTA country, and considers the impact of VAT refunds on sales that this company will make back into the US. The questions revolve around the two central elements of border adjustments – the full VAT refund allowed for exports, and the import VAT collected from the importer of record. Trump has concerns with both aspects. The three questions are: (1) US Exports to NAFTA - In the normal case, does the standard, destination-based, credit-invoice VAT erect a trade barrier equal to the amount of the import VAT? (2) US Exports to NAFTA - If not creating a barrier in the normal case, are there other fact patterns where the standard, destination-based, credit-invoice VAT does erect a trade barrier equal to the amount of the import VAT? (3) US Imports from NAFTA - Can an American manufacturing company move its operations to Canada or Mexico and gain an unfair advantage when selling their product back into the US VAT-free; that is, can a manufacturer unfairly benefit from the VAT refund aspect of border adjustment that is provided to exporters from VAT jurisdictions, as compared to comparable manufacturers producing and selling entirely within the US? These are the questions this paper considers.
Big Data Analytic Frameworks for GIS (Amazon EC2, Hadoop, Spark)

This article briefly introduces several parallel and distributed computing technologies and their implementations in the geospatial domain. The described technologies include Amazon EC2, Apache Hadoop, and Spark.
Metformin Has Positive Therapeutic Effects in Colon Cancer and Lung Cancer.

Abstract Background Metformin (MF), a diabetic drug, has antineoplastic activity as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer and prostate cancer. MF is thought to work via inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin and activation of p53 and liver kinase B1 via adenosine 5′-monophosphate–activated protein kinase. We investigated survival, recurrences and metastasis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) along with colorectal cancer (CC) or lung cancer (LC) taking MF using the electronic medical record in Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center (colon, n = 202; lung, n = 180). Materials and Methods Patients with CC or LC and DM2 on MF were compared to controls taking any medication except MF. Recurrences, metastases, secondary cancers, survival and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were compared using t test and chi-squared test. Inclusion criteria were based on MF use, CC or LC diagnosis and DM2. Results For CC, the MF group noted fewer deaths (48% versus 76%, P Conclusions Our study shows that MF therapy is associated with significantly better prognosis in patients with CC and improved survival in LC. Patients with CC on MF had fewer recurrences and metastases. Differences in metabolic pathways between CC and LC likely account for the differences in the effect of MF.
Construct Validity of the Spanish Version of a State-Mandated High-Stakes Test (TAKS)

State-level implementation of standardized testing for making important decisions has serious implications. Because of high-stakes consequences of the test results, the assessments need to satisfy technical psychometric standards. The Spanish version of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) is a state-mandated exam designed for Spanish-speaking students that has not been adequately evaluated for psychometric qualities. Three replicated studies were conducted using classical validation methodology to analyze psychometric properties of the TAKS exam for English language learners. Concurrent validity coefficients ranged from .52 to .78 and predictive validity coefficients ranged from .47 to .68 in reading and mathematics respectively. Theoretical expectations were verified by the multitrait-multimethod and factor analytic methodology. The study provided evidence of adequate construct validity for the Spanish version of the TAKS for assessing reading and mathematics achievement for elementary level English language learners.Â Although best practices in testing do not encourage high-stakes decisions based on a single measurement, the Spanish version of the TAKS demonstrated sufficient psychometric qualities for use as one indicator of achievement for elementary Spanish-speaking students.
Children, myth and storytelling: An Indigenous perspective:

This essay explores childhood education, storytelling, and the nature of myth from an Indigenous perspective. Aspects of Indigenous teaching and learning are discussed related to the ways myth and ...
Lightweight Block Cipher Circuits for Automotive and IoT Sensor Devices

Modern cars are equipped with hundreds of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) connected in a Controller Area Network (CAN). These ECUs are used to perform driving functionalities like the movements of accelerator, brakes, steering wheel, etc. Car hacking became a real threat in the last couple of years when a remote attacker was able to take control of a car running on a busy highway. Cryptographic functionalities like authentication, integrity and confidentiality can resist these attacks and so can save people's life. The traditional crypto primitive AES is not an optimal choice in this usage due to its complex operation that leads to long execution latency and big die-area if implemented in HW. To meet real time requirements in this new computing paradigm, a suitable lightweight block cipher is of utmost importance. In this work, we investigate the most suitable lightweight block cipher for automotive platforms. We developed optimized circuits for suitable lightweight block-ciphers. The synthesis and simulation results on Intel's 14nm high-K/metal-gate FinFET CMOS technology show that the proposed design can achieve authentication and confidentiality of an 8-byte message in 12 clock cycles latency with 1.2k gates and 7.04pJ energy. AES would need 10-times more silicon-area and 8-times more energy to achieve similar latency. In this respect, this work offers conclusive directions on lightweight block-ciphers suitable for automotive security.
Transcutaneous Recharge: A Comparison of Numerical Simulation to In Vivo Experiments

Objective Numerical simulation and animal experiments quantified tissue temperatures during the transcutaneous recharge of neuromodulation implants. The temperature results were used to determine the likelihood of tissue injury in humans. Materials and Methods Experiments were completed using sheep with implants at different depths ranging from 0.7 to 2.15 cm. The calculations were replicates of the experiments. Additional calculations were completed for laterally offset implants (up to 2 cm). Benchtop tests were performed to determine the power dissipation in the components. These power dissipation rates were inputs to the simulation. The now-verified model was next applied to a human situation with a core temperature of 37°C. Results There was excellent agreement between the simulations and the animal-model for all depths; the experimental and simulated temperatures near the implant were almost identical. The results were negligibly affected by a misalignment of the implant. The maximum experimental temperatures in the sheep were 41.8, 43.2, and 41.8°C while the calculated maxima were 41.9, 43.3, and 41.2°C for the shallow, medium, and deep cases, respectively. The experimental values are 3.1, 4.5, and 3.1°C above the body core temperature. The simulation results are 3.2, 4.6, and 2.5°C above the core temperature. The model was then applied to a human situation with a body core temperature of 37°C. The maximum values of the simulated temperatures are 39.9, 41.2, and 39.1°C. The cumulative equivalent exposure at 43°C (CEM43) for these three implant depths are 0.30, 0.88, and 0.12 min. These thermal exposures are below those known to cause thermal injury in human skin tissue. Conclusions The numerical simulation predicts tissue temperatures during transcutaneous recharge of implants. Results show that the implant depth does not have a large impact on the tissue temperatures and thermal exposures are sufficiently low so that they are unlikely to have any physiologic consequence.
Parental stress, family quality of life, and family-teacher partnerships: Families of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Abstract Background Reducing parental stress and improving family quality of Life (FQOL) are continuing concerns for families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Family-teacher partnerships have been identified as a positive factor to help parents reduce their stress and improve their FQOL. However, the interrelations among parental stress, FQOL, and family-teacher partnerships need to be further examined so as to identify the possible paths to help parents reduce their stress and improve their FQOL. The purpose of this study was to examine the interrelations among these three variables. Method A total of 236 parents of school children with ASD completed questionnaires, which included three measures: (a) the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale, (b) the Parental Stress Scale, and (c) the Beach Center Family-Professional Partnerships Scale. The structural equation modeling was used to analyze the interrelations among these three variables. Results Perceived parental stress had a direct effect on parental satisfaction concerning FQOL and vice versa. Perceived family-teacher partnerships had a direct effect on FQOL, but did not have a direct effect on parental stress. However, family-teacher partnerships had an indirect effect on parental stress through FQOL. Conclusions and implications Reducing parental stress could improve FQOL for families of children with ASD and vice versa. Strong family-teacher partnerships could help parents of children with ASD improve their FQOL and indirectly reduce their stress.
On the summations involving Wigner rotation matrix elements

Two new methods to evaluate the sums over magnetic quantum numbers, together with Wigner rotation matrix elements, are formulated. The first is the coupling method which makes use of the coupling of Wigner rotation matrix elements. This method gives rise to a closed form for any kind of summation that involves a product of two Wigner rotation matrix elements. The second method is the equivalent operator method, for which a closed form is also obtained and easily implemented on the computer. A few examples are presented, and possible extensions are indicated. The formulae obtained are useful for the study of the angular distribution of the photofragments of diatomic and symmetric-top molecules caused by electric-dipole, electric-quadrupole and two-photon radiative transitions.
The role of near resonance electronic energy transfer on the collisional quenching of NO (A 2 Σ + ) by C 6 H 6 and C 6 F 6 at low temperature

Abstract We present measurements of the collisional fluorescence quenching cross section of NO (A2Σ+) by benzene and hexafluorobenzene at a series of temperatures using a custom built slow flow cell and a pulsed de Laval nozzle test cell. The measurements show a deviation from the common harpoon mechanism of collisional fluorescence quenching, specifically the large quenching cross section of 147 A2 at 300 K measured for benzene which is not predicted by the harpoon mechanism due to the low electron affinity of benzene (−1.5 eV). We speculate that the quenching of NO (A2Σ+) by benzene and hexafluorobenzene occurs through near resonance electronic energy transfer from the NO A-state to the A-state of the quencher via a pseudo-emission process. The predicted T−1/3 dependence of the cross section for this model is consistent with the experimental observations.
Role of Protein Kinase C-delta in regulating platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte interaction during sepsis

Sepsis is characterized by an intense systemic inflammatory response activating a cascade of proinflammatory events resulting in leukocyte dysregulation and host tissue damage. The lung is particularly susceptible to systemic inflammation, leading to acute lung injury. Key to inflammation-induced lung damage is the excessive migration of neutrophils across the vascular endothelium. The mechanisms which regulate neutrophil activation and migration in sepsis are not well defined but there is growing evidence that platelets are actively involved and play a key role in microvascular permeability and neutrophil-mediated organ damage. We previously identified PKC-delta (PKCδ) as a critical regulator of the inflammatory response in sepsis and demonstrated PKCδ inhibition was lung protective. However, the role of PKCδ in sepsis-induced platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte interactions is not known. In this study, rats underwent sham surgery or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce sepsis. Following surgeries, a PKCδ inhibitor (200μg/kg) or vehicle (PBS) was administered intra-tracheally. At 24 hours post-surgeries, lung tissue, BAL fluid, and blood samples were collected. While sepsis caused thrombocytopenia, the remaining circulating platelets were activated as demonstrated by increased p-selectin expression, elevated plasma PF4, and enhanced platelet-leukocyte aggregate formation compared to Sham animals. Platelet activation was associated with increased platelet PKCδ activity. Inhibition of PKCδ attenuated sepsis-induced platelet activation, secretion and aggregate formation. Sepsis-induced thrombocytopenia was also significantly reduced and circulating platelet numbers were similar to sham animals. In the lung, sepsis induced significant influx of platelets and neutrophils and the development of lung injury. Administration of the PKCδ inhibitor decreased platelet and neutrophil influx, and was lung protective. Thus, PKCδ inhibition modulated platelet activity both locally and systemically, decreased neutrophil influx into the lung, and was lung protective. We demonstrate for the first time that PKCδ plays an important role in platelet activation and platelet-neutrophil interaction during sepsis.
Nutrition labels in bar graph format deemed most useful for consumer purchase decisions using adaptive conjoint analysis

This study estimated the effects of changing multiple levels and combinations of nutrition information format, load, expression, and order on consumers' perceptions of label usefulness in purchase decisions using adaptive conjoint analysis. A shopping mall intercept survey, which was administered by a marketing research firm, assessed consumer preferences for 12 label alternatives produced on Campbell's soup cans to portray nutrition information realistically; 252 of 258 respondents completed the computer interactive interview. Consumers significantly preferred the bar graph format to the bar graph/nutrient density and traditional label formats. Consumers considered the bar graph/nutrient density format to be as useful as the traditional label format. There was a highly significant difference among the three levels of information load; the most information load was preferred regardless of nutrient importance. Consumers significantly preferred nutrition information stated in absolute numbers and percentages vs in absolute numbers only in traditional, or in percentages only expressions. There was a significant difference between consumer preferences for the two types of information order. The findings indicate that consumers clearly preferred the nutrition label that displayed all nutrient values using a bar graph format, offered the most information load, and expressed nutrient values using both absolute numbers and percentages. Consumers also preferred nutrition information rearranged in an order that grouped nutrients that should be consumed in adequate amounts on the top, calories in the middle, and nutrients that should be consumed in lesser amounts on the bottom of the label.
An Analysis of Conflict Resolution Techniques From Problem-Solving Workshops to Theory

In recent years, researchers investigating conflict resolution processes have developed various problem-solving workshops. These workshops serve two functions: research of the participant-observer ...
Molecular Biology of Salinity Stress: Preliminary Studies and Perspectives

Compared to anaerobiosis and heat shock, the molecular biology of salinity stress in higher plants is not well understood. Salinity tolerance is a complex trait controlled by a polygenic system (14). Genetic variability of this trait has now been recognized in a wide range of crops (1) but the genes regulating salt tolerance are yet to be identified. Consequently, plant breeders currently lack a selective marker for salinity tolerance.
Tables Using One or Two Screening Variables to Increase Acceptable Product Under One-Sided Specifications

A performance variable with a one-sided specification cannot be measured directly, but one or two related variables (called screening variables) can be measured. The screening variables are used to select product in order to raise the proportion of unit..
The Experimental Electron Density Distribution of A C-H→4C0 Bridged Complex

C-H→M bridged species have generated particular interest in recent years1 with a view to their serving as models for the intermediate stages of oxidative addition of C-H to transition metals, a reaction of great importance in organometallic chemistry. The complex studied here, bis(cyclo-octane-1,5-diyl-dipyrazolylborate)Co(II), has \(\bar{1}\) symmetry about the central cobalt atom. The pseudo-octahedral coordination sphere involves ligation of 4 pyrazolyl nitrogen atoms in a square-plane and is completed by two agostic1 C-H→Co interactions (Figure 1). This coordination is particularly unusual as the parent bis(pyrazolyl) complex is tetrahedral with no agostic interactions.
Thyroid Cancer Survivorship Management

Thyroid cancer survivors enjoy long life expectancy but may experience lifelong complications attributable to surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, or thyroid hormone suppression. The importance of these potential complications increases over time as the active initial cancer therapy is completed and the acute threat of the malignancy ebbs. Accordingly, a comprehensive examination of individuals treated for thyroid cancer should be undertaken as soon as possible to detect and correct problems and to improve quality of life in these patients. The Thyroid Cancer Survivorship Clinic at MD Anderson has been developed to provide an environment in which thyroid cancer survivors can be evaluated and potential future effects of cancer and cancer therapy can be addressed. In addition, providing this service can facilitate development of evidence-based guidelines for treatment goals and long-term surveillance
Astigmatic outcomes in myopic wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis versus wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy using vector analysis.

Purpose To compare astigmatic outcomes between eyes having wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and eyes having wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Setting Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA. Design Prospective randomized case series. Methods Patients had refractive surgery, with one eye treated with LASIK and the other treated with PRK. Eyes were randomized according to ocular dominance. Astigmatism vectors were evaluated using the Alpins vector analysis of astigmatism. Results Thirty-four patients (68 eyes) had vector analysis; the LASIK and PRK groups had similar target-induced astigmatism vectors (P = 0.75), surgically induced astigmatism vectors (P = 0.86), difference vectors (P = 1.0), indices of success (P = 0.4), correction indices (P = 0.28), and flattening indices (P = 0.5). Conclusion Based on Alpins vector analysis of astigmatism, there were no statistically significant differences between eyes that had LASIK and eyes that had PRK.
Abstract WP58: Correlating Stroke Volume with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale as a Means of Determining Patient Prognosis

Introduction: The NIH Stroke Scale (SS) is a widely used tool for directing treatment and predicting outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS). Severe strokes with high admission SS often correlate w...
Targeting the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Introduction: The dismally slow improvement in patient survival over the years for pancreatic cancer patients is mainly due to two factors: the late diagnosis, at which point the disease is spread to distant organs; and the fact that tumor cells are surrounded by a dense, highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment not only shields pancreatic cancer cells from chemotherapy but also leaves it unsusceptible to various immunotherapeutic strategies that have been proven successful in other types of cancer. Areas covered: This review highlights the main components of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, how they cross-talk with each other to generate stroma and promote tumor growth. Additionally, we discuss the most promising treatment targets in the microenvironment whose modulation can be robustly tested in combination with standard of care chemotherapy. Currently, active clinical trials for pancreatic cancer involving components of the microenvironment are also listed. Expert opinion: Although immunotherapeutic approaches involving checkpoint inhibition are being pursued enthusiastically, there is still more work to be done with several other emerging immune targets that could provide therapeutic benefit.
Individual Load Model Parameter Estimation in Distribution Systems Using Load Switching Events

There currently exists a mature literature on modeling the aggregate load of a distribution feeder by making use of measurements at its feeder-head at substation. The primary application of such feeder-aggregated load models is in sub-transmission or transmission system analysis. However, there is a growing need in practice also to model each individual load across the feeder. If available, such individual load models have applications in power distribution system analysis, e.g., to better integrate distributed energy resources or to improve power quality and reliability. Motivated by this observation, in this paper, we propose a new method for individual load modeling in power distribution systems. It works by using the measurements only at the feeder-head. It takes an innovative approach to analyzing the load switching events across the distribution feeder itself, instead of or in addition to relying on upstream voltage events that are commonly used in feeder-aggregated load modeling. By tracking the downstream load switching events, the proposed method can make a robust estimation of the ZIP load model parameters for all individual loads. The proposed method is examined on small illustrative test-feeders as well as the IEEE 33-bus test system under various operating scenarios. The adverse impact of errors in measurements and system parameters are also investigated on the performance of the developed load modeling method.
Kinetic Song Comprehension: Deciphering Personal Listening Habits via Phone Vibrations.

Music is an expression of our identity, showing a significant correlation with other personal traits, beliefs, and habits. If accessed by a malicious entity, an individual's music listening habits could be used to make critical inferences about the user. In this paper, we showcase an attack in which the vibrations propagated through a user's phone while playing music via its speakers can be used to detect and classify songs. Our attack shows that known songs can be detected with an accuracy of just under 80%, while a corpus of 100 songs can be classified with an accuracy greater than 80%. We investigate such questions under a wide variety of experimental scenarios involving three surfaces and five phone speaker volumes. Although users can mitigate some of the risk by using a phone cover to dampen the vibrations, we show that a sophisticated attacker could adapt the attack to still classify songs with a decent accuracy. This paper demonstrates a new way in which motion sensor data can be leveraged to intrude on user music preferences without their express permission. Whether this information is leveraged for financial gain or political purposes, our research makes a case for why more rigorous methods of protecting user data should be utilized by companies, and if necessary, individuals.
Some neural networks compute, others don't

I address whether neural networks perform computations in the sense of computability theory and computer science. I explicate and defend the following theses. (1) Many neural networks compute—they perform computations. (2) Some neural networks compute in a classical way. Ordinary digital computers, which are very large networks of logic gates, belong in this class of neural networks. (3) Other neural networks compute in a non-classical way. (4) Yet other neural networks do not perform computations. Brains may well fall into this last class.
Poor Cost Awareness Among Anesthesia Providers for Medications, Supplies, and Blood Products

Background The objective of this study was to determine if anesthesia providers can accurately estimate the cost of commonly used medications, supplies, and blood products. Methods This study was conducted between April and June 2019 at an academic tertiary care hospital. Anesthesia providers (certified registered nurse anesthetists [CRNAs], residents, and fellows/attendings) were surveyed on their knowledge of the cost of commonly used therapies. Items were sorted into 12 categories: opioids, non-opioid analgesia, vasopressors, hypertension medications, antibiotics, neuromuscular blockers, reversals, anesthetics, supplies, kits, blood products, and blood-related products. Estimates were considered to be accurate if the median cost differed from the average wholesale price by 50%. Results A total of 107 surveys (CRNAs: 25, residents: 36, fellows/attendings: 46) were returned. The percentage of total items accurately estimated for cost was low (22% for all providers), and was not different between provider types (27% for CRNAs, 23% for residents, 20% for fellows/attendings; p = 0.69). The percentage of items with severe inaccuracies in cost estimation was high and was not different between provider types (56% for CRNAs, 60% for residents, 50% for fellows/attendings; p = 0.53). Rates of under- and overestimation varied widely, with greatest underestimation for vasopressors and blood-related products, and greatest overestimation for non-opioid analgesia and antibiotics. Low- and high-cost category items tended to be overestimated and underestimated, respectively (p Conclusion The majority of anesthesia providers have poor knowledge of cost. These findings suggest that cost awareness interventions may be necessary for promoting high-value health care.
Label-Free Optical Sensing of Proteins with Porous Silicon

We demonstrate a label free optical biosensor based on macroporous silicon microcavity. The biosensor is tested and characterized by using the streptavidin-biotin couple as a model system.
Venture Capitalist Certification in Initial Public Offerings

With more businesses going public, the certification of their value and offering price is a necessity, acting as a means of attracting investors and of enhancing further financial success. While auditors and underwriters typically certify the value of an initial public offering (IPO), venture capitalists, as investors in a firm, also have knowledge of the firm's value, leading researchers to explore the potential role of venture capitalists in certifying an IPO's offering price. The process of venture capital (VC) firm certification is described. Utilizing Investment Dealer's Digest Corporate Database (IDD), a representative sample of both VC backed and non-VC backed firms (320 each) is compiled, and matched for industry and offering size. The role of underwriters and auditors in certifying a firm's value is scrutinized, including their respective relationships with VC backed firms. The data regarding initial returns and offering expenses for IPOs are analyzed for both VC backed and non-VC backed firms. Venture capitalists are found to play a significant role in firm certification, including an implication of firm quality due to their investment in the firm. The data suggest that VC backed firms, when compared to non-VC backed firms, tend to be younger, typically comprised of assets of greater median book value, and have attained a larger percentage of equity in the IPO's capital structure. Additionally, VC backing often results in the utilization of higher quality underwriters and auditors, while simultaneously experiencing a decrease in costs associated with underpricing and underwriting. Although a few venture capitalists may cash-out of their investment following IPO, the majority of venture capitalists typically maintain their holdings in firms following the initial public offering. (AKP)
Association of Cardiac Care Regionalization With Access, Treatment, and Mortality Among Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Regionalization of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) systems of care has been championed over the past decade. Although timely access to percutaneous coronary intervent...
An Indexed Bibliography of Published and Unpublished Literature Relating to the Ecology and Management of the Terrestrial and Aquatic Biota in Grand Teton National Park

The purpose of this project is to compile an indexed, annotated bibliography of published and unpublished literature relating to the ecology and management of the biota in Grand Teton National Park. The bibliography will contain locations for all included references and should be of assistance in locating and retrieving literature for planning and research needs. As a portion of the final report, gaps in existing knowledge will be identified.
Intertidal Communities as Monitors of Pollution

Ecological surveys of the intertidal zone are proposed as being the most economical way in which the biologic impact of many wastes discharged into the estuarine and coastal marine environments can be assessed. Species diversity and community structure are the measures selected and these are determined through a carefully designed and statistically valid program of sampling. Aerial photography is used in developing the sampling program with infrared Ektachrome film providing information on the distribution and, to some extent, the nature of the intertidal flora. Dye tracers in the effluent are imaged on time sequence color aerial photographs and provide information on the patterns of waste dispersal. The methodology proposed is applicable only where well developed intertidal communities exist and only where either spatial or temporal controls can be established.
Within-subject and between-subject conceptions of metacomprehension accuracy

Abstract This study examines two conceptualizations of metacomprehension accuracy, which is recognized as an important feature of individual differences in learning. Within-subject accuracy requires students to judge their learning of parts of a lesson, and take tests for each part. Within-subject accuracy is computed by correlating judgments with performance on all parts for each student. A second conceptualization, between-subject accuracy, is computed by correlating each student's average judgment with average performance across all students. This measure corresponds to how well students judge their learning of the entire lesson compared to other students, and does not require multiple isolated lessons and tests for each learner. In Experiment 1, participants watched multimedia science lessons, completed a summarizing task for each lesson, made a learning judgment, and took transfer and retention tests. In Experiment 2, practice questions replaced the summaries. The study tasks did not consistently improve either type of metacomprehension accuracy. Overall, students generally displayed a statistically significant level of metacomprehension accuracy both on within-subject and between-subject measures of metacomprehension accuracy, yielding support for adding between-subject measures as a complement to the more commonly used within-subject measures.
Locality in Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

Manifolds of essentially localized states can be defined within the framework of relativistic quantum mechanics without reference to infinite systems.
Action at a Distance in Quantum Theory

The purpose of this paper is to present a consistent mathematical framework that shows how the EPR (Einstein. Podolsky, Rosen) phenomenon fits into our view of space time. To resolve the differences between the Hilbert space structure of quantum theory and the manifold structure of classical physics, the manifold is taken as a partial representation of the Hilbert space. It is the partial nature of the representation that allows for action at a distance and the failure of the manifold picture.
A systematic field-based testing program of hydraulic conductivity and dispersivity over a range in scale

In a small watershed underlain by relatively homogeneous (nonlayered), sandy, glacial outwash, hydraulic conductivity (K) and longitudinal dispersivity (α L) were systematically measured over a range in scale. Test methods employed in the investigation are conventional and/or based on accepted principles, measurement scales are those typically encountered in applied field problems, and the hydrogeologic setting is typical of large areas within the northern hemisphere and similar to many alluvial environments worldwide. The results show that K measured under radial flow is scale-dependent up to a radius of influence (r i) of approximately 15 m but reaches an asymptotic value above this threshold. This asymptotic value of K is consistent with results obtained at the regional scale (∼104 m) for the same aquifer using non-radial three-dimensional techniques; the initial increase appears to reflect increasing dimensionality of the radial tests with larger r i. Although α L was evaluated over a much smaller interval relative to K, α L proved to be independent of scale over the full range tested, from 2 to 29 m, an unexpected result. The findings support the idea that there is, as yet, no predictable relationship between scale effects in K and α L at scales normally encountered in applied field hydrogeology.