cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation of the NAD Glycohydrolase, NAD:Agmatine and NAD:Gsα ADP-Ribosyltransferase and Auto-ADP-Ribosylation Activities of Choleragen by Guanyl Nucleotide and Soluble Proteins Purified from Bovine Brain

Choleragen (cholera toxin) exerts its effects on animal cells by activating adenylate cyclase, thereby increasing intracellular cAMP content (1). The A1 protein of choleragen, released from the holotoxin by reduction of a single disulfide bond linking the A1 and A2 proteins, catalyzes the mono- ADP-ribosylation of Gsα, a regulatory component of the adenylate cyclase system that is responsible for the GTP-dependent activation of the cyclase catalytic unit. ADP-ribosylation of Gsα apparently increases its sensitivity to GTP and its dissociation from the inhibitory Gβγ complex (1).
Contiguous Data Assignments for Neighborhood Communication

Some recent multiprocessor systems can be classified as Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA) machines where the memory latency depends on the locations accessed. For instance, an access by a processor in the BBN Butterfly TC 2000 has a latency of 3, 11, or 38 CPU clock cycles depending on whether the location accessed is in the cache, local memory or remote memory respectively. Other scalable, shared-memory multiprocessors such as the MIT Alewife [ACD+91] and Stanford DASH multiprocessor systems [LLG+90] have non-uniform access latencies. The increased latency and reduced bandwidth of global memory has a substantial impact on performance. Restructuring of programs can reduce the number of global memory accesses and dramatically improve performance.
Disclosure tone of the spin-off prospectus and insider trading

Abstract This paper documents a negative association between the abnormal tone (optimistic versus pessimistic) of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis in a spin-off prospectus and the insider trading pattern (buy versus sell) in the spun-off subsidiary within three months of the spin-off date. Additional tests show that the negative relation exists only for the transactions by insiders who have also been executives in the parent company before the spin-off. I find that the insider purchases result in substantial long-term excess returns, especially when they are accompanied by abnormally negative tone. Given that insiders are extensive net buyers of stock in new spin-offs, these findings suggest that managers may use more pessimistic tone in the prospectus to disguise the upside potential of the spun-off subsidiary to seize the opportunity to purchase shares at lower cost.
Immunomodulatory Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

This review aims to summarize contemporary evidence of the in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in promoting vascularized composite allotransplant (VCA) tolerance. An extensive literature review was performed to identify pertinent articles of merit. Prospective preclinical trials in mammal subjects receiving VCA (or skin allograft) with administration of MSCs were reviewed. Prospective clinical trials with intravascular delivery of MSCs in human populations undergoing solid organ transplant were also identified and reviewed. Sixteen preclinical studies are included. Eleven studies compared MSC monotherapy to no therapy; of these, ten reported improved graft survival, which was statistically significantly prolonged in eight. Eight studies analyzed allograft survival with MSC therapy as an adjunct to proven immunosuppressive regimens. In these studies, daily immunosuppression was transiently delivered and then stopped. In all studies, treatment-free graft survival was statistically significantly prolonged in animals that received MSC therapy. MSCs have been safely administered clinically and their use in renal transplant clinical trials provides evidence that they improve allograft transplant tolerance in clinical practice. There is potential for MSC induction therapy to overcome many of the obstacles to widespread VCA in clinical practice. Preclinical studies are needed before MSC-induced VCA tolerance becomes a clinical reality.
Simple high-performance algorithms for scheduling jobs in the cloud

We consider the problem of scheduling VMs (Virtual Machines) in a multi-server system motivated by cloud computing applications. VMs arrive dynamically over time and require various amounts of resources (e.g., CPU, Memory, Storage, etc.) for the duration of their service. When a VM arrives, it is queued and later served by one of the servers that has sufficient remaining capacity to serve it. The scheduling of VMs is subject to: (i) packing constraints, i.e., multiple VMs can be served simultaneously by a single server if their cumulative resource requirement does not violate the capacity of the server, and (ii) non-preemption, i.e., once a VM is scheduled in a server, it cannot be interrupted or migrated to another server. To achieve maximum throughput, prior results hinge on solving a hard combinatorial problem (Knapsack) at the instances that all the servers become empty (the so-called global refresh times which require synchronization among the servers). The main contribution of this paper is that it resolves these issues. Specifically, we present a class of randomized algorithms for placing VMs in the servers that can achieve maximum throughput without preemptions. The algorithms are naturally distributed, have low complexity, and each queue needs to perform limited operations. Further, our algorithms display good delay performance in simulations, comparable to delay of heuristics that may not be throughput-optimal, and much better than the delay of the prior known throughput-optimal algorithms.
The Effect of Volunteering at a Student-Run Free Healthcare Clinic on Medical Students' Self-Efficacy, Comfortableness, Attitude, and Interest in Working with the Underserved Population and Interest in Primary Care.

Introduction The number of primary care physicians in the United States continues to lag behind the number of uninsured people. There has been a growing demand for medical students to improve their self-efficacy, comfortableness, attitude, and interest in working with the underserved and in primary care. This study aims to discern whether volunteering at a student-run, free healthcare clinic has a positive impact on these five variables of interest or not. Methods A 95-item survey was distributed through Qualtrics Survey Software (Qualtrics, Provo, UT, USA) to medical students from the Class of 2018 and Class of 2019 at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. They were recruited via emails, Facebook, and in-classroom announcements. Mean responses on a Likert-like scale to different survey items were collected and compared between two study cohorts: Keeping Neighbors In Good Health Through Service (KNIGHTS) Clinic volunteers and non-volunteers. Results Results from 128 students showed no significant differences in the means between the two cohorts (p-values were not significant). When volunteers were asked the survey item, "KNIGHTS Clinic positively influenced my attitude towards working with underserved patients," 62% strongly agreed, 26% agreed, 10% were neutral, and 2% disagreed. Discussion Based on the results, volunteering at KNIGHTS Clinic may not have a positive impact on the five variables of interest. However, the lack of significance may also be due to certain limitations of this study addressed elsewhere in this paper. With the majority of KNIGHTS Clinic volunteers agreeing that "KNIGHTS Clinic positively influenced […their] attitude towards working with underserved patients," there may be a positive impact of volunteering on volunteers' attitude towards working with the underserved.
The link between reproductive life plan assessment and provision of preconception care at publicly funded health centers

CONTEXT Federal and clinical guidelines recommend integrating reproductive life plan assessments into routine family planning encounters to increase provision of preconception care. Yet, the prevalence of clinical protocols and of relevant practices at publicly funded health centers is unknown. METHODS Administrators and providers at a nationally representative sample of publicly funded health centers that provide family planning services were surveyed in 2013–2014; data from 1,039 linked pairs were used to explore the reported prevalence of reproductive life plan protocols, frequent assessment of patients’ reproductive life plan and frequent provision of preconception care. Chi-square tests and multivariable general linear models were used to examine differences in reports of protocols and related practices. RESULTS Overall, 58% of centers reported having reproductive life plan assessment protocols, 87% reported frequently assessing reproductive life plans and 55% reported frequently providing preconception care. The proportions reporting protocols were lower in community health centers than in other center types (32% vs. 52–91%), in primary care centers than in those with another focus (33% vs. 77–80%) and in centers not receiving Title X funding than in those with such support (36% vs. 77%). Reported existence of a written protocol was positively associated with reported frequent assessment (prevalence ratio, 1.1), and the latter was positively associated with reported frequent preconception care (1.4). CONCLUSION Further research is needed on associations between written protocols and clinical practice, and to elucidate the preconception care services that may be associated with reproductive life plan assessment.
Learning In Complex Domains: A Cognitive Analysis of Computer Programming

Publisher Summary The study of human learning and cognition attempts to find out the general principles that can be applied to a wide range of situations to understand learning and cognition within a much more restricted domain, such as a subject matter area. This chapter examines the way novices learn and use their first programming language. Learning a programming language, such as BASIC, includes acquiring a mental model of the underlying system. The chapter presents a formal cognitive analysis of the mental model underlying BASIC statements and presents empirical studies that examine the usefulness of this analysis in explaining the way BASIC is learned, used, and comprehended. The time to comprehend a procedural statement, which is expressed in English or in BASIC, is strongly related to the number of transactions that have to be encoded and the number of other statements in the program. The learning of BASIC is enhanced when learners possess a rich bank of conceptual knowledge that is specifically relevant to BASIC.
Ethical Veganism, Virtue, and Greatness of the Soul

Many moral philosophers have criticized intensive animal farming because it can be harmful to the environment, it causes pain and misery to a large number of animals, and furthermore eating meat and animal-based products can be unhealthful. The issue of industrially farmed animals has become one of the most pressing ethical questions of our time. On the one hand, utilitarians have argued that we should become vegetarians or vegans because the practices of raising animals for food are immoral since they minimize the overall happiness. Deontologists, on the other hand, have argued that the practices of raising animals for food are immoral because animals have certain rights and we have duties toward them. Some virtue ethicists remain unconvinced of deontic and consequentialist arguments against the exploitation of animals and suggest that a virtue-based approach is better equipped to show what is immoral about raising and using animals for food, and what is virtuous about ethical veganism.
Social Competence and Eating Disorders: Development and Validation of the Anorexia and Bulimia Problem Inventory

Incompetence at solving interpersonal problems is a possible antecedent of anorexic and bulimic behaviors in college-age women. A role-play measure of interpersonal competence, the Anorexia and Bulimia Problem Inventory (ABPI), was developed empirically and then was tested in two validation studies. ABPI scores for two samples of college women were compared: a subclinical sample [extremely high scores on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT)] and a control sample (extremely low EAT scores). Groups differed as predicted. The second study replicated and extended these findings. The ABPI scores of clinical, subclinical, and control samples of college women differed significantly. Bulimic bingers, purgers, and laxative users were least competent on the ABPI. A lack of group differences on the Helping Situations Inventory supported the ABPI's discriminant validity. A correlation between the ABPI and Beck Depression Inventory supported the ABPI's convergent validity. ABPI competence appears to be related to certain subtypes of eating disorders.
Immunological Surveillance of Cancer

Tumor immunology can be divided into two broad aspects. One of these deals with the immunology of established neoplasms and has as one of its important goals the development of clinically effective immunotherapy. Almost the entire armamentarium of immunology has been applied to this problem. Signs of progress are evident, but much still needs to be learned.
Retroviral cDNA Integration: Mechanism, Applications and Inhibition

Retroviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are distinguished from other viruses by the combination of two steps in the viral life cycle. The first is reverse transcription, which results in the production of a cDNA copy of the viral RNA genome, and the second is integration, which results in the connection of that cDNA copy to a chromosome of the host. This article centers on the cDNA integration step. Understanding the integration system is important for designing methods for genetic manipulation in animal cells. Integration also represents a key area in developing new anti-retroviral therapy. Furthermore, studies of the integration system shed light on mechanisms in diverse related “mobile DNA” systems. In this article, we focus on recent work in three areas: i) the mechanism of retroviral integration, ii) integration and the development of retroviral vectors and iii) inhibition of integration. For further reviews on retroviral integration see (1–9).
A deterministic particle method for the Vlasov-Maxwell-Fokker-Planck system in two dimensions

A brief summary is given of a numerical procedure for solving the Vlasov-Maxwell-Fokker-Planck system in two spatial dimensions with periodic boundary conditions. A complete development of this work is given in [S. Wollman, Numerical approximation of the Vlasov-Maxwell-Fokker-Planck system in two dimensions, preprint]. The system of equations under consideration is a model for the time evolution of a collisional plasma in the presence of a self consistent electromagnetic field. The numerical method is a type of deterministic particle method and generalizes the numerical procedure of [S. Wollman, E. Ozizmir, Numerical approximation of the Vlasov-Poisson-Fokker-Planck system in two dimensions, J. Comput. Phys. 228 (2009) 6629-6669] to the case where a non constant, internally consistent, magnetic field is included. The problem of the long time asymptotic behavior of solutions is addressed.
The Lemur Scapula

In this chapter we seek to examine the causal relationships existing between the various modes of locomotion adopted by prosimian primates, particularly the lemurs, and the development of the scapula, the main structural unit of the pectoral girdle.
Reducing channel degradations in WDM systems and networks

Future higher-performance systems will be more complex than today's systems since the wavelength domain will be used to help route signals through different static or reconfigurable network paths. In these next-generation systems, several parameters may vary which would have deleterious effects in a WDM environment, including: variable insertion losses, channel addition and deletion (i.e., add/drop multiplexing), unstable laser power, non-uniform EDFA gain, non-uniform accumulation of dispersion and nonlinearities, and polarization mode dispersion that varies with fiber temperature. In order to ensure robust system operation, we discuss in this paper various dynamic schemes for compensating damaging effects so that these complex systems maintain high performance.
Practical guidelines for do-not-resuscitate orders

Do-not-resuscitate orders are widely used, but discussions about their use too often take place late in the patient's illness, after the patient is no longer able to participate in the decision. Most patients have discussed resuscitation issues with their family and would like to have a similar discussion with their physician, but only 10 percent of patients have done so. Although few states have laws addressing the use of do-not-resuscitate orders, they are widely held to be legal based on existing legal precedent. To assist patients or their designated surrogate decision-makers, physicians should supply appropriate prognostic information: one-half of all patients survive resuscitation initially, one-third survive for 24 hours and one-eighth survive to leave the hospital. Certain medical conditions, such as metastatic cancer, impaired renal function, sepsis and dependent functional status are associated with a poor outcome. If conflict occurs, properly facilitated family meetings, repeated discussions and ethics committee consultations can be useful. Legal action should remain a last resort.
High-entropy alloy superconductors on an α-Mn lattice

Previously unreported High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs) in the pentanary (ZrNb)1−x[MoReRu]x, (HfTaWIr)1−x[Re]x, and (HfTaWPt)1−x[Re]x systems are described and characterized. The materials have body-centered cubic α-Mn-type structures and mixed site occupancies; a small stoichiometry range is observed for all, and the mixed 4d–5d system has less Re than is typically encountered for Re-containing materials with this structure type. The latter two systems are the first reported 5d-element-only superconducting HEAs. All are type-II bulk superconductors with strongly varying critical temperatures (Tcs) depending on the cubic lattice parameter a and the valence electron count (VEC); the Tcs increase linearly with decreasing a and increasing VEC within each series and fall between the trend lines found for crystalline and amorphous transition metal alloy superconductors.
Preface to Vol. 10

I am pleased to offer you Volume 10 of the Journal of Hate Studies (JHS), which is devoted to the theme “Hate and Political Discourse.” This is, in many ways, a special volume, and 2012-2013 is a special year too. We celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Gonzaga University, the Centennial Anniversary of the Gonzaga University School of Law, the 15th Anniversary of the Institute for Hate Studies, and the 10th Anniversary of the JHS. We mark these special occasions with the present volume and a special symposium held in Washington, DC in September 2012 to accompany this volume.
The effect of neutrals in the new SAS divertor at DIII-D as modelled by SOLPS

Abstract SOLPS5.1 modelling of first detachment experiments carried out in the new Small Angle Slot (SAS) divertor recently installed at DIII-D has indicated a significant reduction in Te at the strike point compared to a matched open divertor case for a given separatrix density. The SAS divertor combines a gas-tight slot geometry with a small target angle to bootstrap power and momentum dissipation of recycling neutrals with the goal of achieving simultaneous control of heat flux and erosion at relatively low plasma density required for non-inductive current drive in future steady-state tokamaks. The changes in the neutral ballistics influenced by the combination of closure and small angle target, result in a build-up of the neutral density in the slot, which promotes volumetric losses and facilitates detachment. Variations in the strike point location within the slot reveal a strong dependence of divertor cooling on the strike point location. This is due to the fact that by changing the strike point location, the region where the neutral leakage takes place is varied, thus affecting detachment. The results presented in this paper highlight the importance of controlling the neutral recycling flux to facilitate power dissipation.
Expanding and enacting transformative meanings of equity, diversity and social justice in science education

In this paper, we provide a conceptual critique of the various constructs often used to justify policies and/or research to promote equity, diversity and social justice in science education. As research expands in these areas, we seek to provide some clarity to support researchers in deepening their work toward transformative goals in science teaching and learning. First, we explore the ways in which researches often argue why equity, diversity or social justice should be addressed, detailing arguments for economic superiority, morality and sociotransformative action. Next, we outline how researchers have argued that equity, diversity and social justice should be addressed including approaches such as equal distribution, mandated policy and sociotransformative education. We conclude with some examples of recent research that bring into practice the lesser known of these, the sociotransformative approach, arguing that this approach provides the field of science education research with a more promising way to create sustainable change. The sociotransformative approach is centered on improving the lived experiences of historically marginalized youth and encourages researchers to focus on reporting research as narratives of engagement. That is, a more representative and balanced analysis of the challenges and successes of teaching and learning in culturally diverse schools and of the responsive (and responsible) role researchers can (and should) play in helping bring about positive social change. This paper helps situate the other articles in this special issue in the larger conversations on equity, diversity and social justice occurring within the field of science education.
Electrochemical Studies on Substituted Iron-Hexacyanoiron(III) Bi-Layered Thin Films at Glassy Carbon Electrode/Electrolyte Interface

Thin films (30–50 nm) of bilayered HCM (hexacyanometalates) were prepared using direct electrodeposition or electrochemically driven insertion-substitution of PB (Prussian Blue) or InHCF (Indium Hexacyanoferrate) or K..Inx[Fe{CN}6]y, as starting material. The redox behavior of the immobilized counter/central ions at GCE/electrolyte interface have been investigated in aqueous KCl (pH 1) electrolytes using dynamic voltammetric techniques. Studies show that when the counter Fe or In ion is replaced by expandable partially filled d orbits elements such as Ru3+ a redox wave of the inserted counter ion is observed. Furthermore, the substitution of Fe as a counter ion with other poly-valent cations was found to be reversible if PB was the starting material. Studies were extended to include the EC (electrochemical) behavior of related HCM compounds such as K...Alx[Fe{CN}6]y K, Nix[Fe{CN}6]y Cux[Fe{CN}6]y, K..Znx[Fe{CN}6]y and, K..Ru[Fe{CN}6]3. Unlike studied 3d cations, GCE modified with thin films of copper-hexacyanoiron (III) KCux[Fe{CN}6]y or CHF showed two redox waves with Eof ≈ 0.6, 0.9 V vs Ag/AgCl. Studies showed that even immobilized Cu ions were capable of catalyzing the oxidation of hydrazine and sulfite. The mechanism for electro-oxidation is also included.
The ‘Gay Voice’ and ‘Brospeak’:Towards a Systematic Model of Stance

Taking Elinor Ochs’s (1992) notion of indirect indexicality as a starting point, this chapter explores the significance of stance for studies of sexuality. Stance helps organize identity registers and is thus central in the creation and display of sexuality. After defining stance and reviewing ways in which it has been used in studies of language and sexuality, the chapter analyzes representations of two sexual identity registers: a ‘gay voice’ homosexual identity and a ‘brospeak’ heterosexual identity. The analysis reveals how these representations are based on different configurations of stances that in turn constitute differentially enregistered personae or characterological figures. The chapter concludes with an outline of the ways that the concept of stance may be used in further research, especially with respect to the analysis of sexuality in interaction.
Predicting patient risk of readmission with frailty models in the Department of Veteran Affairs

Reducing potentially preventable readmissions has been identified as an important issue for decreasing Medicare costs and improving quality of care provided by hospitals. Based on previous research by medical professionals, preventable readmissions are caused by such factors as flawed patient discharging process, inadequate follow-ups after discharging, and noncompliance of patients on discharging and follow up instructions. It is also found that the risk of preventable readmission also may relate to some patient's characteristics, such as age, health condition, diagnosis, and even treatment specialty. In this study, using both general demographic information and individual past history of readmission records, we develop a risk prediction model based on hierarchical nonlinear mixed effect framework to extract significant prognostic factors associated with patient risk of 30-day readmission. The effectiveness of our proposed approach is validated based on a real dataset from four VA facilities in the State of Michigan. Simultaneously explaining both patient and population based variations of readmission process, such an accurate model can be used to recognize patients with high likelihood of discharging non-compliances, and then targeted post-care actions can be designed to reduce further rehospitalization
A Refined Model of Stress-Diathesis Relationships in Mothers With Significant Depressive Symptom Severity.

BACKGROUND: Mothers’ depressive symptoms affect their children’s growth as well as physical and mental well-being. Moreover, mothers of young children with developmental delay or disability (DD) te...
SAT-181 Pheochromocytoma Masquerading as Acute Coronary Syndrome. To Cath or Not to Cath?

Background Pheochromocytoma had been known as the “Great Mimic” as it can present with signs and symptoms consistent with numerous differentials [1]. Cardiac ischemia is one in particular which creates a diagnostic dilemma and poses significant risk for misdiagnosis. Clinical Case 62-year-old female with recent onset hypertension and type II diabetes(HbA1C of 6.9%) presented to the ER with new episodes of nausea, vomiting, and substernal chest pain. During the preceding four months she also experienced episodic headaches, palpitations, and flushing. Initial vital signs were significant for blood pressure 157/81 mm Hg. Physical exam was unremarkable. An Electrocardiogram showed normal sinus rhythm with right axis deviation and ST segment depressions in the inferior leads II, III and aVF. Labs revealed a troponin peak at 2.95 (<0.04 ng/mL) and d-dimer of 403 (<400 ng/mL). Serum chemistry, TSH, and complete blood count were within normal limits. A CT Chest with angiography was negative for pulmonary emboli. However, it did note a heterogenous 7.6 cm right adrenal mass. At this juncture there was clinical concern for pheochromocytoma and serum free metanephrines was ordered. Prior to receiving medical treatment for her pheochromocytoma, she underwent cardiac catheterization which showed no evidence of coronary artery disease. The procedure was uncomplicated. However, post-procedurally she did develop worsening paroxysms and severe hypertensive episodes with heart rate up to 140 beats per minute and systolic blood pressure up to 220 mm Hg. She was subsequently started on alpha blockage with phenoxybenzamine 10mg twice daily to which she responded favorably. Her initial serum free metanephrine was 6087(< 57 pg/mL) and free normetanephrine 2489 (<148 pg/mL). Conclusions This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for pheochromocytoma for all patients with acute chest pain and hypertension. Her untreated pheochromocytoma could have been fatal during or immediately after the cardiac catheterization. Given the suspicion for pheochromocytoma in this case, it would have been most appropriate to have begun alpha blockade after blood was drawn for metanephrines and before attempting any invasive procedures. Pheochromocytoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome because it can mimic an ischemic episode. References: 1. Soltani A, Pourian M, Davani BM. Does this patient have Pheochromocytoma? a systematic review of clinical signs and symptoms. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2016 Mar 17;15:6. doi: 10.1186/s40200-016-0226-x. Erratum in: J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2017 Oct 16;16:42. PMID: 26998444; PMCID: PMC4797176.
A 2-D asymmetric exclusion model for granular flows

A 2-D version of the asymmetric exclusion model for granular sheared flows is presented. The velocity profile exhibits two qualitatively different behaviors, dependent on control parameters. For low friction, the velocity profile follows an exponential decay while for large friction the profile is more accurately represented by a Gaussian law. The phase transition occurring between these two behavior is identified by the appearance of correlations in the cluster size distribution. Finally, a mean--field theory gives qualitative and quantitative good agreement with the numerical results.
Development and implementation of an electronic medical record module to track genetic testing results.

Abstract Purpose Genetic testing and results return pose many challenges, even in the era of electronic medical records. Whether results are positive or negative, genetic testing and return of results necessitate patient follow-up, referrals, and coordination between providers. Genetic evaluations typically utilize a variety of testing modalities with differing timetables and/or avenues to return. Therefore, genetic information requires a secondary, unified mechanism for storing and tracking results and communication to facilitate patient care. Methods We developed an electronic medical record (EMR) episodes-based module called Pediatric Genetic Tracking to provide a centralized summary of patient tracking information in a single-institution pediatric genetics setting. Results We created episodes for 6,133 patients evaluated in our division over a 3-year period. They highlighted clinical information for 1,901 different diagnoses and 547 genetic tests, and the involvement of 9 providers, 7 genetic counselors, 61 trainees, and 15 students using two modes of follow-up. Conclusion This Pediatric Genetic Tracking episodes system serves as a "one-stop shop" living document for updated patient genetic information and can be easily expanded to include variant content for broader population level sharing or analysis. These episodes-based modules facilitate communication to support timely and accurate return of genetic test results and follow-up.
Phytoplankton Dynamics in a Low-Inflow Estuary (Baffin Bay, TX) During Drought and High-Rainfall Conditions Associated with an El Niño Event

Low freshwater inflow estuaries are common worldwide, yet our understanding of phytoplankton dynamics in these systems is limited compared to river-influenced estuaries. Combining 3 years of monthly sampling data with analysis of a lower frequency, multidecadal dataset, we examined nutrient-phytoplankton dynamics in Baffin Bay-Upper Laguna Madre, TX (USA), a low-inflow lagoonal estuary. During a low rainfall, high salinity period (corresponding with non-El Nino conditions), phytoplankton community biovolume was high and consisted of a near monoculture of the harmful “brown tide” organism, Aureoumbra lagunensis. With the onset of El Nino conditions, rainfall increased and salinity decreased. Other phytoplankton groups became more prevalent, namely diatoms and the mixotrophic ciliate, Mesodinium sp., while prevalence of A. lagunensis declined. Although El Nino conditions corresponded with increased inorganic nitrogen concentrations, this did not lead to a near-term (weeks-months) increase in phytoplankton biovolume, indicating that the stimulatory effects of nutrient pulses may have been countered by the decreased residence times associated with increased inflow. Overall, results demonstrate that low freshwater inflows, as well as high residence times and salinities, can lead to increased phytoplankton biomass and decreased phytoplankton diversity, despite relatively low external nutrient loadings. With future expansion of arid/semiarid regions and/or increasing human freshwater demands, Baffin Bay and similar systems may experience lower inflows, more pronounced hypersalinity, and presumably less diverse phytoplankton communities, potentially dominated by harmful taxa as seen here.
Novel riser designs via 3D sand printing to improve casting performance

Abstract 3D sand printing (3DSP) has created a new era for sand casting applications by introducing additively manufactured complex 3D sand molds and cores. It has also enabled the design and manufacturing of complex rigging (gating and feeding) systems using non-conventional design rules which were not previously feasible. In this research, two novel riser designs, ellipsoid and spherical risers, along with traditional cylindrical risers are investigated to understand their effects on the solidification time and entrained air volume fraction in Aluminum alloy (A319) castings. Computational simulations are presented to understand the viability of complex riser shapes by comparing critical parameters such as fluid temperature during filling, solidification, and cooling. In addition, solid fraction (SF) and entrained air volume fraction are also studied during filling and solidification. The results for spherical riser performance showed a 7% increase in feeding time during solidification along with a 47.27% reduction in entrained air volume fraction. The ellipsoid riser studied in this research also showed identical solidification time at half the volume of the conventional cylindrical riser. This indicated a 26.5% increase in casting yield. These riser designs will not only facilitate the design optimization of the casting but also improve the casting performance (feeding, solidification) for difficult to cast materials and geometries.
Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for Malignant Hepatic Tumors in Children

Primary malignant liver cancers in children have an overall incidence of two cases per million. Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common, and the majority will present in infants and toddlers within the first 2 years of life. On the other hand, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which is the second most frequent malignant liver tumor will present later, typically in school-aged children or adolescents. The fundamental principle for treatment is complete surgical resection of the tumor. Unfortunately 50 % of children with HB and 70 % of those with HCC present initially as inoperable due to the extent of tumor involvement, vascular invasion, or distant metastasis. The prognosis for children that cannot ultimately achieve a complete tumor resection or transplant is dismal. HB is generally chemosensitive, particularly to platinum-based agents such as cisplatin. Following systemic chemotherapy up to 85 % are appropriate candidates for surgical resection. However, HCC remains relatively chemoresistant, and the fibrolamellar type of HCC most often attributable to children (13–22 % of HCC in children) does not respond any differently than the typical HCC with current therapeutic regimens, having an overall survival rate below 25 % at 3 years.
Comparative Study of Self-Organizing Neural Networks

A benchmark study of self-organizing neural network models is conducted. The comparison of advantages and disadvantages of unsupervised learning artificial neural networks are discussed. The unsupervised learning artificial neural networks discussed in this paper include adaptive resonance theory (ART2), DIGNET, self-organizing feature map, and learning vector quantization (LVQ). For the benchmark study of artificial neural network applications on data clustering and pattern recognition problems with additive gaussian noise, we compare the performance of the unsupervised learning systems, ART2 and DIGNET. Results of computer simulation show that both ART2 and DIGNET achieve good performance on pattern clustering, but DIGNET is faster in the learning process and has better results on the overall clustering performance.
Fathers with Mothers and Infants at the Mall: Gender Differences in Parenting Behavior

Previous research on parent‐infant interaction suggests gender differentiation in parental roles: Mothers behaving as caregivers and fathers as playmates. To test whether these roles are expressed by parents’ interest in purchasing either toys or clothing, 109 young infants (55 girls 54 boys) were unobtrusively observed at a shopping mall with their parents. As predicted, infants in toy stores, especially boys, were significantly more likely to be with fathers than those in clothing stores. These results were consistent when various price‐level stores were compared. This study expands our knowledge of parental roles and moves beyond frequency and duration measures of parent‐infant interaction toward a broader perspective by considering parents’ values as they are expressed economically, outside the home.
Traces of an Unusual Impact

Ten years ago, depressions in the Pampean plains in Argentina were interpreted as impact craters caused by a low-angle asteroid impact that grazed the Earth surface as recently as 10,000 years ago. In his Perspective, [Melosh][1] discusses a new interpretation of these features by [ Bland et al .][2], who conclude that the depressions themselves are caused by wind but that the impact-produced glass found in the purported craters is part of a tektite strewn-field caused by a much larger, slightly oblique impact that caused glass melted from the surface to be splashed as far as 800 km or more. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/296/5570/1037 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/296/5570/1109
High yield batch packaging of micro devices with uniquely orienting self-assembly

We demonstrate a high yield wafer level packaging technique for micro devices on the basis of uniquely orienting self-assembly with 2mm square diced silicon parts. Each silicon part has one hydrophobic thiolated gold face and one circular peg, offset from the center of mass, on the opposite face. A receptor site on an alignment template has a circular trap hole. The whole assembly process consists of five major steps: (1) bulk parts are oriented to face the same direction; (2) parts are palletized onto the alignment template; (3) parts are one-to-one distributed to receptor sites; (4) parts self-align to receptor sites with a unique in-plane orientation; and (5) parts are bonded to a chip carrier template. The experimental results indicate that step 1-4 have yields close to 100%. We skip step 5, a well established process widely used in the IC industry. This packaging strategy can be applied for any shape of silicon or non-silicon parts, and the assembly mechanism itself imposes no upper limit on the size of the assembly templates.
Reconfigurable Computing for Digital Signal Processing: A Survey

Steady advances in VLSI technology and design tools have extensively expanded the application domain of digital signal processing over the past decade. While application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and programmable digital signal processors (PDSPs) remain the implementation mechanisms of choice for many DSP applications, increasingly new system implementations based on reconfigurable computing are being considered. These flexible platforms, which offer the functional efficiency of hardware and the programmability of software, are quickly maturing as the logic capacity of programmable devices follows Moore's Law and advanced automated design techniques become available. As initial reconfigurable technologies have emerged, new academic and commercial efforts have been initiated to support power optimization, cost reduction, and enhanced run-time performance. This paper presents a survey of academic research and commercial development in reconfigurable computing for DSP systems over the past fifteen years. This work is placed in the context of other available DSP implementation media including ASICs and PDSPs to fully document the range of design choices available to system engineers. It is shown that while contemporary reconfigurable computing can be applied to a variety of DSP applications including video, audio, speech, and control, much work remains to realize its full potential. While individual implementations of PDSP, ASIC, and reconfigurable resources each offer distinct advantages, it is likely that integrated combinations of these technologies will provide more complete solutions.
Gender differences in the relationship between affect and adolescent smoking uptake.

Aims To evaluate gender differences in the role of positive and negative affect on smoking uptake.
New-Generation Laser-lithographed Dual-Axis Magnetically Assisted Remote-controlled Endovascular Catheter for Interventional MR Imaging: In Vitro Multiplanar Navigation at 1.5 T and 3 T versus X-ray Fluoroscopy.

Multiplanar MR imaging–guided endovascular navigation in an abdominal aortic phantom with the multicoil magnetically assisted remote-controlled catheter system is feasible at 1.5 T, improves at 3 T, and is comparable to x-ray guidance for a variety of vessels at 3 T.
Influence of Dietary Heat-labile Factors in Soybean Meal upon Bile Acid Pools and Turnover in the Chick '

Heat-labile components of soybeans depress absorption of dietary tri glycA©rides when fed to young chicks (up to 2 weeks of age). Feeding dietary sodium taurocholate along with soybeans improves fat absorption. These observations sug gested that factors present in soybeans cause a bile acid insufficiency when they are included in diets for young chicks. Experiments were conducted to estimate the half- life, pool size and excretion rate of bile acids in two ages of chicks fed diets with and without unheated soybean meal. We have obtained half-life estimates of 6 to 9 days and bile acid pools of 18 to 23 mg/100 g body weight in chicks fed a control diet. Using 14C-labeledbile acids and gas-liquid Chromatographie analysis of bile acids in bile and excreta in studies with both control chicks and those fed a diet containing unheated soybean meal we have demonstrated that a) factors present in unheated soybean meal markedly increased fecal excretion and lowered the half-life of bile acids; b) differences in pool sizes occurred from feeding unheated soybean meal, suggesting that young chicks are unable to replenish excreted bile acids as readily as older chicks; and c) bile acids are associated with insoluble contents from the gastro intestinal tract of chicks fed unheated soybean meal.
Interactions between circadian rhythm and immunity in Drosophila melanogaster.

In mammals, disrupted circadian rhythm is often correlated with infection and disease [1] and immunity can be specifically affected by circadian rhythm [2]. The molecular underpinnings of these interactions are unclear. Drosophila is a proven system for the study of both circadian rhythm [3] and innate immunity [4]. Microarray analyses of the fly have shown that the transcription of several immunity genes [5–8] is regulated in a circadian manner, but the significance of this regulation is not known.
Timing of surgery after multisystem injury with traumatic brain injury: effect on neuropsychological and functional outcome.

Objective: The optimal timing for noncranial surgery after multisystem injury is not known. Early surgery may lead to decreased pulmonary complications and length of stay, but also predispose to secondary brain injury if decreased cerebral perfusion occurs intraoperatively. Previous work has not consistently evaluated neuropsychological or functional outcome. We sought to determine whether 6-month neuropsychological and functional outcome was associated with timing of noncranial surgery after traumatic brain injury. Materials: We performed a cohort study to evaluate the effect of timing of non-neurosurgical operative interventions on neuropsychological and functional outcome, morbidity, and mortality. Early surgery was defined as ≤ 24 hours after injury, and late surgery, >24 hours after injury but during the same admission. Patients with a nonoperative brain injury and an operative facial or orthopedic fracture were selected from two randomized trials previously performed at our Level I trauma center. Data were ed from medical records and outcome had been prospectively gathered as part of the two clinical trials. Results: Patients undergoing early or late surgery had similar demographics, overall injury severity, traumatic brain injury severity, and admission characteristics. The early group had more open orthopedic fractures, but also underwent multiple operations more often than did the late group. At 6 months postinjury, patients in the early group had a better composite neuropsychological score than did those in the late group on unadjusted analysis and after including a propensity score. After adjusting for potential confounders, this difference was significant. No significant differences in return to work or Glasgow Outcome Score were noted. The late group had a higher incidence of pneumonia and a longer hospital stay (p < 0.10). Conclusions: In traumatic brain injury patients with multisystem trauma, early timing of orthopedic and facial fracture fixation under general anesthesia was not associated with worse neuropsychological or functional outcome when compared with the outcomes associated with late surgery. Clinical conclusions may be limited by inherent selection bias and unmeasured confounding. However, these results contribute to equipoise regarding timing of surgery after multiple injuries, and emphasize the need for a randomized trial.