cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
USING WEIGHTED KAPLAN-MEIER STATISTICS IN NONPARAMETRIC COMPARISONS OF PAIRED CENSORED SURVIVAL OUTCOMES

This research introduces methods for nonparametric testing of weighted integrated survival differences in the context of paired censored survival designs. The current work extends work done by Pepe and Fleming (1989, Biometrics 45, 497-507), which considered similar test statistics directed toward independent treatment group comparisons. An asymptotic closed-form distribution of the proposed family of tests is presented, along with variance estimates constructed under null and alternative hypotheses using nonparametric maximum likelihood estimates of the closed-form quantities. The described method allows for additional information from individuals with no corresponding matched pair member to be incorporated into the test statistic in sampling scenarios where singletons are not prone to selection bias. Simulations presented over a range of potential dependence in the paired censored survival data demonstrate substantial power gains associated with taking into account the dependence structure. Consequences of ignoring the paired nature of the data include overly conservative tests in terms of power and size. In fact, simulation results using tests for independent samples in the presence of positive correlation consistently undershot both size and power targets that would have been attained in the absence of correlation. This additional worrisome effect on operating characteristics highlights the need for accounting for dependence in this popular family of tests.
Towards rationalizing protected‐area designation in China using a Web‐Based Spatial Decision Support System

Designation of protected areas in populous areas of China has often been constrained by lack of public involvement and by failure to consider a comprehensive range of interrelated biophysical and social‐economic factors. While recognizing the importance of designation of protected areas, most studies focus on management and administrative problems, yet offer little in the way of effective solutions to these limitations. This paper outlines user‐friendly tools and techniques that can allow local governments to resolve these issues by using a Web‐based Spatial Decision Support System. The development of a prototype in a case study demonstrates the feasibility of the approach.
Measuring Water Content Heterogeneity Using Multifold GPR with Reflection Tomography

Continuous multioffset acquisition of ground penetrating radar (GPR) data provides the capability to measure the lateral and vertical distribution of soil moisture. Multioffset data enable measurement of radar velocity, which in turn allows the estimation of soil moisture through an appropriate petrophysical relationship. Although rarely used in GPR investigations, reflection tomography coupled with prestack depth migration has the ability to measure lateral velocity variations with much greater resolution and accuracy than conventional methods of velocity analysis. I used reflection tomography in the post-migration domain to estimate radar velocity and the Topp equation to estimate subsurface moisture distribution in two and three dimensions. At a contaminated site near a former refinery I identified a near-vertical boundary separating coarse-grained sands and gravels from a unit containing a high fraction of silts and clays. At a chlorinated solvent waste site, I found significant heterogeneity in the moisture content distribution despite apparent homogeneity indicated by direct push methods.
Characterization of T cells expressing the γ/δ antigen receptor in human renal allografts

To investigate the role of gamma/delta+ T cells in allograft rejection, we have studied the TCR phenotype and function of lymphocytes infiltrating rejecting, rejected, and nonrejecting human renal allografts. Two-color immunohistologic staining showed that 19% of rejecting biopsies and 40% of rejected nephrectomies had significant infiltration (> 10% of the total T-cell population) with gamma/delta+ T cells. No biopsies from nonrejecting kidneys showed > 10% gamma/delta+ T cells. Flow-cytometry analysis of T-cell populations expanded from rejecting and rejected allografts demonstrated that 33% of biopsy- and 40% of nephrectomy-derived populations had significant percentages (> 10%) of gamma/delta+ T cells. Six cell lines with increased numbers of gamma/delta+ T cells were tested for cytolytic activity against the NK target cell line K562 and compared with cytotoxic activity of exclusively alpha/beta T-cell populations. Lysis was noted by all gamma/delta+, but no gamma/delta-, populations. To confirm that the cytotoxicity of these gamma/delta+ T-cell populations was not MHC directed, one nephrectomy-derived population with 69% gamma/delta+ T cells by cytometry and > 50% by immunohistology was studied extensively. High levels of killing were seen against the NK targets K562 and Daudi as well as other malignant, benign, and third-party renal cell lines, but relevant alloantigen-expressing targets were not killed. Sterile cell sorting was used to isolate the gamma/delta+ T cells. The gamma/delta+ cells displayed enhanced killing of K562 while the gamma/delta- cells showed no cytolytic activity. Cytotoxicity mediated by gamma/delta+ T cells was also demonstrated against donor-derived, untransformed renal cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
LUMBAR PUNCTURE AT THE END OF TREATMENT FOR BACTERLAL MENINGITIS: BASELINE FOR SUBSEQUENT DIAGNOSTIC LUMBAR PUNCTURE

LUMBAR PUNCTURE AT THE END OF TREATMENT FOR BACTERLAL MENINGITIS: BASELINE FOR SUBSEQUENT DIAGNOSTIC LUMBAR PUNCTURE
Strategies for computing chemical reactivity indices

Two recent articles [(2000) J Am Chem Soc 122: 2010, (2001) J Am Chem Soc 123: 2007] have explored electron-density-based and external-potential-based chemical reactivity indices. In this article, methods are presented for computing these indices from the output of a Kohn–Sham density functional theory calculation.
Solid-Liquid Interface Characterization by Photoelectrochemical Measurement of Optical Absorption

The electronic structure of a platinum/electrolyte interface is determined by photoelectrochemical measurement of optical absorption processes. Photoemission into the electrolyte shows the electrode surface to be metallic at cathodic potential while thin semiconducting oxide layers are observed at anodic potentials. Internal photoemission at the metal/oxide interface indicates the Fermi level to be at midgap for the oxide which has a band gap of 3.1 eV.
On-Orbit Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) Satellite Environment Flight Experiments

Abstract : The Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) satellite was launched on April 24,1996. This paper describes some of the on-orbit contamination experiments executed during the first 21.5 months after launch. There were 14 different experiments that were planned in detail prior to launch and were later carried out using the time provided and the priority given. In addition to those experiments, there were other experiments that were created during the life cycle of the cryogenic telescope such as the SPIRIT 3 End of Cryogenic Operations Test (SECOT). The experiments described in this paper will be only those associated with the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) instruments. The cryo period included the time from launch through the lifetime of the SPIRIT 3 cryogenic telescope. MSX was launched with the SPIRIT 3 telescope already cold. The cryo period lasted for approximately 10 months and ended when the dewar containing solid hydrogen warmed up to a temperature above 12K. The five QCMs on board the satellite provided data that have been invaluable in characterizing contamination levels around the spacecraft and inside the SPIRIT 3 cryogenic telescope. One of the QCMs, the CQCM, was located internal to the SPIRIT 3 cryogenic telescope and was mounted adjacent to the primary mirror. Real time monitoring of contaminant mass deposition on the primary mirror was provided by the CQCM, which was cooled to the same temperature as the mirror - approx. 20 K. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGAs) on the CQCM provided insight into the amount and species of contaminants condensed on the SPIRIT 3 primary mirror. The four TQCMs were mounted on the outside of the spacecraft for monitoring contaminant deposition on the external surfaces. The TQCMs operated at approx. -50 deg C and were positioned strategically to monitor the silicone and organic contaminant flux arriving at specific locations.
A central region of Gli2 regulates its localization to the primary cilium and transcriptional activity

Signaling through vertebrate Hedgehog (Hh) proteins depends on the primary cilium. In response to Hh signals, the transcriptional activator of the pathway, Gli2, accumulates at the ciliary tip, raising the possibility that ciliary localization is important for Gli2 activation. To test this hypothesis, we used the Floxin system to create knock-in Gli2 alleles in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to allow methodical testing of which domains and residues are essential for the ciliary localization of Gli2. The Gli2 zinc fingers, transcriptional activation domain, repressor domain, phosphorylation cluster and a Sufu binding motif were each dispensable for ciliary localization. Mutating residues that are required for Gli2 sumoylation and nuclear trafficking also did not abrogate ciliary localization. By contrast, several other domains restricted Gli2 nuclear localization, and a central region, distinct from previously characterized domains, was required for ciliary localization. In addition to an inability to localize to cilia, Gli2 lacking this central domain was unable to activate target genes. Thus, our systematic analysis in ESCs reveals that distinct regions of Gli2 regulate its nuclear and ciliary localization. The identification of a domain essential for both ciliary localization and transcriptional activity suggests that ciliary localization of Gli2 is required for its activation.
Electrochemically deposited Ni on Ge(111) investigated with X-ray standing waves

Abstract Ni was electrodeposited on Ge(111) surfaces from an aqueous solution containing 0.5M Na 2 SO 4 and 10 −3 M NiSO 4 , using a standard three-electrode electrochemical cell. Cyclic voltammetry was used to yield information about the cleanliness of the immersed, p-type Ge(111) surfaces. After deposition at a fixed potential, the samples were removed from the cell and investigated with X-ray standing waves while kept under an inert gas atmosphere. The analysis of the X-ray standing wave data shows that several monolayers of Ni occupy a well defined lattice location. From these results together with the results of the cyclic voltammetric measurements we conclude that the first layers of Ni react with the Ge(111) surface forming a few layers of ordered germanide.
Effects of nutrient (N, P, C) enrichment upon periphyton standing crop, species composition and primary production in an oligotrophic softwater lake

SUMMARY. 1. The effects of nutrient addition upon algal periphyton standing crop and benthic community metabolism were investigated in Lake Lacawac, Pennsylvania. Nutrient-diffusing flower pot substrates were filled with combinations of P (0.015 mol Na2HPO4), N (0.15molNaNO3) and carbon as glucose (0.015mol (LG) or 0.15mol (HG)) or 0.58 mol NaHCO3 (C). Fifty-two pots representing ten treatments were placed in the lake on 5 May 1985 and sampled after 32-38 days. 2. Maximum chlorophyll-a values of 23.82μgcm−2 and 29.72μgcm−2 were obtained on NPC and NPHG pots respectively, compared to 0.82μgcm−2 on control pots. Algal growth was not enhanced unless N and either organic or inorganic carbon were supplied. Ash Free Dry Mass was especially high on NPHG pots. 3. Gross production, net production and community respiration were assessed with light-dark chambers affixed to the pots using microwinkler measurements of dissolved oxygen. Highest production rates were obtained on NC and NPC pots. Pots with NPLG and NPHG also showed significant increases in gross production compared to control levels (P < 0.01). Specific production (=gross production/chlorophyll-a) was significantly related to standing crop as chlorophylls (P < 0.001), alkalinity in the chambers (P < 0.00l) and light (P < 0. 05), but not to N or P supplied by the pots. 4. The periphyton community was dominated by Chlorophyta, which averaged 86.1% of total algal biovolume. Enrichment with NC and NPC significantly enhanced the growth of three Chlorophyceae (Stigeoclonium, Scenedesmus and an unidentified coccoid) and two Cryptophyceae (Cryptomonas. Rhodomonas) (all P < 0.05). In contrast, the filamentous green alga Mougeotia dominated other treatments, but declined significantly with NPC enrichment (P < 0.05). Addition of NPHG stimulated an 8-fold increase in total biovolume and significant increases in growth of Cryptomonas, Rhodomonas and Euglena (all P < 0.05).
Proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to autologous and allogeneic muscle in patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis

We examined the proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to autologous and homologous muscle homogenates in 21 patients with early, active, untreated polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM), 8 patients with chronic PM/DM, 10 patients with myopathies other than PM/DM, 7 patients with connective tissue diseases without myositis, and 12 healthy individuals. PBMC from patients with PM/DM and from control subjects were incubated with various dilutions of autologous and homologous muscle homogenates. PBMC from patients with active PM/DM underwent significant proliferation on exposure to both the autologous muscle and the homologous muscle homogenates. In contrast, PBMC from patients with chronic PM/DM, other myopathies, connective tissue diseases without myositis, and from healthy individuals did not respond to either autologous or homologous muscle. Our findings demonstrate that the PBMC of patients with PM/DM are sensitized to muscle.
Heat transfer response of laminar free-convection boundary layers along a vertical heated plate to surface-temperature oscillations

Die Warmeubertragung durch freie Konvektion von der laminaren Grenzschicht einer vertikalen erhitzten Platte wird mittels einer linearisierten Theorie fur den Fall einer schwingenden Oberflachentemperatur studiert. Die Oberflachentemperatur wird als Potenzn des Abstands zur Plattenvorderkante angenommen. Furn=1 ergeben sich genaue Losungen uber den ganzen Frequenzbereich. Furn<1 werden asymptotische Reihenlosungen bei niederen und hohen Frequenzen abgeleitet. Ausfuhrliche numerische Rechnungen wurden uber den gesamten Frequenzbereich furn=0, 0.2 und 1.0 bei Prandtlzahlen 0.72, 1.0 und 10.0 durchgefuhrt. Eine physikalische Deutung der durch die Schwingung der Oberflachentemperatur bedingten Amplituden und Phasen des Warmeflusses wird gegeben.
Critical Race Theory As An Analytical Tool: African American Male Success In Doctoral Education

While access to higher education for racial and ethnic minorities improved over the last half of the 20 th century, the percentage of these populations obtaining terminal degrees does not approach their respective percentage of society at large. By interviewing five African American males who completed a doctoral program at a Majority White Institution (MWI), this study seeks to identify some consistent themes among successful graduates. Using Critical Race Theory as an analytical framework, meaning is constructed in an effort to provide insight into those traits, practices and situations that contributed to the success of the participants in the study.
Natural variability in the surface ocean carbonate ion concentration

Abstract. We investigate variability in the surface ocean carbonate ion concentration ([CO32−]) on the basis of a~long control simulation with an Earth System Model. The simulation is run with a prescribed, pre-industrial atmospheric CO2 concentration for 1000 years, permitting investigation of natural [CO32−] variability on interannual to multi-decadal timescales. We find high interannual variability in surface [CO32−] in the tropical Pacific and at the boundaries between the subtropical and subpolar gyres in the Northern Hemisphere, and relatively low interannual variability in the centers of the subtropical gyres and in the Southern Ocean. Statistical analysis of modeled [CO32−] variance and autocorrelation suggests that significant anthropogenic trends in the saturation state of aragonite (Ωaragonite) are already or nearly detectable at the sustained, open-ocean time series sites, whereas several decades of observations are required to detect anthropogenic trends in Ωaragonite in the tropical Pacific, North Pacific, and North Atlantic. The detection timescale for anthropogenic trends in pH is shorter than that for Ωaragonite, due to smaller noise-to-signal ratios and lower autocorrelation in pH. In the tropical Pacific, the leading mode of surface [CO32−] variability is primarily driven by variations in the vertical advection of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in association with El Nino–Southern Oscillation. In the North Pacific, surface [CO32−] variability is caused by circulation-driven variations in surface DIC and strongly correlated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, with peak spectral power at 20–30-year periods. North Atlantic [CO32−] variability is also driven by variations in surface DIC, and exhibits weak correlations with both the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. As the scientific community seeks to detect the anthropogenic influence on ocean carbonate chemistry, these results will aid the interpretation of trends calculated from spatially and temporally sparse observations.
Optimization of Naringenin and p-Coumaric Acid Hydroxylation Using the Native E. coli Hydroxylase Complex, HpaBC

Flavonoids are a growing class of bioactive natural products with distinct and interesting bioactivity both in vitro and in vivo. The extraction of flavonoids from plant sources is limited by their low natural abundance and commonly results in a mixture of products that are difficult to separate. However, due to recent advances, the microbial production of plant natural products has developed as a promising alternative for flavonoid production. Through optimization of media, induction temperature, induction point, and substrate delay time, we demonstrate the highest conversion of naringenin to eriodictyol (62.7 ± 2.7 mg/L) to date, using the native E. coli hydroxylase complex, HpaBC. We also show the first evidence of in vivo HpaBC activity towards the monohydroxylated flavan-3-ol afzelechin with catechin product titers of 34.7 ± 1.5 mg/L. This work confirms the wide applicability of HpaBC towards realizing efficient de novo production of various orthohydroxylated flavonoids and flavonoid derived products in E. coli.
Soft x-ray emission studies of the electronic structure in silicon nanoclusters

Density of states changes in the valence and conduction band of silicon nanoclusters were monitored using soft x-ray emission and absorption spectroscopy as a function of cluster size. a progressive increase in the valence band edge toward lower energy is found fro clusters with decreasing diameters. A similar but smaller shift is observed in the near-edge x-ray absorption data of the silicon nanoclusters.
The Normal Probability Curve as an Approximation to the Distribution Curve of the High Intensity Searchlight

The light from high intensity electrodes comes principally from the luminous gas confined within the hemispherical crater of the anode. The distribution of intensity in the beam formed by the source with an accurate paraboloidal reflector has a marked resemblance to the normal probability curve. This resemblance has been investigated, using all available data of known reliability, and the agreement between curve and test is remarkable. From both theory and test, it is known that the beam formation is influenced by the ratio of the focal length of a mirror to its diameter, and the standard form of mirror has been found to give the best agreement with the probability curve. Also, there is a certain operating latitude allowable in current for given electrodes, and within these limits the intensity curve is relatively unchanged in form. Three sizes of searchlight, 24″, 36″, and 60″ in diameter, have been investigated and all give the same distribution. From these facts, it seems that the probability curve is applicable throughout the range of standard high intensity practice, and with this in mind a test procedure is suggested that may lead to lower testing costs and increased accuracy. Several attempts at a theoretical derivation have failed, and the data are here presented solely as a complete collection of available field tests.
AP-1/C-jun and C-myc Regulation During Megakaryocytic Differentiation of a Human Bi-potential Growth-factor-dependent Cell Line

Terminal megakaryocytic development is characterized by nuclear poly ploidization, appearance of specific granules, and enhanced expression of membrane platelet glycoproteins. We utilized a human GM-CSF-dependent cell line, MB-02, which is capable of under going megakaryocytic differentiation, to examine the molecular events underlying this process. The responses of MB-02 to the protein kinase C (PKC) agonist, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) were examined. GM-CSF dependent proliferation of MB-02, as measured by 3H-thymidine uptake, was greater than 95% inhibited by TPA (16 nM), but was not affected by the inactive stereoisomer, 4-α-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate (4-αPDD). Transient exposure of cells to GM-CSF after growth factor deprivation led to rapid, high-level expression of normal-sized c-myc mRN A transcripts above baseline. C-myc expression was turned off by TPA (16 nM) stimulation of cells within 2-4 h. This TPA-mediated effect likely occurred at the transcriptional level since the half lif...
Culture shapes a mesolimbic response to signals of dominance and subordination that associates with behavior

It has long been understood that culture shapes individuals' behavior, but how this is accomplished in the human brain has remained largely unknown. To examine this, we made use of a well-established cross-cultural difference in behavior: American culture tends to reinforce dominant behavior whereas, conversely, Japanese culture tends to reinforce subordinate behavior. In 17 Americans and 17 Japanese individuals, we assessed behavioral tendencies towards dominance versus subordination and measured neural responses using fMRI during the passive viewing of stimuli related to dominance and subordination. In Americans, dominant stimuli selectively engaged the caudate nucleus, bilaterally, and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), whereas these were selectively engaged by subordinate stimuli in Japanese. Correspondingly, Americans self-reported a tendency towards more dominant behavior whereas Japanese self-reported a tendency towards more subordinate behavior. Moreover, activity in the right caudate and mPFC correlated with behavioral tendencies towards dominance versus subordination, such that stronger responses in the caudate and mPFC to dominant stimuli were associated with more dominant behavior and stronger responses in the caudate and mPFC to subordinate stimuli were associated with more subordinate behavior. The findings provide a first demonstration that culture can flexibly shape functional activity in the mesolimbic reward system, which in turn may guide behavior.
Multilevel (Hierarchical) Modeling: What It Can and Cannot Do

Multilevel (hierarchical) modeling is a generalization of linear and generalized linear modeling in which regression coefficients are themselves given a model, whose parameters are also estimated from data. We illustrate the strengths and limitations of multilevel modeling through an example of the prediction of home radon levels in U.S. counties. The multilevel model is highly effective for predictions at both levels of the model, but could easily be misinterpreted for causal inference.
Design and implementation of a reusable type inference engine and its application to Scheme

Static type checking allows programmers to locate potential bugs prior to code execution. However, developing a static type checker is a complicated endeavor. Implementers must address a number of concerns including recursion over syntax elements, unification of type variables within environments, and generation of meaningful error messages for users. The inherent complexity of type checkers can lead to code that is difficult to both understand and maintain. This thesis presents the design and implementation of an abstract type inference engine and its use in the revision of a student-oriented type checker for the Scheme programming language. Our inference engine provides a complete set of unification facilities to programmers for the specification of a type checking system. It allows for a clean separation of unification algorithms, inference rules, and error generation. We also demonstrate the applicability of the engine by using it to construct a type checker for Scheme targeted at novice programmers. This checker borrows a student-friendly type notation from a previous version and extends its system, providing for language native module support, a more complete treatment of advanced data types, and better error messages.
Origins of Flagellar Gene Operons and Secondary Flagellar Systems

Forty-one flagellated species representing 11 bacterial phyla were used to investigate the origin of secondary flagellar systems and the structure and formation of flagellar gene operons over the course of bacterial evolution. Secondary (i.e., lateral) flagellar systems, which are harbored by five of the proteobacterial species considered, originated twice, once in the alphaproteobacterial lineage and again in the common ancestor of the Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria. The order and organization of flagellar genes have undergone extensive shuffling and rearrangement among lineages, and based on the phylogenetic distributions of flagellar gene complexes, the flagellar gene operons existed as small, usually two-gene units in the ancestor of Bacteria and have expanded through the recruitment of new genes and fusion of gene units. In contrast to the evolutionary trend towards larger flagellar gene complexes, operon structures have been highly disrupted through gene disassociation and rearrangements in the Epsilon- and Alphaproteobacteria. These results demonstrate that the genetic basis of this ancient and structurally conserved organelle has been subject to many lineage-specific modifications.
Abstract 5387: Prostate-targeted radiosensitization via aptamer-shRNA chimeras

Dose-escalated radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer (PCa) has a clear therapeutic benefit; however, escalated doses may also increase injury to non-cancerous tissues. Radiation-sensitizing agents can improve ionizing radiation (IR) potency, but without targeted delivery these agents will also sensitize surrounding normal tissues. Here we describe the development and application of prostate-targeted RNA interference agents which selectively sensitize PSMA-positive cells to IR. A high throughput siRNA screen identified DNA-PK, MAD2L2, BRCA2, NBN, RAD23B, and RAD54L as candidate DNA-repair pathway targets for prostate cancer radio-sensitization. When candidate shRNAs were conjugated to the PSMA-targeting RNA aptamer, A10-3, they were selectively delivered into PSMA positive prostate cancer cells in the absence of traditional transfection reagents. The shRNA portion was then processed by dicer to the corresponding siRNA. DNA-PK shRNAs, delivered by PSMA-targeting RNA aptamers, selectively reduced DNA-PK in PCa cells, xenografts and human prostate tissues. The mechanism of DNA-PK knock-down was confirmed to be through RNA interference by 5’-RACE assay. In tumor injection models A10-3-DNA-PK-shRNAs, combined with IR, dramatically and specifically enhanced PSMA-positive tumor response to IR. This treatment extended time to reach quadruple tumor volume by approximately 10 weeks when compared to only one week in tumors treated with radiation and control aptamer-shRNAs. A10-3-DNA-PK-shRNA and radiation had no affect on the PSMA negative PC-3 tumors. These studies support aptamer-shRNAs as selective sensitizing agents which may improve the treatment of high-risk localized PCa. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5387. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5387
Computing Maximum Cardinality Matchings in Parallel on Bipartite Graphs via Tree-Grafting

It is difficult to obtain high performance when computing matchings on parallel processors because matching algorithms explicitly or implicitly search for paths in the graph, and when these paths become long, there is little concurrency. In spite of this limitation, we present a new algorithm and its shared-memory parallelization that achieves good performance and scalability in computing maximum cardinality matchings in bipartite graphs. Our algorithm searches for augmenting paths via specialized breadth-first searches (BFS) from multiple source vertices, hence creating more parallelism than single source algorithms. Algorithms that employ multiple-source searches cannot discard a search tree once no augmenting path is discovered from the tree, unlike algorithms that rely on single-source searches. We describe a novel tree-grafting method that eliminates most of the redundant edge traversals resulting from this property of multiple-source searches. We also employ the recent direction-optimizing BFS algorithm as a subroutine to discover augmenting paths faster. Our algorithm compares favorably with the current best algorithms in terms of the number of edges traversed, the average augmenting path length, and the number of iterations. We provide a proof of correctness for our algorithm. Our NUMA-aware implementation is scalable to 80 threads of an Intel multiprocessor and to 240 threads on an Intel Knights Corner coprocessor. On average, our parallel algorithm runs an order of magnitude faster than the fastest algorithms available. The performance improvement is more significant on graphs with small matching number.
Alternate Light Source Findings of Common Topical Products.

Background One of the important roles of a forensic clinician is to perform examinations of patients who are victims and suspects of crime. Alternate light source (ALS) is a tool that can improve evidence collection and enhance visualization of injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine if commonly used topical products fluoresce or absorb when examined with an ALS. Second, we aimed to identify patient and examination variables that may impact findings. Methods A convenience sample of 81 subjects was used. After the application of 14 over-the-counter products, researchers observed the participants' skin with an ALS under 18 combinations of wavelengths and colored filters. Results Of the 14 products viewed (n = 1458 observations per product), six were found to fluoresce under alternate light in more than 40% of observations, five fluoresced in 1%-10% of observations, and three fluoresced less than 1% of the time. One product (a makeup product) absorbed ALS light consistently (81%), and a second (a sunscreen product) absorbed in 7%, whereas the remaining 12 products produced absorption findings in less than 1% of observations. In generalized mixed linear models, absorption findings were more commonly identified in participants with light or medium skin tones when compared with those with dark skin tones. Discussion These results suggest that the presence of topical products may impact ALS findings. A thorough forensic clinical assessment should include a documented history, including assessment of potential sources of findings, to aid in interpretation.
Vinius’s Book Collection

Andrei Vinius was among the first of Russian lay bibliophiles, about whose book collection a great amount of information remains available. The texts provide an insight into his mind. Taking into account his practical activities, he appears to have been a latter- day product of Renaissance humanism, albeit affected by the Scientific Revolution that unfolded in his lifetime. His books link Russia’s transformation of the last decades of the seventeenth century and the early eighteenth century to the spread of Western treatises among Russia’s elite. As a member of this upper crust, Vinius was a pioneer in exploring the novel ideas that these works expounded.
Management of Symptomatic Intracranial Stenosis

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is a common cause of stroke worldwide, causing approximately 10 % of strokes in the USA and up to 50 % in Asian populations. Recurrent stroke risks are particularly high in those with a stenosis of 70 % or more and a recent transient ischemic attack or stroke. Warfarin has been associated with higher major hemorrhage rates and no reduction of recurrent stroke compared to aspirin in patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis. After early trials showed the feasibility of stenting, two randomized trials compared stenting plus medical management to medical management alone in symptomatic intracranial stenosis. Stenting was linked with increased risk and showed no benefit in any subpopulation of patients. Aggressive medical management in the Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial was associated with half the risk of stroke compared to that in similar patients in a previous symptomatic intracranial stenosis trial after adjustment of confounding characteristics. Aggressive medical management comprises risk factor control, including a target systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg, a low density lipoprotein <70 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1C <7.0 %, and lifestyle management that incorporates exercise, smoking cessation and weight management, and the use of antithrombotics.
Increasing base-station anonymity in wireless sensor networks through adaptive sampling rate

In a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) Nodes are distributed to monitor an area of interest such as a military battlefield, and transmit their data to in-situ Base-Station (BS) through multi-hop paths. In addition to collecting and processing the sensor data, the BS performs network management tasks. Due to such an important role, an adversary would try to locate the BS and target it with Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack in order to disrupt the WSN operation. Locating the BS can be done by intercepting transmissions and then employing traffic analysis techniques such as Evidence Theory (ET). To counter such an attack, this paper presents a novel technique for increasing BS anonymity by establishing a sleep/active schedule among the nodes that are far away from the BS, and increasing the traffic density in selected parts of the network in order to give the impression that the BS is located in the vicinity of the sleeping nodes. The simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed technique in increasing the anonymity of the BS.
Vibration prediction of thin-walled composite I-beams using scaled models

Abstract Scaled models of large and expensive structures facilitate in understanding the physical behavior of the large structure during operation but on a smaller scale in both size and cost. These reduced-sized models also expedite in tuning designs and material properties, but also could be used for certification of the full-scale structure (referred to as the prototype). Within this study, the applicability of structural similitude theory in design of partially similar composite structures is demonstrated. Particular emphasis is placed on the design of scaled-down composite I-beams that can predict the fundamental frequency of their corresponding prototype. Composite I-beams are frequently used in the aerospace industry and are referred to as the back bone of large wind turbine blades. In this study, the governing equations of motion for free vibration of a shear deformable composite I-beam are analyzed using similarity transformation to derive scaling laws. Derived scaling laws are used as design criteria to develop scaled-down models. Both complete and partial similarity is discussed. A systematic approach is proposed to design partially similar scaled-down models with totally different layup from those of the full-scale I-beam. Based on the results, the designed scaled-down I-beams using the proposed technique show very good accuracy in predicting the fundamental frequency of their prototype.
Testing the Linear Discrepancy Model in Perceptions of Group Decision-Making

The linear discrepancy model is an information processing model of group decision-making. The theory predicts group decision outcomes based on the arguments offered during group decision-making (Boster, Mayer, Hunter, & Hale, 1980). To test this model, participants reported their positions and the arguments they would present at five time points in response to a transcribed hypothetical jury transcript. Data were consistent with the propositions of the linear discrepancy model.
A Novel Homozygous Missense Mutation in HOXC13 Leads to Autosomal Recessive Pure Hair and Nail Ectodermal Dysplasia

Pure hair and nail ectodermal dysplasia (PHNED) is a rare disorder that presents with hypotrichosis and nail dystrophy while sparing other ectodermal structures such as teeth and sweat glands. We describe a homozygous novel missense mutation in the HOXC13 gene that resulted in autosomal recessive PHNED in a Hispanic child. The mutation c.812A>G (p.Gln271Arg) is located within the DNA-binding domain of the HOXC13 gene, cosegregates within the family, and is predicted to be maximally damaging. This is the first reported case of a missense HOXC13 mutation resulting in PHNED and the first reported case of PHNED identified in a North American family. Our findings illustrate the critical role of HOXC13 in human hair and nail development.
Expression of estrogen receptor beta isoforms in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

337Background: There have been several limited trials in which tamoxifen efficacy was tested in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC). Most of these studies were small series of patients with unresectable PAC and reported mixed results. In these studies, patients were not stratified by estrogen receptor status because estrogen receptor beta (ER-b) had not yet been identified, and PAC did not express the traditional ER-alpha. Recent studies showed that the effects of estrogens, phytoestrogens and tamoxifen on PAC cell lines depended on ER-b expression. The aim of this study was to investigate ER-b expression in human PAC and whether such expression correlates with any clinicopathologic parameters. Methods: Sections of tissue microarray containing 18 formalin fixed and paraffin embedded human PAC were stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using monoclonal antibodies to ER-b isoforms 1, 2, and 5 (ER-b1, ER-b2, and ER-b5, respectively), and for Cyclin A. The levels of ER-b isoform expression in tumor ...
A novel strategy for cardiopulmonary support during lung transplantation

Contemporary modalities for cardiopulmonary support during lung transplantation include traditional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). While highly effective, both are associated with morbidities such as arteriopathy and bleeding diathesis. In this report, we describe a novel approach for cardiopulmonary support during double lung transplantation in a patient with end-stage lung disease, pulmonary hypertension and moderate right ventricle (RV) dysfunction, using a percutaneous dual lumen cannula placed via the jugular vein which allowed us to achieve both RV bypass and membrane oxygenation. The cannula was left in place to provide ongoing RV support and the patient was successfully decannulated at bedside on post-operative day (POD) 2. Lack of arterial cannulation, percutaneous access, and bedside decannulation are benefits of this strategy, rendering this approach a useful addition to the armamentarium for CPB techniques in lung transplantation.
Energy consumption of two-stage fine grinding of Douglas-fir wood

Fine wood powders have advantages over traditional coarse wood particles for various emerging applications. However, an efficient system to produce fine wood powders has not been well established. We investigated the comminution capability and efficiency of a two-stage grinding system consisting of a hammer mill circuit and an rotor impact mill circuit to convert wood feedstocks into fine powders. Air-dried forest harvest residuals were comminuted by the hammer mill circuit to three intermediate product sizes with geometric mean particle sizes of 1618, 669, and 316 µm. These intermediate products were then pulverized into fine wood powders with median particle sizes ranging from 35 to 250 µm. The specific energy consumption increased with the decrease of median particle sizes, with a transition at around 100 µm after which the energy consumption increased exponentially. This large-scale grinding trial provides the reliable energy consumption data for design and process economic analysis of mechanical biomass preprocessing.
Using a Comprehensive Multi-Modal Approach to Teach Values and Ethics

This paper demonstrates the importance of teaching values that include business ethics and social responsibility to students. Using a text-based approach may not be the ideal way to reach the digitally savvy students of today. The authors demonstrate numerous ways to instill values. These include music, speeches, YouTube videos, film, television, as well as literature. This is especially significant because there is evidence that traditional courses in ethics (especially business ethics) have not been successful in making students ethical.
Prevention of Heart Failure in Patients with Diabetes: Role of Diabetes Medications

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF). In patients with DM, preventing HF using diabetes medications should be an imperative for primary care physicians and cardiologists alike. Prior studies with DPP-IV inhibitors, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), and GLP-1 agonists have demonstrated either a neutral effect on HF or increased HF hospitalizations. Two recent large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs), EMPA-REG OUTCOME and CANVAS, compared sodium glucose transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i) to placebo. Use of SGLT-2i led to a substantial reduction in HF events and hospitalizations in patients with DM, with or without history of HF. Use of SGLT-2i therapy has been shown to reduce HF in patients with DM.
Exploiting the Benefits of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Biocatalysis: Tuning the Molecular Interaction of Enzymes with Solvents via Polymer Modification

The modification of enzymes with polymers holds tremendous promise as an approach to tune the molecular interactions of enzymes in diverse solvent environments. Here, we demonstrate the use of polymer modification to specifically modulate the thermoresponsive interactions of enzymes with non-native solvents. To demonstrate this approach, Bacillus subtilis lipase A (LipA) was modified with random copolymers of poly(acryloylmorpholine-co-N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PAN). Modification of LipA with PAN permitted the reversible phase separation of LipA–PAN from 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF6]) in a temperature-dependent manner. By varying the compositions of the copolymer, the temperature dependence of this phase separation could be quantitatively controlled between 16 and 76 °C. Above the temperature of the phase transition, the enzyme was soluble in the ionic liquid (IL), resulting in enhanced transesterification activity (i.e., a 21-fold increase over unmodified LipA), whereas belo...
Protecting Patient Privacy in Genomic Analysis

Patient genomes are interpretable only in the context of other genomes. However, privacy concerns over genetic data oftentimes deter individuals from contributing their genomes to scientific studies and prevent researchers from sharing their data with the scientific community. In this talk, I will describe how we can leverage secure multiparty computation techniques from modern cryptography to perform useful scientific computations on genomic data while protecting the privacy of the participants' genomes. In multiple real scenarios, our methods successfully identified the disease-causing genes and even discovered previously unrecognized disease genes, all while keeping nearly all of the participants' most sensitive genomic information private. We believe that our techniques will help make currently restricted data more readily available to the scientific community and enable individuals to contribute their genomes to a study without compromising their personal privacy. The material from this talk is based on joint works with Gill Bejerano, Bonnie Berger, Johannes A. Birgmeier, Dan Boneh, Hyunghoon Cho, and Karthik A. Jagadeesh.
Slow saccades in cerebellar disease.

Eye movements are frequently considered diagnostic markers indicating involvement of the cerebellum. Impaired amplitude of saccades (saccade dysmetria), impaired gaze holding function (horizontal or downbeat nystagmus), and interrupted (choppy) pursuit are typically considered hallmarks of cerebellar disorders. While saccade dysmetria is a frequently considered abnormality, the velocity of saccades are rarely considered part of the constellation of cerebellar involvement. Reduced saccade velocity, frequently called “slow saccades” are typically seen in a classic disorder of the midbrain called progressive supranuclear palsy. It is also traditionally diagnostic of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. In addition to its common causes, the slowness of vertical saccades is not rare in cerebellar disorders. Frequently this phenomenology is seen in multisystem involvement that substantially involves the cerebellum. In this review we will first discuss the physiological basis and the biological need for high saccade velocities. In subsequent sections we will discuss disorders of cerebellum that are known to cause slowing of saccades. We will then discuss possible pathology and novel therapeutic strategies.