cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Machine Learning Approach for Efficient Parallel Simulation of Beam Dynamics on GPUs

Parallel computing architectures like GPUs have traditionally been used to accelerate applications with dense and highly-structured workloads; however, many important applications in science and engineering are irregular and dynamic in nature, making their effective parallel implementation a daunting task. Numerical simulation of charged particle beam dynamics is one such application where the distribution of work and data in the accurate computation of collective effects at each time step is irregular and exhibits control-flow and memory access patterns that are not readily amenable to GPU's architecture. Algorithms with these properties tend to present both significant branch and memory divergence on GPUs which leads to severe performance bottlenecks.We present a novel cache-aware algorithm that uses machine learning to address this problem. The algorithm presented here uses supervised learning to adaptively model and track irregular access patterns in the computation of collective effects at each time step of the simulation to anticipate the future control-flow and data access patterns. Access pattern forecast are then used to formulate runtime decisions that minimize branch and memory divergence on GPUs, thereby improving the performance of collective effects computation at a future time step based on the observations from earlier time steps. Experimental results on NVIDIA Tesla K40 GPU shows that our approach is effective in maximizing data reuse, ensuring workload balance among parallel threads, and in minimizing both branch and memory divergence. Further, the parallel implementation delivers up to 485 Gflops of double precision performance, which translates to a speedup of up to 2.5X compared to the fastest known GPU implementation.
Spatiotemporal variability of suspended sediment particle size in a mixed-land-use watershed

Given existing knowledge gaps, there is a need for research that quantitatively characterizes spatiotemporal variation of suspended sediment particle size distribution (PSD) in contemporary watersheds. A five-year study was conducted in a representative watershed of the central United States utilizing a nested-scale experimental watershed study design, comprising five gauging sites partitioning the catchment into five sub-watersheds. Streamwater grab samples were collected four times per week, at each gauging site, for the duration of the study period (Oct. 2009-Feb. 2014). Samples were analyzed using laser particle diffraction. Significantly different (p<0.05) suspended sediment PSDs were observed at monitoring sites throughout the course of the study. For example, results indicated greater proportions of silt at site #5 (65%), relative to other sites (41, 32, 29, and 43%, for sites #1-#4, respectively). Likewise, results showed greater proportions of sand at sites #2 and #3 (66 and 68%, respectively), relative to other sites (57, 55, and 34%, for sites #1, #4, and #5, respectively). PSD spatial variability was not fully explained by hydroclimate or sub-watershed land use/land cover characteristics. Rather, results were strengthened by consideration of surficial geology (e.g. supply-controlled spatial variation of particle size). PSD displayed consistent seasonality during the study, characterized by peaks in the proportion of sand (and aggregates) during the winter (i.e. 70-90%), and minimums during the summer (i.e. 12-38%); and peaks in the proportion of silt particles in the summer (i.e. 61-88%) and minimums in the winter (i.e. 10-23%). Likely explanations of results include seasonal streamflow differences. Results comprise distinct observations of spatiotemporal variation of PSD, thereby improving understanding of lotic suspended sediment regimes and advancing future management practices in mixed-land-use watersheds.
Early postnatal bladder function in fetoscopic myelomeningocele repair patients.

Purpose Prenatal repair of myelomeningocele (MMC) via hysterotomy has demonstrated neurosurgical and motor benefits, when compared to postnatal repairs. Urologic benefits, however, remain to be seen. The purpose of this study was to review early postnatal bladder function in patients undergoing a novel endoscopic approach for MMC repair using an exteriorized uterus. Methods A prospective urologic assessment of patients undergoing fetoscopic MMC repair and receiving subsequent care at our facility, was performed. Patients were managed and urodynamic studies risk-stratified according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Urologic and Renal Protocol for the Newborn and Young Child with Spina Bifida. Results Fetoscopic MMC repair was performed in 14 patients. No patients had hydronephrosis or bladder thickening at birth. Detrusor overactivity was observed in nine (64.3%) patients. Impaired compliance was seen in eight (57.1%) patients. No patients had a detrusor leak point pressure of > 40 cm H2O or evidence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. Three (21.4%) patients had vesicoureteral reflux, seven (50.0%) had an open bladder neck, and none had trabeculated bladders. Conclusion In this early experience with fetoscopic MMC repair, postnatal bladder function does not appear to be any worse than that of previously reported prenatal or postnatal closures.
Stereovision Co-Registration in Image-Guided Spinal Surgery: Accuracy Assessment Using Explanted Porcine Spines.

Background Current methods of spine registration for image guidance have a variety of limitations related to accuracy, efficiency, and cost. Objective To define the accuracy of stereovision-mediated co-registration of a spinal surgical field. Methods A total of 10 explanted porcine spines were used. Dorsal soft tissue was removed to a variable degree. Bone screw fiducials were placed in each spine and high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scanning performed. Stereoscopic images were then obtained using a tracked, calibrated stereoscopic camera system; images were processed, reconstructed, and segmented in a semi-automated manner. A multistart registration of the reconstructed spinal surface with preoperative CT was performed. Target registration error (TRE) in the region of the laminae and facets was then determined, using bone screw fiducials not included in the original registration process. Each spine also underwent multilevel laminectomy, and TRE was then recalculated for varying amounts of bone removal. Results The mean TRE of stereovision registration was 2.19 ± 0.69 mm when all soft tissue was removed and 2.49 ± 0.74 mm when limited soft tissue removal was performed. Accuracy of the registration process was not adversely affected by laminectomy. Conclusion Stereovision offers a promising means of registering an open, dorsal spinal surgical field. In this study, overall mean accuracy of the registration was 2.21 mm, even when bony anatomy was partially obscured by soft tissue or when partial midline laminectomy had been performed.
A Low-Frequency Parametric Research Tool for Ocean Acoustics

We conduct research in underwater sound for the primary purpose of supporting and advancing the state of the art in sonar. Efforts in oceanography and marine geophysics are considerably enhanced by this ultimate Naval motivation.
Investigation of Manganese Cobalt Oxide (MCO) Coatings on Fuel Cell Interconnects

Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are composed of repeating cathode-electrolyte-anode units separated by electrically conductive interconnects. With the reduction in fuel cell operating temperature to approximately 800°C, it has become possible to use chromium-based, ferritic stainless steel or Crofer for interconnects. These interconnects must survive the high temperature oxidizing and reducing environments while maintaining electrical conductivity. Unfortunately the formation of chromium oxide scale poisons the cell by significantly reducing cathodic activity. Chromium scale formation can be inhibited by applying an electrically conductive manganese cobalt oxide (MCO) spinel coating to the interconnect prior to its installation in the fuel cell. The most costeffective way to apply protective coatings to interconnects involves spray coating. To investigate the quality of the coatings and the coating adhesion, four-point bend experiments were undertaken at room temperature. Tensile cracking patterns on the convex surfaces of the bend specimens were used to determine the interfacial shear strengths of the coatings. SEM images of the cracked coating surfaces were processed to analyze the interface failure mechanisms, the crack spacing, and areas that spalled at higher strains. These investigations were able to show distinct differences between coatings formed with different processes parameters.
Biosynthesis of 3-methylpentacosane in the cockroach Periplaneta americana.

The biosynthesis of 3-methylalkanes was investigated in the cockroach Periplaneta americana. Between 0.2 and 0.3 percent of the labelled acetate and propionate injected into the insect was incorporated into the cuticular hydrocarbons, compared to 0.01 percent for labelled isoleucine. Twenty-three ± four percent of the [2-14C]acetate, 42 ± 3 and 44 ± 4 percent of the [2-14C] and [3-14C]propionate, and 75 ± 5 percent of the [1-14C]propionate incorporated into the cuticular hydrocarbons was found in 3-methylpentacosane. These results indicate that propionate serves as the source of the branching methyl group, suggesting a pathway in which this precursor is incorporated during the penultimate step in 3-methylalkane biosynthesis in insects.
Securitization: Wonder Drug or Financial Alchemy?

The global financial crisis of recent years erupted when securitization failed on a large scale. US subprime mortgage-backed securities became the worst performing asset class in the world (IMF, 2010). Today, criticism of securitization abounds. Reform proposals range from wide-ranging improvements of incentives and disclosure rules to calls for the complete abolition of “the devil’s derivatives”.1
Cognitive, Psychosocial, and Physical Development in Infants and Children with End-Stage Renal Disease

The purpose of this article is to synthesize research related to the cognitive, physical, and psychosocial development of children with end-stage renal disease who are receiving conservative management, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, or who have received transplants. An impressive array of research in these three areas of development was found, but more work is needed. Suggestions are made for more multicenter research with larger sample sizes and greater general izability. In addition, more developmental research that includes measures of renal disease, such as age at onset, severity of disease, and length of time in renal failure, is needed.
Mission-Based Analysis for Assessing Cyber Risk in Critical Infrastructure Systems

Adversaries with the appropriate expertise and access can potentially exploit the large attack surface provided by the cyber component of critical infrastructure assets to target operations across the various sectors and significantly impact society. This paper describes a family of cyber risk methodologies known as “mission-based analysis” (MBA) that assist system designers in identifying the threats that pose the highest risk to mission execution and in prioritizing mitigation actions against the threats. This paper describes our experiences applying MBA and discusses its benefits and limitations. Also, it describes future enhancements of MBA and compares the approach with other assurance methodologies.
Capsule-Negative emm Types Are an Increasing Cause of Pediatric Group A Streptococcal Infections at a Large Pediatric Hospital in Texas.

BACKGROUND Bacterial infections caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS) are common in childhood. Few study reports have provided data on pediatric-specific trends in the epidemiology and bacterial strain characteristics of GAS infections. METHODS We prospectively collected GAS isolates from the clinical microbiology laboratory at Texas Children's Hospital between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2017. Patient characteristics and GAS disease categories were determined through chart review. GAS isolates were obtained from patients in either the inpatient or outpatient setting, and cases were defined as pharyngeal disease, skin and soft-tissue infection (SSTI), or invasive disease on the basis of predefined criteria. All isolates were emm typed to determine trends over time. RESULTS We identified 930 cases over the 4-year period, including 432 (46.4%) pharyngeal, 235 (25.3%) SSTI, and 263 (28.3%) invasive disease types. The most frequently encountered emm types were emm1 (21.4%), emm12 (15.7%), emm89 (14.6%), emm4 (9.2%), and emm3 (8.2%). We observed significant changes over the 4-year period in the relative frequency of infections caused by emm1 (-17.7%; P = .046), emm4 (8.7%; P = .023), or emm6 (-7.9%; P = .024). Using bioinformatic analyses and targeted gene sequencing, we also discovered that all GAS emm28 and emm87 types harbored mutations that rendered them incapable of producing capsule. The relative frequency of GAS disease cases caused by capsule-negative GAS emm types (emm4, emm22, emm28, emm87, and emm89) increased over the 4-year period (32.2%-44.4%), although the difference was statistically significant for only nonpharyngeal disease types (27.1%-43.9%; P = .038). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest an evolving epidemiology of GAS in the Houston pediatric population characterized by an increase in the frequency of capsule-negative emm types.
“That’s What the Money’s for”: Alienation and Emotional Labor in Public Service

As the face of government, street-level bureaucrats interact with the citizenry and engage in emotional labor. Here we argue that public servants risk becoming alienated due to the unsupported emot...
Abstract 176: Preoperative Small HDL Particle Concentration is Associated with Paraoxonase-1 activity and the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Surgery

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery occurs in up to 30% of patients and predicts death. We have reported that a higher preoperative HDL particle concentration is independently associate...
Presence of Histatin-1 in Human Tears and Association with Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye Diagnosis: A Preliminary Study.

The aims of this study were to determine if histatin-1 (H1) is present in normal human tears and whether tear levels of H1 varied between normal patients and those with aqueous deficient dry eye disease (ADDE). Patient samples were obtained from 11 normal patients and 11 severe ADDE patients. Relevant patient characteristics, including age, sex, and dry eye disease (DED) diagnostic parameters were collected. Multiple qualitative and quantitative methods were used to compare the concentration of H1 between patient groups. Mixed linear modeling was used to compare H1 levels between groups, and diagnostic performance was assessed using the receiver-operator-characteristic (ROC). ADDE patients had significantly lower H1 concentrations (85.9 ± 63.7 ng/ml) than the normal group (891.6 ± 196.5 ng/ml) (p 13) and Schirmer I (without anesthesia) (<10 mm, ≥10 mm) showed significant differences in H1 level (OSDI, p = 0.004) and Schirmer I ((p = 0.010). In conclusion, this is the first preliminary report of the presence of H1 in human tears. H1 concentrations are lower in ADDE patients and H1 may have diagnostic potential in evaluation ADDE patients.
Imaging respiratory muscle quality and function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by damage to muscles including the muscles involved in respiration. Dystrophic muscles become weak and infiltrated with fatty tissue, resulting in progressive respiratory impairment. The objective of this study was to assess respiratory muscle quality and function in DMD using magnetic resonance imaging and to determine the relationship to clinical respiratory function. Individuals with DMD (n = 36) and unaffected controls (n = 12) participated in this cross sectional magnetic resonance imaging study. Participants underwent dynamic imaging of the thorax to assess diaphragm and chest wall mobility and chemical shift-encoded imaging of the chest and abdomen to determine fatty infiltration of the accessory respiratory muscles. Additionally, clinical pulmonary function measures were obtained. Thoracic cavity area was decreased in individuals with DMD compared to controls during tidal and maximal breathing. Individuals with DMD had reduced chest wall movement in the anterior–posterior direction during maximal inspirations and expirations, but diaphragm descent during maximal inspirations (normalized to height) was only decreased in a subset of individuals with maximal inspiratory pressures less than 60% predicted. Muscle fat fraction was elevated in all three expiratory muscles assessed (p < 0.001), and the degree of fatty infiltration correlated with percent predicted maximal expiratory pressures (r = − 0.70, p < 0.001). The intercostal muscles demonstrated minimal visible fatty infiltration; however, this analysis was qualitative and resolution limited. This magnetic resonance imaging investigation of diaphragm movement, chest wall movement, and accessory respiratory muscle fatty infiltration provides new insights into the relationship between disease progression and clinical respiratory function.
A mevalonate bypass system facilitates elucidation of plastid biology in malaria parasites

Malaria parasites rely on a plastid organelle for survival during the blood stages of infection. However, the entire organelle is dispensable as long as the isoprenoid precursor, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), is supplemented in the culture medium. We engineered parasites to produce isoprenoid precursors from a mevalonate-dependent pathway, creating a parasite line that replicates normally after the loss of the apicoplast organelle. We show that carbon-labeled mevalonate is specifically incorporated into isoprenoid products, opening new avenues for researching this essential class of metabolites in malaria parasites. We also show that essential apicoplast proteins, such as the enzyme target of the drug fosmidomycin, can be deleted in this mevalonate bypass parasite line, providing a new method to determine the roles of other important apicoplast-resident proteins. Several antibacterial drugs kill malaria parasites by targeting basic processes, such as transcription, in the organelle. We used metabolomic and transcriptomic methods to characterize parasite metabolism after azithromycin treatment triggered loss of the apicoplast and found that parasite metabolism and the production of apicoplast proteins is largely unaltered. These results provide insight into the effects of apicoplast-disrupting drugs, several of which have been used to treat malaria infections in humans. Overall, the mevalonate bypass system provides a way to probe essential aspects of apicoplast biology and study the effects of drugs that target apicoplast processes.
Increased chemotherapy-induced ovarian reserve loss in women with germline BRCA mutations due to oocyte deoxyribonucleic acid double strand break repair deficiency

Objective To assess whether woman who have BRCA mutations (WBM) experience more declines in ovarian reserve after chemotherapy treatment, as it induces oocyte death by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, and BRCA mutations result in DNA damage repair deficiency. Design Longitudinal cohort study. Setting Academic centers. Patient(s) The 108 evaluable women with breast cancer were stratified into those never tested (negative family history; n = 35) and those negative (n = 59) or positive (n = 14) for a pathogenic BRCA mutation. Intervention(s) Sera were longitudinally obtained before and 12–24 months after chemotherapy treatment, assayed for antimullerian hormone (AMH), and adjusted for age at sample collection. Main Outcome Measure(s) Ovarian recovery, defined as the geometric mean of the after chemotherapy age-adjusted AMH levels compared with baseline levels. Result(s) Compared with the controls, the before chemotherapy treatment AMH levels were 24% and 34% lower in those negative or positive for BRCA mutations, consistent with accelerated ovarian aging in WBM. The WBM had a threefold difference in AMH recovery after chemotherapy treatment (1.6%), when compared with BRCA negative (3.7%) and untested/low risk controls (5.2%). Limiting the analysis to the most common regimen, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel, showed similar results. These findings were mechanistically confirmed in an in vitro mouse oocyte BRCA knockdown bioassay, which showed that BRCA deficiency results in increased oocyte susceptibility to doxorubicin. Conclusion(s) Women who have pathogenic BRCA mutations are more likely to lose ovarian reserve after chemotherapy treatment, suggesting an emphasis on fertility preservation. Furthermore, our findings generate the hypothesis that DNA repair deficiency is a shared mechanism between aging, infertility, and cancer. Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT00823654.
Author’s response: Historical narrative and the dilemma of method

Perhaps, like most books, this one too emerges from many personal experiences that do not neatly fit into academic ways of writing, and yet strives to understand histories and their individual, col...
Abstract P247: Gut Microbiota From A Rat Model Of Metabolic Syndrome Lowers Fitness Of High Exercise Capacity Rats (HCR/Tol) By Impairing Energy Homeostasis And Increasing Blood Pressure

Introduction: Low exercise capacity is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality. Previously we have shown that rats artificially selected for low intrinsic exercise capaci...
Lymphocyte Landscape after Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Cure: The New Normal.

Chronic HCV (CHC) infection is the only chronic viral infection for which curative treatments have been discovered. These direct acting antiviral (DAA) agents target specific steps in the viral replication cycle with remarkable efficacy and result in sustained virologic response (SVR) or cure in high (>95%) proportions of patients. These treatments became available 6–7 years ago and it is estimated that their real impact on HCV related morbidity, including outcomes such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), will not be known for the next decade or so. The immune system of a chronically infected patient is severely dysregulated and questions remain regarding the immune system’s capacity in limiting liver pathology in a cured individual. Another important consequence of impaired immunity in patients cleared of HCV with DAA will be the inability to generate protective immunity against possible re-infection, necessitating retreatments or developing a prophylactic vaccine. Thus, the impact of viral clearance on restoring immune homeostasis is being investigated by many groups. Among the important questions that need to be answered are how much the immune system normalizes with cure, how long after viral clearance this recalibration occurs, what are the consequences of persisting immune defects for protection from re-infection in vulnerable populations, and does viral clearance reduce liver pathology and the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in individuals cured with these agents. Here, we review the recent literature that describes the defects present in various lymphocyte populations in a CHC patient and their status after viral clearance using DAA treatments.
Starting With Girls and Their Resilience in Mind: Reconsidering Risk/Needs Assessments for System-Involved Girls:

Despite the numerous differences between boys and girls in the juvenile justice system, there are currently no gender-responsive risk/needs assessments for system-impacted girls, thereby limiting a...
High resolution optical coherence elastography of retina under prosthetic electrode.

Background Quantitatively investigating the biomechanics of retina with a retinal prosthetic electrode, we explored the effects of the prosthetic electrode on the retina, and further supplemented data for a potential clinical trial. Methods Biomechanical properties were assessed with a high resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) based elastography (OCE) system. A shaker was used to initiate elastic waves and an OCT system was used to track axial displacement along with wave propagation. Rabbits received surgery to implant the retinal prosthetic electrode, and elastic wave speed was measured before and after implantation; anatomical B-mode images were also acquired. Results Spatial-temporal maps of each layer in retina with and without prosthetic electrodes were acquired. Elastic wave speed of nerve fiber to inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear to outer nuclear layer, retinal pigmented epithelium layer and choroid to sclera layer without prosthetic electrode were found to be 3.66±0.36, 5.33±0.07, 6.85±0.37, and 9.69±0.24 m/s, respectively. With prosthetic electrode, the elastic wave speed was found to be 4.09±0.26, 5.14±0.11, 6.88±0.70, and 9.99±0.73 m/s, respectively in each layer. Conclusions Our results show that the elastic wave speed in each layer of retina is slightly faster with the retinal electrode, and further demonstrate that the retinal prosthetic electrode does not affect biomechanical properties significantly. In the future, we expect OCE technology to be used by clinicians where it could become part of routine testing and evaluation of the biomechanical properties of the retina in response to long term use of prosthetic electrodes in patients.
A Study on the Association between Maternal Childhood Trauma Exposure and Placental-fetal Stress Physiology during Pregnancy

It has been found that the effect of childhood trauma (CT) exposure may pass on to the next generation. Scientists have hypothesized that the association between CT exposure and placental-fetal stress physiology is the mechanism. A study was conducted to examine the hypothesis. To examine the association between CT exposure and placental corticotrophin-releasing hormone (pCRH), linear mixed effect model and hierarchical Bayesian linear model were constructed. In Bayesian inference, by providing conditionally conjugate priors, Gibbs sampler was used to draw MCMC samples. Piecewise linear mixed effect model was conducted in order to adjust to the dramatic change of pCRH at around week 20 into pregnancy. Pearson residual, QQ, ACF and trace plots were used to justify the model adequacy. Likelihood ratio test and DIC were utilized to model selection. The association between CT exposure and pCRH during pregnancy is obvious. The effect of CT exposure on pCRH varies dramatically over gestational age. Women with one childhood trauma would experience 11.9% higher in pCRH towards the end of pregnancy than those without childhood trauma. The increase rate of pCRH after week 20 is almost four-fold larger than that before week 20. Frequentist and Bayesian inference produce similar results. The findings support the hypothesis that the effect of CT exposure on pCRH over GA exists. The effect changes dramatically at around week 20 into pregnancy.
Etiology and Outcome of Crescentic Glomerulonephritis (CrGN) in Hispanic Pediatric Population

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Physicians, Health Professionals PURPOSE: To determine the etiology and outcome in Hispanic children with Crescentic Glomerulonephritis (CrGN) as a single-center experience. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Study in Collaboration with Multi-Center Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium. SETTING: Hispanic Pediatric CrGN population on the US (Texas) - Mexico Border (El Paso region). INTRODUCTION: Crescentic Glomerulonephritis (CrGN) is defined by progressive loss of renal function due to extensive crescent formation in the kidney. Many of these patients have a relatively poor prognosis. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and treat these patients early and appropriately to prevent renal complications. However, …
Synthesis, structural and sorption characterization of a Hofmann compound, Ni(3-methy-4,4′-bipyridine)[Ni(CN)4]

Abstract Acetone extraction of crystalline Ni(CN)4-based metal organic framework Ni(3-Methy-4,4′-bipyridine)[Ni(CN)4] which has dimethyl sulfoxide “DMSO” as guest molecules (nicknamed Ni-BpyMe(D) followed by evacuation yielded the guest-free crystalline framework, (Ni-BpyMe(A)). Ni-BpyMe(A) was determined to be orthorhombic, Pmma, a = 12.6025(4) A, b = 7.3324(3) A, c = 11.3095(4) A, V = 1045.07 (2) A3 and Z = 2. The structure of Ni-BpyMe(A) consists of a 3-D net built from extended 2-D [Ni(CN)4] groups. These layers are connected to each other via the BpyMe ligands at the six-fold coordinated Ni1 site while Ni2 has a four-fold coordination environment. While forming infinite square nets, the [Ni(CN)4] chains progress in a zig-zag fashion along the ab-direction; they can be projected along a or b directions. Another feature of this structure is that instead of locating the –CH3 group in one position of the pyridine ring as expected, it appears to be in two mirror-related positions on the same pyridine ring. The structure represents an average of two configurations which gives rise to the pseudosymmetry. The methyl group is distributed equally among each side of the pyridine ring; therefore, the occupancy of the methyl group is 50%. The compound exhibits a Type-I sorption characteristic. The absence of a hysteresis loop indicates that it is not likely a flexible MOF. A comparison of the structure of Ni-BpyMe(A) with the previously reported structure of Ni-BpyMe(D) with DMSO as guest molecules revealed a different structure (Monoclinic P2/n) as a result of significant increase in the bipyridyl dihedral angle from 34.87° to 90.00° after removal of the guest molecules in the pores. The change in ring orientation of the BpyMe ligands stabilize the pore structure against collapse. The structural change is relevant to gate opening behaviors observed in other MOFs although no gating behavior was indicated in the gas adsorption behavior.
Does Sentence-Level Coarticulation Affect Speech Recognition in Noise or a Speech Masker?

Purpose Three experiments were conducted to better understand the role of between-word coarticulation in masked speech recognition. Specifically, we explored whether naturally coarticulated sentenc...
Patterns of Stepsibling Relationship Development

In this grounded theory study, we examined the processes through which 25 young adult stepchildren developed relationships with 71 stepsiblings. We also examined the interpersonal and familial cont...
Design Technology Co-Optimization for Neuromorphic Computing.

We present a design-technology tradeoff analysis in implementing machine-learning inference on the processing cores of a Non-Volatile Memory (NVM)-based many-core neuromorphic hardware. Through detailed circuit-level simulations for scaled process technology nodes, we show the negative impact of design scaling on read endurance of NVMs, which directly impacts their inference lifetime. At a finer granularity, the inference lifetime of a core depends on 1) the resistance state of synaptic weights programmed on the core (design) and 2) the voltage variation inside the core that is introduced by the parasitic components on current paths (technology). We show that such design and technology characteristics can be incorporated in a design flow to significantly improve the inference lifetime.
An Ecology of High-Altitude Infancy: Comparative Perspectives on Reproductive Health in Ladakh

The previous two chapters described a number of striking features of reproductive health in Ladakh. Some result from the ecology of this mountainous region, while others derive from the social and cultural forms extant in Ladakh in the 1990s. Aspects of these are unique to Ladakh, but many are common to the Himalayan culture area. In addition, some derive from similar social and historical processes of the Indian subcontinent. Hence, the significance of the Ladakhi material is highlighted by three comparisons: (1) mountain populations from the New World that share a similar mountain ecology, for which there are extensive data; (2) other Himalayan populations that share ecology, social organization, and cultural traditions, albeit with different historical trajectories; and (3) other populations in India, with which Ladakh shares some infrastructural similarities and social trends. Each of these three comparisons provides different ways of understanding the possible roots of the reproductive health situation observed in Ladakh. Comparisons focus on the significant aspects of maternal and child health in Ladakh, and include birthweight and Ponderal Index; maternal biology; diet and work patterns during pregnancy; neonatal and infant mortality rates and their relationship to patterns of morbidity; child care and gender differentials in health and survival; and household and family dynamics.
Fluid-structure interactions in compressible cavity flows

Experiments were performed to understand the complex fluid-structure interactions that occur during aircraft internal store carriage. A cylindrical store was installed in a rectangular cavity having a length-to-depth ratio of 3.33 and a length-to-width ratio of 1. The Mach number ranged from 0.6 to 2.5 and the incoming boundary layer was turbulent. Fast-response pressure measurements provided aeroacoustic loading in the cavity, while triaxial accelerometers provided simultaneous store response. Despite occupying only 6% of the cavity volume, the store significantly altered the cavity acoustics. The store responded to the cavity flow at its natural structural frequencies, and it exhibited a directionally dependent response to cavity resonance. Specifically, cavity tones excited the store in the streamwise and wall-normal directions consistently, whereas a spanwise response was observed only occasionally. The streamwise and wall-normal responses were attributed to the longitudinal pressure waves and shear layer vortices known to occur during cavity resonance. Although the spanwise response to cavity tones was limited, broadband pressure fluctuations resulted in significant spanwise accelerations at store natural frequencies. The largest vibrations occurred when a cavity tone matched a structural natural frequency, although energy was transferred more efficiently to natural frequencies having predominantly streamwise and wall-normal motions.
The Role of Vitamin Supplementation in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Events

The production, sale, and consumption of multiple vitamins is a multibillion-dollar industry. Most Americans take some form of supplement ostensibly for prevention of cardiovascular disease. It has been claimed that vitamin A retards atherogenesis. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is thought to possibly decrease free radical-induced endothelial injury, which can lead to atherosclerotic plaque formation. Vitamin E has been extensively studied for its possible effects on platelet function as well as inhibition of foam-cell formation. Low levels of vitamin D have been thought to negatively impact myocardial structure and increase the risk for cardiovascular events. Increased intake of vitamin B6, B12, and folate has been associated with reduction of homocysteine levels; elevated homocysteine blood levels have been associated with the occurrence of stroke, heart attack, and cardiovascular death. The purpose of this study was to review the currently available literature for vitamin supplementation with respect to prevention of cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, the current evidence suggests no benefit exists with vitamin supplementation in the general US population. Further research is needed to evaluate whether there are specific populations that might benefit from vitamin supplementation.
Chapter 15 Pervasive public map displays

Abstract The combination of current computer interfaces and the Web has led to highly interactive and widely distributed map displays. While the computer has increased interaction with maps and the Web has increased their distribution, other types of computer interfaces with maps are possible. Large-screen, computer-driven displays are becoming increasingly common for a variety of applications. To make these displays interactive, new computer interfaces are required and strategies are needed for creating public web map displays that show such things as weather maps, and maps of automobile and flight traffic using large-screen technology. Hand-held Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) also represent a possible ubiquitous form of information display. Other possible user interfaces for public map displays may be envisioned based on research in the emerging fields of ubiquitous computing and ambient intelligence.
Group extensions and tame pairs

Tame pairs of groups were introduced to study the missing boundary problem for covers of compact 3-manifolds. In this paper we prove that if 1→ A→ G→ B → 1 is an exact sequence of infinite finitely presented groups or if G is an ascending HNN-extension with base A and H is a certain type of finitely presented subgroup of A, then the pair (G, H) is tame. Also we develop a technique for showing certain groups cannot be the fundamental group of a compact 3-manifold. In particular, we give an elementary proof of the result of R. Bieri, W. Neumann and R. Strebel: A strictly ascending HNN-extension cannot be the fundamental group of a
Gas phase anion reactions at atmospheric pressure

Abstract Negative ion atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry has been used to investigate the gas phase atmospheric pressure anion chemistry of N 2 O 2 H − and . N 2 O 2 H − has been shown to be a stronger base than . Specific types of reaction ( e.g. proton abstraction, and dehydration) have been identified for each of these anions. Although the analytical significance of these reactions has not yet been demonstrated, certain compounds such as alcohols which do not readily attach electrons directly can easily be detected by observing a specific anion reaction product. The technique appears to provide an additional dimension to established gas chromatographic—mass spectrometric analyses.
Quantifiers in Comparatives: A Semantics of Degree Based on Intervals

The sentence Irving was closer to me than he was to most of the others contains a quantifier, most of the others, in the scope a comparative. The first part of this paper explains the challenges presented by such cases to existing approaches to the semantics of the comparative. The second part presents a new analysis of comparatives based on intervals rather than points on a scale. This innovation is analogized to the move from moments to intervals in tense semantics. The remainder of the paper is concerned with an interval-based semantics of degree in relation to issues other than the comparative proper. The paper begins with a discussion of the role negative polarity has played in studies on the semantics of comparatives. 1. I NTRODUCTION
Energy-aware server provisioning and load dispatching for connection-intensive internet services

Energy consumption in hosting Internet services is becoming a pressing issue as these services scale up. Dynamic server provisioning techniques are effective in turning off unnecessary servers to save energy. Such techniques, mostly studied for request-response services, face challenges in the context of connection servers that host a large number of long-lived TCP connections. In this paper, we characterize unique properties, performance, and power models of connection servers, based on a real data trace collected from the deployed Windows Live Messenger. Using the models, we design server provisioning and load dispatching algorithms and study subtle interactions between them. We show that our algorithms can save a significant amount of energy without sacrificing user experiences.
Model of fatigue crack growth based on energy dissipated within the process zone

ABSTRACT Viewing extension of crack by fatigue as a sequence of discreet growth steps of finite magnitude, we employ the concept of a cyclic R-curve to provide theoretical estimates of the fatigue crack growth rates for yielding and/or nonlinearly viscous materials. Influence of the material parameters such as ductility, tearing modulus and strain hardening exponent on the rate da/dN has been investigated. Two limiting cases of practical interest, 1) low cycle fatigue, and 2) near-critical fatigue, have been shown to obey certain simple laws such as a power and an exponential law. For the former case the rate of growth approaches zero as em, while for the latter da/dN becomes unbounded as exp(l/e), where m is a constant and c denotes a small nondimensional quantity proportional to the intensity of the outer stress field. Appropriate closed form expressions, valid for the entire range of fatigue process, excluding the near threshold propagation, are suggested.
Obesity Associates with Impaired Quality of Life in Parkinson Disease (P2.056)

Objective/Background: Medical comorbidities are increasingly recognized as relevant contributors to meaningful outcomes in Parkinson disease (PD) including poor quality of life (QoL). Obesity is a common health condition that is usually not considered in QoL assessments in PD. It may impact PD-QoL, however, by several potential pathways including a) worsening of overall motor burden b) worsening of non-motor features including mood, fatigue, or sleep disorders, or c) contributing to cognitive dysfunction given the increasingly noted interaction between metabolic syndrome and neurodegeneration. Design/Methods: Using multivariable linear regression, we explored the relative influence of obesity, as assessed using body mass index (BMI), in a cross-sectional cohort study of 120 subjects with PD. The PDQ-39 scale was used to assess QoL. The overall model included other relevant mediators of quality of life including age, disease duration, Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) motor score, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score, Geriatric Depression scale (GDS), the Fatigue Severity Scale, and the Parkinson Disease Sleep Severity scale (PDSS) scores. Results: The overall model R2 value was 0.476 (F=12.59, p<0.0001). Significant predictors of quality of life included BMI (t=2.56, p=0.012), MDS-UPDRS motor score (t=3.19, p=0.0018), GDS score (t=3.61, p=0.0005), PDSS score (t=-2.80, p=0.006), and FSS score (t=3.54, p=0.0006). Conclusions: Obesity may contribute to poor QoL in PD through mechanisms independent of overall motor burden, depression, fatigue, sleep dysfunction, or cognitive decline. Additional research is needed to determine whether obesity is a trait marker for other unmeasured QoL-influencing features in PD or whether targeted weight loss amongst overweight patients with PD may merit further clinical exploration. Supported by NIH grants PO1 NS015655, RO1 NS070856, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Disclosure: Dr. Muller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bohnen has nothing to disclose.
An Aerial Trap for Collecting Drone Honeybees in Congregation Areas

SummaryA simple aerial trap for collecting drones in congregation areas is described. Large numbers (>1000) of drones can be collected on days favourable for drone flight. When used with a population containing marked drones the trap permits the assessment of age, race and apiary of origin of the drones in the congregation area. This trap has several advantages over previous sampling methods.
L-arginine ameliorates the abnormal sympathetic response of the dysfunctional human coronary microvasculature.

A nitric oxide (NO)-related defect may contribute to abnormal coronary sympathetic responses that can cause ischemia in patients with endothelial dysfunction. Because L-arginine, the NO synthase (NOS) precursor, augments NO bioactivity, we hypothesized that L-arginine would improve dysfunctional coronary sympathetic responses. Eleven patients with atherosclerosis or its risk factors were challenged with the cold pressor test, a specific provocative test of cardiac sympathetic activity, after 3 separate and sequential intracoronary infusions, as follows: 1) Normal saline; 2) L-NMMA, a competitive inhibitor of NOS; and 3) L-arginine. Study patients exhibited abnormal microvascular responses with coronary vascular resistance (CVR) increasing by 22.3 ±9.7% (mean ± 1 SEM), p<0.01. In addition, the change in coronary blood flow (CBF) did not correlate with the change in rate pressure product (RPP), r = -0.29, p = NS, suggesting an uncoupling of CBF from cardiac work. In the presence of L-NMMA, the CVR response,...
Moving the Needle: A Retrospective Pre- and Post-analysis of Improving Perceived Abilities Across 20 Leadership Skills

To assess the influence of intensive focused leadership training on self-evaluation of leadership skills among Maternal and Child Health (MCH) professionals enrolled in the Maternal and Child Health Public Health Leadership Institute (MCH PHLI). Senior-level MCH leaders (n = 54) participated in the first two cohorts of the MCH PHLI, a senior-level training program funded through the Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Participants were asked to complete a retrospective pre- and post-test rating inventory at program completion. Participants self-identified their skill level across 20 leadership skills that were the focus of the training program. These skills were derived from the MCH Leadership Competencies, 3.0 and literature reviews, and then divided into two domains: Core leadership skills and Organizational/Institutional leadership skills. Data were analyzed to determine whether participants perceived skill level increased by the end of their training year. A one-sided (upper) paired T Test and a Wilcoxen Signed Rank Sum Test were used to determine statistical significance. Increases in perceived skill levels were found to be statistically significant at the alpha = .01 level for all 20 target skills. The MCH PHLI model of intensive leadership development, incorporating a hybrid approach of onsite and distance-based learning, was broadly effective in building targeted leadership skills as perceived by participants.
Spherical reference cavities for frequency stabilization of lasers in non-laboratory environments

We present an optical cavity design that is insensitive to both vibrations and orientation. The design is based on a spherical cavity spacer that is held rigidly at two points on a diameter of the sphere. Coupling of the support forces to the cavity length is reduced by holding the sphere at a “squeeze insensitive angle” with respect to the optical axis. Finite element analysis is used to calculate the acceleration sensitivity of the spherical cavity for the ideal geometry as well as for several varieties of fabrication errors. The measured acceleration sensitivity for an initial, sub-ideal version of the mounted cavity is 4.0(5) × 10−11/g, 1.6(3) × 10−10/g, and 3.1(1) × 10−10/g (where g = 9.81 m/s2) for accelerations along the vertical and two horizontal directions, and the fractional frequency stability of a laser locked to the cavity is 1.2 × 10−15 between 0.4 and 13 s. This low acceleration sensitivity combined with the orientation insensitivity that comes with a rigid mount indicates that this cavity design could allow frequency stable lasers to operate in non-laboratory environments.
Minimum number of modes in approximate solutions to equations of hydrodynamics

Abstract A lower bound on the number of modes needed for a qualitatively correct approximate solution of the Navier-Stokes equation, due to Foias and Prodi, is presented. For the case of the Rayleigh-Benard convection problem the bound is related to physically significant parameters. More generally, it is conjectured that for high Reynolds numbers the spectrum of the minimum number of modes needed to describe the flow spans precisely the inertial range.