cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of sedimenting spheres with multiple surface roughness scales

The interaction of a pair of spherical particles of different densities and/or sizes with microscopic surface roughness sedimenting due to gravity in a viscous fluid is analysed by theory and experiment. The surface topography is modelled as a combination of small uniformly distributed bumps of uniform height and larger bumps that are more sparsely distributed. The existence of these surface asperities allows the spheres to physically contact each other, so that both hydrodynamic and solid-contact forces are important. When the angle between the line of centres and vertical is small, the spheres may rotate as a rigid body because they are not able to roll up and over a large bump. As this angle increases, however, the heavy sphere rolls and slips past the lighter sphere, and the separation between the nominal surfaces of the spheres varies between the heights of the small and large asperities. When considering many encounters, there is a distribution of nominal separations at each angle due to the distribution of initial conditions and surface topography. The average nominal separation generally increases with increasing angle between the line of centres and vertical because the normal component of gravity, which drives the spheres close together after an encounter with a large bump lifts them apart, decreases as this angle increases.
Exploring Palliative Planning for Device Patients: A Need for Patient Defined Criteria for Discontinuation of Support

Purpose With the proliferation of LVAD therapy, the emphasis and publication burden has focused on outcomes, patient selection and medical success. There are few guidelines on addressing the palliative, emotional and caregiver needs associated with LVAD therapy. We therefore surveyed LVAD patients and caretakers to better define treatments deficits. Methods and Materials We surveyed 33 LVAD patients and their caregiver(s) in the clinic setting between June and September, 2012. The survey consisted of 8 questions focused on communication of advance directives, quality of life, current symptoms, and plans for turning off the LVAD in the event of severe illness. Results Twenty-nine respondents (88%) completed the survey, 12 caregivers and 17 patients. Despite the fact that 21 (75%) of respondents acknowledged they were aware they could obtain and advanced directive, 10 patients (58%) did not have one. Although most patients are not completing an advanced directive, 80% of patients have had discussion with family about medical decisions if they were to become sick and couldn’t communicate. No respondent, caretaker or patient, had discussed turning off the LVAD with a heart failure team member in the event of severe illness. The mean quality of life on a scale of 0-10 was 8.02, with the most common symptom complaints being fatigue and shortness of breath. Conclusions In this study, most LVAD patients did not complete advanced directives and no patients or caretakers had discussed medical condition warranting turning the LVAD off. These data identify an opportunity for more prospective definition of patients directions and a need for more detailed upfront discussion for medical planning.
CACHING IN WITH MULTIGRID ALGORITHMS: PROBLEMS IN TWO DIMENSIONS

Multigrid methods combine a number of standard sparse matrix techniques. Usual implementations separate the individual components (e.g., an iterative methods, residual computation, and interpolation between grids) into nicely structured routines. However, many computers today employ quite sophisticated and potentially large caches whose correct use are instrumental in gaining much of the peak performance of the processors. We investigate when it makes sense to combine several of the multigrid components into one, using block oriented algorithms. We determine how large (or small) the blocks must be in order for the data in the block to just fit into the processor's primary cache. By re-using the data in cache several times, a potential savings in run time can be predicted. This is analyzed for a set of examples.
Distributed wide-area multi-object tracking with non-overlapping camera views

We present a distributed system for wide-area multi-object tracking across disjoint camera views. Every camera in the system performs multi-object tracking, and keeps its own trackers and trajectories. The data from multiple features are exchanged between adjacent cameras for object matching. We employ a probabilistic Petri Net-based approach to account for the uncertainties of the vision algorithms (such as unreliable background subtraction, and tracking failure) and to incorporate the available domain knowledge. We combine appearance features of objects as well as the travel-time evidence for target matching and consistent labeling across disjoint camera views. 3D color histogram, histogram of oriented gradients, local binary patterns, object size and aspect ratio are used as the appearance features. The distribution of the travel time is modeled by a Gaussian mixture model. Multiple features are combined by the weights, which are assigned based on the reliability of the features. By incorporating the domain knowledge about the camera configurations and the information about the received packets from other cameras, certain transitions are fired in the probabilistic Petri net. The system is trained to learn different parameters of the matching process, and updated online. We first present wide-area tracking of vehicles, where we used three non-overlapping cameras. The first and the third cameras are approximately 150 m apart from each other with two intersections in the blind region. We also present an example of applying our method to a people-tracking scenario. The results show the success of the proposed method. A comparison between our work and related work is also presented.
An Omnidirectional Reflector and Microcavity Resonatorvia the Sol-Gel Method

Thin films of sol-gel SiO2 and TiO2 were used to fabricate two types of onedimensional photonic crystals: an omnidirectional reflector and microcavity resonator. The reflector consisted of six SiO2/TiO2 bilayers, designed with a stopband in the near infrared. Reflectance measurements over an incident angle range of 0-80° showed an omnidirectional band of 70 nm, which agrees with theoretical predictions for this materials system. The microcavity resonator consisted of a TiO2 Fabry-Perot cavity sandwiched between two SiO2/TiO2 mirrors of three bilayers each. We have fabricated a microcavity with resonance at λcavity = 1500nm and achieved a quality factor of Q=35. We measured a modulation in the cavity resonance frequency with a change of defect layer thickness and incident angle of light. This work demonstrates the feasibility of fabricating photonic crystals via the sol-gel method.
Indigenous Knowledge and the Desertification Debate: Problematising Expert Knowledge in North Africa

Abstract In Morocco the crisis narrative of desertification has been invoked for decades to facilitate and justify policy and legal changes that have systematically disadvantaged pastoralists and damaged the environment. The existing data from southern Morocco, however, do not support the claims of widespread desertification due to overgrazing or other pastoral activities. Furthermore, many anti-desertification and range improvement projects in southern Morocco have not succeeded. In an effort to rethink desertification and range ecology in Morocco, this paper presents an overview of the indigenous knowledge of range ecology among the Aarib, a group of camel pastoralists in southern Morocco, and compares it to the “expert” knowledge of Moroccan range managers. It suggests that this expert knowledge is based on questionable evidence and that it has been privileged over local knowledge primarily for political, economic and administrative reasons. The discrepancies between expert and indigenous knowledges of range ecology presented here underscore the need to reconsider range ecology in Morocco, taking indigenous ecological knowledge into account. Doing so may point the way to more successful development and conservation projects which are more environmentally appropriate and socially just. Not doing so will likely exacerbate environmental degradation in the region.
Online BIST for embedded systems

Embedded systems must meet increasingly high expectations of safety and high reliability. The authors survey online-testing techniques for identifying faults that can lead to system failure. They focus on online built-in self-test and its role in a comprehensive testing approach.
Non-linear regression models to estimate the size of DNA fragments

The least-squares, hyperbolic regression model is frequently used to estimate the size of unknown DNA fragments. This model avoids problems associated with semilog-plot interpolation, is computationally easy to use and provides an excellent fit to many experimental data sets. However, the methods commonly used to solve the hyperbolic regression model perform an inappropriate linearization of the original non-linear model. In this note, we describe advantages offered by standard, non-linear regression techniques, and provide computer code for a common statistical package to do these analyses.
Infant Behavior and Maternal Attitudes Early Sex Differences in West Bengal, India

Nineteen boys and 20 girls from West Bengal, aged 7-18 months, were observed, together with their mothers, in free activity in a standard setting. The boys' exploratory and attachment behaviors showed developmental trends parallel to trends found among same age American children. The girls showed reduced exploratory behavior and a heightened need for physical closeness with the mother; those behaviors became prominent during the second year of the children's lives. Mothers of boys interacted with the son across a distance, and initiated interaction as well as were responsive to him significantly more than did mothers toward a daughter. They also evidenced a distinct pattern of reciprocity with the son, in contrast to a poorly established pattern of reciprocity between mothers and their daughters. The differential maternal attitudes toward boys and girls became marked during the second year of the children's lives. It was suggested that this culturally determined change in maternal attitudes led to an inse...
Finite-Element Analysis of Helical Piers in Frozen Ground

This paper presents a study of the behavior of helical pier foundations in frozen ground. The scope of the work presented includes developing finite-element analysis (FEA) models that simulate the stress-strain relationships in the pier and in the surrounding frozen soil. The paper also presents the results of the analysis models developed. The FEA computer program ANSYS is used to perform the computations that include three phases: The first phase is related to the instantaneous stability of piers in frozen or thawed soil under applied design loads. The second phase is related to the analysis of the pier strength during installation into frozen ground when the piers need to withstand installation torque and axial loads. The third phase is related to the long-term stability and critical loads of piers owing to creep in frozen soil. The most important finding of the analysis is that the load is not distributed into the frozen ground equally by the helixes of a multi-helix pier; instead, the bottom helix tr...
Hidden Treasures in Co-shaping Community Environment

In this column the author focuses on the concepts of growing community, cultivating trust, and keeping passion as part of co-shaping community. These concepts surfaced in the story of Mae Gonzalez, a 90 year-old nurse who is still active in her nursing practice. Her story, intermingled throughout this column, demonstrates the importance of historical consciousness to current nursing. Three of the processes from Parse's description of community as well as her concepts of true presence and human dignity are highlighted as Mae shared her treasures of growing community, cultivating trust, and keeping passion.
Preload-adjusted left ventricular dP/dtmax: a sensitive, continuous, load-independent contractility index

The classical indicators of left ventricular (LV) performances have been derived from pressure-volume (PV) and stroke work-volume plots obtained during various loading or pharmacological interventions. More recently, the preload-adjusted maximal change in pressure over time (PAdP/dtmax), derived from single beat PV analysis, has been shown to reflect the LV systolic performance accurately in varying conditions of inotropy and afterload. The objective of this study was to address whether PAdP/dtmax is a valid indicator of LV function in the setting of large preload variations, compared with the classical dP/dtmax-end-diastolic volume (EDV) and stroke work-EDV (preload recruitable stroke work) relationships. Nine anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated rats were instrumented with a ventricular conductance catheter. Stepwise preload reduction was achieved by repeated blood withdrawals (up to a total of 5 ml). Steady-state and dynamic PV loops were recorded during brief occlusion of the inferior vena cava, and LV function parameters were derived from these recordings. Our results demonstrate that PAdP/dtmax behaved in a similar manner to preload recruitable stroke work, reflecting well-maintained LV contractility during controlled haemorrhage until mean arterial pressure decreased below 40 mmHg. In contrast, dP/dtmax-EDV increased significantly and exhibited a curvilinear response that was associated with a large inter- and intra-animal variability. In a model of acute preload reduction, PAdP/dtmax was found to be the best indicator of systolic LV function. Given its simplicity, this real-time index derived from single beat analysis should be tested further in clinical settings.
Evolving the artist-technologist

Animate Arts provides a model for training students to cross the boundaries of art and technology, as well as for teaching programming to students who might otherwise find it inaccessible or unappealing. The program offers many lessons for traditional methods of teaching programming as well. Northwestern's Animate Arts program seeks to unite artists and programmers through team teaching and a curriculum that draws from visual and sound arts, cultural and narrative theory, and computer science. Although Animate Arts is not devoted specifically to game design, it does teach skills relevant to the game industry
Local Shape Registration Using Boundary-Constrained Match of Skeletons

This paper presents a new shape registration algorithm that establishes "meaningful correspondence " between objects, in that it preserves the local shape correspondence between the source and target objects. By observing that an object's skeleton corresponds to its local shape peaks, we use skeleton to characterize the local shape of the source and target objects. Unlike traditional graph-based skeleton matching algorithms that focus on matching skeletons alone and ignore the overall alignment of the boundaries, our algorithm is formulated in a variational framework which aligns local shape by registering two potential fields that are associated with skeletons. Also, we add a boundary constraint term to the energy functional, such that our algorithm can be applied to match bulky objects where skeleton and boundary are far away to each other. To increase the robustness of our algorithm, we incorporate M-estimator and dynamic pruning algorithm to form a feedback system that eliminates local shape outliers caused by nonrigid deformation, occlusion, and missing parts. Experiments on 2D binary shapes and 3D cardiac sequences validate the accuracy and robustness of this algorithm.
Adjacent channel interference rejection for land mobile radio systems

Adjacent channel interference (ACI) rejection for the uplink of a narrowband land mobile radio system in flat Rayleigh fading channel is considered. Receive antenna diversity with interference rejection combining (IRC) that accounts for the spatial correlation of the interfering signal is shown to achieve significant gains over traditional maximal ratio combining (MRC). The approach is then extended to exploit the temporal correlation of the ACI through fractionally-spaced processing. These approaches provide 10-30 dB ACI suppression gain, depending on the vehicle speed and noise level.
Abnormal bile acid absorption in familial hypertriglyceridemia

To better define the abnormality of bile acid metabolism associated with hypertriglyceridemia, we measured bile acid kinetics and absorption as well as preferential use of newly synthesized cholesterol for bile acid synthesis in eleven controls and ten subjects with hypertriglyceridemia, six of whom could be classified as having familial hypertriglyceridemia (FHT). Fractional turnover rates of cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid were both significantly elevated in hypertriglyceridemic subjects to nearly twice the rates in controls. Bile acid synthesis was also significantly higher in hypertriglyceridemic subjects while bile acid pools were either unchanged or somewhat reduced. Consistent with these kinetics, bile acid absorption was significantly lower in hypertriglyceridemic subjects than in controls. Overall only 10-12% of bile acid was derived from newly synthesized cholesterol, and hypertriglyceridemic subjects did not differ from controls. Because hypertriglyceridemia should not alter bile acid absorption, these results are consistent with the previously suggested possibility (B. Angelin, K. S. Hershon, and J. D. Brunzell, 1987. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 84: 5434-5438) that impaired bile acid absorption may be a primary defect in some patients with hypertriglyceridemia.
An Adaptive Grid Scheme for Single-Event Upset Device Simulations

An adaptive grid scheme for single-event upset device simulations is presented. Single-event transient simulations for a reverse-biased N + /P diode and nMOSFET were performed using the adaptive grid scheme, a customized grid scheme and a uniform grid scheme. Results show that adaptive gridding can offer significant simulation time savings while preserving accuracy.
A Glimpse of History: Working for the House Majority Whip in the Early Days of the 111th Congress

The rapidity, duration, and intensity of it all caught me by surprise. Nearly at a full run, I dashed through a corridor and down a winding staircase to my first morning meeting. I took a place along a wall with a few other staff, but my eyes were fixed upon the principals. Gathered around a vast table were the chairs, the majority leader, and my boss—the house majority whip. The discourse was mostly heavy—President Obama's historic election, the burden of leadership, and the daunting task to balance politics and policy in order to deliver on the promises and hopes of the people who sent them. The immediate business was expanding children's health insurance and a stimulus package to turn around an economy teetering on the brink. The majority leader was resolute. Congress would need to deliver bold actions in order to overcome the deep anxiety of the times and to build confidence for the long struggle ahead. The whip was equally resolute as he summoned back hard lessons from lost eras—Roosevelt's New Deal and Truman's Fair Deal. Congress could not allow mistakes of the past to be repeated. With a clear appreciation of history, the whip made the case for a 21st Century New Deal that ensured the poor and most vulnerable would not be left behind. No sooner did I try to reflect upon this special moment and it was time to rush off once again.
Corrosion of SiC Mateials in N2–H2–CO Gaseous Environments: II, Durability and Mechanical Properties

Three SiC materials were exposed to two gas compositions in the N2–H2–CO system at 1200° and 1300°C, 133 Pa and 98.7 kPa for 50–1000 h. The durability was evaluated by fracturing bend bars at room temperature and C-rings at room temperature and 1300°C in argon. Fractography was used to correlate changes in strength with changes in flaw populations. In all three materials, surface pitting was the primary cause of degradation. Under some conditions it was found that flaw healing and new flaw formation occurred simultaneously. C-rings cut from tubes did not lose strength, although pitting occurred; however, machined bend bars lost strength under identical conditions. In the case of bend bars, following an initial loss of strength (∼10%–50%) after 50–150 h, there was typically no further loss observed with increased exposure time. Due to its higher Pco, degradation in an endothermic gas was generally more severe than that in a nitrogen–based gas.
Runtime Reconfigurable MPSoC architecture for control drive system

In this paper, an overview of reconfigurability is presented with some design recommendations. Besides, a design flow of a Reconfigurable System on Chip (RSoC) is studied for an application case: the implementation of two different controllers on Multiprocessor SoC (MPSoC) architecture using the FPGA Virtex-II Pro. A runtime partial reconfiguration is adopted to switch between them. A predictive internal state definition allows a soft commutation between controllers. Experimental results confirm the adopted approach efficiency and give satisfying performance.
Intubation Technique for Obtaining Material from the Esophagus for Cytologic Examination

Summary 1.A case is reported in which biopsy of an esophageal carcinoma was negative, whereas cytologic examination of washings from the lesion revealed cells suspicious of malignancy. 2.An intubation method for obtaining esophageal washings is described.
Comprehensive Joint Feedback Control for Standing by Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation—A Simulation Study

Previous investigations of feedback control of standing after spinal cord injury (SCI) using functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) have primarily targeted individual joints. This study assesses the potential efficacy of comprehensive (trunk, hips, knees, and ankles) joint feedback control against postural disturbances using a bipedal, 3-D computer model of SCI stance. Proportional-derivative feedback drove an artificial neural network trained to produce muscle excitation patterns consistent with maximal joint stiffness values achievable about neutral stance given typical SCI muscle properties. Feedback gains were optimized to minimize upper extremity (UE) loading required to stabilize against disturbances. Compared to the baseline case of maximum constant muscle excitations used clinically, the controller reduced UE loading by 55% in resisting external force perturbations and by 84% during simulated one-arm functional tasks. Performance was most sensitive to inaccurate measurements of ankle plantar/dorsiflexion position and hip ab/adduction velocity feedback. In conclusion, comprehensive joint feedback demonstrates potential to markedly improve FNS standing function. However, alternative control structures capable of effective performance with fewer sensor-based feedback parameters may better facilitate clinical usage.
Cosmological probes of modified gravity: the nonlinear regime.

We review the effects of modified gravity on large-scale structure in the nonlinear regime, focusing on f(R) gravity and the Dvali–Gabadadze–Porrati model, for which full N-body simulations have been performed. In particular, we discuss the abundance of massive halos, the nonlinear matter power spectrum and the dynamics within clusters and galaxies, with particular emphasis on the screening mechanisms present in these models.
New surface morphology for low stress thin-film-coated thermal neutron detectors

Experimental devices using patterns of holes etched into semiconductor surfaces are under evaluation for use as neutron detectors. The devices have miniature holes equidistantly spaced so as to completely cover the front surface of a planar semiconductor device. The devices have both electrical contacts and neutron reactive coatings applied over the surface and within the holes. The tiny via holes assist in thin-film adhesion while offering a method to increase the thermal-neutron detection efficiency.
Inaccuracy of various proposed electrocardiographic criteria in the diagnosis of apical myocardial infarction — a critical review

The diagnostic accuracy of the standard electrocardiogram (ECG) in apical myocardial infarction (MI) was evaluated in 112 consecutive patients with recent MI and wall-motion abnormalities limited to the left ventricular (LV) apex on two-dimensional echocardiography, performed at rest 21 to 84 days after MI. The following patterns of abnormal (≥30 ms) Q waves were found: anteroseptal (Q V1–V4) in 44 patients (39.3%), anterolateral (Q V1–V6 and/or I, aVL) in 22 (19.6%), inferior (Q III, aVF or II, III, aVF) in five (4.5%), lateral (Q I, aVL and/or V5–V6) in five (4.5%), anteroinferior in six (5.3%); non-Q MI was present in 30 patients (26.8%). By applying various proposed ECG criteria, the presence of apical MI was correctly identified in very few (24, 21%) patients. LV apex was extensively asynergic in 85 patients (76%) and partially asynergic in 27 (24%). All the patients with Q waves in lateral leads and 47% of the patients with non-Q MI had partially asynergic LV apex, while in the other ECG patterns, extensively asynergic LV apex was predominant. The presence of both ≥ 30 ms Q waves and loss of R in left precordial leads and I strongly suggests extensive apical asynergy; normal QRS in the same leads, however, does not exclude extensive apical involvement. Patients with extensively asynergic LV apex had higher end-diastolic volume (58±23 vs 46±15 mlm−2 P < 0.01), lower ejection fraction (52±5 vs 58±6%, P < 0.001) and a greater incidence of abnormal Q waves (3.2±1.8 vs 1.2±1.1, P<0.01) than patients with partially asynergic LV apex. In conclusion; various proposed ECG criteria are insensitive (21% success rate) in detecting apical MI diagnosed by 2D ECHO; the most common ECG pattern is anterior Q waves, and the ECG may simulate a large infarction even when the asynergy is limited to the LV apex. However a greater infarct size on ECG is associated with greater apical involvement.
Are Pointer-Based Parallel Algorithms Realistic?

Most if not all the recent theoretical work in parallel algorithm design has focus on what I shall refer to as pointer-based algorithm design. By this, I mean those algorithms that spend most of their time chasing pointers. Included in pointer-based sequential problems/algorithms are most graph algorithms such as depth-first search, breadth-first search, and maximum flow. These problems are know to be parallelizable. However, the algorithms do not use pointers, but rather rely on dense matrix operations and thus use an unrealistic number of processors. The theory community realizes that these algorithms at the present time are not efficient. On the other hand, many graph problems can be performed in parallel with only a modest increase in total work done, ie, (time) X (number of processors). These problems graph connectivity, finding maximal independent sets in a graph, and list ranking. Algorithms for these problem are often referred to as processor efficient algorithms, modestly known as “optimal” algorithms. There is a substantial effort underway in the theory community to find additional optimal algorithms. All the algorithms found so far use pointerchasing to decrease the number of processors used.
Physical activity, weight status, and mortality among congestive heart failure patients

Abstract Background Although obesity contributes to increased heart failure risk, and in alignment with the "obesity paradox", studies demonstrate that overweight/obese patients with established heart failure have better clinical outcomes when compared to their normal weight counterparts. To address this, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the fat-but-fit paradigm among those with congestive heart failure. Methods Participant data from the 1999–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were utilized, with follow-up through 2011. Analyses are based on data from 573 participants who had a physician-diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Based on self-reported physical activity status and measured body mass index, participants were categorized into 6 mutually exclusive groups: Group 1: Normal Weight and Inactive, Group 2) Overweight and Inactive, Group 3) Obese and Inactive, Group 4) Normal Weight and Active, Group 5) Overweight and Active and Group 6) Obese and Active. Results When compared to Group 1, those in Groups 2, 4, 5, and 6 had a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Conclusion Physically active congestive heart failure patients, regardless of weight status, have survival benefits.
Aphid Sampling Efficiency of Möericke Traps Affected by Height and Background

Alate aphids were trapped in studies of the field spread of lettuce mosaic virus. The effectiveness of yellow-painted water pans (MOericke traps) at different heights and backgrounds was compared in determining the seasonal abundance of alate aphid populations. Pans 15 inches above bare soil were most effective; pans at the same height surrounded by plants were less effective; and pans 8 feet above bare soil were least effective. Sixty-eight species of aphids in 37 genera were identified. Myzus persicae (Sulzer), green peach aphid, comprised 28% of the total. Brevicoryne brassicae (L.), cabbage aphid; Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), corn leaf aphid; and Hyalopterus atriplicis (L.) contributed 37% of the total.
The United States and the osce after the Ukraine Crisis

Ever since negotiations on the Helsinki Final Act opened in Helsinki in 1973, the United States has regarded the Conference (later Organization) on Security and Co-operation in Europe with some ambivalence. The role of the Helsinki Final Act in establishing a normative regime that contributed significantly to undermining the authoritarian regimes in the former Warsaw Pact countries, eventually bringing an end to the Cold War, is widely recognized and appreciated in the United States. However, the expanded post-Cold War role of the OSCE has received less attention in US foreign policy and, with respect to issues of European security, has clearly been assigned a secondary role in that policy behind the NATO Alliance. Those knowledgeable about the OSCE in the United States widely regard its role in positive terms on issues such as human rights, rights of persons belonging to minorities, rule of law, election monitoring and other “soft” security issues. However, the OSCE role in “hard” security issues has been given little attention and receives only limited support, due largely to its inability to achieve consensus on most serious security problems and its lack of resources to effectively implement those decisions that it takes. Nevertheless, the recent crisis in Ukraine has awakened US interest in the OSCE as the institutional framework best able to manage that crisis. The challenge for the German Chairmanship in 2016 will be to build upon this renewed US attention to the OSCE ’s role in “hard” security issues, in promoting negotiated resolutions to this and other stalemated conflicts, in rebuilding the badly damaged regime of confidence-building measures and conventional arms control, as well as responding, within the multilateral OSCE framework, to new security threats, such as cyber warfare and countering violent extremism.
Limited growth in fungi.

Current concepts of fungal growth hold that fungi should grow indefinitely if sufficient nutrients are present and if staling substances are not produced in concentrations high enough to limit grow...
The Role of Individual Differences in Executive Attentional Networks and Switching Choices in Multi-Task Management:

Individual differences in cognitive processing relate to critical performance differences in real-world environments. Task switching is required for many of them and especially for task management during overload. Research exploring individual differences related to switching behavior (both frequency, and adherence to “optimal” switch times) is, however, sparse. We examined these relationships here, using the attentional network task to index executive control, and an ongoing tracking task (within a larger suite of concurrent task demands) to examine switching behavior. The results failed to support a general relationship between executive control and frequency in a complex, heterogeneous multi-task environment. However, higher executive control participants more successfully exploited “optimal” switching times, highlighting the varying role of individual differences in task management, when choice is unconstrained.
Health Risks of Organics in Land Application

The potential health problems associated with the presence of persistent organic chemicals in wastewater and sludge, when applied to agricultural lands, are reviewed. The topics considered include: the type and amounts of organic chemicals present in wastewater and sludge, their fate on land, potential health effects on workers and other exposed populations, and effects on the quality of ground and surface waters and on the food chain. Because information on the effects of chronic exposures is scarce, several examples are given from cases of acute exposure, usually to wastewater treatment plant workers. There is insufficient information available to assess the long-term health risks of exposure to organics in wastewater treatment plants or at land application sites. Further research is recommended on the uptake of organic chemicals by food crops. Long-term follow-up is recommended for populations who have had acute short-term exposure to organic chemicals from waste materials.
Association of Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation With Alzheimer Disease Stage in Apolipoprotein E ε4 Carriers: A Review

Importance The apolipoprotein E e4 (APOE4) allele identifies a unique population that is at significant risk for developing Alzheimer disease (AD). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential ω-3 fatty acid that is critical to the formation of neuronal synapses and membrane fluidity. Observational studies have associated ω-3 intake, including DHA, with a reduced risk for incident AD. In contrast, randomized clinical trials of ω-3 fatty acids have yielded mixed and inconsistent results. Interactions among DHA,APOEgenotype, and stage of AD pathologic changes may explain the mixed results of DHA supplementation reported in the literature. Observations Although randomized clinical trials of ω-3 in symptomatic AD have had negative findings, several observational and clinical trials of ω-3 in the predementia stage of AD suggest that ω-3 supplementation may slow early memory decline inAPOE4carriers. Several mechanisms by which theAPOE4allele could alter the delivery of DHA to the brain may be amenable to DHA supplementation in predementia stages of AD. Evidence of accelerated DHA catabolism (eg, activation of phospholipases and oxidation pathways) could explain the lack of efficacy of ω-3 supplementation in AD dementia. The association of cognitive benefit with DHA supplementation in predementia but not AD dementia suggests that early ω-3 supplementation may reduce the risk for or delay the onset of AD symptoms inAPOE4carriers. Recent advances in brain imaging may help to identify the optimal timing for future DHA clinical trials. Conclusions and Relevance High-dose DHA supplementation inAPOE4carriers before the onset of AD dementia can be a promising approach to decrease the incidence of AD. Given the safety profile, availability, and affordability of DHA supplements, refining an ω-3 intervention inAPOE4carriers is warranted.
Incorporating Quality of Life Metrics in Interventional Oncology Practice

Interventional radiologists care for a large number of cancer patients with the breadth of palliative intent minimally invasive procedures that we provide. Understanding our meaningful impact on patients' quality of life is essential toward validating our role in the palliation of cancer patients. As such, it is critically important for interventional radiologists to understand common instruments used for the reporting of patient's quality of life measures. Common instruments used to measure pain and quality of life for cancer patients include the numerical rating scale, visual analog scale, brief pain inventory, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy. An ideal quality of life instrument should be a patient reported outcome measure across multiple domains (e.g., physical health, psychological, social), and be both validated and reliable.
The Use of Geochemical Mixing Models to Derive Runoff Sources and Hydrologic Flow Paths

Mixing models have long been used in catchment studies to partition streamflow runoff into individual source components and characterize hydrologic flow paths (Pinder and Jones 1969; Sklash and Farvolden 1979; Bazemore et al. 1994; Buttle 1994). These models assume that catchment runoff is a mixture of unique runoff sources whose contributions can be determined using tracers that behave conservatively. The key benefit of using these models is that they describe the integrated catchment response as opposed to point-specific information provided by, for example, groundwater wells. These models are especially valuable for understanding watershed behavior when used in conjunction with hydrometric data (Bonell 1998; Buttle 2005). The use of mixing models in catchment hydrology has evolved over time with a focus on different types of runoff components, changes in computational methods, and a greater recognition of the limitations and benefits of these models.
Conserved SUN-KASH interfaces mediate LINC complex-dependent nuclear movement and positioning

Many nuclear positioning events involve linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes, which transmit forces generated by the cytoskeleton across the nuclear envelope. LINC complexes are formed by trans-luminal interactions between inner nuclear membrane SUN proteins and outer nuclear membrane KASH proteins, but how these interactions are regulated is poorly understood. We combine in vivo C. elegans genetics, in vitro wounded fibroblast polarization, and in silico molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate mechanisms of LINC complexes. The extension of the KASH domain by a single alanine residue or the mutation of the conserved tyrosine at -7 completely blocked the nuclear migration function of C. elegans UNC-83. Analogous mutations at -7 of mouse nesprin-2 disrupted rearward nuclear movements in NIH 3T3 cells, but did not disrupt ANC-1 in nuclear anchorage. Furthermore, conserved cysteines predicted to form a disulfide bond between SUN and KASH proteins are important for the function of certain LINC complexes, and might promote a developmental switch between nuclear migration and nuclear anchorage. Mutations of conserved cysteines in SUN or KASH disrupted ANC-1-dependent nuclear anchorage in C. elegans and Nesprin-2G-dependent nuclear movements in polarizing fibroblasts. However, the SUN cysteine mutation did not disrupt nuclear migration. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations showed that a disulfide bond is necessary for the maximal transmission of cytoskeleton-generated forces by LINC complexes in silico. Thus, we have demonstrated functions for SUN-KASH binding interfaces, including a predicted intermolecular disulfide bond, as mechanistic determinants of nuclear positioning that may represent targets for regulation.
Resistance of Shrub and Groundcover Roses to Black Spot and Cercospora Leaf Spot, and Impact of Fungicide Inputs on the Severity of both Diseases

Abstract Reaction of selected shrub and ground cover roses to black spot, Cercospora leaf spot, and powdery mildew, as well as the impact of fungicide inputs on the control of the above diseases, was assessed from 1999 through 2003 in a simulated landscape planting in Brewton, AL. Chlorothalonil at 1.25 g ai/liter was applied at 2- and 4-week intervals from mid-March until October to randomly selected plants in each replicate. An unsprayed control was also included in each replicate. Although black spot was the predominate disease observed, a number of rose selections suffered from objectionable Cercospora leaf spot-induced leaf spotting and premature defoliation. Few mixed outbreaks of black spot and Cercospora leaf spot on a single selection were seen. In all years, significant differences in the reaction of rose selections to black spot and Cercospora leaf spot were noted. Of the roses damaged by black spot, the least leaf spot and defoliation were noted on the unsprayed Ice Meidiland®, Mystic Meidilan...
The Spy Who Came In with a Cold.

The Spy Who Came In with a Cold A bad cough during a vacation brings the wife of a physician-coach into an express care clinic in a mall. They just want an x-ray to rule out pneumonia, but along wi...
Efficacy of the Well-Being Index to identify distress and stratify well-being in nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

ABSTRACTBackground and purpose:To evaluate the ability of the Well-Being Index (WBI) to stratify distress and well-being (high quality of life [QOL]) in nurse practitioners and physician assistants (NPs and PAs) and identify those whose degree of distress place them at an increased risk for medical
RULER: A Theory-Driven, Systemic Approach to Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process of integrating cognition, emotion, and behavior in our lives. In school settings, it involves systemic practices to incorporate SEL into leading, ...
An Exploratory Study on Determinants of Regular Group Indoor Cycling Participation in Black and White Adults

This study investigated factors influencing regular group indoor cycling (GIC) participation in a sample of Black (71%) and White (29%) adults. Seventeen regular GIC participants (≥1 day/week for ≥...
A Validation Study of Employment Status in Late-Stage CKD.

In the United States, standardized collection of employment status as of 6 months prior and current occurs for all patients within 45 days after the start of dialysis. These data (reported in a national registry) showed a marked decline in employment (defined as full time, part time, and student)
Noe Montez. Memory, Transitional Justice, and Theatre in Postdictatorship Argentina.

Noe Montez’s Memory, Transitional Justice, and Theatre in Postdictatorship Argentina considers how, in the decades following Argentina’s last military dictatorship (1976–83), known as the Process o...
Household endotoxin reduction in the Louisa Environmental Intervention Project for rural childhood asthma.

Endotoxin exacerbates asthma. We designed the Louisa Environmental Intervention Project (LEIP) and assessed its effectiveness in reducing household endotoxin and improving asthma symptoms in rural Iowa children. Asthmatic school children (N = 104 from 89 homes) of Louisa and Keokuk counties in Iowa (aged 5-14 years) were recruited and block-randomized to receive extensive (education + professional cleaning) or educational interventions. Environmental sampling collection and respiratory survey administration were done at baseline and during three follow-up visits. Mixed-model analyses were used to assess the effect of the intervention on endotoxin levels and asthma symptoms in the main analysis and of endotoxin reduction on asthma symptoms in exploratory analysis. In the extensive intervention group, dust endotoxin load was significantly reduced in post-intervention visits. The extensive compared with the educational intervention was associated with significantly decreased dust endotoxin load in farm homes and less frequent nighttime asthma symptoms. In exploratory analysis, dust endotoxin load reduction from baseline was associated with lower total asthma symptoms score (Odds ratio: 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.29-0.92). In conclusion, the LEIP intervention reduced household dust endotoxin and improved asthma symptoms. However, endotoxin reductions were not sustained post-intervention by residents.
Abstract WP1: High-Frequency Optical Coherence Tomography for Cerebrovascular Disease

Introduction: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has played an important role in the diagnosis and treatment guidance in coronary artery disease. However, existing OCT systems are not suitable for ...
Bivariate genome-wide association study of the growth plasticity of Staphylococcus aureus in coculture with Escherichia coli.

Phenotypic plasticity is the capacity to change the phenotype in response to different environments without alteration of the genotype. Despite sufficient evidence that microorganisms have a major role in the fitness and sickness of eukaryotes, there has been little research regarding microbial phenotypic plasticity. In this study, 45 strains of Staphylococcus aureus were grown for 12 days in both monoculture and in coculture with the same strain of Escherichia coli to create a competitive environment. Cell abundance was determined by quantitative PCR every 24 h, and growth curves of each S. aureus strain under the two sets of conditions were generated. Combined with whole-genome resequencing data, bivariate genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to analyze the growth plasticity of S. aureus in coculture. Finally, 20 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (eight annotated, seven unannotated, and five non-coding regions) were obtained, which may affect the competitive growth of S. aureus. This study advances genome-wide bacterial growth plasticity research and demonstrates the potential of bivariate GWAS for bacterial phenotypic plasticity research. • Growth plasticity of S. aureus was analyzed by bivariate GWAS. • Twenty significant SNPs may affect the growth plasticity of S. aureus.
A fully automated artificial intelligence method for non-invasive, imaging-based identification of genetic alterations in glioblastomas

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain parenchymal tumor yet remains challenging to treat. The current standard of care—resection and chemoradiation—is limited in part due to the genetic heterogeneity of glioblastoma. Previous studies have identified several tumor genetic biomarkers that are frequently present in glioblastoma and can alter clinical management. Currently, genetic biomarker status is confirmed with tissue sampling, which is costly and only available after tumor resection or biopsy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a fully automated artificial intelligence approach for predicting the status of several common glioblastoma genetic biomarkers on preoperative MRI. We retrospectively analyzed multisequence preoperative brain MRI from 199 adult patients with glioblastoma who subsequently underwent tumor resection and genetic testing. Radiomics features extracted from fully automated deep learning-based tumor segmentations were used to predict nine common glioblastoma genetic biomarkers with random forest regression. The proposed fully automated method was useful for predicting IDH mutations (sensitivity = 0.93, specificity = 0.88), ATRX mutations (sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.92), chromosome 7/10 aneuploidies (sensitivity = 0.90, specificity = 0.88), and CDKN2 family mutations (sensitivity = 0.76, specificity = 0.86).
Nonperturbative quark-antiquark interactions in mesonic form factors

The existing theory of hard exclusive QCD processes is based on two assumptions: (i) factorization into a hard block convoluted with the light front distribution amplitudes; (ii) use of perturbative gluon exchanges within the hard block. However, unlike deep inelastic scattering and jet physics, the characteristic momentum transfer $Q$ involved in the factorized block is not large enough for this theory to be phenomenologically successful. In this work, we revisit the latter assumption (ii), by explicitly calculating the instanton-induced contributions to the hard block, and show that they contribute substantially to the vector, scalar, and gravitational form factors of the pseudoscalar, scalar, and vector mesons, over a wide range of momentum transfer.