cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed genetic algorithms for the floorplan design problem

Designing a VLSI floorplan calls for arranging a given set of modules in the plane to minimize the weighted sum of area and wire-length measures. A method of solving the floorplan design problem using distributed genetic algorithms is presented. Distributed genetic algorithms, based on the paleontological theory of punctuated equilibria, offer a conceptual modification to the traditional genetic algorithms. Experimental results on several problem instances demonstrate the efficacy of this method and indicate the advantages of this method over other methods, such as simulated annealing. The method has performed better than the simulated annealing approach, both in terms of the average cost of the solutions found and the best-found solution, in almost all the problem instances tried. >
Impact of faculty practice on an academic institution's mission and vision.

Faculty practice in a school of nursing can be the embodiment of the triad mission of an academic institution to teach, conduct research, and contribute to the community and profession. In turn, a faculty practice can mold the mission and vision of the academic institution as faculty attempt to reconcile the rigorous requirements for academic advancement with the demands of an ongoing clinical practice. In this article, faculty practice is defined and the challenges and realities involved in establishing and maintaining a viable faculty practice are enumerated from the perspective of academic administration. Strategies for dealing with the dissonance between the mission and vision of the university and the demands of clinical practice are offered and the positive contribution of the traditional academic mission to faculty practice is summarized.
Purkinje cell protein-2 (Pcp2) stimulates differentiation in PC12 cells by Gβγ-mediated activation of Ras and p38 MAPK

Purkinje cell protein-2 (Pcp2 or L7) is highly expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells and retinal bipolar neurons and interacts with the Galpha(i/o) family of G-proteins. Although the expression pattern of Pcp2 in the developing central nervous system suggests a role in differentiation, its function remains unknown. We established Tet-off inducible expression of Pcp2 in PC12 cells (rat pheochromocytoma cells) to determine whether Pcp2 regulates neuronal differentiation. Utilizing a polyclonal antibody, Pcp2 was localized in the cell body and throughout neurites of differentiated PC12 cells, similar to its localization in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Pcp2 expression in PC12 cells stimulated process formation (5-fold) and NGF (nerve growth factor)-stimulated neurite length (2-fold). Under basal conditions, Pcp2-PC12 cells demonstrated a 5-fold increase in Ras activation relative to non-induced PC12 cells and there was no change in extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activity with Pcp2 expression. However, Pcp2 induction led to a >3-fold increase in basal p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) activity and the addition of NGF significantly stimulated both Ras and p38 MAPK in Pcp2-PC12 cells relative to the controls. Pretreatment of Pcp2-PC12 cells with the p38-specific inhibitor SB203580 blocked both the increased neurite formation and NGF-stimulated neurite growth. Pertussis toxin treatment had no effect on neurite growth in control cells, but completely blocked Pcp2-mediated increased neurite growth. Transient transfection of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase C-terminus to prevent signalling through Gbetagamma in Pcp2-PC12 cells also inhibited the Pcp2-induced phenotype and reduced the Pcp2-stimulated Ras activation. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that Pcp2 induces differentiation in PC12 cells, in part through Gbetagamma-mediated Ras and p38 MAPK activation and suggest the potential for similar signalling mechanisms in Purkinje cells.
Nucleation and growth of bubbles in He ion-implanted V/Ag multilayers

Microstructures of He ion-implanted pure Ag, pure V and polycrystalline V/Ag multilayers with individual layer thickness ranging from 1 nm to 50 nm were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The bubbles in the Ag layer were faceted and larger than the non-faceted bubbles in the V layer under the same implantation conditions for both pure metals and multilayers. The substantially higher single defects surviving the spike phase and lower mobility of trapped He in bcc than those in fcc could account for this difference. For multilayers, the bubbles nucleate at interfaces but grow preferentially in Ag layers due to high mobility of trapped He in fcc Ag. In addition, the He concentration above which bubbles can be detected in defocused TEM images increases with decreasing layer thickness, from 0 for pure Ag to 4–5 at. % for 1 nm V/1 nm Ag multilayers. In contrast, the bubble size decreases with decreasing layer thickness, from approximately 4 nm in diameter in pure Ag to 1 nm in the 1 nm V/1 ...
Improved performance voltage and current regulators using discrete pulse modulation

The authors reexamine the issue of modulation strategies and their impact on performance characteristics such as dynamic control, current ripple, and acoustic noise. It is seen that significant performance improvement can be obtained by factors such as choice of reference frame, the use of space vector strategies, and the use of voltage or current regulator inner loops. The use of synchronous frame regulators is seen to yield significant improvement in overall modulator performance. It results in elimination of fundamental component errors and significantly improved DC bus utilization. The results presented have been extensively verified using simulation and laboratory experiments. >
Preparing for future data center professionals: Integrating storage technology into the Computer Information Technology curriculum

Information brings economic value to the customers and data is the "soul" of the enterprise. Data centers are playing more and more important roles in the enterprises. Storage technology is one of the fundamental technologies behind data centers. The storage knowledge and skills are needed for data center professionals. Thus, we have developed a new course, Storage Administration, for Computer Information Technology (CIT) major students at Northern Kentucky University (NKU). Since our CIT program emphasizes hands-on learning, we have developed the course based on hands-on laboratory components. The laboratory components are developed based on open source software and simulator software. In this paper, we describe the hands-on laboratory components in details.
Improving math learning through intelligent tutoring and basic skills training

We studied the effectiveness of a math fact fluency tool integrated with an intelligent tutor as a means to improve student performance in math standardized tests. The study evaluated the impact of Math Facts Retrieval Training (MFRT) on 250 middle school students and analyzed the main effects of the training by itself and also as a supplement to the Wayang Tutoring System on easy and hard items of the test. Efficacy data shows improved student performance on tests and positive impact on mathematics learning. We also report on interaction effects of MFRT with student gender and incoming math ability.
Control of nonlinear systems via dynamic neural network control (DNNC): adaptive control, constraint handling, and extension to MIMO case

DNNC has been successfully applied to nonisothermal CSTR with time varying parameters including activation energy and heat transfer coefficient. Thus, the objectives of the paper are: 1. To study the constraint handling properties of DNNC, 2. To extend SISO-DNNC to MIMO-DNNC, 3. To study the on-line adaptation properties of DNNC. >
Improving the Adoption of Evidence-Based Practice Among Nurses in Army Outpatient Medical Treatment Facilities

ABSTRACTThis quality improvement project implemented and evaluated an evidence-based practice (EBP) program at two Army outpatient health care facilities. The EBP program consisted of five implementation strategies that aimed to inculcate EBP into organizational culture as well as nursing practice and culture. A conceptual model of the “Diffusion of Innovations” theory was adapted to explain the application of the program. The Institutional Review Boards at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Duke University School of Medicine reviewed and exempted this quality improvement project. A pretest–posttest design was used with four instruments at each facility. The EBP program was successful in enhancing organizational culture and readiness for EBP (p < 0.01) and nursing staff's belief about the value of EBP and their ability to implement it (p < 0.05). Another indicator that the EBP program achieved its goals was the significant difference (p = 0.002) in the movement of the outpatient health care ...
TRITRICHOMONAS FOETUS EXTRACELLULAR CYSTEINE PROTEINASE CLEAVAGE OF BOVINE IgG2 ALLOTYPES

Bovine trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease associated with reproductive failure. Systemic immunization results in protective IgG antibodies in uterine and vaginal secretions. Because bovine IgG2 is a better opsonin than IgG1, it is potentially important in defense. Yet, Tritrichomonas foetus extracellular cysteine proteinase (TFECP) cleaves bovine IgG2, evading protective IgG2 responses. Variations in resistance of the 2 IgG2 allotypes to digestion may explain inherited differences in protection. To address this hypothesis, TFECP was incubated with both IgG2 allotypes at different concentrations and times. The digestion products were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, stained, and quantitated by image analysis. IgG2a was digested faster by TFECP than IgG2b. Differences in the sizes and numbers of digestion products were observed, but the presence of bands the size of Fc and Fd fragments indicated that both allotypes were cleaved at the hinge. Cysteine in t...
Blunt Injury to the Aorta, Esophagus, and Diaphragm

Blunt injury to the aorta, diaphragm, and esophagus are unusual and are typically the result of a significant transfer of energy and hence are typically accompanied by other injuries. The associated injury can detract attention, leading to lethal delays in the recognition of blunt injury to the aorta, esophagus, and diaphragm. Improved cross-sectional imaging techniques (CT scanning) and a better understanding of the subtle signs of blunt injury to the aorta, diaphragm, and even esophagus has lessened, but not eliminated, the delay in diagnosis. Changes in management of aortic injuries continue to involve, largely stimulated by the more widespread application of endovascular techniques, and a better understanding of the natural history of less severe grades of injury. Early and primary repair of an acute blunt diaphragm injury remains the standard. Blunt esophageal injury, perhaps the rarest in this category, can largely be excluded on the basis of a detailed thoracic CT scan, although the role of esophageal endoscopy or esophagography remains essential diagnostic tools. The management of these rare injuries is often controversial. This review will examine the recent literature regarding these uncommon injuries, emphasizing recent clinical trials and guidelines.
Laser Ignition and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy In Engines Using Hollow Core Fiber Delivery

We describe the use of hollow core optical fibers to deliver laser sparks. The sparks are used to ignite engines and to enable air-to-fuel measurements by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy.
Chemical Shift MR Imaging of the Adrenal Gland: Principles, Pitfalls, and Applications

Adrenal lesions are a common imaging finding. The vast majority of adrenal lesions are adenomas, which contain intracytoplasmic (microscopic) fat. It is important to distinguish between adenomas and malignant tumors, and chemical shift magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be used to accomplish this distinction by depicting the fat in adenomas. Chemical shift imaging is based on the difference in precession frequencies of water and fat molecules, which causes them to be in different relative phases during the acquisition sequence and allows in-phase and opposed-phase images to be obtained. It is important to acquire these images by using the earliest possible echo times, with the opposed-phase echo before the in-phase echo, and by using a single breath hold to preserve diagnostic accuracy. Intracytoplasmic fat is depicted as signal drop on opposed-phase images when compared with in-phase images. Both qualitative and quantitative methods for assessing signal drop are detailed. The appearances of adrenal adenomas and other adrenal tumors on chemical shift MR images are described, and discriminatory ability at chemical shift MR imaging compared with that at adrenal computed tomography (CT) is explained. Other adrenal-related conditions in which chemical shift MR imaging is helpful are also discussed. Chemical shift MR imaging is a robust tool for evaluating adrenal lesions that are indeterminate at nonenhanced CT. However, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages, including several potential imaging pitfalls. The characterization of adrenal lesions by using chemical shift MR imaging and adrenal CT should always occur in the appropriate clinical setting.
Lesson from the saga of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors.

The FDA statement on paroxetine use in the pediatric population in June 2003[1][1] and Wyeth’s communication on venlafaxine use in children and adolescents[2][2] issued to health care providers a couple of months later launched a debate on the pediatric use of selective serotonin-reuptake
Experimental research on the effect of mitomycin C fibrin gel on spinal peridural scar tissue in rats.

Abstract This paper aimed to study the best working concentration of mitomycin C (MMC) fibrin gel on spinal peridural scar tissue in rats and the sustained release function of peridural adhesion after laminectomy of rats. 96 SD rats were divided into four groups. They were conducted L1 laminectomy and sprayed FG-MMC. The concentration of MMC was detected and the best working concentration of MMC was selected. Then other 48 SD rats were divided into four groups to construct L1 vertebral plate excision model. Materials were drawn 4 weeks after the operation for Rydell grading. In addition, we observed HE staining and fibroblast proliferation and collagen distribution situation after Masson staining. And concentration of hydroxyproline was also detected. The best working concentration of MMC experiment showed that except experimental group C, the other groups all appeared drug release peak in the 4th week after the operation. MMC concentration of group C appeared drug release peak in the 5th week besides the 2nd week. Moreover, adhesion of endorhachis and peripheral tissue in group A was the most obvious while the group C was the weakest. Experiment on the slow-release effect of different adhesion materials on peridural adhesion showed that compared to the contrast group and group F, Rydell grading in group E and G was Level 0 and with low adhesion degree, little fibroblast and fibrocyte, low collagen content, regular collagen fibers arrangement and no inflammatory cells after HE staning and Masson staining. In addition, content of hydroxyproline(HOP) decreased significantly especially the group of FG-MMC mixture. It was concluded that MMC fibrin gel mixture had a good slow-release effect on adhesion of spinal peridural scar tissue in rats and the best working concentration was 0.5 mg FG-MMC/ml.
Small Ruminants for Technicians

Goats and sheep have traditionally been production animals and continue to provide meat, milk, and clothing worldwide. However, the pet sheep and especially the pet goat have become much more common than even 10 years ago. Basic husbandry, handling, and common diseases of goats and sheep are discussed.
Paper 1: A Review of Analytical Studies of Reacting or Relaxing Gas Flows

The status of the analytical, as opposed to the purely numerical, approach to problems of reacting or relaxing gas flows is examined by way of a summary of the significant results which have been achieved by this means to date. Much of the work deals (inevitably) with a review of the linear theory, although more exact treatments of nozzle flows, shock wave structure, characteristics and first-order wave theories are also dealt with.Finally an attempt is made to assess the limitations and probable lines of development of the analytical study of real gas flows.
51 STRUCTURAL REMODELING OF THE HEART IN RATS WITH ALDOSTERONISM: RESPONSE TO SPIRONOLACTONE OR DIETARY ZINC SUPPLEMENT.

Purpose Fibrosis contributes to an adverse structural remodeling of the failing heart. In morphologic terms, it presents as a perivascular/interstitial fibrosis of intramural coronary arteries and as microscopic scarring, a marker of necrotic cardiomyocyte death. Because these lesions are found in both the right and the left heart, a circulating substance has been incriminated (vis-e-vis a hemodynamic factor). In rats with aldosteronism, such as structural remodeling with fibrosis is found throughout the heart and other organs, together with markers of oxidative stress and redox-sensitive transcription. We hypothesized that it is possible to attenuate the appearance of cardiac fibrosis in rats with aldosteronism by cotreatment with either an aldosterone receptor antagonist, spironolactone (Spiro), or a dietary Zn supplement (Zn+), an antioxidant. Methods and Results Eight-week-old male, uninephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats received aldosterone via subcutaneous pump (0.75 μg/h) and 1% NaCl in their drinking water (ALDOST) for 4 weeks alone or together with either Spiro (150 mg/kg/d by gavage) or Zn+ (1478.84 mg of Zn/kg chow). At 4 weeks, hearts were harvested for immunohistochemical detection of gp91phox, a subunit of NADPH oxidase and source of superoxide, and histochemical assessment of fibrillar collagen using picrosirius red. In coronal sections taken from the minor axis of the heart, morphometric determination of collagen volume fraction (CVF) was assessed. In contrast to untreated, unoperated controls, there was increased tissue labeling for gp91phox and an increase in cardiac CVF (1.3 ± 0.2 vs 4.5 ± 0.6%; p Conclusion In association with aldosteronism, increased fibrillar collagen deposition as well as increased activity of gp91phox was found in cardiac tissue. These effects were prevented by Spiro cotreatment or diminished by dietary Zn+ supplementation to further implicate oxidative stress in the appearance of cardiac fibrosis in aldosteronism. Fibrosis is a surrogate marker of a previously altered redox state.
Analysis of Volatile Components of Herba Pogostemonis from Vietnam and China

Objective To analyze the volatile components and fingerprints of Herba Pogostemonis from Vietnam and China,and then to investingate the differences and correlation of them.Methods We extracted the patchouli oil with the wet distillation.The patchouli oil were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by GC-MS.Results The content of essential oil in Herba Pogostemonis from Vietnam was higher than that from China.The results fingerprint analysis of the volatile compounds showed that the similarities of volatile component fingerprints were low,but the ingredient contents were quite different between the two kinds of Herba Pogostemonis.Conclusion The content of essential oil in Herba Pogostemonis from Vietnam is higher than that from China.There has certain similarity in volatile component fingerprints,but the ingredient contents are different between the two kinds of Herba Pogostemonis.
Beam-Plate Model on the Elastic Foundation of Ballastless Track

According to the structural and mechanical characteristics of ballastless track, a beam-plate model on the elastic foundation was established to calculate the bending moment of the bearing layers in ballastless track under train load. The rails were modeled by discretely supported beams while the bearing layers of ballastless track were modeled by the plates in the model.A comparative analysis with the composite beams model on the elastic foundation and the beam-solid model on the elastic foundation was carried out.The contrast between three simulation models shows that the beam-plate model on the elastic foundation is in accord with the mechanical characteristics of the ballastless track.The distortion of the bearing layers can be effectively reflected.The longitudinal and lateral bending moment in various bearing layers can be directly obtained when applying the train load on rails.The beam-plate model on the elastic foundation can overcome the shortcomings in composite beams model and beam-solid model.The longitudinal and lateral bending moment in various bearing layers are calculated separately in composite beams model neglecting the longitudinal and lateral deformation coordination condition of the ballastless track which will cause bigger erroneous.The constraint condition between layers is strong and the simulation process is rather miscellaneous in beam-solid model.The predicted result of the beam-plate model on the elastic foundation basically tallies with the field test data on the Suining-Chongqing Line,which verifies the correctness and validity of the beam-plate model on the elastic foundation.
Electrocatalytic H2 Evolution by Supramolecular RuII–RhIII–RuII Complexes: Importance of Ligands as Electron Reservoirs and Speciation upon Reduction

The supramolecular water reduction photocatalysts [{(Ph2phen)2Ru(dpp)}2RhX2](PF6)5 (Ph2phen = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, dpp =2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine X = Cl, Br) are efficient electrocatalysts for the reduction of CF3SO3H, CF3CO2H, and CH3CO2H to H2 in DMF or DMF/H2O mixtures. The onset of catalytic current occurs at −0.82 V versus Ag/AgCl for CF3SO3H, −0.90 V for CF3CO2H, and −1.1 V for CH3CO2H with overpotentials of 0.61, 0.45, and 0.10 V, respectively. In each case, catalysis is triggered by the first dpp ligand reduction implicating the dpp as an electron reservoir in catalysis. A new species with Epc ∼ −0.75 V was observed in the presence of stoichiometric amounts of strong acid, and its identity is proposed as the Rh(H)III/II redox couple. H2 was produced in 72–85% Faradaic yields and 95–116 turnovers after 2 h and 435 turnovers after 10 h of bulk electrolysis. The identities of Rh(I) species upon reduction have been studied. In contrast to the expected dissociation of halides in the Rh(I)...
A Developmentally Keyed Scheme for the Placement of Gay Men into Psychotherapy Groups

ABSTRACTPatients can meet their needs for intimacy and individuation within the context of long-term psychotherapy groups. This is especially true for gay male patients as they work toward the development of a positive gay identity. Coming out is a social phenomenon, which is why groups are especially suited to the tasks involved. Historically, mixed groups of gay and nongay men and women have not been a safe or neutral treatment atmosphere for gay men due to therapists' prejudicial assumptions and a lack of understanding of gay male development. A developmental scheme will be presented which is keyed to the particular needs of gay men depending on their developmental stage of functioning. This scheme should serve as a more rational and appropriate guide for the diagnosis, treatment planning, and assigning of gay men to long-term psychotherapy groups.
Paper: Estimation of urban air pollution

The problem of real-time estimation of air pollutant concentrations in an urban atmosphere based on concentration measurements made intermittently at a set of monitoring stations is considered. A square-root distributed parameter filter for a general class of dynamic urban air pollution models is developed. The filter is tested by application to a hypothetical urban area, and the effect of the number of monitoring stations on the estimated concentrations is studied.
The Nonfinancial Business Sector in the Simple Model

The nonfinancial business sector presumably formulates its plans at time t so as to maximize its present value. Because the number of its equity shares outstanding at time t is given, this objective is tantamount to maximizing the price which those people who hold its shares at time t could receive for their shares if they were to sell them at time t. But, since all households are viewed as belonging to a single decision-making unit, any trading in existing shares at time t among households presumably fails to affect aggregate behavior. Consequently in this model the price of an existing share at time t remains a shadow price.
Breast cancer patients’ information seeking during surgical consultations: A qualitative, videotape‐based analysis of patients’ questions

Background Despite data on breast cancer patients’ information needs and their association with patient outcomes, there are currently no data on what U.S. patients actually ask surgeons during primary consultations. Methods Working from transcripts of videotaped, treatment decision making consultations between breast cancer patients and surgeons, we identify all questions (by patients and companions) and then use grounded theory techniques to determine the most recurrent question-asking themes. Results Sample includes 132 recently diagnosed (M = 8.9 days), late-middle-aged (M = 61.2 years), female patients with predominantly early stage (0–1; 78%), first-time breast cancer (92.4%) consulting with one of nine surgeons in community based offices. Transcripts contained 2,781 questions (1,929 by patients, 852 by companions; Cohen's Kappa = 0.90), which generated 15 patient question asking themes that were represented (i.e., asked about) at least once in >20% of all consultations. Conclusion Question asking themes are a concrete index of what patients want to know more about prior to treatment. Identified themes specify, modify, and extend prior findings based on self-report data. Findings potentially increase surgeons’ levels of patient centered care by improving surgeons’ abilities to satisfactorily address patients’ information needs, which has the potential to improve both patient outcomes and clinical practice guidelines. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:922–929. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk Factors Associated With Repeated HIV Testing Among Internet-Using Men Who Have Sex With Men

Men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a disproportionately impacted risk group for HIV incidence among at-risk U.S. populations. Few studies have identified risk factors associated with HIV testing frequency both within and outside of traditional health care settings. MSM enrolled in a prospective cohort were mailed at-home specimen collection kits and followed for a year. Incidence density rate ratios (IDRR) of testing were calculated, and generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the association between HIV testing and behavioral factors. The incidence rate of testing was higher among Black MSM than White MSM (IDRR: 1.3, 95% confidence interval CI [1.1, 1.5]) and higher among MSM who reported 3+ condomless anal intercourse partners (CAI) than MSM who reported no CAI (IDRR: 1.6, 95% CI [1.3, 2.0]). Increasing availability of HIV testing outside traditional health care settings, including at-home testing kits, in conjunction with targeted behavioral interventions and biomedical treatment p...
Attojoule optoelectronics-saving more energy with optics

Energy in short interconnects inside machines dominates scaling of information processing and communication. Low-energy integrated optoelectronics can eliminate much energy in links themselves and, with space-multiplexing in 2D arrays, could eliminate link circuit energies, allowing 10–100fJ/bit for all links from 1cm to 10m.
Third party observer effect: Application to autistic traits in the normal population.

This study examined how autistic traits relate to third-party observation during neuropsychological testing. Using a counterbalanced within-subjects design (N = 61), we manipulated the absence and ...
Examining public knowledge and preferences for adult preventive services coverage.

Introduction To examine (1) what individuals know about the existing adult preventive service coverage provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and (2) which preventive services individuals think should be covered without cost sharing. Methods An online panel from Survey Monkey was used to obtain a sample of 2,990 adults age 18 and older in March 2015, analyzed 2015–2017. A 17-item survey instrument was designed and used to evaluate respondents’ knowledge of the adult preventive services provision of the ACA. Additionally, we asked whether various preventive services should be covered. The data include age, sex, race/ethnicity, and educational attainment as well as measures of political ideology, previous insurance status, the number of chronic conditions, and usual source of care. Results Respondents correctly answered 38.6% of the questions about existing coverage under the ACA, while on average respondents thought 12.1 of 15 preventive services should be covered (SD 3.5). Respondents were more knowledgeable about coverage for routine screenings, such as blood pressure (63.4% correct) than potentially stigmatizing screenings, such as for alcohol misuse (28.8% correct). Blood pressure screening received the highest support of coverage (89.8%) while coverage of gym memberships received the lowest support (59.4%). Individuals with conservative ideologies thought fewer services on average should be covered, but the difference was small—around one service less than those with liberal ideologies. Conclusions Overwhelmingly, individuals think that most preventive services should be covered without cost sharing. Despite several years of coverage for preventive services, there is still confusion and lack of knowledge about which services are covered.
Dosimetric assessment of an air-filled balloon applicator in HDR vaginal cuff brachytherapy using the Monte Carlo method

Purpose As an alternative to cylindrical applicators, air-inflated balloon applicators have been introduced into high-dose-rate (HDR) vaginal cuff brachytherapy to achieve sufficient dose to the vagina mucosa as well as to spare organs at risk, mainly the rectum and bladder. Commercial treatment planning systems which employ formulae in the AAPM Task Group No. 43 (TG 43) report do not take into account tissue inhomogeneity. Consequently, the low-density air in a balloon applicator induces different doses delivered to the mucosa from planned by these planning systems. In this study, we investigated the dosimetric effects of the air in a balloon applicator using the Monte Carlo (MC) method. Methods The thirteen-catheter Capri™ applicator by Varian™ for vaginal cuff brachytherapy was modeled together with the Ir-192 radioactive source for the microSelectron™ Digital (HDR-V3) afterloader by Elekta™ using the MCNP MC code. The validity of charged particle equilibrium (CPE) with an air balloon present was evaluated by comparing the kerma and the absorbed dose at various distances from the applicator surface. By comparing MC results with and without air cavity present, dosimetric effects of the air cavity were studied. Clinical patient cases with optimized multiple Ir-192 source dwell positions were also explored. Four treatment plans by the Oncentra Brachy™ treatment planning system were re-calculated with MCNP. Results CPE fails in the vicinity of the air-water interface. One millimeter beyond the air-water boundary the kerma and the absorbed dose are equal (0.2% difference), regardless of air cavity dimensions or iridium source locations in the balloon. The air cavity results in dose increase, due to less photon absorption in the air than in water or solid materials. The extent of the increase depends on the diameter of the air balloon. The average increment is 3.8%, 4.5% and 5.3% for 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 cm applicators, respectively. In patient cases, the dose to the mucosa is also increased with the air cavity present. The point dose difference between Oncentra Brachy and MC at 5 mm prescription depth is 8% at most and 5% on average. Conclusions Except in the vicinity of the air-mucosa interface, the dosimetric difference is not significant enough to mandate tissue inhomogeneity correction in HDR treatment planning.
Targeting acceptance in the management of food craving: The mediating roles of eating styles and thought suppression.

Food craving is now widely considered to be a cognitively motivated state. Acceptance-based treatments are effective in reducing the adverse impact of food cravings on consumption, via a hypothesized decrease in experiential avoidance. The mechanisms that drive the success of acceptance-based management of craving remain to be empirically tested. This study examined the role of eating styles and thought suppression as mediators in the relationship between experiential avoidance and craving. Participants (n = 298, 51.5% female) completed the Food Craving Acceptance and Awareness Questionnaire (FAAQ), the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), the White Bear Suppression Inventory (WBSI; a measure of thought suppression), and the reduced version of the Food Craving Questionnaire- Trait (FCQ-T-r). Scores on the FAAQ were inversely associated with scores on the FCQ-T-r, DEBQ, and WBSI; FCQ-T-r scores were positively correlated with scores on the DEBQ and WBSI (all p < 0.001). The total indirect effect of acceptance on craving through the hypothesized mediators was significantly different from zero. Controlling for eating styles and thought suppression, acceptance remained a significant predictor of craving. Results thus provide initial evidence that eating styles and thought suppression mediate the relationship between food-specific experiential avoidance and food craving. Findings lay the foundation for future study of the proximal antecedents of food cravings and lend preliminary support for targeting thought suppression and eating styles in acceptance-based approaches to the management of craving.
METABOLIC MYOPATHIES: A Diagnostic Evaluation

This article briefly reviews the initial approach to the patient suspected of having metabolic myopathy. Diagnostic highlights include relevant points of history, physical examination, blood work-up, forearm ischemic exercise test, electrophysiologic testings and muscle biopsy. The diagnostic evaluation is discussed in detail in separate articles.
PB-smodels a Pseudo-Boolean Solver.

A pseudo-boolean constraint (PB-constraint) is a linear inequality with 0-1 variables and integer coefficients. Search problems can be modeled as sets of PB-constraints, so that, solutions to a set of PB-constraints map to solutions of the search problem. An optimization problem can be modeled using a set of PB-constraints along with an optimization statement over a set of 0-1 variables. Pseudo-boolean solvers (PB-solvers) are programs designed to find solutions to a set of PB-constraints, and hence can be used to solve search problems. PBS4 (Aloul 2005), MiniSat+ (Een & Sorensson 2005), BSOLO (Manquinho & Marques-Silva 2005) and Pueblo (Sheini & Sakallah 2005) are recent PB-solvers. Our contribution is to show that smodels, a solver originally designed to solve search problems encoded as logic programs with weight constraints (Niemela & Simons 1997), can be used as a competitive PB-solver. We call this PB-solver PB-smodels. PB-smodels uses a procedure we designed, PB2smodels, to translate a set of PB-constraints into a logic program that is accepted by smodels. We show that solutions of a search problem modeled as a set of PB-constraints T correspond to stable models of the logic program P (T ) produced from T by PB2smodels. We compare the performance of PB-smodels with two PB-solvers MiniSat+ and Pueblo on search problems encoded as sets of PB-constraints. In particular, we compare PB-smodels to MiniSat+ and Pueblo on benchmarks obtained from PB 2005 competition (Manquinho & Roussel 2006). We also compare the PB-solvers on benchmarks derived from randomly generated instances of problems such as weighted N-queens, traveling salesperson problem (TSP), blocked N-queens and weighted dominating set problem.
Cases on SMEs Digital Innovations

To help explain some of the concepts addressed throughout the book, in this chapter, we present four case studies. Each case concerns a small entrepreneurial company that has innovatively used information technology (IT) to achieve success. These cases were all developed as one part of a collaborative research project between the International Council of Small Business (ICSB) and Dell, Inc. While the four companies are quite different, representing a variety of industries, they have important commonalities in the way they used IT for innovation.
Review of Jean Kazez's Animalkind: What We Owe to Animals

Jean Kazez’s 2010 book Animalkind: What We Owe To Animals manages to breath a bit of fresh air into many of the debates over our ethical duties and commitments toward other animals. Not only that, but Kazez has a dry wit that is often on display throughout the book, causing the reader to burst out into unexpected laughter. Animalkind is a broad ranging book, taking on issues such as excuses we give for killing animals, philosophical and religious distinctions that give us the right to do whatever we wish to animals, animal consciousness and capacities with their implications for ethics, equality between humans and animals, cavemen hunting, factory farming, scientific experimentation on animals, and the ecological destruction of habitats for all beings. While clearly articulated and excellent for introductory students, many of the arguments and examples in the book will not come as a surprise to anyone who has read the classic books on our ethical obligations toward animals. However, after the first few chapters Kazez begins to slowly work out her unique contribution to the field.
The Problem — Air Pollution

Ambient air composition over the earth has undergone several changes throughout history. In particular, there is evidence (Chambers, from Stern, 1976) that “the primeval gaseous environment probably contained almost no free oxygen” and that “oxygen in more recent years has accumulated as a result of photosynthetic processes utilized by early nonoxygen-dependent species.” Those early living species have either disappeared, as a consequence of these changes, or adapted.
Frequency-locked Optical Whispering Evanescent Resonators for Ultra-Sensitive Doping Detection in Urine

Frequency locking is an emergent method for interrogating the optical resonances by feedback control, with unprecedented precision. Here, we demonstrate ultrasensitive detection of doping agents in urine using frequency locked on-chip microcavities.
Acute reversible left ventricular systolic dysfunction associated with 5-fluorouracil therapy: a rare and increasingly recognised cardiotoxicity of a commonly used drug

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is the third most common chemotherapeutic agent for treating solid cancers and the second most common to cause cardiotoxicity. We present a rare case of acute reversible severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction associated with 5-FU. A 54-year-old woman with a history of stage IV gastric cancer presented with features of transient ischaemic attack after receiving the first dose of FLOT (5-FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel). During the diagnostic workup, it was found that her ejection fraction was severely reduced to 15% with features of global hypokinesis, which later improved back to 65% within 13 days. These cases challenge our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this cardiotoxicity. Additionally, even though the patient did not experience any cardiac symptoms, it is important to monitor these patients closely as they are at high risk for fatal complications like arrhythmia and thrombus formation.
Cross-docking benchmark for automated pose and ranking prediction of ligand binding.

Significant efforts have been devoted in the last decade to improving molecular docking techniques to predict both accurate binding poses and ranking affinities. Some shortcomings in the field are the limited number of standard methods for measuring docking success and the availability of widely accepted standard data sets for use as benchmarks in comparing different docking algorithms throughout the field. In order to address these issues, we have created a Cross-Docking Benchmark server. The server is a versatile cross-docking data set containing 4,399 protein-ligand complexes across 95 protein targets intended to serve as benchmark set and gold standard for state-of-the-art pose and ranking prediction in easy, medium, hard, or very hard docking targets. The benchmark along with a customizable cross-docking data set generation tool is available at http://disco.csb.pitt.edu. We further demonstrate the potential uses of the server in questions outside of basic benchmarking such as the selection of the ideal docking reference structure.
Transcription factor chromatin profiling genome-wide using uliCUT&RUN in single cells and individual blastocysts.

Determining chromatin-associated protein localization across the genome has provided insight into the functions of DNA-binding proteins and their connections to disease. However, established protocols requiring large quantities of cell or tissue samples currently limit applications for clinical and biomedical research in this field. Furthermore, most technologies have been optimized to assess abundant histone protein localization, prohibiting the investigation of nonhistone protein localization in low cell numbers. We recently described a protocol to profile chromatin-associated protein localization in as low as one cell: ultra-low-input cleavage under targets and release using nuclease (uliCUT&RUN). Optimized from chromatin immunocleavage and CUT&RUN, uliCUT&RUN is a tethered enzyme-based protocol that utilizes a combination of recombinant protein, antibody recognition and stringent purification to selectively target proteins of interest and isolate the associated DNA. Performed in native conditions, uliCUT&RUN profiles protein localization to chromatin with low input and high precision. Compared with other profiling technologies, uliCUT&RUN can determine nonhistone protein chromatin occupancies in low cell numbers, permitting the investigation into the molecular functions of a range of DNA-binding proteins within rare samples. From sample preparation to sequencing library submission, the uliCUT&RUN protocol takes <2 d to perform, with the accompanying data analysis timeline dependent on experience level. This protocol describes an approach suitable for genome-wide profiling of transcription factors and other chromatin-associated proteins in low-input samples obtained from single blastocysts or cells.
Jimmy Carter and the Birth of the Marathon Media Campaign

Jimmy Carter’s 1976 ascent from former Georgia Governor to U.S. President was as sudden as it was unique. Carter’s success was the first of its kind and a result of significant disruption in the pr...
Food colorants metabolized by commensal bacteria promote colitis in mice with dysregulated expression of interleukin-23.

Summary Both genetic predisposition and environmental factors appear to play a role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) development. Genetic studies in humans have linked the interleukin (IL)-23 signaling pathway with IBD, but the environmental factors contributing to disease have remained elusive. Here, we show that the azo dyes Red 40 and Yellow 6, the most abundant food colorants in the world, can trigger an IBD-like colitis in mice conditionally expressing IL-23, or in two additional animal models in which IL-23 expression was augmented. Increased IL-23 expression led to generation of activated CD4+ T cells that expressed interferon-γ and transferred disease to mice exposed to Red 40. Colitis induction was dependent on the commensal microbiota promoting the azo reduction of Red 40 and generation of a metabolite, 1-amino-2-naphthol-6-sulfonate sodium salt. Together these findings suggest that specific food colorants represent novel risk factors for development of colitis in mice with increased IL-23 signaling.
Child Sleep Linked to Child and Family Functioning in Children with Down Syndrome.

Sleep problems have a bi-directional impact on the daytime performance of children, parental well-being, and overall family functioning in the general population. Children with Down syndrome (DS) are at a high risk of sleep problems, yet the relationship between sleep problems, adaptive functioning, and family stress in children with DS is not well documented. We examined the relationship between sleep (i.e., duration and quality) and child and parent/family functioning. Sixty-six children with DS wore an actigraph for a week to assess their sleep duration and sleep efficiency. Their parents completed ratings on child sleep duration and parasomnias, child adaptive functioning, parental depression and sleep, and family stress. The parents’ reports of their children’s sleep duration were associated with parental depressive symptoms. The parents’ reports of their children’s restless sleep behaviors were associated with poorer performances in child-compliant/calm behaviors, worse parental sleep, and negative parental feelings and sibling relationships. The findings from actigraph measures of the children’s sleep demonstrated that greater sleep efficiency was associated with greater child adaptive functioning and fewer parental depressive symptoms. The study findings provide preliminary evidence that sleep problems are related to child adaptive functioning, parental functioning, and family stress in children with DS.
Multiperiod Portfolio Optimization With Terminal Liability: Bounds for the Convex Case

This paper is concerned with an investor trading in multiple securities over many time periods in order to meet an outstanding liability at some future date. The investor is concerned with maximizing the expected profits from portfolio rebalancing under an initial wealth restriction to meet the future liabilities. We formulate the problem as a discrete-time stochastic optimization model and allow asset prices to have continuous probability distributions on compact domains. For the case of Markovian price uncertainty and convex terminal liability, we develop a simplicial approximation, under which bounds on the problem can be computed efficiently. Computations only require evaluating a dynamic programming recursion, which thus, allows its application to problems with a large number of trading periods. The bounds are tight in that they are exact in certain cases. Numerical results are given to demonstrate the computational efficiency of the procedure.
Does Manager Race Impact Performance? An Examination of the US Mutual Fund Industry

Using hand-collected fund manager race data, we study the current status of minority managers in the mutual fund industry. We investigate manager characteristics and performance differences between the minority (Asian, Black, Hispanic Latino) and White managers. Our results show that minorities are underrepresented in the fund management industry, especially Black and Hispanic managers. On average, 86.8% of single-manager funds are managed by White managers, while 8.3%, 2.7%, and 2.3% are Asian, Black, and Hispanic managers, respectively. Minority managers manage more international equity funds, while White managers manage more growth-focused funds. We show evidence that minority managers are younger and more educated, with shorter tenure and a lower percentage holding a CFA designation. The funds managed by White managers are larger in size, have a higher turnover ratio, and have greater exposure to market risk. Minority managed funds have higher monthly fund flows and take on greater idiosyncratic risk. We find no significant difference in fund returns or risk-adjusted abnormal returns (alpha) using different asset pricing models. These results are robust to various analytical methods, including Welch's t test, panel regression, and propensity score matching approach. The findings of this study can improve our understanding of mutual fund performance in general. More importantly, this study provides timely and imperative information to understand and address the lack of diversity in the mutual fund industry.