cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding and Analyzing Interconnect Errors and Network Congestion on a Large Scale HPC System

Today's High Performance Computing (HPC) systems are capable of delivering performance in the order of petaflops due to the fast computing devices, network interconnect, and back-end storage systems. In particular, interconnect resilience and congestion resolution methods have a major impact on the overall interconnect and application performance. This is especially true for scientific applications running multiple processes on different compute nodes as they rely on fast network messages to communicate and synchronize frequently. Unfortunately, the HPC community lacks state-of-practice experience reports that detail how different interconnect errors and congestion events occur on large-scale HPC systems. Therefore, in this paper, we process and analyze interconnect data of the Titan supercomputer to develop a thorough understanding of interconnects faults, errors and congestion events. We also study the interaction between interconnect, errors, network congestion and application characteristics.
Short-Term Transit Decision Support System Using Multi-task Deep Neural Networks

Unpredictability is one of the top reasons that prevent people from using public transportation. To improve the on-time performance of transit systems, prior work focuses on updating schedule periodically in the long-term and providing arrival delay prediction in real-time. But when no real-time transit and traffic feed is available (e.g., one day ahead), there is a lack of effective contextual prediction mechanism that can give alerts of possible delay to commuters. In this paper, we propose a generic tool-chain that takes standard General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) transit feeds and contextual information (recurring delay patterns before and after big events in the city and the contextual information such as scheduled events and forecasted weather conditions) as inputs and provides service alerts as output. Particularly, we utilize shared route segment networks and multi-task deep neural networks to solve the data sparsity and generalization issues. Experimental evaluation shows that the proposed toolchain is effective at predicting severe delay with a relatively high recall of 76% and F1 score of 55%.
Estrogen Receptor-Mediated Gene Transcription and Cistrome

The discovery of the estrogen receptor 60 years ago radically transformed the field of hormonal signaling and led to the recognition of ER as a prototype nuclear receptor that primarily functions as a transcription factor. In this chapter, we will first describe the conserved domain architecture of ER and its regulation through various modifications by diverse intracellular pathways. We will then discuss the history and most recent advancement in the understanding of ER regulation of target genes at both individual gene and whole genome levels. A number of new concepts emanated from these studies, including ER cistrome, pioneer factors, chromosome looping and enhancer RNA, etc. and their potential impact on the fight against breast cancer therapeutic resistance all will be discussed in detail in this chapter.
Virtual and Physical Surface Modifications as Means for Flow Control

This paper reviews recent work on several flow control actuators, as well as a new hybrid actuator, and their interaction with a laminar boundary layer over a flat plate. The focus is on 1) a finit...
Eliciting nurses’ perspectives to improve health information exchange between hospital and home health care

Despite patient safety initiatives to improve care transitions, prior research largely neglects to elicit feedback from home health nurses regarding health information exchange. The goal of this quality improvement study was to identify opportunities to facilitate information transfer during hospital-to-home-health-care transitions for older adults with heart failure. We conducted focus groups with 19 nurses employed by a single healthcare system using two commercially available electronic health record (EHR) vendors. We analyzed interview transcripts following an immersion/crystallization approach to identify themes. Average participants were females in their mid-fifties with 15 years of home health experience. Nurses reported challenges with hospital-to-home-health-care information exchange, specifically: 1) poor medication management, 2) ineffective communication, 3) technology issues, and 4) patient factors. Nurses identified several opportunities for improvement, including discordant EHR-generated medication lists, which may be amenable to technological solutions. Local quality improvement efforts should incorporate nurses' suggestions and leverage existing best practices.
Modeling collisions of arbitrary-shaped particles in simulations of particulate flows

Abstract Simulations of dense suspensions containing arbitrary-shaped particles must deal with particle collision models. This paper deals with the wet collisional interactions between particles in a carrier fluid, in the context of immersed boundary treatment of fully resolved particles. When collisions of non-spherical particles occur, several parameters that govern collisional mechanics are challenging to obtain: these include collision point, normal and tangential forces, degree of overlapping between particles, the local relative velocity and the local curvatures at the collision point. These challenges are overcome in this paper by defining a field variable, i.e. a distance function that describes the particle on a regular Cartesian grid. A Simplified Spring Collision Method (SSCM) is proposed to model wet collision forces. The Stokes number at the collision point is computed from the particle's relative velocities and local curvatures and is used to calculate the restitution coefficient; damping is incorporated into the model by modifying the restitution coefficient when the rebound phase starts. The methods are validated against experiments and other benchmarks and shown to provide good results over a wide range of Stokes numbers. The capability of the method is also tested successfully for non-circular particle shapes.
Fake News, Fake Problem? An Analysis of the Fake News Audience in the Lead Up to the 2016 Presidential Election

In light of the recent U.S. election, many fear that “fake news” has become a powerful and sinister force in the news media environment. These fears stem from the idea that as news consumption increasingly takes place via social media sites, news audiences are more likely to find themselves drawn in by sensational headlines to sources that lack accuracy or legitimacy, with troubling consequences for democracy. However, we know little about the extent to which online audiences are exposed to fake news, and how these outlets factor into the average digital news diet. In this paper, I argue that fears about fake news consumption echo fears about partisan selective exposure, in that both stem from concerns that more media choice leads audiences to consume news that align with their beliefs, and to ignore news that does not. Yet recent studies have concluded that the partisan media audience (1) is small and (2) also consumes news from popular, centrist outlets. I use online news audience data to show a similar phenomenon plays out when it comes to fake news. Findings reveal that social media does indeed play an outsized role in generating traffic to fake news sites; however, the actual fake news audience is small, and a large portion of it also visits more popular, “real” news sites. I conclude by discussing the implications of a news media landscape where the audience is exposed to contradictory sources of public affairs information. This submission is endorsed by Professor James G. Webster at Northwestern University.
Inflammation is a stronger predictor of psychological trauma exposure than behavior in repeated social defeat

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric illness that results in an increased risk for a variety of inflammatory diseases. The exact etiology of this increased risk in unknown, and thus, several animal models have been developed to investigate the neuroimmune interactions of PTSD. Repeated social defeat stress (RSDS) is an established preclinical model of psychological trauma that recapitulates certain behavioral and inflammatory aspects of human PTSD. Furthermore, RSDS has been utilized to subgroup animals into susceptible and resilient populations based on one specific behavioral phenotype (i.e., social interaction). Herein, we conducted an extensive investigation of circulating inflammatory proteins after RSDS, and found significant elevations in various cytokines and chemokines after exposure to psychological trauma. When categorizing animals into either susceptible or resilient populations based on social interaction, we found no inflammatory or other behavioral differences between these subgroups. Furthermore, assessment of associations between all detectable inflammatory proteins and behavioral outputs found no significant correlation between social interaction parameters and inflammation. In contrast, we identified a panel of 5 circulating inflammatory proteins that showed significant associations with elevated zero maze parameters. Strikingly, these 5 circulating inflammatory proteins displayed a stronger predictive ability of psychological trauma exposure compared to any behavioral outcome. These findings provide new insights into inflammatory markers associated with RSDS, and their ability to predict psychological trauma exposure more robustly than commonly utilized behavioral paradigms. HighlightsO_LIRepeated social defeat stress (RSDS) reproducibly produces peripheral inflammation C_LIO_LIPeripheral inflammation is not coupled to social interaction testing parameters C_LIO_LISusceptible and resilient categorization does not reflect peripheral inflammation C_LIO_LIAnxiety-like behavioral parameters are linked to peripheral inflammation in RSDS C_LIO_LIPeripheral inflammation is more predictive of trauma than behavior in RSDS C_LI
Real World Cost-of-Illness Evidence in Hepatitis C Virus: A systematic review.

The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) represents a potential clinical cure for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Identification of costs associated with different stages of untreated disease through cost-of-illness (COI) evaluation helps inform policy decisions and cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs). This study’s objective was to review published real-world costs for patients with HCV to estimate the COI across different stages of disease progression. A literature search of EMBASE, Scopus, and PubMed from January 1, 2010 to August 31, 2019 was conducted to identify real-world evidence related to HCV. Data extraction included citation details, population, study type, costing method used, currency and inflation adjustments, and disease-specific costs. Standardized costing method categories (sum all medical, sum diagnosis specific, matching, regression, other incremental, and other total) were assigned. The risk of bias was assessed at the outcome level for influence on costs attributable to HCV. The search strategy identified 278 studies, with 31 included in the final review after inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Retrospective cohorts (77%) and cross-sectional analyses (16%) were most frequently encountered. Sum Diagnosis Specific was the most common costing method (39%), followed by Regression (32%). Of the 31 studies analyzed, 35% included costs that would be included in a societal model. Costs were identified for various stages and complications related to HCV disease progression. Several studies included were determined to have a high (48%) or moderate risk (42%) of bias related to COI estimates. Cost estimates for formal, informal, and non-health care services were identified in this review, but several challenges still exist in fully quantifying HCV burden. Future modeling studies including cost inputs should critically evaluate the risk of bias based on costing methods and data sources.
Application of entropy and signal energy for ultrasound-based classification of three-dimensional printed polyetherketoneketone components

This paper describes a preliminary method for the classification of annealed and unannealed polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) components manufactured using a material extrusion three-dimensional (3D) printing process. PEKK is representative of a class of high-performance thermoplastics that are increasingly employed as feedstocks for use in 3D printing. PEKK components may be used continuously at elevated temperatures, are chemically resistant, and able to withstand large mechanical loads. These properties render PEKK suitable as a metal component replacement in aerospace applications, high-temperature industrial applications, and surgical implants. The structure of PEKK is semi-crystalline with the specific crystallinity correlating to the final properties during application, making determination of this property crucial. This study compares three different signal processing techniques intended to distinguish annealed (high crystallinity) from unannealed (low crystallinity) components using backscattered ultrasound. The first is energy-based and is unable to detect annealing. The second two are based on different entropies of the backscattered signal: a limiting form of Renyi's entropy and a limiting form of joint entropy. The joint entropy values for the annealed and unannealed specimens fall into two non-overlapping intervals and have a statistical separation of two standard deviations.
High Number of Daily Steps Recorded by Runners Recovering from Bone Stress Injuries

Bone stress injuries (BSIs) are common among runners for which activity modification is the primary treatment. The clinical utility of measuring activity during recovery has not been evaluated. We sought to measure the physical activity of runners recovering from BSIs and determine if activity can be correlated with symptoms. A prospective observational pilot study was performed of runners with a new lower extremity BSI treated non-surgically. For 30 days, activity of runners was measured with a physical activity tracker and daily pain scores were collected. We enrolled 18 runners (average age, 33 years; 72% female). Twelve had stress fractures and six had stress reactions. The average daily steps of all runners during the observation period was 10,018 ± 3232, and the runner with the highest daily steps averaged 15,976. There were similar average daily steps in those with stress fractures versus reactions, 10,329 versus 9965, respectively. There was no correlation between daily steps or relative change in daily steps with pain or relative change in pain scores. Runners with BSIs averaged over 10,000 steps per day during early recovery. Clinicians may not be aware of the amount of activity runners maintain after being diagnosed with a BSI. Although daily steps and symptoms could not be correlated in this study, objectively measuring activity may assist clinicians in guiding runners recovering from BSIs.
Determination of glyphosate and AMPA in oat products for the selection of candidate reference materials.

Abstract The use of reference materials (RMs) is critical for validating and testing the accuracy of analytical protocols. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is in initial stages of developing a glyphosate in oats RM. The first aim of this study was to optimize and validate a robust method for the extraction and analysis of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA). The optimized method was used to screen thirteen commercially available oat products to identify candidate RMs. Glyphosate was detected in all samples, with the highest glyphosate mass fraction of 1100 ng/g; lower levels were measured in grains from organic agriculture. AMPA was quantified in nine samples up to 40 ng/g. The findings of this study led to the identification of candidate RMs, with “high” and “low” glyphosate levels. A preliminary stability study determined that glyphosate is stable in oat material at room temperature for six months.
Response to Trastuzumab and Lapatinib in a Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Harboring HER2 Amplification and HER2 S310F Mutation

Dual HER2-targeted therapy has been associated with clinical responses and prolonged progression-free survival and overall survival in RAS-wild type HER2-amplified colorectal cancer (CRC). However, no clinical benefits have been reported in patients with CRC with HER2 mutations. Activated HER2 mutations have been largely deemed resistant to trastuzumab and to dual HER2 targeting. This report describes a patient with metastatic CRC with concurrent HER2 amplification and a HER2 S310F mutation, which is an active mutation located in the extracellular dimerization domain of HER2. Treatment with trastuzumab + lapatinib resulted in an excellent response that lasted for 10 months. Upon disease progression, treatment with the antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab-deruxtecan resulted in a short-lived response. This is the first case report of successful HER2 targeting in metastatic CRC with concurrent HER2 amplification and a HER2 S310F mutation.
Ergodic Secrecy Rate Analysis of Ultra-Dense Networks with Multiple Antennas

Ultra-Dense Networks (UDNs), where Small Cells (SCs) will be deployed in very high densities, are considered as a leading promising technology in 5G and beyond. Such SCs being equipped with multiple antennas can further enhance the achievable performance. In particular, significant gains can be obtained in securing the wireless data transfer through Physical Layer Security (PLS) protocols. In this paper, we study the combined effects and trade-offs between densifying the SCs and increasing the number of antennas per SC on the achievable downlink secrecy rate per user. Using tools from stochastic geometry, we derive an analytical expression for the achievable average secrecy rate. The obtained results show that both approaches of densifying the SCs and/or increasing the number of antennas per cell enhance the secrecy level of communication. Interestingly, we show that reducing the density of SCs can be compensated by increasing the number of antennas per cell in terms of the achievable secrecy rate.
Monetary rules and commodity money schemes under uncertainty

Abstract The paper sets out a simple monetary model and uses it to compare alternative monetary systems. Money may be either fiat or gold. Both gold supply and velocity are uncertain. Asset demands are derived from expected utility maximization. I demonstrate the basic argument against a commodity money — that it wastes resources, show why the optimal growth rate of money may be zero, and compare the behavior of the economy under constant money stock, constant price level, and constant gold price rules. Expected utility is typically highest under the constant price level rule.
Transportation R&D by Private Enterprise

Transportation oriented research and development performed by manufacturing industry includes: (1) Product improvement and component development; (2) basic research and new system development; and (3) research sponsored or initiated by government. Rail automation is used as an example of a complete, industry sponsored developmental cycle, starting from basic research on electronic computers and automation concepts, progressing to operational rail automation hardware installed in new transit systems and remotely controlled locomotives. The intermediate steps included an investigation of rail automation needs, specification of requirements, design, development, and testing of prototype and then full scale equipments, establishing new subsystem development requirements, and designing and developing the new subsystems over a 15-yr. period of time. A brief summary of current ground transportation R&D opportunities is also presented.
Human Rights Law and the Marginalized Other

Part I. A Deconstruction of Human Rights Law: 1. Arendt, Little Rock, and the cauterization of the other 2. Democracy, human rights, and L'Affaire du Foulard Part II. A Phenomenology of the Saturated Other: 3. Derrida, Levinas, and the rights of the other 4. The saturated other Part III. A Human Rights of the Marginalized Other: 5. Learning to learn from the voice of the other 6. Self-ascription by the marginalized other in asylum law 7. Heteronomic rights and duties.
Technology, Information, and Bankruptcy

Financial innovations, spurred by the growth of information technology, have transformed the consumer lending industry. Today lenders have unfettered access to a wider spectrum of borrowers and are better able to assess the likelihood that these borrowers will repay the debt they incur. Consequently, the level of consumer household debt has risen dramatically in the past three decades, and will continue to rise, which will lead naturally to an increase in bankruptcy filings. Although our initial intuition tells us that bankruptcies are bad, the author advances the idea that this development is inevitable and that instead of focusing on amending bankruptcy laws, reformers should ask instead whether regulations can help consumers make better borrowing decisions.
Extension of the Lorenz-Mie-Debye method for electromagnetic scattering to the time-domain

In this paper, we extend the frequency domain Lorenz-Mie-Debye formalism for the Maxwell equations to the time-domain. In particular, we show that the problem of scattering from a perfectly conducting sphere can be reduced to the solution of two scalar wave equations - one with Dirichlet boundary conditions and the other with Robin boundary conditions. An explicit, stable, and high-order numerical scheme is then developed, based on our earlier treatment of the scalar case. This new representation may provide some insight into transient electromagnetic phenomena, and can also serve as a reference solution for general purpose time-domain software packages.
SU‐E‐T‐459: Impact of Source Position and Traveling Time On HDR Skin Surface Applicator Dosimetry

Purpose: Observed dosimetric discrepancy between measured and treatment planning system (TPS) predicted values, during applicator commissioning, were traced to source position uncertainty in the applicator. We quantify the dosimetric impact of this geometric uncertainty, and of the source traveling time inside the applicator, and propose corrections for clinical use. Methods: We measured the dose profiles from the Varian Leipzig-style (horizontal) HDR skin applicator, using EBT3 film, photon diode, and optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD) and three different GammaMed HDR afterloders. The dose profiles and depth dose of each aperture were measured at several depths (up to about 10 mm, depending on the dosimeter). The measured dose profiles were compared with Acuros calculated profiles in BrachyVision TPS. For the impact of the source position, EBT3 film measurements were performed with applicator, facing-down and facing-up orientations. The dose with and without source traveling was measured with diode detector using HDR timer and electrometer timer, respectively. Results: Depth doses measured using the three dosimeters were in good agreement, but were consistently higher than the Acuros dose calculations. Measurements with the applicator facing-up were significantly lower than those in the facing-down position with maximum difference of about 18% at the surface, due to source sag inside the applicator. Based on the inverse-square law, the effective source sag was evaluated to be about 0.5 mm from the planned position. The additional dose from the source traveling was about 2.8% for 30 seconds with 10 Ci source, decreasing with increased dwelling time and decreased source activity. Conclusion: Due to the short source-to-surface distance of the applicator, the small source sag inside the applicator has significant dosimetric impact, which should be considered before the clinical use of the applicator. Investigation of the effect for other applicators that have relatively large source lumen inner diameter may be warranted. Christopher Barker and Gil’ad Cohen are receiving research support for a study of skin surface brachytherapy from Elekta.
Harm reduction, human rights and public health

Publisher Summary Despite vigorous efforts on the part of the international community, and an unprecedented level of research across an enormous variety of fields, HIV/AIDS has become the most severe infectious disease epidemic of modern times. HIV spread is either accelerating or remains stable at unacceptably high levels. Despite a relatively long list of prevention tools with good evidence for efficacy in HIV prevention, this domain has been marked by many failures and only a few successes by a tragic and ongoing history of inability to implement the tools available to control HIV spread. HIV spreads through sexual and reproductive behaviors and by blood and blood-products exposures, including sharing of injection equipment among drug users. The history of other sexually transmitted diseases suggests that most societies have been challenged in dealing pragmatically with diseases spread by sexual behavior. Intravenous drug users (IDUs) remain one of the most vulnerable groups for HIV infection. Prevention strategies for HIV infection can be divided into two main groups: harm-reduction strategies and a protective vaccine against HIV infection. And while it is important to include IDUs as study participants for HIV vaccine trials, harm-reduction strategies are currently the only proven way of preventing HIV infection. The immediate goal of harm-reduction strategies is not to reduce the use of drugs; instead it is to reduce the associated risk of HIV infection with drug use. Incarcerated populations remain among the most vulnerable for HIV infection worldwide because the burden of infectious disease in entrants to the penal system is significantly higher than in the general population, and in prison there is a heightened risk environment.
What experience teaches

The audio file is a recording of David Lewis's talk to the Philosophy Department at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia, with Tim Oakley's introduction, and subsequent discussion, which started at 5.30 pm on 23 July 1981. It is posted here by permission of Tim Oakley and Stephanie Lewis. The PDF is of the paper, developed from that talk, first published in the proceedings of the Russellian Society of the University of Sydney in 1988. The paper was subsequently republished in David Lewis, Papers in Metaphysics and Epistemology (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999), pp. 262–90, and is posted here by permission of Stephanie Lewis and the Russellian Society.
Supporting Adolescents with Guidance and Employment (SAGE)

Supporting Adolescents with Guidance and Employment (SAGE) is a multifaceted, community-based violence-prevention program. Its target is African-American male adolescents in Durham, North Carolina. Public health professionals, county government officials, and local businessmen collaborated in its development and implementation. The program is based on the paradigm of risk and protective factors, in which various risk factors for youth violence are buffered by modifiable, protective psychosocial processes. SAGE includes an eight-month African-American Rites of Passage program (adult mentoring, African-American culture and history lessons, and manhood and conflict-resolution training), a six-week summer employment component, and a 12-week entrepreneurial experience. Of the 260 youth recruited, 88 were randomly assigned to receive all three program components, 85 were assigned to the summer employment and entrepreneurial components only, and 87 were assigned to a delayed program or control condition. We compared these three groups' psychosocial and behavioral outcomes using survey data and archival records. Program implementation data include attendance records; mentor-youth activity logs pre- and postprogram focus group discussions; and telephone interviews with parents, program staff, and participants. The mean age of the adolescents recruited into the program was 14. Half reported receiving free lunches at school; half were not living with a father; and one quarter reported that their mothers had not completed high school. During the previous year, many had engaged in various violence-related behaviors, including fighting (49%) and carrying a gun (22%). Youths in each program condition were similar with respect to key demographic and behavioral characteristics. The key components of the SAGE program represent increasingly popular but untested approaches. Preliminary results reveal that these youths are involved in violent behavior both as perpetrators and as victims.
Combinatorial optimization problems with concave costs

In the first part, we study the problem of minimizing a separable concave function over a polyhedron. We assume the concave functions are nonnegative nondecreasing on R+ , and the polyhedron is in Rn+ (these assumptions can be relaxed further under suitable technical conditions). We show how to approximate this problem to 1+e precision in optimal value by a piecewise linear minimization problem so that the number of resulting pieces is polynomial in the input size of the original problem and linear in 1/e. For several concave cost problems, the resulting piecewise linear problem can be reformulated as a classical combinatorial optimization problem. As a result of our bound, a variety of polynomial-time heuristics, approximation algorithms, and exact algorithms for classical combinatorial optimization problems immediately yield polynomial-time heuristics, approximation algorithms, and fully polynomial-time approximation schemes for the corresponding concave cost problems. For example, we obtain a new approximation algorithm for concave cost facility location, and a new heuristic for concave cost multicommodity flow. In the second part, we study several concave cost problems and the corresponding combinatorial optimization problems. We develop an algorithm design technique that yields a strongly polynomial primal-dual algorithm for a concave cost problem whenever such an algorithm exists for the corresponding combinatorial optimization problem. Our technique preserves constant-factor approximation ratios as well as ratios that depend only on certain problem parameters, and exact algorithms yield exact algorithms. For example, we obtain new approximation algorithms for concave cost facility location and concave cost joint replenishment, and a new exact algorithm for concave cost lot-sizing. In the third part, we study a real-time optimization problem arising in the operations of a leading internet retailer. The problem involves the assignment of orders that arrive via the retailer's website to the retailer's warehouses. We model it as a concave cost facility location problem, and employ existing primal-dual algorithms and approximations of concave cost functions to solve it. On past data, we obtain solutions on average within 1.5% of optimality, with running times of less than 100ms per problem. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Cystopexy in a Cadaveric Canine Model.

OBJECTIVE To describe a technique for laparoscopic cystopexy using knotless barbed suture and to compare this technique with traditional cystopexy using standard suture in a cadaveric canine model. STUDY DESIGN Cadaveric study. ANIMALS Male canine cadavers (n = 12). METHODS Cadavers were randomly assigned to 2 groups: laparoscopic (n = 6) and open (n = 6) cystopexy. Laparoscopic cystopexy was performed intracorporeally using barbed, glycomer 631 suture. Open cystopexy was performed using standard glycomer 631 suture. Pre- and postoperative positive contrast cystography was performed in all dogs. Cystopexy procedure time, length and adherence, as well as number of bladder mucosal suture penetrations were compared between groups. RESULTS Mean ± SD cystopexy procedure time was 14.0 ± 3.0 minutes and 5.2 ± 0.5 minutes for the laparoscopic and open groups, respectively (P = .0007). Laparoscopic and open cystopexy lengths were 2.5 ± 0.4 and 2.4 ± 0.5 cm, respectively (P = .43). Partial suture pullout occurred in 1 dog in the laparoscopic group but subjective cystopexy adherence was adequate in all dogs. Bladder mucosal suture penetration occurred in 3 dogs in both groups (P = .86). Two of 6 cadavers with luminal suture penetration had minor contrast leakage on postoperative contrast cystography. Pre- and postoperative contrast cystography revealed appropriate bladder position in all cadavers. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic cystopexy using knotless suture was comparable to an open cystopexy but was associated with a slightly longer procedure time and should be suitable for laparoscopic cystopexy in vivo.
Positive Female Role-Models Eliminate Negative Effects of Sexually Violent Media

Much debate has focused on the potential negative role of sexualized violent media on viewer attitudes toward women. One potential issue in previous literature is that depictions of sexuality and violence were confounded with subordinate depictions of female characters. The current study addressed this by randomly assigning young adults to watch either neutral media or sexually violent media with either subordinate or strong female characters. Women who watched sexually violent media were more anxious, and males who watched sexually violent media had more negative attitudes toward women, but only when female characters were subordinate. Sexual and violent content had no influence on viewer attitudes when strong female characters were present, suggesting these are not the crucial influence variables.
LAM at Universities: Convergence in Graduate Education

This poster presents preliminary results from a one-year project to study the convergence of Library and Information Studies, Archival Studies, and Museum Studies (LAM) education in ALA-accredited graduate programs in North America. This mixed-methods study resulted in a survey of graduate programs, and an on-going series of interviews with key knowledgeable persons within those programs. Initial results reveal a tension between the desire to formalize ties among LAM graduate programs at universities and the desire to adhere to the inherent cultures of Libraries, Archives, and Museums.
Maternal plasma phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnancy with and without gestational diabetes mellitus: relations with maternal factors

Background: The fatty acids arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) are essential for fetal growth and development, but their metabolism may be altered in insulin resistance. Objectives: The objectives were to determine maternal plasma phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in pregnant women receiving dietary therapy for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to identify maternal factors associated with plasma phospholipid AA and DHA concentrations in the third trimester. Design: Fasting plasma phospholipid fatty acids were determined in women with GDM (n = 15) receiving dietary therapy only and in healthy, pregnant women without GDM (control group, n = 15) at 27-30, 33-35, and 36-39 wk gestation. Results: Maternal plasma phospholipid (as % by wt of total fatty acids and mg/L) linoleic acid (18:2n-6), AA, and 22:5n-6 concentrations did not differ significantly between women with GDM and control subjects. The other n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (% by wt) were lower in GDM subjects than in control subjects. Plasma phospholipid (expressed as % by wt and mg/L) linolenic acid (18:3n-3) and summed precursors of DHA were lower and DHA (% by wt and mg/L), adjusted for dietary DHA intake, was 13% higher in GDM subjects than in control subjects. Maternal blood hemoglobin A 1C was inversely related to plasma phospholipid AA (% by wt) (r = -0.56, P = 0.03) in control subjects and positively associated with plasma phospholipid AA (% by wt) in women with GDM (r = 0.76, P = 0.001). Pregravid body mass index was negatively associated with plasma phospholipid DHA (% by wt) in control subjects (r = - 0.55, P = 0.04) and in women with GDM with a body mass index (in kg/m 2 ) <30 (r = -0.76, P = 0.007). Conclusions: This is the first report documenting alterations in maternal plasma phospholipid PUFAs in pregnant women receiving dietary therapy for GDM. In pregnant woman, both with and without GDM, maternal glycemic control and pregravid BMI appear to be significant predictors of plasma phospholipid AA and DHA, respectively, during the third trimester. Additionally, dietary DHA significantly affects phospholipid DHA concentrations.
Selenol binds to iron in nitrogenase iron-molybdenum cofactor: an extended x-ray absorption fine structure study.

Abstract The biological N2-fixation reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme nitrogenase. The metal cluster active site of this enzyme, the iron-molybdenum cofactor (FeMoco), can be studied either while bound within the MoFe protein component of nitrogenase or after it has been extracted into N-methylformamide. The two species are similar but not identical. For example, the addition of thiophenol or selenophenol to isolated FeMoco causes its rather broad S = 3/2 electron paramagnetic resonance signal to sharpen and more closely approach the signal exhibited by protein-bound FeMoco. The nature of this thiol/selenol binding site has been investigated by using Se-K edge extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) to study selenophenol ligated to FeMoco, and the results are reported here. EXAFS data analysis at the ligand Se-K edge was performed with a set of software, GNXAS, that provides for direct calculation of the theoretical EXAFS signals and least-squares fits to the experimental data. Data analysis results show definitively that the selenol (and by inference thiol) binds to Fe at a distance of 2.4 A. In contrast, unacceptable fits are obtained with either Mo or S as the liganded atom (instead of Fe). These results provide quantitative details about an exchangeable thiol/selenol binding site on FeMoco in its isolated, solution state and establish an Fe atom as the site of this reaction. Furthermore, the utility of ligand-based EXAFS as a probe of coordination in polynuclear metal clusters is demonstrated.
Count rate nonlinearity in near infrared detectors: inverse persistence

The count rate non-linearity of near-infrared devices was first found in the HST NICMOS. In this report we present a physical model of the cause of this effect, show how it is related to persistence, and compare the predictions of the model to other observations of anomalous detector behavior. This model is able to explain not only the count rate non-linearity but also several other effects. Overall, the excellent agreement between this model and the observations gives us strong confidence that we understand the underlying cause of the count rate non-linearity. This understanding should allow us to develop methods to accurately calibrate and remove the effect from JWST observations.
Flame Spectroscopy of Powders

At present, flame spectroscopy is done almost entirely with samples in solution form. Methods of introducing powder into a flame include placing it on a rotating asbestos wheel on the edge of the flame rolling it in paper and feeding it into the flame, and dispersing it in a liquid that is handled like a solution. Our approach has been to use a gas stream to carry powder into the flame. The only published technique of this type uses an aspirator and compressed air traveling along a trough These methods have been summarized.
Memory, Tradition, and the Re-membering of Suffering

Abstract This article explores the interrelationship between memory and tradition in the work of religious education with particular attention to three questions: how memory serves the construction of the personal narrative called self and orients the self to the future; how body memory as articulated in habit and ritual becomes the foundation for social memory; and how the memory of suffering offers a generative metaphor for postmodern life. It concludes that the memory of suffering as practiced in religious education and worship is required for “more true” selves and communities and for transformative praxis.
α-ACID GLYCOPROTEIN (AGP) AND C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (CRP) IN THE EVOLUTION OF BACTERIAL INFECTION OF NEONATES

AGP (orosomucoid) and CRP provide help in the diagnosis of bacterial infection in neonates. Their use in following the course of systemic neonatal infection was evaluated in 49 neonates (GA:mean35 weeks,range 26-41w;BW:mean2206g.,range 880-4400) using sequential, quantitative (nephelometric) determinations. Early infection (<6 days of age) was observed in 28 patients:late in 21 patients. The outcome was favorable in all but 8 infants. Initial AGP and CRP concentrations were (mean ± 1SD)133 ± 75 mg/dl and 8.4 ± 7.5 mg/dl. After 5-6 days of favorable evolution, CRP decreased to a mean of 4.7 mg/dl (< 0.5-17.5) and after 13-16 days to 2.0 mg/dl (<0.5-18.8). Serum AGP increased to 142 ± 73 mg/dl and then decreased to 116 ± 75 mg/dl after the same time intervals. Higher values were associated with meningitis. During the 3rd week, no CRP value was above 0.8 mg/dl, and AGP was normal at 86 ± 40 mg/dl. The normalization of serum AGP was similar to clinical healing.In contrast, a dramatic increase of CRP was observed in patients with a bad outcome, especially 3 patients who died and two with profound neurologic damage. In one patient with arthritis the recurrence of symptoms was observed with a re-elevation of serum AGP while serum CRP was normal. The data confirm the abnormal elevation of serum CRP and AGP in neonates with bacterial infection. They suggest that CRP is a reflection of the efficacy of the treatment and that the normallization of serum AGP coincides with recovery.
Online application upgrade using edition-based redefinition

This paper describes Edition-Based Redefinition (EBR) in the Oracle database --- a novel technology and methodology to build database application patches so that installation of these patches does not require application downtime. It discusses the challenge of zero-downtime application patch installation and shows how EBR can meet the challenge. Customer experience shows that EBR provides online application upgrade in several industries.
Low-dimensional models and performance scaling of a highly deformable fish pectoral fin

The hydrodynamics of a highly deformable fish pectoral fin used by a bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) during steady forward swimming are examined in detail. Low-dimensional models of the fin gait based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) are developed, and these are subjected to analysis using an incompressible Navier- Stokes flow solver. The approach adopted here is primarily motivated by the quest to develop insights into the fin function and associated hydrodynamics, which are specifically useful for the design of a biomimetic, pectoral fin propulsor. The POD analysis shows that the complex kinematics of the pectoral fin can be described by a few (<5) POD modes and that the first three POD modes are highly distinct. The significance of these modes for thrust production is examined by synthesizing a sequence of fin gaits from these modes and simulating the flow associated with these gaits. We also conduct a scale study of the pectoral fin in order to understand the effect of the two key non-dimensional parameters, Reynolds number and Strouhal number, on the propulsive performance. The implications of the POD analysis and performance scaling on the design of a robotic pectoral fin are discussed.
Design and Use of a Secure Testing Environment on Untrusted Hardware

Dedicated laboratories have been used to provide a secure testing environment. Given the prevalence of laptop computers, the cost of maintaining a computer lab simply for testing seems prohibitive. We present the RAPTOR assessment environment, which allows students to take an exam on their own laptop, without being able to access their hard drive or network resources. We evaluate threats, and the level of security provided by the assessment environment.
DNA mediated gene transfer using simian virus 40 or polyoma virus morphological transformation as selective markers.

The stable uptake of a bacterial plasmid by mouse or rat cells has been detected following the respective co-transfection of these cells with plasmid in the presence of either Simian virus 40 (SV40) or Polyoma virus DNAs. About 60–70 percent of the resulting SV 40-transformed mouse cell clones and about 40 percent of the Polyoma transformed rat cell clones contained plasmid DNA sequences.
Toxin A secretion in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: the role of the first 30 amino acids of the mature toxin

Toxin A, one of several virulence factors secreted by the gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is synthesized as a 71 kDa precursor with a typical prokaryotic leader peptide (LP), and is secreted as a 68 kDa mature protein. Evidence from a previous study suggested that a signal required for toxin A secretion in P. aeruginosa may reside within the region defined by the toxin A LP and the first 30 amino acids (aa) of mature toxin A. In the present study, we have used exonuclease Ba131 deletion analysis to examine the specific role of the first 30 as in toxin A secretion. Four toxA subclones, which encode products containing the toxin A LP and different segments of the 30-residue region fused to a toxin A carboxy-terminal region, were identified. In addition, a gene fusion encoding a hybrid protein consisting of the LP of P. aeruginosa elastase and the final 305 residues of toxin A, was generated. The cellular location of the toxA subclone products in P. aeruginosa was determined by immunoblotting analysis. Toxin A CRMs (cross-reacting material) encoded by different subclones were detected in different fractions of P. aeruginosa including the periplasm and the supernatant. Results from these studies suggest that (1) mature toxin A contains two separate secretion signals one within the N-terminal region and one within the C-terminal region; and (2) the first 30 residues of the mature toxin A form part of the N-terminal secretion signal.
Rapid weight loss causing the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome in a patient with chronic diarrhea

Rapid weight loss causing the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome in a patient with chronic diarrhea
Suppressing the cyclization of (1-methyl-5-hexenyl)sodium

Abstract In reactions of 1-methyl-5-hexenyl chloride and bromide with sodium metal and sodium naphthalene in DME and THF, the cyclization of (1-methyl-5-hexenyl) sodium is suppressed by added tert -butylamine. Since the cyclization of 1-methyl-5-hexenyl radical does not appear to be affected, this demonstrates the practicality of using the 1-methyl-5-hexenyl group as a probe for radical intermediates in the presence of tert -butylamine.
Displacing Blame: Georgian Internally Displaced Person Perspectives of the Georgia-Abkhazia Conflict

This article analyzes the views of Georgians, focusing primarily on those displaced from Abkhazia, and examines who they blame for the Georgia–Abkhazia conflict and what they think about Abkhazians. How groups assign blame affects the potential for reconciliation. Very different justifications are offered by those affected by conflict. These discourses of legitimation help to explain the conflict, and provide a narrative for the hostilities/war. For Georgian internally displaced persons, the blame for the conflict falls on Russia. For Abkhazians, the blame is placed on Georgians. Although both discourses are different, they each displace blame from themselves and their own agency and actions that played a significant role in the conflict, as well as in some of the atrocities that have been documented to have taken place on both sides.