cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal Complexity of Continental Intraplate Seismicity: Insights from Geodynamic Modeling and Implications for Seismic Hazard Estimation

Continental intraplate seismicity seems often episodic, clustered, and mi- grating. The observed seismicity shows both spatial clustering in seismic zones and scattering across large plate interiors, temporal clustering followed by long periods of quiescence, and migration of seismicity from one seismic zone to another. Here, we explore the complex spatiotemporal patterns of intraplate seismicity using a 3D visco- elasto-plastic finite-element model. The model simulates tectonic loading, crustal failure in earthquakes, and coseismic and postseismic stress evolution. For a later- ally homogeneous lithosphere with randomly prespecified perturbations of crustal strength, the model predicts various spatiotemporal patterns of seismicity at different timescales: spatial clustering in narrow belts and scattering across large regions over hundreds of years, connected seismic belts over thousands of years, and widely scat- tered seismicity over tens of thousands of years. The orientation of seismic belts coincides with the optimal failure directions associated with the assumed tectonic loading. Stress triggering and migration cause spatiotemporal clustering of earth- quakes. When weak zones are included in the model the predicted seismicity initiates within the weak zones but then extends far beyond them. If a fault zone is weakened following a large earthquake, repeated large earthquakes can occur on the same fault zone even in the absence of strong tectonic loading. These complex spatiotemporal patterns of intraplate seismicity predicted in this simple model suggest that assessment of earthquake hazard based on the limited historic record may be biased toward over- estimating the hazard in regions of recent large earthquakes and underestimating the hazard where seismicity has been low during the historic record.
Extinction in a generalized Lotka-Volterra predator-prey model

In this paper we discuss the asymptotic behavior of a predator-prey model with distributed growth and mortality rates. We exhibit simple criteria on the parameters which guarantee that all subpopulations but one predator-prey pair are driven to extinction as t--<x. Finally, we present numeri
Proton Zeeman relaxation and intramolecular reorientation in solid t-butylbenzene

We report the temperature T dependence of the proton Zeeman relaxation rate R in solid t-butylbenzene at 8·50, 22·5 and 53·0MHz. The relaxation is caused by the modulation of the spin-spin dipole-dipole interactions by the reorienting t-butyl groups and their constituent methyl groups. It is shown that even if the phenyl group reorients, it makes a very small contribution to the observed relaxation rate. The observed R versus T is very complicated and this is unusual for such simple solids as t-butylbenzene. The data are fitted with several models for the dynamical properties of the t-butyl group and its constituent methyl groups, each assuming a particular symmetry imposed by the crystal structure.
Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis Clinical, Hemodynamic and Pathologic Observations

In 3 patients obstruction to left ventricular outflow was shown to be due to a localized narrowing of the aortic root at the point of insertion of the aortic leaflets. The site of obstruction was localized by left heart catheterization and selective angiography. The pathologic findings in 2 patients are described and the problem of the surgical management of this unusual form of aortic stenosis is discussed.
Grooming Cybervictims: The Psychosocial Effects of Online Exploitation for Youth.

The social and cultural communities of the Internet provide a virtual venue with unique perspectives on power, identity, and gender. This paper presents an overview of the benefits and risks of Web-based interactions for youth. As an illustrative example, the psychosocial effects of online grooming practices which are designed to lure and exploit children are discussed. Constructive solutions and a plan of action which foster protective and productive learning experiences are explored.
"Big data" versus "big brother": on the appropriate use of large-scale data collections in pediatrics.

Discussions of “big data” in medicine often revolve around gene sequencing and biosamples. It is perhaps less recognized that administrative data in the form of vital records, hospital discharge abstracts, insurance claims, and other routinely collected data also offer the potential for using information from hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people to answer important questions. However, the increasing ease with which such data may be used and reused has increased concerns about privacy and informed consent. Addressing these concerns without creating insurmountable barriers to the use of such data for research is essential if we are to avoid a “missed opportunity” in pediatrics research.
Oxide film formation on metals and alloys by thermal, electrochemical and plasma oxidation and prediction of resulting structures

Multicomponent oxide films are needed to meet the increasing demands of the electronics industry. Three main methods that involve oxidation of a metallic substrate are thermal, anodic and plasma oxidation. Today we do not have an adequate fundamental physical-chemical model of how multicomponent oxides evolve on alloys under these oxidizing conditions to design a wide range of materials for electronic devices. The three methods will be discussed in terms of physical/chemical parameters that influence the chemical nature and structure of the resulting oxides. By using surface studies of the oxidation behavior of numerous metals and alloys we have been able to delineate the factors which are most important to the oxide formation process and provide insight into the prediction of oxide layer structures. The electrochemical processes that occur during the materials reaction with a chosen environment will be used to discuss the physical and chemical mechanisms involved. Intrinsic and extrinsic electric fields will be shown to influence the chemical and structural nature of the resulting oxide structures. Examples will be presented from a number of metal and alloy systems that have been examined in our laboratory. These include Al, Ti, Zr, Nb, Mn, Cu and Ni and some of their selected alloys. The models that have developed from these studies are providing some predictive power in how the complex oxide overlayer will be chemically speciated and on its structure.
Early detection of heterotopic ossification using near-infrared optical imaging reveals dynamic turnover and progression of mineralization following Achilles tenotomy and burn injury.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the abnormal formation of bone in soft tissue. Current diagnostics have low sensitivity or specificity to incremental progression of mineralization, especially at early time points. Without accurate and reliable early diagnosis and intervention, HO progression often results in incapacitating conditions of limited range of motion, nerve entrapment, and pain. We hypothesized that non-invasive near-infrared (NIR) optical imaging can detect HO at early time points and monitor heterotopic bone turnover longitudinally. C57BL6 mice received an Achilles tenotomy on their left hind limb in combination with a dorsal burn or sham procedure. A calcium-chelating tetracycline derivative (IRDye 680RD BoneTag) was injected bi-weekly and imaged via NIR to measure accumulative fluorescence for 11 wk and compared to in vivo microCT images. Percent retention of fluorescence was calculated longitudinally to assess temporal bone resorption. NIR detected HO as early as five days and revealed a temporal response in HO formation and turnover. MicroCT could not detect HO until 5 wk. Confocal microscopy confirmed fluorophore localization to areas of HO. These findings demonstrate the ability of a near-infrared optical imaging strategy to accurately and reliably detect and monitor HO in a murine model.
Implications of the Lyα Emission Line from a Candidate z = 10 Galaxy

The z = 10 galaxy recently discovered by Pello and coworkers has a strong Lyα emission line that does not appear to have the expected asymmetry with more transmission on the red side. The blue wing of a Lyα line originating at high redshift should be strongly suppressed by resonant hydrogen absorption along the line of sight, an expectation borne out by the observed asymmetric shapes of the existing sample of Lyα-emitting sources at lower redshifts (3 < z < 6.7). The observed line is inconsistent with the galaxy being embedded in a fully neutral intergalactic medium (IGM) and having no receding peculiar velocity relative to the surrounding absorbing gas at the 95.0%-98.8% confidence level. Absorption on the blue side of the line of the Pello et al. source could be reduced if the IGM in the vicinity of the galaxy is highly ionized, but we show that this requires an unrealistically high ionizing emissivity. We suggest instead that the Lyα-emitting gas is receding relative to the surrounding gas with a velocity of 35 km s-1, which reduces the inconsistency confidence level to less than 76.0%-94.5%. We find that with this velocity shift, the observed strength and shape of the line is more consistent with the galaxy being surrounded by its own Stromgren sphere embedded in a fully neutral IGM. More generally, we predict that at any given redshift, the bright Lyα emitters with broader lines would exhibit stronger asymmetry than fainter ones. Bright galaxies with symmetric Lyα lines may be signposts for groups and clusters of galaxies, within which they can acquire random velocities comparable to or larger than their line widths.
Effect of Adhesive Stiffness and Thickness on Stress Distributions in Structural Finger Joints

Abstract Environmental, political, and socioeconomic actions over the past several years have resulted in a decreased wood supply at a time when there is an increased demand for forest products. This combination of increased demand and decreased supply has forced more emphasis on engineered wood products, a varied category usually connected with adhesively-bonded end joints, of which the most common type is the finger joint. This paper presents the results of a finite-element analysis of structural finger joints, and focuses primarily on the effect of adhesive stiffness and thickness on stress distribution patterns in finger joints. Results indicate that a flexible adhesive layer concentrates adherend longitudinal and radial stresses at the finger base, whereas a stiff adhesive layer minimizes adherend stresses but increases adhesive stress levels. Results also show that a thin adhesive layer concentrates longitudinal adherend stresses at the juncture of the finger tip and flexible finger base and concent...
Investigating the relationship between presence and learning in a serious game

We investigate the role of presence in a serious game for intercultural communication and negotiation skills by comparing two interfaces: a 3D version with animated virtual humans and sound against a 2D version using text-only interactions with static images and no sound. Both versions provide identical communicative action choices and are driven by the same underlying simulation engine. In a study, the 3D interface led to a significantly greater self-reported sense of presence, but produced significant, but equivalent learning on immediate posttests for declarative and conceptual knowledge related to intercultural communication. Log data reveals that 3D learners needed fewer interactions with the system than those in the 2D environment, suggesting they benefited equally with less practice and may have treated the experience as more authentic.
Variations in the recidivism of treated and nontreated sexual offenders in New Jersey: an examination of three time frames

Abstract This study examines the recidivism of sexual offenders in New Jersey at three different time intervals: three years, five years, and ten years after release from prison. The sample is comprised of sexual offenders released from the general prison population (untreated sample, n = 150) and the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) (treated sample, n = 150), a sex offender specific facility. The goals of this study were twofold: (1) to identify the recidivism rates of sexual offenders and to determine whether sexual offenders who receive treatment demonstrate lower levels of recidivism and (2) to examine whether differences in recidivism exist among the varying time frames and offender subtypes. The results indicate that treated sex offenders maintained decreased nonsexual recidivism rates. Additionally, offenders who committed acts of rape and offenders followed up after six years had increased rates of recidivism.
Channel hot carrier impact on the reliability performance of PMOS submicron transistors

Channel hot carrier (CHC) effects in PMOS transistors increase the drive current and reduce the threshold voltage (Vt). While these changes improve the device switching speed, the decreased Vt renders the transistor harder to "turn off". This work focused on defining the punch through voltage (BVDSS) of PMOS transistors from a CMOS submicron process as a function of gate length and stress voltage. A model and predictions of PMOS device lifetimes based on the CHC-induced BVDSS degradation is presented.
Unusually high SCLC hole mobility in solution-processed thin films of a polycyclic thiophene-based small-molecule semiconductor

SCLC hole mobilities up to 8.72 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1, amongst the highest reported hole mobility values for solution-processed small-molecule organic semiconductors, are obtained from thermally annealed device-sized thin films of a thiophene-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.
Foreign Language Teaching at the Undergraduate Level

V ANDERBILT University held a two-day symposium on the teaching of foreign languages at the undergraduate level on February 24-25, 1978. Funded by the University's Kenan-Venture Fund to apprise the foreign language faculties of Vanderbilt and other Nashville area universities and colleges of current developments in the field of foreign language teaching, its speakers were Wilga M. Rivers (Harvard), Werner Haas (Ohio State), Howard B. Altman (University of Louisville), and Walburga von RafflerEngel and Katrin T. Bean (Vanderbilt). Summaries of their talks follow, in order of presentation in the symposium. In "Exploring a Partnership: Computer-Assisted Instruction in Foreign Languages," Werner Haas pointed out that computer-assisted instruction (CAI) must be distinguished from computer-managed instruction (CMI). CMI controls all or most facets of instruction-management of materials, supervision of drills and of homework, record-keeping, production and grading of tests-but in CAI the computer is a valuable and enhancing supplementary tool for foreign language teaching. Haas advocates computer use for tutorial programs because they fully utilize computer memory capability and capacity for storing and presenting stimulus material, for receiving and evaluating student responses, for providing feedback, and for adjusting the sequence of instruction to student performance. The German CAI program at Ohio State is an example of such tutorial use. The Ohio program provides for interaction between computer and student in a controlled learning process. For each problem there are from six to twenty-five anticipated wrong answers programmed, along with suitable responses for each wrong answer that guide the student to the correct answer, much as a teacher would.
Correction of RNA Splicing with Antisense Oligonucleotides as a Therapeutic Strategy for a Neurodegenerative Disease

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe genetic disease inherited in autosomal recessive fashion. It is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality. SMA is a neuromuscular disease, characterized by progressive degeneration and loss of α-motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord, which in turn leads to muscle weakness and atrophy, resulting in gradual paralysis. SMA is classified into four types on the basis of severity and time of onset: childhood-onset SMA ranges from type I, which is the most severe, to type III, which is considerably milder, with type II having intermediate severity [1–4]; adult-onset SMA is classified as type IV. There is no effective therapy for SMA.
Nonmodal amplification of stochastic disturbances in strongly elastic channel flows

Abstract Nonmodal amplification of stochastic disturbances in elasticity-dominated channel flows of Oldroyd-B fluids is analyzed in this work. For streamwise-constant flows with high elasticity numbers μ and finite Weissenberg numbers We, we show that the linearized dynamics can be decomposed into slow and fast subsystems, and establish analytically that the steady-state variances of velocity and polymer stress fluctuations scale as O ( We 2 ) and O ( We 4 ) , respectively. This demonstrates that large velocity variance can be sustained even in weakly inertial stochastically driven channel flows of viscoelastic fluids. We further show that the wall-normal and spanwise forces have the strongest impact on the flow fluctuations, and that the influence of these forces is largest on fluctuations in the streamwise velocity and the streamwise component of the polymer stress tensor. The underlying physical mechanism involves polymer stretching that introduces a lift-up of flow fluctuations similar to vortex tilting in inertia-dominated flows. The validity of our analytical results is confirmed in stochastic simulations. The phenomenon examined here provides a possible route for the early stages of a bypass transition to elastic turbulence and might be exploited to enhance mixing in microfluidic devices.
Tardigrades of the Canopy: Doryphoribius gibber Beasley and Pilato, 1987 (Eutardigrada: Parachela: Hypsibiidae) New Records from Eastern Kansas, U.S.A.

The geographic distribution of tardigrade species across the planet is poorly known, and certainly incomplete. While some species appear to be cosmopolitan, published data still shows most species with spotty and disjointed distributions, due to the lack of detailed, expansive diversity studies. This report adds to the biogeography and habitat of Doryphoribius gibber Beasley and Pilato, 1987. Known previously only from ground level moss in Arkansas, U.S.A. and Chiapas, Mexico this species has now been found 290 km further north, in both moss and lichen habitats in the canopy of the deciduous forest of northeastern Kansas, U.S.A
Long-Term Balancing Selection at the Antiviral Gene OAS1 in Central African Chimpanzees

Oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) are interferon-induced enzymes that participate in the first line of defense against a wide range of viral infection in animals. Upon activation by viral double-stranded RNA, OAS synthesizes (2–5) oligoadenylates, which activate RNase L, leading to the nonspecific degradation of cellular and viral RNA. Some association studies in humans suggest that variation at one of the OAS genes, OAS1, could be influencing host susceptibility to viral infection. We assessed the diversity of OAS1 in hominoid primates with a focus on chimpanzees. We found that the OAS1 gene is extremely polymorphic in Central African chimpanzee and exhibits levels of silent and replacement diversity much higher than neutral regions of the chimpanzee genome. This level of variation strongly suggests that balancing selection is acting on OAS1, and indeed, this conclusion was validated by several tests of neutrality. We further demonstrated that balancing selection has been acting at this locus since the split between chimpanzees, humans, and gorillas (;8.6 Ma) and caused the persistence of two deeply divergent allelic lineages in Central African chimpanzees. These two groups of OAS1 alleles differ by a large number of amino acids (a.a.), including several a.a. putatively involved in RNA binding. It is therefore very likely that variation at the OAS1 locus affects the innate immune response of individuals to specific viral infection. Our data strongly suggest that interactions between viral RNA and OAS1 are responsible for the maintenance of ancestral polymorphisms at this locus for at least 13.2 My.
Damage control in the management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: preliminary results.

Background: This study compared damage control measures (DCM), including operative techniques (DCO) and resuscitative measures (DCR), with standard treatment (ST) for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). Methods: Historical cohort study methodology was used to evaluate outcomes for rAAA repairs related to DCM or ST over a 74-month period at a level I trauma center. Results: Of 28 repairs, 13 (46.4%) were DCM. Compared to ST patients, DCM patients had a lower mean preoperative BP (64.6 vs. 83.2 mm Hg, P = .03) and greater intraoperative blood loss (4.6 vs. 2.1 liters, P = .033). Patients who had both DCR and DCO (DCO & DCR) received more plasma (6.8 vs 2.6 units, P = .039) and less crystalloid (2.8 vs 10.5 liters, P = .005) than those receiving DCO only. A modest decrease in mortality was seen in the DCO & DCR group compared to DCO only. No DCO-related graft infections were observed. Conclusion: DCR use may prove beneficial in the management of rAAA.
Uranium Activities’ Impacts on Lakota Territory

Uranium exploration, mining, and milling are the "front end" of the nuclear chain – the often-forgotten activities without which neither nuclear power nor nuclear weapons could exist. The history of these activities is virtually unknown to the general public outside mining areas, but most uranium mining in the United States has occurred on or near reservations. Both mining and milling were common on the northern Great Plains from the 1940s until the early 1980s. This paper focuses on the history and impacts of those activities on Lakota Territory – the area now known as western South Dakota and North Dakota, eastern Montana and Wyoming, the panhandle of Nebraska, and northeastern Colorado. The general problems with past uranium activities, and current projects are covered. In the last several years, a boom in uranium exploration and proposed new mining projects has brought new attention to the ongoing impacts of old mining and milling sites. This new uranium boom is a result of the belief that nuclear power will have a "renaissance" as a "clean" alternative to fossil fuels in an era of climate change -- and to a resulting spike in uranium prices. However, nuclear power is not clean, as this paper illustrates and as the crisis at the Fukushima nuclear plants makes clear.
The 'Big Three' VEBAs and Other Stand-Alone Welfare Benefit Trusts: What Is and Is Not Novel about Them

Some conceptual confusion appears to surround the voluntary employees’ beneficiary associations, or VEBAs, recently established by “Big Three” automakers Ford, General Motors and Chrysler (as well as other companies) to meet these employers’ post-retirement health insurance obligations. In particular there seems a generally held apprehension that VEBAs themselves represent an inherently innovative funding strategy. The article emphasizes that what is innovative about the Big Three retiree benefit trusts is not the fact that they are VEBAs – a form of tax-exempt trust that has been routinely used to pre-fund benefit obligations for many decades – but rather that in these cases the trusts have assumed, from the employer, the legal liability for benefit obligations to plan participants.
Detection of metastases in breast cancer: Is whole body PET/MR better than PET/CT?

15 Background: Whole body PET/CT is commonly utilized in breast cancer (BC) patients (pts). Limitations include assessment of treatment response in bone metastases (mets), high physiologic uptake in brain and liver, and cumulative radiation exposure. The site of mets can have prognostic and therapeutic implications. PET/MR, an exciting new hybrid technology, delivers less radiation than PET/CT. Our aim was to compare the differences in metastatic lesion detection using PET/CT & PET/MR in all BC subtypes. Methods: After a single 18-FDG injection, pts had whole body PET/CT for staging and assessment of treatment response. They were transported to another NYU facility & then underwent whole body PET/MR. PET/MR & PET/CT images were each read by a radiologist blinded to prior exams or reports. Number of mets (up to 6) per organ was recorded. 2 experienced radiologists unblinded to imaging and pathology reports served as the “reference standard”. Results: Forty-eight BC pts underwent PET/CT & PET/MR (28 in meta...
Review of Institutional Work: Actors and Agency in Institutional Studies of Organizations, Thomas B. Lawrence, Roy Suddaby, and Bernard Leca, Eds.

Institutions impose constraints on us all. In recent years the institution of the university press has constrained the publication of edited volumes, and the appearance of this particular volume might be seen as evidence against the notion that institutional constraints are real. But this is the exception that proves the rule that edited volumes cannot succeed. Lawrence, Suddaby, and Leca have brought together a set of pathbreaking essays that speak authoritatively to a single issue.
Understanding the Utilization of Information Stimuli in Design Decision Making Using Eye Gaze Data

Research on decision making in engineering design has focused primarily on how to make decisions using normative models given certain information. However, there exists a research gap on how diverse information stimuli are combined by designers in decision making. In this paper, we address the following question: how do designers weigh different information stimuli to make decisions in engineering design contexts? The answer to this question can provide insights on diverse cognitive models for decision making used by different individuals. We investigate the information gathering behavior of individuals using eye gaze data from a simulated engineering design task. The task involves optimizing an unknown function using an interface which provides two types of information stimuli, including a graph and a list area. These correspond to the graphical stimulus and numerical stimulus, respectively. The study was carried out using a set of student subjects. The results suggest that individuals weigh different forms of information stimuli differently. It is observed that graphical information stimulus assists the participants in optimizing the function with a higher accuracy. This study contributes to our understanding of how diverse information stimuli are utilized by design engineers to make decisions. The improved understanding of cognitive decision making models would also aid in improved design of decision support tools.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Transport of Intensity Imaging with Higher Order Derivatives

We introduce and test a method for improving the accuracy of phase retrieval based on Transport of Intensity (TIE), by using intensity measurements at multiple planes to estimate and remove artifacts due to higher order axial derivatives.
Demographic stochasticity and Allee effect on a scale with isotropic noise

Diffusion models of stochastic population dynamics, including both demographic and environmental stochasticity, can be transformed to a scale with isotropic noise. On this scale, demographic stochasticity contributes a net downward component to population trajectories that is inversely proportional to population size, creating a type of Allee effect. In populations with appreciable demographic stochasticity and a small long-run growth rate, such as many threatened and endangered species, there may be a stochastically unstable equilibrium below which most population trajectories tend to decline toward extinction. Population sizes corresponding to stochastic equilibria on the transformed scale can be obtained directly, without transformation. An explicit transformation and its inverse are derived for illustration in a model with stochastic density-independent growth (including demographic and environmental stochasticity) and deterministic density-dependence.
Laparoscopic pyeloplasty in horseshoe kidney with hydronephrosis

Objective:To discuss the surgical procedures of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in 3 cases of horseshoe kidney with hydronephrosis.Methods:All cases were performed via retroperitoneal approach.The laparoscopic procedures inclued identification of aberrant vessels,isthmus dissection and 1 case of "Y-V" pyeloplasty,2 cases of dismembered pyeloplasty.Results:Retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty was successfully performed on all the 3 patients,no complications occurred.The mean operative time was 4 hours;the mean estimated blood loss was 80 ml.Conclusions:Retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty to treat horseshoe kidney with hydronephrosis is effective.
MO-FG-CAMPUS-JeP3-03: Detection of Unpredictable Patient Movement During SBRT Using a Single KV Projection of An On-Board CBCT System: Simulation Study

Purpose: An unpredictable movement of a patient can occur during SBRT even when immobilization devices are applied. In the SBRT treatments using a conventional linear accelerator detection of such movements relies heavily on human interaction and monitoring. This study aims to detect such positional abnormalities in real-time by assessing intra-fractional gantry mounted kV projection images of a patient's spine. Methods: We propose a self-CBCT image based spine tracking method consisting of the following steps: (1)Acquire a pre-treatment CBCT image; (2)Transform the CBCT volume according to the couch correction; (3)Acquire kV projections during treatment beam delivery; (4)Simultaneously with each acquisition generate a DRR from the CBCT volume based-on the current projection geometry; (5)Perform an intensity gradient-based 2D registration between spine ROI images of the projection and the DRR images; (6)Report an alarm if the detected 2D displacement is beyond a threshold value. To demonstrate the feasibility, retrospective simulations were performed on 1,896 projections from nine CBCT sessions of three patients who received lung SBRT. The unpredictable movements were simulated by applying random rotations and translations to the reference CBCT prior to each DRR generation. As the ground truth, the 3D translations and/or rotations causing >3 mm displacement of the midpoint of the thoracic spine were regarded as abnormal. In the measurements, different threshold values of 2D displacement were tested to investigate sensitivity and specificity of the proposed method. Results: A linear relationship between the ground truth 3D displacement and the detected 2D displacement was observed (R2 = 0.44). When the 2D displacement threshold was set to 3.6 mm the overall sensitivity and specificity were 77.7±5.7% and 77.9±3.5% respectively. Conclusion: In this simulation study, it was demonstrated that intrafractional kV projections from an on-board CBCT system have a potential to detect unpredictable patient movement during SBRT. This research is funded by Interfractional Imaging Research Grant from Elekta.
The Role of Pharmacogenomics in Diabetes, HIV Infection, and Pain Management

Diabetes mellitus has emerged as a major public health epidemic in the 21st century. Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes in adults, accounting for 90 to 95% of cases worldwide. A large pharmacologic treatment armamentarium exists for type 2 diabetes, but it is difficult to predict which patients will derive the best efficacy or be predisposed to toxicity for a given antidiabetic medication. As such, the potential of pharmacogenomics to aid in the selection of antidiabetic drug therapy has garnered considerable attention in the last decade. This chapter will review major antidiabetic drug classes (sulfonylureas, biguanides, and thiazolidinediones) for which there exists a moderate amount of pharmacogenomic research. Within this framework, the most clinically relevant findings from candidate gene studies and/or genome-wide association studies will be highlighted for each drug class. In addition, this chapter will discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the potential translation of pharmacogenomic information to the clinical management of diabetes. Finally, an overview of how genetic variation also plays a role in drug development for management of patients with HIV-1 infection and in interindividual responses to pain therapy is presented.
Things Fall Apart: Toxcatl and the Noche triste

After installing themselves in the palaces, invited by Moctezuma, the Spaniards settled into a routine. Relations with Moctezuma remained cordial and visits between him and Cortes were done with considerable courtesy and formality. Meanwhile, the Spaniards began to reconnoiter the city, examining the markets, the temples, and the crowds. The Spaniards also built a small chapel for their prayers and discovered a secret vault filled with treasure in one of the temple walls. Bernal Diaz tells of this period in some detail. He also claims that some of the Spanish captains and soldiers prevailed upon Cortes to place Moctezuma under arrest in order to forestall any rebellion against them. The plans were already under way for this move when justification for it arrived from the coast. Word was brought of a battle near Vera Cruz in which the Totonacs supported by the Spaniards had resisted a Mexica army aimed at restoring the Totonacs to a tributary status. Cortes used the incident as an excuse to take Moctezuma hostage and to demand the execution of the Mexica captains responsible for the attack. With this audacious and treacherous act, barely a week after the Spanish entry into Tenochtitlan, Cortes seized the initiative, making Moctezuma a prisoner in his own city. While some of the other leaders like Cacamatzin, ruler of Texcoco, advocated resistance to the strangers, with Moctezuma still alive, many of the Mexica were reluctant to act against his wishes, although Cortes and Bernal Diaz both suggested that Moctezuma was himself secretly organizing a resistance. In any case, for dynastic, ethnic, and personal reasons, the Mexica city-states and the various factions inside Tenochtitlan were still not able to mount a resistance and Moctezuma retained his role as a Spanish captive and puppet, albeit a reluctant one.
Responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in nonagenarians

ABSTRACTThe incidence of melanoma continues to rise with the most rapid increase seen in the elderly population. Historically, elderly patients with advanced melanoma have had dismal clinical outcomes, in part, due to distinct tumor biology, and often ineligibility for effective therapies during their development. In addition, due to relatively few geriatric patients being accrued to clinical trials of novel immunotherapeutics, there is a paucity of data regarding their safety and efficacy. Herein, we present the clinical course of three consecutive nonagenarians (≥90 y old) with metastatic melanoma, who were treated with single-agent or combination immune checkpoint inhibitors. Two patients experienced complete or partial responses with acceptable safety profiles, and one other tolerated therapy well although a significant response was not noted. These cases suggest that with close monitoring, even very elderly patients with advanced cancers and acceptable performance status may tolerate and benefit from...
Organic electronics: One model to rule them all

A single transport function has been developed to describe the temperature and energy dependence of charge transport in insulating, semiconducting and metallic polymers.
Assessment of ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome): A Case Study for Health Care Providers.

Abstract Introduction Over a million adults in the U.S. are affected by chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). A debilitating illness, ME/CFS is accompanied b...
Time-Step Targeting Time-Dependent and Dynamical Density Matrix Renormalization Group Algorithms with ab Initio Hamiltonians

We study the dynamical density matrix renormalization group (DDMRG) and time-dependent density matrix renormalization group (td-DMRG) algorithms in the ab initio context to compute dynamical correlation functions of correlated systems. We analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the two methods in small model problems and propose two simple improved formulations, DDMRG++ and td-DMRG++, that give increased accuracy at the same bond dimension at a nominal increase in cost. We apply DDMRG++ to obtain the oxygen core-excitation energy in the water molecule in a quadruple-zeta quality basis, which allows us to estimate the remaining correlation error in existing coupled cluster results. Further, we use DDMRG++ to compute the local density of states and gaps and td-DMRG++ to compute the complex polarization function, in linear hydrogen chains with up to 50 H atoms, to study metallicity and delocalization as a function of bond length.
Magnetic Trapping of an Ultracold Gas of Polar Molecules.

We demonstrate the efficient transfer of molecules from a magneto-optical trap into a conservative magnetic quadrupole trap. Our scheme begins with a blue-detuned optical molasses to cool SrF molecules to $\ensuremath{\approx}50\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{K}$. Next, we optically pump the molecules into a strongly trapped sublevel. This two-step process reliably transfers $\ensuremath{\approx}40%$ of the molecules initially trapped in the magneto-optical trap into a single quantum state in the magnetic trap. Once loaded, the molecule cloud is compressed by increasing the magnetic field gradient. We observe a magnetic trap lifetime of over 1 s. This opens a promising new path to study ultracold molecular collisions, and potentially to produce quantum-degenerate molecular gases via sympathetic cooling with co-trapped atoms.
Effects of Introduced Small Wood in a Degraded Stream on Fish Community and Functional Diversity

Though the effects of introduced wood on fishes is widely studied for salmonids in upland coldwater streams, there are few studies on this topic conducted in the Coastal Plain of the southeastern US. This research gap is problematic because the introduction of wood is a critical component of efforts aimed at conserving the threatened fish diversity of the Coastal Plain, but managers lack data on the effects of installed wood on fish communities. Over a nearly 4-year study period, we contrasted the effects of introduced, small, wood bundles on the fish community in a channelized and deeply incised sand-bed Coastal Plain stream with an unmanipulated reference treatment. The central question was whether or not stream reaches with introduced wood had greater taxonomic and functional diversity than unmanipulated reference reaches within the same stream. The introduction of modest amounts of small wood had measurable and biologically significant positive impacts on fish community composition and perhaps functional diversity relative to stream reaches lacking wood. However, species-specific responses varied among treatments, suggesting the design of wood installations has an impact on whether or not managemen t goals are achieved.
Reducing Alarm Fatigue in Two Neonatal Intensive Care Units through a Quality Improvement Collaboration

Objective To reduce nonactionable oximeter alarms by 80% without increasing time infants were hypoxemic (oxygen saturation [SpO2] ≤ 80%) or hyperoxemic (SpO2 > 95% while on supplemental oxygen). Study Design In 2015, a multidisciplinary team at Connecticut Children's Medical Center initiated a quality improvement project to reduce nonactionable oximeter alarms in two referral neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Changes made through improvement cycles included reduction of the low oximeter alarm limit for specific populations, increased low alarm delay, development of postmenstrual age-based alarm profiles, and updated bedside visual reminders. Manual alarm tallies and electronic SpO2 data were collected throughout the project. Results Alarm tallies were collected for 158 patient care hours with SpO2 data available for 138 of those hours. Mean number of total nonactionable alarms per patient per hour decreased from 9 to 2 (78% decrease) and the mean number of nonactionable low alarms per patient per hour decreased from 5 to 1 (80% decrease). No change was noted in the balancing measures of percentage time with SpO2 ≤ 80% (mean 4.3%) or SpO2 > 95% (mean 23.7%). Conclusion Through small changes in oximeter alarm settings, including revision of alarm limits, alarm delays, and age-specific alarm profiles, our NICUs significantly reduced nonactionable alarms without increasing hypoxemia.
Contribution of durable disease resistance to sustainable agriculture

Durable disease resistance and sustainable agriculture are two important concepts that have not been defined well enough for many people to determine with certainty whether a particular entity fits into either category. While there is not agreement on either definition, there is little disagreement that each concept is a desirable objective. Ironically, both concepts can be reduced to `over a long period of time'. While most people would not argue with the indefinite characterization of either concept, disagreement quickly arises when consideration begins of how to achieve either. Most disease resistance that is rendered ineffective is race specific. The pathogen population is shifted genetically to defeat the resistance gene. When resistance is only partial, the population shifts are less likely to occur. Equally so, the more complex the genetics of the resistance, the more difficult it is for the pathogen to evolve to a form that can overcome the resistance. Throughout history, there are countless examples of major losses of crops when previous effective resistance has been rendered ineffective, causing severe hardship and even devastating famines, e.g., Irish potato famine. Fortunately, there are also examples of resistance that has given protection over an extended time, one is rust in maize. Ultimately, adding genetic complexity to many host plant resistances is likely to extend their effectiveness (greater durability). Similarly, adding biodiversity to the landscape for both plants and animals is likely to increase the resiliency of the ecosystem involved. In both cases, the derived food system will be more secure.
Complex Lie Groups; Characters

This lecture serves two functions. First and foremost, we make the transition back from Lie algebras to Lie groups: in §23.1 we classify the groups having a given semisimple Lie algebra, and say which representations of the Lie algebra, as described in the preceding lectures, lift to which groups. Secondly, we introduce in §23.2 the notion ofcharacterin the context of Lie theory; this gives us another way of describing the representations of the classical groups, and also provides a necessary framework for the results of the following two lectures. Then in §23.3 we sketch the beautiful interrelationships among Dynkin diagrams, compact homogeneous spaces and the irreducible representations of a Lie group. The first two sections are elementary modulo a little topology needed to calculate the fundamental groups of the classical groups in §23.1. The third section, by contrast, may appear impossible: it involves, at various points, projective algebraic geometry, holomorphic line bundles, and their cohomology. In fact, a good deal of §23.3 can be understood without these notions; the reader is encouraged to read as much of the section as seems intelligible. A final section §23.4 gives a very brief introduction to the related Bruhat decomposition, which is included because of its ubiquity in the literature.
End-Stage Lung Disease and Indications for Lung Transplantation

The first human lung transplant was performed in 1963, and since then lung transplantation has become a widely accepted therapeutic option for patients with a select group of end-stage lung disease. In many incurable lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung transplantation remains the only hope for survival. Although there are specific guidelines with each disease condition, transplantation is generally recommended when there is progressive respiratory failure despite maximal medical therapy and when the survival advantage becomes evident. This chapter discussed pulmonary etiologies leading to end-stage lung disease and indications for lung transplantation.
Synthesis and characterization of colloidal ZnTe/ZnS quantum dots

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) emitting in the visible spectrum are of interest for many biomedical applications, including bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, and photodynamic therapy. However, a significant limitation is that QDs typically contain cadmium, which is highly cytotoxic and makes prospects for their FDA approval for human treatment very unlikely. Previous work on biocompatible QDs has focused on indium phosphide and zinc oxide as alternative materials for QDs. However, these nanoparticles have also been shown to be cytotoxic. High-efficiency luminescent ZnTe-based QDs could be a reasonable alternative to Cd-containing QDs. We started our recent studies of ZnTe core, zinc chalcogenide shell QDs with synthesis, structural characterization, and investigation of optical properties of ZnTe/ZnSe colloidal QDs that displayed a blue-green photoluminescence under UV excitation. In this paper, the characteristics of ZnTe/ZnS QDs are compared to those of ZnTe/ZnSe QDs. We conclude that ZnTe/ZnS QDs are appealing candidates for various biomedical applications instead of the currently prominent alternative: cadmium-chalcogenide core QDs.
Cyclophilin D knockout protects the mouse kidney against cyclosporin A-induced oxidative stress

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have been implicated in cyclosporin A (CsA)-induced nephrotoxicity. CsA interacts with cyclophilin D (CypD), an essential component of the mitochondri...