cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FTSGD: An Adaptive Stochastic Gradient Descent Algorithm for Spark MLlib

The proliferation of massive datasets and the surge of interests in big data analytics have popularized a number of novel distributed data processing platforms such as Hadoop and Spark. Their large and growing ecosystems of libraries enable even novice to take advantage of the latest data analytics and machine learning algorithms. However, time-consuming data synchronization and communications in iterative algorithms on large-scale distributed platforms can lead to significant performance inefficiency. MLlib is Spark's scalable library consisting of common machine learning algorithms, many of which employ Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) to find minima or maxima by iterations. However, the convergence can be very slow if gradient data are synchronized on each iteration. In this work, we optimize the current implementation of SGD in Spark's MLlib by reusing data partition for multiple times within a single iteration to find better candidate weights in a more efficient way. Whether using multiple local iterations within each partition is dynamically decided by the 68-95-99.7 rule. We also design a variant of momentum algorithm to optimize step size in every iteration. This method uses a new adaptive rule that decreases the step size whenever neighboring gradients show differing directions of significance. Experiments show that our adaptive algorithm is more efficient and can be 7 times faster compared to the original MLlib's SGD.
A 19Gb/s RX for VSR-C2C Links with Clock-Less DFE and High-BW CDR Based on Master-Slave ILOs in 14nm CMOS

A receiver with a reference-less clocking architecture for high-density VSR-C2C links is described. It features clockless DFE and a high-bandwidth CDR based on master-slave ILOs for phase generation/rotation. The receiver is implemented in 14nm CMOS and characterized at 19Gb/s. It achieves a power-efficiency of 2.9pJ/b while recovering error-free data (BER UI ) is <1-LSB.
Hepatitis C co-infection in HIV-positive patients treated for lymphoma.

8578 Background: While reactivation of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is well described in patients treated for hematological malignancies, less is known about outcomes in patients co-infected w...
Conference summary: What we have learned and where we are headed

This overview highlights the actionable near-term objectives for the TRN drawn from discussions in the breakout sessions. A major purpose of the symposium was to focus attention on establishing priorities, setting goals, and identifying the steps toward accomplishing those goals. Two major objectives were identified. One is to establish Turner syndrome as a priority area of research for the National Institutes of Health. Turner syndrome should not only be viewed as a rare disorder, but also as a model for common diseases that have a male sex bias in the general population attributable to the lack of a second X chromosome. Barriers to recognition of Turner syndrome as an important area of research were identified, and new approaches to enhancing visibility are discussed. The second major objective is to further development of the Turner Syndrome Research Registry (TSRR). This patient-powered research registry is a paradigm-shifting model for how human-based research can be improved through equal partnerships between researchers and study subjects. The TSRR is founded on an agreement that study participants are the ultimate owners of their personal data. The major challenges to establishing a maximally functional registry of this design were discussed, and a clear path forward was established.
Multiple access technique in a high-speed free-space optical communication link: independent component analysis

Increasing usage and higher demand for wireless traffic are causing a critical need for increased bandwidth and capacity communication networks. Accordingly, multipoint free-space optical communication (FSOC) links are beginning to draw significant attention as a valuable and promising solution for satisfying new network requirements. Extensive interest has focused on investigating and developing hardware design solutions to perform multiuser FSOC. However, to meet the low size, weight, and power needs of this technology, we propose using a robust and solid signal-processing method, namely independent component analysis (ICA), to implement an optical multiple access technique. A high-speed, multipoint free space optical system composed of two independent users and two receiving sensors is introduced. FastICA and joint approximate diagonalization of eigenmatrices algorithms are exploited for multiuser detection, and extensive analysis of power ratio, data rate difference, computational complexity, achievable system capacity, turbulence generation accuracy, and turbulence severity effects on signal reconstruction is performed. Experimental results demonstrate that ICA provides suitable source separation for all tested configurations. Additionally, transmission parameters that maximize signal reconstruction performances were identified.
Visualizing and Linking Cartographic Resources across Discovery Environments

Abstract. This presentation will highlight Stanford University Libraries’ development of institutional best practices for identifying relationships among cartographic resources stored within the university’s digital preservation repository and made available to end users from contextualized discovery catalogs: SearchWorks and EarthWorks. The use of map interfaces as a tool for searching and retrieving of geographic information has greatly influenced the design of structural metadata and the related management of elegant workflows for supporting consistent procedures, both amongst the cartographic metadata librarians, as well as across greater Stanford Library policies. As collections of maps, atlases, and geospatial imagery are increasingly being digitized and georeferenced for use in a number of research contexts and purposes, new digital data are produced and made available through spatial data infrastructures, geoportals, and programmatic APIs. Our goal is to preserve the lineage that exists between primary source materials - such as centuries-old maps - and their derivative or versioned datasets, and to make this track both transparent and easily actionable for end users who are evaluating materials found through search engines or contextualized discovery platforms. The goal is to provide users with easily navigable links between the source materials and all subsequent versions. Our work relies on the use of structured metadata to define relationship types that commonly exist between cartographic materials old and new, and includes the use of persistent links that direct users to both source materials, as well as to georectified imagery, or shapefile index maps that are based upon those source materials. Using examples of Japanese maps of Tokyo, from several of Stanford’s rare and historic cartographic collections (housed at the East Asia Library, David Rumsey Map Center, and Branner Earth Sciences Library), we will present a standardized list of relationships which are prevalent among cartographic data collections and we will demonstrate how we have designed and leveraged metadata in these cases in order to facilitate the user’s intuitive discovery, reuse, and citation of related map content.
Telecommunications health and safety: Peer review conclusion of clear evidence of cancer risk from cell-phone RF radiation

On March 26 to 28, 2018, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' (NIEHS) National Toxicology Program (NTP), a part of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), convened a three-day Technical Reports Peer Review Panel meeting in Research Triangle Park, NC, to review the NTP's draft reports on their carcinogenesis studies of cell-phone radio-frequency (RF) radiation in mice and rats [1]. The invited 14-member peer-review panel included three electrical engineering professors, 10 pathologists and toxicologists (three from academia and seven from industry), and one biostatistician; none were from the cell-phone industry.
In vivo detection of tumor boundary using ultrahigh‐resolution optical coherence angiography and fluorescence imaging

Accurate detection of early tumor margin is of great preclinical and clinical implications for predicting the survival rate of subjects and assessing the response of tumor microenvironment to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Here, we report a multimodality optical imaging study on in vivo detection of tumor boundary by analyzing neoangiogenesis of tumor microenvironment (microangiography), microcirculatory blood flow (optical Doppler tomography) and tumor proliferation (green fluorescent protein [GFP] fluorescence). Microangiography demonstrates superior sensitivity (77.7 ± 6.4%) and specificity (98.2 ± 1.7%) over other imaging technologies (eg, optical coherence tomography) for tumor margin detection. Additionally, we report longitudinal in vivo imaging of tumor progression and show that the abrupt tumor cell proliferation did not occur until local capillary density and cerebral blood flow reached their peak approximately 2 weeks after tumor implantation. The unique capability of longitudinal multimodality imaging of tumor angiogenesis may provide new insights in tumor biology and in vivo assessment of the treatment effects on anti-angiogenesis therapy for brain cancer.
Program evaluation of a pharmacy run resident teaching and learning curriculum.

Abstract Problem description The questions evaluated are: To what extent does the program meet the needs and expectations of the participants?; To what extent are the program outcomes being met?; In what ways does the program need to be modified to better meet the expectations and needs of the target audience?; In what ways does the program need to be modified to better fulfill its intended outcomes?; How accepting are the current residency programs of the modifications proposed for the 2018–2019 year? Quality improvement methods The new teaching and learning curriculum (TLC) program coordinator and Assistant Dean conducted a practical participatory evaluation. The plan was: complete initial data collection and review, create a new syllabus, and review new syllabus with all residency program directors. Results of CQI inquiry All stakeholders felt the program was meeting their needs and expectations and the program was meeting its outcomes. Interpretation and discussion Problems found included: all assessments for the program outcomes were perception and completion data, no data were collected to show improvement across the participants' time in the program, and residency program directors did not complete an end-of-year survey to determine their perceptions of the program. Based on the results several changes and a new syllabus were done for the program. Conclusion Overall this project answered the five key questions in its objectives. This work provides one example of a quality assurance project that can occur for a TLC program. This process could be adapted for any TLC program.
GLL398, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), blocks tumor growth in xenograft breast cancer models.

Selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) has proven clinically effective in treating advanced or metastatic breast cancer since the approval of fulvestrant by FDA in 2002. Recent expansion of indications as a first line monotherapy and as combination therapy with CDK4/6 inhibitors further extends its clinical utility as an efficacious breast cancer endocrine regimen. However, the poor pharmacokinetic properties of fulvestrant and its injection-only administration route has driven continued efforts to develop orally bioavailability SERD that could potentially improve clinical response to SERD treatment. GLL398, a boron-modified GW5638 analog, showed superior oral bioavailability, while retaining both antiestrogenic activity and ER degrading efficacy at a potency level comparable to the more active metabolite of GW5638, GW7604. Here we used molecular modeling, ER (Y537S) binding assay, MCF-7 Xenograft tumor, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor model to conduct further studies on the pharmacology and metabolism of GLL398. Consistent with GLL398's robust activities in breast cancer cells that either are tamoxifen resistant or express constitutively active, mutant ESR1 (Y537S), it was found to bind the mutant ERY537S with high affinity. Molecular modeling of the binding mode of GLL398 to ER also found its molecular interactions consistent with the experimentally determined high binding affinity towards WT ER and ERY537S. To test the in vivo efficacy of GLL398, mice bearing MCF-7-derived xenograft breast tumors and patient-derived xenograft tumors harboring ERY537S were treated with GLL398 which potently inhibited tumor growth in mice. This study demonstrates GLL398 is an oral SERD that has therapeutic efficacy in clinically relevant breast tumor models.
The Clinical and Imaging Profile of Skew Deviation: A Study of 157 Cases.

Background Skew deviation, a vertical misalignment of the eyes caused by a lesion in the vestibulo-ocular pathway, is a common manifestation of brainstem dysfunction, yet comprehensive information about its clinical profile is lacking. The aim of this study was to document presenting symptoms, causes, ocular alignment features, accompanying neurologic signs, pertinent brain imaging abnormalities, and measures used to relieve diplopia. Methods We searched the electronic medical records text from 2000 to 2018 for "skew" or "skew deviation" at a tertiary care academic center, including only patients diagnosed under supervision of faculty neuro-ophthalmologists. After excluding patients with features suggesting an imitator of skew deviation, we collected data useful in answering the selected clinical issues. Results In a cohort of 157 patients, vertical misalignment ranged between 1 and 30 prism diopters (PD) (median 5 PD) and was comitant in 100 (64%) patients. Diplopia was reported by 87% and blurred vision by 11% of patients. Blurred vision was more common when vertical misalignment was less than 3 PD. At least one accompanying neurologic sign was present in 133 (85%) patients, most often nystagmus, followed by gaze paresis, ataxia, saccadic pursuit, and internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Stroke affecting the thalamus, brainstem, or cerebellum accounted for 82 (52%) of cases. Stroke was usually ischemic, mostly unprovoked, but also occurring after intracranial or extracranial surgical procedures. Brainstem tumor and operative injury caused most of the remaining cases. A subgroup of 17 (11%) patients had skew deviation as the only new clinical sign and had no pertinent brain imaging abnormalities. Resolution of skew deviation, documented in 58 (42%) of 137 patients who had at least one follow-up visit, usually occurred within 3 months, but sometimes not until after 12 months. Of 110 patients who still had diplopia on follow-up examinations, the diplopia was successfully relieved with prism spectacles in 68 (62%). The cause of the skew deviation, amount of vertical misalignment, and degree of incomitance did not predict the success in relieving diplopia. Accompanying neurologic signs, including ataxia, endured in 44% of patients and were often more debilitating than the diplopia of skew deviation. Conclusions The amplitude of misalignment in skew deviation varies widely but is generally 5 PD or less. When misalignment is 3 PD or less, patients report blurred vision rather than diplopia. Skew deviation is usually accompanied by other neurologic signs reflecting brainstem dysfunction. Yet there is a small subgroup in which vertical misalignment is an isolated sign, and there are no supporting brain imaging abnormalities. The main cause of skew deviation is ischemic stroke, which affects not only the brainstem but also the thalamus. Diplopia from skew deviation frequently persists, in which case prism spectacles may be successful in palliating it. Accompanying neurologic signs, especially ataxia, may outlast skew deviation and be more debilitating.
Advanced Predictive Modeling of Children with Neurological Injury in the PICU: A Machine Learning Approach (2846)

Objective: We hypothesize that nonlinear analytics will demonstrate greater predictive performance for morbidity and mortality compared to established linear methods among critically ill children with neurological injury. Background: PICU patients with acute neurological injury are thought to be at higher risk for poor outcomes, though no predictive outcome models are validated for this population. The Trichotomous Outcomes in Pediatric Critical Care (TOPICC) study produced multicenter outcomes data for all ICU patients, enrolling 10,078 patients Design/Methods: TOPICC subgroup analysis of patients with acute neurological injury using techniques including Gradient Boosting (GB), Random Forest (RF), and neural networks (NN). Results: 1860 patients had acute neurological injury at PICU admission. A higher percentage developed new morbidity (8.2 vs 4.3%) and died (6.2 vs 2.7%) during admission versus the general PICU population, p Conclusions: PICU patients with acute neurological injury are at higher risk for mortality and morbidity versus general PICU patients. Many recognized secondary, potentially modifiable, CNS insults were identified by our machine learning approaches. Future work will extrapolate these methods to a more robust set of institutional electronic record data with the goal of bolstering predictive performance. Disclosure: Dr. Munjal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Clark has nothing to disclose. Dr. Simon has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kochanek has nothing to disclose. Dr. Horvat has nothing to disclose.
Generalized global symmetries of T[M] theories. Part I

We study reductions of 6d theories on a d-dimensional manifold Md, focusing on the interplay between symmetries, anomalies, and dynamics of the resulting (6 − d)-dimensional theory T[Md]. We refine and generalize the notion of “polarization” to polarization on Md, which serves to fix the spectrum of local and extended operators in T[Md]. Another important feature of theories T[Md] is that they often possess higher-group symmetries, such as 2-group and 3-group symmetries. We study the origin of such symmetries as well as physical implications including symmetry breaking and symmetry enhancement in the renormalization group flow. To better probe the IR physics, we also investigate the ’t Hooft anomaly of 5d Chern-Simons matter theories. The present paper focuses on developing the general framework as well as the special case of d = 0 and 1, while an upcoming paper will discuss the case of d = 2, 3 and 4.
Seismic Behaviour of Spring Anchored Unbonded Post-Tensioned Rocking Systems

The construction of low damage, self-centering, unbonded post-tensioned seismic systems requires special techniques and equipment such as hydraulic jacks to stress tendons that may not be readily a...
Carcinoembryonic Antigen Elevation in a Patient with SARS-CoV-2 and a History of Colon Cancer

The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic continues to affect millions of people and impact health-care delivery worldwide. New data and insights into the diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 are emerging rapidly. Several prognostic biomarkers have been studied in patients with SARS-CoV-2. Among those biomarkers is the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). We report the case of a 46-year-old male with a history of colon cancer who was found to have an elevated CEA level during routine surveillance. Further workup confirmed a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The CEA level normalized with the resolution of the infection.
The Most Social of Maladies: Re-Thinking the History of Psychiatry From the Edges of Empire.

This paper argues that the colonial experience was never just "out there" but was a constitutive feature of the global development of psychiatry and, indeed, of social medicine itself. I show how regional knowledge about psychiatry, produced in scientific exchanges across colonial Southeast Asia over four decades and culminating with the 1937 Bandung Conference, became part of new international approaches to health care in rural areas, and later, in developing nations. In particular, I discuss how the embrace of the agricultural colony as a solution to the problem of asylum overcrowding occurred at the same moment that colonial public health experts and officials were moving away from expensive, technocratic fixes to address indigenous health needs. Yet in the search for alternatives to institutionalized care, including forms of family and community support, colonial psychiatrists were increasingly drawn into unpredictable and unwieldy networks of care and economy. Drawing on research from Vietnam, this paper decenters the asylum so as to recast the history of colonial and postcolonial psychiatry as integral to the history of social medicine and global health. The paper then returns to Bandung in 1955, the site of another famous meeting in the history of Third World solidarity, to consider how the embrace of the "Bandung spirit" may provide new avenues for decolonizing the history of colonial and postcolonial psychiatry.
Management of intravascular thrombus in cases of bilateral Wilms tumor or horseshoe kidney.

Abstract Purpose To describe the oncologic and surgical management of bilateral Wilms tumor or Wilms tumor arising in a horseshoe kidney with intravenous tumor thrombus to help pediatric surgeons negotiate this rare and difficult anatomic circumstance. Methods A single-institution, retrospective medical record review identified 4 cases of bilateral WT and one case of WT arising in a horseshoe kidney with intravenous tumor thrombus between 2009 and 2021. The presentation, imaging, chemotherapy regimen, intraoperative approach, and surgical and oncologic outcomes were reviewed for each of these patients. Results All patients received a total of 12 weeks of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In two patients, a staged approach to the bilateral tumors was undertaken with the first side being operated on after six weeks of therapy and the other side undergoing surgery after an additional six weeks of therapy. Of five patients, four underwent nephron-sparing surgery of all tumors and one underwent unilateral radical nephroureterectomy with contralateral nephron-sparing surgery. Tumor thrombectomy was performed in four of five cases; one patient demonstrated a complete response of the intravenous tumor thrombus to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and did not require thrombectomy. Three patients received adjuvant flank radiotherapy. Three patients developed medically managed stage II or III chronic kidney disease and no patient required renal replacement therapy or kidney transplant to date. Conclusion Nephron-sparing surgery is feasible and safe to perform in selected cases of bilateral Wilms tumor with intravascular thrombus by utilizing three-drug neoadjuvant chemotherapy, staged approaches to each kidney when appropriate, and detailed preoperative and/or intraoperative mapping of renal venous anatomy. Successful nephron-sparing surgery with tumor thrombectomy is dependent on a branched renal venous system or the presence of accessory renal veins.
Refinement of Non-Antibiotic Spray Programs for Fire Blight Control in Organic Pome Fruit.

Fire blight-susceptible, certified organic pome fruit is produced currently on 9,000 ha in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States with acreage continuing to expand in spite of a 2014 pro...
Factors affecting statin uptake among people living with HIV: primary care provider perspectives.

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH), but statin therapy, safe and effective for PLWH, is under-prescribed. This study examined clinic leadership and provider perceptions of factors associated with statin prescribing for PLWH receiving care in eight community health clinics across Los Angeles, California. METHODS We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with clinic leadership and providers across community health clinics participating in a larger study (INSPIRE) aimed at improving statin prescribing through education and feedback. Clinics included federally qualified health centers (N = 5), community clinics (N = 1) and county-run ambulatory care clinics (N = 2). Leadership and providers enrolled in INSPIRE (N = 39) were invited to participate in an interview. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to structure our interview guide and analysis. We used standard qualitative content analysis methods to identify themes within CFIR categories; we also assessed current CVD risk assessment and statin-prescribing practices. RESULTS Participants were clinic leaders (n = 6), primary care physicians with and without an HIV specialization (N = 6, N = 6, respectively), infectious diseases specialists (N = 12), nurse practitioners, physician assistants and registered nurses (N = 7). Ninety-five percent of providers from INSPIRE participated in an interview. We found that CVD risk assessment for PLWH is standard practice but that there is variation in risk assessment practices and that providers are unsure whether or how to adjust the risk threshold to account for HIV. Time, clinic and patient priorities impede ability to conduct CVD risk assessment with PLWH. CONCLUSIONS Providers desire more data and standard practice guidance on prescribing statins for PLWH, including estimates of the effect of HIV on CVD, how to adjust the CVD risk threshold to account for HIV, which statins are best for people on antiretroviral therapy and on shared decision-making around prescribing statins to PLWH. While CVD risk assessment and statin prescribing fits within the mission and workflow of primary care, clinics may need to emphasize CVD risk assessment and statins as priorities in order to improve uptake.
An evaluation of cardiorespiratory responses and ventilatory efficiency during treadmill and cycling exercise in overweight adolescents

The assessment of ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 slope) is increasingly being utilized to complement traditional cardiorespiratory fitness testing during graded exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare cardiorespiratory responses and ventilatory efficiency in obese children during a progressive exercise test to volitional fatigue performed on a treadmill and a cycle ergometer. Fifteen obese male (N=3) and female (N=12) adolescents aged 10 to 18 years were recruited in the study and completed both the treadmill and cycle ergometer trials. Mean age and BMI of the sample was 13.3 years and 38.0 kg/m, respectively. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and ventilatory efficiency were determined during both exercise trials. Subsequently, overall VE/VCO2 slope and the slope below and above AT for ventilatory efficiency were compared between the two exercise modes. VO2max was significantly (p<0.05) greater during the treadmill trial (26.09±5.11 ml/kg/min) compared to the cycle ergometer trial (20.71± 4.31 ml/kg/min). The VO2 at anaerobic threshold (AT) was significantly (p<0.05) higher during the treadmill trial, however, the percentage of VO2max at AT was not significantly different between the two modes (treadmill-63.41± 6.29% and cycle ergometer (67.25± 6.99%). While there was no significant difference in the overall VE/VCO2 slope or the VE/VCO2 slope above anaerobic threshold obtained from the two modes, the VE/VCO2 slope below anaerobic threshold was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the treadmill trial (25.06±2.10) compared to the cycle ergometer trial (23.34± 2.12). In our small sample of obese adolescents, we observed a greater VE response for a given VCO2 during treadmill exercise below the anaerobic threshold.
TU-AB-201-07: Image Guided Endorectal HDR Brachytherapy Using a Compliant Balloon Applicator

Purpose: High dose rate endorectal brachytherapy is an option to deliver a focal, high-dose radiotherapy to rectal tumors for patients undergoing non-operative management. We investigate a new multichannel, MR compatible applicator with a novel balloon-based design to provide improved treatment geometry. We report on the initial clinical experience using this applicator. Methods: Patients were enrolled on an IRB-approved, dose-escalation protocol evaluating the use of the anorectal (AR-1) applicator (Ancer Medical, Hialeah, FL), a multichannel applicator with two concentric balloons. The inner balloon supports 8 source lumens; the compliant outer balloon expands to separate the normal rectal wall and the source lumens, yet deforms around a firm, exophytic rectal mass, leading to dose escalation to tumor while sparing normal rectum. Under general anesthesia, gold fiducial markers were inserted above and below the tumor, and the AR applicator was placed in the rectum. MRI-based treatment plans were prepared to deliver 15 Gy in 3 weekly fractions to the target volume while sparing healthy rectal tissue, bladder, bowel and anal muscles. Prior to each treatment, CBCT/Fluoroscopy were used to place the applicator in the treatment position and confirm the treatment geometry using rigid registration of the CBCT and planning MRI. After registration of the applicator images, positioning was evaluated based on the match of the gold markers. Results: Highly conformal treatment plans were achieved. MR compatibility of the applicator enabled good tumor visualization. In spite of the non-rigid nature of the applicators and the fact that a new applicator was used at each treatment session, treatment geometry was reproducible to within 2.5 mm. Conclusions: This is the first report on using the AR applicator in patients. Highly conformal plans, confidence in MRI target delineation, in combination with reproducible treatment geometry provide encouraging feedback for continuation with dose escalation in these patients.
Health Care Services: Consumer Behavior Model Development

A conceptual model for analyzing consumer behavior in health service markets is proposed in this paper. Primary emphasis in model formulation is on the goals, outcomes and responses of individuals and institutions in health service markets. The framework that is presented should aid in the development of marketing theory, research and policy analysis for health care services.
Nationalism, Sociology of

The sociology of nationalism is a fairly new field. Even so, several theoretical approaches to the study of nationalism have emerged: functionalism, modernization theory, neo-Marxism, comparative–historical sociology, social constructionist theories, and rational choice theory. Despite theoretical disagreements about the origins and evolution of nationalism, a degree of consensus has developed: the rise of the nation was intertwined with the emergence of the absolutist state, the idea of popular sovereignty, industrialization, the expansion of cultural communication, and uneven development. The intimate relation between modernity and nationalism contradicts liberal and Marxist expectations of a unified world.
The Mixed-Use Sidewalk: Vending and Property Rights in Public Space

Problem, research strategy, and findings: Around the globe, streets and sidewalks in cities are being contested as spaces that should be used for more than transportation. This article challenges our understanding of both property rights and public space by applying a property rights framework to situate sidewalk use debates. It analyzes and maps the sidewalk property regimes of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, through a novel integration of surveying and ethnography. The case illuminates the feasibility of a mixed-use sidewalk that can be shared between various kinds of uses and users. A mixed-use sidewalk that is both cooperative and livable is possible if planners incorporate time into planning space in order to expand the sidewalk's flexibility and if local society can renarrate and enforce new legitimacies on the sidewalk. Takeaway for practice: Sidewalk space deserves more attention as an important public space. In our era of historic urbanization, we should reconceive sidewalks as a mixed-use space rathe...
Role of PI3K/AKT/IKK pathway in NFκB- and β-catenin- dependent transcription in colorectal cancer

1445 The transcription factors, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and β -catenin coordinate the expression of genes that control cell proliferation, survival, and transformation. Recently our laboratory has delineated a direct role of the phosphatidylinositol 3’ kinase (PI3K)/AKT and PTEN pathways in regulating the anti-apoptotic transcription factor NFκB. AKT and PTEN control the ability of IκBkinase (IKK) to phosphorylate and activate the p65 subunit of NFκB. In addition, our preliminary data from IKKα/β-null mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) reveal that the IKKs in response the PI3K/AKT pathway also play a role in the regulation of β -catenin. β -catenin is a transcriptional regulator which, when bound to T cell factor (TCF) and lymphoid-enhancer factor (LEF), provides a potent transcriptional transactivation domain. Many colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines and tissues demonstrate inappropriate constitutive activation of both NFκB and β -catenin transcriptional activities and maintenance of these activities seems to be necessary for CRC cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. Therefore, we investigated the effect of inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/IKK pathway in regulating the inappropriate constitutive transcriptional activation of both NFκB and β -catenin in CRC cell lines. The RKO CRC cells were engineered to inducibly express either wild type (WT) PTEN to inhibit PI3K/ AKT or kinase dead (KD) IKKα to inhibit IKK activation. Inducible expression of either WT PTEN or KD IKKα inhibited both the constitutive NFκB and β –catenin promoter activity in these cells. An affymetrix gene chip assay was also performed on these inducible cell lines, which revealed many potential CRC genes downregulated by both WT PTEN and KD IKKα. These included several EGF ligands, uPA, IL-8, VEGF and MMP’s. We decided to study the regulation of the PI3K/AKT/IKK pathway and its regulated genes in several CRC cell lines. Both RKO and SW480 CRC cell lines had the highest levels of activated AKT and several of the identified genes including EGF, TGFα, uPA. Activated AKT as well as levels of EGF Receptor and several of the identified genes are dramatically reduced following treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Collectively this data indicates a novel role of the PI3K/ AKT/IKK pathway in regulating the inappropriate constitutive activation of both NFκB and β -catenin in colorectal cancer. We plan to further investigate the effect of inhibiting the PI3K/ AKT/IKK pathway on controlling the proliferation, survival, and metstatic potential of colorectal cancer cells using this model system.
Chest Vest therapy increases FENO and may lead to F508del CFTR maturation

RATIONALE. Chest Vest therapy is used for airway clearance in cystic fibrosis (CF). Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-mimetic compounds modestly correct F508del CFTR protein expression in primary human airway pseudostratified epithelial cells cultured at air liquid interface (ALI) (Marozkina et al., PNAS 107:11393, 2010). We have shown that cyclic compressive stress (CCS; passive airflow) on the airway side of ALI cultures activates subciliary eNOS, and clinical evidence suggests that CCS methods, including Vest, in vivo cause clinical improvement in CF. METHODS To assess eNOS activation in vivo, healthy adults had fraction of exhaled NO (F ENO , MINO, Aerocrine) testing while fasting before and after airway clearance Vest treatment (10 Hz; 10 min). Primary airway epithelial cells were attached to a NEMI rodent ventilator and ventilated for 2 hr in a 37o C incubator after a 2 hr pre-incubation with either 100μM NOS inhibitor (L-NAME) or control diluent. Cells were harvested and immunostained with anti-CFTR antibody M3A7 (Millipore). RESULTS. F508del CFTR B band (partially mature protein) expression increased with CCS by 85% relative to no ventilation. C band was essentially undetectable in the control wells, but increased to a CFTR/actin ration of 0.46 +/- 0.12; this effect was partially inhibited by L-NAME (only a 1.8 +/- 0.31-fold increase relative to control, n = 6 wells, p = 0.002 by ANOVA). In vivo, Vest treatment increased F ENO by 2.4 +/- 0.56 ppb from baseline (n = 9; p = 0.0031 by paired t- test). CONCLUSIONS. In addition to mechanical effects on mucous, airway clearance techniques such as use of the Vest may activate eNOS, leading to increased F508del CFTR expression and maturation.
Studies on the chain length determination of large oligomers from MS2 RNA

Abstract Large oligoribonucleotides were prepared by enzymic hydrolysis of MS2 RNA absorbed on DEAE-cellulose. Two of the oligomer fractions were then oxidized with NaIO 4 and 3′-OH terminal fragments isolated by absorption and elution from AE-cellulose. Since RNase T 1 is known to release a decamer from the 3′-OH end of MS2 RNA, the terminal fragments were hydrolyzed with RNase T 1 and mapped, and the ratio of total A 260 A 260 of decamer derivative was determined. The results so obtained agree with those found by total vs. terminal phosphate values of the oligomer fractions from which the terminal fragments were derived. Applications of the procedure are discussed.
"New Wars" and Rumors of "New Wars"

Recently, there has been a growing tendency to suggest "new" classes of wars that are presumably different from all wars we have known and studied. In this article, we discuss the extent to which the landscape of armed conflict has changed so dramatically that it has necessitated a revision of the prevalent typology of war, a reconsideration of the correlates of war, and a reconceptualization of the theoretical assumptions regarding the etiology of war. While it is clear that patterns of warfare shift across time and space, it is not clear that war itself has changed "fundamentally" and has become inexplicable in light of theoretical arguments in world politics as many "new war" theorists suggest. Our analysis demonstrates that many of the "new wars" are simply amalgamations of various interstate, extrastate, and intrastate wars-i.e., the "old wars"-that have been lumped into a single category. The result is a hodgepodge of armed conflicts whose different correlates derive from their diverse morphologies ...
Highly Functionalized and Soluble Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes by Reductive Alkylation and Arylation: The Billups Reaction

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been directly sidewall functionalized with a variety of organic addends, which renders them organic soluble or water soluble, depending on the precise functionalities used. However, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are generally less reactive toward organic group functionalizations. Here, we demonstrate the formation of heavily functionalized MWNTs using the Billups reaction, which is a method of reductive alkylation or arylation (using lithium or sodium) of nanotubes in liquid ammonia. The resulting functionalized MWNTs can be soluble in either water or organic solvents. Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy verify the high degrees of sidewall addends on the MWNTs. Making MWNTs soluble can be critical for efficient composite applications.
Genotypic and phenotypic cross-resistance patterns to lopinavir and amprenavir in protease inhibitor-experienced patients with HIV viremia.

Genotypic correlates of reduced phenotypic susceptibility to amprenavir (APV) and lopinavir (LPV) were examined in 271 HIV isolates from 207 protease inhibitor (PI)-experienced subjects. All samples were from LPV-naive subjects; two were from APV-experienced subjects. Using a fold resistance (FR) of 2.5 FR. Mutations L10I (RI, 1.7), M46I (RI, 2.3), and L90M (RI, 1.9, but 65% linked with the I84V) were associated with decreased APV susceptibility in the univariate analysis (p < 0.001). Mutations L10I, G48V, I54T, I54V, and V82A were significantly associated with decreased LPV susceptibility (p < 0.001 for each) and had increased RIs of 2.2, 4.4, 13, 4.6, and 3.2, respectively. Decreased susceptibilit...
The sexual double standard in African American adolescent women's sexual risk reduction socialization

This study explored the sexual double standard (SDS) (in which males are afforded more freedom and power than females in heterosexual interactions) in African American mothers' sexual messages to sons and daughters. We used a convenience sample of 129 African American adolescents, aged 14 to 17 years, and their mothers who reported SDS attitudes. Qualitative analyses revealed gender differences based on an SDS in mothers' sexual risk reduction socialization. Mothers typically took a proactive approach with sons and a neutral or prohibitive approach with daughters. Findings provide directions for socially relevant programs for African American parents, schools, and communities.
Microwave‐Assisted RAFT Polymerization

Advances in controlled radical polymerization (CRP) have facilitated access to well-defined polymers with controlled molecular weight, topology, and functionality. However, despite the benefits afforded by many CRP techniques, control over these key polymer attributes often comes at the expense of polymerization rate. One method proposed for accelerating chemical synthesis is microwave heating. This review highlights recent examples of microwave heating being applied during reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. In addition to successfully leading to homopolymers from a variety of monomers, block copolymers have also been prepared by microwave-assisted RAFT, which suggests that the high polymerization rates observed do not necessarily lead to significant end group loss from termination. Despite significant debate regarding the origin of rate enhancement observed during microwave-assisted reactions, the reports included herein provide insight into mechanisms by which well-defined functional polymers can be prepared in an accelerated fashion.
Effects of plasticity on the crack propagation resistance of a metal/ceramic interface

Fracture experiments have been conducted on a gold/sapphire interface. The interface is found to fail by interface separation in a nominally “brittle” manner with a critical strain energy release rate, Gc ≈ 50 Jm−2, substantially larger than the work of adhesion, Wad ≈ 0.5 Jm−2. Evidence of plastic deformation on the gold fracture surface, such as blunting steps and slip steps, suggest that plastic dissipation is the primary contribution to the measured Gc. Calculations suggest that the majority effect occurs in the plastic zone through the crack wake. The interface is also found to be susceptible to slow crack growth.
Real-world vehicle emissions: A summary of the third annual CRC-APRAC On-Road Vehicle Emissions Workshop

The CRC-APRAC On-Road Vehicle Emissions Workshop provided an informal atmosphere for the exchange of information on real-world vehicle emissions issues. Topics addressed included: emissions inventories; mobile source emission factor models; evaporative emissions; dynamometer studies of exhaust emissions; remote sensing studies; and tunnel studies of vehicle emissions. It is now widely accepted that emissions inventories have significantly underestimated the carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions from on-rpad vehicles. Since these inventories are used to develop emission control strategies, it is critical that they accurately reflect on-road emissions. Research is currently being conducted by a variety of organizations to address this issue. For the past three years, the Coordinating Research Council - Air Pollution Research Advisory Committee (CRC-APRAC) has sponsored an onroad vehicle emissions workshop whose purpose is to provide an informal forum in which recent real-world vehicle emission...
Texture mapping parametric molecular surfaces

Texture mapping is an increasingly popular technique in molecular modeling. It is particularly effective in representing high-resolution surface detail using a low-resolution polygonal model. We describe how texture mapping can be used with parametric molecular surfaces represented as expansions of spherical harmonic functions. We define analytically the texture image and its transformation to a parametric surface. Unlike most methods of texture mapping, this transformation defines a one-to-one correspondence between the surface and the texture; texture coordinates are derived from the location of the surface point and not from physical properties at the surface point. This has advantages for the interactive visualization of surface data. We control the interactive response time by lowering the resolution of the polygon mesh while retaining the high-resolution detail of the texture, or we can lower the resolution of the texture image with the same polygonal model. By using a well-defined convention for texture coordinates, we can use the same image for the original surface or its parametric representation, and we can rapidly switch between images that represent different surface properties without recomputing the texture coordinates. Parametric surfaces allow new flexibility for the visualization of molecular surface data.
Oscillatory Galvanomagnetic Properties of Bismuth Single Crystals in Longitudinal Magnetic Fields

The galvanomagnetic effects of oriented single crystals of bismuth have been studied in longitudinal magnetic fields up to 60 000 gauss at liquid helium temperatures. Oscillatory behaviors with de Haas-van Alphen periodicity were discovered to be superimposed upon the normal galvanomagnetic effects. These results showed that the periods for galvanomagnetic oscillations were independent of the direction and magnitude of the electric current. At high fields, a previously unreported oscillation was observed having a period which compares favorably with the period calculated from parameters for the de Haas-van Alphen effect at the same orientation. At the higher fields and lower temperatures, the galvanomagnetic oscillations exhibited a remarkable resemblance to the exact theory for the oscillatory magnetic susceptibility of a free-electron gas. Both the normal and the oscillatory galvanomagnetic effects are analyzed in terms of a tilted, multi-ellipsoidal model. For one of the orientations studied, the normal longitudinal magneto-resistance exhibited an anomalous maximum, which is attributed to scattering from internal surfaces.