cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of computer vision algorithms for real time platforms

Real time computer vision applications like video streaming on cell phones, remote surveillance and virtual reality have stringent performance requirements but can be severely restrained by limited resources. The use of optimized algorithms is vital to meet real-time requirements especially on popular mobile platforms. This paper presents work on performance optimization of common computer vision algorithms such as correlation on such embedded systems. The correlation algorithm which is popular for face recognition, can be implemented using convolution or the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). The algorithms are benchmarked on the Intel Pentium processor and Beagleboard, which is a new low-cost low-power platform based on the Texas Instruments (TI) OMAP 3530 processor architecture. The OMAP processor consists of an asymmetric dual-core architecture, including an ARM and a DSP supported by shared memory. OpenCV, which is a computer vision library developed by Intel corporation was utilized for some of the algorithms. Comparative results for the various approaches are presented and discussed with an emphasis on real-time implementation.
A Comparison of Two Approaches for Facilitating Identity Exploration Processes in Emerging Adults An Exploratory Study

This article, using a controlled design, reports the results of an exploratory study to investigate the impact of two types of intervention strategies (cognitively vs. emotionally focused) on two types of identity processes (self-construction and self-discovery) in a culturally diverse sample of 90 emerging adult university students. A quasi experimental design was used to evaluate the relative impact of the cognitively focused self-construction and emotionally focused self-discovery strategies. Quantitative and qualitative results indicated that cognitively focused intervention strategies were most efficacious in affecting self-constructive identity processes, whereas emotionally focused intervention strategies were most efficacious in affecting self-discovery identity processes. This pattern of differential effects suggests that programs intended to broadly affect identity development should include both types of intervention strategies and should target both self-constructive and self-discovery processes.
Protein Kinase Cα Is Required for Vanilloid Receptor 1 Activation EVIDENCE FOR MULTIPLE SIGNALING PATHWAYS

Activation of vanilloid receptor (VR1) by protein kinase C (PKC) was investigated in cells ectopically expressing VR1 and primary cultures of dorsal root ganglion neurons. Submicromolar phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), which stimulates PKC, acutely activated Ca2+ uptake in VR1-expressing cells at pH 5.5, but not at mildly acidic or neutral pH. PDBu was antagonized by bisindolylmaleimide, a PKC inhibitor, and ruthenium red, a VR1 ionophore blocker, but not capsazepine, a vanilloid antagonist indicating that catalytic activity of PKC is required for PDBu activation of VR1 ion conductance, and is independent of the vanilloid site. Chronic PDBu dramatically down-regulated PKCα in dorsal root ganglion neurons or the VR1 cell lines, whereas only partially influencing PKCβ, -δ, -e, and −ζ. Loss of PKCα correlated with loss of response to acute re-challenge with PDBu. Anandamide, a VR1 agonist in acidic conditions, acts additively with PDBu and remains effective after chronic PKC down-regulation. Thus, two independent VR1 activation pathways can be discriminated: (i) direct ligand binding (anandamide, vanilloids) or (ii) extracellular ligands coupled to PKC by intracellular signaling. Experiments in cell lines co-expressing VR1 with different sets of PKC isozymes showed that acute PDBu-induced activation requires PKCα, but not PKCe. These studies suggest that PKCα in sensory neurons may elicit or enhance pain during inflammation or ischemia.
Fibroepithelioma of pinkus in a 9-year-old boy: a case report

Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus (FEP) is a rare indolent variety of basal cell carcinoma that is typically polypoid and located on the trunk of adult males aged 40–60 years. Basal cell carcinoma (including FEP) is very rare in the pediatric population. We are reporting such a case occurring in a 9-year-old boy.
The SA85-1.1 protein of the Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase superfamily is a dominant T-cell antigen

Trypanosoma cruzi currently infects 18 million people, and 30% of those infected develop a chronic inflammatory process that causes significant morbidity or mortality. The major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II)-restricted T-cell response is critical to the control of the infection and to the ensuing inflammatory pathology. The specific epitopes or major antigens of this response have not been identified. The parasite simultaneously expresses variant members of the trans-sialidase superfamily. To begin to analyze the MHC-II response to these variant proteins, the response to a single surface protein, SA85-1.1, was initiated. These studies have demonstrated that a biased gamma interferon (IFN-γ) response to the SA85-1.1 protein develops during T. cruzi infection. In addition, adoptive transfer of a CD4 clone that recognizes an SA85-1.1 epitope, named epitope 1, and immunization with a peptide encoding epitope 1 were protective and suggested that epitope 1 may be immunodominant. In this report IFN-γ intracellular staining demonstrated that splenocytes from acutely and chronically infected mice, incubated with SA85-1.1 protein or peptides that encode epitope 1, result in IFN-γ synthesis by 4 to 6% of the splenic CD4 cells. These data indicate that during T. cruzi infection epitope 1 is a major epitope and that 4 to 6% of the CD4 cells are stimulated by a single trans-sialidase superfamily epitope and suggest that a combination of trans-sialidase superfamily proteins combines to stimulate a majority of CD4 cells. These data suggest that during T. cruzi infection the CD4 response to the trans-sialidase superfamily is critical to the protective response and to the ensuing chronic inflammatory pathology.
Miconia paralimoides (Miconieae: Melastomataceae), a new species from the Cordillera Central, Dominican Republic

In the course of a taxonomic revision of Miconia sect. Lima , we discovered a previously undescribed species, Miconia paralimoides , from the Cordillera Central, Dominican Republic. This species is part of the Miconia lima species complex, and is most similar morphologically to Miconia limoides . We illustrate and provide a distribution map of the species, as well as a key to distinguish M. paralimoides from other members of the Miconia lima complex, i.e., species with very well-developed, bulla-based hairs on the adaxial leaf surface, which mostly or completely cover the areoles.
A modified weighted bit-flipping decoding of low-density Parity-check codes

In this letter, a modified weighted bit-flipping decoding algorithm for low-density parity-check codes is proposed. Improvement in performance is observed by considering both the check constraint messages and the intrinsic message for each bit.
Quantification of Axonal Outgrowth on a Surface with Asymmetric Topography

Topographical features are known to influence the axonal outgrowth of neurons. Understanding what kinds of topographical features are most effective at growth cone guidance and how outgrowth responds to these structures is of great importance to the study of nerve regeneration. To this end we analyze axonal outgrowth on tilted nanorod substrates which have been shown to impart directional bias to neuron growth. We utilize the Atomic Force Microscope to characterize the surface features present on these substrates and how such features are influencing the axonal outgrowth. Additionally, using a model which considers the neuronal growth cone as an object influenced by an effective potential we determine an effective force imparted on the growth cone by the surface topography.
Nasal CPAP and Work of Breathing Study Questioned

The paper by Goldman et al (Pediatrics 64:160, 1979) comparing the mechanics of breathing in neonates treated with nasal vs mask continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) recommends that, since nasal CPAP appeared to increase the work of breathing, "other methods be considered for the delivery of CDP (continuous distending pressure)." As a strong proponent of nasal CPAP, I would like to express several concerns with the study and its interpretation. First, according to the authors9 drawing, the nasal device used for the study had been modified with a PE 20 sampling catheter inserted through one of the prongs.
»Menschen lesbarer machen«: Narration, Diskurs, Referenz

Wir alle glauben, wenn wir den Begriff der Erzahlung horen, zu wissen, wovon die Rede ist. Im Alltagsverstandnis denken wir an Mythen, Epen, Marchen, literarische Werke oder Alltagserzahlungen. Aber was sind und welchen Status haben Erzah-lungen, wenn wir in diesem Band (offentliche) Erzahlungen, Narrationen oder Narrative als sozialwissenschaftliches Konzept aufgreifen wollen? In den Sprach-wissenschaften hat das Konzept der Erzahlungen eine lange Tradition. Roland Barthes (1988: 104ff.; 1982) schrieb einmal, Erzahlungen seien lange Satze, so wie konstative Satze Skizzen von Erzahlungen seien. Diese begriffliche Fassung des Narrativen, obgleich sie den Begriff auf konstative Aussagen zu verkurzen scheint und damit die ethische Dimension des Erzahlens unterschlagt (Booth 1983; siehe auch den einleitenden Beitrag von Arnold in diesem Band), verweist auf Einheiten von Texten jenseits des Satzniveaus.
The Crd1 gene encodes a putative di-iron enzyme required for photosystem I accumulation in copper deficiency and hypoxia in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii adapts to copper deficiency by degrading apoplastocyanin and inducing Cyc6 and Cpx1 encoding cytochrome c6 and coproporphyrinogen oxidase, respectively. To identify other components in this pathway, colonies resulting from insertional mutagenesis were screened for copper- conditional phenotypes. Twelve crd (copper response defect) strains were identified. In copper-deficient conditions, the crd strains fail to accumulate photosystem I and light-harvesting complex I, and they contain reduced amounts of light-harvesting complex II. Cyc6, Cpx1 expression and plastocyanin accumulation remain copper responsive. The crd phenotype is rescued by a similar amount of copper as is required for repression of Cyc6 and Cpx1 and for maintenance of plastocyanin at its usual stoichiometry, suggesting that the affected gene is a target of the same signal transduction pathway. The crd strains represent alleles at a single locus, CRD1, which encodes a 47 kDa, hydrophilic protein with a consensus carboxylate-bridged di-iron binding site. Crd1 homologs are present in the genomes of photosynthetic organisms. In Chlamydomonas, Crd1 expression is activated in copper- or oxygen-deficient cells, and Crd1 function is required for adaptation to these conditions.
Efficient determination of vehicle emission factors by fuel use category using on-road measurements: downward trends on Los Angeles freight corridor I-710

Abstract. To evaluate the success of vehicle emissions regulations, trends in both fleet-wide average emissions as well as high-emitter emissions are needed, but it is challenging to capture the full spread of vehicle emission factors (EFs) with chassis dynamometer or tunnel studies, and remote sensing studies cannot evaluate particulate compounds. We developed an alternative method that links real-time on-road pollutant measurements from a mobile platform with real-time traffic data, and allows efficient calculation of both the average and the spread of EFs for light-duty gasoline-powered vehicles (LDG) and heavy-duty diesel-powered vehicles (HDD). This is the first study in California to report EFs under a full range of real-world driving conditions on multiple freeways. Fleet average LDG EFs were in agreement with most recent studies and an order of magnitude lower than observed HDD EFs. HDD EFs reflected the relatively rapid decreases in diesel emissions that have recently occurred in Los Angeles/California, and on I-710, a primary route used for goods movement and a focus of additional truck fleet turnover incentives, HDD EFs were often lower than on other freeways. When freeway emission rates (ER) were quantified as the product of EF and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per time per mile of freeway, despite a two- to three-fold difference in HDD fractions between freeways, ERs were found to be generally similar in magnitude. Higher LDG VMT on low HDD fraction freeways largely offset the difference. Therefore, the conventional assumption that freeways with the highest HDD fractions are significantly worse sources of total emissions in Los Angeles may no longer be~true.
A transcriptional blueprint for human and murine diabetic kidney disease.

Among the end-organ complications that ravage patients afflicted with diabetes, kidney disease is associated with the highest morbidity and mortality (1,2). Diabetic kidney disease is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease in the U.S. and the world (3). While tighter glycemic control and the use of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (in types 1 and 2 diabetes) have helped to slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease, the beneficial effects are modest (4). Moreover, an increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (4) and the high cardiovascular risk associated with CKD and end-stage renal disease (5–7) suggest that diabetic kidney disease will absorb a disproportionate fraction of scarce health care resources in the coming decades. Basic research to understand the pathogenesis of this disease and to develop novel therapies has been slowed by the lack of reliable mouse models that fully recapitulate the severity of the human condition. In recent years, the Animal Models of Diabetic Complications Consortium sponsored by the National Institutes of Health put forth two position papers outlining the pros and cons of various rodent models of diabetic kidney disease based on histological and clinical criteria (8,9). However, in terms of gene expression, it is unknown to what degree these data are applicable to humans. Perhaps particular strains of diabetic mice may accurately reflect specific elements of …
PATHWAYS OF GLUCOSE CATABOLISM IN BACILLUS SUBTILIS

Goldman, Manuel (The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor) and Harold J. Blumenthal. Pathways of glucose catabolism in Bacillus subtilis. J. Bacteriol. 86:303–311. 1963.—Under aerobic conditions, resting cells of Bacillus subtilis Marburg C4 catabolized 60 to 70% of glucose by the Embden-Meyerhof pathway and the remainder by the hexose monophosphate pathway; under anaerobic conditions, the percentages were 70 to 80 and 20 to 30, respectively. These estimates, based on two different radio-isotopic procedures, were the same whether the cells were grown in a glucose medium containing a complex, organic nitrogen source (C cells) or a simple inorganic nitrogen source (S cells). In C cells, respiration was inhibited by fluoride, whereas S cells were relatively insensitive to this influence. Factors such as the initial concentration of inorganic phosphate or glucose during growth, and the concentration of inorganic phosphate or even the presence of fluoride during glucose utilization by resting cells, had no major effects on the pathways of glucose catabolism. From an examination of the isotopic distribution in an isolated intermediate, lactic acid, it seems unlikely that the radioisotopic estimates were influenced by such other factors as participation of an Entner-Doudoroff pathway, extensive randomization of C1 activity into other positions of the hexose molecule, or extensive CO2 fixation.
The Black Chambers: 1500–1776

The period from 1500 through the middle of the 18th century saw the creation of modern nations and city-states. It also saw increased use of codes and ciphers in diplomacy, the military, and commerce. The nomenclator, a marriage of the code and cipher is a product of this period. This period also saw the creation of a cipher that would remain “unbreakable” for 350 years, the polyalphabetic substitution cipher. This chapter traces the history of the Black Chambers, those organizations created by the newly formed nations to break the codes and ciphers of their neighbors, and it describes the nomenclator and the evolution of the polyalphabetic substitution cipher known as the Vigenere cipher.
Built-in Electric Field Induced Mechanical Property Change at the Lanthanum Nickelate/Nb-doped Strontium Titanate Interfaces

The interactions between electric field and the mechanical properties of materials are important for the applications of microelectromechanical and nanoelectromechanical systems, but relatively unexplored for nanoscale materials. Here, we observe an apparent correlation between the change of the fractured topography of Nb-doped SrTiO3 (Nb:STO) within the presence of a built-in electric field resulting from the Schottky contact at the interface of a metallic LaNiO3 thin film utilizing cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. The change of the inter-atomic bond length mechanism is argued to be the most plausible origin. This picture is supported by the strong-electric-field-dependent permittivity in STO and the existence of the dielectric dead layer at the interfaces of STO with metallic films. These results provided direct evidence and a possible mechanism for the interplay between the electric field and the mechanical properties on the nanoscale for perovskite materials.
Long-term outcomes of patients with common bile duct injury following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Common bile duct (CBD) injury is a serious and dreaded complication of cholecystectomy. A paucity of data assessing long-term outcomes exists. This study aimed to determine long-term mortality and liver transplantation rates following CBD injury requiring operative intervention. Patients were identified via the New York State (NYS) Planning and Research Cooperative System longitudinal administrative database which captures patient-level data from every inpatient and outpatient hospital discharge in NYS. In total, 125 patients with CBD injuries were identified following 156,958 laparoscopic cholecystectomies for cholelithiasis performed in NYS from 2005 to 2010. Patients were then tracked by unique identifier to obtain rate of liver transplantation. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 9 years from surgery. There were 125 patients with CBD injuries detected. No mortalities occurred within 30 days. All-cause mortality was 20.8 % (n = 26) with mean time to death 1.64 ± 1.08 years. One patient who underwent hepaticoenterostomy required a liver transplant 4.3 years after surgery. Significant factors predictive of all-cause mortality included: age >61, Medicare insurance, male gender, White race, diabetes, hypertension and pulmonary complications following surgery. Overall 30-day morbidity, timing to and type of operative intervention did not influence mortality. Considerable long-term mortality, 20.8 %, is associated with common bile duct injury requiring operative intervention. This was an increase of 8.8 % above the cohort’s expected age-adjusted rate of death. The mortality rate is appreciably higher than quoted previously. No difference was demonstrated by type of repair required. Liver transplant rate was 0.8 %. These data have significant implications for patient and family counseling both prior to cholecystectomy and following CBD injury.
Denoising Stimulated Raman Spectroscopic Images by Total Variation Minimization

High-speed coherent Raman scattering imaging is opening a new avenue to unveil cellular machinery by visualizing the spatiotemporal dynamics of target molecules or intracellular organelles. By extracting signals from the laser at megahertz modulation frequency, current stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy has reached shot-noise-limited detection sensitivity. The laser-based local oscillator in SRS microscopy not only generates high levels of signal but also delivers a large shot noise that degrades image quality and spectral fidelity. Here, we demonstrate a denoising algorithm that removes the noise in both spatial and spectral domains by total variation minimization. The signal-to-noise ratio of SRS spectroscopic images was improved by up to 57 times for diluted dimethyl sulfoxide solutions and by 15 times for biological tissues. Weak Raman peaks of target molecules originally buried in the noise were unraveled. Coupling the denoising algorithm with multivariate curve resolution allowed discrimin...
Proposal for a pharmacogenetics certificate program for pharmacists

The delivery of pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing has expanded outside of the traditional clinical setting to include community pharmacies. While pharmacists have been involved as a liaison between the clinical testing laboratory and ordering clinician, assisting with interpretation or application of results [1–3], the delivery of clinical testing by a community pharmacist marks another step in the expansion of roles and pharmacy services. Many community pharmacies currently offer tuberculosis testing, blood pressure monitoring, and now some have begun to offer PGx testing. Despite their interest in PGx testing, pharmacists have recognized their limited training and lack of knowledge and skills regarding PGx [4–7]. For several years, professional pharmacy organizations have called for enhanced training and curricula in PGx to prepare pharmacists to use and apply PGx testing [8–13]. Some state pharmacy boards require certification or specialized training to perform certain services, but do not yet require it for PGx testing. In this article, we propose the development of a certification program that pharmacists would be required to complete before offering PGx testing. Pharmacist certification in PGx could ensure the appropriate and safe use of PGx testing and optimize the lifetime benefits to patients. In the USA, training requirements to provide specific pharmacy services are determined and approved by state pharmacy boards. For example, provision of immunization services requires completion of the pharmacy-based immunization delivery certificate training program, which provides pharmacists the knowledge to administer and implement immunization services [14]. For other services, additional training is recommended; completion of the Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Certificate Training Program is recommended for pharmacists wishing to provide MTM services. This training program provides skills-based training on how to interview a patient, identifying and prioritizing medicationrelated programs, developing interventions and documenting activities. States may opt to develop their own training programs or approve completion of training programs offered by national pharmacy groups or private vendors to meet the state requirements. For example, New Mexico pharmacists interested in offering tuberculosis testing must complete a training program offered by the state health department [15]. The American Pharmacist Association (APhA), one of the oldest pharmacy associations, has developed certificate or training programs to ensure pharmacists are qualified to perform certain services for immunization delivery, diabetes care, MTM and cardiovascular disease risk management [16]. A recent search (14 October 2015) of the three types of continuing education programs (knowledge, application, practice) approved by the US Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE [17]) Proposal for a pharmacogenetics certificate program for pharmacists
Short-Term Discard Mortality Estimates for Gray Snapper in a West-Central Florida Estuary and Adjacent Nearshore Gulf of Mexico Waters

AbstractGray Snapper Lutjanus griseus are fished extensively by recreational anglers in inshore estuarine habitats and in coastal and nearshore reef habitats along Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast. Although a detailed fishery assessment of Gray Snapper has never been conducted, there is a need for discard mortality estimates due to the large number of individuals captured by the recreational fishery. Our objective was to characterize discard mortality for the Gray Snapper recreational fishery in a study area that was representative of the regions in which most of the recreational fishing for this species takes place. In total, 247 Gray Snapper were caught during short-term (48-h) discard mortality experiments; 17 of the fish died, resulting in an overall mortality rate of 6.9%. Discard mortality was lower for fish caught from inshore waters (2/143 fish; 1.4%) than for those captured from the nearshore zone (15/104 fish; 14.4%). The water depth at the capture site and the anatomical hook location significant...
CRT-200.56 Investigation Into the “One-Size-Fits-All” Diuretic Strategy to Heart Failure Exacerbation Management: A Retrospective Study

Diuretic therapy is the mainstay of treatment for heart failure exacerbations but its optimal dosing strategy remains unclear. In 2011, the DOSE trial exhibited improvement in patients’ global symptom assessments when utilizing a high-dose diuretic strategy. To improve heart failure outcomes and
Southwestern Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Comparative Developmental Biology and Food Consumption and Utilization

Developmental biology and food consumption and utilization of male and female southwestern corn borers, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar, and fall armyworms, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were compared when reared on a meridic diet. Variations in some developmental parameters were sex-related. Female southwestern corn borer larvae (≥8 d old) and pupae were significantly heavier, had significantly wider head capsules in fourth and fifth instars, and had a significantly longer developmental period than males, but their pupal developmental periods did not differ. In fall armyworm, the only developmental parameter that differed between sexes was the pupal developmental period (Significantly shorter in females). Food consumption and utilization by selected larval age groups were estimated with indices for the amount of food ingested, diet assimilated, approximate digestibility (AD), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), and efficiency of conversion of assimilated food (ECD). Five-, 7-, and 8-d-old southwestern corn borer males and females had equivalent weight gains, and food consumption and utilization. However, 10-, 13-, and 15-d-old females gained significantly more weight, ingested and digested significantly more food, and had significantly higher ECI and ECD values than comparably aged males. The AD values of these three age groups did not differ significantly between sexes. In contrast, no significant differences in weight gained or in any of the estimated food consumption and utilization indices at all age groups studied were observed between male and female fall armyworm larvae. Thus, variation of developmental biologies of these lepidopterous species are not only speciesrelated but also sex-related. Use of developmental parameters of insects as indicators to measure or compare experimental treatment effects or as criteria for selecting insects to be used in an experiment must be done with caution.
Education and CHI

What would you select if someone asked you to develop an ideal professional education in CHI’s essential subject matter? If someone were to ask me, first I would check the core CHI curriculum for computer science departments that an ACM SIGCHI committee (including Prof. Ron Baecker, University of Toronto, and others) put together about a decade ago when they were trying to get such curricula accepted within universities. However, the times, technology, and users have changed considerably since then.
Which ’roid is all the rage?

In this issue of Blood , [Wei and colleagues][1] report results on the first prospective clinical trial to compare high-dose dexamethasone to prednisone for the initial treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).[1][2] In 1951, William Harrington and colleagues demonstrated that a substance in the
An Examination of Selected Aspects of Waiting in a Cross-cultural Setting

Waiting is something that most time-pressed consumers voice as being a negative and many people complain about waiting for service providers. While many different aspects of waiting have been studied, the reported research looks at several dimensions of waiting behavior for six different consuming situations in two different countries. The results indicate that there are differences between cultures with respect to most dimensions of waiting examined. There are also differences among the different consumer situations, but most surprising is that in this study there was not a strong association between waiting behavior and satisfaction with the service provider.
Chemotherapy of Pineal Parenchymal Tumors

ABSTRACT: Pineal region tumors encompass a large group of neoplasms, including germ cell tumors, meningiomas, neuroectodermal tumors, and pineal parenchymal tumors (pineocytoma, pineoblastoma). They have an incidence of 0.3–0.7 per cent and usually affect patients between the ages of 20 and 35 years. Common presenting signs and symptoms include headache, Parinaud's syndrome, hydrocephalus, papilledema, and ataxia. Pineal tumors and hydrocephalus are clearly delineated on enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The main form of treatment for pineocytoma is surgical resection, which may be curative in some cases. For patients with pineoblastoma, surgical resection and radiation therapy are usually required. The role of chemotherapy continues to be defined, but should be considered for all the patients with malignant tumors, as well as for patients with lower grade tumors that recur or become disseminated. Platinum-based regimens appear to be most effective, usually in combination with other drugs, such as etoposide, vincristine, or lomustine.
Community-Based Residential Child and Youth Care Work: Opportunity or Oxymoron?

The two articles that comprise this symposium both come from Israel, but their substantive connection to each other may not be immediately apparent. Shlomo Romi reports on sex differences in the attitudes of high school and college students concerning the integration of "detached" youth in normative youth service programs. Mordecai Arieli, on the other hand, examines the implications of admitting day students from the neighboring community to residential schools serving primarily socially disadvantaged youth. But taken together, they illuminate a significant current issue—perhaps the significant current issue—in North American child and youth care work: How can such programs serve as normalizing influences in the lives of the young people involved? Residential group care, education, and treatment programs for young people continue to attract vigorous criticism in professional and lay circles and enjoy relatively little support. On one level, this appears to reflect individualistic ideological predilections, particularly in the United States, with consequent distrust of group-based, communally oriented approaches. Closer to the surface, the argument is often couched in terms of relative costs and cost effectiveness and the idea that residential settings are frequently and perhaps even intrinsically abusive (Beker, 1994; Schwartz, 1994). It seems clear that the results of many North American residential programs have been disappointing, but little attention has been given to the reasons for these failures and to the evidence that such approaches typically enjoy at least relative success elsewhere. Compari-
Evaluating potential trade-offs among fuel treatment strategies in mixed-conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada

Fuel treatments in fire-suppressed mixed-conifer forests are designed to moderate potential wildfire behavior and effects. However, the objectives for modifying potential fire effects can vary widely, from improving fire suppression efforts and protecting infrastructure, to reintroducing low-severity fire, to restoring and maintaining variable forest structure and wildlife habitat. In designing a fuel treatment, managers can alter the treatment's prescription, placement, and extent (collectively the “treatment strategy”) to optimally meet one objective. However, the potential for trade-offs among different objectives is rarely tested systematically in fire-prone landscapes. To evaluate trade-offs in mechanical fuel treatment objectives related to fire severity, smoke production, forest heterogeneity, and avian wildlife habitat, we used a cross-platform modeling approach based on spatially explicit modifications of forest structure data for a 7820-ha landscape in the Lake Tahoe Basin, California. We examine whether (1) a more uniform treatment strategy aimed at fire hazard reduction (FHR) had negative effects on wildlife diversity, (2) a strategy focused on protecting the wildland–urban interface (WUI) left other portions of the landscape vulnerable to high-severity fire, and (3) increasing the extent of fuel treatments across the landscape led to greater reductions in fire severity and smoke emissions. When approximately 13% of the landscape was treated, the proportion of the landscape vulnerable to high-severity fire decreased by 13–44%, with the more uniform FHR strategy leading to greater reductions. Slight increases in predicted avian species richness that followed all treatment strategies were not closely linked to increases in canopy variability. The WUI protection strategy led to considerable reductions in fire severity at the landscape scale. Increasing the extent of treatments to 30% of the landscape did little to further reduce the area vulnerable to high-severity fire, with additional reductions of 4–7% depending on the prescription. However, increasing the extent of treatments reduced the extent of harmful downwind smoke impacts, primarily by reducing rate of fire spread. Treatment strategies will depend on specific management objectives, but we illustrate that trade-offs are not necessarily inherent in general outcomes of fuel treatments.
Image Threshold Segmentation Technology Research Based on Adaptive Genetic Algorithm

On the basis of the OTSU methods study, the paper introduced adaptive genetic algorithm to optimize algorithm and achieve image segmentation. Experiment shows that the speed of the algorithm improves and the quality of segmentation is better. Lay the foundation for image recognition in the following.
Early-stage plasma spectra improvement using a field-portable double-pulse laser system

A field-portable double-pulse laser system was developed to study early-stage plasma in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Emission spectral quality was significantly improved in terms of enhanced peak emission and reduced background emission.
Perceived psychological stress and upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders

This report presents data exploring the relationship between perceived psychological stress and several variables implicated in the etiology of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders (UECTDs). The sample was 354 workers from three different manufacturing companies. The primary job exposure for the subjects was that they were engaged in jobs that involved repetitious movements of the upper extremities, primarily of the hands and arms. Data collection included a detailed health history, a comprehensive physical examination of the upper extremities, limited electrodiagnostic testing, Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, Karasek's Job Content Questionnaire, demographic information, and a measurement of repetition. Descriptive analyses, analysis of variance, correlational analyses, and multiple linear regression were used to examine the data. Perceived stress, as measured in this study, was only weakly associated with repetition, job dissatisfaction, and subjective complaints related to UECTDs. In addition, factors generally accepted as related to UECTDs (e.g., repetition, female gender, hormonal influences, and existing medical conditions) were not robust predictors of perceived stress. The major limitation is related to the measurement of perceived psychological stress. Like most psychosocial phenomena, perceived stress is a complex construct, one that is difficult to measure and correlate with health outcomes. Further research is necessary to examine what role, if any, perceived stress may have in the etiology of UECTDs.
Why some behaviors spread while others don't: A laboratory simulation of dialect contact.

Abstract The question of how behavioral variants compete and propagate is of primary importance to the study of cultural evolution; with respect to language, it is also an important focus of the field of sociolinguistics. Variant propagation can occur by neutral means—akin to drift in biological evolution—or through selection, whereby individuals are biased in what variants they adopt. An important bias concerns social meaning, and sociolinguistic theory distinguishes between variants that are primarily associated with a particular social group (such as working-class people or Texans) and variants primarily associated with a perceived trait of the group (such as toughness). In the former case, variants are hypothesized to propagate neutrally; in the latter case, provided the trait is socially relevant to adopters, variants are hypothesized to be subject to selection and to propagate more readily. To test this hypothesis we conducted an experimental study in which groups of four participants played a game that involved instant messaging in an artificial “alien language” with two dialects. Each player was assigned to one of two alien species, the weaker Wiwos or the tougher Burls. The social meaning of one feature of the Burl dialect was manipulated, and the results strongly supported the hypothesis: Variants from the Burl dialect were used by Wiwos in all conditions, but when associated primarily with “tougher aliens”, the rate of adoption was significantly greater than when they were associated primarily with “Burls”. When toughness was made irrelevant to the game, the effect of association disappeared, emphasizing the importance of social relevance in the propagation of behavioral variants.
Preliminary Report: Exotic armored catfish may reduce survival and growth of native amphibians

Invasive species threaten biodiversity worldwide. Armored catfish, which are benthic grazers, have been introduced globally and damage ecosystems in numerous ways. However, their competitive interactions with native benthic grazers have not been tested. This study tested for the effects of an invasive armored catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus) on performance in native Rio Grande leopard frog (Rana berlandieri) tadpoles. Aquarium tests showed that armored catfish can negatively affect native amphibian survival and growth even when food is abundant. However, mesocosm tests showed no effects or competition. While the mechanisms of effect remain unclear this is the first study to demonstrate exotic armored catfish as a potential threat to native amphibians, which are declining globally.
Dynamics within peer-to-peer surgical coaching relationships: Early evidence from the Michigan Bariatric Surgical Collaborative.

Abstract Background Many coaching methods have been well studied and formalized, but the approach most commonly used in the continuing education of surgeons is peer coaching. Through a qualitative thematic analysis, we sought to determine if surgeons can comfortably and effectively transition to a co-learner dynamic for effective peer coaching. Methods This qualitative study evaluated 20 surgeons participating in a video review coaching exercise in October 2015. Each conversation was coded by 2 authors focusing on the dynamics of the coach and coachee relationship. Once coded, thematic analysis was performed. Results Two themes emerged in our analysis: (1) Participants often alternated between the roles of coach and coachee, even though they received assigned roles prior to the start of the session. For example, a coach would defer to the coachee, suggesting they felt unqualified to teach a particular technique or procedure. (2) The interactions demonstrated bidirectional exchange of ideas with both participants offering expertise when appropriate. For example, the coach and coachee frequently engaged in back-and-forth discussion about techniques, instrument selection, and intraoperative decision-making. Conclusion Our qualitative analysis demonstrates that surgeons naturally and effectively assume co-learner roles when participating in an early surgical coaching experience.
Genetic Approaches to Common Diseases

Most common diseases have a genetic component. Multiple genes interacting with the environment are usually operative. Heterogeneity in etiology often occurs. Differences between monogenic and common diseases are outlined. Utilization of intermediate phenotypes rather than of the common disease per se as the diagnostic trait may be helpful for genetic analysis. Various genetic approaches with particular emphasis on linkage and association studies are discussed.
Effective aperture and orientation of fractal fracture network

Abstract Distribution of fracture length has been shown to exhibit fractal characteristics. In this study, we proposed a new idea of effective fracture in terms of aperture and orientation for a fractal fracture network and developed solutions of effective aperture in relation to fractal characteristics, flow behavior and hydraulic gradient. Another main point is that the use of Darcy’s law is not required. The effective fracture approach takes into account the scenario that the entire fractal fracture network may effectively behave similarly to a bundle of fractures where flows may be non-linear. The effective fracture approach explicitly distinguishes laminar and turbulent flows based on the size of effective fracture. To do so, an iterative procedure is developed to determine the effective fracture aperture. Results demonstrate that the effective aperture only slightly varies with hydraulic gradient, which illustrates that the idea of effective aperture can be used in the mixture of laminar and turbulent flows. The effective aperture decreases with the scaling exponent, increases linearly with the maximum fracture length, increases significantly with the minimum over maximum fracture length ratio, and increases with the scaling coefficient. The effective orientation shows expected decrease as the precision parameter of the fracture orientation increases.
Synthesis of Amorphous InSb Nanowires and a Study of the Effects of Laser Radiation and Thermal Annealing on Nanowire Crystallinity.

Although various synthesis and characterization strategies have been employed for the synthesis of crystalline nanowires, there is very little work done on development of low-dimensional amorphous semiconductors. This paper presents a simple strategy to grow amorphous InSb (a-InSb) nanowires (NWs) in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. The NWs were grown on Si substrate coated with indium film and the lack of crystallinity in the as-grown stoichiometric NWs was ascertained by Raman spectroscopy and electron transport measurements. A model proposed to explain the amorphous NW growth mechanism takes into account the fact that NW growth was carried out at the high temperature ramp-up rate of 75 ∘C/min. This high rate is believed to affect the growth kinematics and determine the arrangement of atoms in the growing NW. Raman spectrum of the as-grown sample shows a broad peak around 155 cm−1, indicative of the presence of high density of homopolar Sb-Sb bonds in the amorphous matrix. It was also found that high intensity laser light induces localized crystallization of the NW, most likely due to radiation-stimulated diffusion of defects in a-InSb. The nonlinear trend of the current-voltage characteristics for individually contacted a-InSb NWs was analyzed to prove that the non-linearity is not induced by Schottky contacts. At high bias fields, space charge limited conduction was the proposed electron transport mechanism. Post-growth annealing of the as-grown a-InSb NWs was found to be very effective in causing the NWs to undergo a phase transition from amorphous to crystalline.
Rate exchange rather than relaxation controls structural recovery

We observe structural recovery after an electric field step by probing the dielectric loss profile near its maximum, which displays a field-induced shift towards lower frequencies. These dynamics display time aging-time superposition (TaTS) for the majority of relaxation modes, thus implying homogeneous recovery dynamics. Although assumed by generally accepted models, the same modes can not be responsible for structural relaxation and for structural recovery, as the former is heterogeneous and the latter is homogeneous regarding the nature of the dynamics. This conflict is resolved by proposing that structural recovery is governed by rate exchange, a process that refers to the homogeneous fluctuations of rate constants in equilibrium and restores ergodicity more slowly than the relaxation observed as a simple correlation decay. This recognition has wide-ranging consequences on how aging and nonlinear dynamics such as scanning calorimetry should be modeled.
Morphometrics predicts overall survival in patients with multiple myeloma spine metastasis: A retrospective cohort study.

Background Treatment strategies for spinal metastases for myeloma range from conservative measures (radiation and chemotherapy) to invasive (surgical). Identifying better predictors of overall survival (OS) would help in surgical decision making. Analytic morphometrics has been shown to predict survival in oncologic patients, and our study evaluates whether morphometrics is predictive of survival in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) spinal metastases. Methods For this observational retrospective cohort study, we identified 46 patients with MM spinal metastases who had undergone stereotactic body radiation therapy. OS was the primary outcome measure. Morphometric analysis of the psoas muscle was performed using computed tomography scans of the lumbar spine. Results OS was statistically correlated with age (P = 0.025), tumor burden (P = 0.023), and number of levels radiated (P = 0.029), but not with gender. Patients in the lowest tertile of average psoas size had significantly shorter survival compared to the highest tertile, hazard ratio (HZ) 6.87 (95% CI = 1.65-28.5, P = 0.008). When calculating the psoas size to vertebral body ratio and correlating this measure to OS, the lowest tertile again had significantly shorter OS compared to the highest tertile, HZ 6.87 (95% CI = 1.57-29.89, P = 0.010); the middle tertile also showed significantly shorter OS compared to the highest tertile, HZ 5.07 (95% CI = 1.34-19.10, P = 0.016). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to visually illustrate the differences in survival between different tertiles (Log-rank test P = 0.006). Conclusions Morphometric analysis successfully predicts long-term survival in patients with MM. More research is needed to validate these results and to see if these methodologies can be applied to other cancer histologies.