cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Packet processing on a SIMD stream processor

This chapter explores the application of stream architectures to packet processing tasks, IPv4 Forwarding and AES encryption in particular. Both applications were run on generic stream architecture (Imagine), and experiments were conducted to characterize the performance of both applications for different configurations of this architecture. For a system clock of 500 MHz, the throughput of the AES encryption in ECB mode varies from 2.02 Gb/s (96-block packets) to 0.8 Gb/s (8-block packets). The IPv4 Forwarding application, with a configuration of one Imagine with 8 clusters, delivered a worst-case performance of around 67 cycles per packet, for a packet trace constructed from the MAE-WEST routing table. Hence, the forwarding engine was able to support packet traffic coming at a rate of OC-48 assuming a clock frequency of 500 MHz. The LRF and memory bandwidth characteristics of the two packet processing applications confirm that they are at two different ends of the application spectrum, with one being memory-intensive and the other being computation intensive. The low SRF characteristics for the two packet processing applications, compared to the Depth media application, is due to the fact that the processing of the packets for both applications is done primarily in one kernel. This results in reduced trips to the SRF between kernels, decreasing the SRF bandwidth utilization. The packet processing applications have comparable metrics to that of media applications indicating that this architecture could be as useful for network applications as it is for media applications.
Amelioration of Idiopathic Pneumonia Syndrome (IPS) and GVHD by KGF-Pretreatment Is Partly Mediated Via a STAT-6-Dependent Pathway in the Host.

KGF (FGF-7), an epithelial cell growth factor, can lessen the injurious effects of post-BMT lung injury (IPS) and GVHD when given prior to conditioning of the recipient. We reported that mice treated with KGF pre-conditioning had elevated systemic levels of Th2-type cytokines at the time of BM infusion which was associated with less GVHD. In non-conditioned SCID mice that developed lethal GVHD from allogeneic T cells, KGF pretreatment also increased Th2 cytokines implying that KGF alone was responsible for the systemic Th2 milieu and not a response that was dependent on conditioning. In the post-BMT lung, KGF pretreatment did not alter the cellular composition of the inflammatory infiltrate but resulted in decreased levels of immune activation markers compared to non-treated control IPS mice. The mechanism of this immunomodulatory effect is unknown. Since Th2 responses are dependent on the STAT-6 transcription factor, we studied the effects of KGF in our established murine IPS model using lethally-conditioned STAT-6−/− mice (B6 background) as recipients of allogeneic B10.BR BM and T cells and compared to WT hosts. STAT-6−/− mice pretreated with KGF (5 mg/kg s.c. for 3 days) had an accelerated mortality rate and poorer survival compared to WT recipients. Examination of GVHD target organs revealed that KGF pretreatment ameliorated liver GVHD in WT and STAT-6−/− recipients. In contrast, the benefit of KGF for GVHD of the colon was only seen in the WT but not in STAT-6−/− recipients, consistent with post-BMT body weights and survival. Whole body plethysmograph was done to evaluate lung function at 30 cm water pressure on day 7 post-BMT, a time when acute IPS is manifested in this model. WT but not STAT-6−/− mice pretreated with KGF had improved lung compliance compared to their non-treated counterparts (p<0.05). KGF-pretreated STAT-6−/− recipients also had increased lung weights compared to control- or KGF-treated WT mice with IPS (p<0.05). Histological analysis of lung cryosections taken on day 7 post-BMT showed that all recipients of allogeneic BM and T cells had increased inflammatory cells in their lungs, consistent with acute IPS. However, STAT-6−/− hosts with IPS had elevated numbers of CD4+ T cells in their lungs compared to WT hosts with IPS (18.3%±1.5 vs 11.6%±2.7, p=0.01). Other cell phenotypes did not differ. However, KGF-pretreated STAT-6−/− mice had significantly elevated levels (10-fold) of IL-17, CCL2 and CCL8 in their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid on day 7 post-BMT compared to their WT KGF-treated counterparts implying a skewing to a Th17 inflammatory response in STAT-6−/− mice. These data indicate that the STAT-6 pathway plays a role in the cytoprotective function of KGF and this STAT-6-dependency is tissue-specific. To achieve the full benefits of KGF and other cytoprotective agents, it will be important to take into account the immune modulatory mechanisms operative in individual GVHD target organs.
The Philosopher's Literary Critic

Leon Craig's five books are interrelated by a common approach: Craig writes of philosophic matters juxtaposing them with literary works, or one may reverse the order—whichever way, the exegesis proceeds in tandem. Moreover, he has intertwined the books in a sequential development. One can perceive Craig discovered his fountainhead in Plato. His first book, in 1993, The War Lover: A Study of Plato's “Republic,” has left its genetic pattern upon the next four, Of Philosophers and Kings: Political Philosophy in Shakespeare's “Macbeth” and “King Lear” (2001), The Platonian Leviathan (2010), Philosophy and the Puzzles of “Hamlet” (2014), and his latest, The Philosopher's English King: Shakespeare's “Henriad” as Political Philosophy (2015). In this latest effort, Shakespeare is the philosopher and Henry V the best of Shakespeare's English kings. But you will not appreciate the extent and intricacy of Craig's web unless you recognize that Plato's thought, especially as that thought has been conveyed in The Republic , runs through every filament. To be precise, taking such themes of that dialogue as Socrates's notion of a tripartite human soul, his taxonomy of defective regimes, his all but best regime of “Guardians,” and Socrates's ultimately best constitution, rule by a philosopher become king or king become philosopher, or only somewhat less improbably, a king become an understanding student of a counselor philosopher. Then, best self-government within the individual soul is likewise worked out in The Republic as Craig reads it. To my mind he has read Plato aright.
Grain Size and Loading Rate Effects on Steel

The yield strength of a low carbon steel is determined as a function of grain size and loading rate. Theoretical expressions, based on a dislocation model, are developed to predict the yield strength, taking these two variables into consideration. An experiment program involving variation in grain size and rate of loading was conducted to evaluate parameters and check the validity of the theoretical expressions. The proposed theory is found to be effective in predicting yield stress values for a low carbon steel treated to produce various grain sizes and subjected to loading rates varying from 484 psi per sec to 8 x 10 8 psi per sec.
When Will New Programs be Mandatory? Determinants of the Decision Between the Mandatory and Discretionary Budget Designs

When creating a new program, an authorizing committee must choose a budget structure, either using mandatory funding or creating an authorization for appropriations to enable the appropriation comm...
Comparative Drug Metabolism

The tradition of testing the poisonous properties of food and drink by administering the material to animals extends back through the history of mankind. In some civilizations the expediency of employing human beings as professional ‘tasters’ was an acceptable practice. The use of humans for this sort of testing is unacceptable under present-day moral and ethical values. When we adopt the approach that animal testing may predict pharmacological or toxicological responses for man, we do so from a conviction that there is a common-ground plan for all living matter. Indeed, the major biochemical discoveries of the last three decades lend support for this conviction. As we have come to use animals more to predict the response of humans to drugs, we have come to realize that the similarities between animals and man are great, but so are the differences. In a phrase, we have become pharmacologically sophisticated.
Safety assessment for deep geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste

Safety assessments estimate the long-term performance of geological disposal systems for radioactive waste using quantitative models. This paper reviews regulatory standards, selection of scenarios for analysis, the development of computational models and their linkage into a system analysis, and the iterative relationship between site characterization and safety assessment. Uncertainty must be acknowledged and can be accounted for using both conservative deterministic and probabilistic approaches. In addition to generating performance estimates for comparison to regulatory standards, safety assessments can also guide research and model development, evaluate design alternatives, enhance the scientific understanding of the system, and contribute to public acceptance.
Feasibility of extracting operating shapes using phase-based motion magnification technique and stereo-photogrammetry

Abstract Optically-based vibration measurements can be used to determine the full-field dynamic response of structures without the need of mounted transducers (e.g. accelerometers, strain gages, and LVDTs) that can add cost, have wiring, power signal transmission issues, and may affect the dynamic characteristics by adding mass or stiffness. The three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D DIC) and three-dimensional point tracking (3DPT) methods based on a stereo-vision system can provide the full-field dynamic displacements of a structure with sub-pixel accuracy. However, stereo-photogrammetry systems are limited by camera resolution and intrinsic noise of the acquired images. Moreover, exciting a structure with only a small amount of energy may result in a subtle mechanical response that is not perceptible by observing the raw data of the conventional optical measurement systems (i.e. 3D DIC and 3DPT). Thus, in order to use the optical-sensing techniques to identify dynamic characteristics of a structure at high frequencies, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the sequence of images captured with a stereo-vision system needs to be improved. Within this paper, phase-based video magnification in conjunction with the stereo-photogrammetry techniques are used to measure the higher-frequency operating shapes of a cantilever beam and a 2.3-m long Skystream 4.7 wind turbine blade. The phase-based motion estimation method uses complex steerable pyramids to decompose the original sequence of images to amplitude and phase at different spatial resolutions (subsampled images). Motion information is conserved within the phase values which can be filtered in the time domain and amplified to detect the subtle motions. The magnified sequence of images using the motion magnification technique are post-processed using 3D DIC or 3DPT to quantify infinitesimal deformations that are not recognizable using only the traditional stereo-photogrammetry methods. The results obtained within this paper reveal the great potential of motion magnification in conjunction with stereo-photogrammetry techniques in detecting small motions of structures and extracting 3D operating shapes from the optically measured data with low SNR. Compared to traditional stereo-photogrammetry, additional modes of the test structures are obtainable by means of combining the phase based motion magnification and conventional image-sensing techniques (i.e. 3D DIC and 3DPT). The proposed methodology could be used to enhance the established procedure to extract more information about the dynamic characteristics of structures (only once effectively calibrated), compared to existing image-sensing techniques and contact measurement sensors.
Abstract #5579: The inhibitory effects of organoselenium compounds on mTOR signaling in prostate cancer cells

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men in the United States. Androgen receptor signaling is critical for prostate cancer cell growth and thus anti-androgen therapies are commonly used to treat localized disease. However, the cancer eventually relapses into a hormone-resistant state. Currently there is a lack of effective treatments for advanced and hormone-resistant prostate cancers. We have previously shown that selenomethionine (SM), and 1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate (p-XSC) down-regulate androgen receptor expression and its phosphorylation in androgen responsive (AR) and androgen independent (AI) cells. Preclinical studies and proteomic analyses of human prostate tissues have implicated the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in the progression of prostate cancer and its transition to androgen independence, suggesting mTOR as a potential target for new therapies. Experimental studies further demonstrate a cross-talk between mTOR and androgen signaling in prostate cancer cells. We hypothesize that selenium inhibits prostate cancer cell growth by interfering with the mTOR signaling pathway and this inhibition may be linked to down-regulation of androgen receptor signaling in these cells. Here we showed, for the first time, that selenium compounds (SM, p-XSC, and methylseleninic acid) inhibit phosphorylation of mTOR and its downstream target p70S6 kinase in both LNCaP (AR) and LNCaP C4-2 (AI) human prostate cancer cells. Selenium-mediated inhibition of mTOR is attenuated by stimulation with androgens in AR but not in AI cells. Experiments are underway to determine if there is a link between mTOR inhibition by selenium and selenium-mediated modulation of androgen receptor signaling. In addition, the effects of different forms and doses of selenium on both mTOR complexes (mTORC1 and mTORC2) and their components are being examined. Validation of mTOR as a target of selenium in prostate cancer will provide evidence for its potential role against advanced and hormone refractory prostate disease either individually or in combination with anti-androgens. Support: DOD PC074101, NCI R01127729, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute Funds Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 5579.
Predicting Life-History Trade-Offs with Whole-Organism Performance

SYNOPSIS Whole-organism performance traits are key intermediaries between the organism and the environment. Because performance traits are energetically costly to both build and maintain, performance will compete with other life-history traits over a limited pool of acquired energetic resources at any given time, potentially leading to trade-offs in performance expression. Although these trade-offs can have important implications for organismal fitness we currently lack a conceptual framework for predicting both where trade-offs might be expected, and which traits may be especially prone to trade-offs with other fitness-related life-history traits. We propose such a framework based on an estimate of the energetic requirements of locomotion in vertebrates, the ecological cost of transport. By analyzing existing data on mammalian energetic budgets and life-history, we found that species with higher costs of locomotion also tended to be those with "slow" life histories that invest relatively less in current reproduction than "fast" life-history species. We discuss the potential implications of ectothermy for masking such relationships, and how this framework might be expanded upon in the future.
Pathogens and Nematodes of Arthropods and Pathogens of Vertebrates

More than 1500 species of pathogens are known to attack arthropods (Miller et al. 1983). These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes. Historical developments in the recognition and understanding of pathogens of arthropods are summarized by Steinhaus (1956) and are briefly reviewed in Chapter 1. Detailed treatment of the taxonomy and biology of arthropod pathogens is given by Tanada and Kaya (1993) and, for nematodes, Kaya (1993). Much of the research on these pathogens is directed at development of methods for their culture, mass production, formulation, and use through augmentation as biological pesticides (see Chapter 11).
Abstract LB-B30: First in human, dose escalation trial of the combination of dabrafenib, trametinib, and navitoclax in patients with BRAF mutant solid tumors

Combined BRAF and MEK inhibitor therapy is associated with responses in patients (pts) with BRAF mutant solid tumors. Preclinically, the addition of the BH3 mimetic navitoclax improves the efficacy of BRAF inhibitor therapy to BRAF mutant cell lines. CTEP study P9466 (NCT01989585) is a clinical trial designed to test the safety of the combination of dabrafenib, trametinib, and navitoclax (DTN) in patients with BRAF mutant solid tumors. The primary objective of this dose escalation trial was to determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of DTN. From March 2014 to August 2017, 25 pts were enrolled, using a 3+3 design, at three dose levels (DL). A one week lead-in of navitoclax 150 mg QD was used to limit thrombocytopenia. Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) occurred at every dose level and included Grade 3 (Gr) alkaline phosphatase, Gr 3 Rash, Gr 4 thrombocytopenia, and Gr 3 fever. The RP2D was determined to be D 150 mg BID, T 2 mg QD, N 225 mg QD. Severe adverse events (SAEs) occurred in 10 pts. There was one Gr 5 SAE that was possibly related to study drugs (acute kidney injury). Twenty-two of 25 pts were eligible for preliminary efficacy assessment at the time of this submission. Best response, per RECIST1.1, was complete (CR) or partial (PR) response in 6 pts, stable disease (SD) in 7 pts, and disease progression (PD) in 8 pts. Of note, PD was the best response for all 5 pts with melanoma (mel) previously treated with a BRAF inhibitor. In the 6 mel pts who had not received a prior BRAF inhibitor, 5 had a PR or CR (1). Disease control (PR or SD) was seen in most colon cancer (3 of 5) and thyroid cancer (4 of 5) pts. DTN at the RP2D was determined to be safe with preliminary efficacy in pts with BRAF mutant solid tumors. Based on this preliminary data, the randomized phase II portion of this trial of DTN compared to DT in BRAF mutant naive patients is opening in the ETCTN in the Fall of 2017. Citation Format: Ryan J. Sullivan, Janice Mehnert, Hussain Tawbi, Donald Lawrence, Keith Flaherty, Helen Chen, Naoko Takabe, Michael Davies. First in human, dose escalation trial of the combination of dabrafenib, trametinib, and navitoclax in patients with BRAF mutant solid tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-B30.
Macrolevel: The Region

We have examined site- and neighborhood-level antecedents and correlates of crime and aggression and, in both instances, found not insignificant locational contributions to such behaviors. The present chapter extends this inquiry to larger geographic areas: cities, counties, states, regions, and entire nations. This broader level of inquiry, the largest portion of which has been regional, has its roots in the “cartographic” or “geographic” school of criminology, which began first in France, and then in Belgium, the Netherlands, and England, in the early 1800s.
Size-sorting combined with improved nanocapillary liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for identification of intact proteins up to 80 kDa.

Despite the availability of ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometers, methods for separation and detection of intact proteins for proteome-scale analyses are still in a developmental phase. Here we report robust protocols for online LC−MS to drive high-throughput top-down proteomics in a fashion similar to that of bottom-up proteomics. Comparative work on protein standards showed that a polymeric stationary phase led to superior sensitivity over a silica-based medium in reversed-phase nanocapillary LC, with detection of proteins >50 kDa routinely accomplished in the linear ion trap of a hybrid Fourier transform mass spectrometer. Protein identification was enabled by nozzle−skimmer dissociation and detection of fragment ions with <10 ppm mass accuracy for highly specific database searching using tailored software. This overall approach led to identification of proteins up to 80 kDa, with 10−60 proteins identified in single LC−MS runs of samples from yeast and human cell lines prefractionated by their mole...
Collision Tolerance and Throughput Gain in Full-Duplex IEEE 802.11 DCF

As WiFi networks become more prevalent, there is more demand to accommodate increasing data traffic over WiFi. Traditional methods have been heavily used to improve the performance of wireless systems, and enough improvements have been introduced to exhaust channel capacity close to the maximum theoretical limits. Thus, to meet the ever increasing demand, Full-Duplex (FD) communications are enabled by Self-Interference Cancellation (SIC) to theoretically double channel capacity. SIC is possible for WiFi signals due to the lower transmit power, which makes WiFi under IEEE 802.11 standard a strong candidate for FD techniques. In this paper, we provide matching analytical and simulation results to explore how packet collisions are reduced and how throughput increases when FD methods are implemented for IEEE 802.11. Additionally, a collision-free mode enabled by FD communications is explored for WiFi systems. Simulation results show that the proposed analytical FD framework for IEEE 802.11 is accurate even when randomness is established in simulation scenarios.
"Expanding the frame" for valve-in-valve therapy in small bioprostheses: Encouraging signs for the road ahead.

Valve in valve TAVI with valve fracture in 19 mm bioprosthetic valves is clinically effective. Careful multidisciplinary personalized evaluation for each patient is needed to prevent coronary occlusion. Longer term data for a larger number of patients are needed, from the transcatheter valve therapy (TVT) registry.
Investigation of carrier density and mobility variations in graphene caused by surface adsorbates

Abstract Conductivity, carrier concentration and carrier mobility in graphene were investigated as a function of time in response to ionized donor and acceptor adsorbates. While a reduction in conductivity and hole density in graphene was observed upon exposure to a weak electron donor NH3, the carrier mobility was found to increase monotonically. The opposite behavior is observed upon exposure to NO2, which is expected based on its typical electron withdrawing property. Upon exposure to C9H22N2, a strong donor, it resulted in the transformation of graphene from p-type to n-type, although the inverse variation of carrier concentration and mobility was still observed. The variational trends remained unaltered even after intentional introduction of defects in graphene through exposure to oxygen plasma. The responses to C9H22N2, NH3 and NO2 exposures underline a strong influence by ionized surface adsorbates that we explained via a simple model considering charged impurity scattering of carriers in graphene.
Transcriptomic analysis of the BDNF-induced JAK/STAT pathway in neurons: a window into epilepsy-associated gene expression

Abstract Background Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a major signaling molecule that the brain uses to control a vast network of intracellular cascades fundamental to properties of learning and memory, and cognition. While much is known about BDNF signaling in the healthy nervous system where it controls the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and cyclic-AMP pathways, less is known about its role in multiple brain disorders where it contributes to the dysregulated neuroplasticity seen in epilepsy and traumatic brain injury (TBI). We previously found that neurons respond to prolonged BDNF exposure (both in vivo (in models of epilepsy and TBI) and in vitro (in BDNF treated primary neuronal cultures)) by activating the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway. This pathway is best known for its association with inflammatory cytokines in non-neuronal cells. Results Here, using deep RNA-sequencing of neurons exposed to BDNF in the presence and absence of well characterized JAK/STAT inhibitors, and without non-neuronal cells, we determine the BDNF transcriptome that is specifically reliant on JAK/STAT signaling. Surprisingly, the transcriptome contains ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors coming from all the major classes expressed in the brain, along with key modulators of synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and axonal remodeling. Analysis of this dataset has also provided a window on the unique mechanism of JAK/STATs in neurons as differential gene expression mediated by STAT3 does not appear to be dependent upon phosphorylation at residue 705. Conclusions Our findings strengthen and expand the role that BDNF plays in the regulation of brain excitability at the transcriptional level. They also suggest that a majority of such signaling in neurons is tied to the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway which may be non-canonical, not based on phosphorylation of STAT3 proteins at Tyrosine 705.
The Current Status of Social Work Online and Distance Education

ABSTRACTOver the past three decades, social work education gradually has begun to embrace distance education as a viable alternative (and supplement) to traditional face-to-face education. While so...
TRENDS, PREDICTORS AND IMPACT OF ARRHYTHMIAS IN CARDIAC AMYLOIDOSIS: A 16-YEAR ANALYSIS (1999-2014)

Patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) have increased mortality, which can be explained in part by increased risk of arrhythmias. However, the burden of arrhythmias in CA, their predictors and impact on in-hospital outcomes is unclear. We queried the National Inpatient Sample and CA was identified
Post-discharge venous thromboembolism after pancreatectomy for malignancy: Predicting risk based on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Extended chemoprophylaxis is recommended for high-risk patients following pancreatectomy for malignancy. However, quantifying risk remains difficult. We sought to (a) identify factors associated with post-discharge venous thromboembolism (VTE) following pancreatectomy for malignancy and (b) develop a post-discharge VTE risk calculator to identify high-risk patients. METHODS Patients who underwent pancreatectomy for malignant histology from 2014 to 2018 were identified from the ACS NSQIP pancreatectomy procedure targeted dataset. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors known at hospital discharge were evaluated for association with post-discharge VTE via multivariable logistic regression. A post-discharge VTE risk calculator was developed and validated. RESULTS Of 19 340 analyzed patients, 280 (1.5%) developed post-discharge VTE. Post-discharge VTE was associated with increasing body mass index (BMI; eg, morbidly obese BMI odds ratio [OR]: 1.99 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.30-3.02] vs normal BMI), procedure type (distal pancreatectomy OR: 1.47 [95% CI: 1.02-2.12] vs pancreaticoduodenectomy), pancreatic fistula (OR: 1.59 [95% CI: 1.19-2.13]) and delayed gastric emptying (OR: 1.81 [95% CI: 1.29-2.52]). Patients' predicted probability of post-discharge VTE ranged from 0.7% to 9.0%. Twenty iterations of 10-fold cross-validation demonstrated internal validity. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were associated with post-discharge VTE following pancreatectomy for malignancy. This post-discharge VTE risk calculator allows for quantification of individual post-discharge VTE risk, which ranged from 0.7% to 9.0%.
Variation of Florida scrub vegetation along gradients of soil pH and landscape age on a barrier island complex1,2

Florida scrub is a fire-maintained shrub vegetation of well-drained, sandy soils associated with ridge systems that originated as coastal dunes. It is unique to Florida and supports many rare plants and animals. Between 1992 and 2005, we sampled 30 stands of long-unburned scrub with 196 line-intercept transects (15 m length) across the Merritt Island-Cape Canaveral barrier island complex where dune ridges range from relatively recent to > 30,000 years old with a range of soil leaching and reaction. These data allow us to determine the relationships of landscape age and soil reaction on community composition. We recorded community composition in ≤ 0.5 m and > 0.5 m height strata. We determined mapped soil type for all transects; for 151 transects we determined soil pH of the 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm layers. Hierarchical cluster analysis of stands (N = 30) and transects (N = 196) using 41 species (of 53) present in ≥ 2 transects gave two groups: coastal scrub with Quercus virginiana (shrub form) and Serenoa repens as dominant species on the most alkaline soils, and oak-saw palmetto scrub with Quercus chapmanii, Quercus geminata, Quercus myrtifolia, and S. repens on the strongly to somewhat acidic soils. Direct gradient analysis indicated that dominant species except S. repens varied from acidic to alkaline soils. Indicator species analysis identified seven species that indicated acidic soils and five that indicated alkaline soils (P < 0.01). Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) ordination at the stand level separated the two groups along the first axis, and NMS ordination of the transect data showed the gradient of coastal to oak-saw palmetto scrub. Position of transects on the first axis was related to soil pH class, and to measured pH of the 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm layers. Soils show a progressive leaching of shell material from the surface horizons followed by podsolization; this process takes ≥ 4,000 years. Our results indicate substantial differences between the community composition of scrub vegetation on recent alkaline soils compared to leached acidic soils.
Weathering status of present-day eolian infall and alpine tundra surfaces, front range, colorado

Present-day eolian infall to the alpine zone of the Front Range, Colorado has been identified as an important geomorphic and pedogenic process. Development of a semiquantitative, grain-surface, scanning electron microscopic analysis technique (Darmody, 1985), as well as a surface peel sampling technique (Thorn and Darmody, 1985b) have permitted a preliminary evaluation of interaction between eolian infall and both depositional and deflationary surfaces within alpine tundra. Eolian samples were retrieved from the centers of large, seasonal snow patches, while depositional samples were from vegetated soil surfaces, and deflationary samples were from obviously eroded, unvegetated soil surfaces. Crains of present-day eolian infall are generally more freshly fractured, uncoated, and unweathered than those from depositional and deflationary surfaces, the latter two being indistinguishable. This suggests that the source area of the eolian material is not the deflationary surfaces, and/or that the eolian material...
Respiratory Care Practitioners Staffed in the Pediatric Emergency Department Improves Throughput and Quality Care Measures

Background: Pediatric Emergency Departments treat large numbers of infants and children with respiratory illness. Several studies reported correct disposition and quality of care benefits associated with Respiratory Therapists (RTs) staffed in Emergency Departments. Despite this evidence, no data exists regarding their effect on throughput times and quality care measures associated with staffing a dedicated RT in a Pediatric Emergency Department. We hypothesized that staffing a dedicated RT will decrease ED throughput times and improve therapy specific quality of care measures in children with respiratory illness. Methods: Prospective historically controlled cohort study evaluating throughput times and quality care measures for patients with respiratory illness. We compared July 2019 – January 2020 to July 2018 – January 2019 (control), evaluating ED LOS for patients either admitted or discharged home. Pre and post intervention quality measures were disease specific and included: ASTHMA - % albuterol administered within 60 minutes, % albuterol administered via MDI (vs. continuous Drug aerosol for mild/moderate exacerbation) CROUP - % racemic administered with in 60 minutes, BRONCHIOLITIS - % Racemic Administered. Seven-day return to the ED were also evaluated. Differences determined by Student T-Test for continuous variables presented as Mean ± standard deviation. The project was approved by the Quality Improvement Review Committee. Results: Seven thousand seven hundred sixty-eight patients were included for study, with 3,576 (46.1%) in the study group and 4,192 (53.9%) in the control group. Distribution of encounters included 45.9% asthma, 22.1% Croup, and 31.9% Bronchiolitis. All respiratory chief complaints had a decrease in ED admitted length of stay (261.4 vs. 207.9 minutes; P =.002) that was not witnessed in those patients discharged (P =.73). All LOS for asthma and admitted LOS bronchiolitis were significantly decreased. Quality measures illustrate improvement for use of MDI in mild to moderate asthma, and Racemic Epinephrine administered within 60 minutes (Table 1). No differences were found in 7-day return rates among groups. Conclusions: Respiratory therapists bring a unique set of skills to the emergency room. This is the first study to demonstrate introducing respiratory therapist into the emergency room is associated with improved throughput times and quality of care. More specific study is needed to evaluate cost savings, patient/family satisfaction and age group specific outcomes.
Network Module Detection to Decipher Heterogeneity of Cancer Mutations

The analysis of genomic landscapes of cancer patients taken from large-scale datasets revealed the complexity and heterogeneity of the disease. Namely, the patients even with the same disease subtypes may have very different genomic profiles and different treatment outcomes. For example, the variations in drug response among patients can be caused by differences in mutation patterns, and understanding the relationship is crucial to design personalized medicine. Such heterogeneity in cancer can be better understood from the perspective of pathways by acknowledging the fact that genes altered in different patients may belong to the same pathway and, therefore, lead them to have similar disease subtypes. Their responses to a drug may still vary due to the differences in genetic alteration status and interactions between the genes. Computational methods to understand the mutational patterns harbored by the genes and their interplay in the context of functional interactions can help decipher cancer heterogeneity. In this book chapter, we discuss various utilities of networks in cancer studies, ranging from detecting cancer driver modules, uncovering modules associated with specific cancer phenotypes, to understanding the relationship between gene modules in different pathways.
Photosensitivity Reaction From Operating Room Lights After Oral Administration of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid for Fluorescence-Guided Resection of a Malignant Glioma.

Orally administered 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), which was approved in the United States in 2017, is preferentially metabolized by malignant glioma cells into protoporphyrin IX and enhances tumor visualization when using a blue light filter on an operating microscope. Photosensitivity after 5-ALA administration is a known side effect, but a photosensitivity reaction from operating room lights has not yet been documented. We report the case of a 56-year-old man with a history of previous resection of a grade II astrocytoma who presented with imaging concerning for tumor recurrence and possible malignant transformation. Repeat surgical resection utilized 5-ALA. Soon after the surgery, he developed reddening of his skin, particularly over the right side of his head and neck, with blistering and peeling in a distribution that was particularly exposed to operating room lights during surgery. No other areas of his skin experienced the same redness, blistering, or peeling. Topical lotions were applied and the skin changes resolved spontaneously over weeks. Significant photosensitivity after administration of oral 5-ALA is a rare complication, but neurosurgeons who perform fluorescence-guided tumor resection should remain cognizant of its potential association with exposure to intense light, including in the operating room. Phototoxicity typically is self-limited, but awareness is important to minimize its occurrence.
Evaluating the impact of housing market liberalization on the timing of marriage: Evidence from Egypt.

The transition to adulthood around the world is increasingly characterized by young people’s desire to form independent households. Forming such households in Egypt requires buying or building a dw...
Children's understanding of the abstract logic of counting.

Abstract When children learn to count, do they understand its logic independent of the number list that they learned to count with? Here we tested CP-knowers' (ages three to five) understanding of how counting reveals a set's cardinality, even when non-numerical lists are used to count. Participants watched an agent count unobservable objects in two boxes and were asked to identify the larger set. Participants successfully identified the box with more objects when the agent counted using their familiar number list (Experiment 1) and when the agent counted using a non-numeric ordered list, as long as the items in the list were not linguistically used as number words (Experiments 2–3). Additionally, children's performance was strongly influenced by visual cues that helped them link the list's order to representations of magnitude (Experiment 4). Our findings suggest that three- to six-year-olds who can count also understand how counting reveals a set's cardinality, but they require additional time to understand how symbols on any arbitrary ordered list can be used as numerals.
The reaction of thiourea and 1,3-dimethylthiourea towards organoiodines: oxidative bond formation and halogen bonding.

By varying the halogen-bond-donor mol­ecule, 11 new halogen-bonding co­crys­tals involving thio­urea or 1,3-di­methyl­thio­urea were obtained, namely, 1,3-di­­methyl­thio­urea–1,2-di­iodo-3,4,5,6-tetra­fluoro­ben­zene (1/1), C6F4I2·C3H8N2S, 1, thio­­urea–1,3-di­iodo-2,4,5,6-tetra­fluoro­ben­zene (1/1), C6F4I2·CH4N2S, 2, 1,3-di­methyl­thio­urea–1,3-di­iodo-2,4,5,6-tetra­fluoro­ben­zene (1/1), C6F4I2·C3H8N2S, 3, 1,3-di­methyl­thio­urea–1,3-di­iodo-2,4,5,6-tetra­fluoro­ben­zene–methanol (1/1/1), C6F4I2·C3H8N2S·CH4O, 4, 1,3-di­methyl­thio­urea–1,3-di­iodo-2,4,5,6-tetra­fluoro­ben­zene–ethanol (1/1/1), C6F4I2·C3H8N2S·C2H6O, 5, 1,3-di­methyl­thio­urea–1,4-di­iodo-2,3,5,6-tetra­fluoro­ben­zene (1/1), C6F4I2·C3H8N2S, 6, 1,3-di­methyl­thio­urea–1,3,5-tri­fluoro-2,4,6-tri­iodo­ben­zene (1/1), C6F3I3·C3H8N2S, 7, 1,3-di­methyl­thio­urea–1,1,2,2-tetra­iodo­ethene (1/1), C6H16N4S2·C2I4, 8, [(di­methylamino)­methyl­idene](1,2,2-tri­iodo­ethen­yl)sulfonium iodide–1,1,2,2-tetra­iodo­ethene–acetone (1/1/1), C5H8I3N2S+·I−·C3H6O·C2I4, 9, 2-amino-4-methyl-1,3-thia­zol-3-ium iodide–1,1,2,2-tetra­iodo­ethene (2/3), 2C4H7N2S+·2I−·3C2I4, 10, and 4,4-dimethyl-4H-1,3,5-thia­diazine-3,5-diium diiodide–1,1,2,2-tetra­iodo­ethene (2/3), 2C5H12N4S2+·4I−·3C2I4, 11. When utilizing the common halogen-bond-donor mol­ecules 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-di­iodo­tetra­fluoro­ben­zene, as well as 1,3,5-tri­fluoro-2,4,6-tri­iodo­ben­zene, bifurcated I⋯S⋯I inter­actions were observed, resulting in the formation of isolated rings, chains, and sheets. Tetra­iodo­ethyl­ene (TIE) provided I⋯S⋯I cocrystals as well, but further yielded a sulfonium-containing product through the reaction of the S atom with TIE. This particular sulfonium motif is the first of its kind to be structurally characterized, and is stabilized in the solid state through a three-dimensional I⋯I halogen-bonding network. Thio­urea reacted with acetone in the presence of TIE to provide two novel heterocyclic products, again stabilized in the solid state through I⋯I halogen bonding.
Optimizing Sensor and Actuator Arrays for ASAC Noise Control

This paper summarizes the development of an approach to optimizing the locations for arrays of sensors and actuators in active noise control systems. A type of directed combinatorial search, called Tabu Search, is used to select an optimal configuration from a much larger set of candidate locations. The benefit of using an optimized set is demonstrated. The importance of limiting actuator forces to realistic levels when evaluating the cost function is discussed. Results of flight testing an optimized system are presented. Although the technique has been applied primarily to Active Structural Acoustic Control systems, it can be adapted for use in other active noise control implementations.
Measuring Recombination Proficiency in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

A method is presented to measure homologous recombination in mouse embryonic stem cells by both gene targeting and short-tract gene conversion of a double-strand break. A fluorescence-based reporter is first gene targeted to the Hprt locus in a quantifiable way. A homing endonuclease expression vector is then introduced to generate a double-strand break, the repair of which is also quantifiable.
Effect of LKB1 deficiency on mitochondrial content, fibre type and muscle performance in the mouse diaphragm.

Aim—The Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1)/AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway is a major regulator of skeletal muscle metabolic processes. During exercise, LKB1-mediated phosphorylation of AMPK leads to its activation, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and glucose transport, among other effects. The roles of LKB1 and AMPK have not been fully characterized in the diaphragm. Methods—Two methods of AMPK activation were used to characterize LKB1/AMPK signaling in diaphragms from muscle-specific LKB1 knockout (KO) and littermate control mice: (1) acute injection of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) and (2) 5-min direct electrical stimulation of the diaphragm. Diaphragms were excised 60 minutes post-AICAR injection and immediately after electrical stimulation. Results—AMPK phosphorylation increased with AICAR and electrical stimulation in control but not KO mice. Acetyl CoA carboxylase phosphorylation increased with AICAR in control but not KO mice, but increased in both genotypes with electrical stimulation. While the majority of mitochondrial protein levels were lower in KO diaphragms, uncoupling protein 3, complex I, and cytochrome oxidase IV protein levels were not different between genotypes. KO diaphragms have a lower percentage of IIx fibers and an elevated percentage of IIb fibers when compared to control diaphragms. While in vitro peak force generation was similar between genotypes, KO diaphragms fatigued more quickly and had an impaired ability to recover. Conclusion—LKB1 regulates AMPK phosphorylation, mitochondrial protein expression, fiber type distribution, as well as recovery of the diaphragm from fatigue.
Coupling between a glacier and a soft bed: II Model results

The relation between the local effective pressure and shear stress on till beneath Storglaciaren, Sweden, discussed in Iverson and others (1999), provides an empirical basis for studying the processes that control the strength of the ice/bed coupling. Particles in the bed that protrude into the glacier sole support shear stresses that are limited by either ploughing or the traditional sliding mechanisms. Model calculations, based on studies of cone penetration through fine-grained sediment and sliding theory, agree with the observed relation between shear stress and effective pressure if the water layer at the ice/bed interface is assumed to thicken rapidly as the effective pressure approaches zero. Studies of the hydraulics of linked cavities provide support for this assumption, if the mean thickness of the water layer reflects the extent of microcavity development at the interface. Comparison of the calculated shear stress with the ultimate strength of till suggests that bed deformation limits the shear stress on till beneath Storglaciaren only at intermediate effective pressures; at very low effective pressures, like those inferred at the site of the tiltmeter discussed in Iverson and others (1999), and at sufficiently high effective pressures, ploughing and sliding should focus motion near the glacier sole. A calculation using parameter values appropriate for Ice Stream B, West Antarctica, suggests that ploughing may occur there at shear stresses not sufficient to deform the bed at depth. This conclusion is reinforced by the likelihood that pore pressures in excess of hydrostatic should develop down-glacier from ploughing particles, thereby weakening the bed near the glacier sole. However, given the apparent sensitivity of the ice/bed coupling to basal conditions that may be highly variable, any blanket assumption regarding the flow mechanism of ice masses on soft beds should probably be viewed with skepticism.
Social computing and collaborative learning environments

Social experiences and interaction can be critical to the conceptualization and design of a collaborative learning environment. Social computing offers a theoretical context for investigating the ways in which the environment can create rich social experiences that serve as a foundation for building effective learning support.
Optical performance monitoring of optical phase–modulated signals

This chapter discusses the most recent research in the optical performance monitoring (OPM) field for phase-modulated channels. Both the spectrum- and sampling-based techniques developed for the intensity-modulated channels have been adapted to accommodate the phase-modulated signals. In addition, new techniques focusing on signal phase analysis have been introduced. By allowing the observation of transmission impairments directly in the optical layer, these techniques bring optical communication systems one step closer to transparent operation. It must, however, be remembered that the constant drive toward higher capacity leads to the introduction of more sophisticated modulation formats, covering more dimensions of modulation space, more levels of modulation, and higher symbol rates. These formats pose new challenges for OPM techniques as system tolerances become tighter and parameters that are more sensitive have to be employed. Therefore, it may be expected that OPM for phase-modulated signals will keep developing together with advances in transmission techniques.
South Asians in Radiology in the United States, Part I

Radiologists of South Asian nativity or ancestry are increasing in number, especially among trainees in our specialty. Although there are no overt barriers to their advancement through the hierarchy of national radiology organization, their representation in positions of leadership is surprisingly meager. The issue of participation of South Asian radiologists needs to be addressed for the sake of substantiating inclusiveness, so that the contributions of radiologists of all ethnicities can confidently aspire to reach fulfillment as fully-fledged contributors to our specialty.