cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterizing and benchmarking stand-alone Hadoop MapReduce on modern HPC clusters

With the emergence of high-performance data analytics, the Hadoop platform is being increasingly used to process data stored on high-performance computing clusters. While there is immense scope for improving the performance of Hadoop MapReduce (including the network-intensive shuffle phase) over these modern clusters, that are equipped with high-speed interconnects such as InfiniBand and 10/40 GigE, and storage systems such as SSDs and Lustre, it is essential to study the MapReduce component in an isolated manner. In this paper, we study popular MapReduce workloads, obtained from well-accepted, comprehensive benchmark suites, to identify common shuffle data distribution patterns. We determine different environmental and workload-specific factors that affect the performance of the MapReduce job. Based on these characterization studies, we propose a micro-benchmark suite that can be used to evaluate the performance of stand-alone Hadoop MapReduce, and demonstrate its ease-of-use with different networks/protocols, Hadoop distributions, and storage architectures. Performance evaluations with our proposed micro-benchmarks show that stand-alone Hadoop MapReduce over IPoIB performs better than 10 GigE by about 13–15 %, and the RDMA-enhanced hybrid MapReduce design can achieve up to 43 % performance improvement over default Hadoop MapReduce over IPoIB, in both shared-nothing and shared storage architectures.
Effect of Signature Sequence on the Performance of an AsynchronousMultiple-Chip-Rate DS/CDMA System

The effects of signature sequence on the performance of an asynchronous multiple-chip-rate (MCR)-DS/CDMA system are considered. The equations for the multiple access interference (MAI) and the variance of the MAI are developed. The bit error rate is derived by using the Gaussian approximation. The deterministic signature sequences such as maximal-length sequences and Gold sequences are compared with random signature sequences in terms of the variance of the MAI and bit error rate. We find that the performance of signature sequences in an asynchronous MCR-DS/CDMA system depends not only on the crosscorrelation properties of sequences but also on the carrier frequency separation between the interfering and desired users.
A Decomposition Approach for the Solution of Scheduling Including Process Dynamics of Continuous Processes

Scheduling is often obtained without the consideration of process dynamics that affect the transition between steady states where production takes place. In this work we first formulate the scheduling optimization problem including process dynamics and then propose a decomposition approach that results in the efficient solution of the integrated problem. Optimality Analysis is utilized to prove that the production sequence and transition times are independent of products’ demands. The proof leads to the decomposition of the integrated problem into two subproblems that can be solved separately without the need for iterations. Results of case studies verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach in reducing the computational complexity of the integrated problem but also obtaining the optimal solution.
The Discrepancy between Patient and Clinician Reported Function in Extremity Bone Metastases

Background. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system measures function and is commonly used but criticized because it was developed to be completed by the clinician and not by the patient. We therefore evaluated if there is a difference between patient and clinician reported function using the MSTS score. Methods. 128 patients with bone metastasis of the lower (n = 100) and upper (n = 28) extremity completed the MSTS score. The MSTS score consists of six domains, scored on a 0 to 5 scale and transformed into an overall score ranging from 0 to 100% with a higher score indicating better function. The MSTS score was also derived from clinicians' reports in the medical record. Results. The median age was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 55-71) and the study included 74 (58%) women. We found that the clinicians' MSTS score (median: 65, IQR: 49-83) overestimated the function as compared to the patient perceived score (median: 57, IQR: 40-70) by 8 points (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Clinician reports overestimate function as compared to the patient perceived score. This is important for acknowledging when informing patients about the expected outcome of treatment and for understanding patients' perceptions.
Enhanced Propagating Surface Plasmon Signal Detection

Overcoming the dissipative nature of propagating surface plasmons (PSPs) is a prerequisite to realizing functional plasmonic circuitry, in which large-bandwidth signals can be manipulated over length scales far below the diffraction limit of light. To this end, we report on a novel PSP-enhanced signal detection technique achieved in an all-metallic substrate. We take advantage of two strategically spatiotemporally separated phase-locked femtosecond laser pulses, incident onto lithographically patterned PSP coupling structures. We follow PSP propagation with joint femtosecond temporal and nanometer spatial resolution in a time-resolved nonlinear photoemission electron microscopy scheme. Initially, a PSP signal wave packet is launched from a hole etched into the silver surface from where it propagates through an open trench structure and is decoded through the use of a timed probe pulse. FDTD calculations demonstrate that PSP signal waves may traverse open trenches in excess of 10 μm in diameter, thereby al...
Technology scaling challenges and opportunities of memory devices

Challenges in scaling of semiconductor memory technologies are reviewed with the focus on DRAM and NAND Flash while demands for memory improvement in the ICT industry are increasing. This paper introduces evolutionary and revolutionary paths to overcome scaling challenges of current and emerging memory technologies along with some promising solutions.
Nanotherapy of cancer by photoelectrons emitted from the surface of nanoparticles exposed to nonionizing ultraviolet radiation.

Aim: We introduce a new method for selectively destroying cancer cell organelles by electrons emitted from the surface of intracellularly localized nanoparticles exposed to the nonionizing ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Methods: We propose to target cancerous intracellular organelles by nanoparticles and expose them to UV radiation with energy density safe for healthy tissue. Results: We simulate the number of photoelectrons produced by the nanoparticles made of various metals and radii, calculate their kinetic energy and compare it to the threshold energy for producing biological damage. Conclusion: Exposure of metal nanoparticles to UV radiation generates photoelectrons with kinetic energies up to 11 eV, which is high enough to produce single- to double-strand breaks in the DNA and damage the cancerous cell organelles.
Management of Status Epilepticus in the Intensive Care Unit

Exact protocols for the treatment of status epilepticus (SE) in the ICU particularly if refractory to the initial interventions differ between centers. However, most agree on some basic principles and the initial management approach. Treatment of SE should be initiated as early as possible as delayed treatment will make seizures more difficult to control and clinical outcomes will be worse. Initial treatment should not be underdosed and most would treat nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) the same as convulsive status epilepticus (CSE). Most SE in the ICU is indeed not associated with convulsions and classified as NCSE. Therefore, continuous EEG monitoring should be mandatory, when treating status in the ICU as seizures may otherwise go undetected and as prolonged CSE will convert to NCSE. Several medications are available for treating seizures, but only few are available for parenteral, fast administration when treating status. The experience from using the newer antiepileptics in case of resistant status is therefore limited. Interactions between antiepileptics and common ICU medications may be significant and concurrent multi-organ failure may alter their metabolism.
Microbial Inactivation and Quality Changes in Orange Juice Treated by High Voltage Atmospheric Cold Plasma

Although atmospheric cold plasma is well known for nonthermal inactivation of microorganisms on surfaces, few studies examine its application to liquid food within a package. This study explores the decontamination efficiency of high voltage atmospheric cold plasma (HVACP) on Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. enterica) in orange juice (OJ). Both direct and indirect HVACP treatments of 25-mL OJ induce greater than a 5-log reduction in S. enterica following 30 s of treatment with air and MA65 gas with no storage. For 50-mL OJ, 120 s of direct HVACP treatment followed by 24-h storage induced a 2.9-log reduction of S. enterica in air and a 4.7-log reduction in MA65 gas; 120 s of indirect HVACP treatment followed by 24-h storage resulted in a 2.2-log reduction in air and a 3.8-log reduction in MA65. No significant (P < 0.05) Brix or pH change occurred following 120-s HVACP treatment. Applying 120-s HVACP direct treatment reduced vitamin C by 22% in air (compared to 50% for heat pasteurization) and pectin methylesterase activity by 74% in air and 82% in MA65. These results demonstrate that HVACP can effectively inactivate Salmonella in OJ with minimal quality degradation.
90 – Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Many people with chemical sensitivity report illness from not one but numerous different, chemically unrelated substances that culminates in a clinical condition termed multiple chemical sensitivity(MCS). Most MCS patients report intolerance to multiple drugs and foods as well as chemicals, and these different triggering agents can all mobilize the same symptoms in a given individual. Only a truly multidisciplinary research approach involving basic science research in sensitization and clinical research can address the complex multifactorial problems of women with MCS and related CI. Emerging data suggest the likelihood of subtypes with differing clinical histories, disability, and psychopathology. Research on neural sensitization and neurogenic inflammation is only a starting point for understanding the many contributing factors and mediators of the clinical disorder. These models also facilitate animal studies on initiation processes that are not possible in human subjects. MCS may be a heterogeneous group of related conditions with different initiating etiologies and overlapping endpoint phenomenologies. Improved understanding of MCS may finally advance research on the nature of and treatment for illnesses in a subset of women previously dismissed by physicians as having somatoform disorders.
Clerical Fascism: Portugal, Spain, and France

In addition to Austria (1934–1945) and General Pinochet’s Chile (1973–1990), this chapter examines some common White Terror characteristics of three prominent clerical fascist regimes: Antonio de Oliveira Salazar’s Portugal (1932–1968), General Francisco Franco’s Spain (1936–1975), and Marshal Philippe Petain’s Vichy France (1940–1945). Pinochet destroyed democracy because an ‘effective anticommunist struggle is unthinkable in the context of musty democratic patterns’; while Hayek explained that dictatorship was a ‘means of establishing a stable democracy and liberty, clean of impurities,’ democracy needs ‘a good cleaning’ by ‘strong governments.’ The drive for ‘purification’ also dominated Franco’s Spain.
Authoritarianism and the Elite Origins of Democracy

This book argues that - in terms of institutional design, the allocation of power and privilege, and the lived experiences of citizens - democracy often does not restart the political game after displacing authoritarianism. Democratic institutions are frequently designed by the outgoing authoritarian regime to shield incumbent elites from the rule of law and give them an unfair advantage over politics and the economy after democratization. Authoritarianism and the Elite Origins of Democracy systematically documents and analyzes the constitutional tools that outgoing authoritarian elites use to accomplish these ends, such as electoral system design, legislative appointments, federalism, legal immunities, constitutional tribunal design, and supermajority thresholds for change. The study provides wide-ranging evidence for these claims using data that spans the globe and dates from 1800 to the present. Albertus and Menaldo also conduct detailed case studies of Chile and Sweden. In doing so, they explain why some democracies successfully overhaul their elite-biased constitutions for more egalitarian social contracts.
An entry to indole quinones using in situ generated nitrobenzoquinone

Abstract A direct synthesis of polycyclic indoles from nitrohydroquinone and indoles is reported. Pentacyclic adducts can be obtained by a tandem conjugate addition/Diels-Alder strategy.
Imaging of Intracranial Aneurysms

Abstract Substantial advances have been made in the imaging of intracranial aneurysms over the past decade. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA), computed tomography (CT) angiography, and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography have all been shown to be extremely sensitive in the detection and characterization of most intracranial aneurysms. However, much of the focus in intracranial aneurysm imaging research has now been on identifying aneurysm wall characteristics and aneurysmal hemodynamic characteristics that are associated with future aneurysm growth and rupture. Owing to the excellent contrast resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and improvements in spatial resolution, MR has now become the preferred imaging modality for the characterization of such extraluminal characteristics.
Analogy in the large

This article discusses the use of analogy to index and organize large databases of information We describe the design and implementation of an analogical database supporting tens to hundreds of thousands of cases The contents of the database are parsed news articles represented as networks of grammatical relations with references into WordNet for word meaning information The virtue of this approach is its domain independent handling of content analysis Efficient algorithms for indexing and matching in this database are described and briefly discussed and examples of their performance are discussed.
Household Arrangements of Children

There may be no more important issue to examine than the living arrangements of children, because their living arrangements influence their well-being and achievement in later life, and their later life is our common future. Perhaps Haurin (1992) puts it best: Most broadly, family structure defines the early social, economic, and psychological context for childrearing. It reflects the number of adult earners in the family and children’s access to economic resources. It also defines a set of social relationships to which children are exposed with great frequency and which encompass a variety of socialization mechanisms. Psychologically, family structure orients emotional attachments between adults and children. (p. 247)
The Use of Insolation in Forecasting Temperatures

Daytime temperature forecasts are made for two stations in Southwestern United States. The forecasts are based upon computed values of incident solar energy and the latest albedo values as reported by various authors. An approximation is made of the amount of energy that is used to heat the soil, and the pseudo-adiabatic chart ia used indirectly to determine the surface temperature change that will result from a given amount of available energy.
Kunden gehen nicht in Rente – Bemerkungen zu einer besonderen Art von Arbeit

Der Beitrag lenkt den Blick auf die Rolle des Kunden/der Kundin in der Dienstleistungsgesellschaft. „Kunde sein“ ist eine aktive Angelegenheit: Kunden leisten interaktive Arbeit in der Dienstleistungsbeziehung; sie setzen verschiedene Dienstleistungen zusammen, qualifizieren sich weiter und ubernehmen als „arbeitende Kunden“ immer mehr Aufgaben, die bislang Beschaftigte von Dienstleistungsunternehmen ubernommen haben. Dieses Leistungsspektrum wird anhand eines Beispiels nachgezeichnet und mithilfe einschlagiger Konzepte aus der Dienstleistungsforschung systematisiert. Besonders betont wird eine bislang unbeachtete Kundenleistung: die „Koordination von unten“. Im Projekt FISnet werden kooperative Gesundheitsdienstleistungen fur den Altersubergang entwickelt. In diesem Zusammenhang geht der Beitrag den folgenden beiden Fragen nach: Zum einen geht Kundenarbeit auch nach dem Ende der Erwerbsarbeit weiter. Was aber ist zu beachten, wenn „arbeitende Kunden“ alter werden? Zum anderen sieht FISnet die Burgerinnen und Burger als aktive Partner im Dienstleistungsnetzwerk. Wie kann man diese Einbindung so gestalten, dass Kunden entlastet werden und gleichzeitig eine gute Zusammenarbeit von Dienstleistern und Kunden gewahrleistet wird?
Predictive Modeling of Tox21 Data

As an alternative to traditional animal toxicology studies, the toxicology for the twenty-first century (Tox21) program initiated a large-scale, systematic screening of chemicals against target-specific, mechanism-oriented in vitro assays aiming to predict chemical toxicity based on these in vitro assay data. The Tox21 library of ~10,000 environmental chemicals and drugs, representing a wide range of structural diversity, has been tested in triplicate against a battery of cell-based assays in a quantitative high-throughput screening (qHTS) format generating over 85 million data points that have been made publicly available. This chapter describes efforts to build in vivo toxicity prediction models based on in vitro activity profiles of compounds. Limitations of the current data and strategies to select an optimal set of assays for improved model performance are discussed. To encourage public participation in developing new methods and models for toxicity prediction, a “crowd-sourcing” challenge was organized based on the Tox21 assay data with successful outcomes.
Advancing Diversity and Inclusion: An Organized Approach Through a Medical Specialty Academy.

Background The benefits of a diverse workforce in medicine have been previously described. While the population of the United States has become increasingly diverse, this has not occurred in the physician workforce. In academic medicine, underrepresented in medicine (URiM) faculty are less likely to be promoted or retained in academic institutions. Studies suggest that mentorship and engagement increase the likelihood of development, retention, and promotion. However, it is not clear what form of mentorship creates these changes. The Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine (ADIEM), an academy within the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, is a group focused on advancing diversity and inclusion as well as promoting the development of its URiM students, residents, and faculty. The Academy serves many of the functions of a mentoring program. We assessed whether active involvement in ADIEM led to increased publications, promotion, or leadership advancement in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Methods We performed a survey of ADIEM members to determine if career development and productivity, defined as written scholarly products, presentations, and mentorship in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion was enhanced by the establishment of the academy. To determine whether there were significant changes in academic accomplishments after the formation of ADIEM, two groups, ADIEM leaders and ADIEM nonleader members, were examined. Results Thirteen ADIEM leaders and 14 ADIEM nonleader members completed the survey. Academic productivity in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion increased significantly among ADIEM leaders when compared to ADIEM nonleader members after the founding of ADIEM. In particular, in the ADIEM leader group, there were significant increases in manuscript publications (1.31 ± 1.6 to 5.5 ± 7.96, p = 0.12), didactic presentations (3.85 ± 7.36 to 23.46 ± 44.52, p < 0.01), grand rounds presentations (0.83 ± 1.75 to 8.6 ± 10.71, p < 0.05), and student/resident mentees (6.46 ± 9.36 to 25 ± 30.41, p = 0.02). Conclusion The formation of a specialized academy within a national medical society has advanced academic accomplishments in diversity, equity, and inclusion in emergency medicine among ADIEM leadership. Involvement of URiM and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender faculty in the academy fostered faculty development, mentoring, and educational scholarship.
RANS Turbulence Modeling

The turbulent kinetic energy equation is derived and explained in full detail. The motivation and development of RANS-based models is provided, with the aim of generating a deeper understanding of turbulence phenomena. This includes the detailed descriptions for key k-e, k-ω, and SST hybrid models. Fundamental RANS terms are explained, such as turbulent kinematic viscosity, production, and decay. RANS models are evaluated and compared, and the best overall turbulence model is suggested. Model applicability, best performance regions, and deficiencies are discussed for zero-, one-, and two-equation RANS models. Compelling reasons for avoiding the standard k-e are provided. Multiple insights regarding ties associated with the development of k-e and k-ω models are presented, such as the Taylor scale and eddy dissipation.
Cognitive and Motor Norms for Huntington's Disease.

Background The progression of Huntington's disease (HD) for gene-expanded carriers is well-studied. Natural aging effects, however, are not often considered in the evaluation of HD progression. Objective To examine the effects of natural aging for healthy controls and to develop normative curves by age, sex, and education from the distribution of observed scores for the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Stroop Word Reading Test, Stroop Color Naming Test, Stroop Interference Test, Total Motor Score, and Total Functional Capacity (TFC) from the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) along with a composite score. Methods After combining longitudinal REGISTRY and Enroll-HD data, we used quantile regression and natural cubic splines for age to fit models for healthy controls (N = 3,394; N observations = 8,619). Normative curves were estimated for the 0.05, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 0.95 quantiles. Two types of reference curves were considered: unconditional curves were dependent on age alone, whereas conditional curves were dependent on age and other covariates, namely sex and education. Results Conditioning on education was necessary for the Symbol Digit, Stroop Word, Stroop Color, Stroop Interference, and composite UHDRS. Unconditional curves were sufficient for the Total Motor Score. TFC was unique in that the curve was constant over age with its intercept at the maximum score (TFC = 13). For all measures, sex effects were minimal, so conditioning on sex was unwarranted. Conclusions Extreme quantile estimates for each measure can be considered as boundaries for natural aging and scores falling beyond these thresholds are likely the result of disease progression. Normative curves and tables are developed and can serve as references for clinical characterization in HD.
From a "Limited Space" to a Much Wider Future: Meaning-Making Practices of Young Refugee Women Pursuing Post-Secondary Education

This article analyzes the diverse migratory experiences that inform the narratives of refugee women from Nepal, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Iraq while these women navigate higher education as refugees in a small city in the U.S. It is important to contextualize that these women’s experiences take place in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, especially given Lancaster’s unique relationship to refugees. While refugee numbers have lagged more recently due to restrictions placed by the Trump administration, the longstanding commitment on the part of organizations like Church World Services and Bethany Christian Services to provide support to refugees signifies, to a certain degree, that Lancaster is different than the rest of the U.S. when it comes to welcoming refugees (Lancaster Online Staff Writer, 2019). To analyze our informants’ migratory experiences which resulted in their pursuit of higher education in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the article explores informant participation in a wide range of meaning-making practices. In doing so, the article analyzes our informants’ varying levels of struggle with imposed narratives. These imposed narratives have to do with refugees as they resettle in the U.S. The perception of refugees as victimized, impoverished, and destitute informs some of these refugee women’s sense of being pitied in their new social structure. Grappling with these perceptions also challenges the informants’ ability to construct their own narratives. The powerful yet nuanced influence of imagery on social discourses is pivotal in terms of shaping the narratives of refugees. In turn, this imposed imagery and imposed narratives render authentic narratives all the more necessary.
The Impact of Verbal Abuse, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault at Work: An Investigation into the Health of Flight Attendants in the Harvard Flight Attendant Health Study

BACKGROUND: Sexual harassment and other types of workplace abuse are frequently experienced by workers worldwide and are related to adverse mental health outcomes and injuries. Flight attendants are an understudied occupational group and are susceptible to experiencing harassment due to working in a feminized, client-facing occupation with few protections or sanctioned responses against aggressive behaviors. In our study, we investigated the relationship between workplace verbal abuse, sexual harassment or sexual assault and health outcomes in a cohort of cabin crew. We also aimed to characterize perpetrator profiles according to type of abuse. METHODS: Among 4,459 participants from the Harvard Flight Attendant Health Study, we examined associations between episodes of workplace harassment or abuse in the past year (overall and by frequency of episodes) and a range of health outcomes using multivariate logistic regression. FINDINGS: We report that exposures to verbal abuse, sexual harassment and sexual assault are common among cabin crew, with rates of 63%, 26% and 2%, respectively, in the past year alone. Workplace abuse was associated with depression, sleep disturbances, and musculoskeletal injuries among male and female cabin crew, with a trend towards increasing odds ratios (ORs) given a higher frequency of events. For example, sexual harassment was related to an overall increased odds for depression (OR=1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-2.30), which increased in a dose response-like manner among women who reported harassment once (OR=1.44, 95% CI: 0.93-1.95), 2-3 times (OR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.29-2.38), and 4 or more times (OR=4.12, 95% CI: 3.18-5.06). We found that passengers were the primary perpetrators of all types of abuse. INTERPRETATION: Our study is the first to comprehensively characterize sexual harassment and its relation to health in a largely female customer-facing workforce. Future research should track findings longitudinally and should compare results across professions. Funding: Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute. Declaration of Interest: The authors have no conflicts on interest to declare. Ethical Approval: This research was approved the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Institutional Review Board. All participants provided their written informed consent prior to enrollment in the study.
U.S.-Czech Missile Defense Cooperation: Alliance Politics in Action: Micheala Dodge (Fairfax, VA: National Institute Press, 2020), $15.00

Any relationship between a great power and one of its much smaller allies tends to be of enormous, continuing interest to the latter and limited, sporadic interest to the former. The most powerful ...
Future Applications of 3D Bioprinting: A promising technology for treating recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a rapidly developing technology that has the potential to initiate a paradigm shift in the treatment of skin wounds arising from burns, ulcers and genodermatoses. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a severe form of epidermolysis bullosa, is a rare genodermatosis that results in mechanically induced blistering of epithelial tissues that leads to chronic wounds. Currently, there is no cure for RDEB, and effective treatment is limited to protection from trauma and extensive bandaging. The care of chronic wounds and burns significantly burdens the healthcare system, further illustrating the dire need for more beneficial wound care. However, in its infancy, 3D bioprinting offers therapeutic potential for wound healing and could be a breakthrough technology for the treatment of rare, incurable genodermatoses like RDEB. This viewpoint essay outlines the promise of 3D bioprinting applications for treating RDEB, including skin regeneration, a delivery system for gene-edited cells and small molecules, and disease modelling. Although the future of 3D bioprinting is encouraging, there are many technical challenges to overcome-including optimizing bioink and cell source-before this approach can be widely implemented in clinical practice.
Elementary Excitations in Two Dimensional Electron Gas Arrays

Two examples of elementary excitations in layered electron gas systems are considered, magneto-excitons of a system with integral Landau level filling and plasmons of a quasiperiodic system. For the former case, the simplest elementary excitations are obtained by promoting an electron from the highest occupied Landau level to the lowest unoccupied one. The single particle picture doesn’t adequately describe these excitations because the resulting electron and hole interact to form a magneto-exciton. The energies of the singlet and triplet magneto-excitons can be calculated in perturbation theory if the Coulomb energy is small compared to the cyclotron energy. For a periodic array of two dimensional electron gas layers, the magneto-exciton dispersion broadens into a band with Bloch wavenumber kz describing the relative phase of the excitation amplitude on neighboring layers. A qualitative comparison of the elementary excitations of these simple systems with the magneto-roton excitations and Laughlin quasiparticles in the quantum Hall effect is made. The second example, plasmons of a quasiperiodic layered electron gas system, can be studied using a transfer matrix method. The band structure found is quite similar to the electron energy bands of a quasiperiodic potential. As the size of the quasiperiodic array tends to infinity, an infinite number of very narrow bands is found, which display typical self-similar Cantor set structure. The behavior of the total band width as function of size, which is a measure of localized vs. extended behavior of the plasmons, is discussed. The global scaling properties of the spectrum and the infrared resonant absorption are studied.
High Temperature Stability of Dissimilar Metal Joints in Fission Surface Power Systems

Future generations of power systems for spacecraft and lunar surface systems will likely require a strong dependence on nuclear power. The design of a space nuclear power plant involves integrating together major subsystems with varying materia1 requirements. Refractory alloys are repeatedly considered for major structural components in space power reactor designs because refractory alloys retain their strength at higher temperatures than other classes of metals. The relatively higher mass and lower ductility of the refractory alloys make them less attractive for lower temperature subsystems in the power plant such as the power conversion system. The power conversion system would consist more likely of intermediate temperature Ni-based superalloys. One of many unanswered questions about the use of refractory alloys in a space power plant is how to transition from the use of the structural refractory alloy to more traditional structural alloys. Because deleterious phases can form when complex alloys are joined and operated at elevated temperatures, dissimilar material diffusion analyses of refractory alloys and superalloys are needed to inform designers about options of joint temperature and operational lifetime. Combinations of four superalloys and six refractory alloys were bonded and annealed at 1150 K and 1300 K to examine diffusional interactions in this study. Joints formed through hot pressing and hot isostatic pressing were compared. Results on newer alloys compared favorably to historical data. Diffusional stability is promising for some combinations of Mo-Re alloys and superalloys at 1150 K, but it appears that lower joint temperatures would be required for other refractory alloy couples.
ON THE PHENOMENOLOGY OF RUBBERLIKE BEHAVIOR

A simple functional statement of the stress-strain response can be used as the basis for a phenomenological investigation (or presentation) of the response, including rupture. Experimental observations on time-temperature or time-chain concentration superposition, time-strain factorizability, and the proportionality of stress with chain concentration can all be invoked to produce a simple, rather all-encompassing representation of the response. The results turn out to be very similar for all elastomers.
The Sexual Offender Registration andNotification Act: No More than "Statutory‘Lip Service’ to Interstate Commerce"

II. The Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) 489 A. Overview of Title I of the Adam Walsh Act: The Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Provision (SORNA) 490 B. The New Federal Crime for a Sex Offender’s Failure to Register: 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a) 491 1. Analysis of Statutory Language 491 2. Constitutional Challenges to 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a)(2)(B) 493
Pattern-based texture metamorphosis

In this paper we study texture metamorphosis, or how to generate texture samples that smoothly transform from a source texture image to a target. We propose a pattern-based approach to specify the feature correspondence between two textures, based on the observation that man), texture images have stochastically distributed patterns which are similar to each other First, the user selects a pattern in the source and target textures, and establishes the "local feature correspondence" between these two patterns by specifying landmarks. Then, repeated patterns are automatically detected and localized in the source and target textures. The "pattern correspondence" between two textures is formulated as an integer programming problem and solved using the Hungarian algorithm. Finally, we obtain a warp function between two textures by combining "local feature correspondence" and "pattern correspondence". Experiments demonstrate that our technique produces visually appealing morphing sequences, with moderate amount of user interaction.
Making a Mark: Rock Art Research

The Hunter's Vision: The Prehistoric Art of Zimbabwe. Peter Garlake. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1995. 176 pp. Rock Art Studies in the Americas. Jack Steinbring. ed. Oxford, England: Oxbow Books, 1994. 186 pp. L'art parieetal Paleolithique. Techniques et methodes d'etude. Le Groupe de Reflexion sur l'Art Parietal Paleolithique. Documents Prehistoriques, 5. Paris: Comite des Travaux Historiques et Scientifiques, 1993. 427 pp.
Liver transplantation with a strongly positive crossmatch: case study and literature review.

A positive crossmatch has been associated with increased risk in liver transplantation. To study the clinical significance of preformed donor-specific human leukocyte antigen antibodies (DSAs) in liver transplantation, we reviewed patients who underwent liver transplantation with a strongly positive flow cytometry crossmatch. DSAs were evaluated with a Luminex solid phase assay. The complement-fixing ability of DSAs was tested with a complement component 1q (C1q) assay. Using an assay correlation between complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch, flow cytometry crossmatch, and DSA results, we reviewed the effects of DSAs on the outcomes of our patients as well as reported cases in the literature. Five of 69 liver recipients had a strongly positive crossmatch: 4 had a positive T cell crossmatch [median channel shift (MCS) = 383.5 ± 38.9], and 5 had a positive B cell crossmatch (MCS = 408.8 ± 52.3). The DSAs were class I only in 1 patient, class I and II in 3 patients, and class II only in 1 patient. Cholestasis, acute rejection, or both were observed in 3 of the 4 patients with a positive T cell crossmatch with an MCS approximately greater than 300. The C1q assay was positive for 3 patients. Two had either persistent cholestasis or early acute rejection. One patient who was treated with preemptive intravenous immunoglobulin had an unremarkable outcome despite a positive C1q result. One of the 2 patients with a negative C1q assay experienced persistent cholestasis and early and recurrent acute rejection; the other had an unremarkable outcome. None of the patients died or lost a graft within the first year of transplantation. Our study suggests that human leukocyte antigen antibody screening, flow cytometry crossmatch MCS levels, DSA mean fluorescent intensity levels, and C1q assays may be useful in assessing the risk of antibody-mediated rejection and timely interventions in liver transplantation.
Absorption Spectroscopy of Single Optically Trapped Gold Nanorods.

Extinction spectra of single gold nanorods optically trapped in water were measured by spatial modulation spectroscopy. Comparison of the extinction cross sections and resonance frequencies to finite element calculations allows us to determine the dimensions of the nanorod and estimate the contribution of radiation damping to the LSPR line width. Subtracting the radiation damping and bulk contributions from the measured line widths yields the electron–surface scattering contribution. The results show that the surfactant coating for the nanorods causes large electron–surface scattering effects with significant particle-to-particle variations. These effects are more pronounced than those seen for substrate-supported particles in previous single particle studies. Indeed, the measured line widths are only slightly narrower than that of the ensemble spectrum. These results show the importance of removing surfactant for sensing applications of these materials.
An on-line assignment problem with random effectiveness and costly information

We study the on-line assignment problem, where the testing of effectiveness incurs a cost. An optimal testing policy to maximize expected net effectiveness is derived.
Generating random combinatorial objects

Abstract Let E be a finite set and B be a given set of subsets of E. Let w(B) be a positive weight of B ∈ B . In this paper we develop an algorithm to generate a random subset U ∈ B such that the P(U = B) is proportioned to w(B). If the complexity of computing sums of the weights of B contained in set-intervals in B is O(f(∥E∥)), then the algorithm developed here has complexity O(∥E∥f(∥E∥)). The algorithm is specialized to the following cases: (i) B = all subsets of E, (ii) B = all subsets of E with k elements, (iii) B = all spanning trees in a network, and (iv) B = all paths in a directed acyclic network. Different types of weight functions are considered. It is shown that this proposed algorithm unifies many existing algorithms.
Dialysis Unmasks the Fungicidal Properties of Glandular Salivary Secretions

Several salivary proteins exhibit fungicidal activity against the opportunistic oral pathogen Candida albicans when they are tested as pure proteins in vitro. However, salivary secretions that are examined by the same assays either lack or exhibit very low candidacidal activity. Since ionic strength is known to have an inhibitory effect on the fungicidal activities of some proteins, parotid secretion was subjected to dialysis with membranes having molecular weight cutoffs (MWCOs) of 500, 1,000, 10,000, and 25,000. Dialysis with membranes with MWCOs of ≥1,000 promoted fungicidal activity of parotid secretion, and this activity was dose dependent. The addition of sodium chloride to dialyzed, fungicidal parotid secretion abolished this activity, indicating that the fungicidal component was salt sensitive. Similar results were obtained with submandibular and sublingual secretions. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under native and denaturing conditions was used to analyze the composition of the dialysate. Unexpectedly, proteins with MWs much lower than the nominal MWCOs of the membranes were not lost during dialysis. Among the retained proteins, the two fractions with MWs of approximately 17,000 and 4,000 exhibited fungicidal activity. These results are consistent with the presence of lysozyme and histatins, respectively, which may represent the major candidacidal capacity of dialyzed parotid secretion.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and peptic ulcer.

Excerpt To the editor:The article by Griffin and colleagues (1) on the use of prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and death from peptic ulcer in elderly enrollees in the Tenn...
Disposition of irinotecan and SN-38 following oral and intravenous irinotecan dosing in mice.

The present study was conducted to quantitate the disposition of irinotecan lactone and its active metabolite SN-38 lactone in mice following oral and intravenous administration, and to evaluate the systemic exposure of irinotecan lactone and SN-38 lactone associated with antitumor doses of irinotecan lactone in mice bearing human tumor xenografts. Nontumor-bearing mice were given a single oral or intravenous irinotecan dose (5, 10, 40, or 75 mg/kg), and serial plasma samples were subsequently obtained. Irinotecan and SN-38 lactone plasma concentrations were measured using an isocratic HPLC assay with fluorescence detection. The disposition of intravenous irinotecan lactone was modeled using a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model, and the disposition of oral irinotecan and SN-38 lactone was modeled with noncompartmental methods. Irinotecan lactone showed biphasic plasma disposition following intravenous dosing with a terminal half-life ranging between 1.1 to 3 h. Irinotecan lactone disposition was linear at lower doses (5 and 10 mg/kg), but at 40 mg/kg irinotecan lactone clearance decreased and a nonlinear increase in irinotecan lactone AUC was observed. The steady-state volume of distribution ranged from 19.1 to 48.1 l/m2. After oral dosing, peak irinotecan and SN-38 lactone concentrations occurred within 1 h, and the irinotecan lactone bioavailability was 0.12 at 10 mg/kg and 0.21 at 40 mg/kg. The percent unbound SN-38 lactone in murine plasma at 1000 ng/ml was 3.4 ± 0.67%, whereas at 100 ng/ml the percent unbound was 1.18 ± 0.14%. Irinotecan and SN-38 lactone AUCs in micebearing human neuroblastoma xenografts were greater than in nontumor-bearing animals. Systemic exposure to unbound SN-38 lactone in nontumor-bearing animals after a single oral irinotecan dose of 40, 10, and 5 mg/kg was 28.3, 8.6, and 2.9 ng h/ml, respectively. Data from the present study provide important information for the design of phase I studies of oral irinotecan.
A generalized, multilength scale framework for thermo-diffusional-mechanically coupled, nonlinear, laminated plate theories with delaminations

A new type of plate theory based on a general, unified, theoretical framework for the response of (von Karman) nonlinear, delaminated plate theories in the presence of thermo-diffusional-mechanical coupling is presented. The theory is based on the unique use of two length scale expansions obtained from a superposition of global and local effects for the displacement, temperature, and solute concentration fields. The orders and forms of these local and global displacement, temperature, and solute fields are arbitrary. The theory incorporates delamination and/or nonlinear elastic or inelastic interfacial behavior for the mechanical, thermal, and concentration effects in a unified fashion through the use of generalized interfacial constitutive (cohesive) relations. The mathematical framework introduces new types of coupling effects between the different length scale effects of all three fields. The resulting unified theoretical framework can be used to consider the general thermo-diffusionally-mechanically coupled response of laminated (or homogeneous) plates in the presence of delaminations, buckling, and/or nonlinear material behavior. The author is unaware of any previous attempts to develop plate theory formulations capable of considering the multitude of effects incorporated into the proposed framework. It is shown that existing displacement-based plate theories for both the mechanical as well as thermo-mechanical behavior of laminated plates can be obtained via suitable specializations of the proposed framework. New types of plate theories can be obtained through various specializations of the proposed general theory.
Single-center outcome analysis comparing reintervention rates of surgical arterioplasty with stenting for branch pulmonary artery stenosis in a pediatric population.

Although catheter-based intervention is generally accepted as the treatment of choice for branch pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis, there are no data directly comparing both the need for reintervention and time to reintervention in patients undergoing transcatheter stenting versus surgical arterioplasty. We compared children who underwent surgical branch pulmonary arterioplasty and branch PA stent placement between January 2008 and May 2012 at a single tertiary center. Need for reintervention and mean time to reintervention were assessed using chi-square and independent sample Student t test. Thirty-seven patients were included (surgery n = 18, stent n = 19). Mean weight at initial intervention was 11.3 ± 8.8 kg for surgical and 20.1 ± 15.5 kg for stent (p = 0.041). Intervention was performed on the left PA in 17 patients, the right PA in 12 patients, and both PAs in 8 patients. Five patients had undergone previous intervention. On mean follow-up of 807 ± 415 days, 50 % (9 of 18) of the surgery cohort and 5.3 % (1 of 19) of the stent cohort required reintervention (p = 0.002). In all but one case reintervention was catheter-based. Mean time to reintervention for the surgery cohort was 272 ± 162 days and for the single stent cohort it was 150 days. When comparable age and weight groups were analyzed, reintervention was still more common in the surgery cohort (p = 0.007). Children undergoing surgical branch pulmonary arterioplasty are more likely to require reintervention than those undergoing stent placement.