cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A nuclear tyrosine phosphatase downregulates interferon-induced gene expression.

Abstract Alpha and gamma interferons rapidly induce several early response genes in primary human diploid fibroblasts. The transcription rates of these genes are maximal after 1 h of interferon treatment and return to basal levels within 8 h. Three different interferon-activated DNA-binding complexes (ISGF3, GAF, and FcRF gamma) that are responsible for transcriptional activation of cellular genes have been characterized. Assembly of these complexes requires tyrosine phosphorylation of one or more of the protein components. In this report, we demonstrate that a nuclear tyrosine phosphatase is responsible for the deactivation of these interferon-regulated transcription factors and the subsequent transcriptional downregulation of the corresponding genes. Furthermore, tyrosine phosphorylation is required for nuclear localization of the 91-kDa protein that is part of all three interferon-induced transcription complexes. These results provide the first evidence for a nuclear tyrosine phosphatase activity as a mechanism of transcriptional regulation.
How indeterminism shapes ecologists' contributions to managing socio-ecological systems

To make a difference in policy making about socio-ecological systems, ecologists must grasp when decision makers are amenable to acting on ecological expertise and when they are not. To enable them to do so we present a matrix for classifying a socio-ecological system by the extent of what we don’t know about its natural components and the sodal interactions that affects them. We use four examples, Midcontinent Mallards, Laysan Ducks, Pallid Sturgeon, and Rocky Mountain Grey Wolves to illustrate how the combination of natural and social source of indeterminism matters. Where social indeterminism is high, ecologists can expand the range of possible science-based options decision makers might consider even while recognizing societal-based concerns rather than science will dominate decision making. In contrast, where natural indeterminism is low, ecologists can offer reasonably accurate predictions that may well serve as inputs into decision making. Depending on the combination of natural and social indeterminism characterizing a particular circumstance, ecologists have different roles to play in informing socio-ecological system management.
Effect of Prepartum Exercise on Feed Intake and Milk Production of Multiparous Cows

Abstract This study was to determine whether forced exercise of multiparous cows during the last 7 wk of gestation would increase feed intake and milk production after parturition. Cows were housed loose in a corral with free stalls. Exercise treatments consisted of 1) control (not forced exercise); 2) 3.22km at 3.54 km/h; 3) 9.66km at 3.54 km/h; and 4) 3.22km at 5.47 km/h. Cows were exercised 5 days/wk up to parturition. Feed intake was measured during the exercise period. Feed intake, milk production, and milk composition were determined for 70 days postpartum. Forced exercise of multiparous cows did not affect either pre- or postpartum feed intake, postpartum milk production, percentage of protein, or percentage of solids-not-fat, but decreased percentage of butterfat. There were no differences in final prepartum body weight among the three exercise treatments, but unexercised cows were heavier at parturition than exercised cows. Further research is needed to determine whether different combinations of distance, rate, or duration of exercise will stimulate feed intake and milk production.
A NOTE ON ANALYSING SUBSTANCEHOOD

I propose an analysis of the notion of a substance. I define two ‘quasi-logical’ independence relations, and state the analysis in terms of the distribution of these relations among substances and properties generally. This analysis treats the categories of substance and property as mutually dependent. To show that it (probably) states a sufficient condition for substance, I argue that it is in a certain kind of equilibrium. This illustrates a promising general approach to analysing fundamental metaphysical notions.
Individualism and Religion in the Early Roman Empire

Whoever reads the meditations of Marcus Aurelius must be impressed with the constant self-examination which the writer practised. Far on the northern boundaries of his empire, among the Quadi, on the banks of the Gran, he composed his first book, analyzing his own nature, gratefully recounting his obligations to his kin, his teachers, and his friends. All the succeeding books grow out of a similar self-examination, accompanied by self-directed exhortations to fidelity, constancy, and patience. The title which the work bears is indeed the only possible one—To Himself—for self is alike the subject and the object of the author's meditations. The emperor's simple humility, his high desire to fulfil in every way his duty, his patient humanity, shut out effectively all priggishness and offensive egotism from his pages. Marcus Aurelius was not alone in his concern for self. If we look into other ranks of life in the second century, we find the same interest. With all its peace, calm, and nobility, the age of the Antonines was an age of egoism, of valetudinarianism both of body and of soul. Aristides the rhetorician has left us an account of his long and impassioned search for health, which for him was a religious quest. Apuleius, in his anxiety for his soul, had himself initiated into all possible sacred mysteries, until he at last found rest in the holy brotherhood of the servants of Isis. The emperor, the rhetorician, and the superstitious mystic furnish three striking illustrations of the tendency of the time.
RESPONSE OF A TWO-DEGREE-OF-FREEDOM SYSTEM UNDER BROAD-BAND RANDOM EXCITATION

The response characteristics of randomly excited two-degree-of-freedom systems are investigated by using Gaussian and non-Gaussian closure schemes. An averaging approach is used to reduce the number of moment equations for the non-Gaussian closure scheme. The stationary solution of the reduced moment equations are used to predict the system response. The results are compared with those obtained from numerical integration of the moment equations and the exact solution of the Fokker-Planck (FPK) equation. The stability of the stationary moments is determined by examining the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrix. The results show that the damping coefficient of the unexcited mode has a stabilizing influence on the system response and controls the width of the instability region. For the non-Gaussian closure scheme, islands of instability are observed for high levels of excitation within the bi-modal response region. The stochastic stability is used to locate initial conditions for calculating the stable and unstable manifolds. The stability results are validated with numerical integration of the moment equations in both the Gaussian and non-Gaussian closure cases.
The Physical Conditions of Intermediate-Redshift Mg II Absorbing Clouds from Voigt Profile Analysis

We present a detailed and statistical analysis of the column densities and Doppler b parameters of Mg II absorbing clouds at redshifts 0.4 ≤ z ≤ 1.2. We draw on the HIRES/Keck data (Δv 6.6 km s-1) and Voigt profile (VP) fitting results presented by Churchill & Vogt (Paper I). The sample comprises 175 clouds from 23 systems along 18 quasar lines of sight. In order to better understand whether the inferred physical conditions in the absorbing clouds could be "false" conditions, which can arise due to the nonuniqueness inherent in parameterizing complex absorption profiles, we performed extensive simulations of the VP analyses presented in this paper. In brief, we find the following: (1) The Fe II and Mg II column densities are correlated at the 9 σ level. There is a 5 σ anticorrelation between the Mg I/Mg II column density ratio and the Mg II column density. (2) Power-law fits to the column density distributions for Mg II, Fe II, and Mg I yielded power-law slopes of approximately -1.6, -1.7, and -2.0, respectively. (3) The observed peaks of the Doppler parameter distributions were ~5 km s-1 for Mg II and Fe II and ~7 km s-1 for Mg I. The clouds are consistent with being thermally broadened, with temperatures in the 30,000–40,000 K range. (4) A two-component Gaussian model to the velocity two-point correlation function yielded velocity dispersions of 54 and 166 km s-1. The narrow component has roughly twice the amplitude of the broader component. The width and amplitude of the broader component decreases as equivalent width increases. (5) From photoionization models we find that the column density ratios are most consistent with being photoionized by the ultraviolet extragalactic ionizing background, as opposed to stellar radiation. Based on the Mg I to Mg II column density ratios, it appears that at least two-phase ionization models are required to explain the data.
Multiple Extremity Injuries After Motorcycle Accident

A 35-year-old male is involved in a motor vehicle accident and is brought in by paramedics complaining of severe pain in both legs and in his right arm. In the ED, the patient is awake and alert. He has an obvious deformity of his right mid-humerus. There are no open wounds in the arm. He has a noticeable wrist-drop on the right and is unable to dorsiflex the wrist or extend the metacarpophalangeal joints. Radial pulse on the right is 2+. On exam of his right leg, there is an obvious deformity of the right thigh as well as in the mid-tibia. There is a 2 cm laceration over his mid-shin, with visible bone exposed. Distal motor and sensory function in his right leg are intact, and pedal pulses are 2+. On the left he has a swollen knee with an obvious effusion. There is no tenderness or deformity in his left thigh or left lower leg. X-ray imaging confirms a right mid-shaft humerus fracture (shown below), a right femur fracture, and a right tibia and fibula fracture. X-rays of the left knee are negative.
Fast image super-resolution via selective manifold learning of high-resolution patches

This paper considers the problem of single image super-resolution (SR). Previous example-based SR approaches mainly focus on analyzing the co-occurrence properties of low resolution (LR) and high resolution (HR) patches via dictionary learning. In our recent work [1], a novel approach (SR via sparse subspace clustering-based linear approximation of manifold or SLAM) has been proposed. In this paper, we further improve the SLAM method by considering and analyzing each tangent subspace as one point in a Grassmann manifold to select an optimal subset of tangent spaces. Furthermore, the optimal subset is clustered hierarchically, which helps in reducing the proposed algorithm's complexity significantly while still preserving the quality of the reconstructed HR image.
FAK, talin and PIPKIγ regulate endocytosed integrin activation to polarize focal adhesion assembly

Integrin endocytic recycling is critical for cell migration, yet how recycled integrins assemble into new adhesions is unclear. By synchronizing endocytic disassembly of focal adhesions (FAs), we find that recycled integrins reassemble FAs coincident with their return to the cell surface and dependent on Rab5 and Rab11. Unexpectedly, endocytosed integrins remained in an active but unliganded state in endosomes. FAK and Src kinases co-localized with endocytosed integrin and were critical for FA reassembly by regulating integrin activation and recycling, respectively. FAK sustained the active integrin conformation by maintaining talin association with Rab11 endosomes in a type I phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase (PIPKIγ)-dependent manner. In migrating cells, endocytosed integrins reassembled FAs polarized towards the leading edge, and this polarization required FAK. These studies identify unanticipated roles for FA proteins in maintaining endocytosed integrin in an active conformation. We propose that the conformational memory of endocytosed integrin enhances polarized reassembly of FAs to enable directional cell migration.
Focal prostate brachytherapy with (103)Pd seeds

Abstract Purpose Examine modifications to seed placement and target margins necessary to accomplish focal brachytherapy with 103 Pd. Methods Our proposed focal brachytherapy program will be primarily favorable intermediate-risk patients with a unilateral index lesion confirmed by transperineal template-guided mapping biopsies (TTMB). The dimensions and location of the TTMB core with the index lesion were placed within the 3-D ultrasound planning volume. Implants were planned for the prostate and the focal targets with generous margins. Planning goals were to cover the target with the 125 Gy prescription dose and keep D 90 (minimum dose covering 90% of the target) between 125% and 150% of the prescription while minimizing urethral and rectal hot spots. Radiobiological parameters — biologically effective dose (BED) and tumor control probability — were integrated over fractional sub-volumes and focal plans compared to whole gland brachytherapy. Results A typical 30.1 cm 3 prostate was expanded to create a 50.6 cm 3 planning target volume (PTV) and needed 22 needles containing 86 103 Pd seeds of strength 3.20 U to deliver the prescribed dose. The hemi-prostate required 39 seeds in 12 needles, and the focal core expanded to a target volume of 11.6 cm 3 required 29 seeds in 8 needles. All cancerous PTVs and sub volumes had a tumoricidal BED while organs at risk (OAR) met the dose constraints minimizing morbidity. Conclusions For this single case study, both hemi-prostate and focal brachytherapy using 103 Pd seeds met the same target dosimetric goals and OAR constraints as whole prostate plans but with the expected reduction in number of seeds and needles.
Editorial Response: Diagnosing Neurosyphilis

Neurosyphilis is difficult to diagnose. No diagnostic test or combination of tests is sufficiently sensitive and specific to serve as a "gold standard" to provide comparative data for detailed evaluation of newly developed diagnostic tests or algorithms. Over the past decade, problems associated with the diagnosis of neurosyphilis have increased as syphilis has become more common and as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection-which may cause CSF abnormalities similar to those associated with CNS invasion by Treponema pallidum [1-3]-has been closely associated with syphilis. For many clinicians, however, the problems related to diagnosis of neurosyphilis may be clarified if they remind themselves of the rationale for pursuing the diagnosis and of the goals of therapy for the disease.
Predictors of Surgical Site Infection Following Craniotomy for Intracranial Neoplasms: An Analysis of Prospectively Collected Data in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database

Objective To determine the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) after resection of an intracranial neoplasm using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set and to identify potential risk factors associated with SSI. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Data File was queried during the period 2006–2013 for patients who underwent a resection for an intracranial neoplasm. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with SSI. Results Inclusion criteria were met by 12,021 patients. SSI occurred at a rate of 2.04%. SSI was significantly associated with increased rates of return to the operating room (56.1% vs. 4.0%, P 30 days (5.3% vs. 1.3%, P 4 hours (OR = 1.891, 95% CI = 1.298–2.756) were associated with an increased odds of SSI. Among cases with available chemotherapy data ( n = 3504), recent chemotherapy (OR = 3.007, 95% CI = 1.460–6.196) was associated with an increased odds of SSI. Conclusions This study identified patient risk factors that may assist clinical decision making regarding patient risk stratification, timing of surgery, and preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with an intracranial neoplasm undergoing craniotomy.
Cardiovascular disease in pregnancy

Although cardiac lesions in pregnancy are often well tolerated, those that are not warrant a cardiac evaluation as well as careful management in the antepartum and peripartum periods. Congenital heart disease cases comprise the majority of pregnant cardiac patients, and the lesions can require careful monitoring. Women who have valvular disease often tolerate pregnancy well, but there are specific lesions that require close monitoring throughout the pregnancy. Finally, peripartum cardiomyopathy, although rare, is of great concern and must be managed quickly and appropriately. We will review concerns and treatment for pregnant women who have congenital heart disease, valvular lesions, and peripartum cardiomyopathy, as well as provide guidance for drug therapy in the pregnant patient who has cardiac disease.
System Evaluation of Risk Factor on HIV-I Intrauterine Transmission

Objective To evaluate the risk factors of HIV-Ⅰ intrauterine transmission.Methods We searched MEDLIBE and CBM disc.Eight journals and the references of eligible studies were searched to extract the data messages after evaluated the quality of internalized studies.Rev Man 4.2.2 software was used for meta-analysis.!Results CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts were low in intrauterine transmitting mothers,with WMD=-164.58 95% CI(-203.64,-125.51).Maternal HIV-Ⅰviral load was high in intrauterine transmitting mothers,with WMD=1.08 and 95% CI(0.36,1.81).The number of low birth-weight [RR=2.26,95% CI(1.4,3.65)] and premature labor[WMD=-136.36,95% CI(-234.18,-38.54)] in intrauterine transmitting mothers were more than that in non-transmitting mothers.Conclusions High maternal viral load and low CD4+ T-lymphocyte are strong associated with intrauterine transmission.Low birth-weight and premature labor are associated with in utero-transmission.
Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy on the Structure and Function of Rabbit Kidney

An animal model was developed to investigate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) on a normal kidney. Rabbits were treated with 3,000 shock waves at 18 kV to each kidney. Blood and urine samples were collected daily before and after shock wave treatment. Serum levels of hemoglobin, creatinine, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), and total protein were determined. Urine determination of volume, total protein, hemoglobin, and creatinine were also made. All kidneys, after sacrifice, were subjected to histologic analysis. The average pre-treatment creatinine clearance of our rabbits was 8.3 ml./min. After the treatment, a significant (p less than 0.01) reduction in creatinine clearance was noted for four days. The reduction was to 0.61 ml./min. on day one, 0.87 on day two, 1.04 on day three, and so forth. Urine hemoglobin rose significantly (p less than 0.01) for the first three days from 0.0 to 1.5 gm./dl. Histologic examination at seven days showed focal subcapsular hemorrhage, tubular dilation, and interstitial hemorrhage. Histologic evaluation at two months revealed focal interstitial fibrosis. In conclusion, this study reveals that shock waves to the kidney have short term physiologic effects on renal function and permanent focal histologic effects, which do not effect long term physiologic function. Further research on the effects of ESWL on renal function and structure could be facilitated with the use of this model.
Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Older Adults

Preparing nurses to care for a growing population of older adults is one of the most significant challenges for nursing education. The purpose of the current study was to describe baccalaureate nursing students' knowledge of and attitudes toward older adults, and explore the impact of a gerontological nursing course on their knowledge and attitudes. Results showed that students who had prior experience with older adults had significantly more positive attitudes toward them. Although students who participated in a gerontological nursing course had significantly higher knowledge scores than the comparison group, no significant difierence was noted in overall attitude. In addition, students who were enrolled in the gerontological nursing course or had prior experience with older adults were more likely to report plans to work with this population after graduation. Students who participated in interviews with older adults found the experience meaningful and their attitudes regarding older adults were largely positive.
CHAPTER 11 – State Water Planning Model

This chapter discusses the state water planning model. Proper management of natural resources is essential if economic benefits are to be balanced against environmental costs. However, increasing demands for resource development and utilization have made balanced management increasingly more difficult. Water resources for the entire state were modeled for an annual time unit, using as few variables as consistent with that aggregate level of detail. The model was progressively refined to more micro and complex versions associated with smaller geographical regions and shorter time increments. Water planning models are used to assess effectiveness of potential management policies. A model can circumscribe a single subbasin, multiple basins joined in series, and parallel combinations to cover some or all of a fiver basin, or even all of a political region such as a state.
Thalamocortical network activity enables chronic tic detection in humans with Tourette syndrome.

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an emerging therapy for severe cases of TS. We studied two patients with TS implanted with bilateral Medtronic Activa PC + S DBS devices, capable of chronic recordings, with depth leads in the thalamic centromedian–parafascicular complex (CM-PF) and subdural strips over the precentral gyrus. Low-frequency (1–10 Hz) CM-PF activity was observed during tics, as well as modulations in beta rhythms over the motor cortex. Tics were divided into three categories: long complex, complex, and simple. Long complex tics, tics involving multiple body regions and lasting longer than 5 s, were concurrent with a highly detectable thalamocortical signature (average recall [sensitivity] 88.6%, average precision 96.3%). Complex tics were detected with an average recall of 63.9% and precision of 36.6% and simple tics an average recall of 39.3% and precision of 37.9%. The detections were determined using data from both patients.
Solving Systems of Polynomial Equations

The Grobner basis algorithm can be seen to be a generalization of the classical Gaussian elimination algorithm from a set of linear multivariate polynomials to an arbitrary set of multivariate polynomials. The S-polynomial and reduction processes take the place of the pivoting step of the Gaussian algorithm. Taking this analogy much further, one can devise a constructive procedure to compute the set of solutions of a system of arbitrary multivariate polynomial equations: $$ \begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {{f_1}\left( {{x_1}, \ldots ,{x_n}} \right) = 0,} \\ {{f_2}\left( {{x_1}, \ldots ,{x_n}} \right) = 0,} \\ \vdots \\ {{f_r}\left( {{x_1}, \ldots ,{x_n}} \right) = 0,} \end{array} $$ i.e., compute the set of points where all the polynomials vanish: $$ \left\{\langle\xi_{1},\ldots,\xi_{n}\rangle:f_{i}(\xi_{1},\ldots,\xi_{n})=0,\quad{\rm for}\ {\rm all}\ 1\leq i\leq r\right\}. $$
Evolutionary algorithms and frequent itemset mining for analyzing epileptic oscillations

This research presents engineering tools that address an important area impacting many persons worldwide: epilepsy. Over 60 million people are affected by epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures that occur suddenly. Surgery and anti-epileptic drugs (AED's) are common therapies for epilepsy patients. However, only persons with seizures that originate in an unambiguous, focal portion of the brain are candidates for surgery, while AED's can lead to very adverse side-effects. Although medical devices based upon focal cooling, drug infusion or electrical stimulation are viable alternatives for therapy, a reliable method to automatically pinpoint dysfunctional brain and direct these devices is needed. This research introduces a method to effectively localize epileptic networks, or connectivity between dysfunctional brain, to guide where to insert electrodes in the brain for therapeutic devices, surgery, or further investigation. The method uses an evolutionary algorithm (EA) and frequent itemset mining (FIM) to detect and cluster frequent concentrations of epileptic neuronal action potentials within human intracranial electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings. In an experiment applying the method to seven patients with neocortical epilepsy (a total of 35 seizures), the approach reliably identifies the seizure onset zone, in six of the subjects (a total of 31 seizures). Hopefully, this research will lead to a better control of seizures and an improved quality of life for the millions of persons affected by epilepsy.
Identification of a Chlorophyll Biosynthetic Intermediate as Mg-2,4-Divinyl Pheoporphyrin a5 Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Soft Ionization Mass Spectrometry

The steps in chlorophyll a (Chl) synthesis between Mg-protoporphyrin IX monomethylester (MPE) and protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) are postulated to involve cyclopentanone ring formation and reduction of the vinyl group at position 4 (S. Granick, 1950). The question of the order in which these reactions occur has not been resolved and has remained an area of debate. Monovinyl (MV) and divinyl (DV) forms of several Chl biosynthetic intermediates between MPE and Pchlide have been reported in a variety of photosynthetic organisms (R.K. Ellsworth, S. Aronoff, 1969, O.T.G. Jones, 1963, F.C. Belanger, C.A. Rebeiz, 1980). We report here on the major product of an in vitro reaction catalyzed by plastids isolated from greening cucumber cotyledons. When these plastids were incubated aerobically in darkness with Mg-protoporphyrin IX (Mg-proto), S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) and other cofactors, they accumulated a Pchlide species which was identified as Mg-2,4-divinyl pheoporphyrin a5 (MgDVP) with reference to standards, by its chromatographic behavior on polyethylene thin layers and by its fluorescence spectra (B.M. Chereskin, P. A. Castelfranco, 1982, B.M. Chereskin, et. al., 1982). We have confirmed this identification using NMR spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) (Chereskin, et. al., 1983).
New Techniques in Multimedia Forensics

Today, multimedia (image, audio, 2D and 3D video, etc) penetrated fast and widespread into all areas of our lives. Frequent use of multimedia in almost everywhere brings some new issues and challenges about its veracity and reliability. For instance, digital media is widely used in mainstream media to present information about current events as they happen. Digital media is commonly used for analysis and archival purposes in military, finance, and health organizations. They are also accepted as forensic evidence in court of law. The use of digital media in court, military, and medical documents requires certain guarantees about its origin and veracity. Recent studies in multimedia forensics have begun to develop techniques to test the reliability and admissibility of multimedia. In multimedia forensics, there are two main challenges. First one is analysis, and classification of specific multimedia characteristics (image/video statistics, noise, internal and/or external factors which affect the quality of multimedia) related with the acquisition device. Such an analysis makes possible to establish a link from multimedia output to its source device, brand, or model. This is shortly called source identification. The second challenge is investigating the veracity of multimedia using intrinsic (noise modeling) or extrinsic (watermarks) methods. This is simply called tamper or doctoring detection. Considering these two key issues, in this thesis, we will introduce several forensic techniques for source class (CG or Real/compact or DSLR) identification, source device (flatbed scanner and DSLR) identification, image tamper detection, and document copy detection. Each technique in this thesis will be presented and elaborated in separate chapters and substantiated with theoretical and/or experimental analysis.
Já não mais “a coisa mais importante dentre as menos importantes”: A presença do futebol como provocação intelectual

Para a Copa do Mundo de Futebol de 1974, a selecao alema — que, a proposito, sendo a favorita e jogando em casa, venceu sem qualquer brilho — gravou, pela primeira vez, uma cancao cantada em coro, cujos titulo (“Futebol e a nossa vida”) e verso mais famoso (“Futebol Soberano rege o mundo”)nos fazem hoje recordar o status social de que gozava o esporte em torno de meio seculo atras. Naturalmente, a intencao da letra era ser “bem-humorada”, para ser ouvida, cantada e embalada com um sorriso inebriado, pois nao havia ninguem que levasse a serio que o Futebol Soberano (e nao a politica ou a economia) realmente pudesse reger o mundo.
Parallelization of Bin Packing on Multicore Systems

We study effective parallelization of approximationalgorithms for the one-dimensional bin packing problem on a multicore platform. Bin packing is a classic combinatorial optimization problem that aims to pack a given sequence of items into a minimum number of equal-sized bins. The problem potentially serves as a model for a wide variety of applications. Examples include: packing data into chunks in a memoryhierarchy in a given system to increase application performance, loading vehicles subject to weight limitations, and packing TV commercials into station breaks. Bin packing has long served as a proving ground for the analysis of approximation algorithms and played a crucial role in the development of much of the theory of approximation algorithms. Its parallelization, however, has received comparatively much less attention. In this work, we develop multiple parallel versions of an effective approximation algorithm (First Fit Decreasing) for the problem and investigate the trade-off between solution quality and execution time. We use OpenMP and Cilk Plus as mechanisms for achieving the parallelization. The new parallel algorithms obtain a speedup of more than 10x (on 32 cores) for moderate to large input sequences without sacrificing much on the quality of solution produced by the sequential algorithm — in particular, we see only about 3 to 30% increase in the number of bins compared to the sequential version. In turn, the solution obtained by the sequential First Fit Decreasing algorithm is provably almost optimal (the approximation ratio is less than 1.3).
Risks in Advanced Age

• This paper reviews both published and emerging research on different risks retirees face and possible solutions financial planners can use to help clients overcome behavioral hurdles. • Risk assessment questions that measure loss aversion, as well as reducing myopic behavior, can help keep clients in portfolios that align with their preferences. • A preference for certainty has been observed in advanced age and older defined contribution investors exhibit equity-varying risk aversion, so client risk preferences should be reassessed later in life. • Clients face declining cognitive abilities over time that correspond with a decrease in investment performance and financial literacy skills. • There is in inclination for older people to reject evidence of declining skills, but if financial planners make clients aware of their declining cognitive and financial literacy abilities before retirement they may be more willing to choose simplified and satisfactory solutions. • A retirement consumption puzzle has been observed as wealthy individuals do not decumulate portfolio assets efficiently during retirement and therefore retirement income models may be overstating retirement living expenses. • Wealthy people are living significantly longer than their less wealthy counterparts, creating the need for retirement assets to last for an extended period. • Longevity “insurance” can be an effective way to help clients spend more during their early retirement years, while also protecting them against the tail risk of running out of money prior to death. However, conflicts of interest within adviser compensation models may hinder the demand for longevity insurance. • A financial plan that includes ways the adviser and client can work together to overcome inevitable risks in advanced age should improve the likelihood of helping clients achieve both their financial and life goals.
Effect of Simulation on Nursing Students' Medication Administration Competence

Abstract Background Medication errors may be prevented by improving medication administration education and nurse competence. Medication administration is a significant responsibility of nurses; yet, it remains one of the most difficult skills for nursing students to master. The purpose of this experimental two-group pre–post test study was to examine the effect of an individual simulation experience on nursing student medication administration competence. Sample Eighty-five baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in their first semester of nursing courses participated in the study. Methods Nursing students were randomly assigned to an individual simulation experience or a traditional practice session. Medication administration competence was assessed using the Medication Administration Safety Assessment Tool. The NLN Jeffries Simulation Theory guided the study and simulation intervention. Results The individual simulation experience improved nursing student medication administration competence. Conclusion Nurse educators may consider simulation as a useful strategy in preparing nurses for safe medication administration practice.
Prevalence of Long-Term Opioid Use in Long-Stay Nursing Home Residents.

Background/Objectives Overall and long-term opioid use among older adults have increased since 1999. Less is known about opioid use in older adults in nursing homes (NHs). Design Cross-sectional. Setting U.S. NHs (N = 13,522). Participants Long-stay NH resident Medicare beneficiaries with a Minimum Data Set 3.0 (MDS) assessment between April 1, 2012, and June 30, 2012, and 120 days of follow-up (N = 315,949). Measurements We used Medicare Part D claims to measure length of opioid use in the 120 days from the index assessment (short-term: ≤30 days, medium-term: >30–89 days, long-term: ≥90 days), adjuvants (e.g., anticonvulsants), and other pain medications (e.g., corticosteroids). MDS assessments in the follow-up period were used to measure nonpharmacological pain management use. Modified Poisson models were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for age, gender, race and ethnicity, cognitive and physical impairment, and long-term opioid use. Results Of all long-stay residents, 32.4% were prescribed any opioid, and 15.5% were prescribed opioids long-term. Opioid users (versus nonusers) were more commonly prescribed pain adjuvants (32.9% vs 14.9%), other pain medications (25.5% vs 11.0%), and nonpharmacological pain management (24.5% vs 9.3%). Long-term opioid use was higher in women (aPR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.18–1.23) and lower in racial and ethnic minorities (non-Hispanic blacks vs whites: APR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.90–0.94) and those with severe cognitive impairment (vs no or mild impairment, aPR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.79–0.83). Conclusion One in seven NH residents was prescribed opioids long-term. Recent guidelines on opioid prescribing for pain recommend reducing long-term opioid use, but this is challenging in NHs because residents may not benefit from nonpharmacological and nonopioid interventions. Studies to address concerns about opioid safety and effectiveness (e.g., on pain and functional status) in NHs are needed.
Innovative Strategies for Learning and Teaching of Large Differential Equations Classes.

Ordinary Differential Equations I, is one of the core courses for science and engineering majors. Practical problem solving in science and engineering programs require proficiency in mathematics. Improving student performance and retention in mathematics classes requires inventive approaches. At the University of Central Florida (UCF) the Department of Mathematics developed an innovative teaching method that incorporated computers, Canvas (Webcourses@UCF), WileyPlus software, and application sessions in large Ordinary Differential Equations I classes. Introduction of new technology, in-class problem solving and application (or discussion) sessions are important factors in the enhancement of students’ deep understanding of mathematics. We will detail various components of the course (online homework sets, application sessions and projects, in-class tests, and comprehensive final exam) and discuss how we obtained optimal results enhancing the traditional teaching techniques. Also, how to obtain optimal results without sacrificing the traditional teaching techniques will be brought out. We hope that the details of our experiences and the lessons we learned along the way will be helpful to others who are struggling with the same issues. Also, we provide solutions for quality education and the student-growth. Furthermore, this technique can be used to teach large classes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
When and how Board Members with Marketing Experience Facilitate Firm Growth

AbstractScholars have expressed concern that marketing’s influence at the strategic levels of the firm is waning. Consistent with this view, only 2.6% of firms’ board members have marketing experience. The authors suggest that this is short-sighted and that including more marketing-experienced board members (MEBMs) will increase firm growth by (1) helping firms prioritize growth as a strategic objective and (2) contributing their expertise to improve the effectiveness of revenue growth strategies. Drawing on the behavioral model of corporate governance, the authors develop a theoretical framework explicating the situational, dispositional, and structural influence moderators that alter the impact of MEBMs on firm growth. Using 64,086 director biographies from S&P 1500 firms, the authors find that MEBMs positively affect firm-level revenue growth and that this relationship is strengthened or weakened by important contingencies that occur in the firm. The findings suggest that the common practice of not inc...
Polarized vs. High Intensity Multimodal Training in Recreational Runners.

Purpose: This study longitudinally compared changes in running performance (5-km time trial) and fitness (maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max] and body composition [BC]) between polarized training and Cr...
Multistep Direct Reaction Analyses of Continuum Reactions

Essence of the concept of the direct reaction, and of its corresponding theory is first discussed. Then the reason why this theory may be used to describe continuum cross sections is discussed, it being supported by results of a few realistic calculations. It is also shown, somewhat surprisingly, that the direct reaction technique can be used to describe even the fusion between heavy ions.
Why are online games so compelling and what can we learn from them to design better educational media

Poster will report Phase I of a three-phase mixed methods research project currently underway. My research explores teens' beliefs and motivations that keep them playing online games at a rate that some describe as "addiction." Early findings indicate that teens believe school is not preparing them for the future, but online gaming is. This belief may indicate a sea change in how teens feel about educational institutions and their willingness to learn from them.
Use of Intralesional tPA in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Retrospective Analysis

Introduction: Neurosurgical treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is controversial, with a lack of evidence-based guidelines contributing to the high variety of treatments. In our study we examine the outcome and complication from use of intralesional tissue plasminogen activator (IL tPA).
29,31- H Phthalocyanine Covalently Bonded Directly to a Si(111) Surface Retains Its Metalation Ability.

The reaction of metal-free phthalocyanine molecules with a chlorine-terminated Si(111) surface is investigated to produce a phthalocyanine functionality directly attached to a semiconductor surface, without additional linkers or layers. The carefully prepared Cl–Si(111) surface provides an oxygen-free substrate that is reacted with 29,31-H phthalocyanine (H2Pc) in a wet-chemistry process resulting in HCl elimination. The in situ metalation of this H2Pc-modified silicon surface with cobalt is confirmed, suggesting that the produced functionality is chemically active. These processes are investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry supplemented by density functional theory calculations. The morphology of the surface is monitored by atomic force microscopy. The combined spectroscopic, microscopic, and theoretical investigations demonstrate that additional linkers are not required for phthalocyanine attachment to ...
Assessment of mental health and psycho-social support pilot program's effect on intended stigmatizing behavior at the Saftawi Health Center, Gaza: a cross-sectional study.

Background: In the midst of a global refugee crisis, addressing mental health is critical for refugee health care delivery. Understanding efficacy of mental health interventions is more important t...
On Clustering and Embedding Mixture Manifolds Using a Low Rank Neighborhood Approach

Spectra from a single intimate (nonlinear) mixture can be modeled as data points drawn from a smooth manifold. Spectral data sets containing hyperspectral observations of multiple intimate mixtures with some constituent materials in common can, therefore, be modeled as data clouds, in which each point is drawn from a union of manifolds that share a boundary. Two important steps in the processing of such data are to: 1) identify the different mixture manifolds present in the data and 2) invert the nonlinear mixing function by mapping each mixture manifold into some low-dimensional Euclidean space (manifold embedding). The present state-of-the-art algorithms for joint manifold clustering and embedding perform poorly for hyperspectral data, particularly in the embedding task. We propose a novel reconstruction-based algorithm for the improved clustering and the embedding of mixture manifolds. The algorithm attempts to reconstruct each target point as an affine combination of its nearest neighbors with an additional rank penalty on the neighborhood to ensure that only the neighbors on the same manifold as the target point are used in the reconstruction. The reconstruction matrix generated by this technique is both block diagonal and neighborhood-based, leading to improved clustering and embedding. The improved performance of the algorithm against its competitors is exhibited on a variety of simulated and real mixture data sets.
Genome Wide Analysis Approach Suggests Chromosome 2 Locus to be Associated with Thiazide and Thiazide Like-Diuretics Blood Pressure Response.

Chlorthalidone (CTD) is more potent than hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in reducing blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients, though both are plagued with BP response variability. However, there is a void in the literature regarding the genetic determinants contributing to the variability observed in BP response to CTD. We performed a discovery genome wide association analysis of BP response post CTD treatment in African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA) from the Pharmacogenomic Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses-2 (PEAR-2) study and replication in an independent cohort of AA and EA treated with HCTZ from the PEAR study, followed by a race specific meta-analysis of the two studies. Successfully replicated SNPs were further validated in beta-blocker treated participants from PEAR-2 and PEAR for opposite direction of association. The replicated and validated signals were further evaluated by protein-protein interaction network analysis. An intronic SNP rs79237970 in the WDR92 (eQTL for PPP3R1) was significantly associated with better DBP response to CTD (p = 5.76 × 10−6, β = −15.75) in the AA cohort. This SNP further replicated in PEAR (p = 0.00046, β = −9.815) with a genome wide significant meta-analysis p-value of 8.49 × 10−9. This variant was further validated for opposite association in two β-blockers treated cohorts from PEAR-2 metoprolol (p = 9.9 × 10−3, β = 7.47) and PEAR atenolol (p = 0.04, β = 4.36) for association with DBP. Studies have implicated WDR92 in coronary artery damage. PPP3R1 is the regulatory subunit of the calcineurin complex. Use of calcineurin inhibitors is associated with HTN. Studies have also shown polymorphisms in PPP3R1 to be associated with ventricular hypertrophy in AA hypertensive patients. Protein-protein interaction analysis further identified important hypertension related pathways such as inositol phosphate-mediated signaling and calcineurin-NFAT signaling cascade as important biological process associated with PPP3R1 which further strengthen the potential importance of this signal. These data collectively suggest that WDR92 and PPP3R1 are novel candidates that may help explain the genetic underpinnings of BP response of thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics and help identify the patients better suited for thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics compared to β-blockers for improved BP management. This may further help advance personalized approaches to antihypertensive therapy.
Nationality Policy in the USSR and in Bulgaria: Some Observations

Until recently the long-standing goal of Soviet nationality policy had been the eventual merger or fusion of all nations and nationalities in the Soviet Union into a single Soviet socialist community. This merger was to be accomplished in two stages. During the first stage, through participation in a common polity and economy, members of various nations and nationalities were to draw closer together (sblizhenie). During the second stage they were to merge (sliianie) into a single socialist community.(1) Attempts to manage cultural diversity based on these notions have been called syncretic amalgamation. According to Cohen and Warwick (1983:11), "syncretic amalgamation represented an attempt to dilute or eradicate existing cultural identities through the creation of completely new bonds or cases of collective solidarity" through high levels of governmental interference in social relations. Syncretic amalganiation in its revolutionary form attempted to replace existing group loyalties with bonds deriving from class consciousness so that parochial loyalties are superseded by regime ideology. Cohen and Warwick (1983:11-12) elaborate: