cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic multistart with path relinking for solving the unconstrained binary quadratic problem

The unconstrained binary quadratic problem (UBQP) has been shown to be an excellent framework from which to solve many types of problems, both constrained and unconstrained. In this paper we investigate a solution technique for UBQP that is based on perturbing a solution by drawing from the distribution of variables' estimated effect as determined via an unbiased design of experiments (DOE) sampling of the solution space. Solution perturbation is followed by a steepest ascent local search with path relinking. A simple implementation on benchmark problems compares well in time and solution quality with published results on benchmark problems of size up to 7,000 variables. A new set of larger problems having up to 15,000 variables and with non-uniform magnitude distributions of the elements in Q are also investigated and provide evidence that magnitude distributions of Q values affect problem difficulty. These large difficult problem instances required a more sophisticated path relinking approach as well as dynamic adjustments to perturbation sampling.
Adaptation and Preliminary Testing of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) for Children in India

ABSTRACTAims: While Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) has gained worldwide attention, in India it is relatively unknown. The revised DCD Questionnaire (DCDQ′07) is one of the most utilized screening tools for DCD. The aim of this study was to translate the DCDQ′07 into the Hindi language (DCDQ-Hindi) and test its basic psychometric properties. Methods: The DCDQ′07 was translated following guidelines for cross cultural adaptation of instruments. Parents of 1100 children (5–15 years) completed the DCDQ-Hindi, of which 955 were considered for data analysis and 60 were retested randomly after 3 weeks for test–retest reliability. Results: The DCDQ-Hindi showed high internal consistency (α = .86) and moderate test–retest reliability (.73). Confirmatory factor analysis showed equivalence to the DCDQ′07. The% probable DCD using DCDQ′07 cutoff scores (≤57) ranged from 22% to 68%. Using more stringent cutoffs (≤36) it ranged from 5% to 9%. Significant difference was seen for gender (p < .05) in subset 1(gro...
Discussion of making a levy on China's social insurance

The present paper expounds the necessity to make a levy on social insurance in China and suggests the tax on China's social insurance in the light of international experience concerning the levy on social insurance.
Left ventricular aneurysms: pathophysiologic observations and standard resection

For the past four decades, the standard approach to the treatment of left ventricular aneurysms has been to resect the aneurysm wall and close it in a linear fashion. During the past decade, evidence has accumulated that this simple approach may not be the most efficacious in terms of either short-term ventricular function or long-term survival and quality of life. To establish the basis against which the newer techniques are to be compared, this article describe the historical evolution of procedures designed to treat ventricular aneurysms, the pathophysiolgy of aneurysms, the standard surgical technique still used by most surgeons, and the rationale for the newer surgical approaches.
Ultrafast phase-sensitive spectroscopy

The difference in center frequency between the two counterpropagating pulses in a mode-locked dye ring laser can be varied from 0 to 1 MHz by modulating an intracavity Pockels cell synchronously with the cavity frequency (Fig. 1). The two trains of counterpropagating pulses are interfered at a photodiode, where the difference in frequency is measured as a beat note. Differences in center frequency of 100 Hz can be resolved, even with pulses of 10-THz bandwidth. This control of relative-frequency splitting can be used to carry out accurate spectroscopic measurements.
The National Organization of Our Parties: Revived and Relevant

American major parties, as serious contenders for power, had to develop their organizations in due time if they were to endure. This is true for every party system. Parties rarely can survive for long without some type of organization. In democracies party organizations come into existence to fulfill two basic needs. Party leaders need organizations to communicate with, and mobilize support from, the public. The public, on the other hand, needs party organizations as channels of protest, guides for voting, and ultimately means to control elites.
Poly (A) Polymerase/Cap-Specific 2′-O-Methyltransferase from Vaccinia Virus: Expression, Purification, Uses, and Protein—Ligand Interaction Assays

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on poly(A) polymerase/cap-specific 2′-O-methyltransferase from vaccinia virus. Prominent among model viral systems have been those of vaccinia, the prototypic poxvirus. As a complex cytoplasmic animal virus, vaccinia displays a unique life cycle. This is centered upon three characterized stages of gene expression: (1) an early stage, which precedes genome replication, and (2) the intermediate and late stages, which follow this event. Stage-specific promoters, approximately 30 bp in length, and transcription factors regulate vaccinia gene expression. A virus-encoded multi-subunit Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-dependent Ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase transcribes all three gene classes. While a sequence-specific transcriptional termination mechanism has been demonstrated for vaccinia early genes, termination mechanisms for intermediate and late genes are currently ill defined. This chapter discusses in detail about the vaccinia virus gene expression and messenger RNAs (mRNA) modification. The chapter also explains the concepts related to the purification from vaccinia virions. Expression and purification of the poly(Aa) polymerase/2′-O-methyltransferase is discussed, elaborating upon the uses of the poly(a) polymerase/ 2′-O-methyltransferase. The chapter also discusses about assays developed to examine protein–ligand interactions. A discussion on RNA binding site characterization by double selection from the oligonucleotide pool concludes he chapter.
Laparoscopic ureteral reanastomosis using fibrin glue.

Abstract Using 10 female pigs, an open ureteral resection and suture anastomosis (5 pigs) was compared to a laparoscopic resection and a fibrin glue anastomosis (5 pigs). The fibrin glue technique was performed by laparoscopically excising a ureteral segment, placing 2 transmural sutures over a stent and sealing the anastomosis with tissue adhesive, a mixture of concentrated fibrinogen and thrombin. At 4 weeks the stent was removed. At 8 weeks, the animals underwent antegrade pyelograms and Whittaker renal pelvis perfusion test and then were sacrificed. The experimental group had 1 anastomotic breakdown; all others had patent ureters. Radiographically, both groups demonstrated mild to moderate hydroureteronephrosis. Renal pelvis perfusion tests were higher in the fibrin glue group (12.6 cm. H 2 O versus 3.0 cm. H 2 O); however, all were normal for the porcine model. Histologic evaluation demonstrated increased muscular and serosal fibrosis and inflammation in the fibrin glue group when compared with the control group. Laparoscopic ureteral reanastamosis with fibrin glue is feasible; however, further research is needed to understand its full potential in urology.
Profiling of volatile organic compounds released from individual intact juvenile and mature citrus leaves

Plants release volatiles to communicate with each other and to attract or repel insects. The methods used to collect volatiles are varied. Here, we describe a simple solvent-less, solid phase microextraction-based method to collect the volatiles released from intact citrus leaves. We were able to collect up to 39 volatiles from both juvenile and mature leaves. Our results indicated that juvenile leaves produced both monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, and while mature leaves continued to produce a variety of monoterpenes, their release of sesquiterpenes decreased dramatically. The finding that juvenile leaves emitted higher levels of sesquiterpenes while mature leaves released mostly monoterpenes suggests that younger leaves of plants may be involved in a more complex chemical communication system.
Asymptomatic portal vein aneurysms: To treat, or not to treat?

BackgroundPortal vein aneurysms are rare dilations in the portal venous system, for which the etiology and pathophysiological consequences are poorly understood.MethodWe reviewed the existing literature as well as present a unique anecdotal case of a patient presenting with a very large portal vein aneurysm that was successfully managed conservatively and non-operatively without anticoagulation, with close follow-up and routine surveillance.ResultThe rising prevalence of abdominal imaging in clinical practice has increased rates of portal vein aneurysm detection. While asymptomatic aneurysms less than 3 cm can be clinically observed, surgical intervention may be necessary in large asymptomatic aneurysms (>3 cm) with or without thrombus, or small aneurysms with evidence of evolving mural thrombus formation on imaging.ConclusionPortal vein aneurysms present a diagnostic challenge for any surgeon, and the goal for surgical therapy is based on repairing the portal vein aneurysm, and if portal hypertension is ...
33 Cell phone use while driving legislation and self-reported behaviours among population sub-groups of adolescent us drivers

Statement of purpose Adolescents are at an increased risk of cell phone-related distracted driving. Legislation may dissuade driver behaviour. This study investigated the relationship between legislation and cell phone use while driving across adolescent driver sub-groups by age (16/17 vs. 18), sex, race/ethnicity (White, African American, Hispanic, and Others), rurality (urban, rural), and region (Northeast, Midwest, South, and West). Methods Data from the 2011–2014 Traffic Safety Culture Index Surveys were combined with state legislation. The outcomes were self-reported texting or hand-held phone conversations. The exposure was the presence of a texting or hand-held cell phone ban applicable to all drivers (i.e. universal) in the drivers’ state of residence. Modified Poisson regression estimated the risk of engaging in these behaviours. Sub-group differences were assessed via models with interaction terms. Results Approximately 34% of respondents conversed on cell phones and 37% texted while driving in the 30 days prior to survey. With exceptions to African American, rural, and Midwestern drivers, universal hand-held bans were associated with lower cell phone conversations across all groups. Overall, hand-held phone bans were associated with 55% lower [adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.31, 0.64) cell phone conversations. With exceptions to Hispanics (aRR=0.41, 95% CI 0.22, 0.78), universal texting bans were not associated with lower texting behaviours among groups. Conclusions Universal hand-held bans may deter adolescent drivers from hand-held phone conversations, while universal texting bans may not discourage texting behaviours while driving. More interventional or educational work may be necessary, particularly for texting while driving. Significance to Injury Prevention This is the first study to assess the relationship between self-reported driver hand-held cell phone conversations and legislation among adolescent sub-groups.
Game Theory Based Spectrum Sharing

LTE unlicensed brings high Quality of Service (QoS) to all mobile users. However, when there are multiple wireless cellular operators trying to access the unlicensed spectrum simultaneously, due to the autonomous behaviors of each operator, it is important yet challenging to avoid malicious competitions among all operators, while guaranteeing the performance of other networks in the unlicensed spectrum. In this chapter, game theory is introduced and applied as a powerful tool to deal with the spectrum sharing problem among multiple operators. Considering the relations among all the operators and the Wi-Fi Access Point (WAP), a layered power control game is modeled, where we first fix the behaviors of all other operators, and propose the zero-determinant strategy for the power control of one considered operator. Based on the predicted strategies of every operator in all situations, all operators then play a non-cooperative game and determine their optimal strategies to achieve the Nash equilibrium results.
The gating cycle of a K+ channel at atomic resolution

C-type inactivation in potassium channels helps fine-tune long-term channel activity through conformational changes at the selectivity filter. Here, through the use of cross-linked constitutively open constructs, we determined the structures of KcsA’s mutants that stabilize the selectivity filter in its conductive (E71A, at 2.25 A) and deep C-type inactivated (Y82A at 2.4 A) conformations. These structural snapshots represent KcsA’s transient open-conductive (O/O) and the stable open deep C-type inactivated states (O/I), respectively. The present structures provide an unprecedented view of the selectivity filter backbone in its collapsed deep C-type inactivated conformation, highlighting the close interactions with structural waters and the local allosteric interactions that couple activation and inactivation gating. Together with the structures associated with the closed-inactivated state (C/I) and in the well-known closed conductive state (C/O), this work recapitulates, at atomic resolution, the key conformational changes of a potassium channel pore domain as it progresses along its gating cycle.
Abstract 21137: Nationwide Trends and Outcomes of Mechanical Circulatory Support With and Without Therapeutic Hypothermia for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Introduction: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), survival remains dismal. The use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and therapeutic hypothermia (TH) have shown to improve outcomes when compared to conventional CPR in selected patients with IHCA. Limited studies describe the use of TH in patients receiving MCS during IHCA and there is currently no evidence demonstrating benefit of MCS with TH over MCS at normothermia. Methods: Using the National Inpatient Database we identified patients with IHCA from 2004 to 2014. Using ICD-9 procedure codes, we identified the use of TH and MCS. Univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression models were generated to identify specific outcomes and in-hospital mortality. Results: Of 1,073,093 patients that underwent in-hospital CPR during 2004 to 2014, 2.7% had MCS without TH, 0.84 % underwent TH without MCS and 0.1% underwent TH with MCS. Baseline characteristics for each group are shown in Table 1. In patients who underwent MCS alone, 90.6% had balloon pump, 6.1% had extracorporeal membrane oxygenator and 3.3% had peripheral ventricular assisted device. In this group, 48% underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 42.5% of patients survived to discharge with half of them being discharged home (52.2%) and 31.2% to a nursing home or facility. Of those who received TH without MCS, fewer patients underwent PCI (6.1%) and 28.8% survived to discharge (48.6% being discharge to nursing home or facility). Of those who underwent MCS and TH, 55.6% underwent PCI and 35.8% survived to discharge. Conclusions: Use of MCS was associated with better survival outcomes and higher rate of PCI, regardless of the use of TH. No significant difference in mortality was noted in patients with HT without MCS (28.8% compared to the overall sample 27%).
Treatment of malignant insulinoma with streptozotocin

Two patients with malignant insulinoma and hepatic metastases were treated with streptozotocin, administered directly into the celiac artery. Decreases in tumor size were documented radiographically. One patient was in a terminal state when first treated, but the other patient was in moderately good general health and responded well. Some side-effects, including renal tubular damage, were observed but were relatively minor. Streptozotocin therapy offers some benefit in patients with malignant insulinoma.
DNA synthesis by isolated nuclei of Physarumpolycephalum

Abstract Nuclei isolated from various sources are capable of protein and RNA synthesis ( Allfrey et al. , 1964 ; Birnstiel et al. , 1962 ; Rendi, 1960 ; Malec et al. , 1964 ; Sirlin and Schor, 1962 ; Allfrey and Mirsky, 1962 ; Rho and Chipchase, 1962 ; Mittermayer et al. , in press ; Rozijn et al. , 1964 ; Rees and Rowland, 1961 ). Incorporation of precursors into DNA in isolated nuclei has also been reported ( Friedkin and Wood, 1956 ; Mazia and Hinegardner, 1963 ; Behki and Schneider, 1963 ), but little incorporation was observed without added primer. Furthermore, no evidence was obtained to indicate that any of these nuclear preparations were autonomous with regard to control of DNA synthesis. This communication reports the synthesis of DNA, without added primer, by isolated nuclei of Physarum polycephalum , in which synchronous mitosis occurs naturally. Synthesis occurred only in nuclei isolated during the DNA-synthesizing period of the mitotic cycle; this indicates that these nuclei retain, after isolation, the same mechanism for control of DNA synthesis as is exerted in vivo . The implications of these findings for DNA replication are discussed.
Proteases and Antiproteases in Experimental Low-Flow States

Refractory hypotension due to hemorrhage, septicemia, or myocardial infarction continues to be a major cause of death. The mechanism responsible for the development of the so-called “irreversible phase” in low-flow states has been under investigation for a number of years. Many theories (1, 13, 15) have been advanced to explain why vigorous therapy aimed at volume replacement, reduction of peripheral resistance, and correction of acidosis often fails to save the patient. While it appears unlikely that any single factor in the pathophysiology of shock can account for the irreversibility mechanism, good evidence exists that hypercoagulability of the blood and capillary leakage play a prominent role. In addition, emphasis on myocardial depression (10) has been renewed as a major contributory factor to the mortality from shock. Recent studies (18) have suggested that a group of humoral agents called kinins are released or activated as a result of tissue trauma and intestinal ischemia. These agents have been shown to exert a damaging effect on the microcirculation (12) and have also been implicated in the myocardial depression following hemorrhage.
Increasing nurse's knowledge of neonatal pain assessment through inservice education program

OF THE THESIS INCREASING NURSES' KNOWLEDGE OF NEONATAL PAIN ASSESSMENT THROUGH INSERVICE EDUCATION PROGRAM.
Health Reform and Health Equity: Sharing Responsibility for Health in the United States

Two failings of U.S. health care have defined recent reform efforts: the escalating cost of health care—estimated to have reached $2.5 trillion in 2009—and the swelling ranks of uninsured and underinsured Americans, now totaling some seventy-five million people. They share company with a third, however, that has attracted little attention. Tens of millions of poor and minority Americans experience levels of health typical of middleor low-income countries. Differences in health status by social class, race and ethnicity, and geographic region are large and persistent in the United States. Guaranteed access to timely and quality primary care could improve our nation’s health, but no amount of health care can remedy social disparities in health. Health reform that makes health equity a goal demands a bolder agenda that acts on the social, economic, environmental, and political factors—or “social determinants
Marlin & Associates and the Sale of Riverview Technologies

Riverview Technologies was a Stockholm, Sweden-based company that had developed software hedge funds. After spending more than a year in an organized sale process, the winning bidder had become increasingly difficult to work with and the closing had been substantially delayed. Despite the late stage of the process, the selling shareholders were considering walking away.Learning Objective: Students study the sale process for smaller companies and also analyze two different purchase offers. Both deals have significant earn-outs but the provisions differ substantially across the two offers.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Diagnostic Considerations for Children with a History of Trauma

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) is an umbrella term that describes a variety of conditions characterized by a pattern of atypical facial features, growth restriction, structural physical abnormalities, and brain dysfunction resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. Because the cognitive and behavioral phenotype of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can be nonspecific, and overlap with the phenotype of other neurodevelopmental disorders, and because the majority of individuals with FASDs do not manifest dysmorphic craniofacial features, misdiagnosis and under-diagnosis of FASDs is common. To mitigate the long-term morbidities associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, it is important to maintain a heightened index of suspicion for prenatal alcohol exposure and the possibility of an alcohol-related diagnosis in children at risk, as early diagnosis and recognition of the disabilities associated with FASDs can help optimize future outcomes.
How much is a lot? The maximum size of fiscal adjustments

ABSTRACTThe sizeable fiscal consolidation required to stabilize the debt-to-GDP ratios in several countries in the aftermath of the global crisis raises a crucial question on its feasibility. To an...
Enhanced electrochemical biosensor and supercapacitor with 3D porous architectured graphene via salt impregnated inkjet maskless lithography

Advances in solution-phase graphene patterning has provided a facile route for rapid, low-cost and scalable manufacturing of electrochemical devices, even on flexible substrates. While graphene possesses advantageous electrochemical properties of high surface area and fast heterogenous charge transport, these properties are attributed to the edge planes and defect sites, not the basal plane. Herein, we demonstrate enhancement of the electroactive nature of patterned solution-phase graphene by increasing the porosity and edge planes through the construction of a multidimensional architecture via salt impregnated inkjet maskless lithography (SIIML) and CO2 laser annealing. Various sized macroscale pores ( 10 000 to ∼50 Ω sq−1). We demonstrate that this multidimensional porous graphene fabrication method can improve electrochemical device performance through design and manufacture of an electrochemical organophosphate biosensor that uses the enzyme acetylcholinesterase for detection. This pesticide biosensor exhibits enhanced sensitivity to acetylthiocholine compared to graphene without macropores (28.3 μA nM−1 to 13.3 μA nM−1) and when inhibited by organophosphate pesticides (paraoxon) has a wide linear range (10 nM to 500 nM), low limit of detection (0.6 nM), and high sensitivity (12.4 nA nM−1). Moreover, this fabrication method is capable of patterning complex geometries [i.e. interdigitated electrodes (IDEs)] even on flexible surfaces as demonstrated by an IDE supercapacitor made of SIIML graphene on a heat sensitive polymer substrate. The supercapacitor demonstrates a high energy density of 0.25 mW h cm−3 at a power density of 0.3 W cm−3. These electrochemical devices demonstrate the benefit of using SIIML and CO2 laser annealing for patterning graphene electrodes with a multidimensional porous surface even on flexible substrates and is therefore a platform technology which could be applied to a variety of different biosensors and other electrochemical devices.
Abstract C46: Fruit and vegetable intake and lung cancer incidence among Black women according to cigarette smoking status

Objective: The objective of this project was to evaluate associations of fruit and vegetable intake, according to cigarette smoking history, with lung cancer incidence among U.S. Black women. Methods: The Black Women9s Health Study is a prospective cohort study (analytic cohort=46,889) among Black women between the ages 21-69 at baseline (1995). Fruit and vegetable intake (collected in 1995 and 2001only) and smoking history were ascertained via questionnaires at baseline and during follow-up (every other year). Combined fruit and vegetable ( 1 servings/day), and cruciferous vegetable ( 1 servings/day) intakes were evaluated. Cigarette smoking measures that were evaluated include: 1) current smoking status (never, former, current 2 tests were utilized to assess interactions between smoking history and fruit and vegetable intake. Results: More than half the women reported no history of cigarette smoking (66.4%), while 18.4% were former smokers and 15.1% were current smokers ( Conclusion: Low fruit and vegetable intake was widespread in this population of U.S. Black women, but results do not support an association between fruit and vegetable intake and lung cancer incidence, regardless of cigarette smoking history. Citation Format: Sarah JO Nomura, Chiranjeev Dash, Lynn Rosenberg, Julie Palmer, Lucile L. Adams-Campbell. Fruit and vegetable intake and lung cancer incidence among Black women according to cigarette smoking status [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr C46.
A Bayesian Sequential Design for Clinical Trials With Time-to-Event Outcomes

AbstractThere is increasing interest in Bayesian group sequential design because of its potential to improve efficiency in clinical trials, to shorten drug development time, and to enhance statisti...
Regeneration of albino shoots in cultured anthers of intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium (Host) Beauv.)

Shoots were regenerated from ‘Oahe’ intermediate wheatgrass anthers cultured on Tsay's, N6, Yu-pei and 85D12 basal media supplemented with kinetin and 2,4-D or NAA. Androgenesis mainly started with symmetrical divisions of pollen nuclei immediately followed by cytokinesis. Formation of tetranucleate pollen grains resulting from asymmetrical divisions of the pollen nuclei was also noted. Tsay's medium was more effective for callus induction, while N6, Tsay's and Yu-pei differentiation media were equally effective for shoot regeneration in the calluses. All regenerants were albino.
Interactions between Curcumin Derivatives and Amyloid-β Fibrils: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

The aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides into senile plaques is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is hypothesized to be the primary cause of AD related neurodegeneration. Previous studies have shown the ability of curcumin to both inhibit the aggregation of Aβ peptides into oligomers or fibrils and reduce amyloids in vivo. Despite the promise of curcumin and its derivatives to serve as diagnostic, preventative, and potentially therapeutic AD molecules, the mechanism by which curcumin and its derivatives bind to and inhibit Aβ fibrils' formation remains elusive. Here, we investigated curcumin and a set of curcumin derivatives in complex with a hexamer peptide model of the Aβ1-42 fibril using nearly exhaustive docking, followed by multi-ns molecular dynamics simulations, to provide atomistic-detail insights into the molecules' binding and inhibitory properties. In the vast majority of the simulations, curcumin and its derivatives remain firmly bound in complex with the fibril through primarily three different principle binding modes, in which the molecules interact with residue domain 17LVFFA21, in line with previous experiments. In a small subset of these simulations, the molecules partly dissociate the outermost peptide of the Aβ1-42 fibril by disrupting β-sheets within the residue domain 12VHHQKLVFF20. A comparison between binding modes leading or not leading to partial dissociation of the outermost peptide suggests that the latter is attributed to a few subtle key structural and energetic interaction-based differences. Interestingly, partial dissociation appears to be either an outcome of high affinity interactions or a cause leading to high affinity interactions between the molecules and the fibril, which could partly serve as a compensation for the energy loss in the fibril due to partial dissociation. In conjunction with this, we suggest a potential inhibition mechanism of Αβ1-42 aggregation by the molecules, where the partially dissociated 16KLVFF20 domain of the outermost peptide could either remain unstructured or wrap around to form intramolecular interactions with the same peptide's 29GAIIG33 domain, while the molecules could additionally act as a patch against the external edge of the second outermost peptide's 16KLVFF20 domain. Thereby, individually or concurrently, these could prohibit fibril elongation.
Graphite: a NUMA-aware HPC system for graph analytics based on a new MPI * X parallelism model

In this paper, we propose a new parallelism model denoted as MPI * X and suggest a linear algebra-based graph analytics system, namely, Graphite, which effectively employs it. MPI * X promotes thread-based partitioning to distribute computation and communication across threads on a cluster of machines, while eliminating the need for unnecessary thread synchronizations. Consequently, it contrasts with the traditional MPI + X parallelism model, which utilizes process-based partitioning to distribute data among processes as a way to scale out on a cluster of machines (the MPI part), then splits each partition into subpartitions among the threads of each process as a method to scale up within a machine (the X part). Besides adopting MPI * X, Graphite is NUMA-aware. In particular, it assigns threads to partitions in a way that exploits CPU and memory affinity, alongside leveraging faster MPI shared memory transport. Moreover, it adopts a variant of the popular GAS (Gather, Apply, and Scatter) computing model, thus decoupling the computation of partitions from the communication of partial results. Lastly, it supports thread-level asynchrony, which does not only overlap the computation with communication, but further interleaves multiple communications. We compared Graphite against GraphPad, Gemini, and LA3 graph analytics systems in an HPC environment using different graph applications. Results show that Graphite is roughly up to 3X faster than these state-of-the-art systems.
Cyber risk and voluntary Service Organization Control (SOC) Audits

Firms routinely manage their financial reporting systems on external cloud platforms that are susceptible to cyberattacks and data integrity issues. Therefore, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants developed a special type of voluntary audit called a "Service Organization Control" audit (SOC audit) that evaluates this risk. This study conducts one of the first systematic analyses of the benefits and costs of these voluntary audits. Using hand-collected data from public firms, I find that (1) 29 percent of firms in the SP (2) business-model exposure to technology predicts a firm's decision to receive these audits; (3) the scope of these audits includes internal controls over data integrity; and (4) these audits are one of the largest predictors of the variation in audit-related fees, amounting to a $900,000 average annual increase in these fees at the firm level (by comparison, tax preparation fees average about $1.3 million). SOC audits are thus an important and concrete example of the broader social and governance mandates of new reporting frameworks, such as the ISSB's Value Reporting Framework and FASB's ESG framework.
Fungal sphingolipids: role in the regulation of virulence and potential as targets for future antifungal therapies.

The antifungal therapy currently available includes three major classes of drugs: polyenes, azoles and echinocandins. However, the clinical use of these compounds faces several challenges: while po...
Extraction-Free Comprehensive Transcriptome Sequencing of Carcinoma In-situ is Highly Feasible and Insightful in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

Introduction Most carcinoma in-situ (CIS) molecular investigations to date have studied CIS in the context of concurrent papillary (Pap) tumors (conPap). A critical gap remains in our understanding of unique CIS biology. We investigated the feasibility of obtaining high-quality transcriptome data from CIS specimens utilizing the novel extraction-free EdgeSeq Precision Immuno-Oncology Panel (PIP) platform. Methods Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded CIS, CIS with conPap, and pure Pap tumors were identified. Tumor cells were macro-dissected from two unstained 5-micron thick slides and analyzed on the PIP panel comprised of 1,410 immunomodulatory genes. Principle components analyses (PCA) were performed to identify distinct cohorts. The Bioconductor DEseq2 package was used to identify differential gene expression between CIS +/- conPap and pure Pap tumors. Functional and pathway analyses were performed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. Secondary analyses assessed any confounding effects of relevant patient clinical features. Results 135 specimens were identified including: 51 CIS (32 CIS, 19 CIS + concurrent high grade (HG) Ta-T2), 55 HG Pap (21 HGTa, 21 HGT1, 12 HGT2), and 29 low grade (LG) Pap (28 LGTa, 1 LGT1) tumors. 85 patients (63.4%) were BCG-naive. PIP data from 117 (87.3%) specimens, including 43 of 51 (84.3%) CIS specimens passed all QC measures and were included in analyses. PCA distinguished CIS from pure Pap specimens. Compared to HG Pap, CIS +/- conPap specimens demonstrated increased expression of EMT pathway genes including SNAI1/2, ZEB1, CDH1, GATA3, TWIST2, EPCAM (p Conclusions Comprehensive transcriptome profiling of archived CIS specimens is highly feasible including pure CIS samples. CIS tumors and tumors from durable responders to BCG therapy are characterized by unique gene expression signatures. Validation of these findings in prospective clinical trials is ongoing.
Family Policy after the Fragile Families and Relationship Dynamic Studies

In response to the changing patterns of American families and to concern about the wellbeing of children when parents’ relationships are unstable, various federal and state laws and programs have been adopted and proposed. Most of the existing and proposed policies encourage children’s biological parents to remain together to raise their children or at least to work closely together to raise the children after they break up. Two major longitudinal studies of families from before or at the time children were born provide support for such policies in some, but not all circumstances; instead of being one-size-fits-all, policies should allow for variation in relationships and be sensitive to the views of parents caring for children about what is best for their families. This Article describes the major findings of these longitudinal studies, and then examines some recent proposals that respond to the studies, arguing that the proposals may promote relationships that are unhealthy for the adults or children. It concludes with suggested policies that are more sensitive to the variability in families.
Subpectoral Implant Repositioning With Partial Capsule Preservation: Treating the Long-Term Complications of Subglandular Breast Augmentation.

Background Patients with long-term complications associated with subglandular breast augmentation are being seen in increasing numbers in the Southern California community. Late deformities include a characteristic "slide-down" deformity as well as capsular contracture, implant wrinkling, and nipple-areola complex enlargement. Repositioning the implant to a subpectoral pocket is a recognized revisionary technique to treat this problem; however, technical details of how this is accomplished are lacking in the literature. Objectives To review our technique for treating long-term complications associated with subglandular implants using subpectoral repositioning with partial capsule preservation and mastopexy, without the need for an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or mesh. Methods A retrospective review of all patients undergoing subpectoral repositioning over the course of 6 years was performed. Patient data and long-term outcomes were assessed. A technique is presented utilizing a partial capsulectomy that preserves a portion of the capsule as an ADM/mesh equivalent, ensuring adequate implant coverage and preventing window shading of the pectoralis major muscle. Results Twenty-four patients with subglandular implants and slide-down deformity as well as other associated complications including capsular contracture, implant wrinkling, and enlarged areolas underwent revision surgery with a subpectoral site change. Often, patients presented many years after their initial augmentation (mean 18 years, range 4-38 years). The average patient follow-up was 3.1 years (range 1.0-6.8 years). Two patients required minor revisions with local anesthetic, while another 2 revisions required general anesthesia. Conclusions Long-term deformities associated with subglandular breast augmentation can reliably be corrected by subpectoral repositioning, mastopexy, and utilization of residual breast capsule in the place of an ADM or mesh. Level of Evidence 4
Inactivation of Pten cooperating with p53 loss induces malignant gliomas

320 Malignant gliomas, due to their rapid growth and tendency to spread throughout the brain and spinal cord, remains one of the greatest clinical challenges and is considered to be among the deadliest human cancers. Like other malignancies, human gliomas have been associated with many molecular genetic abnormalities. Among them, alterations in the p53 and PI3K pathways have been found in virtually all high-grade gliomas. In this study, we have generated a malignant glioma mouse model with high penetrance that harbors both a conditional allele of p53 and a conditional allele of the Pten tumor suppressor gene that negatively regulates PI3K signaling. These tumors are highly aggressive, bearing striking resemblance clinically and pathologically to their human counterparts; namely uncontrolled cellular proliferation,diffuse infiltration, propensity for necrosis. We find that the earliest evidence of tumor formation localizes to different regions of the brain that contain progenitor populations. Additionally, the presence of extensive inter- and intra-tumoral histological heterogeneity suggests these tumors may originate from different progenitor linages. Furthermore, our in vivo and in vitro results indicate while Pten deletion promotes neural stem/progenitor cell early expansion, subsequent inactivation of p53 is required to maintain their progenitor activity and shift the homeostatic balance towards proliferation of this niche. Consistent with these findings, we find p53 is directed mutated in 40% our thirty-five analyzed human primary gliobastoma samples. Strikingly, Pten is concurrently mutated and/or deleted in 70% of these samples Together, this faithful mouse model may permit the systematic analysis of genetic lesions implicated in the human disease and serve as a platform for the identification of early disease markers and for the efficient testing of novel therapies.
Optimal Market Participation of Pumped Storage Hydropower Plants Considering Hydraulic Short-Circuit Operation

This paper presents a price-taker model that determines the optimal market participation strategies and scheduling for a closed-loop pumped storage hydropower plant with hydraulic short-circuit technology. The objective is to maximize the income of a pumped storage hydropower plant from providing various grid services. In contrast to many previous studies, this work considers the whole range of market products, including capacity, energy, and ancillary services in day-ahead and real-time. Also, the presented model can simultaneously consider multiple markets and determine the best market participation strategies for each unit. The presented model is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming model to account for the various operating modes, including generation, pumping, and hydraulic short-circuit operations. Finally, a detailed case study is analyzed in detail.
Both male- and female-produced pheromones influence Colorado potato beetle movement in the field.

Background Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say); Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a widespread key pest of potatoes and other solanaceous crops of the temperate northern hemisphere. Its evolution of multiple pesticide resistance is a continuing threat if chemical control is relied upon for pest management. An integrated approach including semiochemicals and other non-pesticidal tactics is essential to sustainable management. In addition to the known volatile aggregation pheromone produced by male adult beetles that is attractive to both females and males, there is a yet-unidentified female-produced sex pheromone. Using caged "bait plants" in the field in Maryland, USA, we tested the attraction of male and female beetles to groups of male-only, female-only, larvae, and uninfested bait plants. Results Results of five field experiments demonstrate that the female-produced sex pheromone is attractive to male beetles, whereas the male-produced pheromone is attractive to both females and males. Male attraction increased with higher densities of females on bait plants, but female attraction did not change with female density on bait plants. Conclusion This is the first study to demonstrate male attraction to the female sex pheromone in the field, and to our knowledge, the first to demonstrate a beetle species using bidirectional communication between males and females. Use of semiochemicals for monitoring and management of Colorado potato beetle should consider male-, female-, as well as plant-produced volatiles as important tools for pest manipulation in potato IPM. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Regulation and Housing Prices in Manhattan

Over the last few decades, Manhattan has been a highly desirable place to live. It offers residents higher wages, unparalleled amenities, and the benefits of agglomeration. However, throughout the 1990s, housing prices in Manhattan soared to the point where prices were more than twice their supply costs. Historically, growth in the housing supply used to keep prices down, but this has not been the case in recent decades. For example, in 1960 alone, 21,000 new units were permitted in Manhattan whereas only 21,000 new units were permitted throughout the entire 1990s. Furthermore, since 1980, the housing stock in Manhattan has grown by less than 10 %. In this paper, Glaeser et al. (2005) argue that the limited supply of housing in Manhattan is the consequence of an increasingly restrictive regulatory environment and strict land-use restrictions.
Ambivalent authorities: the African and Afro-Brazilian contribution to local governance in colonial Brazil.

A theme common to all regions of the Portuguese seaborne empire was dependency on non-Europeans for the creation, consolidation and survival of empire: for defense, labor, construction of towns and forts, transportation, production of raw materials, sexual gratification and, in the case of the Estado da India (Portuguese forts, towns, cities and factories from the Swahili coast to Japan and Timor), on merchants, brokers and interpreters to provide access to suppliers, distributors, commercial networks, and even vessels and capital. Through conversion, peoples from Japan to Africa and America, contributed to the flock of the church militant and, in some more limited cases, as missionaries, catechists, and secular priests. One exception was Brazil where Amerindians were not admitted into the regular or secular clergy. The one area in which the Portuguese crown was not willing to countenance indigenous participation was appointment to public office, be this in the imperial bureaucracy, or election to city or town councils other than in Cape Verde and Sao Tome. In Asia and Angola persons other than of exclusively European parentage on both sides and even New Christians may have served on town councils, and some non-Europeans held clerical positions, but the policy forbidding persons of African descent to hold office in church or state was adhered to in practice. Brazil was unique in at least two regards. First, perhaps in no other European colony was dispossession (from an indigenous perspective) so complete. The Portuguese assumed sovereignty over indigenous peoples and their territories and saw Brazil as a tabula rasa where the Portuguese were free to establish cities, institutions, governance, commercial practices, and to implant their religious beliefs, writing and numeracy systems, values, and mores. Secondly, among European overseas colonies in the early modern period, Brazil was unique in that by the end of the colonial period (1822), a transplanted population of African-born and their American-born descendants comprised a demographic majority which exceeded the indigenous population and persons of European origin or descent.
PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS FOR 1981-1984

An overview is presented of the regulatory process used in establishing the passenger car fuel economy standards for model years 1981 through 1984, as mandated by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975. The four factors defined by the EPCA for the determination of maximum feasible fuel economy are outlined: technological feasibility, economic practicability, effect of other Federal standards, and the need for the nation to conserve energy. The determination of feasible average fuel economy is discussed for domestic and foreign automakers. Four alternative fuel economy schedules were considered, including the selected schedule (22, 24, 26, 27, and 27.5 mpg, respectively, for 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985). The evaluation of the fuel conservation potential of the various schedules is discussed. Economic considerations are described: capital requirements and manufacturing costs; auto prices and sales, and employment; consumer and national economic impacts; and competition within the industry. Secondary environmental impacts are addressed (less need to mine and convert coal or oil shale, reduced fuel handling, use of less raw materials in vehicles, and diesel engine emission and noise pollution). It is estimated that about 20 billion gallons of gasoline will be saved annually in the 1990 time frame over consumption at the 1980 level. A consumer saving of $1000 due to less fuel costs and $200 due to reduced maintenance of lighter cars is predicted, with a $50 to $150 increase (cumulative) in car price in the mid-1980's resulting from increased capital expenditures for rule implementation. No net reduction in employment is anticipated.
Output impedance of peak current-mode controlled PWM DC-DC converters with only inner loop closed in CCM

Different control loops employed in regulating deck converter outputs may have an effect on the output impedance of the converter. In this manuscript, the effect of the inner-current loop on the output impedance of a peak current-mode controlled PWM dc-dc converter with the outer-voltage loop open is investigated. Closed-loop output impedance including feed-forward gains with inner-current loop closed and outer-voltage loop open for peak-current mode controlled PWM dc-dc converters operating in CCM is derived. Bode plots of the closed-loop output impedance for PCM controlled PWM dc-dc buck and boost converters with inner-current loop only are illustrated using MATLAB simulations and are compared with the Bode plots of respective open-loop output impedances.