cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LightDP: towards automating differential privacy proofs

The growing popularity and adoption of differential privacy in academic and industrial settings has resulted in the development of increasingly sophisticated algorithms for releasing information while preserving privacy. Accompanying this phenomenon is the natural rise in the development and publication of incorrect algorithms, thus demonstrating the necessity of formal verification tools. However, existing formal methods for differential privacy face a dilemma: methods based on customized logics can verify sophisticated algorithms but come with a steep learning curve and significant annotation burden on the programmers, while existing programming platforms lack expressive power for some sophisticated algorithms. In this paper, we present LightDP, a simple imperative language that strikes a better balance between expressive power and usability. The core of LightDP is a novel relational type system that separates relational reasoning from privacy budget calculations. With dependent types, the type system is powerful enough to verify sophisticated algorithms where the composition theorem falls short. In addition, the inference engine of LightDP infers most of the proof details, and even searches for the proof with minimal privacy cost when multiple proofs exist. We show that LightDP verifies sophisticated algorithms with little manual effort.
Energy policies and their consequences after 25 years

Hans Landsberg and Sam Schurr each led research teams that produced two important energy futures policy studies that were published in 1979. The conclusions, policy recommendations, and energy demand, supply, and price forecasts contained in these studies are reviewed. Developments in U.S. energy policy over the last 25 years are discussed and compared with the recommendations contained in the two studies. The projections of energy demand, supply, and prices for 2000 contained in the studies are presented and compared to actual realizations. The nature, magnitudes, and reasons for the differences between the studies' forecasts and what actually emerged 25 years later are discussed. All things considered, the Landsberg and Schurr studies have stood the test of time very well.
New Bounds for the CLIQUE-GAP Problem Using Graph Decomposition Theory

Halldorsson, Sun, Szegedy, and Wang (ICALP 2012) [16] investigated the space complexity of the following problem CLIQUE-GAP(r, s): given a graph stream G, distinguish whether \(\omega (G) \ge r\) or \(\omega (G) \le s\), where \(\omega (G)\) is the clique-number of G. In particular, they give matching upper and lower bounds for CLIQUE-GAP(r, s) for any r and \(s =c\log (n)\), for some constant c. The space complexity of the CLIQUE-GAP problem for smaller values of s is left as an open question. In this paper, we answer this open question. Specifically, for \(s=\tilde{O}(\log (n))\) and for any \(r>s\), we prove that the space complexity of CLIQUE-GAP problem is \(\tilde{\varTheta }(\frac{ms^2}{r^2})\). Our lower bound is based on a new connection between graph decomposition theory (Chung, Erdos, and Spencer [11], and Chung [10]) and the multi-party set disjointness problem in communication complexity.
Signals of astronomical climate forcing in the exposure topography of the North Polar Layered Deposits of Mars

NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship [NNX13AO55H]; NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter project
Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trials: An Opportunity for Improved Design of Stroke Reperfusion Trials.

Background Modern clinical trials in stroke reperfusion fall into 2 categories: alternative systemic pharmacological regimens to alteplase and "rescue" endovascular approaches using targeted thrombectomy devices and/or medications delivered directly for persistently occluded vessels. Clinical trials in stroke have not evaluated how initial pharmacological thrombolytic management might influence subsequent rescue strategy. A sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) is a novel trial design that can test these dynamic treatment regimens and lead to treatment guidelines that more closely mimic practice. Aim To characterize a SMART design in comparison to traditional approaches for stroke reperfusion trials. Methods We conducted a numerical simulation study that evaluated the performance of contrasting acute stroke clinical trial designs of both initial reperfusion and rescue therapy. We compare a SMART design where the same patients are followed through initial reperfusion and rescue therapy within 1 trial to a standard phase III design comparing 2 reperfusion treatments and a separate phase II futility design of rescue therapy in terms of sample size, power, and ability to address particular research questions. Results Traditional trial designs can be well powered and have optimal design characteristics for independent treatment effects. When treatments, such as the reperfusion and rescue therapies, may interact, commonly used designs fail to detect this. A SMART design, with similar sample size to standard designs, can detect treatment interactions. Conclusions The use of SMART designs to investigate effective and realistic dynamic treatment regimens is a promising way to accelerate the discovery of new, effective treatments for stroke.
The Muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab

The upcoming Fermilab E989 experiment will measure the muon anomalous magnetic moment a μ . This measurement is motivated by the previous measurement performed in 2001 by the BNL E821 experiment that reported a 3-4 standard deviation discrepancy between the measured value and the Standard Model prediction. The new measurement at Fermilab aims to improve the precision by a factor of four reducing the total uncertainty from 540 parts per billion (BNL E821) to 140 parts per billion (Fermilab E989). This paper gives the status of the experiment.
What Makes a Gesture a Gesture? Neural Signatures Involved in Gesture Recognition

Previous work in the area of gesture production, has made the assumption that machines can replicate humanlike gestures by connecting a bounded set of salient points in the motion trajectory. Those inflection points were hypothesized to also display cognitive saliency. The purpose of this paper is to validate that claim using electroencephalography (EEG). That is, this paper attempts to find neural signatures of gestures (also referred as placeholders) in human cognition, which facilitate the understanding, learning and repetition of gestures. Further, it is discussed whether there is a direct mapping between the placeholders and kinematic salient points in the gesture trajectories. These are expressed as relationships between inflection points in the gestures trajectories with oscillatory mu rhythms (8-12 Hz) in the EEG. This is achieved by correlating fluctuations in mu power during gesture observation with salient motion points found for each gesture. Peaks in the EEG signal at central electrodes (motor cortex; C3/Cz/C4) and occipital electrodes (visual cortex; O3/Oz/O4) were used to isolate the salient events within each gesture. We found that a linear model predicting mu peaks from motion inflections fits the data well. Increases in EEG power were detected 380 and 500ms after inflection points at occipital and central electrodes, respectively. These results suggest that coordinated activity in visual and motor cortices is sensitive to motion trajectories during gesture observation, and it is consistent with the proposal that inflection points operate as placeholders in gesture recognition.
On the approximation ratio of the Random Chinese Postman Tour for network search

Abstract We consider a classic search problem first proposed by Gal in which a Searcher randomizes between unit speed paths on a network, aiming to find a hidden point in minimal expected time in the worst case. This can be viewed as a zero-sum game between the Searcher and a time maximizing Hider. It is a natural model for many search problems such as search and rescue operations; the search for an enemy, a bomb or weapons in a military context; or predator–prey search. A Chinese Postman Tour (CPT) is a minimal time tour of the network that searches all the arcs and a Random Chinese Postman Tour (RCPT) is an equiprobable choice of any given CPT and its reverse. The full class of networks for which a RCPT is optimal is known, but otherwise little is known about the solution of the game except in some special cases that have complicated optimal strategies that would be impractical to implement. The question of how well a RCPT or any other search strategy performs for general networks has never been analyzed. We show that a RCPT has an approximation ratio of 4/3: that is, the maximum expected time it takes to find a point on the network is no greater than 4/3 times that of the optimal search strategy. We then examine the performance of a RCPT in a related search game recently proposed by Alpern in which the Searcher must return to his starting point after finding the Hider.
Epigenetic Editing of Ascl1 Gene in Neural Stem Cells by Optogenetics

Enzymes involved in epigenetic processes such as methyltransferases or demethylases are becoming highly utilized for their persistent DNA or histone modifying efficacy. Herein, we have developed an optogenetic toolbox fused to the catalytic domain (CD) of DNA-methyltransferase3A (DNMT3A-CD) or Ten-Eleven Dioxygenase-1 (TET1-CD) for loci-specific alteration of the methylation state at the promoter of Ascl1 (Mash1), a candidate proneuron gene. Optogenetical protein pairs, CRY2 linked to DNMT3A-CD or TET1-CD and CIB1 fused to a Transcription Activator-Like Element (TALE) locating an Ascl1 promoter region, were designed for site specific epigenetic editing. A differentially methylated region at the Ascl1 promoter, isolated from murine dorsal root ganglion (hypermethylated) and striated cells (hypomethylated), was targeted with these optogenetic-epigenetic constructs. Optimized blue-light illumination triggered the co-localization of TALE constructs with DNMT3A-CD or TET1-CD fusion proteins at the targeted site of the Ascl1 promoter. We found that this spatiotemporal association of the fusion proteins selectively alters the methylation state and also regulates gene activity. This proof of concept developed herein holds immense promise for the ability to regulate gene activity via epigenetic modulation with spatiotemporal precision.
A converse to Banach's fixed point theorem and its CLS-completeness

Banach's fixed point theorem for contraction maps has been widely used to analyze the convergence of iterative methods in non-convex problems. It is a common experience, however, that iterative maps fail to be globally contracting under the natural metric in their domain, making the applicability of Banach's theorem limited. We explore how generally we can apply Banach's fixed point theorem to establish the convergence of iterative methods when pairing it with carefully designed metrics. Our first result is a strong converse of Banach's theorem, showing that it is a universal analysis tool for establishing global convergence of iterative methods to unique fixed points, and for bounding their convergence rate. In other words, we show that, whenever an iterative map globally converges to a unique fixed point, there exists a metric under which the iterative map is contracting and which can be used to bound the number of iterations until convergence. We illustrate our approach in the widely used power method, providing a new way of bounding its convergence rate through contraction arguments. We next consider the computational complexity of Banach's fixed point theorem. Making the proof of our converse theorem constructive, we show that computing a fixed point whose existence is guaranteed by Banach's fixed point theorem is CLS-complete. We thus provide the first natural complete problem for the class CLS, which was defined in [DP11] to capture the complexity of problems such as P-matrix LCP, computing KKT-points, and finding mixed Nash equilibria in congestion and network coordination games.
Not all finitely generated groups have universal acylindrical actions

The class of acylindrically hyperbolic groups, which are groups that admit a certain type of non-elementary action on a hyperbolic space, contains many interesting groups such as non-exceptional mapping class groups and $\operatorname{Out}(\mathbb F_n)$ for $n\geq 2$. In such a group, a generalized loxodromic element is one that is loxodromic for some acylindrical action of the group on a hyperbolic space. Osin asks whether every finitely generated group has an acylindrical action on a hyperbolic space for which all generalized loxodromic elements are loxodromic. We answer this question in the negative, using Dunwoody's example of an inaccessible group as a counterexample.
Latest Results on Bottom Spectroscopy and Production with CDF

Using data collected with the CDF Run II detector, new measurements on bottom production cross-sections are presented. The latest achievements in bottom hadron spectroscopy are discussed. The results are based on a large sample of semileptonic and hadronic decays of bottom states made available by triggers based on the precise CDF tracking system.
Microfracturing in Postshot Gasbuggy Core GB-3

Microfracturing in shocked sedimentary rocks near to the 29-kt Gasbuggy nuclear explosion has been microscopically examined in samples from post-shot core (Hole GB-3). Of 4 reentered or drilled postshot holes, GB-3 makes the closest approach to the shot point (198 ft radial distance or approx. 2.47 times the cavity radius). The amount of fracturing in rock more than 200 ft from the shot point is small and shows little correlation with distance. Calculated maximum peak stresses for the rock are in the 6 to 8 kb range and are below the laboratory- measured yield strengths. Comparison of shock effects in brittle granodiorite and in the semi-brittle Gasbuggy rocks at the same peak radial stresses indicates that matrix fracturing in the granodiorite is many times greater than in the Gasbuggy rocks. It points up the important role played by weak, ductile cementing minerals in the latter in determining the mode of yielding of the whole.
Generating predicate callback summaries for the Android framework

One of the challenges of analyzing, testing and debugging Android apps is that the potential execution orders of callbacks are missing from the apps' source code. However, bugs, vulnerabilities and refactoring transformations have been found to be related to callback sequences. Existing work on control flow analysis of Android apps have mainly focused on analyzing GUI events. GUI events, although being a key part of determining control flow of Android apps, do not offer a complete picture. Our observation is that orthogonal to GUI events, the Android API calls also play an important role in determining the order of callbacks. In the past, such control flow information has been modeled manually. This paper presents a complementary solution of constructing program paths for Android apps. We proposed a specification technique, called Predicate Callback Summary (PCS), that represents the callback control flow information (including callback sequences as well as the conditions under which the callbacks are invoked) in Android API methods and developed static analysis techniques to automatically compute and apply such summaries to construct apps' callback sequences. Our experiments show that by applying PCSs, we are able to construct Android apps' control flow graphs, including inter callback relations, and also to detect infeasible paths involving multiple callbacks. Such control flow information can help program analysis and testing tools to report more precise results. Our detailed experimental data is available at: http://www.cs.iastate.edu/~weile/toolsdata/SummarizeAndroidFramework/lithium.html.
Multiplicativity of perverse filtration for Hilbert schemes of fibered surfaces

Abstract Let S → C be a smooth projective surface with numerically trivial canonical bundle fibered onto a curve. We prove the multiplicativity of the perverse filtration with respect to the cup product on H ⁎ ( S [ n ] , Q ) for the natural morphism S [ n ] → C ( n ) . We also prove the multiplicativity for five families of Hitchin systems obtained in a similar way and compute the perverse numbers of the Hitchin moduli spaces. We show that for small values of n the perverse numbers match the predictions of the numerical version of the de Cataldo–Hausel–Migliorini P = W conjecture and of the conjecture by Hausel, Letellier and Rodriguez-Villegas.
Cluster partition function and invariants of 3-manifolds

The author reviews some recent developments in Chern-Simons theory on a hyperbolic 3-manifold M with complex gauge group G. The author focuses on the case of G = SL(N, C) and M being a knot complement: M = S 3 \ K. The main result presented in this note is the cluster partition function, a computational tool that uses cluster algebra techniques to evaluate the Chern-Simons path integral for G = SL(N, C). He also reviews various applications and open questions regarding the cluster partition function and some of its relation with string theory.
Secondary instabilities of hypersonic stationary crossflow waves

An experiment investigating the nonlinear breakdown of hypersonic stationary crossflow waves has been conducted in a Mach 6 quiet tunnel. Secondary instabilities of the stationary waves were measur...
Ancient blacksmiths, the Iron Age, Damascus steels, and modern metallurgy

Abstract The history of iron and Damascus steels is described through the eyes of ancient blacksmiths. For example, evidence is presented that questions why the Iron Age could not have begun at about the same time as the early Bronze Age (i.e. approximately 7000 b.c. ). It is also clear that ancient blacksmiths had enough information from their forging work, together with their observation of color changes during heating and their estimate of hardness by scratch tests, to have determined some key parts of the present-day iron–carbon phase diagram. The blacksmiths’ greatest artistic accomplishments were the Damascus and Japanese steel swords. The Damascus sword was famous not only for its exceptional cutting edge and toughness, but also for its beautiful surface markings. Damascus steels are ultrahigh carbon steels (UHCSs) that contain from 1.0 to 2.1% carbon. The modern metallurgical understanding of UHCSs has revealed that remarkable properties can be obtained in these hypereutectoid steels. The results achieved in UHCSs are attributed to the ability to place the carbon, in excess of the eutectoid composition, to do useful work that enhances the high temperature processing of carbon steels and that improves the low and intermediate temperature mechanical properties.
Edge trapping of exciton-polariton condensates in etched pillars

In this letter, we present a study of the condensation of exciton-polaritons in large etched pillar structures that exhibit shallow edge trapping. The ≈100 μm × 100 μm pillars were fabricated using photolithography and a BCl3/Cl2 reactive ion etch. A low energy region emerged along the etched edge, with the minima ≈7 μm from the outer edge. The depth of the trap was 0.5–1.5 meV relative to the level central region, with the deepest trapping at the corners. We were able to produce a Bose-Einstein condensate in the trap near the edges and corners by pumping non-resonantly in the middle of the pillar. This condensate began as a set of disconnected condensates at various points along the edges but then became a single mono-energetic condensate as the polariton density was increased. Similar edge traps could be used to produce shallow 1D traps along edges or other more complex traps using various etch geometries and scales.
Using Neural Networks to Find Harbingers of Violent Conflicts

Abstract This paper describes a particular use of a methodology commonly called neural networks to do pattern recognition of pre-conflict situations. The goal is to use the technique to find recurring circumstances (which appear as patterns) in the descriptions of individual countries' situations before the outbreak: of violent conflicts. If it is possible to find such patterns, it is then possible to scan for them in current news. If a particular pattern is found in the current description of a country, it is possible to say “When we have seen this pattern before, “x” percent of the time a conflict has erupted within 12 months.”
Collaborative Computation in Self-organizing Particle Systems

Many forms of programmable matter have been proposed for various tasks. We use an abstract model of self-organizing particle systems for programmable matter which could be used for a variety of applications, including smart paint and coating materials for engineering or programmable cells for medical uses. Previous research using this model has focused on shape formation and other spatial configuration problems (e.g., coating and compression). In this work we study foundational computational tasks that exceed the capabilities of the individual constant size memory of a particle, such as implementing a counter and matrix-vector multiplication. These tasks represent new ways to use these self-organizing systems, which, in conjunction with previous shape and configuration work, make the systems useful for a wider variety of tasks. They can also leverage the distributed and dynamic nature of the self-organizing system to be more efficient and adaptable than on traditional linear computing hardware. Finally, we demonstrate applications of similar types of computations with self-organizing systems to image processing, with implementations of image color transformation and edge detection algorithms.
INTERACTIVELY TRAINING PIXEL CLASSIFIERS

For typical classification tasks, all training data are prepared in advance and are supplied to the classifier all at once. This is unnecessarily expensive and incurs overfitting problems, since the individual contributions of the training instances to the classifier are not known. We address this by proposing an interactive incremental framework for image classifier construction, where small numbers of training examples are supplied at each user interaction. After incorporating new training instances, the classifier immediately reclassifies the image to provide the user with instant feedback. This allows the user to choose additional informative training pixels from among the currently misclassified ones. Using a realistic terrain classification task, we demonstrate the potential of our method to generate small and accurate decision tree classifiers from surprisingly few training examples while avoiding overspecialization. We also briefly discuss the novel concept of hierarchical classification, where higher-level classifiers take as input the output of lower-level classifiers. We present preliminary results indicating that within our interactive framework, this is a practical approach to exploiting spatial relationships for classification.
The Treatment of Uric Acid Calculi with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Summary— A review of the first 1000 patients treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) at UCLA revealed 21 patients with uric acid renal or ureteric calculi. Using the combination of ESWL and oral urinary alkalinisation, 16/21 patients (76%) were stone-free at follow-up 3 months later and 19 patients were stone-free at 5 months. ESWL and urinary alkalinisation are complementary methods for the non-invasive treatment of uric acid renal calculi.
The growth of the firm: An attention-based view

Research summary: Although most theories of growth presume that growth varies with the focus and limits of managerial attention, the actual role played by attention has remained largely implicit. In contrast, this article explicitly considers attention structure and the processes that place sustained focus on growth issues. We explain how attention structure—specialized attention within a particular unit and integrated attention between units—affects both bottom‐up (stimulus‐driven) and top‐down (schema‐driven) attentional processing of new issues. We also examine the relationship between attention structure and divisional interdependencies, identifying conditions under which different attentional patterns generate organizational tensions that lead to architectural elaboration: the delineation of new organizational units. This logic is illustrated with examples from Motorola, a large telecommunications equipment provider, during a period of sustained growth. In linking theories of growth with the attention‐based view (ABV), we augment both perspectives and offer an approach that provides a better understand growth's cognitive underpinnings. Managerial summary: We examine how, within a multi‐divisional firm, the pattern of organizational attention affects firm growth. We highlight the attention focus within and between divisions and the corporate office and specific processes that shape the intensity and direction of attention in the firm's constituent units. In particular, we examine how corporate interventions, appointment of managerial resources, prototyping, and corporate charters direct managerial attention and the identification and advancement new opportunities in support of growth. Our approach also considers how attention patterns and formal organizational structure interact to cause tensions between managers, and when these tensions lead to the delineation of new subunits. To illustrate our logic, we use examples drawn from Motorola, a large telecommunications equipment provider, during a period of sustained growth. Our approach offers managers insights into attentional design of the multi‐divisional firm.
Ultrastructure of Kidney Preservation: Varying the Amount of an Effective Osmotic Agent in Isotonic and Hypertonic Preservation Solutions

Currently the level of effective (i.e., impermeant) osmotic agent necessary to prevent cell swelling during the cold storage of kidneys is not known. In the present investigation, we used light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate the amount of the osmotic agent sucrose which is needed to protect the rat kidney parenchyma from damage over 24 and 48 hr of cold storage. Our observations indicate that when sucrose contributes 140 mOsmol or more to the total osmolality of phosphate-buffered solutions, most cell swelling and associated ultrastructural damage can be prevented over 48 hr of cold storage. We also found little difference between the quality of kidney ultrastructural preservation which results when kidneys are stored in isotonic (300 mOsmol) versus hypertonic (400 mOsmol) solutions that contain the same amount of sucrose. The overall quality of preservation seen with solutions which contain 140 or 200 mOsmol of sucrose is dramatically better than that which we previously observed with such clinically popular kidney preservation solutions as Collins, Euro-Collins, and Sacks.
Effectiveness of a Second Course of OKT3 Monoclonal Anti-T Cell Antibody for Treatment of Renal Allograft Rejection

A second course of OKT3 monoclonal anti-T cell antibody was given to 21 recipients of kidney transplants. Rejections reversed in 43% of patients in whom 95% of rejections had reversed with their initial OKT3 course. Reversal was highly dependent upon the timing of rejection, anti-OKT3 antibody production, and T cell CD3 modulation. Rejections treated greater than 90 days after transplantation were resistant to OKT3 reversal. High-titer anti-OKT3 antibodies prevented OKT3 reversal of rejection, and effective CD3 (the cell surface target of OKT3) modulation was necessary for successful OKT3 reversal of rejection. Reexposure to OKT3 further stimulated anti-OKT3 antibody production and broadened the specificity of the antibodies produced. OKT3 can effectively and safely be used a second time for treatment of early T cell-mediated renal allograft rejections if high-titer anti-OKT3 antibodies have not been made.
Value of Laboratory Tests in the Differential Diagnosis of Hypercalcemia

Eighteen laboratory tests were compared in the differentiation of primary hyperparathyroidism from hypercalcemia associated with malignancy. Statistical comparisons of the test results were carried out in four patient groups and two control groups. The patient groups evaluated were those with confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism, those with malignancy with hypercalcemia, those with malignancy without hypercalcemia, and those with surgically cured primary hyperparathyroidism. These groups allowed determination of the relative diagnostic values of the tests and a rationale for their value. After exclusion of patients with renal failure from the patient and control groups, these data indicated that the laboratory tests with the greatest differential diagnostic value, in order of efficacy, were: albumin, carboxy-terminal parathyroid hormone, venous pH, cholesterol, chloride, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, and the chloride/phosphate ratio. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count also had some value, particularly in male patients. However, none of these tests individually achieved better than an 81 percent classification accuracy. With application of logistic discriminant analysis, only three tests--albumin, parathyroid hormone, and chloride--were identified as statistically significant in jointly improving the diagnostic separation between these two patient groups. Although the 94.4 percent classification accuracy achieved by use of these three variables in a logistic discriminant function was better than that obtained with any individual variable, incorrect classification was still a significant problem, particularly in the case of patients with malignancy and high concentrations of parathyroid hormone. With the exception of albumin and chloride measurements, the commonly available ancillary laboratory tests proposed to aid this differential diagnosis do not give any more information than the analysis of parathyroid hormone alone and merely add to the increased cost of medical care.
A novel carbon fiber based material and separation technology

Abstract Our novel carbon fiber based adsorbent material shows preferential uptake of CO 2 over other gases. The material has a unique combination of properties, which include a large micropore volume, a large BET surface area, and electrical conductivity. These properties have been exploited to effect the separation of CO 2 from a model gas (CH 4 ). Enhanced desorption is achieved using an electrical current passed through the material at low voltage. The manufacture, characterization, and CO 2 adsorption behavior of the materials is reported here, along with our novel electrical swing separation technology.
Fibromyxomatous Pseudotumor of the Scrotum

An unusual scrotal mass occurring in a 72-year-old man is described. Clinically and grossly, the lesion appeared to be a neoplasm. However, microscopically the mass was composed of fibromyxomatous tissue that appeared to be degenerative rather than neoplastic in nature.
Single mothers, the role of fathers, and the risk for child maltreatment

Abstract Single motherhood has long been linked to the risk for child maltreatment. However, little is known about the role of fathers in buffering mothers' risk for child maltreatment. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, this paper investigates (1) the ways in which non-resident fathers' economic contributions and involvement in parenting may moderate associations between mothers' transitions to being single and the risk for child maltreatment, and (2) whether these processes vary by race/ethnicity. Results indicate that mothers' transitions to being single are not strongly associated with the risk for child abuse. However, mothers' transitions to being single are associated with an increase in the risk for child neglect, and this is moderated by non-resident father involvement. Last, Black but not other mothers' transitions to being single are associated with the risk for child abuse, and are largely not moderated by non-resident father involvement.
Effectiveness of cross-cultural education for medical residents caring for burmese refugees

Background Limited resources are available to educate health professionals on cultural considerations and specific healthcare needs of Burmese refugees. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a module focused on cross-cultural considerations when caring for Burmese refugees. Methods A brief educational module using anonymously tracked pre- and post-intervention, self-administered surveys was developed and studied. The surveys measured pediatric and family medicine residents' knowledge, attitudes, and comfort in caring for Burmese refugees. Paired t-tests for continuous variables and Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables were used to test pre- and post-intervention differences. We included open-ended questions for residents to describe their experiences with the Burmese population. Results The survey was available to 173 residents. Forty-four pre- and post-intervention surveys were completed (response rate of 25%). Resident comfort in caring for Burmese increased significantly after the module (P = 0.04). Resident knowledge of population-specific cultural information increased regarding ethnic groups (P = 0.004), appropriate laboratory use (P = 0.04), and history gathering (P = 0.001). Areas of improved resident attitudes included comprehension of information from families (P = 0.03) and length of time required with interpreter (P = 0.01). Thematic evaluation of qualitative data highlighted four themes: access to interpreter and resources, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and relationship building with cultural considerations. Discussion A brief intervention for residents has the potential to improve knowledge, attitudes, and comfort in caring for Burmese patients. Interventions focused on cultural considerations in medical care may improve cultural competency when caring for vulnerable patient populations.
The Effect of Nafarelin Acetate, a Luteinizing-Hormone-Releasing Hormone Agonist, on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

We examined the influence of androgens on benign prostatic hyperplasia, using nafarelin acetate, a potent luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone agonist, to achieve reversible androgen deprivation in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Nine patients with bladder-outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia were treated with subcutaneous nafarelin acetate (400 micrograms per day) in an open trial for six months. In all patients, serum testosterone decreased to castrate levels. Objective observations included uroflowmetry, measurement of residual urine volume, determination of prostatic size by ultrasonography, and prostatic biopsy. In all patients, the prostate regressed to a mean (+/- SEM) of 75.8 +/- 3 percent of the initial size (range, 52 to 86; P less than 0.005); the regression reached a plateau after four months. Morphologic analysis of biopsy specimens showed regression of glandular epithelium. Three of nine patients had clinical improvement with treatment. Six months after the cessation of treatment, plasma testosterone levels had returned to normal and the size of the prostate had increased to 99 +/- 5.5 percent of the initial size. These findings suggest that androgens have an important supportive role in established benign prostatic hyperplasia and that testicular suppression will benefit some patients. However, this form of treatment could be applicable only in carefully selected patients who were not surgical candidates, and it would need to be maintained indefinitely.
Reachability problems for continuous chemical reaction networks

Chemical reaction networks (CRNs) model the behavior of molecules in a well-mixed solution. The emerging field of molecular programming uses CRNs not only as a descriptive tool, but as a programming language for chemical computation. Recently, Chen, Doty and Soloveichik introduced rate-independent continuous CRNs (CCRNs) to study the chemical computation of continuous functions. A fundamental question for any CRN model is reachability, the question whether a given target state is reachable from a given start state via a sequence of reactions (a path) in the network. In this paper, we investigate CCRN-REACH, the reachability problem for rate-independent continuous chemical reaction networks. Our main theorem is that, for CCRNs, deciding reachability—and constructing a path if there is one—is computable in polynomial time. This contrasts sharply with the known exponential space hardness of the reachability problem for discrete CRNs. We also prove that the related problem Sub-CCRN-REACH, which asks about reachability in a CCRN using only a given number of its reactions, is NP-complete.
Thrombotic Microangiopathies (TTP, HUS, HELLP)

Thrombocytopenia, strictly defined as a platelet count less than 150,000, is common in the emergency department. Recognition, diagnostic investigation, and proper disposition of a thrombocytopenic patient are imperative. One group of disorders leading to thrombocytopenia is the thrombotic microangiopathies, hallmarked by platelet destruction. These thrombotic microangiopathies include thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, low platelet count (HELLP), which should be distinguished from similar disease processes such as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). In this article, clinical presentations, pathophysiology, diagnostic workup, management plans, complications, and dispositions are addressed for this complex group of platelet disorders.
Counterfactual Spatial Distributions

The influential contributions of DiNardo, Fortin, and Lemieux (1996), Firpo, Fortin, and Lemieux (2009), Machado and Mata (2005), and Donald, Green, and Paarsch (2000) provide researchers with a useful toolbox to estimate counterfactual distributions of scalar random variables. These techniques have been widely applied in the literature. Typically, the dependent variable of interest has been a scalar and little consideration has been given to spatial factors. In this paper we propose a simple method to construct the counterfactual distribution of the location of a variable across space. We apply the spatial counterfactual technique to assess 1) how much changes in individual characteristics of Hispanics in the Washington, DC, area account for changes in the distribution of their residential location choices, and 2) how changes in the average characteristics of shareholders account for changes in the spatial distribution of new firms in Quito, Ecuador.
Sustainability factors in dynamical systems modeling: Simulating the non-linear aspects of multiple equilibria

Abstract What is sustainability? Sustainability is a concept that can be defined in many ways depending upon a society's perception of current material needs and the actual material needs of future generations. Much of our ability to achieve sustainability entails developing indicators and measurements that will guide us to this goal. This paper suggests that we can strengthen the prediction of sustainability indicators by adopting a “multiple equilibria” approach for a more effective decision-making process in various sectors of the economy, in ecosystem protection, or in political arenas. There is an emerging need for further development of predictive mathematical models of system sustainability over economic growth models for sustainable resource measurement and management. The objective of this paper is to use computer modeling and differential equations to simulate the “multiple equilibria” of a 3 variable real world system. In our study, we tested the theoretical validity of “multiple equilibria” sustainability modeling through simulated measurements of precipitation and nitrogen runoff into a hypothetical lake. As a quantitative tool to model, the “multiple equilibria” techniques can have tremendous predictive power for business leaders, political decision makers, and environmental scientists, and assist in better management of ecological, economic, and material resources in short-term and long-term end-use scenarios.
Two-Message Witness Indistinguishability and Secure Computation in the Plain Model from New Assumptions

We study the feasibility of two-message protocols for secure two-party computation in the plain model, for functionalities that deliver output to one party, with security against malicious parties. Since known impossibility results rule out polynomial-time simulation in this setting, we consider the common relaxation of allowing super-polynomial simulation.
Cancer history: A predictor of IPMN subtype and dysplastic status?

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to determine the association of PMH and FH of pancreatic (PDAC) and non-pancreatic cancers with IPMN malignant risk. Methods A retrospective review of a prospective database of IPMN patients undergoing resection was performed to assess FH and PMH. Results FH of PDAC was present in 13% of 362 included patients. Of these, 8% had at least one first degree relative (FDR) with PDAC. The rate of PDAC positive FH in non-invasive versus invasive IPMN patients was 14% and 8%, respectively (p = 0.3). In main duct IPMN patients, FH (44%) and PMH of non-pancreatic cancer (16%) was higher than that seen in branch duct IPMN (FH 29%; PMH 6%; p = 0.004 and 0.008). Conclusions FH of PDAC is not associated with IPMN malignant progression. FH and PMH of non-pancreatic cancer is associated with main duct IPMN, the subtype with the highest rate of invasive transformation.
Para beneficiar la plata: mano de obra, papel, y posición social en una refinería de plata durante el primer siglo del imperialismo español en el pueblo de Porco

Before the Spanish conquest, the town of Porco, in the Department of Potosi in modern-day Bolivia, was the site of one of the most important Inca mining projects. During the viceregal period it became the focus of the first Spanish silver mining operations of the in the Andes. This region offers an excellent opportunity for historical archeology to ask questions about the relationship between the states that organized such mining projects and the workers who exploited the ore. Such an undertaking grants us a better understanding of the dynamics that had a profound impact on the origins of the modern Andean economy. This article presents ethnohistorical and archaeological evidence in order to discuss the organization of colonial labor categories, and the development of the changing social roles and status of skilled workers associated with the south-central Andean mining industry. In doing so, I trace the regional transitions in labor from the Inca to Spanish empires. Excavations at the colonial site of Ferro Ingenio, a silver refinery in the San Juan Valley, southwest of the village of Porco, shed new light on labor in the first century of Spanish colonialism and how skilled indigenous workers negotiated their positions within colonial society.
Module Analysis Captures Pancancer Genetically and Epigenetically Deregulated Cancer Driver Genes for Smoking and Antiviral Response

Abstract The availability of increasing volumes of multi-omics profiles across many cancers promises to improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying cancer. The main challenge is to integrate these multiple levels of omics profiles and especially to analyze them across many cancers. Here we present AMARETTO, an algorithm that addresses both challenges in three steps. First, AMARETTO identifies potential cancer driver genes through integration of copy number, DNA methylation and gene expression data. Then AMARETTO connects these driver genes with co-expressed target genes that they control, defined as regulatory modules. Thirdly, we connect AMARETTO modules identified from different cancer sites into a pancancer network to identify cancer driver genes. Here we applied AMARETTO in a pancancer study comprising eleven cancer sites and confirmed that AMARETTO captures hallmarks of cancer. We also demonstrated that AMARETTO enables the identification of novel pancancer driver genes. In particular, our analysis led to the identification of pancancer driver genes of smoking-induced cancers and ‘antiviral’ interferon-modulated innate immune response. Software availability AMARETTO is available as an R package at https://bitbucket.org/gevaertlab/pancanceramaretto
Are passengers compensated for incurring an airport layover? Estimating the value of layover time in the U.S. airline industry

Abstract American, Delta, and United have organized their operations into extensive hub-and-spoke networks that typically require passengers originating and concluding travel in non-hub cities to board a connecting flight at a hub en route to the final destination. From the passenger perspective, layovers are detrimental since the addition to total travel time relative to a nonstop itinerary is a cost incurred by the passenger. An airline is able to reduce a passenger's layover time by narrowing the gap between flights at the connecting airport. However, narrowing this flight gap has the adverse effect of increasing airport congestion. Taking these perspectives into account, it is clear that layover time influences a prospective passenger's purchasing decision and an airline's flight scheduling decision. Using published fare and itinerary data from Google Flights, this paper provides insight into both decisions by providing empirical estimates on the value of layover time in the U.S. airline industry. This paper finds that passengers are compensated with a fare that is $42.74-$47.60 cheaper per hour of layover time. Of the three dominant legacy carriers, United passengers are found to be compensated at an even higher rate of $61.89 per hour.
Energy Harvesting and Sensing With Embedded Piezoelectric Ceramics in Knee Implants

The knee replacement is one of the most common orthopedic surgical interventions in the United States; however, recent studies have shown up to 20% of patients are dissatisfied with the outcome. One of the key issues to improving these operations is a better understanding of the ligamentous balance during and after surgery. The goal of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of embedding piezoelectric transducers in the polyethylene bearing of a total knee replacement to act as self-powered sensors to aid in the alignment and balance of the knee replacement by providing intra- and postoperative feedback to the surgeon. A model consisting of a polyethylene disc with a single embedded piezoelectric ceramic transducer is investigated as a basis for future work. A modeling framework is developed including a biomechanical model of the knee joint, a finite element model of the knee bearing with encapsulated transducer, and an electromechanical model of the piezoelectric transducer. Model predictions show that a peak voltage of 2.3 V with a load resistance of 1.01 MΩ can be obtained from a single embedded piezoelectric stack, and an average power of 12 μW can be obtained from a knee bearing with four embedded piezoelectric transducers. Uniaxial compression testing is also performed on a fabricated sample for model validation. The results found in this paper show promising potential of embedded piezoelectric transducers to be utilized for autonomous self-powered in vivo knee implant force sensors.