cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of nonuniform traffic in a switching network

This paper evaluates the performance of a switching network using nonuniform traffic models. The switching network is presented using the Benes (1965) topology and buffered switch elements. The nonuniform traffic refers to a traffic model with unevenly distributed routing and different intensity at certain output port destinations. The performance of the buffered network is analyzed applying nonuniform traffic in the form of hot-spot and community-of-interest. An analytical queueing model is developed for performance evaluation. Results of the performance evaluation on the network throughput and delay are presented.
Resilient rights protection for sensor streams

Today's world of increasingly dynamic computing environments naturally results in more and more data being available as fast streams. Applications such as stock market analysis, environmental sensing, web clicks and intrusion detection are just a few of the examples where valuable data is streamed. Often, streaming information is offered on the basis of a non-exclusive, single-use customer license. One major concern, especially given the digital nature of the valuable stream, is the ability to easily record and potentially "re-play" parts of it in the future. If there is value associated with such future re-plays, it could constitute enough incentive for a malicious customer (Mallory) to duplicate segments of such recorded data, subsequently re-selling them for profit. Being able to protect against such infringements becomes a necessity. In this paper we introduce the issue of rights protection for discrete streaming data through watermarking. This is a novel problem with many associated challenges including: operating in a finite window, single-pass, (possibly) high-speed streaming model, surviving natural domain specific transforms and attacks (e.g.extreme sparse sampling and summarizations), while at the same time keeping data alterations within allowable bounds. We propose a solution and analyze its resilience to various types of attacks as well as some of the important expected domain-specific transforms, such as sampling and summarization. We implement a proof of concept software (wms.*) and perform experiments on real sensor data from the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility at the University of Hawaii, to assess encoding resilience levels in practice. Our solution proves to be well suited for this new domain. For example, we can recover an over 97% confidence watermark from a highly down-sampled (e.g. less than 8%) stream or survive stream summarization (e.g. 20%) and random alteration attacks with very high confidence levels, often above 99%.
studies of human fibronectin adsorption onto plasma derivatized polystyrene

Abstract The adsorption of human fibronectin to polystyrene and ammonia plasma treated polystyrene was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance optics. Adsorption experiments using bulk protein concentrations of 0.2 and 0.02 mg/ml were performed in static buffer for 90 min. The ammonia plasma treated surface adsorbed less protein than the untreated surface. The protein adsorption kinetics were modeled by numerically solving the diffusion equation with various kinetic reaction rate expressions as part of the boundary condition at the wall. The protein infrared spectra were enhanced using Fourier self-deconvolution and spectral changes during adsorption were interpreted in terms of protein conformation changes. An increase in the beta structure content of the protein was seen upon adsorption.
Studies on polycysteine peptides and proteins. II. Apparent dissociation constants, and ultra-violet and infrared absorption spectra of isomeric cystinylcystine peptides.

Abstract The apparent dissociation constants, and ultraviolet and infrared absorption spectra were determined for l -cystinyl- l -cystine prepared by oxidation of l -cysteinyl- l -cysteine at pH 6.5 and at pH 8.5. The pK1′ and pK2′ values, relating to the two carboxyl groups, differed between themselves, but were identical for the two l -cystinyl- l -cystine preparations. The pK3′ and pK4′ values, relating to the two amino groups, not only differed between themselves, but differed significantly in the two l -cystinyl- l -cystine preparations. These results were interpreted in part as indicating considerable interaction among the ionizing groups which would be consistent with a condensed or ring structure for these compounds as previously suggested. The ultraviolet absorption between 205 and 280 mμ and the infrared absorption between 2 and 15 μ were in each case identical for the two l -cystinyl- l -cystine preparations. Under the same conditions, the spectra in the ultraviolet region were identical for l -cystinyl- d -cystine and d -cystinyl- l -cystine, and so too were the spectra of these compounds in the infrared region. Both ultraviolet and infrared spectra were, however, different for the optically diastereoisomeric cystinylcystine peptides. Even more striking were the differences noted in the infrared absorption spectra of optically diastereoisomeric alanylalanine peptides. The cystinylcystine peptides possess bands at 3.0, 3.2, 6.0, and 6.6 μ. The infrared spectra of the diastereoisomeric cystinylcystine peptides differ most markedly toward the longer wavelengths of the region studied. This is true also when comparisons are made of the infrared spectra of l -cystine and l -homocystine. The characteristic 240–250-mμ band of cystine in the ultraviolet is much less distinct in peptides of cystine, due in part to the intense absorption of the peptide link which rises toward the shorter wavelengths. Calculations of the contribution of the peptide bond to the absorption of the peptides at 205 mμ suggested an unusually high order of magnitude for this value in peptides involving cystine. The physical criteria employed in the present study did not reveal the striking differences between l -cystinyl- l -cystine (6.5) and l -cystinyl- l -cystine (8.5) which were observed when such criteria as optical rotation, paper chromatography and the formation of derivatives were employed. Indeed, the identical spectra plus the equal susceptibility of the two l -cystinyl- l -cystines to peptidase action suggest that the two compounds are identical in certain respects, and, by previous criteria, quite different in others. Further studies on this problem are in progress.
MODELING LIGHT ATTENUATION, SECCHI DISK, AND EFFECTS OF TRIPTON IN SENACA RIVER, NEW YORK, USA1

: The development, testing, and application of a probabilistic model framework for the light attenuation coefficient for downwelling irradiance (Kd) and Secchi disc transparency (SD) that resolves the effects of several light attenuating constituents, including phytoplankton and nonliving particles (tripton), is documented. The model is consistent with optical theory, partitioning the magnitudes of the light attenuating processes of absorption and scattering according to the contributions of attenuating constituents as simple summations. The probabilistic framework accommodates variations in the character and concentrations of these constituents and ambient conditions during measurements, and recognizes a linear relationship between the magnitudes of absorption and scattering by tripton. The model is tested and applied for a 21 km reach of the Seneca River, New York, that features optical gradients caused by an intervening hypereutrophic lake and dam, and a severe infestation of the exotic zebra mussel. The model is applied to resolve the roles of phytoplankton and tripton in regulating measured longitudinal patterns of SD along the study reach of the river and increases in SD since the zebra mussel invasion, and to predict decreases in Kd since the invasion.
TH-C-18C-01: MRI Safety

Clinical diagnostic medical physicists may be responsible for implementing and maintaining a comprehensive MR safety program. Accrediting bodies including the ACR, IAC, Radsite and The Joint Commission each include aspects of MR Safety into their imaging accreditation programs; MIPPA regulations further raise the significance of non-compliance. In addition, The Joint Commission recently announced New and Revised Diagnostic Imaging Standards for accredited health care organizations which include aspects of MR Safety. Hospitals and clinics look to the physicist to understand guidelines, regulations and accreditation requirements related to MR safety. The clinical medical physicist plays a significant role in a clinical practice by understanding the physical basis for the risks and acting as a facilitator to successfully implement a safety program that provides well-planned siting, allows for the safe scanning of certain implanted devices, and helps radiologists manage specific patient exams. The MRI scanning of specific devices will be discussed including cardiac pacemakers and neurostimulators such as deep brain stimulators. Furthermore for sites involved in MR guided interventional procedures, the MR physicist plays an essential role to establish safe practices. Creating a framework for a safe MRI practice includes the review of actual safety incidents or close calls to determine methods formore » prevention in the future. Learning Objectives: Understand the requirements and recommendations related to MR safety from accrediting bodies and federal regulations. Understand the Medical Physicist's roles to ensure MR Safety. Identify best practices for dealing with implanted devices, including pacemakers and deep brain stimulators. Review aspects of MR safety involved in an MR guided interventional environment. Understand the important MR safety aspects in actual safety incidents or near misses.« less
Understanding differences in substance use among bisexual and heterosexual young women.

Background Numerous studies have documented higher substance use rates among bisexual than heterosexual young women, although little is known about the developmental factors contributing to these differences. Based on self-reported sexual orientation collected at age 23, this study identified similarities and differences between bisexual and heterosexual women in their substance use at ages 14 and 18, compared these groups at ages 14 and 18 on key psychosocial factors known to predict young adult substance use, and determined whether these psychosocial factors at age 18 could account for sexual orientation differences in substance use at age 23. Methods Longitudinal survey data from a West Coast cohort were used to compare heterosexual ( n = 1,479) and bisexual ( n = 141) women on their substance use and psychosocial characteristics. Results During adolescence, bisexual women were more likely to have been current and solitary substance users; reported stronger pro-drug beliefs and lower resistance self-efficacy; perceived greater parental approval of their substance use; had more exposure to substance-using peers; and reported poorer mental health. By age 23, bisexual women had higher rates of current substance use, greater quantity and frequency of use, and more problematic alcohol and drug use. Differences in problematic use at age 23 could be partially explained by risk factors assessed five years earlier at age 18, particularly pro-drug social influences and beliefs. Conclusions Notwithstanding the lack of longitudinal data on sexual orientation, these results provide important insights regarding the drug prevention needs of bisexual women.
A High Sensitivity Semiconductor Diode Modulator for DC Current Measurement

A semiconductor diode modulator will be described capable of measuring dc currents down to 10-10 to 10-11 amperes. This modulator utilizes one diode although a second is normally installed for balance purposes in high sensitivity measurements. The modulator utilizes pulse techniques instead of sine waves which makes possible the high sensitivity. The circuit details of the modulator and design criteria will be discussed.
Kinetics of enzymatic lysis and disruption of yeast cells: II. A simple model of lysis kinetics.

A simple two-step model is proposed to describe the kinetics of the two lytic systems examined in the preceding article. The model predicts concentrations of yeast solids, soluble proteins, peptides, and carbohydrates. In the first reaction step, yeast cell mass is solubilized; in the second, the released protein can be hydolyzed to peptides. Kinetics for both yeast/lysis and the subsequent protein breakdown are based on Michaelis-Menten expressions. Terms have been included for competitive inhibition of yeast lysis by substances in the Cytophaga enzyme preparation, and for incomplete hydrolysis of cells by the Oerskovia enzyme system. Parameters have been independently determined for all reactions except Oerskovia proteolysis, where they were fit by a least-squares method to data from model test runs. The model has been verified for yeast concentrations between 0.7 and 70 g/L yeast (dry basis) and 4-40% crude enzyme solution. (Refs. 45).
Teacher Development: The Struggle of Beginning Teachers in Creating Moral (Caring) Classroom Environments.

Beginning teacher development involves both a personal and professional reorganization of major individual investments. In a longitudinal study of first‐year teachers across the first year of teaching, these dual processes were found to significantly challenge beginning teacher development and confidence. In this paper, the simultaneous development of the new teacher as an emergent adult and emergent teacher is examined through the language of new teachers participating in a first‐year support group. Findings suggest reduced concerns for self as a classroom disciplinarian and increased concerns for human relationships within the classroom and in achieving perceived success in creating a safe and caring environment for students. Strong concerns for students and others emerge and overtake concerns of self during the second half of the novice year. Implications for programs that emphasize a caring environment in teacher and adult development, induction and future research are discussed.
A Meta-Analytic Review of Gender Variations in Adults' Language Use: Talkativeness, Affiliative Speech, and Assertive Speech:

Three separate sets of meta-analyses were conducted of studies testing for gender differences in adults' talkativeness, affiliative speech, and assertive speech. Across independent samples, statistically significant but negligible average effects sizes were obtained with all three language constructs: Contrary to the prediction, men were more talkative (d = —.14) than were women. As expected, men used more assertive speech (d = .09), whereas women used more affiliative speech (d = .12). In addition, 17 moderator variables were tested that included aspects of the interactive context (e.g., familiarity, gender composition, activity), measurement qualities (e.g., operational definition, observation length), and publication characteristics (e.g., author gender, publication source). Depending on particular moderators, more meaningful effect sizes (d > .2) occurred for each language construct. In addition, the direction of some gender differences was significantly reversed under particular conditions. The resul...
Rain Resulting from Melting Ice Particles

Abstract By means of a zenith-pointing radar, observations were made of the reflectivities and Doppler spectra in orthogonal planes as a dissipating shower exhibiting a bright band passed overhead. The observations have been used to test various procedures for estimating hydrometeor parameters from measurements of radar reflectivitity. They involve assumptions that the raindrop diameters were exponentially distributed, preferably in the manner prescribed by the Marshall-Palmer distribution. It is concluded that, in this case, such an assumption was not valid in regions where it was expected to be valid. As a consequence, estimates of median raindrop diameters and updraft velocities calculated from radar reflectivities were in error. The analyses indicate that raindrop size sorting under the influence of vertical wind shear can account for the observed non-exponential size distributions.
LOGARITHMIC SOBOLEV INEQUALITIES OF SYMMETRIC DIFFUSIONS

Let E be a Polish space, M 1(E) be the space of probability measures on E and B(E; ℝ) be the space of bounded measurable real valued functions on E. For a given μ ∈ M 1 (E), we write \( _{\mu }} = {\smallint _{E}}fd\mu \) and \( \left \| f \right \|_p=\left \| f \right \|_{Lp(\mu )} \). Let {Pt: t > 0} be a μ-symmetric Markov semigroup on E with generator L. We will suppose that the domain of L contains an algebra A \( \subseteq \) B(E; ℝ) dense in L p(μ), 1 ≤ p < ∞, which is closed under L, P t and the composition of C ∞-functions. Moreover the semigroup should be sufficiently mixing so that for all f ∈ A, $$ \mathop{{{\text{lim}}}}\limits_{{t \to \infty }} {P_{t}}f = \mu $$ in $$ L^p(\mu ),1\leq p< \infty $$ .
Observations on the Natural History, Development, Range, and Future of Eubulusparochus(Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract Field observations on the natural history and development of Eubulus parochus (Herbst) in north central Vermont, U.S.A. are described. The weevil's associations with its host tree, butternut (Juglans cinerea L.), and the fungus causing mortality of the tree throughout its range in North America are discussed. Decline of butternut may threaten the future existence of E. parochus. Alternative host tree species are unconfirmed, but suspected, since the weevil's reported geographic range extends beyond the range of J. cinerea.
Effect of rhGH and rhIGF-I treatment on protein utilization in elderly women

To assess the effect of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) and recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (rhIGF-I) on protein utilization, 14 women, age 66-82 yr, were invited to particip...
NEUROIMAGING BIOMARKERS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN BRAIN AGING AND INJURY

Elderly individuals who sustain a TBI have worse clinical outcomes than younger patients, although the basis for this discrepancy remains poorly understood. Oxidative stress is a key driver of pathophysiology in traumatic brain injury (TBI), and progressive changes in redox status have also been demonstrated in normal brain aging. We used non-invasive proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to investigate the effects of age and injury on brain antioxidants (glutathione and ascorbate) in rats. Since glutathione is found primarily in astroglia whereas ascorbate predominates in neurons, 1H-MRS provides complementary information about glial and neuronal redox responses to pathophysiological stress. In normal aging brain, ascorbate was lower than in younger adults. After TBI, we found decreases in brain glutathione and ascorbate that were related to injury severity. TBI in aged animals resulted in larger and more prolonged decreases in hippocampal glutathione. Our results provide in vivo evidence of oxidative stress in brain aging and injury, and suggest that oxidative stress may contribute to poorer cognitive recovery in elderly individuals following TBI. Antioxidants may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for this vulnerable patient population. Moreover, 1H-MRS provides a potential translational tool for tracking antioxidant efficacy in vivo.
Determination of the Surface Charge Density of Colloidal Gold Nanoparticles Using Second Harmonic Generation

Second harmonic generation is used to investigate the surface charge density of 50 nm colloidal gold nanoparticles in water. The gold nanoparticles are thiolated with mercaptosuccinic acid and are dialyzed in ultrapure water to remove excess salts and reactants. The second harmonic generation signal from the nanoparticle sample is measured as a function of added sodium chloride and magnesium chloride salt concentrations using the χ(3) technique. The experimental results are fit to the Gouy–Chapman model and to numerical solutions to the spherical Poisson–Boltzmann equation that account for the nanoparticle surface curvature, the different salt valences, and ion adsorption to the Stern layer interface. The best fits use the numerical solutions including ion adsorption and determine the initial surface charge density to be (−2.0 ± 0.1) × 10–3 C/m2 at the gold nanoparticle surface, in agreement with electrophoretic mobility measurements. In addition, the sodium ion is observed to adsorb with a higher surface...
Quantum Zeno effect based high speed optical modulator at a telecom wavelength in a ladder transition in Rb atoms

We show theoretical simulations of how a high speed optical modulator can be realized at a telecommunication wavelength using the buffer gas induced relaxation in a ladder transition in Rb atoms at room temperature.
Framing Feedback for School Improvement around Distributed Leadership.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to examine the utility of framing formative feedback to improve school leadership with a focus on task-based evaluation of distributed leadership rather than on role-based evaluation of an individual leader. Research Methods/Approach: Using data from research on the development of the Comprehensive Assessment of Leadership for Learning, we examine ways to design formative evaluation and feedback organized around distributed leadership practices. This study draws on qualitative data from iterative design research conducted with middle and high school principals, assistant principals, teachers, and staff in 2011. Findings: Many challenges in providing actionable, multirater feedback were addressed by using an assessment instrument that focused on measuring distributed instructional leadership practices. Users reported that task-based multirater feedback provided transparency in communicating a clear theory of action for school improvement and fostered formal and infor...
Is Irony Good for America? The Threat of Nihilism, the Importance of Romance, and the Power of Cultural Forms:

This paper examines three discussions in the American public sphere between 1998 and 2008 about whether irony is good for America: the response to a 1999 book against irony, the declared ‘death of ...
Identification of the telomeres on Schistosoma mansoni chromosomes by FISH

The telomeres (molecular termini) of chromosomes play an important role in maintaining the structural integrity of the chromosome. Using a deoxyoligomer that contains the core sequence TTAGGG, we identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) the telomeres on all 8 pairs of Schistosoma mansoni mitotic metaphase chromosomes. Our results indicate that S. mansoni exhibits a telomere sequence typical of other species.
Understanding the Disability Dynamics of Youth: Health Condition and Limitation Changes for Youth and Their Influence on Longitudinal Survey Attrition

Disability status—experiencing a functional limitation caused by a health condition—is dynamic throughout the life cycle, even during adolescence and young adulthood. We use data from the 1997 cohort of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to better understand these dynamics, examining how health condition and limitation statuses evolve during adolescence and young adulthood as well as how changes in these characteristics are related to survey nonresponse and attrition. Health condition and limitation dynamics are evident in our data: the proportion of sample members who reported having a limitation in their activities for any interview increased from approximately 12 % during the initial interview (when sample members were 12 to 17 years old) to almost 25 % 13 years later. Multivariate analyses revealed that women are more likely than men to report changes in health condition or limitation status. Those with mild limitations were relatively less likely than those without limitations or with severe limitations to experience changes in limitation status. Somewhat surprisingly, a survival analysis of survey participation outcomes found limited correlation among health conditions, limitations, and either missing a survey interview for the first time or permanently leaving the survey sample.
Determination of 16 kinds of toxicants in workplace air by gas chromatography

Objective:To establish a method for determining 16 kinds of toxicants in the air of workplace with the capillary gas chromatography of carbon disulphide desorption.Methods:Cleaning CS2 by the adsorption of activated carbon,FID detector,separating by HP-FFAP column and determinating by gas chromatography.Results:The 16 kinds of toxicants were separated well.The linear ranges of acetone,carbontetrachloride,butanone,dichloromethanl,benzene,methyl isobutyl ketone(MIBK),trichloromethane,toluene,1.2-dichloroethane,ethyl benzene,p.m.o-xylenestyenl,styrene,cyclohexanone and biphenyl were 79.0～1264.0,159.4～2550.4,40.3～644.8,132.6～2121.6,22.0～351.2,40.0～638.2,296.6～4746.4,21.7～346.4,31.3～500.8,21.7～347.2,21.6～344.8,21.6～345.6,22.0～352.0,22.7～362.4,72.5～1160.0,11.3～180.8 μg/ml.The rate of recovery were 89.4%～102.0% and RSD of apex area were 0.38%～2.7%.Conclusion:The method is applicable in simultaneously determining the 16 kinds of toxicants in workplace air.
Integrating Genetics and Genomics into Nursing Curricula: You Can Do It Too!

Rapid advances in knowledge and technology related to genomics cross health care disciplines and touch almost every aspect of patient care. The ability to sequence a genome holds the promise that health care can be personalized. Health care professionals are faced with a gap in the ability to use the rapidly expanding technology and knowledge related to genomics in practice. Yet, nurses are key to bridging the gap between genomic discoveries and the human experience of illness. This article presents a case study documenting the experience of five nursing schools/colleges of nursing as they work to integrate genetics and genomics into their curricula.
A clinical variable-based predictive model of delayed clearance of high dose methotrexate (HDMTX) in patients (pts) with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL).

2040Background: HDMTX remains the backbone of therapy for pts with PCNSL and delayed clearance may lead to higher rates of treatment-induced toxicities. It is unknown whether readily available pre-...
Variations in Organic Acid Profiles of Thermally Processed Green Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) of Different Varietals

Four varieties of green beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Lake Shasta, Lake Geneva, Slimgreen, and Cascade), grown under the same conditions were analyzed for organic acid content and pH. Each variety was comminuted and processed in TDT tubes with an FO value of 4.9 at temperatures of 240 and 280 F. All analyses were conducted in duplicate using an Automatic Organic Acid Analyzer (Waters Associates, Milford, Mass.). Differences in the organic acid content were determined statistically at the 95% significance level for each acid. The organic acid profiles for the beans showed qualitative variations which appeared to be somewhat variety dependent and changes in the acid profile to a particuler variety on processing appeared to be dependent on the variety. The effects of processing on the pH of the samples appeared to be quite similar. All varieties contained acetic, fumaric, lactic, succinic, α-ketoglutaric, malic, and citric acids both initially and after processing.
Development of a Nutrition Education Intervention for Food Bank Clients

The focus of this article is the development of a nutrition education intervention for food bank clients. Formative research using mixed-methods (qualitative and quantitative) and community-based participatory research principles was conducted to assess the nutrition education needs of clients obtaining service from the Houston Food Bank (HFB). Participants were HFB and pantry staff and clients. Interview data were coded and analyzed using grounded theory approach. Themes were then identified. Quantitative data were analyzed for frequencies and descriptives. Data were used to tailor the curriculum to the target population. Six HFB staff, 49 pantry staff from 17 pantries, and 54 clients from 10 pantries participated in interviews and focus groups and completed questionnaires. The participants provided opinion on the current nutrition education provided via the food bank and made suggestions on strategies for development of an intervention. Their feedback was used to develop the six-session intervention curriculum to be delivered over 6 months. This research provides evidence that it is critical for members of the target audience be included in formative research to develop behavior change programs that are relevant and appealing and target their needs and interests.
Voice-transformation-based data augmentation for prosodic classification

In this work we explore data-augmentation techniques for the task of improving the performance of a supervised recurrent-neural-network classifier tasked with predicting prosodic-boundary and pitch-accent labels. The technique is based on applying voice transformations to the training data that modify the pitch baseline and range, as well as the vocal-tract and vocal-source characteristics of the speakers to generate further training examples. We demonstrate the validity of the approach by improving performance when the amount of base labeled examples is small (showing reductions in the range of 7%–12% for reduced-data conditions) as well as in terms of its generalization to speakers unseen in the training set (showing a relative reduction in the error rate of 8.74% and 4.75%, on the average, for boundaries and accent tasks respectively, in leave-one-speaker-out validation).
The Extent of Mechanical Esophageal Deviation to Avoid Esophageal Heating During Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract Objectives This study sought to determine the extent of lateral esophageal displacement required during mechanical esophageal deviation (MED) and to eliminate luminal esophageal temperature elevation (LET Elev ) during pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. Background MED is a conceptually attractive strategy of minimizing esophageal injury while allowing uninterrupted energy delivery along the posterior left atrium during PV isolation. Methods MED was performed using a malleable metal stylet within a plastic tube placed within the esophagus. Barium was instilled to characterize the trailing esophageal edge. For each MED attempt, the MED Effective , defined as the distance from the trailing esophageal edge-to-ablation line, was correlated to occurrences of LET Elev . Results In 114 consecutive patients/221 PV pairs undergoing MED (age 62.1 ± 11 years, 75% men, 62%/38% paroxysmal/persistent AF), esophageal stretching invariably occurred such that the esophageal edge trailed behind the plastic tube. MED Effective distances of 0 mm to 10 mm, 10 mm to 15 mm, 15 mm to 20 mm or >20 mm were achieved in 60 (27.1%), 64 (29%), 48 (21.7%), and 49 (22.2%) attempts, respectively. Overall, LET elevation >38°C occurred in 81 of 221 (36.7%) PV pairs. The incidence of LET Elev among the 4 groups was 73.3%, 35.9%, 25%, and 4.1%, respectively. MED Effective distances were 9.1 ± 6.5 mm and 18 ± 7.6 mm in patients with and without LET Elev , respectively (p Conclusions Mechanical esophageal deviation >20 mm from the PV ablation line prevents significant esophageal heating during PV isolation, but this level of displacement was difficult to safely achieve with this off-the-shelf mechanical stylet approach.
Multi-omics profiling establishes the polypharmacology of FDA Approved CDK4/6 inhibitors and its impact on drug response

The target profiles of many drugs are established early in their development and are not systematically revisited at the time of approval, raising the question whether human therapeutics with the same nominal targets but different chemical structures are functionally equivalent. In this paper we use five distinct phenotypic and biochemical assays to compare approved inhibitors of the cyclin-dependent kinases CDK4/6 (palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib) that are promising therapies for hormone-receptor positive breast cancer. We find that transcriptional, proteomic and phenotypic changes induced by the three drugs differ significantly and that abemaciclib has activates overlapping those of the older generation CDK inhibitor alvocidib. Abemaciclib9s activities arise from inhibition of kinases other than CDK4/6 including CDK2/Cyclin A/E and CDK1/Cyclin B. Our data suggest the potential for differential use in the clinic and argue that a multi-faceted experimental and computational approach is necessary to obtain a reliable picture of kinase inhibitor target spectrum.
On the selection of localization radius in ensemble filtering for multiscale quasigeostrophic dynamics

AbstractCovariance localization remedies sampling errors due to limited ensemble size in ensemble data assimilation. Previous studies suggest that the optimal localization radius depends on ensemble size, observation density and accuracy, as well as the correlation length scale determined by model dynamics. A comprehensive localization theory for multiscale dynamical systems with varying observation density remains an active area of research. Using a two-layer quasigeostrophic (QG) model, this study systematically evaluates the sensitivity of the best Gaspari–Cohn localization radius to changes in model resolution, ensemble size, and observing networks. Numerical experiment results show that the best localization radius is smaller for smaller-scale components of a QG flow, indicating its scale dependency. The best localization radius is rather insensitive to changes in model resolution, as long as the key dynamical processes are reasonably well represented by the low-resolution model with inflation method...
Pregnancy and Motherhood During Surgical Training.

Importance Although family priorities influence specialty selection and resident attrition, few studies describe resident perspectives on pregnancy during surgical training. Objective To directly assess the resident experience of childbearing during training. Design, Setting, and Participants A self-administered 74-question survey was electronically distributed in January 2017 to members of the Association of Women Surgeons, to members of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery listserv, and through targeted social media platforms. Surgeons who had 1 or more pregnancies during an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited US general surgery residency program and completed training in 2007 or later were included. Important themes were identified using focus groups of surgeons who had undergone pregnancy during training in the past 7 years. Additional topics were identified through MEDLINE searches performed from January 2000 to July 2016 combining the keywordspregnancy,resident,attrition, andparentingin any specialty. Main Outcomes and Measures Descriptive data on perceptions of work schedule during pregnancy, maternity leave policies, lactation and childcare support, and career satisfaction after childbirth. Results This study included 347 female surgeons (mean [SD] age, 30.5 [2.7] years) with 452 pregnancies. A total of 297 women (85.6%) worked an unmodified schedule until birth, and 220 (63.6%) were concerned that their work schedule adversely affected their health or the health of their unborn child. Residency program maternity leave policies were reported by 121 participants (34.9%). A total of 251 women (78.4%) received maternity leave of 6 weeks or less, and 250 (72.0%) perceived the duration of leave to be inadequate. The American Board of Surgery leave policy was cited as a major barrier to the desired length of leave by 268 of 326 respondents (82.2%). Breastfeeding was important to 329 (95.6%), but 200 (58.1%) stopped earlier than they wished because of poor access to lactation facilities and challenges leaving the operating room to express milk. Sixty-four women (18.4%) had institutional support for childcare, and 231 (66.8%) reported a desire for greater mentorship on integrating a surgical career with motherhood and pregnancy. A total of 135 (39.0%) strongly considered leaving surgical residency, and 102 (29.5%) would discourage female medical students from a surgical career, specifically because of the difficulties of balancing pregnancy and motherhood with training. Conclusions and Relevance The challenges of having children during surgical residency may have significant workforce implications. A deeper understanding is critical to prevent attrition and to continue recruiting talented students. This survey characterizes these issues to help design interventions to support childbearing residents.
Response to comment on `Protein crystal lattices are dynamic assemblies: the role of conformational entropy in the protein condensed phase'

A response is given to Nespolo's comment [IUCrJ (2018), 5, https://doi.org/10.1107/S2052252518006267] about the usage of the the term 'crystal lattice' in Dimova & Devedjiev [IUCrJ (2018), 5, 130-140].
Transport Processes Involving Organic Chemicals

Ground-water use in the USA has more than doubled between 1950 and 1975, and more than 40% of the USA population utilizes ground water as a drinking-water source. These figures, coupled with the enormous cost of ground water remediation, underscore the importance of understanding chemical transport through soil and in ground water. This document discusses three aspects of organic chemical transport. How cationic surfactants effectively increase the organic carbon content, and thus the sorption capacity, of geologic material is discussed. Conversely, if a mobile hydrophobic phase is present, such as colloidal sized organic particles dispersed in the aqueous phase, chemical transport may be greatly facilitated through sorption on the mobile organic phase. Finally, how chemical transport in the presence of residual hydrocarbons results from the entrapment of hydrocarbonaceous fluids, such as petroleum-derived fuels and solvents, in the pore space of geologic material.
Excess Quantum Noise in Nonnormal Oscillators

The eigenmodes or “normal modes” of many common laser cavities are in fact eigensolutions of nonhermitian or non-self-adjoint operators, and this unfamiliar circumstance leads to distinctly “nonnormal” behavior for such lasers. Elementary examples include the transverse modes in gain-guided diode lasers and geometrically unstable optical resonators, the longitudinal modes in lasers with large output coupling at one end, and the polarization modes of twisted birefringent cavities. The modes of these systems are all nonorthogonal in the usual power-orthogonal or energy-orthogonal sense, and as a consequence many of the conventional conclusions of classical and quantum noise theory must be substantially modified. Laser oscillators having nonnormal cavity modes are subject in particular to a so-called Petermann excess noise factor or a large excess spontaneous emission per mode. These excess noise properties have been decisively confirmed by observations of greatly increased Schawlow-Townes linewidths in such lasers.
Chemical Crystallography: Past, Present and Future

In its early days X-ray crystallography was practiced mainly by physicists, but in recent years the predominant interactions have been with chemists, with the molecular biologist running a close second place. Computer technology and the invention of the direct method for solving the phase problem have made X-ray crystal structure analysis a robotic procedure similar to solution NMR spectroscopy. An important frontier of the science now lies in the use of the special properties of the X-ray and neutron beams which will be discussed at this meeting.
Effect of vitamin A deficiency on the early response to experimental Pseudomonas keratitis.

Purpose Vitamin A-deficient humans and animals are more susceptible to infections than are healthy humans and animals. This study compares the early corneal response (within 24 hours) to an experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection between vitamin A deficient and control rats. Methods Male WAG/Rij/MCW rats were fed either a vitamin A- deficient diet (A-) or the same diet with retinyl palmitate added back in a nonrestricted manner (N) or under pair-fed conditions (A+) to yield weight-matched rats. Some A-rats were repleted wih retinyl palmitate 16 days before being killed and then given free access to the retinyl palmitate-supplemented diet (R). Twenty-four hours before being killed, the corneas of anesthetized rats were scratched and P. aeruginosa organisms were applied to the corneal surface. The rats were killed using an overdose of sodium pentobarbital. Corneas were either processed for light and electron microscopic examination or extracted for proteinase and myeloperoxidase determination. Corneal myeloperoxidase concentrations relative to neutrophil myeloperoxidase concentrations were used to determine the number of neutrophils in the cornea. Zymography was used to study caseinases, gelatinases, and plasminogen activators. Reverse zymography was used to detect proteinase inhibitors. Similar results were noted at early, mid, and late weight plateau stages of vitamin A deficiency. Results Ulceration occurred within 24 hours when low numbers of P. aeruginosa (10(4) cpu) were applied topically onto scratched A- corneas, whereas no ulceration was observed in the A+, R, and N corneas. When higher numbers of P. aeruginosa (10(7)-10(8)) were applied to the scratched corneas, all corneas became ulcerated within 24 hours. The extent of ulceration in the control corneas was greater than that in A- corneas by a factor of two. Only the A- corneas contained inflammatory cells with unusual striated deposits in phagolysosomes. The total number of neutrophils in the cornea and the concentrations of caseinases, plasminogen activators, and gelatinases in the infected corneal extracts were similar; however, the concentrations of cysteine proteinase inhibitors were elevated under A- conditions. Conclusions Vitamin A deficiency alters the response of the cornea to a P. aeruginosa infection during the first 24 hours. The alterations observed are probably due to multiple factors: an insufficient tear film for bacterial clearance and migration of neutrophils, epithelial keratinization, alterations in corneal wound healing, and changes in polymorphonuclear function.
Evaluating HIV/AIDS Disparities for Blacks in the United States: A Review of Antiretroviral and Mortality Studies

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify studies that evaluated HIV/AIDS disparities by examining differences in the receipt of antiretroviral therapy and differences in mortality between blacks and whites in the United States. The authors conducted 2 Web-based literature searches of the MEDLINE database for published peer reviewed scientific articles that analyzed black race as a predictor of antiretroviral therapy and mortality. Five reports met the criteria for the antiretroviral literature search, whereas seven reports met the criteria for the mortality literature search. After evaluating individual study results, it appears the evidence to identify racial differences in the receipt of antiretroviral therapy as well as the evidence to document disparities in mortality is either limited or mixed. Further research is needed to support or refute the hypothesis that there are inequalities for blacks with HIV/AIDS.
A novel RAS internal tandem duplication involving the switch II domain disrupts GAP-binding and activates oncogenic signaling.

e15069Background: Recent clinical guidelines for expansion of molecular testing of oncogenic RAS mutations in colorectal carcinoma have led to increased identification of mutations in this patient ...
Facing the Pariah of Science: The Frankenstein Myth as a Social and Ethical Reference for Scientists

Since its first publication in 1818, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus has transcended genres and cultures to become a foundational myth about science and technology across a multitude of media forms and adaptations. Following in the footsteps of the brilliant yet troubled Victor Frankenstein, professionals and practitioners have been debating the scientific ethics of creating life for decades, never before have powerful tools for doing so been so widely available. This paper investigates how engaging with the Frankenstein myth may help scientists gain a more accurate understanding of their own beliefs and opinions about the social and ethical aspects of their profession and their work. The paper presents findings from phenomenological interviews with twelve scientists working on biotechnology, robotics, or artificial intelligence projects. The results suggest that the Frankenstein myth, and the figure of Victor Frankenstein in particular, establishes norms for scientists about what is considered unethical and dangerous in scientific work. The Frankenstein myth both serves as a social and ethical reference for scientists and a mediator between scientists and the society. Grappling with the cultural ubiquity of the Frankenstein myth prepares scientists to face their ethical dilemmas and create a more transparent research agenda. Meanwhile, by focusing on the differences between real scientists and the imaginary figure of Victor Frankenstein, scientists may avoid being labeled as dangerous individuals, and could better conceptualize the potential societal and ethical perceptions and implications of their research.
Multifunctional Liquid Marble Compound Lenses.

Mosquito compound eyes are elaborate multifunctional hierarchical structures. The presence of ordered curved features spanning length scales of nanometers to millimeters provides the mosquito eye w...
Climate Change and Global Religious Pluralism

In social scientific examinations of religious pluralism, the typical scale of analysis is the nation state, though considerations at the community or neighbourhood level are also common (e.g., Mislin in Saving Faith: Making Religious Pluralism an American Value at the Dawn of the Secular Age. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY, 2015; Phan in The Joy of Religious Pluralism: A Personal Journey. Orbis Books, Maryknoll, 2014). Scholars have devoted considerable energy to the task of understanding the dynamism of the so-called ‘religious marketplace’ in the United States or to the status of minoritarian traditions in nations with established religious institutions.
Chapter 35 – Nutrition and Prostate Cancer

In this chapter, we discuss the epidemiologic evidence for associations of dietary factors with prostate cancer risk, and the potential for diet to play a role in prostate cancer prevention. We use the conclusions of an authoritative report, Continuous Update Project Report: Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Prostate Cancer (WCRF International/AICR, 2014), as a starting point, and then review the findings from more recent studies to make an overall assessment of the literature. We include dietary patterns, foods, and dietary constituents that have been associated with an increased or a decreased risk of the disease. Although no specific dietary relationships have been established conclusively, the likelihood that certain dietary components or general eating patterns influence the risk of prostate cancer remains high. Because dietary interventions have the potential to reduce the incidence and improve the survival rates of prostate cancer, continued research on this topic should be a high priority.
Interprofessional perspectives on faculty-to-faculty incivility from nursing and social work.

Healthcare delivery systems frequently require interprofessional collaboration between members of several health and social care professions. In the United States, two of the largest are nursing an...
Utility of DSM-5 Criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has called for further research on Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) by placing it in Section III of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). Research ...