cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Debitage variability among multiple flint knappers

Five flint knappers produced both multidirectional cores and early stage bifaces. The debitage assemblages were compared to evaluate if, and to what degree, the debitage created by one flint knapper varies from that of other flint knappers. The debitage from these reduction episodes was then analyzed with commonly used and replicable debitage attributes. Each knapper was evaluated in terms of his/her individual consistency, and the debitage produced was tested for each ratio scale debitage attribute to ensure that the variability found between knappers was not a product of variation within the assemblages of the individual knappers. The debitage from the individual flint knappers was found to be highly variable between knappers for both technologies.
The Effect of Crevice‐Opening Dimension on the Stability of Crevice Corrosion for Nickel in Sulfuric Acid

The role of the crevice-opening dimension, a, on the stability of crevice corrosion was investigated in the Ni/1 N H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} system. The electrode potential and current distributions inside the crevice were measured and calculated, respectively. Other variables, in particular the composition of the electrolyte, were constrained from changing during the experiment. The passive/active boundary, x{sub pass}, moved further into the crevice for increasing a, and was in close agreement with the calculated value using the IR = {Delta}{Phi}{sup *} relation. A sharp upper limiting value, a{sub lim}, for a given crevice depth, l, above which crevice corrosion does not occur, was predicted and experimentally observed. The potential E{sub pass} at x{sub pass} on the crevice wall corresponded approximately to the potential of the passive/active transition of the bulk solution polarization curve.
Effects of the Hypocholesteremic Agent SC-11952 on the Laying Hen

Abstract Recently, numerous inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis have received considerable attention. Some of these agents are apparently successful, but some, such as triparanol, have serious side effects when given to experimental animals. Nichols et al. (1962) reported that triparanol reduced growth rate in young chickens, and egg weight and egg production in the laying hen. Nelson et al. (1962) and Burgress et al. (1962) reported similar results with laying hens. Aaronson et al. (1962) found that triparanol inhibited the multiplication of certain sterol-synthesizing phytoflagellates and at least one non-sterol-synthesizing ciliate. Following trials with triparanol, it was decided to study another hypocholesteremic compound, SC-119522, to see if it also had undesirable side effects when administered to laying hens. Duplicate pens of eight Rhode Island Red hens per pen were assigned to each treatment and were fed a corn-soy all-mash diet. Experimental treatments were 0, 24, and 60 mg. of SC-11952 per pound …
Lifetime measurements of high polarization strained-superlattice gallium arsenide at beam current >1 milliamp using a new 100kv load lock photogun

A new GaAs DC high voltage load lock photogun has been constructed at Jefferson Laboratory (JLab), with improved vacuum and photocathode preparation capabilities. As reported previously, this gun was used to study photocathode lifetime with bulk GaAs at DC beam currents between 1 and 10 mA. In this submission, lifetime measurements were performed using high polarization strained-superlattice GaAs photocathode material at beam currents to 1 mA, with near bandgap light from a fiber based drive laser having picosecond optical pulses and RF time structure.
In vitro activity of AZD2563, a novel oxazolidinone, against European Gram-positive cocci

AZD2563 is a new oxazolidinone that has targeted activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The in vitro activity of AZD2563 and nine comparators against 1543 European enterococcal, staphylococcal and streptococcal isolates was determined. The compound is a potent oxazolidinone, with no isolate tested displaying an MIC > 4 mg/L and 94.4% having an MIC < or =2 mg/L. Compared with linezolid, the distribution of MICs for all species of bacteria tested, with the exception of Enterococcus faecium, was shifted by one or two dilution steps to lower values for AZD2563. Thus, this oxazolidinone is a promising new antibiotic for the treatment of infections with Gram-positive cocci.
Seasonal and interannual modulation of mixed layer variability at 0°, 110°W

Long, high resolution time series from the 01, 1101W tropical atmosphere ocean mooring in the eastern equatorial Pacific are used to analyze how warm and cold phases of El Ni * no-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the annual cycle modulate the near-surface stratification and sea-surface temperature (SST) diurnal cycle. During the annual warm season (February–April), when solar warming is large and wind mixing weak, the isothermal-mixed layer depth (MLDT ) is shallow (typically 10 m deep) and the 1 m SST diurnal cycle amplitude is large (typically up to 0.41C). Likewise during the remainder of the year when SST is generally cool, typically the diurnal cycle amplitude is less than 0.21C and the isothermal-mixed layer is deeper than 20 m. Thus, annual variations in wind and insolation, which lead to an annual cycle in SST, also cause annual modulation of the SST diurnal cycle and near-surface stratification, consistent with one-dimensional mixed layer physics. However, on interannual time scales, mixed layer physics are more complicated. In particular, the diurnal cycle amplitude and MLDT anomalies are out of phase with the SST anomalies. MLDT is anomalouslydeep and the SST diurnal cycle amplitude is anomalouslylow during the warm phase of ENSO. On these longer timescales, MLDT tends to be stronglyinfluenced bythermocline-depth variability. In addition, salinity stratified barrier layers large enough to support temperature inversions were often observed at 01, 1101W during the final stage of El Ni * nos. As SST rose above 28.51C during the final stage of the 1997–1998 El Ni * no, a regime shift was observed, with large temperature inversions, a relative increase in SST diurnal cycle amplitude, and large variability in the mixed-layer depth. It is likely that barrier layers (inferred from temperature inversions) allowed warm conditions to remain, even as the thermocline and mixed-layer depths shoaled. r 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Improvement of Treatment Plans Developed with Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy for Concave-shaped Head and Neck Tumors

PURPOSE: To improve dose conformity and normal tissue sparing in patients with concave-shaped head and neck cancers by using tomotherapy and static step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and by comparing results with those of three-dimensional (3D) conformal radiation therapy (CRT) and two-dimensional (2D) radiation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Treatment planning in 10 patients with concave-shaped head and neck tumors was performed by using tomotherapy and step-and-shoot IMRT, 3D CRT, and 2D techniques. IMRT plans were modified by placing “virtual critical structures” in regions outside the target where hot spots occurred. These modified plans were used for comparison because they provided better dose conformity. Critical structures were the spinal cord, the parotid glands, and the mandible. Comparisons were performed by means of dose-volume histograms, clinical target volume (CTV), target covered by 95% isodose (D95%), dose received by 5% of the critical structure volume (D5%), ma...
EVALUATIONS OF SEXY WOMEN IN LOW‐ AND HIGH‐STATUS JOBS

We hypothesized that women who dress in a sexy versus business-like manner evoke negative emotions and perceptions of lesser competence if employed in high- (but not low-) status jobs. Male and female undergraduates evaluated a videotaped female target whose physical attractiveness was held constant, but who was (a) dressed in sexy or businesslike attire and (b) allegedly either a manager or a receptionist. Participants exhibited more negative affect toward the sexily attired manager and rated her as less competent than the neutrally attired manager. This effect was fully mediated by emotional reactions. In contrast, the appearance manipulation had no effect on emotions toward or competence ratings of the receptionist. These findings suggest that a sexy self-presentation harms women in high-, but not low-, status jobs.
Applying and validating neural network technology for nondestructive evaluation of materials

The application of neural network technology to nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of materials is considered. Based on a limited ultrasonic NDE study using neural networks, it is demonstrated that the neural network technology is feasible for classifying well-defined defects in NDE. In other NDE problems in which image data can be used, neural networks also are likely to perform very well. At this stage of development, however, the conventional pattern recognition techniques cannot be completely replaced by the neural network technology. >
Oncolytic Specificity of Newcastle Disease Virus Is Mediated by Selectivity for Apoptosis-Resistant Cells

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a negative-sense RNA virus that has been shown to possess oncolytic activity. NDV's selective replication in tumor cells has been previously suggested to be due to the lack of a proper antiviral response in these cells. Here we demonstrate that NDV possesses oncolytic activity in tumor cells capable of a robust type I interferon (IFN) response, suggesting that another mechanism underlies NDV's tumor specificity. We show that the oncolytic selectivity of NDV for tumor cells is dependent upon tumor cell resistance to apoptosis. Utilizing the human non-small-cell lung cancer cell line A549 overexpressing the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL, we show significant enhancement of oncolytic activity and NDV replication. Interestingly, while the Bcl-xL-overexpressing cells were resistant to apoptotic stimuli induced by chemotherapeutic agents and early viral replication, during the subsequent viral cycles, we observed a paradoxical increase in apoptosis in response to NDV. The increased oncolytic activity seen was secondary to enhanced viral replication and syncytium formation. The induction of a type I IFN response was enhanced in Bcl-xL cells. Overall, these findings propose a new mechanism for cancer cell specificity for NDV, making it an attractive anticancer agent for chemoresistant tumors with enhanced antiapoptotic activity.
A Multi-Element generalized Polynomial Chaos approach to analysis of mobile robot dynamics under uncertainty

The ability of mobile robots to quickly and accurately analyze their dynamics is critical to their safety and efficient operation. In field conditions, significant uncertainty is associated with terrain and/or vehicle parameter estimates, and this must be considered in an analysis of robot motion. Here a Multi-Element generalized Polynomial Chaos (MEgPC) approach is presented that explicitly considers vehicle parameter uncertainty for long term estimation of robot dynamics. It is shown to be an improvement over the generalized Askey polynomial chaos framework as well as the standard Monte Carlo scheme, and can be used for efficient, accurate prediction of robot dynamics.
Natural language processing for the development of a clinical registry: a validation study in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

Abstract Background Medical natural language processing (NLP) systems have been developed to identify, extract and encode information within clinical narrative text. However, the role of NLP in clinical research and patient care remains limited. Pancreatic cysts are common. Some pancreatic cysts, such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), have malignant potential and require extended periods of surveillance. We seek to develop a novel NLP system that could be applied in our clinical network to develop a functional registry of IPMN patients. Objectives This study aims to validate the accuracy of our novel NLP system in the identification of surgical patients with pathologically confirmed IPMN in comparison with our pre-existing manually created surgical database (standard reference). Methods The Regenstrief EXtraction Tool (REX) was used to extract pancreatic cyst patient data from medical text files from Indiana University Health. The system was assessed periodically by direct sampling and review of medical records. Results were compared with the standard reference. Results Natural language processing detected 5694 unique patients with pancreas cysts, in 215 of whom surgical pathology had confirmed IPMN. The NLP software identified all but seven patients present in the surgical database and identified an additional 37 IPMN patients not previously included in the surgical database. Using the standard reference, the sensitivity of the NLP program was 97.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 94.8–98.9%) and its positive predictive value was 95.5% (95% CI 92.3–97.5%). Conclusions Natural language processing is a reliable and accurate method for identifying selected patient cohorts and may facilitate the identification and follow-up of patients with IPMN.
Green Supply Chain Design and Management

Increasing environmental awareness has resulted in great interest in supply chain sustainability. Studies have shown that a large proportion of the carbon emission actually comes from the upstream and downstream members of the supply chain, so there is great need to access the greenness of a supply chain as a whole. For example, Wal-Mart found out that 90 % of their carbon emission comes from their suppliers. However, many activities in the supply chain are dependent and thus identifying the carbon emissions from each activity is difficult. To overcome those difficulties, we need to understand the important issues in green supply chains and the state-of-art research. In this talk, I will review various issues in green supply chain design and management and point out some research opportunities.
Improved survival with combined modality therapy in the modern era for primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma.

Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is an uncommon lymphoma for which existing data is limited. We utilized the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to evaluate PMBCL and the impact of radiotherapy (RT) on outcomes in the years following FDA approval of rituximab. We queried the NCDB for patients with PMBCL diagnosed from 2006 to 2011 and treated with multiagent chemotherapy. Kaplan-Meier overall survival (OS) estimates, univariate (UVA), and multivariate (MVA) Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed. Propensity score matched analysis (PSMA) was performed to account for indication bias and mitigate heterogeneity between treatment groups. 465 patients were identified with a median follow-up of 36 months. Median age was 36 years; 43% received RT. 5-year OS for the entire cohort was 87%, and for the no-RT and RT groups, 83% versus 93%, respectively. On UVA, OS was improved with RT (HR 0.34, P = 0.002). On MVA, RT remained significantly associated with improved OS (HR 0.44, P = 0.028) while Medicaid insurance status and increasing stage remained significantly associated with OS decrement. PSMA confirmed the OS benefit associated with RT. This analysis is the largest PMBCL dataset to date and demonstrates a significant survival benefit associated with RT in patients receiving multiagent chemotherapy in the rituximab era. More than half of patients treated in the United States during this time period did not receive RT. In the absence of phase III data to support omission, combined modality therapy with its associated survival benefit should be the benchmark against which other therapies are compared.
Chronic Stress Increases Prefrontal Inhibition: A Mechanism for Stress-Induced Prefrontal Dysfunction

Abstract Background Multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, e.g., depression, are linked to imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission and prefrontal cortical dysfunction, and are concomitant with chronic stress. Methods We used electrophysiologic ( n = 5–6 animals, 21–25 cells/group), neuroanatomic ( n = 6–8/group), and behavioral ( n = 12/group) techniques to test the hypothesis that chronic stress increases inhibition of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) glutamatergic output neurons. Results Using patch clamp recordings from infralimbic mPFC pyramidal neurons, we found that chronic stress selectively increases the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents with no effect on amplitude, which suggests that chronic stress increases presynaptic gamma-aminobutyric acid release. Elevated gamma-aminobutyric acid release under chronic stress is accompanied by increased inhibitory appositions and terminals onto glutamatergic cells, as assessed by both immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Furthermore, chronic stress decreases glucocorticoid receptor immunoreactivity specifically in a subset of inhibitory neurons, which suggests that increased inhibitory tone in the mPFC after chronic stress may be caused by loss of a glucocorticoid receptor–mediated brake on interneuron activity. These neuroanatomic and functional changes are associated with impairment of a prefrontal-mediated behavior. During chronic stress, rats initially make significantly more errors in the delayed spatial win-shift task, an mPFC-mediated behavior, which suggests a diminished impact of the mPFC on decision making. Conclusions Taken together, the data suggest that chronic stress increases synaptic inhibition onto prefrontal glutamatergic output neurons, limiting the influence of the prefrontal cortex in control of stress reactivity and behavior. Thus, these data provide a mechanistic link among chronic stress, prefrontal cortical hypofunction, and behavioral dysfunction.
Investigating the effect of silver coating on the solubility, antibacterial properties, and cytocompatibility of glass microspheres

Silver (Ag) coatings have been incorporated into many medical materials due to its ability to eradicate harmful microbes. In this study, glass microspheres (SiO2–Na2O–CaO–Al2O3) were synthesized an...
Resuscitating the tracheostomy patient in the ED.

Abstract Background Emergency physicians must be masters of the airway. The patient with tracheostomy can present with complications, and because of anatomy, airway and resuscitation measures can present several unique challenges. Understanding tracheostomy basics, features, and complications will assist in the emergency medicine management of these patients. Objective of review The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the basics and features of the tracheostomy, along with an approach to managing tracheostomy complications. Discussion This review provides background on the reasons for tracheostomy placement, basics of tracheostomy, and tracheostomy tube features. Emergency physicians will be faced with complications from these airway devices, including tracheostomy obstruction, decannulation or tube dislodgement, stenosis, tracheoinnominate fistula, and tracheoesophageal fistula. Critical patients should be evaluated in the resuscitation bay, and consultation with ENT should be completed while the patient is in the department. This review provides several algorithms for management of complications. Understanding these complications and an approach to airway management during cardiac arrest resuscitation is essential to optimizing patient care. Conclusion Tracheostomy patients can present unique challenges for emergency physicians. Knowledge of the basics and features of tracheostomy tubes can assist physicians in managing life-threatening complications including tube obstruction, decannulation, bleeding, stenosis, and fistula.
Effect of estrogens on the weight and muscarinic cholinergic receptor density of the rabbit bladder and urethra.

Abstract We have determined the muscarinic cholinergic receptor (MChR) density in the adult female rabbit bladder body and bladder base/urethra following three weeks of estrogen treatment. Fifteen female rabbits were separated into three treatment groups. Group I remained intact, Group II underwent bilateral ovariectomy, and Group III underwent simultaneous bilateral ovariectomy followed by subcutaneous placement of a 250 mg. estradiol pellet. The weight, total DNA content, and MChR density were determined for each of the tissues in the three treatment groups. The mean weight of the bladder body following ovariectomy and estrogen treatment (Group III) was threefold greater than in the intact rabbits (Group I) (p The MChR density in the three treatment groups was determined using radioligand receptor binding using [3H]N-methylscopolamine ([3H]NMS). The MChR density in the bladder body (1.72 fmol./gm. DNA) for Group III was significantly decreased compared to the receptor density in both Group I (3.17 fmol./gm. DNA) and Group II (3.14 fmol./gm. DNA) (p
Défis interculturels : un stage de physiothérapie à l’étranger

Introduction Au cours de la quatrieme annee de formation du cursus de Bachelor en physiotherapie de la Haute Ecole des Sciences appliquees de Zurich, les etudiants ont la possibilite d’effectuer un stage de cinq mois a l’etranger. Sa reussite est evaluee en fonction des competences acquises dans le cadre du diplome national. Les competences personnelles et interculturelles doivent aussi etre integrees. Ce travail montre comment les etudiants interesses se preparent pour un stage a l’etranger et quelles experiences ils en rapportent. Methodes Les etudiants peuvent choisir d’effectuer leur stage dans une ecole superieure partenaire ou un etablissement clinique. Ils sont informes des possibilites et defis que represente ce choix et conseilles dans le cadre d’entretiens individuels. Ils connaissent la procedure et les directives. Ils doivent faire une demande formelle pour ce projet. Le contact avec le service BSc international est maintenu lors du sejour a l’etranger. Au retour, un debriefing a lieu avec une reflexion sur l’integration de cette experience dans la pratique professionnelle future. Pour finir, les etudiants redigent un compte-rendu d’experience publie sur le site de la Haute Ecole des Sciences appliquees de Zurich. Resultats Entre 2009 et 2016, 57 etudiants ont fait un stage a l’etranger. La demande est en hausse d’environ 10 % par an. Les retours sont tres positifs et le stage souvent decrit comme etant la « meilleure decision ». Tous les participants sont revenus enrichis d’experiences personnelles dans le domaine de la physiotherapie et au sujet du systeme de sante etranger. Selon eux, leur enrichissement personnel consiste en une autonomie accrue, plus de confiance en eux, plus de flexibilite et de sens des responsabilites. Ils decrivent l’interaction avec des personnes issues d’autres cultures et leurs echanges comme tres riches. Ils voient l’approfondissement de la reflexion sur leur role professionnel comme un benefice (« le plus grand profit pour moi est d’avoir acquis une meilleure comprehension de la culture etrangere et de la mienne »). Les difficultes les plus frequentes ont ete la langue, la facon d’interagir avec autrui ainsi que les differences dans l’approche therapeutique et les methodes de traitement. Discussion L’etude revele qu’une reflexion prealable intense ainsi qu’une preparation optimale sont importantes pour effectuer un stage a l’etranger. Les etudiants doivent etre sensibilises et avoir reflechi aux defis d’ordre personnel, physiotherapeutique et specifique au pays, ainsi qu’aux divergences culturelles. Consequences pour la pratique La capacite de reflexion, la volonte de se confronter intensement au pays/lieu d’accueil dans le cadre de tous les roles professionnels et hierarchiques occupent une place extremement importante dans la decision d’effectuer un stage a l’etranger. C’est le seul moyen qui permette de concevoir de facon ciblee sur le plan interculturel sa propre activite clinique a l’etranger ainsi que par la suite le quotidien therapeutique en Suisse.
Comparative remarks on the development of the tail cord among higher vertebrates

The development of the caudal region of the neural tube is compared in tailed mammals with that of the chick and human. In rat, mouse, opossum and pig, the lumen of the cord extends caudally in an even manner, whereas in the chick and in man the addition of small cavities to the lumen results in a phase of irregular growth. In mammals with unreduced tails, the site of closure of the posterior neuropore is at the tip of the tail, whereas in pig, man and in the chick closure occurs before the formation of the tail-bud. The teratological implications of these findings are discussed.
Problems of the Value of Nature in Phenomenological Perspective or What to Do about Snakes in the Grass

The perspective of this essay is phenomenological, by which is intended the original mature Husserlian or constitutive and not the existential, hermeneutical, or realistic forms of phenomenology that have also arisen. There are two objectionable aspects to Husserlian phenomenology today. Firstly, the texts of Husserl and his closer followers are difficult to comprehend, even in translation, and this explains in part why so much that considers itself “phenomenological” is actually no more than the interpretation of phenomenological texts by methods that are not especially phenomenological. This is not even good hermeneutics, which is interpretation and critique, for it does not reach the phase of critique, which can be phenomenological. In this respect, then, phenomenology needs to get beyond mere scholarship and into attempts to verify, correct, and extend earlier descriptions.
Marx: Freeing Ourselves from Ourselves

Marx inherits from the Enlightenment the overarching goal of human liberation, but unlike the liberal focus on removing external forms of coercion, such as authoritarian governments or the institution of slavery, Marx emphasizes the importance of identifying and resisting internalized coercion. Accordingly, one of his persistent concerns is the way that ideology functions as a form of tyranny. In critiquing ideology, he exposes how the interests of the powerful shape not only the dominant beliefs but the institutions, norms, and practices of a society, and he offers those claims with the therapeutic intent of overturning the conditions of oppression.
Asian North Americans' Leisure: A Critical Examination of the Theoretical Frameworks Used in Research and Suggestions for Future Study

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to critically examine the theoretical frameworks employed in the existing research on Asian North Americans' leisure and to offer insights into additional theories that might be used in future research on the topic. The study reviewed three major theoretical frameworks employed by previous research in the field of leisure studies: (1) assimilation and acculturation theory, (2) ethnicity-based theories, and (3) self-construal. The study also provides recommendations for alternative theoretical approaches that could be used in investigations of Asian North Americans' leisure, including racial discrimination and stereotyping, the multiple hierarchy stratification perspective, transnationalism, and cultural and social capital.
Treatment of alcohol use disorder and co-occurring PTSD.

ABSTRACTBackground: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious psychiatric disorder with medical, psychiatric, and social consequences. In individuals with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), treatment outcomes are notably worse in comparison with treatment outcomes associated with either disorder occurring alone. There is a growing literature evaluating treatments, both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy focused, in individuals with co-occurring AUD and PTSD. The main objective of this review was to evaluate pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy studies that were specifically designed to evaluate the treatment of individuals with comorbid AUD and PTSD. Method: MEDLINE and PUBMED databases were searched with no specific time period. Studies focusing on SUD treatments were excluded. Because the number of random clinical trial (RCT) studies was small, all publications (including open label, single case, and secondary analyses) were included. Results: Sixteen studies met criteria and were organized based...
Toucans descend to the forest floor to consume the eggs of ground-nesting birds

Abstract Toucans (Ramphastidae) are mostly frugivorous birds with important links to seed dispersal in the Neotropics. They are less frequently observed to prey upon invertebrates, small vertebrates, and canopy and cavity bird nests. As part of a nest predator study, we created artificial tinamou (Tinamidae) ground-nests and monitored them with camera traps in La Selva Biological Station (Costa Rica) and surrounding forest fragments. The camera traps revealed two species of toucan descend to the ground to consume the eggs. We are unaware of any other reports of toucans depredating nests on the forest floor. We suggest that toucans might be more opportunistic than expected, particularly in disturbed or fragmented habitats where fruiting trees can be sparse. Toucans could conceivably limit the abundance of other birds via nest depredation on the forest floor and exert selection pressure via eco-evolutionary feedbacks.
A Parallelized Iterative Improvement Approach to Area Optimization for LUT-Based Technology Mapping

Modern FPGA synthesis tools typically apply a predetermined sequence of logic optimizations on the input logic network before carrying out technology mapping. While the "known recipes" of logic transformations often lead to improved mapping results, there remains a nontrivial gap between the quality metrics driving the pre-mapping logic optimizations and those targeted by the actual technology mapping. Needless to mention, such miscorrelations would eventually result in suboptimal quality of results. In this paper we propose PIMap, which couples logic transformations and technology mapping under an iterative improvement framework to minimize the circuit area for LUT-based FPGAs. In each iteration, PIMap randomly proposes a transformation on the given logic network from an ensemble of candidate optimizations; it then invokes technology mapping and makes use of the mapping result to determine the likelihood of accepting the proposed transformation. To mitigate the runtime overhead, we further introduce parallelization techniques to decompose a large design into multiple smaller sub-netlists that can be optimized simultaneously. Experimental results show that our approach achieves promising area improvement over a set of commonly used benchmarks. Notably, PIMap reduces the LUT usage by up to 14% and 7% on average over the best-known records for the EPFL arithmetic benchmark suite.
Marijuana Use and Sickle Cell Disease

A 45-year old Jamaican man with sickle cell disease came to our clinic complaining of chronic left ankle ulcer for one year. He stated that when he was a young boy he had had several hospital admissions for sickle cell crisis, usually precipitated by physical activity or infection, once or twice per month. We were surprised to find out that he had never had a crisis since the age of fifteen. We doubted his diagnosis yet his hemoglobin electrophoresis revealed HbS was 94.7%, HbF was 0.6% and HbA2 was 4.7%. He denied taking any medication. However, he admitted smoking 4 to 5 cigarettes of marijuana a day for the past 30 years. Cannabis has been used as a medicine even before the Christian era in Asia, first in China then mainly in India. Its use was later spread to the West. The general indications for marijuana were reported as severe nausea and vomiting, weight loss associated with debilitating illnesses, spasticity, pain syndrome, and glaucoma. Numerous Phase I–III studies in 2000 subjects with exposure of Sativex by GW Pharmaceuticals from United Kingdom demonstrated that the patients attained good sleep quality, which may improve patients’ quality of life in disabling chronic pain syndromes. We reviewed the literature on any report that cannabinoids could change the severity of sickle cell disease. We found the study from West Indies, which investigated the perception that marijuana use ameliorated the complications of sickle cell disease, in year 2000 and 2004. The study concluded that marijuana smoking is common in adults with sickle cell disease but its usage is unrelated to clinical severity of the disease. We also found a report, from Central Middlesex Hospital in London, United Kingdom, which observed 86 young adults with HbSS, HbSC and HbSbetathalassemia disease, median age being 30 years. Results of this study showed that 31 (36%) had used cannabis in the previous 12 months to relieve the symptoms associated with sickle cell disease. Symptoms related to sedation and mood effects were reported in 77% of patients. The main reasons for use of cannabis were to reduce pain in 52% and to induce relaxation or relieve anxiety and depression in 39%. (5) We wondered if any physicians had observed similar effects of marijuana in sickle cell disease patients in their practice. Could ‘Marijuana Use has beneficial effect on Sickle Cell Disease’ be an interesting topic for a broader clinical trial or a retrospective analysis?
A Review on Neuropsychophysiological Correlates of Flow

Games are captivating from a human-computer interaction point of view. They can induce an intensely involving and engaging experience termed flow, which refers to the optimal state of experience when one is fully immersed in an activity. This paper provides a review of the neural and psychophysiological correlates of flow as well as some directions for future research.
Assessing the Mechanisms of Crop Loss from Air Pollutants with Process Models

The modeling of plant physiological processes with digital computers is entering its third decade. Continuing advances in computing technology have greatly reduced the cost of simulation and have greatly expanded the scope of problems that may be investigated. It also appears that these advances are continuing at an accelerating rate with the development and use of supercomputers, parallel processors, and optically based machines. These are exciting and challenging opportunities that require some vision as to what can be realistically undertaken in the near term and be prepared for in the longer term. This paper considers the advantages and disadvantages of process modeling of physiological responses of crops to air pollutants and considers the role of process modeling in a crop loss assessment program such as could have been developed in the National Crop Loss Assessment Network (NCLAN) in the United States. A brief review of plant models is given, and a concept of how process models can contribute to crop loss assessment on a site-specific and regional basis is outlined. As such the paper has a more forward-looking focus and less of a retrospective analysis of air pollutant effects modeling.
Alternatives to Nuclear Overhauser Enhancement Spectroscopy Presat and Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill Presat for NMR-Based Metabolomics

NMR metabolomics are primarily conducted with 1D nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (NOESY) presat for water suppression and Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (CPMG) presat as a T2 filter to remove macromolecule signals. Others pulse sequences exist for these two objectives but are not often used in metabolomics studies, because they are less robust or unknown to the NMR metabolomics community. However, recent improvements on alternative pulse sequences provide attractive alternatives to 1D NOESY presat and CPMG presat. We focus this perspective on PURGE, a water suppression technique, and PROJECT presat, a T2 filter. These two pulse sequences, when optimized, performed at least on par with 1D NOESY presat and CPMG presat, if not better. These pulse sequences were tested on common samples for metabolomics, human plasma, and urine.
Dynamic mapping of conical intersection seams: A general method for incorporating the geometric phase in adiabatic dynamics in polyatomic systems

The incorporation of the geometric phase in single-state adiabatic dynamics near a conical intersection (CI) seam has so far been restricted to molecular systems with high symmetry or simple model Hamiltonians. This is due to the fact that the ab initio determined derivative coupling (DC) in a multi-dimensional space is not curl-free, thus making its line integral path dependent. In a recent work [C. L. Malbon et al., J. Chem. Phys. 145, 234111 (2016)], we proposed a new and general approach based on an ab initio determined diabatic representation consisting of only two electronic states, in which the DC is completely removable, so that its line integral is path independent in the simply connected domains that exclude the CI seam. Then with the CIs included, the line integral of the single-valued DC can be used to construct the complex geometry-dependent phase needed to exactly eliminate the double-valued character of the real-valued adiabatic electronic wavefunction. This geometry-dependent phase gives rise to a vector potential which, when included in the adiabatic representation, rigorously accounts for the geometric phase in a system with an arbitrary locus of the CI seam and an arbitrary number of internal coordinates. In this work, we demonstrate this approach in a three-dimensional treatment of the tunneling facilitated dissociation of the S1 state of phenol, which is affected by a Cs symmetry allowed but otherwise accidental seam of CI. Here, since the space is three-dimensional rather than two-dimensional, the seam is a curve rather than a point. The nodal structure of the ground state vibronic wavefunction is shown to map out the seam of CI.
Avoidance of accelerated aging in schizophrenia?: Clinical and biological characterization of an exceptionally high functioning individual.

Abstract Objective To determine the clinical and biological characteristics of an exceptionally high functioning index person (IP) with schizophrenia in her mid-50s, which may represent compensatory mechanisms, and potentially, avoidance of the accelerated aging typically associated with schizophrenia. Method IP, 11 other women with schizophrenia, and 11 non-psychiatric comparison (NC) women were assessed with standard ratings of psychopathology, neurocognitive function, decisional capacity, and functional brain imaging. IP was also compared to a sample of demographically similar NCs (N = 45) and persons with schizophrenia (N = 42) on a set of blood-based biomarkers of aging related to metabolic function, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Results IP's scores on working memory, and levels of brain activation during an affective face matching task in the left fusiform, right lingual, and left precentral gyri, exceeded NCs. IP was similar to NCs in severity of negative symptoms, most neurocognitive functions, decisional capacity, and brain activation in the left inferior occipital gyrus during a selective stopping task. IP's levels on 11 of 14 metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers of aging were better than NCs and the schizophrenia group. Conclusion Although speculative, results suggest a possible model in which superior working memory permits a person to be aware of the potentially psychotic nature of a thought or perception, and adjust response accordingly. Compensatory overactivity of brain regions during affective processing may also reflect heightened meta-awareness in emotional situations. Biomarker levels raise the possibility that IP partially avoided the accelerated biological aging associated with schizophrenia.
Building Strong Reading Muscles: Ableist Language in a Teacher's Talk about Reading.

ABSTRACTElementary school teachers are expected to teach reading ‘inclusively’ to children with diverse learning needs. Yet, teachers face challenges in enacting inclusive practices that socially s...
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of Metastatic Tumors in a Phase 2 Biomarker Study of Everolimus in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Introduction Genomic events leading to activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) are common in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Everolimus is an allosteric mTOR inhibitor with efficacy in metastatic RCC. We characterized the genomic profile of RCC tumors from metastatic sites and assessed whether particular alterations correlate with clinical response to everolimus. Patients and Methods An open-label, single-arm phase 2 biomarker study of everolimus 10 mg daily was conducted in metastatic RCC patients. Needle biopsy or metastasectomy was performed on metastatic tumors before everolimus initiation. Next-generation sequencing was performed using a targeted hybrid capture panel detecting alterations within exons and key introns of ≥ 300 cancer-associated genes. Disease assessments were obtained every 8 weeks using standard radiographic modalities and evaluated by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. Results Objective response was seen in 1 (4.2%) of 24 patients. Two patients (8.3%) had stable disease lasting > 6 months. Median (90% confidence interval) overall and progression-free survival were 20.1 (8.6, NA) and 3.8 (2.4, 5.4) months, respectively. Next-generation sequencing was successful on 18 pretreatment specimens and 3 on-treatment specimens. Alterations in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase–protein kinase B–mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K-AKT-mTOR) pathway were identified in 8 (44%) of 18 pretreatment samples. An mTOR E2419D mutation was identified in the patient who experienced partial response. Alterations in VHL, PBRM1, SETD2, KDM5C, and ATM were common in the RCC metastases before initiation of everolimus. Conclusion Nearly half of heavily pretreated RCC metastases may harbor mutations in components of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. Commonly mutated genes in primary RCC were also altered at a high frequency in RCC metastases.
Nanomaterial health effects part 3: conclusion--hazardous issues and the precautionary principle.

This is the third and final paper in a series about nanomaterials and their potential health effects. There has been an incident of apparent respiratory health effects in Germany in consumers using a “nano” cleaning product. Other recently proposed consumer products seem to carry potential health and/or ecological hazards. In light of rapidly evolving nanotechnology the “precautionary principle” in environmental health science is reviewed. Hopefully a balance can be reached that allows the realization of societal benefits from the development and implementation of nanotechnology while preventing its unquestioned use in ways that damage ecology and human health.
The Impact of Imprecision in HCV Viral Load Test Results on Clinicians’ Therapeutic Management Decisions and on the Economic Value of the Test

THE IMPACT OF IMPRECISION IN HCV VIRAL LOAD TEST RESULTS ON CLINICIANS’ THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT DECISIONS AND ON THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF THE TEST By Roberta Marie Madej, MS, MBA A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013 Major Director: William J. Korzun, Ph.D., Associate Professor Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences Clinical laboratory test results are integral to patient management. Important aspects of laboratory tests’ contributions are the use of the test information and the role they have in facilitating efficient and effective use of healthcare resources. Methods of measuring those contributions were examined using quantitative HCV RNA test results (HCV VL) in therapeutic management decisions as a model. Test precision is important in those decisions; therefore, the clinical use was evaluated by studying the impact that knowledge of inherent assay imprecision had on clinicians’ decisions. A survey describing a simulated patient at a decision point for HCV triple-combination therapy management was sent to 1491 hepatology clinicians. Participants saw HCV RNA results at five different levels and were asked to choose to: continue therapy, discontinue therapy, or repeat the test. Test results were presented both with and without the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Three of the VLs had CIs that overlapped the therapeutic decision level. Participants saw both sets of results in random order. Demographics and practice preferences were also surveyed. One-hundred-thirty-eight responses were received. Adherence to clinical guidelines was demonstrated in self-reported behaviors and in most decisions. However, participants chose to repeat the test up to 37% of the time. The impact of the knowledge of assay imprecision did not have a statistically significant effect on clinicians’ decisions. To determine economic value, an analytic decision-tree model was developed. Transition probabilities, costs, and Quality of Life values were derived from published literature. Survey respondents’ decisions were used as model inputs. Across all HCV VL levels, the calculated test value was approximately $2600, with up to $17,000 in treatment-related cost savings per patient at higher HCV VLs. The test value prevailed regardless of the presence or absence of CIs, and despite repeat testing. The calculated value in cost savings/patient was up to 100 times the investment for HCV VL testing. Laboratory tests are investments in efficient uses of healthcare resources. Proper interpretation and use of their information is integral to that value. This type of analysis can inform institutional decisions and higher level policy discussions.
G Proteins : Techniques of Analysis

Preface Expression and Purification of G Protein a Subunits in E. scherichia coli - M. Linder Purification of Recombinant G Protein a and bg Subunits from Sf9 Cells-T. Kozasa Expression and Functional Analysis of G Protein a Subunits in Mammalian Cells...-C. H. Berlot Identification of Regulators and Targets of G Protein a Subunits Using the Yeast Two-Hybrid System-J.L. Glick, T. E. Meigs, and P. J. Casey Functional Analysis of G Protein bg Subunits...-K. Yan, O. Kisselev, A. Pronin and N. Gautam Immunological Techniques of Analysis-C. A. Chen and D. R. Manning GTPase-Activating Proteins (GAPs) for Heterotrimeric G Proteins- J. Wang, Y. Tu, S. Mukhopadhyay, P. Chidiac, G. Biddlecome and E. M. Ross Fatty Acid Acylation of G Protein a Subunits- P.B.Wedegaetner ADP-Ribosylation of G Proteins with Cholera Toxin or Pertussis Toxin- M. J. Woolkalis Analysis of Receptor.G Protein coupling with PTX-Risistant Analogues of G(i in subscript) and G(o in subscript)- A. Mortiz and R. Taussig Microinjection of Antibodies Neutralizing G. Protein Function-V. J. LaMorte, J. R. Feramisco and J. L. Meinkoth Agonist-Promoted (35S)GTPgS-Binding as a Probe of Receptor-G Protein Communication in Reconstituted Sf9 Cells- A.J. Barr and D. R. Manning Methods of Sequestering bg in the Intact Cell- G. J. Della Rocca, R. J. Lefkowitz and W. J. Koch In Vitro and In Vivo Analysis of Heterotrimeric G-Protein Signaling via DNA/RNA Antisense Strategies-H. Wang, X. Liu, Z. Cheng, H. Ling Li and C. C. Malbon
Papilla Management and Development Using Provisional Prosthesis

Immediate implant placement and provisionalization (IIPP) has been a viable option for replacing single failing maxillary anterior teeth as it preserves the existing osseous and gingival architecture both facially and interproximally. However, when it involves adjacent anterior implants, inter-implant management becomes exponentially more challenging, especially when replacing a failing tooth adjacent to an existing implant restoration. This article describes different scenarios where management of peri- or inter-implant papilla can be accomplished successfully.
Frontier Violence and Law and Order: Historical and Geographical Variance in the Great Plains of the North American West

Stark differences between the United States and Canada in the post-Civil War/post-Confederation frontier West of the Great Plains and Prairies regarding the role of government, levels of interperso...