cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Capri: a common architecture for distributed probabilistic internet fault diagnosis

This thesis presents a new approach to root cause localization and fault diagnosis in the Internet based on a Common Architecture for Probabilistic Reasoning in the Internet (CAPRI) in which distributed, heterogeneous diagnostic agents efficiently conduct diagnostic tests and communicate observations, beliefs, and knowledge to probabilistically infer the cause of network failures. Unlike previous systems that can only diagnose a limited set of network component failures using a limited set of diagnostic tests, CAPRI provides a common, extensible architecture for distributed diagnosis that allows experts to improve the system by adding new diagnostic tests and new dependency knowledge. To support distributed diagnosis using new tests and knowledge, CAPRI must overcome several challenges including the extensible representation and communication of diagnostic information, the description of diagnostic agent capabilities, and efficient distributed inference. Furthermore, the architecture must scale to support diagnosis of a large number of failures using many diagnostic agents. To address these challenges, this thesis presents a probabilistic approach to diagnosis based on an extensible, distributed component ontology to support the definition of new classes of components and diagnostic tests; a service description language for describing new diagnostic capabilities in terms of their inputs and outputs; and a message processing procedure for dynamically incorporating new information from other agents, selecting diagnostic actions, and inferring a diagnosis using Bayesian inference and belief propagation. To demonstrate the ability of CAPRI to support distributed diagnosis of real-world failures, I implemented and deployed a prototype network of agents on Planetlab for diagnosing HTTP connection failures. Approximately 10,000 user agents and 40 distributed regional and specialist agents on Planetlab collect information from over 10,000 users and diagnose over 140,000 failures using a wide range of active and passive tests, including DNS lookup tests, connectivity probes, Rockettrace measurements, and user connection histories. I show how to improve accuracy and cost by learning new dependency knowledge and introducing new diagnostic agents. I also show that agents can manage the cost of diagnosing many similar failures by aggregating related requests and caching observations and beliefs. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Power browser: efficient Web browsing for PDAs

We have designed and implemented new Web browsing facilities to support effective navigation on Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) with limited capabilities: low bandwidth, small display, and slow CPU. The implementation supports wireless browsing from 3Com's Palm Pilot. An HTTP proxy fetches web pages on the client's behalf and dynamically generates summary views to be transmitted to the client. These summaries represent both the link structure and contents of a set of web pages, using information about link importance. We discuss the architecture, user interface facilities, and the results of comparative performance evaluations. We measured a 45% gain in browsing speed, and a 42% reduction in required pen movements.
Parallel Audio Quick Search on Shared-Memory Multiprocessor Systems

Audio search plays an important role in analyzing audio data and retrieving useful audio information. In this paper, a partially overlapping block-parallel active search method (POBPAS) is proposed to perform audio quick search on shared-memory multiprocessor systems (SMPs). This method uses a proper data segmentation to achieve parallelism and performs a high level of parallelism with little additional work. Several techniques including I/O optimization, proper data partition and dynamic scheduling are also introduced to maximize its scalability performance. In addition, we conduct a detailed performance characterization analysis of the parallel implementation of the POBPAS for three data sets on two Intel Xeon SMPs. Experimental results indicate that there are no obvious parallel limiting factors in the implementation except memory bandwidth. As a result, it can achieve 11.3X speedup for a larger data set (searching a 15 seconds' clip in a 27 hours' audio stream) on the 16-way processor system.
Perceptions of the Importance of Plant Material Knowledge by Practicing Landscape Architects in the Southeastern United States

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. education, plant knowledge, landscape architecture SUMMARY. This study evaluates the attitudes and perceptions of practicing landscape architects in the southeastern United States with regards to the importance of horticultural knowledge for their profession. A 20-question survey instrument was mailed to 120 landscape architects who were listed as members of the American Society of Landscape Architects. The survey included various questions related to education and experience of the respondents and their peers with plants. The response rate was 52.5% (n = 63) and the majority of respondents were seasoned landscape architects in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida that primarily served residential and commercial markets. The results from this study showed that the population of respondents strongly felt that plant knowledge is an important part of their professional skills, and recent graduates of landscape architecture and the profession as a whole appear more distanced from having strong plant expertise. Despite the increasing challenges for more formal plant education, there continues to be a need for both formal and informal extended education classes.
Looking Ahead: October Term 2007

A look at some interesting cases likely to come before the U.S. Supreme Court, including Parker v. District of Columbia, the case in which the D.C. gun ban was overturned.
G-CSF in solid tumor chemotherapy: a tailored regimen reduces febrile neutropenia, treatment delays and direct costs

BACKGROUND Current guidelines do not recommend G-CSF for patients with risk factors for neutropenia. MATERIAL/METHODS One-hundred patients undergoing chemotherapy were randomized to treatment with G-CSF at 5 Kg/kg for established febrile neutropenia (ANC <1000/microl) (Group A) or G-CSF at 263 Kg/day if ANC was 1500/microl or less on the day of the expected nadir, with the duration of treatment determined by the severity of neutropenia (Group B). RESULTS The number of doses of G-CSF was similar in the two groups. There were 34 cases of febrile neutropenia in Group A, but none in Group B (p=0.0001). Hospital admission for febrile neutropenia, antibiotic use and delays in chemotherapy were all significantly more common in Group A. Total direct costs were estimated to be 66, 646 for Group A and 47, 119 for Group B. CONCLUSIONS Tailoring treatment does not increase G-CSF use, but significantly reduces febrile neutropenia and treatment delays and lowers direct costs.
Hot carriers in silicon: femtosecond reflectivity studies

We report the observation of hot carrier relaxation in silicon obtained by time-resolved reflectivity. The measurements were made under tow carrier density (~1017 cm−3) for which carrier-carrier processes are negligible and were facilitated by the greater than order of magnitude enhancement of the change in reflectivity signals that can be produced by the use of thin films. Carriers are injected into the 0.5-μm thick film of silicon with 70-fs optical pulses at 825 nm (2.0 eV) from a dispersion-compensated colliding-pulse-mode-locked (opm) dye laser. Initially, these carriers have substantial excess kinetic energy (~0.85 eV), since the band gap of silicon is only 1.15 eV at room temperature. Changes in reflectivity of a probe beam at the same wavelength are measured as a function of time with ~100-fs temporal resolution and sensitivity better than 1 part in 106 using an apparatus described previously.1 By monitoring the sample reflectance, we were able to follow the evolution of the carriers as they relax to the band edge.
Laparoscopic gastric bypass to robotic gastric bypass: time and cost commitment involved in training and transitioning an academic surgical practice

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the gold standard procedure for weight loss. This relatively complex procedure has excellent outcomes when performed via laparoscopy. The advent of the DaVinci robotic platform has been a technological advancement. Our goal is to provide information regarding the cost, time commitment, and advantages of transitioning an LRYGB program to an RRYGB program in an academic setting. We retrospectively reviewed the last 25 laparoscopic gastric bypass procedures and the first 25 robotic gastric bypass procedures performed by a single surgeon. We compared clinical outcomes and focused on time and hospital cost during this transition phase. There was no significant demographic difference between the groups. The mean age was 41.7 (RRYGB) years vs 43.4 (LRYGM) years. The mean BMI were similar between groups, 45.3 vs 46.5 kg/m(2) for RRYGB and LRYGB. No anastomotic leaks or mortalities were noted. There was one anastomotic stricture in both groups. Excess weight loss was similar in both groups at 1 year. There was a significant increase in operative time with RRYGB, mean 241 min vs mean 174 min (p = 0.0005). Operative time fell by 25 min after the first 10 cases. The hospital cost was also increased with RRYGB mean $5922 vs $4395 (p = 0.03). Transitioning from a laparoscopic to a robotic practice can be done safely, however, the initial operative times were longer and the hospital cost was higher for robotic gastric bypass. We hope in the future that these will decrease after overcoming the learning and as the technology becomes widespread.
Effect of hypoxia on plasma erythropoietin in the rabbit.

SummaryRabbits have been placed in a low O2 atmosphere for varying periods of time and plasma erythropoietin content determined after set intervals of hypoxia. EPF was found to rise significantly at 8 hours, reach peak levels at 24 and 48 hours, and return to normal at 72 hours.
Assessment of atherosclerosis from angiographic images.

SummaryRaised aortic atheromas can be quantitated by densitometer-computer analysis of edge irregularity on angiographic shadows. Combined measurement of edge irregularity and variation in cross-sectional density provides an angiographic index indicative of local cholesterol concentration in aorta walls and atheromas.
An Antigenic Analysis of Trichinella spiralis.

Flury,' in 1913, suggested the presence of glucoprotein in the larvae of Trichinella spiralis. However, no studies of the antigenicity of this component were made. The purpose of the present investigation was to isolate and identify those chemical fractions of the larvae which are immunologically active. Extracts of the larvae of Trichinella spiralis have been used in immunological reactions by several investigators since Stribel2 in 1911 first detected complement-fixing antibodies in the serum of trichinella-infected animals. His antigen was prepared by mincing trichinous muscle, digesting it with pepsin and hydrochloric acid, centrifugalizing, and then washing the sediment. This sediment, containing the free parasites and undigested muscle, was dried, extracted with 0.1 N NaOH or antiformin, and the extract neutralized.
Doubly Robust Estimation of Treatment Effects from Observational Multilevel Data

When randomized experiments cannot be conducted, propensity score (PS) matching and regression techniques are frequently used for estimating causal treatment effects from observational data. These methods remove bias caused by baseline differences in the treatment and control groups. Instead of using a PS technique or an outcome regression singly, one might use a doubly robust estimator that combines a PS technique (matching, stratification, or inverse propensity weighting) with an outcome regression in an attempt to address bias more effectively. Theoretically, if the PS or outcome model is correctly specified, a doubly robust estimator will produce an unbiased estimate of the average treatment effect (ATE). Doubly robust estimators are not yet well studied for multilevel data where selection into treatment takes place among level-one units within clusters. Using four simulated multilevel populations, we compare doubly robust estimators to standard PS and regression estimators and investigate their relative performance with respect to bias reduction.
Computer Simulated Patient Motion and Setup Uncertainties in Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy

The advent of intensity modulated radiotherapy (EVIRT) has enhanced our ability to tailor radiation dose distribution highly conformal to tumor target shape three dimensionally, and thus minimize radiation damage to the surrounding normal tissues. Taking the advantage of high conformality in IMRT plans, the prescribed dose to the tumor target is often escalated while keeping the critical normal tissue within tolerance. It is anticipated that EVIRT will increase uncomplicated local tumor control, and improve cancer patient survival. To realize this high expectation, it is essential to deliver EVIRT plans accurately and precisely. Much effort and research have been focused on how to improve mechanical precision in linear accelerators, and how to improve dose calculation accuracy by using Monte Carlo method[1–3]. Little research has been done on how uncertainties in patient positioning and immobilization can affect the IMRT plans[4, 5]. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this issue.
A continuum manipulator with phase changing alloy

A new type of cable-driven continuum manipulator (CM) is presented, in which the stiffness of the device along its body length can be controlled using the thermomechanical properties of a phase changing alloy. The liquid phase of the alloy is used for achieving high dexterity and the solid phase for high stiffness. Joule heating and water cooling is used for transitioning the phase changing alloy between stiff and compliant states. Single-segment and two-segment working prototypes of the CM are demonstrated. The mechanical and thermodynamic features of these prototypes are discussed and their physical performance is investigated. Advantages of the presented design with phase changing alloy include: significantly improved dexterity, high payload to weight ratio, controllable stiffness, energy efficiency, and a large lumen.
A Perception Study of Computer Science and Information Systems Students on Bullying Prevalence in the Information Systems Profession.

Bullying is considered to be omnipresent in business firms and prevalent in entrepreneurial firms in information systems and in departments of information systems in industry. Entrepreneurialism and narcissism of personalities in the information systems profession may be perceived as especially predisposed to bullying. The authors of this paper evaluate the knowledge of bullying by students in a leading school of computer science and information systems and learn that the students are essentially knowledgeable of bullying as a concern in industry. They learn that the knowledge of the students implies the importance of requisite sensitivity and professional standards in the profession and in the school. The paper may benefit educators in illuminating the issue of bullying for information systems students desiring to be in the profession.
PARI/GP: a user friendly environment for teaching the RSA encryption algorithm

The RSA encryption algorithm is an important topic at several points in the undergraduate Computer Science curriculum, including courses in discrete structures, advanced algorithms and information assurance. The algorithm is both simple and elegant and can easily be covered in a single lecture using small moduli. However, one of the most important benefits of including the RSA algorithm in the curriculum using realistic moduli is that it requires students to confront computational complexity issues head on. Almost every step in a computation using small moduli must be reconsidered in moving to realistic scenarios, and this is an important part of the learning process. The author has found PARI/GP to be a useful tool in this effort. PARI/GP is a light weight yet powerful open source computer algebra system for doing computations in number theory. This system provides a user friendly environment for teaching the background number theory as well as exploring the algorithm itself.
Using Gottfredson and Hirschi’s A General Theory of Crime to Explain Problematic Alcohol Consumption by Police Officers: A Test of Self-Control as Self-Regulation:

Problematic alcohol consumption by police officers is well documented in the literature. However, no study has utilized Gottfredson and Hirschi’s A General Theory of Crime to determine what role, i...
Post-vasectomy pain syndrome: diagnosis, management and treatment options

Vasectomy is the most effective form of sterilization for men. With approximately 500,000 vasectomies performed each year in the United States, 1–2% of these patients will experience chronic testicular pain for greater than three months after the procedure. Post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) is diagnosis of exclusion, and may be caused by direct damage to spermatic cord structures, compression of nerves in the spermatic cord via inflammation, back pressure from epididymal congestion, and perineural fibrosis. Treatment should begin with the most noninvasive options and progress towards surgical management if symptoms persist. Noninvasive therapies include acupuncture, pelvic floor therapy and pharmacologic options. Ultimately, management of PVPS requires a multimodal approach. Thorough understanding of the potential etiologies of PVPS along with the therapeutic options currently available is important to improve quality of life.
Introduction, The Poverty of Privacy Rights

The U.S. Constitution is supposed to bestow rights equally. Yet the poor are subject to invasions of privacy that suggest that they live in a world where the government has few, if any, limits on its power. Khiara M. Bridges investigates poor mothers' experiences with the state -- both when they receive public assistance and when they do not. The result of this investigation is an argument that turns popular thinking on its head. Bridges argues that poor mothers' lack of privacy is not a function of their reliance on government assistance; nor is their lack of privacy a function of their bearing "weak versions" of the privacy rights everyone else enjoys. Rather, their lack of privacy is a function of their not bearing familial, informational, and reproductive privacy rights in the first place. Bridges argues that until we disrupt the cultural narratives that equate poverty with immorality, poor mothers will continue to be denied these rights.
Reduction of applicator displacement in MR/CT-guided cervical cancer HDR brachytherapy by the use of patient hover transport system.

Purpose To quantify the reduction of relative displacement between the implanted intracavitary applicator and the patient bony anatomy, due to the use of a hover transport system during the patient transports between the imaging table and the treatment table. Material and methods The displacement of the applicator inside the patient was measured by comparing the distance between the tip of the tandem and the pubic bone on X-ray radiography images taken before and after moving a patient to magnetic resonance/computed tomography imaging. Displacements were evaluated for 27 fractions of treatment using hover transport and 185 fractions of treatment using manual transport. Results The use of hover transport system reduced the percentage of fractions with displacements greater than 5 mm from 22.7% to 7.4%. The reduction of applicator displacement using hover transport is statistically significant, compared to the manual transport method (p-value 0.0086; mean displacement 3.41 mm [95% CI: 2.96-3.97] for manual transport, and 2.27 mm [95% CI: 1.71-2.97] for hover transport fractions). Conclusions This study indicates that the hover transport system is effectively reducing displacement between tandem and patient bony anatomy during patient transports. The potential improvement in dosimetric accuracy due to this reduction warrants further study.
Kidney allograft survival outcomes in combined intestinal-kidney transplant: An analysis of the UNOS/OPTN database 2000-2014.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Intestinal transplants carry a high morbidity/mortality. Kidney allograft outcomes after combined intestinal (IT) with kidney transplant (CIKT) remain largely uninvestigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The UNOS STAR database was queried to identify all such combined organ transplants from 2000 to 2015. RESULTS Out of a total 2215 (51.4% peds vs 48.6% adults) intestinal transplants, 111 (5.0%) CIKT were identified (32.4% peds vs 67.6% adults). Over the study period of CIKT, a total of 45.9% of these cases died with a functioning kidney graft. DGF rate was 9.0%. The 1-year reported kidney acute rejection rate was 6.3%. For the entire CIKT population over the entire study era, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year unadjusted kidney graft survival was 57%, 39%, and 34%, while death-censored kidney graft survival was 93%, 90%, and 86%, respectively. Overall conditional 5-year kidney graft survival (defined as 1-year kidney graft survival) was 58%. Overall, patient survival was significantly lower in recipients of CIKT compared to intestinal transplant (IT) (P < .005); However, the 5-year conditional (1 year kidney graft) patient survival in adults was not significantly different between IT and CIKT overall (P = .194). CONCLUSIONS Kidney allograft survival is primarily dependent on 1-year patient survival. Guidelines regarding allocation of kidney allografts in CIKT need to take into consideration utility and urgency.
Comment on Santema et al. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Ischemic Lower-Extremity Ulcers in Patients With Diabetes: Results of the DAMO2CLES Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial. Diabetes Care 2018;41:112–119

The DAMO2CLES [Does Applying More Oxygen (O2) Cure Lower Extremity Sores?] study (1) is the only prospective multicenter trial evaluating the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the treatment of ischemic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). By involving 10 hyperbaric facilities across the Netherlands and Belgium, this protocol captures a cross-section of the standard care (SC) in the region with regard to ischemic DFUs but falls victim to variable clinical practice patterns. The authors state that there was adherence to DFU best practice management (2) but did not state how different sites used transcutaneous oxygen monitoring, cellular tissue products, or total contact casting. Recruitment was difficult, which …
Numbers for an Alternative Anthropocene: Population Counting and Humanity’s Place Among Other Species in Daniel Keys Moran’s Tales of the Continuing Time // Cifras para un antropoceno alternativo: Recuento de población y el lugar de la humanidad entre otras especies en Tales of the Continuing Time de Daniel Keys Moran

This article approaches the science fiction series Tales of the Continuing Time from an animal studies perspective: examining Daniel Keys Moran’s future earth which uses the means of respecting other intelligent species (artificial intelligences, genetically engineered beings, and aliens) rather than enforced bans on fertility to stop human population growth. Moran’s world government, the Unification, does not enforce such bans effectively, despite taking over the Earth for this purpose. Moran’s novels offer a picture of what happens when the rhetoric around population growth, and possibly justified fear, obstructs human will and human self-restraint. Resumen Este articulo aborda la saga de ciencia ficcion Tales of the Continuing Time desde la perspectiva de los estudios de los animales. Asi, se investiga la Tierra futurista de las novelas de Daniel Keys Moran, en las cuales se representa un respeto hacia otras especies inteligentes (inteligencias artificiales, seres humanos geneticamente modificados, y extraterrestres) para parar el crecimiento poblacional, en vez de narrativizar politicas de prohibicion la fertilidad. El gobierno planetario de las novelas, la Unificacion, no impone tales prohibiciones de manera eficaz, a pesar de tomar el control del planeta con este fin. Las novelas de Moran ofrecen una imagen de lo que ocurre cuando la retorica sobre el crecimiento poblacional y el terror posiblemente justificado obstruyen la voluntad y el autocontrol humanos.
Dysplasia and Dysplasia Mimics in Barrett’s Mucosa

Dysplasia in the gastrointestinal tract, including that in Barrett’s mucosa, is defined as epithelium that is unequivocally neoplastic, a determination that is currently the responsibility of pathologists. Pathologists identify unequivocally neoplastic epithelium based on a set of microscopic features that are both cytologic and architectural. Among the cytologic features is loss of cytoplasmic maturation, which actually means lack of mucin. However, most cytologic features involve the nuclei and include enlargement, hyperchromatism, pleomorphism, and increased number of mitoses, especially atypical mitoses. Among the architectural features are stratification of these atypical nuclei. Additional architectural changes include crowding of tubules lined by these cells in places where tubules in nondysplastic mucosa are not found, such as superficially beneath the surface epithelium.
Efficient Algorithms for Robots with Human-Like Structures and Interactive Haptic Simulation

A new field of robotics is emerging. Robots are today moving towards applications beyond the structured environment of a manufacturing plant. They are making their way into the everyday world that people inhabit. The paper focuses on models, strategies, and algorithms associated with the autonomous behaviors needed for robots to work, assist, and cooperate with humans. In addition to the new capabilities they bring to the physical robot, these models and algorithms and more generally the body of developments in robotics is having a significant impact on the virtual world. Haptic interaction with an accurate dynamic simulation provides unique insights into the real-world behaviors of physical systems. The potential applications of this emerging technology include virtual prototyping, animation, surgery, robotics, cooperative design, and education among many others.
FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1) is a key regulator of fetoplacental endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis

Abstract Introduction Fetoplacental angiogenesis plays a vital role in pregnancy outcome. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is one major regulator of angiogenesis. It primarily binds to FMS-like tyrosine kinase (FLT1) and kinase insert domain receptor (KDR). In most vascular beds, KDR appears to be the main mediator of angiogenesis. However, the role of both receptors within the human placenta remains unknown. Methods Human fetoplacental ECs were isolated/cultured from placentas of full-term, uncomplicated pregnancies after scheduled Cesarean section. Cells were subjected to RNA interference of either FLT1 or KDR followed by MTT, wound scratch, and tube formation assays. ECs were serum-starved after RNA interference and treated with VEGFA (60 ng/ml), then subjected to western blot to investigate FLT1 or KDR-mediated signaling. All experiments were performed in triplicate utilizing ECs from at least three separate subjects. One-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc testing was utilized for statistical analysis. Results Significant knock-down of FLT1 and KDR was confirmed by qPCR (p Conclusion Human fetoplacental EC migration is primarily regulated by FLT1 but not KDR.
A Small Energy Harvesting Autonomous Surface Vehicle

We present a small Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) with several novel design considerations. Our design takes advantage of the small scale of this category of ASV to implement a complete power, control, and communication system on a single printed circuit board (PCB) that is also used as the primary structural element. Energy harvesting and propulsion systems are configured to allow the ASV to be fully functional in the event of keeling without the need for righting. The system implementation includes optimized energy harvesting, power management, and mechanical design. The overall system had a fabrication cost of $300 per unit and has several advantages over existing small ASVs.
The singular points of a rational plane curve and its restricted tangent bundle

Abstract We consider the vector bundle φ ⁎ T P 2 where φ denotes a generically one-to-one parametrization of a rational curve D of degree d D ≥ 2 in P 2 . We study a parameter a D that controls the splitting of φ ⁎ T P 2 as a direct sum of line bundles. We find that specific properties of D, related to its singular points, characterize a D . These properties are: multiplicity, non-collinearity of triples, and construction of a curve of degree strictly smaller than d D with multiplicity bounded by the multiplicity of D at corresponding points.
Palaeoenvironmental, epigraphic and archaeological evidence of total warfare among the Classic Maya

Despite over a century of archaeological research, the nature and broader consequences of Maya warfare remain poorly understood. Classic period (250–950 ce) Maya warfare has largely been viewed as ritualized and limited in scope1–6. Evidence of violent warfare in the Terminal Classic period (800–950 ce) is interpreted as an escalation of military tactics that played a role in the socio-economic collapse of the Classic Maya civilization7,8. The implications of specific textual references to war events (war statements) remain unknown, however, and the paucity of field data precludes our ability to test collapse theories tied to warfare. Here we connect a massive fire event to an attack described with a Classic period war statement. Multiple lines of evidence show that a large fire occurred across the ancient city of Witzna, coincident with an epigraphic account describing an attack and burning of Witzna in 697 ce. Following this event, evidence shows a dramatic decline in human activity, indicating extensive negative impacts on the local population. These findings provide insight into strategies and broader societal impacts of Classic period warfare, clarify the war statement’s meaning and show that the Maya engaged in tactics akin to total warfare earlier and more frequently than previously thought. Wahl et al. present palaeoenvironmental, epigraphic and archaeological evidence that suggests that the Maya engaged in tactics akin to total warfare earlier and more frequently than previously thought.
Conventional Controlled Ovarian Stimulation Protocols for Diminished Ovarian Reserve Patients and Poor Responders

Poor ovarian response has been a challenging problem during controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization. Microdose flare gonadotropin agonist protocol used to be the mainstay for these patients until gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists became available, and there was debate as to which protocol was better. In the past decade, many new and fascinatingly innovative ideas have been proposed and tried on these patients with no protocol emerging as the most effective. In this chapter, we will review the evidence for the efficacy of the conventional IVF protocols and examine the role of gonadotropin dose, adjuvants, double trigger, follicular flushing, and freezing all embryos in adding to the success rate.
Temporal Network Sampling.

Temporal networks representing a stream of timestamped edges are seemingly ubiquitous in the real-world. However, the massive size and continuous nature of these networks make them fundamentally challenging to analyze and leverage for descriptive and predictive modeling tasks. In this work, we propose a general framework for temporal network sampling with unbiased estimation. We develop online, single-pass sampling algorithms and unbiased estimators for temporal network sampling. The proposed algorithms enable fast, accurate, and memory-efficient statistical estimation of temporal network patterns and properties. In addition, we propose a temporally decaying sampling algorithm with unbiased estimators for studying networks that evolve in continuous time, where the strength of links is a function of time, and the motif patterns are temporally-weighted. In contrast to the prior notion of a $\bigtriangleup t$-temporal motif, the proposed formulation and algorithms for counting temporally weighted motifs are useful for forecasting tasks in networks such as predicting future links, or a future time-series variable of nodes and links. Finally, extensive experiments on a variety of temporal networks from different domains demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. A detailed ablation study is provided to understand the impact of the various components of the proposed framework.
Management of acute limb ischemia related to underlying pheochromocytoma.

Abstract Acute limb ischemia (ALI) related to pheochromocytoma is rare. We describe a 69-year-old woman who presented with ALI due to a thromboembolic phenomenon from new-onset atrial fibrillation that was successfully treated with intra-arterial catheter-directed lysis and systemic anticoagulation. Further workup revealed a left adrenal mass and biochemical test results consistent with pheochromocytoma. The patient underwent a retroperitoneoscopic converted to open left adrenalectomy, splenectomy, and distal pancreatectomy because of severe inflammation in the retroperitoneum, probably from an adrenal or subcapsular renal hematoma secondary to systemic anticoagulation. Interval imaging before adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma should be considered after thrombolysis and anticoagulation for ALI.
"Pulling the Parachute": A Qualitative Study of Burnout's Influence on Emergency Medicine Resident Career Choices.

Objectives About half of all resident physicians report symptoms of burnout. Burnout negatively influences multiple aspects of their education and training. How burnout may impact residents' career choices remains unclear. The authors explored the role burnout played in residents' career decisions. Methods This was a qualitative study among a sample of 29 emergency medicine residents from four institutions. Qualitative data were generated through four semistructured focus groups. The authors employed a constructivist approach to thematic analysis. Transcripts were coded and organized into major themes. Results Five major themes connecting burnout with residents' career choices emerged: 1) residents' current burnout and the prevention of future burnout figured prominently in their career considerations, 2) residents aimed to mitigate sources of burnout through their career choices, 3) residents' view of clinical work as a burden and a burnout contributor spurred the pursuit of other interests, 4) faculty advice and role modeling in relation to burnout shaped residents' career perspectives, and 5) residents weighed long-term burnout concerns with short-term financial needs. Conclusion Burnout played an important role in multiple aspects of residents' career considerations. Educators, program directors, and organization leaders can focus on identified target areas to address burnout's influence on residents' career decisions.
Effects of Maackia amurensis seed lectin (MASL) on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) gene expression and transcriptional signaling pathways

Oral cancer causes over 120,000 deaths annually and affects the quality of life for survivors. Over 90% of oral cancers are derived from oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (OSCCs) which are generally resistant to standard cytotoxic chemotherapy agents. OSCC cells often exhibit increased TGFβ and PDPN receptor activity compared to nontransformed oral epithelial cells. Maackia amurensis seed lectin (MASL) can target the PDPN receptor and has been identified as a novel agent that can be used to treat oral cancer. However, mechanisms by which MASL inhibits OSCC progression are not yet clearly defined. Here, we performed cell migration and cytotoxicity assays to assess the effects of MASL on OSCC motility and viability at physiologically relevant concentrations. We then performed comprehensive transcriptome analysis combined with transcription factor reporter assays to investigate the how MASL affects OSCC gene expression at these concentration. Key data were then confirmed by western blotting to evaluate the effects of MASL on gene expression and kinase signaling activity at the protein level. MASL significantly affected the expression of about 27% of approximately 15,000 genes found to be expressed by HSC-2 cells used to model OSCC cells in this study. These genes affected by MASL include members of the TGFβ–SMAD, JAK–STAT, and Wnt–βCTN signaling pathways. In particular, MASL decreased expression of PDPN, SOX2, and SMAD5 at the RNA and protein levels. MASL also inhibited SMAD and MAPK activity, and exhibited potential for combination therapy with doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil. Taken together, results from this study indicate that MASL decreases activity of JAK–STAT, TGFβ–SMAD, and Wnt–βCTN signaling pathways to inhibit OSCC growth and motility. These data suggest that further studies should be undertaken to determine how MASL may also be used alone and in combination with other agents to treat oral cancer.
Effects of a "toes-off" modified heel raise on muscle coordination in non-dancers, dancers, and dancers with flexor hallucis longus tendinopathy.

Abstract Background Tendinopathy of the flexor hallucis longus, commonly called “dancer's tendinitis”, is a prevalent injury among female ballet dancers. Limited success of non-surgical interventions leads to many dancers undergoing tenolysis surgeries with risks and recovery times that can be detrimental to a dance career. The purpose of this study was to evaluate lower limb kinematics and muscle coordination during a modified traditional heel raise exercise where the toes hang off the edge of the support surface. We hypothesized this would decrease activation of the flexor hallucis longus and increase activation of larger plantarflexors. Methods Healthy non-dancers (n = 11), healthy dancers (n = 10), and dancers with flexor hallucis longus tendinopathy (n = 9) performed traditional (“toes-on”) and modified (“toes-off”) heel raises with kinematic and electromyographic instrumentation of the lower leg. Findings Participants maintained ankle excursion with the toes-off modification, while metatarsophalangeal joints had reduced excursion and greater excursion variability. Most healthy dancers (9/10) decreased flexor hallucis longus activation as predicted, but dancers with flexor hallucis longus tendinopathy showed a variable response with some decreasing activation (3/9) but others increasing activation up to 4-times. There were no changes in activation of other plantarflexors. Across groups, intrinsic foot muscle activation decreased with the toes-off modification. Interpretation The toes-off modification decreased flexor hallucis longus activation in most of the healthy dancers but was insufficient to shift muscle coordination from the flexor hallucis longus to larger plantarflexors in dancers with flexor hallucis longus tendinopathy. Future work should investigate clinical cues or modifications to this “toes-off” heel raise intervention.
Literary study as an education in moral perception and imagination

This article explores how literary study engages readers’ moral perception and imagination. Although some philosophers discuss reading as a largely solitary activity, this article explores social p...
Individualized Assays of Temporal Coding in the Ascending Human Auditory System

Neural phase-locking to temporal fluctuations is a fundamental and unique mechanism by which acoustic information is encoded by the auditory system. The perceptual role of this metabolically expensive mechanism, the neural phase-locking to temporal fine structure (TFS) in particular, is debated. Although hypothesized, it is unclear if auditory perceptual deficits in certain clinical populations are attributable to deficits in TFS coding. Efforts to uncover the role of TFS have been impeded by the fact that there are no established assays for quantifying the fidelity of TFS coding at the individual level. While many candidates have been proposed, for an assay to be useful, it should not only intrinsically depend on TFS coding, but should also have the property that individual differences in the assay reflect TFS coding per se over and beyond other sources of variance. Here, we evaluate a range of behavioral and electroencephalogram (EEG)-based measures as candidate individualized measures of TFS sensitivity. Our comparisons of behavioral and EEG-based metrics suggest that extraneous variables dominate both behavioral scores and EEG amplitude metrics, rendering them ineffective. After adjusting behavioral scores using lapse rates, and extracting latency or percent-growth metrics from EEG, interaural timing sensitivity measures exhibit robust behavior-EEG correlations. Together with the fact that unambiguous theoretical links can be made relating binaural measures and phase-locking to TFS, our results suggest that these "adjusted" binaural assays may be well-suited for quantifying individual TFS processing.
Modes of plasma-stabilized combustion in cavity-based M = 2 configuration

Abstract This paper considers the modes of plasma-stabilized supersonic combustion in a cavity-based flameholding configuration. The testing was performed in the SBR-50 supersonic facility at the University of Notre Dame under the following conditions: Mach number M = 2, stagnation pressure and temperature P0 = 1–3.2 bar, T0 = 295–750 K, and an ethylene injection rate of ṁC2H4 = 0–8 g/s. A rail type electric discharge is employed in this work, which represents a modification of the previously explored quasi-DC (Q-DC) configuration. Two principally different cases are realized and described in detail: in- or over-the-cavity combustion, and bulk combustion characterized by a significant increase of pressure downstream of the fuel injection ports. Rail discharge performance is compared to the performance of Plasma-Injection Modules (PIMs) using a 1D analysis. Dimensionless analysis of the plasma-assisted combustor performance indicates reasonable agreement of the in-cavity combustion mode with the Ozawa stability diagram, while the plasma-assisted bulk combustion is essentially distinct from this formalism.
Normal and Neoplastic Early Lymphocyte Maturation

T and B lymphocytes apparently share a common precursor with other hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow. Using surface phenotype-defined bone marrow cells and clonogenic assays for pre-T and pre-B cells we have defined several stages of early lymphocyte maturation by bone marrow cells. We have examined the maturation of lymphocytes in Whitlock-Witte cultures, and have defined 2 stages of early lymphocyte maturation prior to the expression of the B cell form of the lymphocyte common antig. i (B220). The earliest of these two stages residues in a population of Thy-110 cells which make up only 0.1% of bone marrow cells, yet contain all known precursors for the various hematolymphoid lineages, including pluripotential stem cells. These cells undergo early maturation on certain cloned stromal elements (e.g. AC 6.21) from the Whitlock-Witte cultures, reaching the stage of expression of the B220 antigen, but prior to the expression of surface immunoglobulin. Transfer of the cells from cloned stromal cells to miced stromal elements in the Whitlock-Witte culture system gives rise to surface Ig+ B cells in a short time, indicating at least 2 stromal elements necessary for the proliferation and differentiation of 2 major stages of B lymphocyte maturation. Abelson leukemia virus transformed pre-B cells require stromal elements in the early phases of leukemogenesis for their growth, and the cloned stromal line (AC 6.21) responsible for the earliest B lymphocyte maturation from the Thy-110 cells is sufficient for this task. Later, at about the time the Abelson pre-B transformants become feeder-layer independent, ley begin to express a tumor -associated B 1ineage antigen which we call gp1606C3.
Storage system software solutions for high-end user needs

Today's high-end storage user is one that requires rapid access to a reliable terabyte-capacity storage system running in a distributed environment. This paper discusses conventional storage system software and concludes that this software, designed for other purposes, cannot meet high-end storage requirements. The paper also reviews the philosophy and design of evolving storage system software. It concludes that this new software, designed with high-end requirements in mind, provides the potential for solving not only the storage needs of today but those of the foreseeable future as well.
Gas phase nucleation involving polymers

Homogeneous gas phase addition polymerization in which the chain is propagated by either free radicals or ions has only been subject to experimental study recently. The reason for this has been the difficulty in keeping the involatile polymers in the gas phase. This is now accomplished by growing so few chains simultaneously that they cannot encounter one another and condense. Measurement of exceedingly slow reaction rates are then necessary (less than one product molecule per cubic centimeter per second). However, detection is possible by having the polymers nucleate drops of liquid monomer. The development of the field of nucleation is therefore of major importance, and, in turn, the study of gas phase polymerization has much to offer nucleation. Examples and problems are discussed.
The Impact of Public Information and FDA Issued Warnings on the Use of Antidepressants in Primary Care

Context: This article explores the relative impact of marketing information and FDA regulatory actions in the market for prescription drugs. We examine how direct to consumer advertising (DTCA) and FDA issued precautions and boxed warnings together affect young patients' visits with physicians and active prescriptions for anti-depressants. Methods: We aggregate 10 years (1998-2006) of detailed electronic medical record data on 9344 patients (254,810 patient-months) between the ages of 5 and 25, to the physician practice level. We then estimate monthly visit rates and active prescription rates using random and fixed effects models on the resulting unbalanced panel of practice months (N=1702). Findings: Results indicate that DTCA, FDA mandated changes to drug labels and media coverage affects the flow of patients into the physician practice and the rate of prescribing antidepressants. The FDA-issued boxed warning had a statistically significant effect only on prescribing rates for the under-18 year old population and only for the drugs explicitly mentioned in the boxed warning announcement. Conclusions: Since the policy goal of the boxed warning was to impact physician choices for all antidepressants our findings suggest there is room for improvement in the way boxed warnings – or indeed any FDA warning information – are released.
Macovski, Albert: My MRI Journey

MRI, unlike X-ray systems, emerged from a well-developed scientific discipline nuclear magnetic resonance. Imaging scientists, including myself, applied known imaging techniques to this phenomena, to provide spectacular images. Known properties of NMR of moving spins were used to provide isolated images of blood vessels, a major source of disease. Another important NMR practice is that of field-cycling where the polarizing and readout fields are at differing levels. This practice has recently been applied to imaging in the form of pre-polarized magnetic resonance imaging. The initial results are very promising. To fully realize its potential, a pulsed superconducting field will be needed for polarization. Keywords: MRI; nuclear magnetic resonance; vessel imaging; spectroscopy; prepolarized; pulsed superconductor