cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heavy-tailed distribution of parallel I/O system response time

Estimating I/O time of applications is critical for computing system research and developments, such as performance tuning and job scheduling. Parallel I/O systems on large-scale HPC systems typically use several I/O servers attached to a number of hard disk drives to read and write data concurrently. As a result, the response time of individual I/O servers affects the overall I/O performance and modeling the response time distribution holds the key to estimate I/O time. Existing studies have generally considered that the response time follows a Uniform or a Normal distribution. However, none of these studies considered supercomputing environments that are actively used by a number of users to verify the existence of Uniform or Normal distributions. In this study, we collected a 2,500,000 measurements on two peta-scale class supercomputers that are actively used by a5000 users. These two systems, Hopper and Edison at the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC), typically support hundreds of concurrent jobs. Our performance measurements include the overheads introduced by the entire parallel I/O stack (I/O library, network, parallel file system software, cache and hardware). Our study shows that the response time of parallel I/O system follows a heavy-tailed property, in contrary to the widely accepted Normal or Uniform distributions. In exploring for new models, we identify that a mix of Power Law and Normal distributions is a good fit for the response time of parallel I/O systems that are actively used by hundreds of jobs concurrently.
Investigation of coupled optical parametric oscillators for novel applications

In this proceedings article, we summarize our previous results on the novel applications using the coupled optical parametric oscillators (OPO’s). In a conventional OPO, a single pump wavelength is capable of generating a pair of the signal and idler beams by placing a bulk nonlinear crystal inside an OPO cavity. When a nonlinear crystal composite consisting of periodically-inverted KTiOPO4 (KTP) plates bonded together by the adhesive-free-bonded (AFB) technique is used instead of the bulk nonlinear crystal, the optical parametric oscillation takes place at two sets of the new wavelengths for the signal and idler beams due to the phase shifts occurring at the interfaces of the adjacent domains making up the composite. These two sets of the signal and idler waves are effectively generated by the two OPO’s being coupled to each other. These signals and idlers exhibit ultrastability in terms of their frequency separation. We review the progress made by us on the applications being realized by using such coupled OPO’s such as THz generation and restoration of the blurred images after propagating through a distortion plate and a phase plate simulating atmospheric turbulence.
Vertical Nanowire Heterojunction Devices Based on a Clean Si/Ge Interface

Different vertical nanowire heterojunction devices were fabricated and tested based on vertical Ge nanowires grown epitaxially at low temperatures on (111) Si substrates with a sharp and clean Si/Ge interface. The nearly ideal Si/Ge heterojuctions with controlled and abrupt doping profiles were verified through material analysis and electrical characterizations. In the nSi/pGe heterojunction diode, an ideality factor of 1.16, subpicoampere reverse saturation current, and rectifying ratio of 106 were obtained, while the n+Si/p+Ge structure leads to Esaki tunnel diodes with a high peak tunneling current of 4.57 kA/cm2 and negative differential resistance at room temperature. The large valence band discontinuity between the Ge and Si in the nanowire heterojunctions was further verified in the p+Si/pGe structure, which shows a rectifying behavior instead of an Ohmic contact and raises an important issue in making Ohmic contacts to heterogeneously integrated materials. A raised Si/Ge structure was further deve...
Melanocortin-3 receptors in the limbic system mediate feeding-related motivational responses during weight loss

Abstract Objective Appetitive responses to weight loss are mediated by a nutrient-sensing neural network comprised of melanocortin neurons. The role of neural melanocortin-3 receptors (MC3R) in mediating these responses is enigmatic. Mc3r knockout mice exhibit a paradoxical phenotype of obesity and reduced feeding-related behaviors in situations of nutrient scarcity. Here we examined whether MC3Rs expressed in mesolimbic neurons regulate feeding-related motivational responses. Methods Interactions between Mc3r genotype, cognitive function and energy balance on food self-administration were assessed using operant conditioning with fixed- and progressive ratio (FR1/PR1) settings. Inhibition of Mc3r transcription by a loxP-flanked transcriptional blocker (TB) in C57BL/6JN mice ( Mc3r TB/TB ) was reversed in mesolimbic neurons using DAT-Cre (DAT-MC3R). Results Caloric restriction (CR) caused 10–15% weight loss and increased motivation to acquire food rewards during training sessions. c-Fos-expression in the nucleus accumbens was increased 1 h following food presentation. While exhibiting weight loss, total food self-administration, enhanced motivation to self-administer food rewards in training sessions held during CR and c-Fos-activation in the nucleus accumbens following re-feeding were all markedly attenuated in Mc3r TB/TB mice. In contrast, cognitive abilities were normal in Mc3r TB/TB mice. Total food self-administration during FR1 sessions was not rescued in DAT-MC3R mice, however enhanced motivational responses to self-administer food rewards in PR1 conditions were restored. The nutrient-partitioning phenotype observed with Mc3r -deficiency was not rescued in DAT-MC3R mice. Conclusions Mesolimbic MC3Rs mediate enhanced motivational responses during CR. However, they are insufficient to restore normal caloric loading when food is presented during CR and do not affect metabolic conditions altering nutrient partitioning.
"Dude, you don't have Tourette's:" Tourette's syndrome, beyond the tics.

While coprolalia is the most well-known symptom of Tourette's syndrome (TS), it affects only a minority of persons with the condition. TS is a chronic neurobiological condition consisting of vocal and motor tics. Many children with TS have associated obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), both of which can interfere with school, peer, and family functioning more than the tics themselves. The article distinguishes TS from other tic disorders and reviews literature on epidemiology, etiology, clinical course, and diagnostic and treatment issues. The article discusses the role of primary care pediatric and advanced practice nurses in the diagnosis and management of TS and details helpful interventions in the arenas of personal, family, and educational support, as well as symptom management and indications for medications. The author also suggests areas for future nursing research.
ARACHNOGEOGRAPHICAL COMPARISON BETWEEN WEST PALEARCTIC AND AFROTROPICAL AREAS

Comparison is made between the Arachnofaunas of Western Palearctic (Europe, SW Asia and North Africa to 20 o N) and Afrotropical (from 20 o N to the line Zambezi – Kunene) areas. This border (actually transition zone) divides two Kingdoms – Holarctic and Paleotropic. What concerns Arachnida so far such comparison has never been made (for all the orders). Outlined are the endemic taxa and it is clear that the difference is due mostly to climatic difference (for the warm preferring groups like Schizomida, Amblypygi, Solifugae, Scorpiones, Ricinulei). Some groups in tropical Africa are relict (suborder Paleoamblypygi). In the Western Palearctic such groups (endemic and relics) are the scorpions of the genera Belisarius and Akrav (with Southamerican affinities). In our time the vast deserts like Sahara and the Arabian desert are a very important barrier for many groups.
The Effect of Older Age on EMS Use for Transportation to an Emergency Department.

Introduction Previous studies have found that older adults are more likely to use Emergency Medical Services (EMS) than younger adults, but the reasons for this remain understudied. Hypothesis/Problem This study aimed to determine if older age is associated with using EMS for transportation to an emergency department (ED) after controlling for confounding variables. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was conducted at a large academic medical center. Data on previous medical history, chief complaint, self-perceived illness severity, demographic information, and mode of arrival to the ED were collected on all subjects. Those who arrived to the ED via EMS also were asked reasons why they opted to call an ambulance for their illness/injury. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify survey responses, and multivariable regression was used to assess the independent effect of age on mode of ED arrival. Results Data from 1,058 subjects were analyzed, 449 (42%) of whom arrived to the ED via EMS. Compared to adults<55 years, the unadjusted prevalence ratio for the association between age and EMS use was 1.18 (95% CI, 0.96-1.45) for subjects 55-79 years and 1.54 (95% CI, 1.18-2.02) for subjects ≥80 years. After adjustment for confounding variables, age remained a statistically significant risk factor for EMS use (P<.05). Conclusion Older age is an independent risk factor for transportation to the ED via ambulance; however, this effect is attenuated by number of chronic medical conditions and history of depression. Additional research is needed to account for confounders unmeasured in this study and to elucidate reasons for the increased frequency of EMS use among older adults. Jones CMC , Wasserman EB , Li T , Amidon A , Abbott M , Shah MN . The Effect of Older Age on EMS Use for Transportation to an Emergency Department. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(3):261–268.
Coronary Heart Disease in the Middle East and North Africa: Current Status and Future Goals

The Middle East and North Africa has witnessed a dramatic transformation over the last 30 years caused by rapid urbanization and modernization and significant changes to diet and lifestyle. This review attempts to highlight recent data in regards to ischemic heart disease and its risk factors from the region. Ischemic heart disease is now the leading cause of death in the region. Age at presentation with myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndrome appears to be significantly younger than global averages. Increased rates of all major risk factors including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle have been noted. Specifically, significant changes to dietary habits and growing epidemic of use of alternative tobacco products are noted. This review article highlights the growing epidemic of ischemic heart disease in the region led by dramatic increases in incidence of its risk factors. This epidemic will require a multipronged approach to address the varied issues and mitigate the growing prevalence of the disease.
The role of language in expressing the life sciences in a polarized age

This Perspective is based on the keynote plenary lecture delivered at the Annual Conference of the Association for Politics and the Life Sciences (APLS), held on October 23, 2015, at the University of Wisconsin—Madison.
A survey on the digital enhancement of the archaeological sites on Google and a multimedia pilot project in the Agrigento Valley of the Temples in Sicily (Italy)

Aim of this paper is to offer a survey of the Google strategy on the enhancement of the archaeological sites in the world and a preview of the pilot project in progress at the UNESCO site Agrigento Valley of the Temples. We managed to map all the area of the Temple of Juno Lacinia, which is now the only Greek temple that can be visited online on a 360° tour on a Google platform, browsable inside. Also some point of interest will be selected which can be clicked and explored, taking captions with descriptive sheets of architectural and decorative elements, capitals, columns, 3D reconstructions, videos and aerial virtual tours realised with drones. They will be soon available in Italian and in English languages and in audio mode. In the next future the entire valley will be mapped and browsable in such a way.
Describing the Flexibility of the Generalized Gamma and Related Distributions

The generalized gamma (GG) distribution is a widely used, flexible tool for parametric survival analysis. Many alternatives and extensions to this family have been proposed. This paper characterizes the flexibility of the GG by the quartile ratio relationship, log(Q2/Q1)/log(Q3/Q2), and compares the GG on this basis with two other three-parameter distributions and four parent distributions of four or five parameters. For most parameter combinations of other distributions, a very similar GG, as assessed by the Kullback-Liebler distance, can be found by matching the three quartiles; extreme cases where this fails are examined. Limited additional flexibility is observed, supporting the basic GG family as an ideal platform for parametric survival analysis.
A case study of D D CAD virtual prototype simulation programs to enhance student performance in student centered fashion design education

To consider rapid development of advanced technology in the fashion industry this study focuses on analyzing how D CAD patternmaking and D garment simulation programs have been used as tools for enhancing student performance in student centered fashion design education A case study is used to capture students rsquo perceptions while they are using D and D software for design development and measure student performance with respect to enhancement of understanding of D visualization in student centered education This study discovered that both D patternmaking and D simulation program usage increased and enhanced student learning and helped them be more efficient in their pattern development process It was also found that both programs encouraged students to think critically about their design process This study provides insight with respect to how fashion design classes can properly equip future professionals with new technology developments in the fashion industry nbsp
What is new in perinatal HIV prevention

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to describe recent clinical trial, laboratory and observational findings that highlight both the progress that can be achieved in elimination of new pediatric infections in international clinical trial settings among HIV-infected breastfeeding women whi
Initial primary spontaneous pneumothorax in children and adolescents: Operate or wait?

Abstract Purpose The management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in the pediatric population is not standardized. The purpose of this study was to understand the management options for a first episode of PSP in children and adolescents, and their associated outcomes. Methods A retrospective study was conducted for patients 5–20 years old with a diagnosis of PSP at a large academic children's hospital between 2002 and 2014. Patient data were reviewed for each case. Management and outcomes were analyzed and compared between groups. Results Eighty patients met all inclusion criteria. Overall recurrence rate was 40% with 86% occurring within 12 months of the initial PSP. Patients with recurrent PSP were significantly taller. Size of pneumothorax based on initial chest x-ray was comparable between recurrent and nonrecurrent groups. A negative CT scan for subpleural blebs did not predict recurrence. Patients undergoing thoracoscopic blebectomy and mechanical pleurodesis at initial presentation had significantly lower recurrence rate compared to patients who underwent nonoperative management (operative group 14%, nonoperative group 45%; p=0.0373). Conclusions Recurrence following nonoperative management was high with the majority occurring within a year and requiring readmission. These findings support offering surgery to families as a potential initial management option. Level of Evidence 3b/4 — retrospective series or case control study, single institution, very limited population
Personality Changes During the Transition from Cognitive Health to Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Background/Objectives Behavioral problems in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) impose major management challenges. Current prevention strategies are anchored to cognitive outcomes, but behavioral outcomes may provide another, clinically relevant opportunity for preemptive therapy. We sought to determine whether personality changes that predispose to behavioral disorders arise during the transition from preclinical AD to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Design Longitudinal observational cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Participants Members of an apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 genetically enriched cohort of Maricopa County residents who were neuropsychiatrically healthy at entry (N = 277). Over a mean interval of 7 years, 25 who developed MCI and had the Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness Personality Inventory—Revised (NEO‐PI‐R) before and during the MCI transition epoch were compared with 252 nontransitioners also with serial NEO‐PI‐R administrations. Intervention Longitudinal administration of the NEO‐PI‐R and neuropsychological test battery. Measurements Change in NEO‐PI‐R factor scores (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness) from entry to the epoch of MCI diagnosis or an equivalent follow‐up duration in nontransitioners. Results NEO‐PI‐R neuroticism T‐scores increased significantly more in MCI transitioners than in nontransitioners (mean 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.9–4.9 vs 0, 95% CI = −0.7–0.7, P = .02), and openness decreased more in MCI transitioners than in nontransitioners (−4.8, 95% CI = −7.3 to −2.4 vs −1.0, 95% CI = −1.6 to −0.4, P < .001). Concurrent subclinical but statistically significant changes in behavioral scores worsened more in MCI transitioners than nontransitioners for measures of depression, somatization, irritability, anxiety, and aggressive attitude. Conclusion Personality and subclinical behavioral changes begin during the transition from preclinical AD to incident MCI and qualitatively resemble the clinically manifest behavioral disorders that subsequently arise in individuals with frank dementia.
Application of Microstatistical Fracture Mechanics to Dynamic Fracture Problems

Thus far in this conference, the dynamic fracture papers have focused on continuum treatments of single crack problems. However, many fracture problems encountered by the Army are not single crack problems and cannot be treated by continuum approaches. In fact, ordnance problems can, and usually do, involve many simultaneously active cracks as well as other simultaneously occurring failure processes. The situation is illustrated In Figure 1, which shows a polished and etched cross section through the impact site of a steel plate that was impacted at 6 km/s by a 6-mm-diameter water- filled polycarbonate sphere. Failure processes in evidence are ductile fracture (voids beneath the crater), brittle fracture (cracks extending inward from the crater profile), adiabatic shear banding (the white etching bands extending inward from the crater profile and also those connecting the ductile voids beneath the crater), the α (bcc) to e (hep) to α (bcc) phase transformations (indicated by the hemispherical dark-etching region encompassing the crater), and homogeneous plastic flow (indicated by the curvature in the originally straight and parallel rolling texture). All these five failure processes have occurred more or less simultaneously, and each process influences the other as it occurs.
Chemokines and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Colorectal Cancer

Scientific exploration of cancer in the past century has primarily focused on the concept of uncontrolled growth of cancer cells with little attention to the non-neoplastic component of tumors. More recent studies brought to light the important positive and negative effects of the local host response to cancer. The tumor microenvironment is a specialized niche that provides the survival signals necessary for cancer cells to undergo proliferation, neovascularization, invasion, and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment thus provides the fertile soil for tumor growth and the selective survival advantages necessary for dissemination to other organs (Seed and Soil Hypothesis) (Fidler 2002; Paget 1889). Beginning in the early stages and continuing throughout tumor development, cancer cells secrete multiple cytokines, growth factors, and proteases to re-shape their surrounding connective tissue. This leads to the formation of a ‘reactive’ stroma that supports tumor progression by inducing reactions such as angiogenesis and inflammation. Stromal cells, such as fibroblasts, leukocytes, and endothelial cells, become activated and release additional growth factors and proteases to foster tumor growth. The extracellular matrix (ECM), another component of tumor stroma, acts as a scaffold for structural support, as well as a specialized reservoir of macromolecules, proteases and their inhibitors, growth factors, and cytokines. By inducing compositional changes in the ECM, cancer cells regulate and modify the contextual information needed for cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, thereby controlling their own fate. The reciprocal (paracrine)
Towards Water-Jet Steerable Needles

Water-jet technology has been used extensively for decades industrially for many applications including mining, plastic, metal, stone, wood, and produce cutting. The use of water-jet in medical applications has been developed more recently and it is used for different applications such as soft tissue resection, bone cutting, wound debridement, and surgery. In this paper, a new application of water-jet technology in the medical field is proposed, namely water-jet cutting at the tip of a needle with a long-term goal of steerable needles. A needle insertion system is designed and built, which has a custom-designed water-jet nozzle attached to a Nitinol needle as its “needle”. Insertions with and without water-jet into 10%, 15% and 20% Poly (styrene-b-ethylene-co-butylene-b-styrene) triblock copolymer (SEBS) tissue-mimicking simulants are performed and the associated force data is measured using a force sensor at the base of the needle. The results of force vs. displacement show that the water-jet reduces the insertion force associated with traditional needles by eliminating tip forces. In this paper, a custom-designed straight nozzle is used to show the feasibility of water-jet steerable needles, whereas future work will focus on steerability using steerable nozzles. Depth of cut as a function of fluid velocity is also measured for different volumetric flow rates. The results show that depth of cut is a linear function of fluid velocity when the width of the water-jet nozzle is sufficiently small and smooth.
Fat-free adipose tissue mass: impact on peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in adolescents with and without obesity.

Fat-free body mass (FFM) is a surrogate for skeletal muscle mass and is often used for the normalization of several physiological variables (e.g., oxygen uptake). However, FFM includes non-skeletal muscle components such as the fat-free component of adipose tissue fat cells. As the amount of adipose tissue mass increases, the FFM will also increase and be included in the measurement of FFM. Therefore, FFM may not be an appropriate indicator of muscle mass when targeting individuals with a large amount of body fat. This review aimed (1) to examine the fat-free adipose tissue (FFAT) in adolescents with and without obesity and (2) to investigate the impact of FFAT on peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) by comparing VO2peak expressed relative to FFM and FFM minus FFAT between adolescents with and without obesity. Calculated FFAT was threefold higher in adolescents with obesity compared to those without obesity (mean ± SD; 6.94 ± 1.40 vs. 2.22 ± 0.58 kg). The VO2peak expressed relative to FFM-FFAT was similar between the two groups (56.5 ± 6.7 vs. 57.4 ± 8.9 ml min−1 kg−1 FFM-FFAT, respectively). On the other hand, VO2peak expressed relative to FFM was approximately 8% different between groups. When normalizing VO2peak by FFM, eliminating the FFAT component from FFM may be needed, especially when comparing groups with different body fat mass.
Viral immune complexes in systemic lupus erythematosus. C-type viral complex deposition at extrarenal sites.

Specimens of kidney, heart, lung, eye, skin, conjunctiva, choroid plexus and brain were obtained from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) post-mortem. The tissues were examined for immune-complex deposition by direct immunofluorescence utilizing antisera specific for IgG, IgA, IgE, IgM and the complement components Clq and C3. Tissues were also examined for C-type viral antigen by indirect immunofluorescence with an antisera raised to HEL-12 virus. Immune complexes were detected along basement membranes and/or in vessel walls of kidney, heart, lung, skin, conjunctiva and eye. HEL-12 viral antigen was detected in the same distribution as immunoglobulins and complement in all tissues. Preimmune serum did not mediate immunofluorescence and the reaction mediated by the anti-HEL-12 virus serum could be blocked by absorption with purified viral antigens. Two renal biopsies were obtained from a second SLE patient during clinical exacerbation and remission. Immunofluorescence analysis of the biopsy obtained during exacerbation showed 3 + deposition of immunoglobulin, complement and HEL-12 viral antigen. In contrast, the biopsy obtained 6 months later during remission showed trace -1 + immunofluorescence for HEL-12 viral antigen, immunoglobulin and complement. We conclude that HEL-12 viral antigen is a component of widely disseminated immune complexes in SLE, and that the disappearance of HEL-12 viral antigen occurs concomitantly with the loss of immune deposits.
‘From objects to subjects: the museumification of Blackness in Mexico’*

ABSTRACTThe performative role of the museum as a ‘historical map’ has long served to construct strategic cartographies of identity and community. In addition, the nature of the relational experienc...
Abstract 902: The antiandrogen bicalutamide induces senescence in LNCaP cells and quiescence in Myc CaP cells

The survival benefits in prostate cancer (PCa) conferred by androgen deprivation therapies (ADT) and antiandrogens are often blunted by the development of castration resistant disease (CRPC). There is increasing evidence that the primary cellular response to ADT is senescence rather than apoptosis, and this may influence progression to CRPC. However, the majority of in vitro studies employ the charcoal stripped serum model, and very few studies use antiandrogens, despite the fact that antiandrogens are currently one of the primary modes of therapy for prostate cancer. In an effort to enhance our understanding of antiandrogen effects in PCa, we evaluated the cellular response to the clinically relevant antiandrogen, bicalutamide, in the human LNCaP and murine Myc-CaP cell lines. Acute treatment (48 hours) with bicalutamide resulted in a growth arrest followed by proliferative recovery in both cell lines. However, while the growth arrest was prolonged (lasting at least 6 days) in the LnCaP cells, growth arrest was exceedingly brief (lasting approximately 24 hours) in the Myc-CaP cells. Consistent with these observations, we were able to detect increased beta galactosidase staining (a hallmark of senescence) in the LnCaP treated cells but not the Myc-CaP treated cells. Despite the fact that profound morphological changes were evident in the Myc-Cap cells, including an enlarged and elongated cell body, the highly transient nature of the growth arrest suggests that the Myc-Cap cells undergo quiescence rather than senescence. The absence of senescence induction in the Myc-CaP cells may be a consequence of the androgen receptor copy number gain. However, androgen duplication is highly uncommon in human prostate cancers prior to development of CRPC. Thus, it is likely that antiandrogens can induce senescence in treatment-naive patients, as seen in the LNCaP cell line. The ability of bicalutamide to induce senescence, albeit perhaps conditionally, suggests that some prostate cancers treated with ADT and/or antiandrogens may be susceptible to drugs that target senescent cells (senolytics). We therefore propose that elimination of senescent cells prior to recovery could attenuate or prevent the development of CRPC. Citation Format: Valerie J. Carpenter, Tareq Saleh, David A. Gewirtz. The antiandrogen bicalutamide induces senescence in LNCaP cells and quiescence in Myc CaP cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 902.
Consequences of the Varignon Parallelogram Theorem

GEOMETRY STUDENTS have long been encouraged to investigate the following problem: What figure is formed when the midpoints of the sides of a quadrilateral are joined in order? Because a four-sided polygon is not a rigid figure, students might examine a variety of quadrilaterals, both convex and concave. They could consider crossed, or nonsimple, quadrilaterals with one pair of opposite sides intersecting. See figure 1. They might even envision a skew quadrilateral, the sides of which are not all contained in any one plane, which could be modeled as a piece of construction paper folded upward along a diagonal. The problem soon becomes a doodler’s delight, easily lending itself to exploration with such interactive geometry software as Cabri Geometry or The Geometer’s Sketchpad. Students discover that howsoever the original quadrilateral is configured, the figure formed by joining the midpoints of its sides is a parallelogram, which is sometimes called a Varignon parallelogram. This figure is named after Pierre Varignon (1654–1722), who first proved that such a parallelogram fits each quadrilateral. A biography of Varignon appeared in the April 2001 issue of the Mathematics Teacher. This article suggests several approaches that allow students to explore the implications of the parallelogram theorem.
Choice of control tissue impacts designation of germline variants in a cohort of papillary thyroid carcinoma patients.

Background The term germline is commonly used to refer to any non-tumor control sample analyzed in tumor–normal paired sequencing experiments. Blood is the most commonly utilized control, and variants found in both tumor and blood are considered germline. However, somatic variants accumulate within an organism from embryogenesis throughout life. The resultant mosaicism is extensive and calls into question the assumption that blood, or any somatic tissue, represents the germline. Misclassification of germline and somatic variants has critical consequences for individual patient care and enormous impact on our health care system, given potential screening, counseling, and treatment implications of misidentifying germline variants. Patients and methods Whole-exome sequencing was performed on six separate specimens from each of two patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma, and three specimens each from eight additional patients forming a validation cohort. Tumor variants were compared with each individual non-tumor control and with composite control sets generated as approximations of true germline. For the index patient, parental blood was also sequenced to assess whether patient-only samples could approximate a trio-derived germline. Results Using different non-tumor control tissues results in altered germline–somatic designation of tumor variants. In patient 1, 82% of variants are labeled germline using blood control, compared with 75.8%, 61.5%, and 49.6% using lymph node, thyroid, and thymus, respectively. In patient 2, the thyroid control resulted in the greatest percentage of germline calls (70.0%), followed by thymus (56.0%), lymph node (50.1%), and blood (44.1%). Composite control sets built from multiple samples can approximate the germline, even in the absence of parental DNA. Conclusions Misclassification of germline–somatic origin has potential consequences for patient care, informing screening, trial eligibility, prophylactic interventions, and family planning. This study demonstrates the need for caution in interpreting germline–somatic designation if these data are to inform clinical decisions and suggests that improved design of controls can overcome current limitations.
Layer-resolved ultrafast extreme ultraviolet measurement of hole transport in a Ni-TiO2-Si photoanode

Metal oxide semiconductor junctions are central to most electronic and optoelectronic devices, but ultrafast measurements of carrier transport have been limited to device-average measurements. Here, charge transport and recombination kinetics in each layer of a Ni-TiO2-Si junction is measured using the element specificity of broadband extreme ultraviolet (XUV) ultrafast pulses. After silicon photoexcitation, holes are inferred to transport from Si to Ni ballistically in ~100 fs, resulting in characteristic spectral shifts in the XUV edges. Meanwhile, the electrons remain on Si. After picoseconds, the transient hole population on Ni is observed to back-diffuse through the TiO2, shifting the Ti spectrum to a higher oxidation state, followed by electron-hole recombination at the Si-TiO2 interface and in the Si bulk. Electrical properties, such as the hole diffusion constant in TiO2 and the initial hole mobility in Si, are fit from these transient spectra and match well with values reported previously.
Racial/ethnic segregation and health disparities: Future directions and opportunities

Health researchers have investigated the association between racial segregation and racial health disparities with multilevel approaches. This study systematically reviews these multilevel studies and identifies broad trends and potential directions for future research on racial segregation and health disparities in the US. After searching databases including CINAHL and MEDLINE, we identified and systematically reviewed 66 articles published between 2003 and 2019 and found four major gaps in racial/ethnic segregation and health disparities: (a) the concept of segregation was rarely operationalized at the neighborhood level, (b) except for the evenness and exposure dimension, other dimensions of segregation are overlooked, (c) little attention was paid to the segregation between whites and non-black minorities, particularly Hispanics and Asians, and (d) mental health outcomes were largely absent. Future directions and opportunities include: First, other segregation dimensions should be explored. Second, the spatial scales for segregation measures should be clarified. Third, the theoretical frameworks for black and non-black minorities should be tested. Fourth, mental health, substance use, and the use of mental health care should be examined. Fifth, the long-term health effect of segregation has to be investigated, and finally, other competing explanations for why segregation matters at the neighborhood level should be answered.
Tree regeneration and soil responses to management alternatives in beetle-infested lodgepole pine forests

Abstract Recent mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae; MPB) outbreaks have caused one of the most widespread and dramatic changes in forest condition in North American forests in more than a century and highlighted challenges facing resource managers. To address uncertainty regarding the consequences of post-harvest woody residue management on soil productivity and tree regeneration following MPB outbreaks in lodgepole pine-dominated forests we compared three treatment prescriptions (bole-only harvest, whole-tree harvest, and whole-tree harvest with scarification) and uncut stands. The study was replicated at twelve sites across a range of operational project areas and stand conditions in northern Colorado. Salvage logging generated a new cohort of lodgepole pine at densities far above the threshold considered adequate to develop into well-stocked stands (1700–2300 t ha−1 in logged compared to 537 t ha−1 in uncut areas). Regeneration density was generally highest in whole-tree harvested areas. Growth of planted and naturally regenerating lodgepole pine recruits was best in the bole-only, residue-retention treatment, where soil moisture and inorganic nitrogen supply was also highest. However, we found no indication that whole-tree harvesting lowered soil moisture, soil nitrogen supply or pools relative to uncut stands. The density of trees regenerating beneath uncut stands indicates that post-outbreak forest structure should recover without management in these forests. The cohort of trees that regenerated following MPB-related overstory mortality, but prior to harvesting, comprise the fastest-growing component of the growing stock and 30% of its density. The broader watershed-scale outcomes of these treatments and their implications for wildfire behavior and other effects remain uncertain. However, the soil and tree patterns we report during the initial post-treatment period inform on-going decisions regarding harvest and residue retention and create a platform to guide future forest management research.
The value of the "Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System" (SURPAS) in preoperative consultation for elective surgery: a pilot study.

Risk assessment is essential to informed decision making in surgery. Preoperative use of the Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System (SURPAS) providing individualized risk assessment, may enhance informed consent. We assessed patient and provider perceptions of SURPAS as a risk assessment tool. A convergent mixed-methods study assessed SURPAS’s trial implementation, concurrently collecting quantitative and qualitative data, separately analyzing it, and integrating the results. Patients and providers were surveyed and interviewed on their opinion of how SURPAS impacted the preoperative encounter. Relationships between patient risk and patient and provider assessment of SURPAS were examined. A total of 197 patients were provided their SURPAS postoperative risk estimates in nine surgeon’s clinics. Of the total patients, 98.8% reported they understood their surgical risks very or quite well after exposure to SURPAS; 92.7% reported SURPAS was very helpful or helpful. Providers shared that 83.4% of the time they reported SURPAS was very or somewhat helpful; 44.7% of the time the providers reported it changed their interaction with the patient and this change was beneficial 94.3% of the time. As patient risk increased, providers reported that SURPAS was increasingly helpful (p < 0.0001). Patients and providers reported the use of SURPAS helpful and informative during the preoperative risk assessment of patients, thus improving the surgical decision making process. Patients thought that SURPAS was helpful regardless of their risk level, whereas providers thought that SURPAS was more helpful in higher risk patients.
Public support and visitation impacts of Sunday hunting on public hunting lands

Sunday hunting legislation is complex, and often controversial, resulting in recreation impacts for both traditional (hunters, anglers, trappers) and non-traditional (e.g., hikers, birders, bikers,...
Evaluation of the optimal sequence of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy in the treatment of advanced endometrial cancer

Objective The optimal sequence of adjuvant chemoradiation in the treatment of advanced endometrial carcinoma (EC) remains unclear. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of patients treated with chemoradiation in sandwich fashion (chemotherapy-radiotherapy-chemotherapy; CRC), versus those treated sequentially (chemotherapy-radiotherapy; CR) (radiotherapy-chemotherapy; RC), to determine if there is a survival advantaged associated with a particular treatment sequence. Methods A multicenter retrospective analysis of patients with stage III and IV EC from 2000-2018 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were patients who had undergone comprehensive surgical staging/tumor debulking; followed by adjuvant chemoradiation. Differences in the frequencies of adverse events were evaluated using Pearson's χ² test. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Results Final analysis included 152 patients; 36.8% (n=56) CRC, 28.9% (n=44) CR, and 34.2% (n=52) RC. Histology included 44.0% endometrioid, 47.5% serous and 8.5% clear cell tumors. There was no difference in the frequency of histology (p=0.973), stage (p=0.143), cytoreduction status (p=0.932), or treatment delays (p=0.571) between adjuvant therapy sequences. The most frequent location of disease recurrence was abdomen. The median PFS favored CRC versus CR or RC (36-months vs. 22-months and 24-months, respectively) (p=0.038), as did the median OS (48-months vs. 28-months and 34-months, respectively) (p=0.003). CRC demonstrated superiority over CR and RC sequencing in terms 3-year PFS (55% vs. 34% and 37%, respectively) and 3-year OS (71% vs. 50% and 52%, respectively). Conclusions Adjuvant chemoradiation delivered in CRC sequence was associated with improvements in both PFS and OS compared to alternant therapy sequencing.
Specifying exogeneity and bilinear effects in data-driven model searches.

Data-driven model searches provide the opportunity to quantify person-specific processes using ambulatory assessment data. Here, the search space typically includes all potential relations among variables, meaning that all variables can potentially explain variability in all other variables. Oftentimes, this is unrealistic. For example, weather is unlikely to be predicted by someone’s emotional state, whereas the reverse might be true. Allowing for specification of exogenous variables, or variables that are not predicted within the system, permits more realistic models and allows the researcher to model contextual change processes via the use of moderation variables. We use two sets of daily diary data to demonstrate the capabilities of allowing for the specification of exogenous variables in GIMME (Group Iterative Multiple Model Estimation), a model search algorithm that allows for models with idiographic, individual-level as well as subgroup- and group-level processes with intensive longitudinal data. First, using data collected from individuals diagnosed with personality disorders, we show results where weather-related and temporal basis variables are specified as exogenous, and reports on affect and behavior are endogenous. Next, we demonstrate the modeling of treatment effects in an intervention study, looking at data from a 6-week meditation workshop in midlife adults. Finally, we use the meditation intervention data to demonstrate modeling moderation effects, where relationships between two endogenous variables are dependent on the current stage of the study for a given participant (i.e., currently attending meditation classes or not). We end by presenting adaptive LASSO as a method for probing results obtained from GIMME.
Your Honor What I Meant To State Was . . .: A Comparative Analysis of the Judicial and Evidentiary Admission Doctrines as Applied to Counsel Statements in Pleadings, Open Court, and Memoranda of Law

This article analyzes the law regarding party admissions; specifically as applied to statements in pleadings, open court, and memoranda of law. In particular, this article will: (1) provide a detailed description of the two types of admissions counsel make; (2) address courts' treatment of attorneys' admissions in different circumstances; and (3) provide an argument for treating attorneys' admissions in memoranda of law similar to admissions in open court or in pleadings. The goal of this article is to provide a blueprint of the law on admissions, an area of law where all to often counsel pays little attention, and to advocate a change in the treatment of attorneys' admissions in memoranda of law.
Consistency in the Naturally Vertex-Signed Line Graph of a Signed Graph

A signed graph is a graph whose edges are signed. In a vertex-signed graph the vertices are signed. The latter is called consistent if the product of signs in every circle is positive. The line graph of a signed graph is naturally vertex-signed. Based on a characterization by Acharya, Acharya, and Sinha in 2009, we give constructions for the signed simple graphs whose naturally vertex-signed line graph is consistent.
AdSplit: separating smartphone advertising from applications

A wide variety of smartphone applications today rely on third-party advertising services, which provide libraries that are linked into the hosting application. This situation is undesirable for both the application author and the advertiser. Advertising libraries require their own permissions, resulting in additional permission requests to users. Likewise, a malicious application could simulate the behavior of the advertising library, forging the user's interaction and stealing money from the advertiser. This paper describes AdSplit, where we extended Android to allow an application and its advertising to run as separate processes, under separate user-ids, eliminating the need for applications to request permissions on behalf of their advertising libraries, and providing services to validate the legitimacy of clicks, locally and remotely. AdSplit automatically recompiles apps to extract their ad services, and we measure minimal runtime overhead. AdSplit also supports a system resource that allows advertisements to display their content in an embedded HTML widget, without requiring any native code.
Math Search for the Masses: Multimodal Search Interfaces and Appearance-Based Retrieval

We summarize math search engines and search interfaces produced by the Document and Pattern Recognition Lab in recent years, and in particular thei¾?$$m_{in}$$min math search interface and the Tangent search engine. Source code for both systems are publicly available. "The Masses" refers to our emphasis on creating systems for mathematical non-experts, who may be looking to define unfamiliar notation, or browse documents based on the visual appearance of formulae rather than their mathematical semantics.
Globalization and the Poor

1. Introduction 2. Economic globalization and the development of poor nations 3. The sources of opposition 4. Alternatives to globalization 5. The anti-globalization movement and the multitlateral agreement on investment 6. Regulating international financial markets 7. The student anti-sweatshop movement 8. Saving globalization.
Monopsony in Law and Economics

Most readers are familiar with the concept of a monopoly. A monopolist is the only seller of a good or service for which there are not good substitutes. Economists and policy makers are concerned about monopolies because they lead to higher prices and lower output. The topic of this book is monopsony, the economic condition in which there is one buyer of a good or service. It is a common misunderstanding that if monopolists raise prices, then monopsonists must lower them. It is true that a monopsonist may force sellers to sell to them at lower prices, but this does not mean consumers are better off as a result. This book explains why monopsonists can be harmful and the way law has developed to respond to these harms.
A (31,15) Reed-Solomon code for large memory systems

This paper describes the encoding and the decoding of a (31,15) Reed-Solomon Code for multiple-burst error correction for large memory systems. The decoding procedure consists of four steps—(1) syndrome calculation, (2) error-location polynomial calculation, (3) error-location numbers calculation and (4) error values calculation. The principal features of the design are the use of a hardware shift register for both high-speed encoding and syndrome calculation, and the use of a commercially available (31,15) decoder for de-coding Steps 2, 3 and 4.