cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coordinated access control with temporal and spatial constraints on mobile execution in coalition environments

Dynamics is an inherent characteristic of computational grids. The volatile nodal availablity requires grid applications and services be adaptive to changes of the underlying grid topology. Mobile execution allows mobile users or tasks to relocate across different nodes in the grid. This poses new challenges to resource access control. Resource sharing in the grid coalition environment creates certain temporal and spatial requirements for accesses by mobile entities. However, there is a lack of formal treatment of the impact of mobility on the shared resource access control. In this paper, we formalize the mobile execution of grid entities by using the mobile code model. We introduce a shared resource access language, SRAL, to model the behaviors of mobile codes. SRAL is structured and composed so that the program of a mobile code can be constructed recursively from primitive accesses. We define the operational semantics of SRAL and prove that it is expressive enough for most resource access patterns. In particular, it is complete in the sense that it can specify any program of regular trace model. A constraint language, SRAC, is defined to specify spatial constraints for shared resource accesses. Checking if the behavior of a mobile code satisfies a given spatial constraint can be solved by a polynomial-time algorithm. We apply the Duration Calculus to express temporal constraints, and show the constraint satisfaction problem is decidable as well. We extend the role-based access control model to specify and enforce our spatio-temporal constraints. To prove the concept and technical feasibility of our coordinated access control model, we implemented it in a mobile agent system, which emulates mobile execution in grids by software agents.
Kinematic-Wave Method for Peak Runoff Estimates

A set of algebraic equations to determine the design discharge for highway culverts is proposed. The kinematic-wave theory and the concepts underlying the commonly used rational method are adopted to derive these design discharge equations. Various drainage basin configurations, among which are rectangular and converging catchments, cascades of planes and overland flow-channel flow systems are considered. Composite basins with nonuniform slopes, roughness properties and runoff coefficients are included. In order to employ the proposed equations, the rainfall intensity-duration relationships and the physical characteristics of the basin should be specified. Unlike empirical formulas used for the same purpose, the proposed equations are physically based. They can be employed for a variety of drainage situations within the limitations of the kinematic wave theory. A practical application section is included to show the use of the proposed equations.
Southern copperhead venom enhances tissue-type plasminogen activator induced fibrinolysis but does not directly lyse human plasma thrombi

In addition to degrading fibrinogen as a source of consumptive coagulopathy, purified fractions of southern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix; A. c. contortrix) venom has been demonstrated to enhance fibrinolysis. The goal of this investigation was to characterize the kinetic fibrinolytic profile of A. c. contortrix venom in the absence and presence of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) to determine if intact venom had tPA independent fibrinolytic properties. Utilizing thrombelastographic methods, the coagulation and fibrinolytic kinetic profiles of human plasma exposed to A. c. contortrix venom (0-6 μg/ml) were determined in the absence or presence of tPA (0-100 IU/ml). Then, plasma was exposed to 0-6 μg/ml of venom without tPA added and coagulation observed for 3 h. Venom significantly prolonged the onset of coagulation, decreased the velocity of thrombus growth but did not significantly decrease clot strength. In the presence of tPA, venom significantly decreased clot strength, shortened the time of onset of fibrinolysis, decreased clot lysis time but did not significantly affect the maximum rate of lysis. Lastly, while venom exposure in the absence of tPA significantly prolonged the onset of coagulation and decreased the velocity of clot growth, venom exposure did not result in detectable fibrinolysis over the 3 h observation period. A. c. contortrix venom enhances tPA mediated fibrinolysis by degrading plasma coagulation kinetics. Intact A. c. contortrix venom does not possess sufficient fibrinolytic activity to cause fibrinolysis in human plasma at the concentration tested.
Using isolated landmarks and trajectories in robot navigation

A purely topological method is explored for navigation in a large unstructured environment that contains featureless objects, using qualitative nonmetric information such as isolated landmarks and trajectories, which are defined. Given a source and a goal, the map-maker constructs a series of verbal directions, called custom map. Based on the custom map, the navigating robot is told to look for events that are characterized by spatial properties of the environment, such as isolated landmarks or distinguishing juxtapositions of landmarks. The result is efficient and reliable navigation that does not depend on detailed numeric information. >
A statistical 3-D pattern processing method for computer-aided detection of polyps in CT colonography

Adenomatous polyps in the colon are believed to be the precursor to colorectal carcinoma, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in United States. In this paper, we propose a new method for computer-aided detection of polyps in computed tomography (CT) colonography (virtual colonoscopy), a technique in which polyps are imaged along the wall of the air-inflated, cleansed colon with X-ray CT. Initial work with computer aided detection has shown high sensitivity, but at a cost of too many false positives. We present a statistical approach that uses support vector machines to distinguish the differentiating characteristics of polyps and healthy tissue, and uses this information for the classification of the new cases. One of the main contributions of the paper is the new three-dimensional pattern processing approach, called random orthogonal shape sections method, which combines the information from many random images to generate reliable signatures of shape. The input to the proposed system is a collection of volume data from candidate polyps obtained by a high-sensitivity, low-specificity system that we developed previously. The results of our tenfold cross-validation experiments show that, on the average, the system increases the specificity from 0.19 (0.35) to 0.69 (0.74) at a sensitivity level of 1.0 (0.95).
Simulation of Calcium Sparks in Cut Skeletal Muscle Fibers of the Frog

Spark mass, the volume integral of ΔF/F, was investigated theoretically and with simulations. These studies show that the amount of Ca2+ bound to fluo-3 is proportional to mass times the total concentration of fluo-3 ([fluo-3T]); the proportionality constant depends on resting Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]R). In the simulation of a Ca2+ spark in an intact frog fiber with [fluo-3T] = 100 μM, fluo-3 captures approximately one-fourth of the Ca2+ released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Since mass in cut fibers is several times that in intact fibers, both with similar values of [fluo-3T] and [Ca2+]R, it seems likely that SR Ca2+ release is larger in cut fiber sparks or that fluo-3 is able to capture a larger fraction of the released Ca2+ in cut fibers, perhaps because of reduced intrinsic Ca2+ buffering. Computer simulations were used to identify these and other factors that may underlie the differences in mass and other properties of sparks in intact and cut fibers. Our spark model, which successfully simulates calcium sparks in intact fibers, was modified to reflect the conditions of cut fiber measurements. The results show that, if the protein Ca2+-buffering power of myoplasm is the same as that in intact fibers, the Ca2+ source flux underlying a spark in cut fibers is 5–10 times that in intact fibers. Smaller source fluxes are required for less buffer. In the extreme case in which Ca2+ binding to troponin is zero, the source flux needs to be 3–5 times that in intact fibers. An increased Ca2+ source flux could arise from an increase in Ca2+ flux through one ryanodine receptor (RYR) or an increase in the number of active RYRs per spark, or both. These results indicate that the gating of RYRs, or their apparent single channel Ca2+ flux, is different in frog cut fibers—and, perhaps, in other disrupted preparations—than in intact fibers.
Biology of Giardia lamblia.

Giardia lamblia is a common cause of diarrhea in humans and other mammals throughout the world. It can be distinguished from other Giardia species by light or electron microscopy. The two major genotypes of G. lamblia that infect humans are so different genetically and biologically that they may warrant separate species or subspecies designations. Trophozoites have nuclei and a well-developed cytoskeleton but lack mitochondria, peroxisomes, and the components of oxidative phosphorylation. They have an endomembrane system with at least some characteristics of the Golgi complex and encoplasmic reticulum, which becomes more extensive in encysting organisms. The primitive nature of the organelles and metabolism, as well as small-subunit rRNA phylogeny, has led to the proposal that Giardia spp. are among the most primitive eukaryotes. G. lamblia probably has a ploidy of 4 and a genome size of approximately 10 to 12 Mb divided among five chromosomes. Most genes have short 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions and promoter regions that are near the initiation codon. Trophozoites exhibit antigenic variation of an extensive repertoire of cysteine-rich variant-specific surface proteins. Expression is allele specific, and changes in expression from one vsp gene to another have not been associated with sequence alterations or gene rearrangements. The Giardia genome project promises to greatly increase our understanding of this interesting and enigmatic organism.
Chip-scale multiple quantum well based optical interconnects

Hybrid integration of multiple quantum well modulators with silicon is proposed for implementing chip-scale optical interconnects. Polymer waveguides with curved facets are used to couple light in and out of the MQW devices.
Application of the Intervention Mapping protocol to develop Keys, a family child care home intervention to prevent early childhood obesity

Background: Many families rely on child care outside the home, making these settings important influences on child development. Nearly 1.5 million children in the U.S. spend time in family child care homes (FCCHs), where providers care for children in their own residences. There is some evidence that children in FCCHs are heavier than those cared for in centers. However, few interventions have targeted FCCHs for obesity prevention. This paper will describe the application of the Intervention Mapping (IM) framework to the development of a childhood obesity prevention intervention for FCCHs Methods: Following the IM protocol, six steps were completed in the planning and development of an intervention targeting FCCHs: needs assessment, formulation of change objectives matrices, selection of theory-based methods and strategies, creation of intervention components and materials, adoption and implementation planning, and evaluation planning Results: Application of the IM process resulted in the creation of the Keys to Healthy Family Child Care Homes program (Keys), which includes three modules: Healthy You, Healthy Home, and Healthy Business. Delivery of each module includes a workshop, educational binder and tool-kit resources, and four coaching contacts. Social Cognitive Theory and Self-Determination Theory helped guide development of change objective matrices, selection of behavior change strategies, and identification of outcome measures. The Keys program is currently being evaluated through a cluster-randomized controlled trial Conclusions: The IM process, while time-consuming, enabled rigorous and systematic development of intervention components that are directly tied to behavior change theory and may increase the potential for behavior change within the FCCHs.
The cost of disinflation in Colombia: -A sacrifice Ratio Approach-

The disinflation episode that Colombia has experienced since 1991 has been costly in terms of the output and employment. This paper computes the sacrifice ratio not only for this period but also for each disinflation episode in the Colombian economy since 1957. In order to accomplish the objective mentioned above, a range of methodologies are used to compare the sacrifice ratio estimated for each episode. The results show that the current disinflation episode appears to be not as costly as the previous one, however an explanation of why the sacrifice ratio of the current episode should be calculated since 1997 is proposed.
Advanced 3D Packaging of Miniature Biomedical Sensors

In this paper, a novel 3D packaging technique for miniature implantable wireless biomedical sensors for intraocular pressure (IOP) sensing in mice is introduced. Due to the limited size of a mouse eye, the packaging of the sensor and control integrated circuit (IC) is very challenging. The overall size of the packaged sensor must be less than 12 mils cubed. In order to achieve the desired thickness, a magnetically aligned Z-axis anisotropic conductive adhesive (ACA) is used to create the vertical interconnects and micro-vias in the packaging material to distribute signals vertically to limit the eventual area of the device. The first step is to demonstrate the layer-to-layer interconnection between a silicon IC and a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) layer using the Z-axis ACA. The total thickness of the IC and the packaging layer is less than 6 mils. The measured resistance through vertical interconnection is 1.15 ohms on average for 3 mil × 3 mil pads. The second step is to demonstrate 3D transitions through...
Cyberdelegation and the Administrative State

This paper explores questions and trade-offs associated with delegating administrative agency decisions to computer algorithms, neural networks, and similar examples of “artificial intelligence," and offers the following preliminary observations to further discussion of the opportunities and risks. First, neither conventional expert systems nor neural networks (or other machine learning mechanisms) are in a position to resolve (without human intervention) context-specific debates about society’s goals for regulation or administrative adjudication – and these debates are often inherent in the implementation of statutes. Those goals must also inform whether we assign value to aspects of human cognition that contrast with what computers can (presently) accomplish, or what might be conventionally defined as rational in a decision-theoretic sense. Second, society must consider path-dependent consequences and associated cybersecurity risks that could arise from reliance on computers to make and support decisions. Such consequences include the erosion of individual and organizational knowledge over time. Third, it may prove difficult to limit the influence of computer programs even if they are meant to be mere decision support tools rather than the actual means of making a decision. Finally, heavy reliance on computer programs – particularly adaptive ones that modify themselves over time – may further complicate public deliberation about administrative decisions, because few if any observers will be entirely capable of understanding how a given decision was reached.
J et Noise Reduction by Notched Nozzle on J apanese ECO engine project

J et noise r eduction capability of a new nozzle concept (hereinafter “Notched nozzle”) has been investigated thr ough feasibility studies such as small basic model testing in a static anechoic chamber , also anechoic wind tunnel testing using a subscale jet noise r ig of a high bypass engine. The paper dr aws these r esults as noise r esear ch fr om a pr oject for Resear ch and Development of Envir onmentally Compatible Engine for Small Air cr aft, which is named for ECO engine. The objective of investigations is to ver ify noise r eduction effects of the Notched nozzle, of which a plur ality of tr iangular pyr amid-shaped bodies along the tr ailing edge of the exhaust nozzle is positioned in a cir cumfer ential dir ection. By changing Reynolds str ess and tur bulence kinetic ener gy in the shear layer between exhaust jet and exter nal ambient air or mitigation of jet velocity by r apid mixing enhancement, noise r eduction char acter istics can be contr olled. Of the feasibility study with a single str eam basic configur ation, that how much notches contr ibute to changing physical phenomenon in jet str eam in other wor ds r educing far -field noise, ar e investigated for a number of diagnostic builds; a datum base nozzle, thr ee types of Notched nozzles in addition to a chevr on nozzle. Fr om the quantitative assessment of their r elative levels, useful r esults of notches for tr adeoff between low fr equency benefit and high fr equency noise disadvantage compar ing to the chevr on ar e obtained. It is also anticipated that putting notches even the ver y simple build will be possibly a pr omising design. Of the subscale jet noise r ig study with a double str eam configur ation, the Notched cor e nozzle is designed based on r esults fr om feasibility study together with CFD analysis. Far -fields noise measur ements ar e conducted by simulating exhaust nozzle conditions such as pr essur e and temper atur e of the ECO engine, exter nal flow Mach number dur ing air cr aft take-off. Fr om EPNL pr ojection based on far -field noise measur ements, the noise r eduction effects for the Notched nozzle compar ed to the base nozzle wer e 1.2 and 1 EPNdB at the later al and the flyover point r espectively, making a total of 2.2EPNdB dur ing take-off. Cur r ently fur ther investigations of the notch builds getting compar ative advantage to the chevr on ar e examined by the use of LES into the jet flow field or exper imentally.
Semifluorinated Polymeric Liquid Crystals as A Mechanistic Tool to Study The Effects of Interfacial Energies on The Orientation of Liquid Crystals

Obtaining spontaneous orientation and fast collective response of ultra thin liquid crystalline (LC) layers to external stimuli without memory effects, is one of the major challenges in achieving the next generation of LC devices. The relationship between interfacial energies, structure and dynamics of support layers and their effects on surface orientation of liquid crystals has been investigated. A model polymeric system, containing a mesognic group, α- methylstilbene as anchoring group, bridged by an energy controlling moiety, fluorocyclobutyl, has been used to obtain substrates with controlled surface energy and structure. Neutron reflectivity was used to study the surface structure of the polymer. The orientation of a well characterized liquid crystal, 8CB that exhibits both nematic and Smectic phases, was studied by optical microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering. Correlation between the surface structure of the polymeric layer and the orientation of the Smectic phase indicated direct correlation between the surface orientation and the concentration of fluorine at the interface.
Nonlinear Model Predictive Control Applied to Trajectory Tracking for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This paper discusses the derivation and implementation of a nonlinear model predictive control law for tracking trajectories and constrained control of a quadcopter platform. The approach uses the state dependent coefficient form to capture the system nonlinearities into a pseudo-linear system matrix, which is used to derive the state dependent Riccati equation based sub-optimal control. The same state dependent coefficient form is exploited for obtaining a nonlinear equivalent of the model predictive control. The performance of the nonlinear controller is illustrated through representative simulations.
“Too good to be true?”: US and Chinese media coverage of Chinese swimmer Ye Shiwen in the 2012 Olympic Games

This study examined Chinese and US newspaper coverage of the controversial performance of female Chinese swimmer Ye Shiwen during 2012 London Summer Olympics. While Ye won two gold medals, the ease in which she did so led to doping suspicions in Western media. Analysis of 222 articles from the US and China revealed sharp differences between the two countries’ amount of coverage about Ye, highlighting the valence and usage pattern of information sources as well. US coverage of Ye Shiwen was not as extensive as in China, and gender and nationality-based dialogues were present in newspaper reports. US coverage showed more skepticism on the doping issue; meanwhile, Chinese coverage exhibited a strong desire to protect its national image and national identity through defending Ye as unquestionably innocent. From a theoretical perspective, a framed “us versus them” dichotomy suggests that both countries’ coverages were still strongly influenced by the hostile ideologies beyond mere Olympic performances.
Outcomes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in liver transplant recipients with allograft failure.

Background Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) carries appreciable morbidity and mortality in the pre-liver transplant (LT) setting. However, the occurrence of SBP and its consequences in the post-LT setting have not been well characterized. Methods This is a retrospective study of SBP occurring in post-LT patients between January 2007 and December 2012. Outcomes were compared to a cohort of post-LT patients with allograft failure and ascites without SBP. Results The most common indication for liver transplantation in this cohort was hepatitis C. A total of 29 episodes of SBP in 21 patients were identified. Escherichia coli (19%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10%) were the most frequent pathogens identified. Six patients died during their first episode of SBP. Ten patients were eventually listed for liver re-transplantation (re-LT) after their first episode of SBP; 5 of these patients were transplanted and the other 5 died. Of the 5 who were transplanted, 2 died shortly after re-transplant, and 3 are still alive. The cause of death in the majority of patients was infection (83.3%). The median time from onset of ascites to death was 214 days (range: 10-1085 days) and from the first episode of SBP to death was 50.5 days (range: 4-549 days). In contrast, the median time from onset of ascites to death in patients with allograft failure and ascites without SBP was 331.5 days (45-2400 days). Conclusions Allograft failure with ascites is a poor prognostic factor and these patients should be considered high risk for re-LT. SBP may accelerate the time to mortality.
Cambridge and ‘knowledge … sincerely sought and prized / For its own sake’

It seems presumptuous to attach much importance to Wordsworth’s education when he so disarmingly emphasizes that at its earliest stages at least it was mainly a matter of freedom and reading. It is also interesting to discover that the poet Wordsworth so readily recalls reading so much prose.
Growth of Listeria monocytogenes in the Presence of Pseudomonas fluorescens at 7 or 13°C in Skim Milk

Autoclaved samples of skim milk were inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes (strain Scott A, California or V7), Pseudomonas fluorescens (strain P26 or B52), or a combination of L. monocytogenes plus P. fluorescens , and incubated at 7 or 13°C for 8 weeks. McBride Listeria Agar was used to determine populations of L. monocytogenes (at 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, or 56 d), and Pseudomonas isolation agar to enumerate P. fluorescens . Growth of L. monocytogenes was somewhat enhanced after 7 d of incubation at 7 but not at 13°C in the presence of pseudomonads. However, after 14 d and until the end of the incubation period (56 d), slight inactivation of L. monocytogenes in the presence of P. fluorescens was observed. L. monocytogenes did not affect growth or survival of P. fluorescens ; also, no marked changes in pH of the milk were caused either by L. monocytogenes alone or by L. monocytogenes plus P. fluorescens .
Remaking Self-in-World

Education, learning and change entail opening new doors, but they also mean leaving behind naive notions, challenging misconceptions, confronting injustices and reshaping one’s own identity. The chapter is informed by developmental theorists such as Perry (1968), Sharon Daloz Parks (2000) and Marcia Baxter Magolda (1992, 2001).
Plasmablastic Lymphoma Is Curable The HAART Era. A 10 Year Retrospective By The AIDS Malignancy Consortium (AMC)

Abstract Background The highly aggressive plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL), originally described almost exclusively in HIV+ patients, was nearly uniformly fatal in the pre-HAART era. We hypothesized that aggressive chemotherapy and HAART could result in cures. Methods We retrospectively analyzed baseline characteristics, treatment patterns and outcomes of patients (pts) with PBL treated at multiple centers within the AIDS Malignancy Consortium (AMC). HIV positivity was not required. 19 confirmed PBLs from 9 national AMC sites diagnosed between 1999 and 2008 were evaluated. Results 17/19 patients (pts) with confirmed PBL were HIV+. Data was captured at initial diagnosis on 12 pts (all HIV+) and 7 with relapsed/refractory disease (5 HIV+). HAART status at PBL initial diagnosis was 33% on, 58% off, and unknown 8%. Median CD4 count 110 (range 4-658). First line chemotherapy was given to 10/12 (83%) newly diagnosed patients with stage I/II (6) vs III/IV(6) disease. This was CHOP(4), CDE (1), EPOCH (2) and EPOCH with high dose methotrexate and zidovudine (2). Second line therapy was given to 5/7 relapsed/refractory patients with stage I (1) vs Stage III/IV (5) disease and a median CD4 83 (range 10-202): EPOCH alternate HD Mtx+AZT (n=1); Hyper-CVAD (n=2); High dose Mtx + AZT (n=1); VACOP-B(n=1). One pt underwent BEAM based autologous stem cell transplant. For both groups combined, 6 patients experienced grade 3/4 toxicity. Febrile neutropenia was the most common grade 3/4 toxicity (4 patients) followed by thrombocytopenia (3 patients). One patient with refractory disease experienced grade 5 toxicity. For the 12 newly diagnosed patients, 8 patients were alive at last follow-up and 4 had died. Median follow-up for survivors was 73 (range, 40-165) weeks. One-year survival was 66.7% (SE, 13.6). See Figure 1. For the 7 relapsed/refractory patients, 2 patients were alive at 24 and 54 weeks, and 1 was lost to follow-up. One-year survival was 53.6% (SE, 20.1%). Download : Download high-res image (33KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 1 . Survival of patients with plasmablastic lymphoma Conclusions In the HAART era, aggressive treatment of PBL can result in significant survival times. However, determination of the superior treatment regimen could not be determined from this small patient sample. CTSU 9177 is prospectively studying PBL with EPOCH. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Characterizing Gemcitabine Effects Administered as Single Agent or Combined with Carboplatin in Mice Pancreatic and Ovarian Cancer Xenografts: A Semimechanistic Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamics Tumor Growth-Response Model

In this work, a semimechanistic tumor growth-response model for gemcitabine in pancreatic (administered as single agent) and ovarian (given as single agent and in combination with carboplatin) cancer in mice was developed. Tumor profiles were obtained from nude mice, previously inoculated with KP4, ASPC1, MIA PACA2, PANC1 (pancreas), A2780, or SKOV3×luc (ovarian) cell lines, and then treated with different dosing schedules of gemcitabine and/or carboplatin. Data were fitted using the population approach with Nonlinear Mixed Effect Models 7.2. In addition to cell proliferation, the tumor progression model for both types of cancer incorporates a carrying capacity representing metabolite pool for DNA synthesis required to tumor growth. Analysis of data from the treated groups revealed that gemcitabine exerted its tumor effects by promoting apoptosis as well as decreasing the carrying capacity compartment. Pharmacodynamic parameters were cell-specific and overall had similar range values between cancer types. In pancreas, a linear model was used to describe both gemcitabine effects with parameter values between 3.26 × 10-2 and 4.2 × 10-1 L/(mg × d). In ovarian cancer, the apoptotic effect was driven by an EMAX model with an efficacy/potency ratio of 5.25-8.65 L/(mg × d). The contribution of carboplatin to tumor effects was lower than the response exerted by gemcitabine and was incorporated in the model as an inhibition of the carrying capacity. The model developed was consistent in its structure across different tumor cell lines and two tumor types where gemcitabine is approved. Simulation-based evaluation diagnostics showed that the model performed well in all experimental design scenarios, including dose, schedule, and tumor type.
Cognitive Predictors of Work Among Social Security Disability Insurance Beneficiaries With Psychiatric Disorders Enrolled in IPS Supported Employment

Background: Impaired cognitive functioning is a significant predictor of work dysfunction in schizophrenia. Less is known, however about relationships of cognition and work in people with less severe disorders with relatively normal cognitive functioning. Methods: This secondary analysis evaluated cognitive predictors of work in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries with a recent work history who were randomized to receive mental health services, supported employment, and freedom from work disincentives over a 2-year study period in the Mental Health Treatment Study. Of the 1045 participants randomized to the treatment package, 945 (90.4%) received a cognitive assessment at study entry. Competitive work activity was evaluated using a computer-assisted timeline follow-back calendar at baseline and quarterly for 24 months. Results: Mood disorders were the most common psychiatric diagnoses (64.9%), followed by schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (35.1%). Tobit regression analyses predicting the average number of hours worked per week, controlling for demographic characteristics, diagnosis, and work history indicated that the cognitive composite score (P < .01) and verbal learning subscale scores (P < .001) were associated with fewer hours of weekly work over the study period. Conclusions: Cognitive functioning predicted work over 2 years in SSDI beneficiaries with mood or schizophrenia-spectrum disorders who were receiving supported employment and mental health interventions, despite a relative absence of cognitive impairment in the study participants. The findings suggest cognitive functioning contributes to competitive work outcomes in persons with psychiatric disorders who have relatively unimpaired cognitive abilities, even under optimal conditions of treatment and vocational support.
The spatial distribution and etiology of genomic instability in organotypic bronchial epithelial cell cultures

3527 Chromosome in situ hybridization and molecular genetic analyses of bronchial biopsies of smokers demonstrate genetic instability and clonal/subclonal bronchial cell outgrowths that continue despite tobacco cessation. To better understand the molecular underpinnings of genomic instability in the lungs of former smokers, an organotypic culture model was established whereby bronchial epithelial cells at different stages of lung tumorigenesis were plated onto transwell-clear culture filter inserts, allowed to reach confluence, and an air-liquid interface created. The cell types utilized included normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE), NHBE cells immortalized (Jerry Shay) with hTERT and cdk4 (HccBE), NHBE cells immortalized (Klein-Szanto) with Ad12/SV40 (Beas2B), and immortalized (1799), transformed (1198), and tumorigenic (1170I) carcinogen-treated Beas2B cells. These cultures evolved into multi-layer cultures resembling normal (NHBE and HccBE) or dysregulated stratified bronchial epithelium (Beas2B, 1799, 1198, 1170I). Confocal microscopy of cultures after BrdU pulse labeling or phospho-histone H3 (P-H3) immunostaining demonstrated that NHBE cells preferentially undergo DNA synthesis and mitosis at the basal layer, HccBE cells proliferate at the basal and peribasal layers, whereas more advanced bronchial epithelial cells proliferate throughout the multi-layer cultures. Examination of anaphase cells in these populations by propidium iodide staining and confocal microscopy demonstrated that NHBE cells showed less than 2% anaphases with either lagging chromosomes or chromosome bridges compared to more than 10% in other cell types. Visualization of mitotic figures with P-H3 immunostaining demonstrated that P-H3 staining was strong at metaphase and uniformly disappeared during anaphase in cells at the basal layer, whereas P-H3 staining was not uniform in cells dividing away from the basal layer with lagging chromosomes and chromosome bridges differentially P-H3-positive in late anaphase. To determine when the chromosome regions involved in aberrations had been replicated, cultures were pulse-labeled with BrdU, harvested at various times following the pulse label, and analyzed for BrdU staining patterns of the lagging chromosomes and chromosome bridges. More than 90% of the aberrant chromosome regions were labeled in cells harvested 3-4 hours after BrdU labeling (i.e., replicated in late S phase) whereas less than 60% were labeled at 9-10 hours after BrdU labeling (i.e., replicated in early-mid S phase). These results suggest that proliferation away from the basal layer in these organotypic cultures is associated with increased genomic instability, possibly associated with dysregulated cell cycle control and abnormal mitotic progression. Supported in part by DAMD 17-02-1-0706 and W81XWH-04-1-01-42, and NIH/NCI P01 CA-91844 and EDRN CA-86390.
The development of a dynamic single effect, lithium bromide absorption chiller model with enhanced generator fidelity

Abstract Single effect, lithium bromide absorption chillers offer the ability to utilize low-pressure steam to produce chilled water for satisfying various comfort cooling needs. Previous attempts have been made to characterize dynamic and steady-state absorption chiller operation. Though these models perform adequately, they are based on hot water driven absorption chillers. Commercially available absorption chillers often can run on both hot water and low-pressure steam. In this paper, the mathematical framework for a dynamic single effect, lithium bromide absorption chiller model capable of using low-pressure steam is presented. The transient thermodynamic FORTRAN model is grounded on mass, energy, and species balances, and builds on prior modeling efforts. Well-known correlations for heat transfer coefficients are used to describe both tube-side and shell-side heat transfer rates in each primary chiller component. To account for the absorption chiller unit receiving steam, a heat transfer model for condensation inside horizontal tubes based on distinct internal condensation flow regimes is incorporated within the generator. This heat transfer model is used with two-phase flow pressure drop equations to establish steam temperature, quality, and pressure along the generator tube bundle. Steam consumption trends are established as a function of fluctuating external conditions. These trends reasonably align with information made available online by the manufacturer, though some deviation does occur at low chiller capacities and cooling water temperatures. Additionally, the transient response of internal and external parameters from a step increase in heat input supplied to the generator mimics results of other dynamic absorption chiller models found throughout literature.
Sawmill: a high-bandwidth logging file system

This paper describes the implementation of Sawmill, a network file system using the RAID-II storage system. Sawmill takes advantage of the direct data path in RAID-II between the disks and the network, which bypasses the file server CPU. The key ideas in the implementation of Sawmill are combining logging (LFS) with RAID to obtain fast small writes, using new log layout techniques to improve bandwidth, and pipelining through the controller memory to reduce latency. The file system can currently read data at 21 MB/s and write data at 15 MB/s, close to the raw disk array bandwidth, while running on a relatively slow Sun-4. Performance measurements show that LFS improved performance of a stream of small writes by over a order of magnitude compared to writing directly to the RAID, and this improvement would be even larger with a faster CPU. Sawmill demonstrates that by using a storage system with a direct data path, a file system can provide data at bandwidths much higher than the file server itself could handle. However, processor speed is still an important factor, especially when handling many small requests in parallel.
The Top 100 Social Media Influencers in Plastic Surgery on Twitter: Who Should You Be Following?

Background Recent studies demonstrate that board-certified plastic surgeons are underrepresented amongst individuals posting public-directed marketing plastic surgery-related content on Instagram. However, peer-to-peer and education-based social media influence has not been studied. Twitter is a social media platform has been suggested to be useful for educating the masses and connecting with colleagues. Objectives The purpose of this study is to identify the top influencers in plastic surgery on Twitter, characterize who they are, and relate their social media influence to academic influence. Methods Twitter influence scores for the topic search "plastic surgery" were collected in July 2017 using Right Relevance software. The accounts associated with the highest influencer scores were linked to individual names, status as a plastic surgeon, board certification, location, and academic h-index. Results The top 100 Twitter influencers in plastic surgery are presented. Seventy-seven percent of the top influencers are trained as plastic surgeons or facial plastic surgeons. Sixty-one percent of influencers are board-certified plastic surgeons or board-eligible/future eligible trainees. International plastic surgeons made up 16% of influencers. Other medical doctors made up another 10%. The other 13% of influencers were nonphysicians. Three-quarters of social media influencers were physically located in the United States. Academic h-index of social media influencers ranged from 0 to 62 (mean, 8.6). Conclusions This study shows that the top plastic surgery social media influencers on Twitter are predominantly board-certified or eligible plastic surgeons and physically based in the United States. This study also provides the influencer network for other plastic surgeons to engage with to improve their own influence within the plastic surgery social media sphere.
Screen time behaviours and caffeine intake in US children: findings from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Background Screen time (ST) behaviours, for example, television (TV) watching and computer use, among youth are associated with unhealthy eating, and these patterns track over time. A positive association between ST and TV watching with consumption of caffeinated foods and beverages has been described in national samples of children in a few European countries. The association of ST behaviours with caffeine intake has not been previously reported. We examined whether ST behaviours were associated with caffeine intake on a given day (% consumers and amount consumed) in a nationally representative sample of US children. Methods Data on 3421 children (ages 6–11 years) from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2012 were used. Time spent on TV watching and computer use was determined using questionnaires. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour recall by trained interviewers. Caffeine intake (mg) was estimated by using updated food and nutrient databases. Caffeine consumption was examined in relation to time spent (≥2 vs Results Children who watched TV ≥2 hours/day had significantly higher (~45% more) caffeine intake. Total ST or computer use was not associated with caffeine consumption in school-aged children. Conclusion TV watching was positively associated with caffeine intake in school-aged children, suggesting the need for continued monitoring of ST and caffeine intake behaviours in children and adolescents as well as examining the correlates of these behaviours to inform nutrition and health policies.
The Mechanical Properties of Brittle Matrix Composites

A perspective is presented concerning the mechanical properties of reinforced, intermetallic and ceramic matrix composites. Various modes of matrix cracking, subject to monotonic and cyclic loading, are described. Each behavior is related to such key variables as the interface properties, the matrix toughness and the thermal expansion misfit between the fiber and matrix.
Resource Allocation for Green Cognitive Radios: Energy Efficiency Maximization

Green cognitive radios are promising in future wireless communications due to high energy efficiency. Energy efficiency maximization problems are formulated in delay-insensitive green cognitive radio and delay-sensitive green cognitive radio. The optimal resource allocation strategies for delay-insensitive green cognitive radio and delay-sensitive green cognitive radio are designed to maximize the energy efficiency of the secondary user. The peak interference power and the average/peak transmit power constraints are considered. Two algorithms based on the proposed resource allocation strategies are proposed to solve the formulated problems. Simulation results show that the maximum energy efficiency of the secondary user achieved under the average transmit power constraint is higher than that achieved under the peak transmit power constraint. It is shown that the design of green cognitive radio should take the tradeoff between its complexity and its achievable maximum energy efficiency into consideration.
Not All Phrases Are Equally Attractive: Experimental Evidence for Selective Agreement Attraction Effects

Research on memory retrieval during sentence comprehension suggests that similarity-based interference is mediated by the grammatical function of the distractor. For instance, Van Dyke and McElree (2011) observed interference during retrieval for subject-verb thematic binding when the distractor occurred as an oblique argument inside a prepositional phrase (PP), but not when it occurred as a core argument in direct object position. This contrast motivated the proposal that constituent encodings vary in the distinctiveness of their memory representations based on an argument hierarchy, which makes them differentially susceptible to interference. However, this hypothesis has not been explicitly tested. The present study uses an interference paradigm involving agreement attraction (e.g., Wagers et al., 2009) to test whether the argument status of the distractor determines susceptibility to interference. Results from two self-paced reading experiments show a clear contrast: agreement attraction is observed for oblique arguments (e.g., PP distractors), but attraction is nullified for core arguments (i.e., direct object and subject distractors). A follow-up experiment showed that this contrast cannot be reduced to the syntactic position of the distractor, favoring an account based on the semantic properties of the distractor. These findings support the proposal that interference is mediated by the argument status of the distractor and extend previous results by showing that the effect generalizes to a broader set of syntactic contexts and a wider range of syntactic dependencies. More generally, these results motivate a more nuanced account of real-time agreement processing that depends on both retrieval and encoding mechanisms.
A pilot study using telehealth to implement antimicrobial stewardship at two rural Veterans Affairs medical centers

ObjectiveTo test the feasibility of using telehealth to support antimicrobial stewardship at Veterans Affairs medical centers (VAMCs) that have limited access to infectious disease-trained specialists.DesignA prospective quasi-experimental pilot study.SettingTwo rural VAMCs with acute-care and long-term care units.InterventionAt each intervention site, medical providers, pharmacists, infection preventionists, staff nurses, and off-site infectious disease physicians formed a videoconference antimicrobial stewardship team (VAST) that met weekly to discuss cases and antimicrobial stewardship-related education.MethodsDescriptive measures included fidelity of implementation, number of cases discussed, infectious syndromes, types of recommendations, and acceptance rate of recommendations made by the VAST. Qualitative results stemmed from semi-structured interviews with VAST participants at the intervention sites.ResultsEach site adapted the VAST to suit their local needs. On average, sites A and B discussed 3.5 and 3.1 cases per session, respectively. At site A, 98 of 140 cases (70%) were from the acute-care units; at site B, 59 of 119 cases (50%) were from the acute-care units. The most common clinical syndrome discussed was pneumonia or respiratory syndrome (41% and 35% for sites A and B, respectively). Providers implemented most VAST recommendations, with an acceptance rate of 73% (186 of 256 recommendations) and 65% (99 of 153 recommendations) at sites A and B, respectively. Qualitative results based on 24 interviews revealed that participants valued the multidisciplinary aspects of the VAST sessions and felt that it improved their antimicrobial stewardship efforts and patient care.ConclusionsThis pilot study has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using telehealth to support antimicrobial stewardship at rural VAMCs with limited access to local infectious disease expertise.
Understanding the evolutionary origins of positive psychology and religious growth

Evolutionary accounts of religious behavior offer myriad explanations for why people hold supernatural beliefs, as well as the nature and function of those beliefs. Flannelly (2017) presents Evolut...
Sex-Specific Predictors of Mortality Following Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

Abstract Background A differential impact of sex has been observed in balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) outcomes from small observational studies. Accordingly, we sought to compare mortality in men and women undergoing BAV and identify sex-specific predictors of mortality. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was screened for hospitalizations involving adults who underwent BAV between 2006 and 2014. Demographic data and clinical history were recorded. In-hospital mortality and predictors of death after BAV were assessed in men and women. Results Among an estimated national cohort of 18,415 adults undergoing BAV, 8871 (48.2%) were women and 9543 (51.8%) were men. Compared with male patients, women were older, with a lower prevalence of coronary artery disease, prior myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, and peripheral arterial disease but a higher rate of hypertension and obesity. In-hospital mortality rates were 6.7% and 9.4% in women and men respectively (p = 0.004). In multivariable regression analysis, female sex was independently associated with lower mortality [odds ratio (OR) 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–0.93) following BAV. Sex-specific risk-adjusted predictors of mortality included atrial fibrillation in women and younger age, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and absence of prior myocardial infarction, hypertension, and peripheral arterial disease in men. Conclusions Women undergoing BAV had a different risk profile compared to men. Risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality was lower in women, and disparate predictors of risk-adjusted mortality exist in men and women undergoing BAV. Further studies are warranted to determine whether preventive interventions can improve outcomes in both men and women in this high-risk population.