cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing High Performance Computing Accelerator Programming Models

Accelerator devices are becoming a norm in High Performance Computing (HPC). With more systems opting for heterogeneous architectures, portable programming models like OpenMP and OpenACC are becoming increasingly important. The SPEC ACCEL 1.2 benchmark suite consists of comparable benchmarks in OpenCL, OpenMP 4.5, and OpenACC 2.5 that can be used to evaluate the performance and support for programming models and frameworks on heterogeneous platforms. In this paper we go beneath the normative metric of performance times and look at the individual kernels to study the usage, strengths, and weaknesses of the two prevalent portable heterogeneous programming models, OpenMP and OpenACC. From our analysis we identify that benchmarks like MRI-Q, SP and BT have better performance using OpenACC, while benchmarks like MiniGhost, LBM and LBDC do consistently better with the OpenMP programming model across super-computers like Titan, and Summit. We deep dive into the kernels of select four benchmarks to answer questions like: Where does the benchmark spend most of its cycles? What is the parallelization strategy used? Why is one programming model more performant than the other? By identifying the similarities and differences we want to contrast between the benchmark implementation strategies in the SPEC ACCEL 1.2 benchmarks and provide more insights into the OpenMP and OpenACC programming models.
Persistence With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the United States, 2012–2017

Background Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection if used adherently throughout periods of HIV risk. We estimated PrEP persistence among cohorts of persons with commercial or Medicaid insurance. Methods We analyzed data from the IBM MarketScan Research Database to identify persons aged 18-64 years who initiated PrEP between 2012 and 2017. We assessed PrEP persistence by calculating the time period that each person continued filling PrEP prescriptions until there was a gap in prescription fills > 30 days. We used Kaplan-Meier time-to-event methods to estimate the proportion of PrEP users who persisted with PrEP at 3, 6, and 12 months after initiation, and constructed Cox proportional hazards models to determine patient characteristics associated with nonpersistence. Results We studied 11 807 commercially insured and 647 Medicaid insured persons with PrEP prescriptions. Commercially insured patients persisted for a median time of 13.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.3-14.1), compared to 6.8 months (95% CI, 6.1-7.6) among Medicaid patients. Additionally, female sex, younger age, residence in rural location, and black race were associated with shorter persistence. After adjusting for covariates, we found that female sex (hazard ratio [HR], 1.81 [95% CI, 1.56-2.11]) and younger age (18-24 years: HR, 2.38 [95% CI, 2.11-2.69]) predicted nonpersistence. Conclusions More than half of commercially insured persons who initiated PrEP persisted with it for 12 months, compared to a third of those with Medicaid. A better understanding of reasons for nonpersistence is important to support persistent PrEP use and to develop interventions designed for the diverse needs of at-risk populations.
Scalable Real-time Prediction and Analysis of San Francisco Fire Department Response Times

Predicting the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) emergency response time in real-time is critical for both callers and the SFFD. In this paper, we leverage machine learning and distributed computing to attempt a solution to this problem. While driving time can be estimated using the Google Maps API, there are many more factors that affect the response time. We obtained a publicly available SFFD call history dataset, using BigQuery, containing information about the location of the station, the location of the incident, and the time the call was received. We combined features from this dataset with driving time estimates from the Google Maps Distance Matrix API. Our dataset was over a gigabyte, calling for a distributed framework to efficient training of the machine learning models. We fit Linear Regression, Decision Tree Regression, and Random Forest Regression models in the Apache Spark machine learning library (MLlib) on an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic MapReduce cluster. We benchmarked training time for each model on different cluster sizes.
Thermal stimulation of Bacillus megaterium glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

Abstract The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, extracted from vegetative cells of Bacillus megaterium , was increased 2–3 fold by heating at 25 C prior to assay. The stimulation, dependent on the ionic concentration and pH, was reversed by chilling to 0 C. The thermally stimulated enzyme contained 2 enzymatically active species, one of which migrated in a centrifugal field ahead of the single species of the non-stimulated enzyme.
Consumer Reactions to Rival Failure: Examining Glory Out of Reflected Failure

This chapter focuses on the Glory Out of Reflected Failure (GORFing) phenomenon and its relationships regarding team identification, rival perceptions, and favorite team behavior intentions. A sample of 555 sport fans provides responses regarding their team identification, the perceptions of rival teams, their likelihood to experience GORFing, and behavioral intentions toward the favorite team when their rival loses to a third, neutral team. Structural model results showed that rival perceptions are associated with the likelihood of experiencing GORFing, which in turn was associated with behavioral intentions following a rival team’s loss to a comparable team, and mediated the relationship between rival perceptions and behavioral intentions. Contributions and implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed, and avenues for future study are introduced.
The first synthesis of peracetyl glycosyl aurone derivatives and aurone glucosides

Abstract Aurones, a sub-class of the flavonoids with proven therapeutic importance, also exist in variously glycosylated forms. Although a large number of glycosylated aurone derivatives have been isolated from plant sources, no syntheses have been reported yet. Inspired from this gap, here we report the first synthesis of peracetylated glycosyl derivatives of synthetic aurones. The direct O-glycosylation was achieved by reacting 6-hydroxy aurones with 2, 3, 4, 6-tetra-O-acetyl-α-D glucopyranosyl bromide in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB). The successful synthesis of aurone glycosides (33 examples) in 60–92% yield will benefit the synthesis of combinatorial libraries of glycosylated aurones for their biological study and comparison with non-glycosylated aurones.
Factors Associated with Appropriate Gestational Weight Gain among Women with Obesity

Objective This study aimed to compare attendance of nutritional counseling, dietary composition, exercise patterns, and socioeconomic factors among obese women with inappropriate gestational weight gain (iGWG) versus appropriate GWG (aGWG). Study Design Medicaid-eligible women receiving prenatal care at a tertiary care center from January 2013 to December 2015 were offered individualized nutritional counseling by a registered dietitian encouraging well-balanced meals and 150 min/wk of exercise. We conducted a prospective case–control study of obese women (body mass index or BMI ≥30) with a singleton gestation with iGWG ( 20 pounds) versus aGWG (11–20 pounds). Dietary intake, activity level, and socioeconomic factors were compared with Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Student's t-test, and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests as indicated, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Multivariate regression analysis for significant variables was performed. A subgroup analysis of women with BMI ≥40 was planned. Results A total of 401 women were analyzed: 78% (n = 313) with iGWG and 22% (n = 88) with aGWG. Demographics were similar between groups. Women with iGWG less frequently reported physician reinforcement of counseling and reported more physical inactivity and unemployment; there were no differences in caloric intake or macronutrient profile between groups. Multivariate regression identified physician reinforcement and employment as independent predictors of aGWG. Among women with BMI ≥40 (n = 133), those with iGWG (78%) were less likely to attend counseling, report physician reinforcement of counseling, and have adequate caloric and protein intake when compared with those with aGWG (22%). Activity level and socioeconomic factors were not different between groups. Conclusion Physician reinforcement of nutritional counseling, greater activity level, and employment are associated with aGWG in women with BMI ≥30, while individualized professional nutritional counseling and dietary modifications were further associated with aGWG in women with BMI ≥40. Thus, greater focus should be placed on enhancing exposure to counseling and altering nutritional and exercise choices to optimize aGWG. Key Points
Epenthetic Vowels and Phonemic Vowels: Same or Different?

Purpose This study was designed to further investigate epenthetic vowels produced by Persian second language speakers of English. Specifically, the purpose was to compare epenthetic and phonemic vo...
Maxillofacial trauma in children: Association between age and mandibular fracture site.

Abstract Purpose To describe the association between age and location of facial fractures in the pediatric population. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) from the 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) in children aged ≤18 years was conducted. International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes were used to extract facial fracture diagnoses. Logistic regression was used to evaluate and compare the contribution of various demographic factors among patients who had different types of facial fractures. Results A total of 5568 admitted patients were identified who sustained any type of facial bone fracture. Patients who had facial fractures were significantly more likely to be male (68.2% versus 31.8%; p Conclusions Facial fractures increase in frequency with increasing age in children. The mandible was the most commonly fractured facial bone, with an age-related pattern in fracture location.
Virtual Reading Lessons for Upper Elementary Students with Learning Disabilities

Students with learning disabilities (LD) often face significant difficulties in reading. Research has found a variety of different evidence-based practices to support the reading development of stu...
My Friend, the Robot: An Argument for E-Friendship*

This paper argues for the possibility of e-friendship, a form of friendship between humans and silicon-based electronic agents. Section I introduces the topic. Section II defines "e-friendship." Sections III and IV identify qualities humans and silicon-based systems require for e-friendship. Section V defends the proposal against objections.
Coupled Bend-Twist Mechanics of Biomimetic Scale Substrate

We develop the mechanics of combined bending and twisting deformation of a one-dimensional filamentous structure with protruding stiff fish-scale-like plates embedded at an angle on the surface. We develop Cosserat kinematic formulation along with scale contact constraints. This geometrically exact model allows us to bypass the limitations of typical finite element computations inherent in these systems when deflections are large. The derived structure-property relationships reveal for the first time the combined effect of bending and twisting on a slender fish scale inspired substrate. The model subsumes previous models on pure bending and twisting but also shows previously unobserved phenomena that arise due to the coupled effects of these loads. This includes a new interpretation of kinematic locking behavior, multiple contact regimes, asymmetric sensitivities of one curvature over the other, and sharp transitions in the nonlinear moment-curvature and torque-twist behaviors reflecting the complex scale engagement patterns.
Changes in LASSI-L performance over time among older adults with amnestic MCI and amyloid positivity: A preliminary study.

Abstract There is a pressing need to develop measures that are sensitive to the earliest subtle cognitive changes of Alzheimer's disease (AD) to improve early detection and track disease progression. The Loewenstein-Acevedo Scales of Semantic Interference (LASSI-L) has been shown to successfully discriminate between cognitively unimpaired (CU) older adults and those with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to correlate with total and regional brain amyloid load. The present study investigated how the LASSI-L scores change over time among three distinct diagnostic groups. Eighty-six community-dwelling older adults underwent a baseline evaluation including: a clinical interview, a neuropsychological evaluation, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and amyloid Positron Emission Tomography (PET). A follow up evaluation was conducted 12 months later. Initial mean values were calculated using one-way ANOVAs and chi-square analyses. Post-hoc comparisons were conducted using Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD). A 3 × 2 repeated measures analysis was utilized to examine differences in LASSI-L performance over time. The MCI amyloid positive group demonstrated a significantly greater decline in LASSI-L performance than the MCI amyloid negative and CU groups respectively. The scales that best differentiated the three groups included the Cued A2, which taps into maximum learning capacity, and Cued B2, which assesses the failure to recover from proactive semantic interference. Our findings further support the LASSI-L's discriminative validity.
Single-cell and single-nucleus RNA-seq uncovers shared and distinct axes of variation in dorsal LGN neurons in mice, non-human primates, and humans

Abundant evidence supports the presence of at least three distinct types of thalamocortical (TC) neurons in the primate dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the thalamus, the brain region that conveys visual information from the retina to the primary visual cortex (V1). Different types of TC neurons in mice, humans, and macaques have distinct morphologies, distinct connectivity patterns, and convey different aspects of visual information to the cortex. To investigate the molecular underpinnings of these cell types, and how these relate to differences in dLGN between human, macaque, and mice, we profiled gene expression in single nuclei and cells using RNA-sequencing. These efforts identified four distinct types of TC neurons in the primate dLGN: magnocellular (M) neurons, parvocellular (P) neurons, and two types of koniocellular (K) neurons. Despite extensively documented morphological and physiological differences between M and P neurons, we identified few genes with significant differential expression between transcriptomic cell types corresponding to these two neuronal populations. Likewise, the dominant feature of TC neurons of the adult mouse dLGN is high transcriptomic similarity, with an axis of heterogeneity that aligns with core vs. shell portions of mouse dLGN. Together, these data show that transcriptomic differences between principal cell types in the mature mammalian dLGN are subtle relative to the observed differences in morphology and cortical projection targets. Finally, alignment of transcriptome profiles across species highlights expanded diversity of GABAergic neurons in primate versus mouse dLGN and homologous types of TC neurons in primates that are distinct from TC neurons in mouse.
Effect of Excess Dietary Crude Protein from Corn Gluten Meal or Soybean Meal on Reproductive Function of Beef Cows Consuming Low Quality Forage

Coproducts of the ethanol industry are a concentrated package of crude protein (CP) which can be fed to beef cows in conjunction with low quality forage to make economical diets that meets nutrient requirements. With this pairing, having excess dietary CP is likely; however the effects of these excessive CP diets on beef cow reproduction have not been made clear. In addition, the effects of excess dietary CP from feedstuffs that differ in rumen degradability are not known. In the present study, we studied the effects of diets containing 150% of metabolizable protein (MP) requirements from a moderately high (corn gluten meal) or low (soybean meal) rumen undegradable protein (RUP) fraction on reproductive function around the time of ovulation. We observed that excess dietary RUP enhanced dominant follicle growth and ovulatory parameters, while excess dietary rumen degradable protein (RDP) improved circulating progesterone concentration post ovulation. Based on these data, source of CP when fed to excess may have differential impacts on reproductive function in mature beef cows. However, the mechanisms by which these physiological alterations occur are unknown at this time. Thus, more research is warranted to elucidate how source and amount of CP, when supplemented in low quality forage-based diets, may influence reproductive function in beef cows.
Reducing Environmental Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles through Shape Control.

The use of antibacterial silver nanomaterials in consumer products ranging from textiles to toys has given rise to concerns over their environmental toxicity. These materials, primarily nanoparticles, have been shown to be toxic to a wide range of organisms; thus methods and materials that reduce their environmental toxicity while retaining their useful antibacterial properties can potentially solve this problem. Here we demonstrate that silver nanocubes display a lower toxicity toward the model plant species Lolium multiflorum while showing similar toxicity toward other environmentally relevant and model organisms (Danio rerio and Caenorhabditis elegans) and bacterial species (Esherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) compared to quasi-spherical silver nanoparticles and silver nanowires. More specifically, in the L. multiflorum experiments, the roots of silver nanocube treated plants were 5.3% shorter than the control, while silver nanoparticle treated plant roots were 39.6% shorter t...
Two element unavoidable sets of partial words

The notion of an unavoidable set of words appears frequently in the fields of mathematics and theoretical computer science, in particular with its connection to the study of combinatorics on words. The theory of unavoidable sets has seen extensive study over the past twenty years. In this paper we extend the definition of unavoidable sets of words to unavoidable sets of partial words. Partial words, or finite sequences that may contain a number of "do not know" symbols or holes, appear in natural ways in several areas of current interest such as molecular biology, data communication, DNA computing, etc. We demonstrate the utility of the notion of unavoidability on partial words by making use of it to identify several new classes of unavoidable sets of full words. Along the way we begin work on classifying the unavoidable sets of partial words of small cardinality. We pose a conjecture, and show that affirmative proof of this conjecture gives a sufficient condition for classifying all the unavoidable sets of partial words of size two. Lastly we give a result which makes the conjecture easy to verify for a significant number of cases.
Simple Load Balancing for Distributed Hash Tables

Distributed hash tables have recently become a useful building block for a variety of distributed applications. However, current schemes based upon consistent hashing require both considerable implementation complexity and substantial storage overhead to achieve desired load balancing goals. We argue in this paper that these goals can be achieved more simply and more cost-effectively. First, we suggest the direct application of the “power of two choices” paradigm, whereby an item is stored at the less loaded of two (or more) random alternatives. We then consider how associating a small constant number of hash values with a key can naturally be extended to support other load balancing strategies, including load-stealing or load-shedding, as well as providing natural fault-tolerance mechanisms.
Covariant policy search

We investigate the problem of non-covariant behavior of policy gradient reinforcement learning algorithms. The policy gradient approach is amenable to analysis by information geometric methods. This leads us to propose a natural metric on controller parameterization that results from considering the manifold of probability distributions over paths induced by a stochastic controller. Investigation of this approach leads to a covariant gradient ascent rule. Interesting properties of this rule are discussed, including its relation with actor-critic style reinforcement learning algorithms. The algorithms discussed here are computationally quite efficient and on some interesting problems lead to dramatic performance improvement over noncovariant rules.
Hybrid learning systems: meeting the challenges of graduate management education

Distance learning has come a long way since Sir Isaac Pitman initiated the first correspondence course in the early 1840s. Today the challenges of globalization call for new and innovative learning systems for management education. To meet these challenges the traditional classroom model for delivering business education is giving way to a more holistic learning paradigm in which both the pedagogical and andragogical focus are on knowledge acquisition and application. The one-size-fits-all educational approach of the past is being augmented by hybrid learning systems. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the overall hybrid learning model design that combines the best of both web-based learning and time-honed classroom practices for delivering cost-effective graduate management education. One of the major benefits of the hybrid learning model is that it supports economic, social and environmental sustainability.
Civilization and Otherness: The Case of Driss Chraibi

Driss Chraibi, the late Moroccan novelist, viewed himself as an “anarchist” and undertook mostly thorny issues: immigration, patriarchy, religion and the cultural conflicts between the West and the Arab world in general. From his first novel The Simple Past (1954) to his mid-career novels, such as La Civilization ma mere (1972) ( Mother comes of Age ) to his last novel L’homme qui venait du passe (2004) ( The Man from the Past ), Chraibi retells fixatedly the French colonization experience in the Maghreb. Above all, Chraibi’s entire intellectual trajectory and creative output is haunted by the notion of “civilization,” which to him, evokes “otherness.” In this article, I show how Chraibi was absorbed by the idea of civilization as he challenged its uses, or rather misuses that inflicted permanent scars on the psyche of North Africans from the Maghreb.
Isolation and characterization of populations of mature and immature rat colonocytes

A nonenzymatic method is described for the isolation of viable populations of mature and immature rat colonocytes. Histology was used to monitor colocyte dissociation and to systematically characterize the amount of cross-contamination between populations of mature luminal cells and immature crypt cells. The mature colonocytes were 87 +/- 9% pure with respect to contamination from cells from the lower half of the colonic crypt, and the immature populations were 98% pure with respect to contamination with cells from the upper half of the colonic crypt. Neither population contained significant numbers of cells from the lamina propria. Cell viability and synthetic function were maintained for 10-12 h in short-term culture. Alkaline phosphatase activity was 1.59 +/- 0.01-fold higher in the mature cells than in the immature cells, and in vivo [3H]thymidine incorporation was 2.9 +/- 0.4-fold greater in the immature than the mature populations. Immature colonocytes synthesized protein in vitro at a rate of 2.5 +/- 0.4-fold higher than the mature cells, whereas fucoprotein synthetic rates and the secretory products were comparable in the two populations. Cell surface iodination revealed that the major iodinatable cell surface proteins were common to both cell populations. These studies demonstrate that highly enriched populations of mature and immature rat colonocytes that maintain viability and synthetic function in short-term culture can be prepared. The intrinsic rate of protein synthesis is higher in immature colonocytes, and a shift to synthesis of a higher percentage of fucoproteins occurs during colonocyte differentiation. In contrast to results in the small intestine, only modest gradients of differentiation markers and cell surface protein expression were observed between mature and immature colonocytes.
Screening for high social risk: principles and problems

Sound use of hospital social work services is not achieved when workers rely on other health personnel for referrals. The authors propose a screening mechanism to identify patients at what they term high levels of social risk and to restore the initiative to social work staff. Relevant principles and problems are also discussed.
SU-C-116-07: Breast Density Quantification Using Liquid Phantoms with Dual-Energy Mammography

Purpose: Breast density has shown to be an important indicator for breast cancer risk. A computational calibration study using breast‐equivalent liquid phantoms in dual‐energy mammography is investigated to determine its feasibility and improvement in accuracy for breast density quantification. Methods: A computational model simulates a dual energy mammography system which is equipped with a tungsten anode x‐ray tube and acquires dual energy images at 28 kVp with a 50 μm rhodium filter and 49 kVp with a 300 μm copper filter. Liquid phantoms, consisting of mixtures of water (H2O), glycerol (C3H6O3) and isopropyl alcohol (C3H6O) were used to simulate the X‐ray attenuation properties of breast tissues. Calibration was accomplished with the simulated dual energy signals from the liquid phantoms using a rational polynomial function. The accuracy of liquid phantom calibration was tested with different phantom configurations of various thicknesses (2–8 cm) and densities (0%–100%), along with simulated glandular and adipose tissues. The performance of the liquid phantom calibration was compared to standard CIRS plastic phantom calibration by evaluating the errors in breast density quantification in simulated breast tissues. Results: Simulation results indicate that a mixture of liquid materials based on hydrogen, carbon and oxygen can be used to create glandular and adipose equivalent phantoms. For glandular and adipose tissues H2O, C3H6O3 and C3H6O percentages were estimated to be 42.68%, 22.62%, 34.69% and 0.11%, 16.37%, 83.51%, respectively. RMS errors for thicknesses were smaller (0.063 mm for glandular and 0.072 mm for adipose) using liquid phantoms than the results reported with CIRS phantoms. RMS errors for variable glandular densities were 1.93%. Conclusion: The results of this work indicate that a proper selection of liquid mixtures can be used as breast equivalent calibration phantoms in dual‐energy mammography, which may potentially improve the accuracy in dual energy breast density quantification.
Human vascular smooth muscle cells contain functional estrogen receptor

BACKGROUND The decreased incidence of coronary artery disease observed in postmenopausal women given estrogen (E2) replacement demonstrates an atheroprotective effect of E2 that is generally believed to be mediated by indirect, E2-induced changes in cardiovascular risk factor profiles. We hypothesized that the atheroprotective effect of E2 may be in part mediated by a direct effect of E2 on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Therefore, a series of experiments was performed to determine whether human VSMCs contain a competent E2 receptor, a ligand-activated transcription factor known to mediate E2-induced effects in nonvascular cells. METHODS AND RESULTS Ribonuclease protection assays, with a probe derived from the human E2 receptor, were used to demonstrate E2-receptor mRNA in human saphenous vein VSMCs. To show that VSMCs contain E2-receptor protein as well as message, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence studies with a monoclonal anti-E2-receptor antibody were performed, and E2-receptor protein was detected by both methods. Transient transfection assays using a specific E2-responsive reporter system were used next to determine whether the VSMC E2 receptor is capable of E2-induced transcriptional transactivation. Initial studies using mammary artery-derived VSMCs resulted in a 2.4-fold increase in reporter activity in response to 10(-7) mol/L E2. Subsequent studies using saphenous vein VSMCs demonstrated increasing levels of reporter activation as the concentration of E2 was increased from 10(-9) mol/L (1.3-fold increase; SEM, 0.07; P = .05, n = 3) to 10(-7) mol/L (1.6-fold increase; SEM, 0.04; P = .002, n = 6). The specificity of the E2-induced transactivation of the reporter gene was shown by dose-dependent inhibition of transactivation by the pure E2 antagonist ICI 164,384 and by enhancement of the transactivation by simultaneous overexpression of the E2 receptor. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated for the first time that human VSMCs express E2-receptor mRNA and protein and that the E2 receptor in VSMCs is capable of estrogen-dependent gene activation. These data suggest a mechanism by which estrogen may directly alter VSMC function.
Optimal control and geodesic flows

In this paper we analyze and generalize, from the point of view of the maximum principle, a class of nonlinear optimal control problems originally introduced in Brockett (1994). The optimal control problems discussed here lie on the adjoint orbits of compact Lie groups or on Grassmann manifolds and the structure of the equations that arise depends on the metric used - the so-called normal metric. We consider some special cases of the general problem and their meaning from the point of view of Riemannian geometry and Hamiltonian mechanics.
The French Socialists in Power, 1981-1986:

Figures and Tables Abbreviations Preface Victory in 1981: The Long March of the Socialists, by Patrick McCarthy Economic Policy, by Volkmar Lauber Foreign and Security Policy, by Michael M. Harrison Education: Cultural Persistence and Institutional Change, by Michalina Vaughan Decentralization: A Revolutionary Reform, by Vivien A. Schmidt Labor and the Left in Power: Commissions, Omissions and Unintended Consequences, by George Ross Racial Politics: The Rise of the National Front, by Martin A. Schain The Communist Party: Out of the Frying Pan, by D.S.Bell and Byron Criddle The Parti Socialiste in 1986, by Patrick McCarthy Selected Bibliography Index About the Contributors
Nonlinear Electron Oscillations in a Cold Plasma

Investigations of nonlinear electron oscillations in a cold plasma where the thermal motions may be neglected indicate that except for the simplest one-dimensional situation such oscillations will destroy themselves through the development of multistream flow. It is found possible to give an exact analysis of oscillations with plane, cylindrical, and spherical symmetry. Plane oscillations in a uniform plasma are found to be stable below a critical amplitude. For larger amplitudes it is found that multistream flow or fine-scale mixing sets in on the first oscillation. Oscillations with spherical or cylindrical symmetry develop multistream flow almost always, independent of the amplitude. The time required for mixing to start is inversely proportional to the square of the amplitude. Plane oscillations in a nonuniform plasma are also found to exhibit this type of behavior. Some considerations are also given to more general oscillations and a calculation is presented which indicates that multistream flow will usually set in.
Simulated algal cell cultures: correlation of a generalized synchrony index with division time variation

Abstract A digital computer was used to simulate single division waves in algal cell cultures of varying degrees of synchrony producing varying numbers of daughter cells. For each culture for a period T a generalized synchrony index ST was computed. Also computed was σd/T, the ratio of standard deviation of division time to T. It was found that ST is independent of the number of daughter cells per division and that the logarithm of ST varies inversely with σd/T.
Analysis of spectrophotometer specular performance using goniometric information

The 1986 CIE document 15.2, Colorimetry, was necessarily broad in specifying the use of the gloss trap or specular port in integrating sphere measurements. This has led to a variety of spectrophotometer configurations that adhere to the CIE recommendation. To help uses of these devices determine the performance of their instruments with respect to specular excluded measurements, a procedure has been demonstrated to quantify the effective specular port width of an integrating sphere device. The proposed procedure has been tested on four spectrophotometers, three of which use conventional specular ports of varying sizes. The specular ports of these three devices can be physically measured, however the fourth device uses and alternative method for the specular excluded measurement, and the diameter of its specular port cannot simply be measured. The procedure allows for a relative comparison of conventional devices and those using an alternative method.
SIVIC: open-source, standards-based software for DICOM MR spectroscopy workflows

Quantitative analysis of magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) data provides maps of metabolic parameters that show promise for improving medical diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. While anatomical images are routinely reconstructed on the scanner, formatted using the DICOM standard, and interpreted using PACS workstations, this is not the case for MRSI data. The evaluation of MRSI data is made more complex because files are typically encoded with vendor-specific file formats and there is a lack of standardized tools for reconstruction, processing, and visualization. SIVIC is a flexible open-source software framework and application suite that enables a complete scanner-to-PACS workflow for evaluation and interpretation of MRSI data. It supports conversion of vendor-specific formats into the DICOMMR spectroscopy (MRS) standard, provides modular and extensible reconstruction and analysis pipelines, and provides tools to support the unique visualization requirements associated with such data. Workflows are presented which demonstrate the routine use of SIVIC to support the acquisition, analysis, and delivery to PACS of clinical 1H MRSI datasets at UCSF.
Qmol: a program for molecular visualization on Windows-based PCs.

Abstract With the advent of powerful, inexpensive graphics hardware, a variety of molecular modelling tools are now available for personal computers (PCs). While a host of high-quality, free visualization programs exist for Unix-like operating systems, there are relatively few available for Microsoft Windows. Most programs that do run under Windows are designed to interactively visualize experimental data and cannot read binary trajectory data generated by molecular simulations. In addition, many of these programs do not accept command line arguments, limiting their ability to serve as a “helper” application to be run by other applications. To fill this gap in functionality, we present Qmol—a program designed for viewing the output of simulations and theoretical calculations of peptides and small molecules.
Physicochemical Properties of Whole Fruit and Sensory Quality of Fresh-Cut Apples Pre-Treated with 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)

Apple fruit quality is an important factor in minimally processed or fresh-cut slices. Ethylene action inhibitor, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is used commercially to extend the shelf life of selected fruits, including apples. The present study was designed to assess the selected physiochemical properties of whole fruit and sensory attributes of fresh-cut slices from three 1-MCP treated apple cultivars (Jonagold, Empire, and Mutsu) that were stored for 3 months in air or 6, 9, and 12 months in controlled atmosphere. Apples and fresh-cut slices were evaluated for selected quality characteristics at 3-month intervals. Generally, the 1-MCP treatment resulted in firmer fruit and lower pH, whereas it had no or minimal effect on fruit skin color and total soluble solids. Titratable acidity values decreased in both control and 1-MCP treated apples, the only exception being 12-month controlled atmosphere stored apples that showed an increase. At each 3-month interval, fresh-cut slices (after 10-day storage at 4°C...
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Pediatrics Formulation Initiative: Proceedings from the Second Workshop on Pediatric Formulations

Abstract Background The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) organized a workshop held in November 2011 to address knowledge gaps that limit the availability of adequate pediatric formulations. This workshop was used as a means to identify the types of research innovations needed and to stimulate research efforts designed to improve the availability of pediatric formulations and the technologies required to make these formulations. Methods Information for this article was gathered from the proceedings of the Second US PFI Workshop sponsored by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in Bethesda, Maryland, on November 1 and 2, 2011, as well as from post-workshop discussions. The workshop preparation began with formation of 4 working groups: Biopharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS), New Technology and Drug Delivery Systems, and Taste and Flavor. Results The recommendations of the 4 working groups will form the basis for the development of a blueprint to guide future research efforts. The pediatric-specific problems identified include the heterogeneity of the population, the small size of the pediatric drug market, the limited number of new formulations for the large number of off-patent and unlabeled drugs, and the lack of universal agreement on how to define appropriate formulations for different ages and stages of development. There was consensus on the need to develop a universal technology platform for flexible pediatric dosage forms, transforming an empirical process into a science-based platform. A number of problems affect the availability of drugs in the developing world. Age-appropriate solid oral pediatric medicines for common diseases can have a global impact. Success on a global scale depends on the commitment of policy makers, regulators, scientists, pharmaceutical companies, sponsors, government, and research foundations to address gaps in knowledge and solve public health issues related to the availability of formulations in the developing world. Conclusions Solutions to the worldwide lack of appropriate pediatric formulations will require the development of a road map and the commitment of policy makers, regulators, scientists, pharmaceutical sponsors, academic institutions, governments, and research foundations. The development of a universal, cost-effective platform using existing or developing innovative technology that produces flexible pediatric dosage forms remains an important but elusive goal.
Advanced MMI/MP for Demo III XUVs

This paper outlines the goals and work accomplished thus far for both the man-machine interface (MMI) and mission planning (MP) elements of the eXperimental Unmanned Vehicle (XUV) program. It is the goal of the XUV program to make available to the user an interface and tools that will allow for seamless transition between mission planning, rehearsal, and execution on multiple collaborating autonomous vehicles in a platoon group. For scalability purposes, the final system will have two different levels of operator control unit (OCU). The Tier 1 controller will be a web-based control station, preferably a laptop, that will allow the user to control and view all major functions of the robotic vehicle. Tier 1 control will be accomplished via a web client interface executing Java applications. By using an independent web client for each vehicle, any number of vehicles may be controlled. The Tier 2 station will encompass the Tier I functionality with the additional capability of complex mission planning and scene visualization. The Tier 2 OCU will integrate control of the platoon (up to four vehicles) into a tightly coupled system executing on a two-dimensional and three-dimensional rendering and control engine. In addition, an inter-vehicle interface is defined for collaboration at the vehicle level. Initial implementations of both the Tier 1 and Tier 2 OCUs exist and are in use today. The Tier 1 OCU is written in Java and provides vehicle level control of the XUVs. The Tier 2 system is based on the Combat Information Processor (CIP) and Virtual Geographic Information System (VGIS) from the Army Research Laboratory (ARL). The Tier 2 system is capable of both 2D and 3D visualization of the battlefield environment and provides vehicle path planning for the XUVs. The Four Dimensional Real-Time Control System (4-D/RCS) reference model architecture is used as the basis for the division of decision and mission planning responsibilities among the control stations and the robotic vehicles.
The Training and Certification of Surgical Oncologists Globally

The global cancer burden (GCB) is expected to rise significantly during the next few decades with most of the new cancers and cancer-related deaths afflicting the low- to middle-income countries. The ability to tackle this rising GCB requires the presence of an adequately trained surgical oncology workforce, which is dependent on credible training pathways and sustainable certification pipelines. The purpose of this article is to review briefly the training patterns and certification requirements for surgical oncologists globally by sampling representative countries across all regions of the world. A thorough literature search was conducted using multiple websites of credible national/global organizations as well as the websites of individual countries. Countries from select regions in the world were included (based on the World Health Organization regions and Human Development Index) in the analysis to determine the prevalent trends in the training of surgical oncologists globally. Several trends and significant differences were noted in the training patterns of surgical oncologists globally. The presence or absence of domestic surgical oncology fellowships had an inverse correlation to the income level of the country. Countries without domestic fellowships usually relied on high-income foreign destinations for their training. The results of the analysis demonstrated significant variability in training of surgical oncologists globally. Despite the diversity, we noticed some general trends based on which some recommendations were put forth for increasing the global surgical oncology workforce.
The role of mobile health technologies in improving community health seeking practices in rural Uganda

further training, and perceived barriers to expanded use. In addition, eight focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with both current EM residents and various faculty members to gather additional qualitative insight into current practice patterns and perceived barriers. Results (Scientific Abstract)/Collaborative Partners (Programmatic Abstract): Eighty clinicians completed the survey, 69 of whom were EM residents and are included in the analysis. The response rate for our study among all current EM residents in Colombia at the time of administration was 85%. Fifty-two percent of resident respondents had previously used an ultrasound machine during their training; however, of these, 58% indicated that they had performed 40 scans. The most frequently used applications indicated by respondents were trauma, obstetrics, vascular access, and echocardiography. Only a quarter indicated that they had ever received any formal ultrasound training, but all indicated interest in learning more. Significant barriers to ultrasound training included lack of trained faculty teachers (indicated by 78% of respondents), absence of ultrasound machines (57%), and limited time (41%). In FGDs, additional barriers identified were inter-specialty conflicts over the control and charging of ultrasonography, both institutionally and nationally, as well as program-specific curricula decisions regarding the importance of POC US within EM practice. Summary/Conclusion: While currently limited, EM residents in Colombia have a strong interest in integrating POC ultrasound into their practice and training. The many current barriers to its expanding use reflect both traditional barriers such as a lack of equipment seen in many lower income developing nations as well as inter-specialty conflicts typical of more highand middle-income developed countries. Further collaboration is underway to overcome these barriers and further integrate POC ultrasound as a standard of care into Colombian EM residency training.
Randomized trial of immune-enhancing enteral nutrition in burn patients.

Background: Immune-enhancing diets (IEDs) are aimed at improving outcomes in patients suffering trauma and infection. This study was conducted to evaluate a popular IED in patients suffering burn injury. Methods: Fifty burned patients were randomized to receive either Impact (Sandoz Nutrition, Minneapolis, Minn), an IED enhanced with ω-3 fatty acids, arginine, and RNA, or Replete (Clintec, Deerfield, III), our standard high-protein diet. Feedings were begun within 48 hours of injury, and continued until patients supported themselves with oral intake. Results: Forty-nine patients completed the study. The two feeding groups did not differ with respect to age, burn size, incidence of inhalation injury, or the quantity of calories and protein received. There were no differences between groups in mortality, length of hospitalization, hospital charges, days of ventilator support, or incidence of complications. Patients with inhalation injuries required more ventilatory support, and had longer lengths of hospitalization and higher costs. Conclusions: Administration of an IED has no clear advantages over the use of less expensive high-protein enteral nutrition in burn patients.
What Stabilizes State General Fund Expenditures in Downturn Years—Budget Stabilization Fund or General Fund Unreserved Undesignated Balance?

This article strictly defines the budget stabilization fund (BSF) as a counter-cyclical reserve, and with a panel data set examines the effects of BSF and general fund unreserved undesignated balances (UUB) on stabilizing state general fund expenditure during downturns. The article finds that BSFs bolster spending in lean years: each percentage point increase of BSF balance as a percent of general fund expenditure can minimize negative expenditure gap by a quarter percentage point. But the article does not find evidence that UUB is a counter-cyclical fiscal tool, indicating that wide adoption of BSF may have changed the nature and use of UUB.
A rodenticide exposed and bleeding Beagle dog with hereditary factor VII deficiency

Objective: To report a complex presentation of an acquired and hereditary coagulopathy in a dog. Case summary: A 5-year-old spayed female Beagle presented for lethargy, anorexia, cough, and stiff gait, and was diagnosed with a spontaneous hemothorax. The patient recovered from this bleeding episode suspected to be secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication, but was subsequently diagnosed with factor VII (FVII) deficiency, a hereditary coagulopathy. Diagnostic approach and management of FVII deficiency is described. New or unique information provided: This paper describes an unusual presentation of an inherited hemostatic disorder. Utilization of available screening and diagnostic tools, and appropriate interpretation of test results facilitate identification and management of this inherited coagulopathy.