cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal Parameter Settings for Adaptive Traffic-Actuated Signal Control

This paper proposes a real-time adaptive signal control model that decides optimal signal control parameters commonly found in modern actuated controllers, aiming to exploit the adaptive functionality of traffic-actuated control and to improve the performance of traffic-actuated signal system. These control parameters are optimized cycle by cycle to satisfy the real-time vehicle demands that are estimated based on signal timing information. The proposed control model is applied and tested on a network consisting of thirty-eight actuated signals through microscopic simulation. Simulation results show that, traffic-actuated signal control that uses the optimized parameters is able to improve the performance of the study network, especially under off-peak traffic conditions.
A direction for research on virtual machine support for concern composition

This position paper suggests research directions in the area of virtual machines supporting aspect-oriented capabilities in the context of object-oriented languages.
The Dead reckoning signed distance transform

Consider a binary image containing one or more objects. A signed distance transform assigns to each pixel (voxel, etc.), both inside and outside of any objects, the minimum distance from that pixel to the nearest pixel on the border of an object. By convention, the sign of the assigned distance value indicates whether or not the point is within some object (positive) or outside of all objects (negative). Over the years, many different algorithms have been proposed to calculate the distance transform of an image. These algorithms often trade accuracy for efficiency, exhibit varying degrees of conceptual complexity, and some require parallel processors. One algorithm in particular, the Chamfer distance [J. ACM 15 (1968) 600, Comput. Vis. Graph. Image Process. 34 (1986) 344], has been analyzed for accuracy, is relatively efficient, requires no special computing hardware, and is conceptually straightforward. It is understandably, therefore, quite popular and widely used. We present a straightforward modification to the Chamfer distance transform algorithm that allows it to produce more accurate results without increasing the window size. We call this new algorithm Dead Reckoning as it is loosely based on the concept of continual measurements and course correction that was employed by ocean going vessel navigation in the past. We compare Dead Reckoning with a wide variety of other distance transform algorithms based on the Chamfer distance algorithm for both accuracy and speed, and demonstrate that Dead Reckoning produces more accurate results with comparable efficiency.
Iodide-Enhanced Electrokinetic Remediation of Mercury-Contaminated Soils

This study investigates using an iodide-enhanced solution at the cathode during electrokinetic treatment to optimize the removal of mercury from soils. The experimental program consisted of testing two types of clayey soils, kaolin, and glacial till, that were initially spiked with 500 mg/kg of Hg(II). Experiments were conducted on each soil type at two voltage gradients (1.0 or 1.5 VDC/cm) to evaluate the effect of the voltage gradient when employing a 0.1 M KI solution. Additional experiments were performed on each soil type to assess the effect of using a higher iodide concentration (0.5 M KI) when using a 1.5 VDC/cm voltage gradient. The tests conducted on the kaolin soil showed that when the 0.1 M KI concentration was employed with the 1.0 VDC/cm voltage gradient, approximately 97% of the mercury was removed, leaving a residual concentration of 16 mg/kg in the soil after treatment. The tests conducted on glacial till indicated that it was beneficial to use the higher (0.5 M KI) iodide concentration and the higher (1.5 VDC/cm) voltage gradient to enhance mercury removal, because, under these conditions, a maximum of 77% of the mercury was removed from the glacial till, leaving a residual concentration of 116 mg/kg in soil after electrokinetic treatment. Compared to kaolin, the lower mercury removal from the glacial till soil is attributed to the more complicated soil composition, such as the presence of carbonates and organic matter, which caused Hg(II) to adsorb to the soil and/or exist as an immobile chemical species.
Translation and scale-invariant gesture recognition in complex scenes

Gestures are a natural means of communication between humans, and also a natural modality for human-computer interaction. Automatic recognition of gestures using computer vision is an important task in many real-world applications, such as sign language recognition, computer games control, virtual reality, intelligent homes, and assistive environments. In order for a gesture recognition system to be robust and deployable in non-laboratory settings, the system needs to be able to operate in complex scenes, with complicated backgrounds and multiple moving and skin-colored objects. In this paper we propose an approach for improving gesture recognition performance in such complex environments. The key idea is to integrate a face detection module into the gesture recognition system, and use the face location and size to make gesture recognition invariant to scale and translation. Our experiments demonstrate the significant advantages of the proposed method over alternative computer vision methods for gesture recognition.
Divisive Normalization: Justification and Effectiveness as Efficient Coding Transform

Divisive normalization (DN) has been advocated as an effective nonlinear efficient coding transform for natural sensory signals with applications in biology and engineering. In this work, we aim to establish a connection between the DN transform and the statistical properties of natural sensory signals. Our analysis is based on the use of multivariate t model to capture some important statistical properties of natural sensory signals. The multivariate t model justifies DN as an approximation to the transform that completely eliminates its statistical dependency. Furthermore, using the multivariate t model and measuring statistical dependency with multi-information, we can precisely quantify the statistical dependency that is reduced by the DN transform. We compare this with the actual performance of the DN transform in reducing statistical dependencies of natural sensory signals. Our theoretical analysis and quantitative evaluations confirm DN as an effective efficient coding transform for natural sensory signals. On the other hand, we also observe a previously unreported phenomenon that DN may increase statistical dependencies when the size of pooling is small.
Situated design: toward an understanding of design through social creation and cultural cognition

Video and transcripts of two architectural design meetings are presented in an analysis of a specific design process. The focus of the analysis presented here is the social and cultural aspects of cognition in design. The argument begins with a discussion of the parallels in design studies and cognitive science as each begun to consider the importance of environmental influences in how we design and how we think. By applying three situated frameworks to understand the situated nature of design meetings, the analysis shows that notions of social creation and cultural cognition are complimentary and necessary when trying to understand how the design process works.
Extraction of lanthanides using 1-hydroxy-6-N-octylcarboxamido-2(1H)-pyridinone as an extractant via competitive ligand complexations between aqueous and organic phases

The ability to selectively extract lanthanides is crucial in hydrometallurgy and the nuclear fuel cycle. The capabilities of 1-hydroxy-6-N-octylcarboxamido-2(1H)-pyridinone (octyl-HOPO) as an extractant for the separation of lanthanides and actinides were studied for the first time. Octyl-HOPO greatly outperformed the traditional ligand di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (DEHPA).
Adverse childhood experiences, family functioning and adolescent health and emotional well-being.

Abstract Objectives Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been consistently linked in a strong and graded fashion to a host of health problems in later adulthood but few studies have examined the more proximate effect of ACEs on health and emotional well-being in adolescence. Study design Nationally representative cross-sectional study. Methods Using logistic regression on the 2011/12 National Survey of Children's Health, we examined the cumulative effect of total ACE score on the health and emotional well-being of US adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. We investigated the moderating effect of family functioning on the impact of ACE on adolescent health and emotional well-being. Results Adolescents with higher ACE scores had worse reported physical and emotional well-being than adolescents with fewer ACEs net of key demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Family functioning moderated the negative impact of cumulative ACE on adolescent health and emotional well-being. Conclusions Adolescent well-being has enduring consequences; identifying children with ACE exposure who also have lower-functioning family could also help identify those families at particular risk.
Routine troponin measurements are unnecessary in acute ischemic stroke evaluations (P4.285)

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the frequency of elevated serum troponins indicating cardiovascular pathology in acute ischemic stroke. BACKGROUND: Insufficient literature exists to show that troponin elevation in stroke is representative of significant cardiovascular pathology. DESIGN/METHODS: We reviewed records of 404 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke at a large academic institution from 2010-2012. RESULTS: Of 404 patients 50.1 [percnt] were male. Mean age was 63 years (SD +/- 15 years). Chronic kidney disease was present in 79 (19.5[percnt]), coronary artery disease in 109 (27[percnt]), and atrial fibrillation in 111 (27.5[percnt]). Mean NIHSS was 6 (+/-6). Stroke etiologies included large vessel (30.4[percnt]), cardio-embolism (26[percnt]), small vessel (20.7[percnt]), and cryptogenic (21.8[percnt]). Troponin was measured in 252 patients (62.4[percnt]). A single troponin was obtained in 60 (14.8[percnt]) while serial measurements at 0, 3, and 6 hours were available for 192 (47.5[percnt]).Troponin was elevated (>0.01 ng/ml) in 13.8[percnt] (n=35) patients at all three measurements. Of these only 5 (2.6 [percnt]) had a significant uptrend. Four were iatrogenic in the setting of hemodynamic augmentation using vasopressors to maintain cerebral perfusion. One case was attributed to the stroke and chronic kidney disease. None of the remaining elevated troponin levels were thought to be caused by acute myocardial ischemia. Cardiology was consulted in 42 patients (10.4[percnt]). Common indications were patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure (n=11, 26 [percnt]), atrial fibrillation (n=6, 14.2[percnt]), and troponin elevation (n=4, 9.5[percnt]). Cardiac catheterization was undertaken in 9 patients (2.2[percnt]) for PFO closure (n=7), for pre-operative assessment of valvular disease (n=1), and for iatrogenic troponin elevation (n=1); negative for coronary disease. CONCLUSIONS: Troponin elevation in patients with ischemic stroke is not caused by acute myocardial ischemia unless iatrogenic in the setting of vasopressor administration. Serum troponins should be measured based on clinical context rather than routinely in all acute ischemic stroke patients. Disclosure: Dr. Ali has nothing to disclose. Dr. Young has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rabinstein has received royalty payments from Elsevier and Oxford University Press. Dr. Rabinstein has received research support from DJO Global. Dr. Flemming has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fugate has nothing to disclose.
Abstract W P255: Neuroprotective Effects Of Thyroid Hormone - T2 (3,5-diiodo-I-thyronine) After Transient MCAO In Mice

T2 (3,5-diiodo-I-thyronine) is an active metabolite of T3 (3,3’,5’-triiodothyronine), a key hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. It has been found to significantly increase mitochondrial respiration and cytochrome oxidizes activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. T2 has a much more rapid stimulation of metabolic rate (1 hour for T2 vs 24 hours for T3). Neuroprotective effects of T3 have previously been demonstrated. Here, we have investigated the neuroprotective effects of T2 on brain ischemia and edema formation in t-MCAO mice model of brain stroke. CD-1 mice (25-30 g) were treated with T2 (5 mg/kg) or vehicle control (PBS) by i.v. injection through the jugular vein 30 min before brain stroke was induced. To confirm appropriate placement of the monofilament suture, cortical blood perfusion values were monitored by Laser-Doppler flowmetry during surgical preparation and for 30 min after cerebral ischemia. After 1h of t-MCAO monofilament suture was withdrawn for blood reperfusion and animals were sacrificed after 24h. 1 mm coronal brain slices were prepared and stained with 1% TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) for t-MCAO. Volumes of brain ischemia and edema formation were evaluated. In vivo results for t-MCAO (1h) showed that T2 (5 mg/kg) reduced brain infarct volume by 42% (p<0.005), and edema formation by 65% (p<0.001). Preliminary gene expression studies showed that T2 has marked influence on gene programs involved in neuronal energy metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, ROS generation and brain edema. Ongoing work in our lab is elucidating the exact mechanisms of neuroprotective actions of T2. Neuroprotective effects of T2 in t-MCAO brain stroke model suggest that T2 is a potential new candidate for developing of neuroprotective therapies for brain ischemia and edema. Our studies showed that T2, even though mechanistically distinct from T3, retains the neuroprotective activity of T3 in ischemic stroke and raises the possibility that T2 activity has a role in the neuroprotection seen by T3.
The expanding role of the pharmacist in the management of hepatitis C infection.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects approximately 3-4 million people per year worldwide. Overall, about 170 million people have chronic HCV infection, which can result in development of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Of those with chronic HCV infection, the proportion with cirrhosis is expected to be 45% by the year 2030, and prevalence rates of heptaocellular carcinoma and hepatic decompensation are expected to increase over the next decade as well. These startling statistics underscore how crucial effective treatment and patient support are in the management of HCV infection. Pharmacists are in an ideal situation to assist with these endeavors, especially in light of new treatment options that recently became available. In this issue of JMCP, Tungol et al. provide a thorough review of the current status of treatment of genotype 1 HCV infection, along with suggestions for formulary management of new treatment options utilized in managing this chronic infection.
Beyond Black and White: Biracial Attitudes in Contemporary U.S. Politics

The 2000 U.S. census was the first in which respondents were permitted to self-identify with more than one race. A decade later, multiple-race identifiers have become one of the fastest-growing groups in the nation. Such broadening multiracial identification poses important political ramifications and raises questions about the future of minority group political solidarity. Yet we know little about the opinions of multiple-race identifiers and from where those opinions emerge. Bridging literatures in racial politics and political socialization, and drawing upon a multimethod approach, this article provides insight into the consequences of the U.S.’s increasingly blurred racial boundaries by examining the attitudes of Americans of White-Black parentage, a population whose identification was traditionally constrained by the one-drop rule. Findings show that on racial issues such as discrimination and affirmative action, biracials who identify as both White and Black generally hold views akin to Blacks. But on nonracial political issues including abortion and gender/marriage equality, biracials who identify as White-Black or as Black express more liberal views than their peers of monoracial parentage. Being biracial and labeling oneself a racial minority is thus associated with a more progressive outlook on matters that affect socially marginalized groups. Two explanations are examined for these findings: the transmission of political outlook from parents to children, and biracials’ experiences straddling a long-standing racial divide.
Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles in Escherichia coli O157 Isolates from Northern Colorado Dairies

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli O157 (EcO157) infections can lead to serious disease and death in humans. Although the ecology of EcO157 is complex, ruminant animals serve as an important reservoir for human infection. Dairy cattle are unique because they may be a source of contamination for milk, meat, and manure-fertilized crops. Foodborne dairy pathogens such as EcO157 are of primary importance to public health. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a complex phenomenon that complicates the treatment of serious bacterial infections and is of increasing concern. In the face of recommended use restrictions for antimicrobial agents in livestock operations, current AMR patterns in known foodborne pathogens should be documented. The objective of this study was to document AMR patterns in EcO157 isolates from dairies in northern Colorado using antimicrobial agents commonly found on dairies and representative of medically important antimicrobial drug classes. Seventy-five EcO157 isolates were recovered from three dairi...
Last Hired, First Fired: Black Women Workers during World War II

As a result of the increasing demand for workers in all categories of employment, and especially in the high-paying manufacturing sector, the full employment economy of World War II posed the most serious challenge in American history to the traditional management preference for white male labor in primary-sector jobs. The war years were especially important for blacks, who benefited from an expanding labor force, changing racial values, a revitalized migration out of the rural South, and the attempted enforcement of equal employment opportunity under a presidential executive order. Although scholars have given some attention to the labor-force fortunes of blacks in the war economy, few have considered the impact of the wartime expansion on black women, who constituted 600,000 of the 1,000,000 blacks who entered paid employment during the war years. Those who have focused on black women have stressed the degree to which the war opened new job categories and fostered mobility. William Chafe, for example, contends that the opportunities generated by the wartime economy and the long-term changes they fostered constituted a "second emancipation" for black women. According to Dale L. Hiestand, occupational shifts by black women workers during the 1940s promoted substantial income improvement. 1
Atom-number amplification in a magneto-optical trap via stimulated light forces

We decelerated an atomic beam of ${}^{87}$Rb using a stimulated-emission slowing technique that employs a bichromatic standing light wave of high intensity, and increased the atom number in a magneto-optical trap (MOT) of low capture velocity by up to a factor of 14, and the load rate into the MOT by a factor of 20. We performed the slowing over distances under 1.5 cm with 5.2 mW of total power in the bichromatic beams. The average stimulated force was 2.2 times the maximum spontaneous emission force, and could be made even stronger in a smaller apparatus.
Solar Cells as Light Emitters: The Key to Record Efficiencies and Approaching the Shockley-Queisser Limits

A solar cell, by definition absorbing, must also be emissive. Counter-intuitively, then, emission should be maximized. This was the viewpoint driving the recent single-junction efficiency record, and underpins the approach to more general Shockley-Queisser limits.
Behavioral Responses of Primary Entomophagous Predators to Larval Homogenates of Heliothis zea and Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Whorl-Stage Corn

Aggregation responses of adult predators of lepidopterous pests to selected dosages of aqueous homogenates of terminal instar larvae of corn earworm Heliothis zea (Boddie) and fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) were measured in whorl-stage corn. The mean number of Coleomegilla maculata (De Geer) and Geocoris punctipes (Say) was significantly higher through days 1 and 6, after treatment, respectively, in plots receiving a single application of 0.1 and 1.0 larval equivalents (LE) of H. zea larval homogenate (LH) per plant than in control plots. No consistent response to the LH was noted for Hippodamia convergens Guerin Meneville. Populations of C. maculata and G. punctipes responded equally well to the LH of H. zea and S. frugiperda . The number of G. punctipes and C. maculata increased significantly within 1 h of application of 1.0 LE per plant of H. zea LH. Populations of G. punctipes and C. maculata peaked at 3.8- and 11.4-fold higher, respectively, than the population of the control by 8 h after treatment. Significantly more C. maculata egg masses were associated with the greater number of adults in plots treated with 1.0 LE of H. zea LH per plant. No differences were detected in rates of predation on artificially applied egg masses of S. frugiperda placed in untreated plots; or in plots treated with the S. frugiperda LH (1.0 LE per plant), despite significantly higher populations of C. maculata adults in the treated plots. The LH competed with the S. frugiperda egg masses as a source of food for C. maculata . However, because G. punctipes likely are unable to use the LH as a food source, they apparently responded to host-seeking stimuli associated with the host larvae.
Computations on the primary photoreaction of Br2 with CO2: stepwise vs concerted addition of Br atoms.

It was proposed previously that Br2-sensitized photolysis of liquid CO2 proceeds through a metastable primary photoproduct, CO2Br2. Possible mechanisms for such a photoreaction are explored here computationally. First, it is shown that the CO2Br radical is not stable in any geometry. This rules out a free-radical mechanism, for example, photochemical splitting of Br2 followed by stepwise addition of Br atoms to CO2-which in turn accounts for the lack of previously observed Br2+CO2 photochemistry in gas phases. A possible alternative mechanism in liquid phase is formation of a weakly bound CO2:Br2 complex, followed by concerted photoaddition of Br2. This hypothesis is suggested by the previously published spectroscopic detection of a binary CO2:Br2 complex in the supersonically cooled gas phase. We compute a global binding-energy minimum of -6.2 kJ mol(-1) for such complexes, in a linear geometry. Two additional local minima were computed for perpendicular (C2v) and nearly parallel asymmetric planar geometries, both with binding energies near -5.4 kJ mol(-1). In these two latter geometries, C-Br and O-Br bond distances are simultaneously in the range of 3.5-3.8 A, that is, perhaps suitable for a concerted photoaddition under the temperature and pressure conditions where Br2 + CO2 photochemistry has been observed.
Surgical management of patients with the Marfan syndrome and dilatation of the ascending aorta

Until recently, surgical correction of Marfan defects of the aortic root has been undertaken with some hesitancy because of the high perioperative risk. The Division of Medical Genetics at Johns Hopkins follows about 300 patients with the Marfan syndrome, and during the past 8 years 13 of these were referred to the senior author (V.L.G.) for aortic valve replacement and repair of the ascending aorta. Preoperatively, four of the 13 patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IV (3/4 required emergency operation), three patients were in Class III, and six were in Class II. The aortic diameter at the mid-valve level ranged from 5.3 cm to 8.2 cm on M-mode echocardiography. The first two patients received a separate Bjork-Shiley prosthesis and a woven Teflon graft and the last 11 patients had a composite valve-graft with direct coronary implantation. There were no hospital deaths. Follow-up ranges from 6 months to 8.1 years and is complete for all 13 patients (mean of 23 months). Two late deaths occurred 2 and 20 months postoperatively from presumed arrhythmia and two late deaths occurred at 4 and 6 months from endocarditis. The actuarial survival rate at 3 years is 61%. Some pathologists claim that the incidence of dissection of the aorta does not increase with increasing aortic dilatation in the Marfan patient. Six of our 13 patients, however, had aortic dissection at the time of surgery (two DeBakey Type I, three Type II, and one Type III). With the low hospital mortality that can now be achieved in the Marfan patient, and with the relatively high incidence of clinically unrecognized dissection, we fell that strong consideration should be given to earlier prophylactic repair in these patients. Operation may be indicated even in the asymptomatic Marfan patient with an aortic root diameter greater than 5.5 cm.
Radical Perineal Prostatectomy for Clinical Stage B2 Carcinoma of the Prostate

AbstractTo refine the criteria for radical surgery in clinical stage B2 prostatic cancer a retrospective study was made of 53 patients who underwent radical perineal prostatectomy between 1951 and 1963. The 15-year survival free of tumor was 25 per cent, significantly less than the 51 per cent survival rate in a series of patients with clinical B1 disease undergoing radical perineal prostatectomy during the same period. Sixty-six per cent of the patients had extraprostatic extension of tumor on histological examination. The 15-year survival free of tumor in these patients was only 13 per cent, whereas those patients with tumor histologically confined to the prostate had a 15-year survival rate of 50 per cent, equal to an age-matched control population. Thus, although prolonged survival was demonstrated in patients without extraprostatic extension only a third of all clinical B2 cases were in this favorable category. Consequently, until improved reliable techniques for detection of extraprostatic extension...
Isolating a scanning electron microscope from chiller unit vibrations

Although a scanning electron microscope (SEM) has very low tolerance to being disturbed by vibration, it requires a chiller for operation. Isolating the SEM from its associated chiller vibration takes careful consideration. This paper presents a case study of the performance of several slab-on-grade configurations. These configurations were specifically constructed to support various water chiller units and other service equipment as well as various vibration sensitive microscopes in a high performance research facility. In this study, the slabs are subjected to shaker-induced harmonic loading similar to that of a water chiller unit used to cool a SEM. The actual performance will be discussed in the context of generic design criteria for sensitive equipment and the SEM manufacturer-specified design criteria.
Evaluation of a Mastery Learning Intervention on Hospitalists' Code Status Discussion Skills.

Abstract Context Although code status discussions (CSD) occur frequently in the hospital setting, discussions often lack content necessary for informed decision making. Simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) has been used to improve clinical skills among resident physicians and may provide a novel way to improve hospitalists' CSD skills. Objectives The objective of this pilot randomized controlled trial was to develop and evaluate a CSD SBML intervention for hospitalists. Methods Twenty hospitalists were randomized to control vs. a CSD SBML intervention. Hospitalists conducted a baseline standardized patient encounter (pretest) that was scored using a 19-item CSD checklist and controls completed a repeat standardized patient encounter six months later (post-test). Intervention group hospitalists received at least one two-hour training session featuring deliberate practice and feedback and were expected to meet a minimum passing score (MPS) on the post-test of 84% set by an expert panel. Results Only two of the 20 hospitalists met the MPS at pretest. Seventy percentage of intervention hospitalists achieved the MPS after a single training session. Post-test median checklist scores were higher for intervention hospitalists compared with controls (16.5 vs. 12.0, P = 0.0001). Intervention hospitalists were significantly more likely to ask about previous experiences with end-of-life decision making (70% vs. 20%, P = 0.03), explore values/goals (100% vs. 50%, P = 0.01), ask permission to make a recommendation regarding code status (60% vs. 0%, P = 0.003), and align recommendations with patient values/goals (90% vs. 40%, P = 0.02) than controls. Conclusion Few hospitalists demonstrated mastery of CSD skills at baseline; SBML was an effective way to improve these skills.
Association of Dietary Patterns With Risk of Colorectal Cancer Subtypes Classified by Fusobacterium nucleatum in Tumor Tissue.

Importance Fusobacterium nucleatum appears to play a role in colorectal carcinogenesis through suppression of the hosts’ immune response to tumor. Evidence also suggests that diet influences intestinal F nucleatum. However, the role of F nucleatum in mediating the relationship between diet and the risk of colorectal cancer is unknown. Objective To test the hypothesis that the associations of prudent diets (rich in whole grains and dietary fiber) and Western diets (rich in red and processed meat, refined grains, and desserts) with colorectal cancer risk may differ according to the presence of F nucleatum in tumor tissue. Design, Setting, and Participants A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Nurses’ Health Study (June 1, 1980, to June 1, 2012) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (June 1, 1986, to June 1, 2012) on a total of 121 700 US female nurses and 51 529 US male health professionals aged 30 to 55 years and 40 to 75 years, respectively (both predominantly white individuals), at enrollment. Data analysis was performed from March 15, 2015, to August 10, 2016. Exposures Prudent and Western diets. Main Outcomes and Measures Incidence of colorectal carcinoma subclassified by F nucleatum status in tumor tissue, determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Of the 173 229 individuals considered for the study, 137 217 were included in the analysis, 47 449 were male (34.6%), and mean (SD) baseline age for men was 54.0 (9.8) years and for women, 46.3 (7.2) years. A total of 1019 incident colon and rectal cancer cases with available F nucleatum data were documented over 26 to 32 years of follow-up, encompassing 3 643 562 person-years. The association of prudent diet with colorectal cancer significantly differed by tissue F nucleatum status ( P = .01 for heterogeneity); prudent diet score was associated with a lower risk of F nucleatum– positive cancers ( P = .003 for trend; multivariable hazard ratio of 0.43; 95% CI, 0.25-0.72, for the highest vs the lowest prudent score quartile) but not with F nucleatum– negative cancers ( P = .47 for trend, the corresponding multivariable hazard ratio of 0.95; 95% CI, 0.77-1.17). There was no significant heterogeneity between the subgroups in relation to Western dietary pattern scores. Conclusions and Relevance Prudent diets rich in whole grains and dietary fiber are associated with a lower risk for F nucleatum –positive colorectal cancer but not F nucleatum –negative cancer, supporting a potential role for intestinal microbiota in mediating the association between diet and colorectal neoplasms.
Liquid biopsy for brain tumors

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Minimally invasive methods will augment the clinical approach for establishing the diagnosis or monitoring treatment response of central nervous system tumors. Liquid biopsy by blood or cerebrospinal fluid sampling holds promise in this regard.Areas covered: In this literature review, the authors highlight recent studies describing the analysis of circulating tumor cells, cell free nucleic acids, and extracellular vesicles as strategies to accomplish liquid biopsy in glioblastoma and metastatic tumors. The authors then discuss the continued efforts to improve signal detection, standardize the liquid biopsy handling and preparation, develop platforms for clinical application, and establish a role for liquid biopsies in personalized medicine.Expert commentary: As the technologies used to analyze these biomarkers continue to evolve, we propose that there is a future potential to precisely diagnose and monitor treatment response with liquid biopsies.
Touristic disaster: Spectacle and recovery in Post-Katrina New Orleans

Abstract This paper develops the concept touristic disaster as a heuristic device to examine the conflictual and contradictory aspects of showcasing disaster-devastated neighborhoods as tourist attractions. Touristic disaster refers to the application of tourism modes of staging, visualization, and discourse to reenchant the money making deterrents (stigma) of “destruction” and “ruin” and re-signify disaster to indicate “recovery” and “rebirth.” This paper uses empirical examples from New Orleans to examine the transition from “disaster tourism” to “recovery tourism” in tourism framings of post-Katrina rebuilding. The concept of touristic disaster views disaster-devastated neighborhoods as sites and arenas of contestation in which opposing groups and interests battle to control representations of urban space. The paper illustrates the motivations, processes, and paradoxical impacts of the commodification and global representation of “disaster” and “recovery” and provides insights into the ways in which people can use spectacle to contest marginalization.
Relationship of histologic grade and histologic subtype with oncotype Dx recurrence score; retrospective review of 863 breast cancer oncotype Dx results

Oncotype Dx (ODx) is a multigene assay that is prognostic and predictive in estrogen receptor (ER) positive early breast cancer. ODx recurrence score (RS) is reported to be histologic grade dependent. Relationship of RS with breast cancer histologic subtypes is unknown. This study was designed to assess the relationship of histologic subtype with RS. Histologic grade dependence of RS was also investigated. Results of consecutive ODx tests (1/2007–7/2016) from two institutions were reviewed. Histologic subtypes (in: Lakhani et al., WHO classification, IARC Press, Lyon, 2012), combined Nottingham histologic grade, age and tumor size were recorded from pathology reports. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between RS and ODx risk categories and histologic subtypes, grade, age and tumor size. RS was grade dependent. RS of grade 1 and grade 2 tumors were significantly lower than grade 3 tumors. There was no high-risk grade 1 tumor. In favorable histologic subtypes there was no high-risk tumor. Mean RS of grade 1 lobular tumors was significantly higher than grade 1 ductal tumors. Using newer ODx cut-offs, 5 grade 1 tumors were reclassified as high risk (RS > 25) and grade 3 lobular tumors showed significantly higher rate of reclassification as high-risk than grade 3 ductal tumors. In a multivariate analysis, only grade showed a significant positive correlation with RS. Adding dichotomous histologic subtyping (favorable vs. non-favorable) to grade further improved correlation with RS. The Oncotype Dx result is impacted by histologic grade and histologic subtype. Tumors with favorable histologic subtypes and histologic grade 1 tumors do not have high-risk RS. High RS in a grade 1 tumor or in a tumor with favorable histology is unusual that warrants further investigation. Invasive lobular carcinomas rarely show high-risk RS. Histologic grade and histologic subtype should be considered while ordering ODx testing.
Structural plasticity of mini-M conotoxins – expression of all mini-M subtypes by Conus regius

The mini-M conotoxins are peptidic scaffolds found in the venom of cones snails. These scaffolds are tightly folded structures held together by three disulfide bonds with a CC-C-C-CC arrangement (conotoxin framework III) and belong to the M Superfamily of conotoxins. Here, we describe mini-M conotoxins from the venom of Conus regius, a Western Atlantic worm-hunting cone snail species using transcriptomic and peptidomic analyses. These C. regius conotoxins belong to three different subtypes: M1, M2, and M3. The subtypes show little sequence homology, and their loop sizes (intercysteine amino acid chains) vary significantly. The mini-Ms isolated from dissected venom contains preferentially hydroxylated proline residues, thus augmenting the structural reach of this conotoxin class. Using 2D-NMR methods, we have determined the 3D structure of reg3b, an M2 subtype conotoxin, which shows a constrained multi-turn scaffold. The structural diversity found within mini-M conotoxin scaffolds of C. regius is indicative of structural hypervariability of the conotoxin M superfamily that is not seen in other superfamilies. These stable minimalistic scaffolds may be investigated for the development of engineered peptides for therapeutic applications. DATABASES Sequences are available in GenBank under accession numbers MF588935-MF588952. Structural data are available in the RCSB protein database under the accession code 6BX9.
Genetic Architecture of Capitate Glandular Trichome Density in Florets of Domesticated Sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.)

Capitate glandular trichomes (CGT), one type of glandular trichomes, are most common in Asteraceae species. CGT can produce various secondary metabolites such as sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) and provide durable resistance to insect pests. In sunflower, CGT-based host resistance is effective to combat the specialist pest, sunflower moth. However, the genetic basis of CGT density is not well understood in sunflower. In this study, we identified two major QTL controlling CGT density in sunflower florets by using a F4 mapping population derived from the cross HA 300 × RHA 464 with a genetic linkage map constructed from genotyping-by-sequencing data and composed of 2121 SNP markers. One major QTL is located on chromosome 5, which explained 11.61% of the observed phenotypic variation, and the second QTL is located on chromosome 6, which explained 14.06% of the observed phenotypic variation. The QTL effects and the association between CGT density and QTL support interval were confirmed in a validation population which included 39 sunflower inbred lines with diverse genetic backgrounds. We also identified two strong candidate genes in the QTL support intervals, and the functions of their orthologs in other plant species suggested their potential roles in regulating capitate glandular trichome density in sunflower. Our results provide valuable information to sunflower breeding community for developing host resistance to sunflower insect pests.
Impact of Front Range sources on reactive nitrogen concentrations and deposition in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Human influenced atmospheric reactive nitrogen (RN) is impacting ecosystems in Rocky Mountain National Park (ROMO). Due to ROMO's protected status as a Class 1 area, these changes are concerning, and improving our understanding of the contributions of different types of RN and their sources is important for reducing impacts in ROMO. In July-August 2014 the most comprehensive measurements (to date) of RN were made in ROMO during the Front Range Air Pollution and Photochemistry Experiment (FRAPPE). Measurements included peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), C1-C5 alkyl nitrates, and high-time resolution NOx, NOy, and ammonia. A limited set of measurements was extended through October. Co-located measurements of a suite of volatile organic compounds provide information on source types impacting ROMO. Specifically, we use ethane as a tracer of oil and gas operations and tetrachloroethylene (C2Cl4) as an urban tracer to investigate their relationship with RN species and transport patterns. Results of this analysis suggest elevated RN concentrations are associated with emissions from oil and gas operations, which are frequently co-located with agricultural production and livestock feeding areas in the region, and from urban areas. There also are periods where RN at ROMO is impacted by long-range transport. We present an atmospheric RN budget and a nitrogen deposition budget with dry and wet components. Total deposition for the period (7/1-9/30) was estimated at 1.58 kg N/ha, with 87% from wet deposition during this period of above average precipitation. Ammonium wet deposition was the dominant contributor to total nitrogen deposition followed by nitrate wet deposition and total dry deposition. Ammonia was estimated to be the largest contributor to dry deposition followed by nitric acid and PAN (other species included alkyl nitrates, ammonium and nitrate). All three species are challenging to measure routinely, especially at high time resolution.
Training Structured Prediction Energy Networks with Indirect Supervision

This paper introduces rank-based training of structured prediction energy networks (SPENs). Our method samples from output structures using gradient descent and minimizes the ranking violation of the sampled structures with respect to a scalar scoring function defined with domain knowledge. We have successfully trained SPEN for citation field extraction without any labeled data instances, where the only source of supervision is a simple human-written scoring function. Such scoring functions are often easy to provide; the SPEN then furnishes an efficient structured prediction inference procedure.
Steady state and lean-rich cycling study of a three-way NOX storage catalyst: Experiments

Abstract The three-way NOx storage catalyst (TWNSC) combines components from a conventional three-way catalyst (TWC) and NOX storage and reduction (NSR) catalyst to improve NOX emissions while exploiting the higher fuel economy of lean-burn gasoline vehicles. The performance of a commercial monolithic TWNSC was studied to understand the NOX trapping and reduction performance over a range of conditions with emphasis on identifying conditions leading to optimal performance in terms of a standalone TWNSC or one coupled with a downstream selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device. Using H2, CO, and C3H6 in various combinations, the impact of cycle timing (cycle time, rich duty fraction), reductant and O2 feed concentrations, and feed temperature on NOX conversion and product (N2, NH3, N2O) selectivities was determined. Steady state experiments were conducted to assess catalyst activity and selectivity and to help interpret the phenomena observed during lean-rich switching. Cycling experiments reveal maxima in the NOX conversion and ammonia-to-NOx ratio (ANR) at distinct, intermediate cycle times. The existence of operating conditions giving these maxima depends on the reductant type, feed temperature, and O2 feed concentration. For example, a large disparity in the lean/rich ratio (stoichiometric number) of the lean and rich feeds tends to lead to a NOx conversion maximum. Where possible, the data trends are interpreted in terms of known performance features of the TWC and NSR catalysts. The study findings provide guidance for optimizing the TWNSC formulation and operation strategy.
Holographic phase masks for generation of vortex beams recorded in photo-thermo-refractive glass

Optical angular momentum (OAM) beams have been actively studied due to wide range of applications including micromanipulation and telecommunications. We present a method for producing high quality robust phase masks for generation of OAM beams.
Responsibility, Confidentiality, and the Psychiatrically Ill Physician

Physicians are notoriously difficult patients, regardless of the type of their illness. It is particularly difficult for afflicted physicians, their family, friends, patients, and fellow physicians, to contend with psychiatric illness. Because of the emotional impact of psychiatric illness, the usual conflict between confidentiality and responsibility is heightened in those who would be helpful.
In the Zone: Female Athletes and Intercultural Contact in Iraq

This chapter examines sports as an intercultural contact zone, and the role of athletics in alleviating existing conflicts between groups within the Arab world. Based on ethnographic and interview-based data, I explore communicative practices in the context of a female sports team at an American-style university in Iraq. A combination of global, political, and cultural forces led to the formation of the American University of Iraq Sulaimani, located in Iraq’s semiautonomous Kurdish region. The displacement of more than a million Iraqis during the 2003 US military invasion resulted in a university campus populated by various Iraqi ethnic groups, including Arabs and Kurds. There are long-standing tensions between these groups, and the campus is rife with ethnic tension. Quantitative studies have described the symbolic divisions between these groups, but reveal little about the communicative processes that foster and maintain them. Using qualitative fieldwork, I analyze discursive practices used by Kurd and Arab female athletes to invoke categories of difference and similarity. In doing so, I demonstrate how the basketball court and soccer pitch functioned as intercultural contact zones that led to a degree of accord between different ethnic groups. The social processes described here illustrate how ethnic tensions were moderated through a combination of communicative practices, intercultural contact zones, and athletics.
Global Food Restriction

The use of restricted feeding paradigms to understand mechanisms of aging in rodent models is discussed. The phrase global food restriction is defined so as to avoid ambiguities that have arisen with the use of the phrase dietary restriction. Evidence is evaluated regarding the claim that such procedures not only extend longevity but also retard aging processes. Several hypotheses that have been advanced to explain this action (such as growth retardation, reduction of body fat, decreased metabolic rate, decreased plasma levels of various metabolites, and decreased levels of oxidative damage) are assessed and found wanting. Evidence is described in support of an overall mechanism in which hormesis plays an important role. It is suggested that moderate reduction of energy intake constitutes a low-intensity stressor that results in the mobilization of cellular defense mechanisms. These defense mechanisms decrease the accumulation of the cellular molecular damage that underlies senescence. It seems likely that the energy-restricted animal now exists in a new metabolic state in which many, rather than few, metabolic characteristics are altered. Many or all of these altered metabolic characteristics may play a role in the beneficial effects of caloric restriction.