cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Secure minimum weighted bipartite matching

Simple application of secure multi-party computation techniques on an algorithm is not sufficient to guarantee privacy, if the underlying algorithm is data dependent or if the output can leak information. The first issue can be addressed through data oblivious computation, the second through differential privacy. However, both can be difficult to achieve with graph algorithms. This paper addresses both problems, giving a differentially private data-oblivious protocol for minimum weighted bipartite matching and minimum vertex cover.
Impact of the Reclassification of "Noninvasive Encapsulated Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma" to "Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm With Papillary-Like Nuclear Features" on the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology: A Large Academic Institution's Experience.

Objectives Noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (NEFVPTC) was recently reclassified as noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). Excluding "carcinoma" from the new terminology shifted NIFTP out of the malignant category and altered Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC) rates of malignancy (ROMs) on thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Because of potential effects on management guidelines, we examined our ROM data. Methods In total, 750 thyroid FNAs with surgical resections from January 2013 to June 2016 were reviewed (including 87 NIFTPs). ROM was recorded for each BSRTC category: classifying NEFVPTC/NIFTP as "malignant" and reclassifying NEFVPTC/NIFTP as "nonmalignant." Results ROM changes were as follows: nondiagnostic (ND), no change; benign, 5.5% to 2.5%; atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS), 42.3% to 22.3%; follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN), 48.7% to 17.9%; suspicious for malignancy (SFM), 93.6% to 61.7%; and positive for malignancy, 100% to 97%. Conclusions Decreased ROM was seen in most BSRTC categories, most significantly in AUS/FLUS, FN/SFN, and SFM categories.
THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VALIDITY OF THE REGRESSION DISCONTINUITY DESIGN: A META-ANALYSIS OF 15 WITHIN-STUDY COMPARISONS

Theory predicts that regression discontinuity (RD) provides valid causal inference at the cutoff score that determines treatment assignment. One purpose of this paper is to test RD's internal validity across 15 studies. Each of them assesses the correspondence between causal estimates from an RD study and a randomized control trial (RCT) when the estimates are made at the same cutoff point where they should not differ asymptotically. However, statistical error, imperfect design implementation, and a plethora of different possible analysis options, mean that they might nonetheless differ. We test whether they do, assuming that the bias potential is greater with RDs than RCTs. A second purpose of this paper is to investigate the external validity of RD by exploring how the size of the bias estimates varies across the 15 studies, for they differ in their settings, interventions, analyses, and implementation details. Both Bayesian and frequentist meta‐analysis methods show that the RD bias is below 0.01 standard deviations on average, indicating RD's high internal validity. When the study‐specific estimates are shrunken to capitalize on the information the other studies provide, all the RD causal estimates fall within 0.07 standard deviations of their RCT counterparts, now indicating high external validity. With unshrunken estimates, the mean RD bias is still essentially zero, but the distribution of RD bias estimates is less tight, especially with smaller samples and when parametric RD analyses are used.
What is Reality? A Look at How Subjective Perceptions of Financial Wellness Compare to Objective Measures for Older Americans

Financial well-being is likely a factor in many individuals' utility function. Financial wellness can be measured using objective measures as well as subjective perceptions. In this study, objective measures are compared to subjective perceptions to see if there is a relationship between the two. Three financial ratios, including the liquidity ratio, the debt-to-asset ratio, and the investment ratio, are used as objective measures of financial wellness. Subjective perceptions are measured by a question in the Health and Retirement Study that asks respondents how satisfied they are with their present financial condition. The findings in this analysis suggest that as the investment ratio increases financial satisfaction increases. Financial planners should closely monitor their clients' investment ratio to help clients plan for future financial goals. There is also a statistically significant improvement in perceptions of financial wellness with increases in the liquidity ratio; however, the increase is small and lacks economic significance.
Mapping spiking neural networks onto a manycore neuromorphic architecture

We present a compiler for Loihi, a novel manycore neuromorphic processor that features a programmable, on-chip learning engine for training and executing spiking neural networks (SNNs). An SNN is distinguished from other neural networks in that (1) its independent computing units, or "neurons", communicate with others only through spike messages; and (2) each neuron evaluates local learning rules, which are functions of spike arrival and departure timings, to modify its local state. The collective neuronal state dynamics of an SNN form a nonlinear dynamical system that can be cast as an unconventional model of computation. To realize such an SNN on Loihi requires each constituent neuron to locally store and independently update its own spike timing information. However, each Loihi core has limited resources for this purpose and these must be shared by neurons assigned to the same core. In this work, we present a compiler for Loihi that maps the neurons of an SNN onto and across Loihi's cores efficiently. We show that a poor neuron-to-core mapping can incur significant energy costs and address this with a greedy algorithm that compiles SNNs onto Loihi in a power-efficient manner. In so doing, we highlight the need for further development of compilers for this new, emerging class of architectures.
Topology of Kac-Moody Groups and Their Flag Varieties

The aim of this chapter is to study the T-equivariant cohomology \(H_T^*({\mathcal{X}^Y})\) of the flag varieties \({\mathcal{X}^Y} = \mathcal{G}/{\mathcal{P}_Y}\) in terms of the nil-Hecke ring and also prove a certain positivity result for the cup product in \(H_T^*({\mathcal{X}^Y})\) . In addition, we study the degeneracy of the LerayiaSerre spectral sequence for the fibration \({\mathcal{G}^{\min }} \to {\mathcal{G}^{\min }}/T\)
Ion Beam Coupling and Target Physics Experiments at Sandia National Laboratories

For many years there has been an international effort aimed at producing the ignition of an ICF capsule in the laboratory. The majority of these efforts utilize lasers of varying wavelengths to deliver the energy to initiate the ablation of the target, the compression and ignition of the fuel, and the propagation of the fusion burn. One alternate to this scheme is to provide the drive energy in the form of a light ion beam produced by an efficient pulse power accelerator. A related method uses beams of heavy ions from high intensity versions of traditional high-energy accelerators. Until recently, only a limited number of target experiments have been performed using ion beams because most of the research has been directed towards developing beams of sufficient intensity and energy to perform significant target experiments. However, Sandia has recently completed a series of target experiments that are contributing to ICF science.
Dilute Particle Suspensions

Natural and industrial two-phase flows, i.e., particle suspensions, are all around us, ranging from dust-storms in arid regions to bubbly flows in pipes or air-fuel injection in ICEs. Traditionally, two-phase flow theory/application was the domain of applied mathematicians, as well as chemical, environmental and nuclear engineers. However, for pipe-network design, pump sizing and applied force evaluation, mechanical engineers have to know basic two-phase flow modeling techniques. Furthermore, biomedical engineers encounter fluidparticle dynamics problems in both the cardiovascular and the pulmonary systems.
Prediction of lateral distribution of vehicular live loads on bridge girders by the refined analysis method

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses in detail the way a general-purpose finite element code can be employed to predict the lateral distribution of vehicular live loads on bridge girders effectively and efficiently. Longitudinal girder is a vital component of a bridge structure. In designing and constructing bridge girders, a critical issue concerning bridge safety and economy is to properly figure out the lateral distribution of vehicular live loads on them. Because vehicles are randomly positioned and moving on a bridge, the determination of proper live load distribution is a formidable task. The governing design code—i.e., American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standard Specifications, permits the designers to use empirical formulae to predict the live load distribution.
Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation

There is a large need for fertility preservation options for cancer survivors, yet at this time, ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation remains experimental. Ovarian cortex banking may be offered to patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapy under an approved experimental protocol when ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilization are not options. Cryopreservation and reimplantation of whole ovaries are areas where more research needs to be performed before it can be offered, even experimentally, to patients desiring fertility preservation. Future work will focus on clarifying patient selection for ovarian tissue cryopreservation. In addition, technical methods of cryopreservation of ovarian tissue should be optimized to enhance follicular survival. Lastly, surgical techniques for revascularization of thawed whole ovaries need to be perfected. The current outlook is hopeful that in the near future, ovarian tissue cryopreservation will be a viable treatment option for fertility preservation.
Adversarial Machine Learning

Abstract The increasing abundance of large high-quality datasets, combined with significant technical advances over the last several decades have made machine learning into a major tool employed ac...
Algorithmic paranoia: the temporal governmentality of predictive policing

In light of the recent emergence of predictive techniques in law enforcement to forecast crimes before they occur, this paper examines the temporal operation of power exercised by predictive policing algorithms. I argue that predictive policing exercises power through a paranoid style that constitutes a form of temporal governmentality. Temporality is especially pertinent to understanding what is ethically at stake in predictive policing as it is continuous with a historical racialized practice of organizing, managing, controlling, and stealing time. After first clarifying the concept of temporal governmentality, I apply this lens to Chicago Police Department’s Strategic Subject List. This predictive algorithm operates, I argue, through a paranoid logic that aims to preempt future possibilities of crime on the basis of a criminal past codified in historical crime data.
Metabolic Adaptation Drives Staphylococcus aureus Colonization and Infection of the Skin

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of skin and soft tissue infection, yet the genetic changes in these organisms associated with adapation to human skin are not well characterized. Using S. aureus strains isolated from patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) we demonstrate that polymorphisms in metabolic genes, particularly those involved in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, the fumarate/succinate axis, and the generation of terminal electron transporters are unexpectedly common. These AD strains activated glycolysis, HIF-α, and IL-1β and IL-18 release from keratinocytes and promoted dermatopathology equivalent to an MRSA USA300 control in a murine model of infection. However, in contrast to USA300, a typical AD isolate failed to generate protection from a secondary infectious challenge. Within the context of human skin, there is selection for S. aureus metabolic adaptive changes that both promote glycolysis and maintain pathogenicity.
ACRONYM: Acronym CReatiON for You and Me

Each year, countless hours of productive research time is spent brainstorming creative acronyms for surveys, simulations, codes, and conferences. We present ACRONYM, a command-line program developed specifically to assist astronomers in identifying the best acronyms for ongoing projects. The code returns all approximately-English-language words that appear within an input string of text, regardless of whether the letters occur at the beginning of the component words (in true astronomer fashion).
P115 Effects of the clinical pharmacist’s intervention on rationality of parenteral nutrition

Objective Through STRONGkids1 2 (screening tool risk on nutritional status and growth of children) to observe the influences on nutritional indicators and postoperative recovery of different nutritional risk levels of children with intussusception in the use of parenteral nutrition support. Through educating and interventing the doctors to promote the use of parenteral nutrition more reasonable and the hospitalization costs lower.3 Methods Children were grouped according to different scores of STRONGkids,4 5 and each group was divided into two groups A and B according to using parenteral nutrition only or no nutrition support at all. The proportion of the two groups, nutritional indicators and postoperative recovery of the children after surgery were compared to observe the parenteral nutrition usage rate of different groups, and the use of parenteral nutrition was necessary or not. The clinical pharmacist intervened the doctors according to the research results. 1 year later, the indicators above were compared again. Results There were no significant differences on nutritional indicators and postoperative recovery in 1–2 score groups between group A and B, but the hospitalization cost in group A was significantly higher than that in group B. In 3-score group of children, the decreases of weight, prealbumin and retinol binding protein were more significant in group B than in group A, and the hospitalization days of group A were significantly shorter than group B. The incidence of adverse reactions of using parenteral nutrition was significantly higher. According to above results, the clinical pharmacist instructed doctors to improve the indication of parenteral nutrition according to the relevant guidelines.1 year later, the usage rate of parenteral nutrition dropped in 1–2 score groups. The incidence of adverse reactions and the costs of hospitalization were significantly decreased. Conclusions The clinical pharmacist played an important role in promoting the rational use of parenteral nutrition.6 7 References Teixeira AF, Viana KD.Nutritional screening in hospitalized pediatric patients: a systematic review.[J]J Pediatr (Rio J) 2016, 92(4):343–352. Forga L, Bolado F, Goni MJ,et al. Low serum levels of prealbumin, retinol binding protein, and retinol are frequent in adult type 1 diabetic patients.J Diabetes Res2016; 2016:2532108. doi: 10.1155/2016/2532108. Epub 2016 Nov 29. Pediatric Collaborative Group, Society of Parenteraland Enteral Nutrition. Guidelines for pediatric clinical application of enteral and parenteral nutritional support in China[J]. Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi, 2010, 48(6):436–441. Abunnaja S, Cuviello A, Sanchez JA.Enteralandparenteral nutritionin the perioperative period: state of the art[J].Nutrients. 2013, 5(2):608–623. Yi F, Ge L, Zhao J, Lei Y,et al.Meta-analysis:total parenteral nutritionversustotalenteral nutritionin predicted severe acute pancreatitis[J].Intern Med. 2012, 51(6):523–530. Disclosure(s) Nothing to disclose.
Automated morphological traits extraction for sorghum plants via 3D point cloud data analysis

Abstract The ability to correlate morphological traits of plants with their genotypes plays an important role in plant phenomics research. However, measuring phenotypes manually is time-consuming, labor intensive, and prone to human errors. The 3D surface model of a plant can potentially provide an efficient and accurate way to digitize plant architecture. This study focused on the extraction of morphological traits at multiple developmental timepoints from sorghum plants grown under controlled conditions. A non-destructive 3D scanning system using a commodity depth camera was implemented to capture sequential images of a plant at different heights. To overcome the challenges of overlapping tillers, an algorithm was developed to first search for the stem in the merged point cloud data, and then the associated leaves. A 3D skeletonization algorithm was created by slicing the point cloud along the vertical direction, and then linking the connected Euclidean clusters between adjacent layers. Based on the structural clues of the sorghum plant, heuristic rules were implemented to separate overlapping tillers. Finally, each individual leaf was automatically segmented, and multiple parameters were obtained from the skeleton and the reconstructed point cloud including: plant height, stem diameter, leaf angle, and leaf surface area. The results showed high correlations between the manual measurements and the estimated values generated by the system. Statistical analyses between biomass and extracted traits revealed that stem volume was a promising predictor of shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight, and the total leaf area was strongly correlated to shoot biomass at early stages.
Degradation Processes and Mechanisms of Backsheets

Abstract A photovoltaic (PV) backsheet is typically a multilayer polymer film which covers the backside of a module. It serves two primary functions in a module. First and foremost, it provides electrical insulation and mitigates high voltage hazards, thus ensuring safe module operation. Second, it serves as a weathering barrier to protect the internal electrical components of a PV module. This dual role of the backsheet makes it a critical element in PV reliability and it must endure for 2 decades or more of outdoor exposure, wherein it will be exposed to varying levels of ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, moisture, daily and seasonal temperature cycles, and other environmental stressors, each of which can degrade polymeric materials.
A sharp Leibniz rule for $${\mathrm {BV}}$$ BV functions in metric spaces

We prove a Leibniz rule for $${\mathrm {BV}}$$ functions in a complete metric space that is equipped with a doubling measure and supports a Poincare inequality. Unlike in previous versions of the rule, we do not assume the functions to be locally essentially bounded and the end result does not involve a constant $$C\ge 1$$ , and so our result seems to be essentially the best possible. In order to obtain the rule in such generality, we first study the weak* convergence of the variation measure of $${\mathrm {BV}}$$ functions, with quasi semicontinuous test functions.
An updated field guide for snark hunting: Comparative contributions to behavioral neuroendocrinology in the era of model organisms.

Abstract Studying neuroendocrine behavioral regulatory mechanisms in a variety of species across vertebrate groups is critical for determining how they work in natural contexts, how they evolved, and ultimately what can be generalized from them, potentially even to humans. All of the above are difficult, at best, if work within our field is exclusively done in traditional laboratory organisms. The importance of comparative approaches for understanding the relationships between hormones and behavior has been recognized and advocated for since our field's inception through a series of papers centered upon a poetic metaphor of Snarks and Boojums, all of which have articulated the benefits that come from studying a diverse range of species and the risks associated with a narrow focus on “model organisms.” This mini-review follows in the footsteps of those powerful arguments, highlighting some of the comparative work since the latest interactions of the metaphor that has shaped how we think about three major conceptual frameworks within our field, two of them formalized – the Organization/Activation Model of sexual differentiation and the Social Brain Network - and one, context-dependency, that is generally associated with virtually all modern understandings of how hormones affect behavior. Comparative approaches are broadly defined as those in which the study of mechanism is placed within natural and/or evolutionary contexts, whether they directly compare different species or not. Studies are discussed in relation to how they have either extended or challenged generalities associated with the frameworks, how they have shaped subsequent work in model organisms to further elucidate neuroendocrine behavioral regulatory mechanisms, and how they have stimulated work to determine if and when similar mechanisms influence behavior in our own species.
SAR Image Formation via Subapertures and 2D Backprojection

Radar imaging requires the use of wide bandwidth and a long coherent processing interval resulting in range and Doppler migration throughout the observation period. This migration must be compensated in order to properly image a scene of interest at full resolution and there are many available algorithms having various strengths and weaknesses. Here, a new subaperture-based imaging algorithm is proposed, which first forms range-Doppler (RD) images from slow-time sub-intervals, and then coherently integrates over the resulting coarse-resolution RD maps to produce a full resolution SAR image. The novelty is in the use of a two-dimensional backprojection approach to perform distortion-free integration of the RD maps, and in the application of the Keystone Transform to make the subaperture processing compatible with subsequent processing to detect and/or image moving targets.
To Heaven or Hell: An Introduction to the Soteriology of Bartolomé de Las Casas

AbstractFor more than half a century, Lascasian scholars have periodically noted that little if any study has been done on the theology of Bartolome de Las Casas and, in particular, on his soteriology. This study addresses this lacuna by initiating a discussion concerning the various pathways to salvation that this religious figure espoused in his copious writings in defence of the indigenous peoples and out of his passionate concern for their salvation. This investigation demonstrates that, in the Brevisima relacion, he predominantly employed the tradition based on ecclesial and divine law that baptism was necessary for salvation. Yet, in this and other writings, he also proposed alternative salvific avenues based on the eternal law of God's Providence and the role of Christ in salvation history as head in actu of all unbelievers, as well as elucidated pathways to salvation generated by natural law, which upheld the religious beliefs and practices of the indigenous peoples, including human sacrifice. His...
Υ ( 1 S ) → γ f 2 ( 1270 ) decay

Decay $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}(1S)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}{f}_{2}(1270)$ is studied by an approach in which the tensor meson, ${f}_{2}(1270)$, is strongly coupled to gluons. Besides the strong suppression of the amplitude $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}(1S)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}gg$, $gg\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{f}_{2}$ by the mass of the $b$-quark, $d$-wave dominance in $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}(1S)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}{f}_{2}(1270)$ is revealed from this approach, which provides a large enhancement. The combination of these two factors leads to larger $B(\ensuremath{\Upsilon}(1S)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}{f}_{2}(1270))$. The decay rate of $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}(1S)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}{f}_{2}(1270)$ and the ratios of the helicity amplitudes are obtained and they are in agreement with the data.
Providing vs. receiving peer feedback: Learners’ beliefs and experiences:

This study used questionnaires eliciting quantitative and qualitative data to investigate (1) foreign language learners’ beliefs about peer feedback on pronunciation before and after a peer feedbac...
Decentralization, Democratization and Informal Power in Mexico

Los "procesos gemelos de la descentralizacion y la democratizacion" han sido los principales conformadores del desarrollo politico de Mexico durante los ultimos 30 anos, lo cual ha llevado a los academicos a producir gran cantidad de literatura que describe, explica y analiza, tanto la transferencia de poder y recursos a los estados y municipios mexicanos, como la creciente competencia electoral libre en las mismas entidades. Al respecto, Andrew Selee ofrece una nueva e importante contribucion con Decentralization Democratization and Informal Power in Mexico, que busca entender los efectos de "la descentralizacion en el contexto de la democratizacion", al evaluar especificamente como estos procesos han influido en la "responsabilidad y rendicion de cuentas" de los municipios mexicanos (p. 16)
Energex: Expert Systems for Industrial Energy Conservation and Management

ABSTRACT U.S. manufacturing must extract the highest percentage of productive energy from each Btu of energy produced, especially since it has a high per capita consumption of energy in the industrial sector. This is necessary for competing in the “global” marketplace. This article describes the design and development of a computer based tool (ENERGEX) which aids the industrial user in developing energy conservation opportunities (ECOs) in plants. The software system is capable of recommending ECOs in areas such as lighting, boilers, motor selection, analysis of belt driven systems, destratification, insulation of heated surfaces, and air compressor operation. In addition, the system offers expert advice on all these areas including power factor improvement possibilities. The system has been designed so as to query the industrial user on aspects related to the plant, from which the most appropriate ECO list is generated and presented for further analysis.
Intrauterine fetal transfusion, 1965–1976, with an assessment of the surviving children

The need for IUT in the management of Rh hemolytic disease is likely to continue in the foreseeable future. Recent reports have been skeptical about the success of this procedure and the quality of the surviving infants. Of 84 fetuses who received 134 IUT's, over all, 35.7 per cent survived; 48.3 per cent of the nonhydropic group survived. Fifteen of the 23 survivors between 3 and 11 years of age received intellectual, academic, behavioral, health, and developmental evaluations. When compared to sibling and high-risk control groups, the study children showed no significant differences in intelligence quotients, arithmetic achievements, or reading achievements; their school performance is acceptable and none is presenting significant behavioral problems. Except for an excessive number of umbilical and inguinal hernias, there were no physical abnormalities that could be directly related to IUT.
Amblyomma americanum tick saliva insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐related protein 1 binds insulin but not insulin‐like growth factors

Silencing Amblyomma americanum insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (AamIGFBP-rP1) mRNA prevented ticks from feeding to repletion. In this study, we used recombinant (r)AamIGFBP-rP1 in a series of assays to obtain further insight into the role(s) of this protein in tick feeding regulation. Our results suggest that AamIGFBP-1 is an antigenic protein that is apparently exclusively expressed in salivary glands. We found that both males and females secrete AamIGFBP-rP1 into the host during feeding and confirmed that female ticks secrete this protein from within 24-48 h after attachment. Our data suggest that native AamIGFBP-rP1 is a functional insulin binding protein in that both yeast- and insect cell-expressed rAamIGFBP-rP1 bound insulin, but not insulin-like growth factors. When subjected to anti-blood clotting and platelet aggregation assays, rAamIGFBP-rP1 did not have any effect. Unlike human IGFBP-rP1, which is controlled by trypsinization, rAamIGFBP-rP1 is resistant to digestion, suggesting that the tick protein may not be under mammalian host control at the tick feeding site. The majority of tick-borne pathogens are transmitted 48 h after the tick has attached. Thus, the demonstrated antigenicity and secretion into the host within 24-48 h of the tick starting to feed makes AamIGFBP-rP1 an attractive target for antitick vaccine development.
Protecting the Young and Sending of the Dead: Old Belief and the Politics of “Religious Revival” in the Russian Urals

© 2003 Douglas J. Rogers All Rights Reserved The copyright for individual articles in both the print and online version of the Anthropology of East Europe Review is retained by the individual authors. They reserve all rights other than those stated here. Please contact the managing editor for details on contacting these authors. Permission is granted for reproducing these articles for scholarly and classroom use as long as only the cost of reproduction is charged to the students. Commercial reproduction of these articles requires the permission of the authors. As in many colonial and postcolonial contexts, religious change in the postsocialist world provides a useful lens through which to understand transforming power relations and to look for emerging forms of personhood. In this paper, I describe and analyze one significant aspect of post-Soviet religious change in Sepych, a rural town in the Russian Urals settled by priestless Old Believers in the late seventeenth century. In the twentieth century, Sepych was a thriving merchant town, still later a successful state farm, and most recently home to a struggling post-Soviet agricultural enterprise.
Robotic nerve-sparing radical parametrectomy: feasibility and technique.

Background The objective of this research was to evaluate the feasibility of robotic nerve-sparing radical parametrectomy for cervical cancer after simple hysterectomy. Methods A 41 year-old patient was diagnosed with invasive cervical adenocarcinoma after simple hysterectomy. Hysterectomy margins were negative. A robotic nerve-sparing radical parametrectomy was offered and performed 5 weeks later. Results Total operating time was 330 min, blood loss was 145 ml and length of hospitalization 2 days. Pathology revealed no residual tumour. Normal bladder function resumed on postoperative day 9. At a follow-up of 16 months, the patient remains with no evidence of disease and with normal bladder and bowel function. Conclusions Robotic nerve-sparing radical parametrectomy is safe and feasible and can be offered to patients with indications for radical parametrectomy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extension of sequence-specific recognition in the minor groove of DNA by pyrrole-imidazole polyamides to 9-13 base pairs

The sequence-specific recognition of the minor groove of DNA by pyrrole−imidazole polyamides has been extended to 9−13 base pairs (bp). Four polyamides, ImPyPy-Py-PyPyPy-Dp, ImPyPy-G-PyPyPy-Dp, ImPyPy-β-PyPyPy-Dp, and ImPyPy-γ-PyPyPy-Dp (Im = N-methylimidazole, Py = N-methylpyrrole, Dp = N,N-dimethylaminopropylamide, G = glycine, β = β-alanine, and γ = γ-aminobutyric acid), were synthesized and characterized with respect to their DNA-binding affinities and specificities at sequences of composition 5‘-(A,T)G(A,T)_5C(A,T)-3‘ (9 bp) and 5‘-(A,T)_5G(A,T)C(A,T)_5-3‘ (13 bp). In both sequence contexts, the β-alanine-linked compound ImPyPy-β-PyPyPy-Dp has the highest binding affinity of the four polyamides, binding the 9 bp site 5‘-TGTTAAACA-3‘ (K_a = 8 × 10^8 M^(-1)) and the 13 bp site 5‘-AAAAAGACAAAAA-3‘ (K_a = 5 × 10^9 M^(-1)) with affinities higher than the formally N-methylpyrrole-linked polyamide ImPyPy-Py-PyPyPy-Dp by factors of ∼8 and ∼85, respectively (10 mM Tris·HCl, 10 mM KCl, 10 mM MgCl_2, and 5 mM CaCl_2, pH 7.0). The binding data for ImPyPy-γ-PyPyPy-Dp, which has been shown previously to bind DNA in a “hairpin” conformation, indicates that γ-aminobutyric acid does not effectively link polyamide subunits in an extended conformation. These results expand the binding site size targetable with pyrrole−imidazole polyamides and provide structural elements that will facilitate the design of new polyamides targeted to other DNA sequences.
Drug delivery in pluronic micelles: effect of high-frequency ultrasound on drug release from micelles and intracellular uptake

The effect of high-frequency ultrasound on doxorubicin (DOX) release from Pluronic micelles and intracellular DOX uptake was studied for promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells, ovarian carcinoma drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant (MDR) cells (A2780 and A2780/ADR, respectively), and breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Cavitation events initiated by high-frequency ultrasound were recorded by radical trapping. The onset of transient cavitation and DOX release from micelles were observed at much higher power densities than at low-frequency ultrasound (20-100 kHz). Even a short (15-30 s) exposure to high-frequency ultrasound significantly enhanced the intracellular DOX uptake from PBS, RPMI 1640, and Pluronic micelles. The mechanisms of the observed effects are discussed.
How Much Diversity is Enough? The Curvilinear Relationship Between College Diversity Interactions and First-Year Student Outcomes

Recent legal challenges to race-conscious college admissions processes have called into question what constitutes a sufficient level of diversity on college campuses. Previous research on the educational benefits of diversity has examined the linear relationship between diversity interactions and student outcomes, but multiple theoretical frameworks suggest that this relationship may be curvilinear. The present study investigated this possibility using a longitudinal sample of 8,615 first-year undergraduates at 49 colleges and universities. The results indicate that rare or moderate diversity interactions are associated with virtually no growth (and sometimes even slight declines) in leadership skills, psychological well-being, and intellectual engagement, whereas very frequent diversity interactions are associated with considerable growth. The results are similar regardless of students’ race, institutional characteristics, and whether the interactions are interracial or across multiple forms of difference. Implications for institutional practice and future research are discussed.
Colorectal Carcinoma Invasion Inhibition by CO17-1A/GA733 Antigen and Its Murine Homologue

Background: The gastrointestinal carcinoma antigen GA733 is a potential target for passive and active immunotherapy for patients with colorectal carcinoma. This antigen has been characterized previously as a homophilic adhesion (i.e., adhesion to self) protein, but the functional consequences of homophilic adhesion for tumor growth and invasion are unknown. The availability of a murine homologue of GA733, i.e., murine epithelial glycoprotein (mEGP), allows for functional analysis of cell adhesion as it relates to tumor growth and invasion, both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: CT-26 murine colorectal carcinoma cells were transfected with complementary DNAs encoding either the human or the murine antigen. GA733- or mEGP-producing cells were evaluated for homophilic adhesion, growth on plastic surfaces, colony formation in soft agar, and invasion through a reconstructed basement membrane (Matrigel). mEGP-producing cells were also examined for their capacity to metastasize in mice. Reported P values are two-sided. Results: Compared with control cells, mEGP-producing cells showed significantly lower growth rates, colony formation, and invasion through Matrigel in vitro (all P values .05). However, GA733-transfected cells did show reduced invasion through Matrigel compared with vector-only transfected cells or parental cells (all P values <.05). Conclusion: The adhesion proteins GA733 and mEGP inhibit invasion of tumor cells.
678 VOLUMETRICALLY DISTINCT SUBSETS OF MONONUCLEAR PHAGOCYTES IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS

There is increasing evidence that cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) are heterogeneous; we therefore asked whether subsets of the MPS could be identified volumetrically in human blood. Adherent cells were purified from human mononuclear leukocytes by centrifugation and brief adherence to plastic; these cells were composed of >90% monocytes by simultaneous tests for naphthyl butyrase activity and phagocytosis of yeast. Coulter volume distribution analysis of purified cells was performed using a multi-parameter cell sorter. Two major volume peaks, M1 and M2, were present in approximately equal proportion in all normal individuals tested, and a larger third peak, M3, was often present as a minor population. Mean volumes of M1 and M2 were approximately 200μ3 and 500μ3 respectively with the range of M1 overlapping that of lymphocytes. Volume distributions were essentially constant when analyzed consecutively for the same individuals. Mean volumes and volume distributions were similar in adults and children. Preliminary functional comparison of M1 and M2 indicated that M1 has a relatively reduced phagocytic rate. These studies support our hypothesis that there are identifiable subsets of MPS cells in human blood. These subsets now can be analyzed and also can be separated for ontogenic and functional studies.
On approximate inertial manifolds for two and three dimensional turbulent flows

Abstract In this paper we present some results concerning finite dimensional analytic manifolds that approximate the global attractor and the structure of the small eddies for the Navier-Stokes equations under periodic boundary conditions. We show that the smoother the external force ƒ, the better the approximation.
Distinct horizontal patterns in the spatial organization of superficial zone chondrocytes of human joints

A better understanding of the unique cellular and functional properties of the superficial zone of articular cartilage may aid current strategies in tissue engineering which attempts a layered design for the repair of cartilage lesions to avert or postpone the onset of osteoarthritis. However, data pertaining to the cellular organization of non-degenerated superficial zone of articular cartilage is not available for most human joints. The present study analyzed the arrangement of chondrocytes of non-degenerated human joints (shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle) by using fluorescence microscopy of the superficial zone in a top-down view. The resulting horizontal chondrocyte arrangements were tested for randomness, homogeneity or a significant grouping via point pattern analysis and were correlated with the joint type in which they occurred. The present study demonstrated that human superficial chondrocytes occurred in four distinct patterns of strings, clusters, pairs or single chondrocytes. Those patterns represented a significant grouping (p < 0.0001) with horizontal alignment. Each articular joint surface was dominated by only one of these four patterns (p < 0.001). Specific patterns correlated with specific diarthrodial joint types (p < 0.001). Further studies need to establish whether these organizational patterns are a consequence of their surrounding environment or whether they are linked to a functional purpose.
Experimental assessment of bulk plasma distribution in a multi-cusp device

The physics of plasma transport from the bulk plasma through the magnetic cusp to the anode remains poorly understood. A proper accounting of plasma losses to the anode is critical to accurate modeling of multicusp device performance. The objective of this work is to analyze plasma transport to the anode in multicusp discharge chambers and evaluate its impact on discharge performance. In this work, plasma transport in two magnetic circuit configurations of a 16-cm multicusp discharge chamber was studied. Each ring is covered with an electrically isolated electrode, which enables the direct measurement of current to each individual ring, as well as the discharge chamber wall. Ring electrode measurements coupled with spatially resolved plasma parameter measurements throughout the discharge chamber allow for an assessment of plasma losses to each ring in terms of an “effective loss area” which, multiplied by electron current density incident on the bulk/cusp boundary, gives the correct collected current to each ring. The effective loss area is compared with parameters such as cusp mirror ratio, collision frequency, and sheath potential. Spatially resolved maps of plasma density and temperature in the bulk region are be obtained and used to compare the location of the plasma centroid with current distribution at the cusps.
Monitoring submersed vegetation in a mesotrophic lake: correlation of two spatio-temporal scales of change

Abstract The submersed vegetation of mesotrophic, alkaline Chenango Lake in New York, USA, was monitored at two spatio-temporal scales: a 200 m 2 grid censused annually from 1978 to 1993 and again in 2001 (12,800 quadrats), and a 1.8 ha littoral zone sampled every 6–10 years (1978, 1984, 1991, and 2001; 3600 quadrats). The grid vegetation fluctuated rather erratically for the first 11 years with each of the dominant species showing a different pattern of change. Frequency values for Chara vulgaris were the most dynamic, while those for Vallisneria americana were the most stable. After 1989, grid vegetation declined, so that by 2001, only four of the original 11 species were present (including the original dominants), and the total number of observations declined to Cyprinus carpio ), not noted in 1978 but relatively abundant by 2001. Frequency changes of species in the 200 m 2 grid were positively correlated with corresponding frequency changes in the 1.8 ha littoral zone, indicating that a small, carefully chosen area may reflect vegetation at a larger scale. This was particularly true when vegetation change was appreciable.
Coevolutionary Agent-based Network Defense Lightweight Event System (CANDLES)

Predicting an adversary's capabilities, intentions, and probable vectors of attack is in general a complex and arduous task. Cyber space is particularly vulnerable to unforeseen attacks, as most computer networks have a large, complex, opaque attack surface area and are therefore extremely difficult to analyze. Abstract adversarial models which capture the pertinent features needed for analysis, can reduce the complexity sufficiently to make analysis feasible. Game theory allows for mathematical analysis of adversarial models; however, its scalability limitations restrict its use to simple, abstract models. Computational game theory is focused on scaling classical game theory to large, complex systems capable of modeling real-world environments; one promising approach is coevolution where each player's 'fitness is dependent on its adversaries. In this paper, we propose the Coevolutionary Agent-based Network Defense Lightweight Event System (CANDLES), a framework designed to coevolve attacker and defender agent strategies and evaluate potential solutions with a custom, abstract computer network defense simulation. By performing a qualitative analysis of the result data, we provide a proof of concept for the applicability of coevolution in planning for, and defending against, novel attacker strategies in computer network security.
Edentulous motherhood is associated with child caries.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Dental Caries Experience: A Two-Generation Study Bedos C, Brodeur JM, Arpin S, Nicolau B. J Dent Res 2005;84(10):931-6 Level of Evidence 3b Purpose/Question The objective of this study was to associate the mother’s dentate status with the children’s prevalence of caries. Source of Funding The study was supported by the Ministere de la Sante et des Services Sociaux du Quebec, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Fonds de Recherche en Sante du Quebec (FRSQ). Type of Study/Design Cross-Sectional Design
Comparative Effects of Alcohol and Marijuana on Mood, Memory, and Performance

Abstract This study compared subjective and behavioral effect profiles of alcohol and smoked marijuana using technology that controlled puffing and inhalation parameters. Male volunteers (n = 5) with histories of moderate alcohol and marijuana use were administered three doses of alcohol (0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 g/kg), three doses of marijuana [4, 8, or 16 puffs of 3.55% Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)], and placebo in random order under double blind conditions in seven separate sessions. Blood alcohol concentration (10–90 mg/dl) and THC levels (63–188 ng/ml) indicated that active drug was delivered to subjects dose dependently. Alcohol and marijuana produced dose-related changes in subjective measures of drug effect. Ratings of perceived impairment were identical for the high doses of alcohol and marijuana. Both drugs produced comparable impairment in digit–symbol substitution and word recall tests, but had no effect in time perception and reaction time tests. Alcohol, but not marijuana, slightly impaired performance in a number recognition test. These data are useful for understanding the relative performance impairment produced by alcohol and marijuana at the delivered doses and the relationship between their subjective and behavioral effects.
The inhomogeneous channel FET: ICFET

Abstract Improvement in the operation of field-effect transistors is predicted through the use of various longitudinal inhomogeneous channel resistivity profiles with heavier doping concentration near the source than the drain end of the channel. The inhomogeneous channel field-effect transistor or ICFET is shown to have a marked improvement in cut-off frequency, device gain, output power and gain-bandwidth product regardless of the actual profile providing only that the doping concentration is higher near the source than the drain end of the channel. The various ICFETs analyzed and compared with the homogeneous FET are the following: linear, Gaussian, complementary error function and exponential. Solutions for each of these cases with doping concentration changes of 10 to 1 and 100 to 1 between the source and drain ends were obtained. The linear case with a 100 to 1 change in doping concentration is seen to provide tremendous device operation improvement, i.e. gain or power is improved by a factor of 30·7 and gain bandwidth by a factor of 955.
Missing doses: a system at fault.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative (PPMI) encourages the pharmacy profession to maximize the use of pharmacy technicians, advance the application of information technology in the medication use process, and optimize pharmacy practice models.1 Although the pharmacy profession has made significant progress over the past 5 decades, it is almost impossible to achieve these high clinical standards without ensuring accurate and timely delivery of medications. Hospital pharmacy missing doses have been greatly reduced over the past 15 years due to automated dispensing machines (ADMs), lean workflow, improved delivery techniques, and healthier nurse- pharmacy communication; however, issues related to efficiency, financial wastes, and safety issues remain alarming.2–6 Missing doses are defined as patient-specific orders a nurse is unable to locate at or near the time of administration. These missing orders may result from improper delivery, nonstandard administration times, diversion, insufficient or incorrect medications dispensed by the pharmacy, incorrect administration, or lack of storage and handling knowledge.7,8