cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Temporal Region in Unilateral Coronal Craniosynostosis: Fronto-orbital Advancement Versus Endoscopy-Assisted Strip Craniectomy.

Objective:To compare postoperative temporal expansion in patients treated with fronto-orbital advancement or endoscopy-assisted craniectomy with cranial orthotic therapy.Design:This is a retrospect...
Rules to prohibit the use of electronic vapor products inside homes and personal vehicles among adults in the U.S., 2017

Abstract Most U.S. adults have voluntary rules prohibiting the use of smoked tobacco products in their homes and vehicles. However, the prevalence of similar rules for electronic vapor products (EVPs) is uncertain. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of rules prohibiting EVP use inside homes and vehicles. Data from a 2017 Internet-based panel survey of U.S. adults aged ≥18 years (n = 4107) were analyzed. For homes and vehicles, prevalence of reporting that EVP use was not allowed, partially allowed, fully allowed, or unknown was assessed overall and by covariates. Correlates of prohibiting EVP use was assessed by multivariable logistic regression. In homes, 58.6% of adults did not allow EVP use, 7.7% partially allowed use, 10.1% fully allowed use, and 23.6% were unsure of the rules. In vehicles, 63.8% of respondents did not allow EVP use, 6.0% partially allowed use, 8.9% fully allowed use, and 21.4% were unsure of the rules. Following multivariable adjustment, prohibiting EVP use inside homes and vehicles was more likely among respondents with higher income and education, and with a child aged
Ethical competency and the profession of medicine.

The author believes the AMA's Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs should collaborate with academic physicians to create clear professional standards for the field of medicine. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Evidence for Δ-h Components from Pion Reactions

The role of excited baryon resonances (such as the Δ3,3) in nuclear matter is an important problem which is not yet fully understood. Although much theoretical work has been done in this field,1–5 there are few experimental tests. The most convincing experimental confirmation of the influence of deltas on the properties of low lying nuclear states is the quenching of the Gamow-Teller strength recently observed in (p,n) reactions.6–7 Because of uncertainties in the Gamow-Teller sum rule this quenching does not lead to direct estimates of the Δ-nucleus admixtures.
Surficial Soil Stabilization against Water-Induced Erosion Using Polymer-Modified Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation

AbstractMicrobially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP)–based biomediated soil improvement methods have been extensively studied recently due to their versatility, potential environmental sustai...
Pure Single-Site Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Using the SP Surgical System: Initial Clinical Experience

Abstract Objectives To describe the technique of pure single-site trans-peritoneal robotic partial nephrectomy using the da Vinci SP surgical system. Methods Three consecutive patients who were diagnosed with contrast-enhanced renal masses amenable of partial nephrectomy were scheduled for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy to be performed using the SP Surgical System. Data collection received Institutional Review Board Approval (IRB 13-780). Subjects were provided with informed consent explaining the adoption of the novel surgical platform. The procedures were performed by reproducing the steps of the standard institutional multiarms robotic approach to partial nephrectomy. Results The surgeries were successfully performed. There was no need for conversion to standard multiports robotic approach nor need for additional ports placement. All the procedures were completed according to a pure single-site approach. No intraoperative complications occurred. The total robotic operative time averaged 180 minutes. The warm ischemia time averaged 25 minutes. Blood loss averaged 180 mL. One patient had postoperative acute bleeding and underwent angioembolization. All patients had negative surgical margins. Conclusion The feasibility of pure single-site transperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy using the novel SP surgical system is demonstrated. Further studies are needed to confirm the results reported herein.
Rethinking Kant 5

The Rethinking Kant series gathers, in each volume, a set of papers recently presented at the study group meetings of the North American Kant Society. Volume 5, like the volumes that precede it, co...
Supporting family in their search for meaning and purpose during unexpected ICU admission improves coping, resilience and psychological outcomes

Commentary on: Wong, P, Liamputtong P, Koch S, et al . Searching for meaning: a grounded theory of family resilience in adult ICU. J Clin Nurs 2018;28:781–91. Doi: 10.111/jocn.14673 Intensive care units (ICUs) are evolving to function with increased family involvement. However, unchecked family involvement in the ICU can place a family at risk for psychological problems including anxiety, depression and if severe enough, postintensive care syndrome family (PICS-F). These risk factors may be lessened if a patient and family-centred care (PFCC) model is used. The foundation for PFCC involves dignity and respect, collaboration, information sharing and participation. …
The HPI: A Timeline, Not a Time Machine

In presenting the history of present illness (HPI), an accurate timeline is essential. Physicians from Hippocrates onward have used timelines to describe the natural history of disease. Lawrence Weed, who developed the problem-oriented medical record, championed the use of timelines and flow sheets to document clinical data and provide the best possible care. Case reports, which use timelines, graphs, and tables to reveal the interrelatedness of events, can be useful models for student case presentations. Medical students should think of the timeline as an “origin story” for the chief complaint and trace back to the true onset of the problem. This approach helps students to see the big picture and understand the context of the illness in the patient’s life. Medical students should sketch out a timeline for every patient they see, keep the oral presentation linear and focused, and use clinical flow sheets to spot important trends early and monitor the effects of treatment.
Experimental Investigation of the Application of Ionic Liquids to Methanol Synthesis in Membrane Reactors

In this study, a high-pressure membrane reactor (MR) was employed to carry out the methanol synthesis (MeS) reaction. Syngas was fed into the MR shell side where a commercial MeS catalyst was used, while the tube side was swept with a high boiling point liquid with good solubility toward methanol. A mesoporous alumina ceramic membrane was utilized after its surface had been modified to be rendered more hydrophobic. The efficiency of the MR was investigated under a variety of experimental conditions (different pressures, temperatures, sweep liquid flow rates, and types of sweep liquids). The results reveal improved per single-pass carbon conversions when compared to the conventional packed-bed reactor. An ionic liquid (IL), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, was utilized in the MR as the sweep liquid. The experimental results are compared to those previously reported by our group (Li, Z.; Tsotsis, T. T. J. Membrane Sci. 2019, 570, 103) while using a conventional petroleum-derived solvent as swe...
Fuel and Fission Gas Response to Simulated Thermal Transients: Experimental Results and Correlation with Fission Gas Release and Swelling Model

To evaluate the role of fission gas in hypothetical core disruptive accidents, experimental and analytical information describing the fission gas behavior in rapid temperature transients is urgently needed. A direct-electrical-heating apparatus was used to obtain information on the fission gas behavior and the response of mixed-oxide fuel elements to simulated thermal transient conditions. The experimental results indicate that fission gas response and swelling behavior are strongly dependent on the transient heating rate, and that fission gas can contribute significantly to the failure of a fuel stack during a temperature transient. The microstructural results from these tests were subsequently used to perform a limited verification of the fission gas release and swelling code, FRAS, which was developed to describe the fission gas release behavior in rapid temperature transients. A comparison of the measured intragranular bubble sizes (and in some cases bubble densities) with the calculated bubble sizes (and densities) revealed that the current version of the FRAS code is inadequate in some transient conditions. A nonequilibrium of bubble coalescence may be necessary to describe the fission gas behavior in such temperature transients.
Treatment of Localized Anal Cancer: Chemoradiotherapy

Prior to the 1980s, surgery was the primary management of localized anal cancer. The concept of chemoradiotherapy was introduced in the neoadjuvant setting prior to abdominoperineal resection by Norman Nigro and colleagues at Wayne State University Hospital. Chemoradiotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin C, and radiation therapy yielded complete pathologic responses obviating the need for surgery upfront. Attempts have been made to eliminate or change the chemotherapy used in the original Nigro regimen in attempts of minimizing toxicity; however, these trials often compromised outcomes. Acute side effects have been reduced with marked advancements in the delivery of radiation therapy using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image guidance, where dose escalation is possible as a result of a reduced side effect profile. Using IMRT as a backbone, there are multiple ongoing and developing clinical trials attempting to improve the efficacy of treatment for locally advanced disease.
Follicular lymphoma polygenic risk score is associated with increased disease risk but improved overall survival among women in a population based case-control in Los Angeles County California

Abstract Introduction Although clinical prognostic indicators exist for follicular lymphoma(FL), patient outcomes remain heterogeneous. Material and methods We evaluated the association between survival and a polygenic risk score(PRS) composed of five previously identified FL susceptibility loci(rs12195582, rs13254990, rs17749561, rs4245081, rs4938573) among women who participated in a case-control study of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Los Angeles County between 2004-2008. Risk associations were estimated through logistic regression, calculating the odds ratios(OR) and 95 % confidence intervals(95 % CI). Survival was estimated under a Cox proportional hazards model and hazard ratios(HR) and 95 % CI were calculated. Results Among 437 non-Hispanic White controls and 100 non-Hispanic White FL patients, we confirmed a 2.6-fold increased risk of FL associated with the highest PRS tertile (95 % CI:1.35-4.86). After accounting for clinical indicators, the PRS was associated with improved overall survival in non-Hispanic women (HR:0.31; 95 % CI:0.10-0.96). Conclusion PRS was associated with increased risk of FL, but improved overall survival.
The Politics of Islamic Opposition to Evolution in Turkey

Islamic creationism has been very successful in Turkey, finding official as well as grassroots support in an environment shaped by neoliberal Islamism. Opposition to evolution has many local, Turkish and Islamic political rationales. However, as comparison with creationism in the United States demonstrates, creationism also draws political sustenance from a more universal rhetoric of modern conservatism, emphasizing markets, organic communities, and a pragmatic view of science as infrastructure for business and technology.
Probing the Dielectric Transition and Molecular Dynamics in the Metal–Organic Framework [(CH3)2NH2]Mg(HCOO)3 Using High Resolution NMR

We present a detailed multinuclear (13C, 15N, 25Mg) NMR study on a metal–organic framework material with a dimethylammonium (DMA+) cation, [(CH3)2NH2]Mg(HCOO)3, that shows a dielectric phase transi...
A REVIEW OF MORTALITY IN TENTACLED SNAKES ( ERPETON TENTACULATUM ) IN A MULTI-INSTITUTION ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTION BETWEEN 1966 AND 2017.

The tentacled snake (Erpeton tentaculatum) is a viviparous aquatic snake that is a desirable species to exhibit in zoological collections because of its unique appearance and feeding strategies. Despite its presence in zoo collections over the past 50 yr, a comprehensive review of mortality and morbidity in the species has not been published. This study retrospectively reviewed 125 pathology reports from tentacled snakes in a multi-institution zoological collection in New York (The Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx and Central Park zoos) between 1966 and 2017. Just over half of the deaths were due to infectious disease (n = 67; 53.6%), and of these, over half (n = 40; 59.7%) were due to fungal dermatitis. Fungal histomorphology was consistent with Paranannizziopsis spp. in most cases. Death due to bacterial infection was also relatively common (n = 21; 16.8%), and one-third had intralesional bacilli consistent with Mycobacterium spp. (n = 7; 5.6%). The most common comorbidities included gastrointestinal parasitism (n = 44; 35.2%), renal pathology (n = 31; 24.8%), and lipid accumulation of hepatocytes (n = 13; 10.4%). This retrospective review suggests that managing infectious diseases plays a role in the long-term care and survival of captive tentacled snakes.
Selection of Controlled and Manipulated Variables

Distillation control philosophy and practice vary greatly. Some control systems are designed using simple PID controllers whereas others are designed around sophisticated model based control algorithms. Some strategies are implemented in state-of-the-art distributed control systems (DCS), whereas others use a collection of more conventional electronic and pneumatic control devices. Distillation control strategies vary in cost and complexity, yet the performance of all strategies, large and small, are at the mercy of the sensor and valve systems to which they are connected. Poor valve choices and/or confused sensor information will render ineffective even the best of control systems.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH–PEYRONIE'S DISEASE: The Use of Intralesional Clostridial Collagenase Injection Therapy for Peyronie's Disease: A Prospective, Single‐Center, Non‐Placebo‐Controlled Study

ABSTRACT Introduction Peyronie's disease afflicts at least 3% of sexually active men over the age of 30. Many pharmacologic therapies have been tried, but to date, no systemic or local therapy has been proven to provide predictable and lasting results. Aim This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of intralesional clostridial collagenase injection therapy in a series of patients with Peyronie's disease. Methods Twenty-five patients aged 21–75 years who were referred to a single institution with a well-defined Peyronie's disease plaque were treated with three intralesional injections of clostridial collagenase 10,000 units in a small volume (0.25 cm 3 per injection) administered over 7–10 days, with a repeat treatment (i.e., three injections of collagenase 10,000 units/25 cm 3 injection over 7–10 days) at 3 months. Primary efficacy measures were changes from baseline in the deviation angle and plaque size. Secondary efficacy end points were patient responses to a Peyronie's disease questionnaire and improvement according to the investigators' global evaluation of change. Main Outcome Measure The primary efficacy measures were change in deviation angle and change in plaque size. Secondary end points were patient questionnaire responses and improvement according to the investigators’ global evaluation of change. Results Significant decreases from baseline were achieved in the mean deviation angle at months 3 ( P = 0.0001) and 6 ( P = 0.0012), plaque width at months 3 ( P = 0.0052), 6 ( P = 0.0239), and 9 ( P = 0.0484), and plaque length at months 3 ( P = 0.0018) and 6 ( P = 0.0483). More than 50% of patients in this series considered themselves “very much improved” or “much improved” at all time points in the study, and the drug was generally well tolerated. Conclusion The benefits of intralesional clostridial collagenase injections in this trial lend support to prior studies supporting its use in the management of Peyronie's disease. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study is currently under development. Jordan GH. The use of intralesional clostridial collagenase injection therapy for Peyronie's disease: A prospective, single-center, non-placebo-controlled study.
The JPL lunar gravity field to spherical harmonic degree 660 from the GRAIL Primary Mission

[1] The lunar gravity field and topography provide a way to probe the interior structure of the Moon. Prior to the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission, knowledge of the lunar gravity was limited mostly to the nearside of the Moon, since the farside was not directly observable from missions such as Lunar Prospector. The farside gravity was directly observed for the first time with the SELENE mission, but was limited to spherical harmonic degree n ≤ 70. The GRAIL Primary Mission, for which results are presented here, dramatically improves the gravity spectrum by up to ~4 orders of magnitude for the entire Moon and for more than 5 orders-of-magnitude over some spectral ranges by using interspacecraft measurements with near 0.03 μm/s accuracy. The resulting GL0660B (n = 660) solution has 98% global coherence with topography to n = 330, and has variable regional surface resolution between n = 371 (14.6 km) and n = 583 (9.3 km) because the gravity data were collected at different spacecraft altitudes. The GRAIL data also improve low-degree harmonics, and the uncertainty in the lunar Love number has been reduced by ~5× to k2 = 0.02405 ± 0.00018. The reprocessing of the Lunar Prospector data indicates ~3× improved orbit uncertainty for the lower altitudes to ~10 m, whereas the GRAIL orbits are determined to an accuracy of 20 cm.
Labour Flexibilization at Sea

Abstract Cruise line employment of men and women contract seafarers from all over the world since the late twentieth century has produced what is called multinational or ‘mini UN’ crew on board large modern cruise ships. This phenomenon is encouraged by open ship registries that legally endorse and affirm the flexibilization of labour at sea. Labour flexibilization processes, however, are not characterized solely by the demand and supply of low wage seafarers. Rather, they are mediated by perceived traits ascribed to seafarers' passport citizenship, physiognomy and biological sex. Men seafarers from countries of the Global North and South, respectively and overwhelmingly dominate the shipboard positions of senior officers and lower level support staff. Women's positioning in this uniquely stratified maritime workforce depends perceptively as well on the association of nationality, race/ethnicity and gender, with that of shipboard work. Thus, although cruise ship crew diversity appears to signify a globali...
Real-time communication in local area ring networks

The feasibility of using buffered transmission, which has the advantages of eliminating the token passing overhead and relieving the network interface from the complex token handling operations, is considered. The concept of a real-time channel (RTC) and the RTC establishment procedures are reviewed. Its performance is then compared with the FDDI timed token protocol. Simulation results show that the buffered transmission in local area ring networks equipped with real-time channels enhances both the networks' throughput and the ability to support heterogeneous real-time traffic. The implementation of the network interface is also examined with an example design showing the feasibility of real-time channels in high-speed local area networks. >
Networkwide Impacts of Vehicle Ecospeed Control in the Vicinity of Traffic Signalized Intersections

Ecospeed control is an advanced ecodriving or ecovehicle control algorithm that uses signal phasing and timing information from signalized intersections to generate fuel-optimum vehicle trajectories. The proposed algorithm uses connected vehicles technology to communicate between vehicles and the infrastructure. The research presented in this paper integrates the algorithm with state-of-the-art traffic simulation software, in this case the INTEGRATION software, to develop a tool capable of analyzing and evaluating systemwide impacts. The algorithm uses dynamic programming to generate fuel-efficient vehicle trajectories in the vicinity of traffic signalized intersections by controlling the vehicle variable limiting speed (VLS) to minimize fuel consumption while maintaining safe car-following behavior. Ecospeed control uses constraints upstream and downstream of the intersection to generate a longitudinal VLS function. Multiple simulations for levels of congestion (volume-to-capacity ratios) and levels of m...
‘Hands off my constitution’: Constitutional reform and the workings of democracy in Mali

Constitutions in Africa are often considered fragile. Mali is an example of both constitutional crisis and constitutional durability. While Mali was upheld as a democratic model, the 2012 military coup might lead one to argue that Mali's recent history reflects constitutional weakness. However, the swift reinstatement of the constitution, popular commitment to its preservation, and attempts to pursue the post-coup transition in a constitutional manner all illustrate the domestic and international legitimacy of Mali's 1992 constitution. This article analyses the process of the proposed Malian constitutional referendum that, though constitutional in itself, contributed to the March 2012 overthrow of President Toure. It argues that the history of participatory constitutionalism in Mali contributed to the movement against the referendum. Constitutional reform is a necessity for an enduring constitution and this article sheds light on constitutional reform in states with weak legislatures, and illustrates the process of reform and the political divide that surrounded it in Mali. It provides a unique analysis of the crisis in Mali while at the same time making a contribution to our understanding of constitutionalism and constitutional reform in Africa.
Implementation of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment for Adolescents in Pediatric Primary Care: A Cluster Randomized Trial

Importance Early intervention for substance use is critical to improving adolescent outcomes. Studies have found promising results for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), but little research has examined implementation. Objective To compare SBIRT implementation in pediatric primary care among trained pediatricians, pediatricians working in coordination with embedded behavioral health care practitioners (BHCPs), and usual care (UC). Design, Setting, and Participants The study is a 2-year (November 1, 2011, through October 31, 2013), nonblinded, cluster randomized, hybrid implementation and effectiveness trial examining SBIRT implementation outcomes across 2 modalities of implementation and UC. Fifty-two pediatricians from a large general pediatrics clinic in an integrated health care system were randomized to 1 of 3 SBIRT implementation arms; patients aged 12 to 18 years were eligible. Interventions Two modes of SBIRT implementation, (1) pediatrician only (pediatricians trained to provide SBIRT) and (2) embedded BHCP (BHCP trained to provide SBIRT), and (3) UC. Main Outcomes and Measures Implementation of SBIRT (primary outcome), which included assessments, brief interventions, and referrals to specialty substance use and mental health treatment. Results The final sample included 1871 eligible patients among 47 pediatricians; health care professional characteristics did not differ across study arms. Patients in the pediatrician-only (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 10.37; 95% CI, 5.45-19.74;P Conclusions and Relevance The intervention arms had better screening, assessment, and brief intervention rates than the UC arm. Patients in the pediatrician-only and UC arms had higher odds of being referred to specialty treatment than those in the embedded BHCP arm, suggesting lingering barriers to having pediatricians fully address substance use in primary care. Findings also highlight age and ethnic groups less likely to receive these important services. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT02408952
Activation of suppressor T cells by tumour cells and specific antibody.

IMMUNOSUPPRESSION by passively administered antibody has long been known (see ref. 1 for review) and as antibody can cause enhancement of tumour growth2,3, particular attention has been paid to the role of antibody-mediated immunosuppression in tumour immunology. Hellstrom et al. have emphasised that blocking factors, most likely antigen-antibody complexes4, suppress cell-mediated immunity and thus play a major part in the progression of tumour growth5. Such blocking factors may be an important factor in the induction and/or maintenance of some forms of immunological tolerance6–8. But the mechanism remains obscure.
A determination of electrode potentials at immobilized liquid membrane interfaces: bipolar effects

Abstract Electrochemical potentials of redox carriers (Vitamin K3 and 2 -tert-butylanthraquinone) were determined at the membrane/solution interface. The hydroquinone was generated in a photoelectrochemical cell and the potentials of the quinone/hydroquinone couples were determined at a platinized membrane surface. The values found for the quinone/hydroquinone couples were comparable to the E 1 2 values determined polarographically and exhibited a Nernstian response to the pH of the solution in contact with the membrane. The potentials were shown to be true interfacial membrane potentials, not those of the solution in contact with the membrane. The bipolar effect of having two solutions of differing pH on each side of the membrane was demonstrated by effecting the reduction of a substrate at a higher pH than thermodynamically possible if both solutions were at the same pH.
THE MYTH OF GLOBALIZATION

Global marketing might be likened to prescriptions that apply to all situations. There is, however, a broad framework within which one can examine the issue of standardization, suggesting that it might be a perfect strategy for some products, some companies, and some situations, but totally inappropriate for others.
Nonmedical factors associated with prolonged hospital length of stay in an urban homebound population.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged length of stay (LOS) is a major concern for hospitalized populations at risk for adverse events. Homebound patients are at particular risk for long stays and may have unique discharge needs because of their commitment to be cared for at home despite poor functional status. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to describe factors contributing to long hospitalizations in the homebound population. DESIGN: This retrospective observational pilot study included all 2007 discharges that occurred for patients at The Mount Sinai Hospital enrolled in the Mount Sinai Visiting Doctors Program. MEASURES: Long-stay patients were defined as those having an LOS 2 standard deviations above the mean. Hospitalization days were defined as “nonmedical” when patients medically ready for discharge remained in the hospital. Patients discharged immediately after determination of medical readiness were characterized as “medical stay” cases. The University HealthSystems Consortium Database was used to calculate expected LOS and the LOS ratio. Chart reviews were performed to describe long-stay cases as nonmedical or medical. RESULTS: The average LOS for 479 discharges was 7.84 days, with a mean LOS Ratio of 1.23. Seventeen cases were determined to be long stays. Eight of these cases (47%) were defined as nonmedical stays. These accounted for 136 days of hospitalization and 32% of total long-stay days. The most common reason for a nonmedical stay was nursing facility placement delay. CONCLUSIONS: Nonmedical factors accounted for nearly one-third of all long-stay days in the hospitalized homebound population. Increased interdisciplinary collaboration may help address homebound patient LOS. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Management of positive sub-areolar/nipple duct margins in nipple-sparing mastectomies

We evaluated management of positive sub-areolar/nipple duct margins in nipple-sparing mastectomies (NSM) at our institution. Retrospective chart review of all NSM from January 2007 to April 2012 was performed and patient, tumor, and treatment information was collected. Sub-areolar/nipple duct margins included ductal tissue from within the nipple. Of 438 NSM, 22 (5%) had positive sub-areolar/nipple duct margins; 21 of 220 cancer-bearing breasts (10%) and 1 of 218 prophylactic mastectomies (0.5%). Positive margins included four with invasive lobular carcinoma and 18 with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Management included removal of eight nipples and nine nipple areola complexes (NAC). Four of 17 nipple/NAC specimens had evidence of residual DCIS and none had residual invasive cancer. The majority of nipple/NAC specimens excised for a positive margin had no residual malignancy. Future studies are needed to determine the extent of NAC tissue removal required for positive margins.
No one (cluster) size fits all: automatic cluster sizing for data-intensive analytics

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) cloud platforms have brought two unprecedented changes to cluster provisioning practices. First, any (nonexpert) user can provision a cluster of any size on the cloud within minutes to run her data-processing jobs. The user can terminate the cluster once her jobs complete, and she needs to pay only for the resources used and duration of use. Second, cloud platforms enable users to bypass the traditional middleman---the system administrator---in the cluster-provisioning process. These changes give tremendous power to the user, but place a major burden on her shoulders. The user is now faced regularly with complex cluster sizing problems that involve finding the cluster size, the type of resources to use in the cluster from the large number of choices offered by current IaaS cloud platforms, and the job configurations that best meet the performance needs of her workload. In this paper, we introduce the Elastisizer, a system to which users can express cluster sizing problems as queries in a declarative fashion. The Elastisizer provides reliable answers to these queries using an automated technique that uses a mix of job profiling, estimation using black-box and white-box models, and simulation. We have prototyped the Elastisizer for the Hadoop MapReduce framework, and present a comprehensive evaluation that shows the benefits of the Elastisizer in common scenarios where cluster sizing problems arise.
Interactive metal ion–silicon oxidation/reduction processes on fumed silica

Fumed silica is shown to represent an active oxidation/reduction site. Arresting results demonstrate that the average oxidation state of silicon, at least at the surface of fumed silica, is +1 in contrast to the assumed value of +4, thus allowing the preparation of silica with desired reduced silicon surface oxidation states without post-synthesis treatment. The nature of this silica interface is demonstrated by preparing Fe/silica and Cu/silica materials with unprecedented control of the transition metal oxidation state. Supported iron or copper catalysts were prepared by contacting anhydrous iron(III) chloride, iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate, or hydrated copper(II) chloride with fumed, amorphous silica (CAB-O-SIL®) in dry methanol at room temperature. Subsequently, the solids were vacuum-dried (∼10−3 Torr) at room temperature for two hours. These solids, and in particular the iron-silica interface, were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), colour analysis, and water contact angle analysis. No discernible evidence was found that indicated the formation of large crystallites of the transition metals. The products of iron(III) interaction at the interface with amorphous silica were also investigated using phenanthroline complexation to confirm the presence of Fe(II) ions. This body of data showed compelling evidence that a portion of the transition metal ions in contact with the fumed silica were reduced to lower oxidation states while some of the silicon ions were observed to be “oxidized” to higher oxidation states. The ratio of Fe(II) over Fe(III) found by XPS deconvolution for the chloride spectra matches well with theoretical prediction based upon a simple surface reaction between the Fe(III) ions and the lower valent Si ions. The Fe doping was deduced to be more likely at the axial position of the Si–O bond rather than the equatorial. It is remarkable that these observed transitions in the metal ion oxidation states occurred at room temperature. The inherent simplicity of this technique is general to many reducible metal oxides, and thus, its use in preparations may provide a new way of controlling the ratio of various oxidation states of metal elements.
Pressurized Ventilation in the Yellow Waterlily

Current models of gas transport in aquatic plants hold that gases diffuse in an essentially static gas phase within the lacunae according to gradients in their individual partial pressures. This study introduces a new model of gases gas transport wherein the gases move through waterlilies in a mass flow. The internal gas spaces in Nuphar constitute a pressurized flow—through system, with ambient air entering the youngest emergent leaves against a small gradient in total gas pressure. This pressurization phenomenon is the result of purely physical processes driven by the gradients in temperature (thermal transpiration) and water vapor (hygrometric pressure) between the atmosphere and the lacunae of the youngest emergent leaves. The lacunae are continuous throughout the entire plant, and the older leaves vent the elevated pressure generated by the younger leaves. This arrangement gives rise to a flow—through pattern, accelerating both the rate of O2 supply from the atmosphere to the roots, and the rate of CO2 and CH4 transport from the roots towards the atmosphere. This ventilation system represents an important adaptation by the waterlily to life in anaerobic sediments.
Extracellular and intracellular acid‐base regulation in crustaceans

This article attempts to review mechanisms of intra- (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF) acid-base balance and the contribution each makes to whole animal acid-base homeostasis in an evolutionary progression of crustaceans (marine, freshwater, semi- and fully terrestrial). ICF pH (pHi) is regulated to preserve the functional integrity of enzymes involved in cell metabolism. The ECF is the intermediary between cellular acid/base production and whole animal exchange at the primary epithelia, the gills, and antennal gland. In vivo regulation of pHi is discussed under selected environmental conditions. Compensatory mechanisms include intracellular buffering and transmembrane exchange of acidic/base equivalents including primarily an Na + /H + /HCO3−/Cl− mechanism and an Na + /H + exchanger. Acid-base values and regulation in the ECF (which may be subcompartmented in selected tissues) differ in aquatic versus terrestrial species. The latter have higher PCO2 (and lower pH) associated with reduced ventilation due to the higher O2 capacitance of air. Correspondingly they can regulate ECF pH (pHe) by respiratory control of PCO2; terrestrial species also depend upon mobilization of exoskeletal CaCO3 to buffer protons. In aquatic species the primary mechanism of acid-base regulation is via electroneutral ion exchangers (Na +/acidic equivalent; Cl −/basic equivalent) primarily at the branchial epithelium but also apparent in the renal tubule in species that produce dilute urine (hyperosmo/ionoregulators). Evidence is presented for dynamic regulation of unidirectional branchial and renal ion fluxes for purposes of acid-base regulation. Quantitatively the antennal gland typically contributes only 10% of the overall response. Stoichiometrically, whole animal acidic/basic equivalents exchanged at these epithelia originate predominantly in the ICF compartment (50--95%). Future perspectives emphasize the need to better understand how pH compensation or in some cases tolerance is related to cellular function. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A comparative evaluation of microarray slides as substrates for the development of protease assay biosensors.

Abstract The application of commercially available microarray slides as substrates for fluorogenic protease assays has been explored in terms of binding efficiency, stability, and activity. A fluorescent, biotinylated substrate for botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNTA) was attached via self-assembled monolayer of Streptavidin to amine-reactive aldehyde, epoxy, hydrogel, and polymer slides. Nexterion Slide P® was found to have optimal protein binding efficiency and stability of the slides examined. Addition of glycerol to the printing buffer improved spot morphology significantly and polyvinylpyrrolidone provided long-term stability, allowing chips to be stored for up to 1 month with good viability. Detection of a recombinant BoNTA light chain was then carried out at 37 °C and a sub-lethal dose was detected in 2 hours.
Motor Basis of Suction Feeding Performance in Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides

We examined the relationship between cranial muscle activity and buccal pres- sure during suction feeding by the largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides. Buccal pressure was recorded simultaneously with electromyograms (EMG) from four muscles that function promi- nently during the strike, including three expansive phase muscles (levator arcus palatini, epaxialis, and sternohyoideus) and the major compressive phase muscle, the adductor mandibulae. Feeding behavior was analyzed in 145 strike sequences from five individuals. EMG from each muscle was quantified with four variables (integrated area of rectified EMG, burst duration, intensity of activ- ity, and onset time of activity), and pressure pulse was characterized with seven variables (area of subambient pressure curve, area of superambient pressure curve, minimum pressure, maximum pressure, pressure pulse duration, time to minimum pressure, and time to maximum pressure). Correlation, multiple regression, and a principal components analysis (PCA) were used to investi- gate the relationship between muscle activity and buccal pressure patterns. About 50% of the correlations among muscle variables were significant, while fewer than 25% of the correlations between muscle activity and buccal pressure variables were significant. Multiple regression mod- els accounted for about 50% of the variance in each pressure variable, although substantial differ- ences were found among individual fish in the success of these models. A PCA performed on the correlation matrix of EMG variables yielded a first principal component that accounted for 33% of the overall variance in strikes and was significantly correlated with the timing variables of buccal pressure. A general trend was apparent in which Micropterus modulated the magnitude of suction pressure and the timing of the pressure pulse during the strike by altering the extent of activity (i.e., integrated area and burst duration) in cranial muscles. This study shows that suction perfor- mance is moderately influenced by cranial muscle activity. However, extensive strike-to-strike and inter-individual variation suggest that the relationship between muscle activity patterns and buc- cal pressure is not precise, and bass are able to use a variety of motor strategies to generate strikes with similar suction pressures. J. Exp. Zool. 277:1-13, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A scheduling framework for adaptive video delivery over cellular networks

As the growth of mobile video traffic outpaces that of cellular network speed, industry is adopting HTTP-based adaptive video streaming technology which enables dynamic adaptation of video bit-rates to match changing network conditions. However, recent measurement studies have observed problems in fairness, stability, and efficiency of resource utilization when multiple adaptive video flows compete for bandwidth on a shared wired link. Through experiments and simulations, we confirm that such undesirable behavior manifests itself in cellular networks as well. To overcome these problems, we design an in-network resource management framework, AVIS, that schedules HTTP-based adaptive video flows on cellular networks. AVIS effectively manages the resources of a cellular base station across adaptive video flows. AVIS also provides a framework for mobile operators to achieve a desired balance between optimal resource allocation and user quality of experience. AVIS has three key differentiating features: (1) It optimally computes the bit-rate allocation for each user, (2) It includes a scheduler and per-flow shapers to enforce bit-rate stability of each flow and (3) It leverages the resource virtualization technique to separate resource management of adaptive video flows from regular video flows. We implement a prototype system of AVIS and evaluate it on both a WiMAX network testbed and a LTE system simulator to show its efficacy and scalability.
Future of laser dermatology.

Background and Objective Laser dermatology, a long-time model for laser tissue interactions, will play an important part in the future of research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Study Design/Materials and Methods Laser research continues in photobiology, especially in molecular reactions, and it continues at the cellular level in melanocyte and Langerhans cells. Results Laser diagnostics in the development of opto-electronics concern new developments in imagery. Some studies include new types of microscopes for living skin and vary from the portable illuminated skin microscopes, the current dermatoscopes, to the coaxial polarizing microscope and the new scanning confocal microscope of Gmitro for living tissues. The regular confocal microscope for fixed tissue slides will revolutionize dermatopathology. The other research microscopes include the ultrasonic biomedical microscope and the IR microscope and the holographic microscope of optical phase conjugation used for living tissues. Conclusion New lasers for therapy include micromedical lasers, economical junction diode lasers alone and for pumping solid-state lasers, FEL of the future, and multiwavelength laser units. These later units include seven-wavelength units of barium, copper vapor and ruby, and are available for other heavy metal laser heads, ds gold-628 nm and lead-722 nm. Copper vapor can pump also Ti sapphire. The MOPO series (200 nm in the UV to > 4,500 in the IR) is the most extensive modern multiwavelength laser box type. Lasers Surg. Med. 22:3–8, 1998. Published 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.1
Sorbitol and other carbohydrates in dormant apple shoots as influenced by controlled temperatures

Abstract The influence of controlled temperatures on levels of sorbitol and other carbohydrates was determined to provide further information on dormancy of apple trees ( Malus sylvestris Mill.). For 3 years, 2-year-old “Red Delicious” apple shoots were collected from mature trees in an orchard at intervals during the autumn and winter, and shoots were stored for 6 hr to 1 week at temperatures from 18 to −60 °C. Sorbitol and other carbohydrates were estimated in the sap or wood by gas chromatography. Controlled temperatures had a marked influence on the carbohydrate content of excised 2-year-old apple shoots. Levels of sorbitol in the sap were maximum at −0.6 °C. The increase was greatest at the earliest sampling before complete hardening had occurred in each of the 3 years tested. Total sorbitol in the wood was less influenced by storage at various controlled temperatures than sorbitol in the sap. Levels of fructose, glucose, and sucrose in the wood were higher at temperatures below −0.6 °C than at warmer temperatures. Levels of starch were usually inversely related to soluble sugars.
Quantitative and qualitative effects of larval diet on male scent secretions ofEstigmene acrea, Phragmatobia foliginosa, andPyrrharctia isabella (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae).

In feeding experiments with insects reared in the laboratory, the presence of the dihydropyrrolizines hydroxydanaidal and danaidal in the male scent organs (coremata) of the arctiids,Estigmene acrea (Drury),Phragmatobia fuliginosa (L.), andPyrrharctia isabella (J.E. Smith), was shown to depend on the presence of a source of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in the larval diet.Phragmatobia males given an artificial diet supplemented with the powdered roots of the PA-containing plantSymphytum officinale L. (comfrey) produced more hydroxydanaidal than danaidal, whereas males given an artificial diet supplemented with dried whole plants of another PA-containing species,Senecio vulgaris L., produced more danaidal than hydroxydanaidal.Pyrrharctia males produced hydroxydanaidal with little if any danaidal, whether the source of PAs was comfrey orS. vulgaris. A behavioral bioassay showed that the coremata of PA-deniedPyrrharctia male progeny of PA-denied parents were pheromonally inactive, whereas those of PA-denied male progeny of PA-supplied parents (male and/or female) were often active. This indicates that a small amount of pheromone is made from PAs transferred from the female to her eggs and that males effect copulatory transfers of PAs that are, in turn, passed to the eggs by the mated female. Field observations ofPhragmatobia andPyrrharctia larvae feeding on sources of PAs were reported. The PA monocrotaline was shown to be a feeding stimulant forPyrrharctia larvae.
Concomitant Presentation of Adermatopathic Dermatomyositis, Statin Myopathy, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Piriformis Muscle Myofascial Pain Syndrome, and Diabetic Neuropathy

Background: Differentiation of dermatomyositis from other myopathic conditions depends on characteristic histolo-pathologic findings on muscle biopsy. A 48-year-old diabetic man had a prior history of generalized myalgia and an elevated serum creatine kinase while on a statin. Within a few months after discontinuation of the statin, the myalgia symptoms improved and the creatine kinase normalized.Findings: An incisional biopsy of the gastrocnemius muscle revealed perifascicular muscle fiber damage, microvascular inflammation, pyknotic cytoplasmic inclusion bodies, and neurogenic atrophy with reinnervation consistent with diabetic neuropathy.Conclusion:. We present the clinical findings from a patient with adermatopathic dermatomyositis in the setting of diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia syndrome, piriformis syndrome, and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A [HMG-CoA] reductase inhibitor myopathy.
Compact X-ray binaries in hierarchical triples. II - Separation of the inner binary

This paper presents an analytic solution for the behavior of the inner binary separation with time for a coplanar hierarchical triple system in which both the inner and outer orbit are (initially) circular. This separation will be important if the inner binary is a mass transferring binary system, since in this case small changes in the inner binary separation are likely to result in significant changes in the mass-transfer rate and hence in the luminosity. The timing of the minima in the separation, when such luminosity bursts would occur, is shown to be strongly dependent on the inner binary mass ratio and might therefore serve as a diagnostic on the inner binary mass ratio in such systems. The advantages and drawbacks of the method are discussed.