cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Auto-scaling to minimize cost and meet application deadlines in cloud workflows

A goal in cloud computing is to allocate (and thus pay for) only those cloud resources that are truly needed. To date, cloud practitioners have pursued schedule-based (e.g., time-of-day) and rule-based mechanisms to attempt to automate this matching between computing requirements and computing resources. However, most of these "auto-scaling" mechanisms only support simple resource utilization indicators and do not specifically consider both user performance requirements and budget concerns. In this paper, we present an approach whereby the basic computing elements are virtual machines (VMs) of various sizes/costs, jobs are specified as workflows, users specify performance requirements by assigning (soft) deadlines to jobs, and the goal is to ensure all jobs are finished within their deadlines at minimum financial cost. We accomplish our goal by dynamically allocating/deallocating VMs and scheduling tasks on the most cost-efficient instances. We evaluate our approach in four representative cloud workload patterns and show cost savings from 9.8% to 40.4% compared to other approaches.
Prognostic Value of KIT Mutation Type, Mitotic Activity, and Histologic Subtype in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

PURPOSE: Previous studies have reported clinical correlates for KIT mutations in GISTs, but in most of those studies the KIT mutations were found in less than 50% of the GISTs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic relevance for KIT mutations in a series of GISTs in which the mutations were evaluated intensively by genomic and cDNA sequencing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A comprehensive clinical and pathologic analysis of 48 patients with GISTs who had snap-frozen tissue was performed. The median tumor size was 10 cm (range, 2 to 30 cm). Median follow-up for disease-free patients was 48 months. KIT genomic and cDNA was sequenced by using nucleic acid templates isolated from frozen tumors. RESULTS: The overall 5-year recurrence-free survival was 41% ± 6%. Five-year recurrence-free survival for patients with tumors that had mitotic counts of three mitoses or fewer per 30 high-power fields (HPF), more than three to ≤ 15 mitoses per 30 HPF, and more than 15 mitoses per 30 HPF were 89% ± 7%, 49% ± 12%...
Mathematical test criteria for filtering complex systems: Plentiful observations

An important emerging scientific issue is the real time filtering through observations of noisy turbulent signals for complex systems as well as the statistical accuracy of spatio-temporal discretizations for such systems. These issues are addressed here in detail for the setting with plentiful observations for a scalar field through explicit mathematical test criteria utilizing a recent theory [A.J. Majda, M.J. Grote, Explicit off-line criteria for stable accurate time filtering of strongly unstable spatially extended systems, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 104 (4) (2007) 1124-1129]. For plentiful observations, the number of observations equals the number of mesh points. These test criteria involve much simpler decoupled complex scalar filtering test problems with explicit formulas and elementary numerical experiments which are developed here as guidelines for filter performance. The theory includes information criteria to avoid filter divergence with large model errors, asymptotic Kalman gain, filter stability, and accurate filtering with small ensemble size as well as rigorous results delineating the role of various turbulent spectra for filtering under mesh refinement. These guidelines are also applied to discrete approximations for filtering the stochastically forced dissipative advection equation with very turbulent and noisy signals with either an equipartition of energy or -5/3 turbulent spectrum with infrequent observations as severe test problems. The theory and companion simulations demonstrate accurate statistical filtering in this context with implicit schemes with large time step with very small ensemble sizes and even with unstable explicit schemes under appropriate circumstances provided the filtering strategies are guided by the off-line theoretical criteria. The surprising failure of other strongly stable filtering strategies is also explained through these off-line criteria.
Smart bridges with fiber-optic sensors

This article describes an approach to bridge improvements that uses smart structures, introduces key technologies for health monitoring systems based on fiber optics and gives an overview of two instrumented bridges. A sensing system in one application monitors general performance and health of the structure, while the system in a second application interrogates the behavior of a major structural repair.
Passive Diffusion of Transdermal Glucose: Noninvasive Glucose Sensing Using a Fluorescent Glucose Binding Protein

The motivation for this study was to determine if a statistically significant correlation exists between blood glucose (BG) and transdermal glucose (TG) collected by passive diffusion. A positive outcome will indicate that noninvasive passive TG diffusion is a painless alternative to collecting blood through a break on the skin. Sampling involves placing a small volume of buffer solution on the surface of membrane or skin for 5 minutes. The sample is then assayed with fluorescent GBP. In vitro testing was done on regenerated cellulose and a porcine skin model to determine diffusion of standard glucose solutions. In vivo testing was done on a healthy subject and a subject with type 2 diabetes. Glucose diffused readily through the regenerated cellulose membrane with good correlation between surface and internal glucose concentrations (R 2 = .997). But the porcine skin model required a surface prewash to achieve the same good correlation R 2 = .943). Based on this, an optimum prewash step was determined for the in vivo studies. The resulting correlation coefficients between TG and BG after a 15-minute prewash in a healthy subject and type 2 subject were .87 and .93, respectively. Removal of the extraneous glucose in the skin by prewashing was an important step in achieving good correlation between TG and BG. The results suggest that passive collection of TG is a noninvasive alternative to current practice of breaking the skin. Further studies are under way to determine the lag time between TG and BG and for the sampling protocol to be more amenable to point-of-care application.
Great Lakes Shore Erosion

This paper presents the problem of high water levels that cause increased shore erosion in the Great Lakes. It will describe the pertinent hydrology and coastal morphology of the area and the three fundamental solution strategies being pursued—lake level reductions, shore stabilization measures, and legal building restrictions. The effectiveness of these strategies is discussed.
Density variations in the Earth's magnetospheric cusps

Seven years of measurements from the Polar spacecraft are surveyed to monitor the variations of plasma density within the magnetospheric cusps. The spacecraft's orbital precession from 1998 through 2005 allows for coverage of both the northern and southern cusps from low altitude out to the magnetopause. In the mid- and high- altitude cusps, plasma density scales well with the solar wind density (n(sub cusp)∕n(sub sw) approximately 0.8). This trend is fairly steady for radial distances greater then 4 R(sub E). At low altitudes (r less than 4R(sub E)) the density increases with decreasing altitude and even exceeds the solar wind density due to contributions from the ionosphere. The density of high charge state oxygen (O(greater +2) also displays a positive trend with solar wind density within the cusp. A multifluid simulation with the Block-Adaptive-Tree Solar Wind Roe-Type Upwind Scheme MHD model was run to monitor the relative contributions of the ionosphere and solar wind plasma within the cusp. The simulation provides similar results to the statistical measurements from Polar and confirms the presence of ionospheric plasma at low altitudes.
Biological Activity of Avermectin B1 Against the Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

In laboratory studies, the compound avermectin B, (MK-936) was biologically active against Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman. The activity was expressed by arrested pupal-adult development when avermectin B1 was topically applied to newly ecdysed pupae. Depending upon the concentration applied, metamorphosis progressed to a given point in morphogenesis and then death occurred. Avermectin B1 significantly reduced pheromone production when applied topically to adults. Additional effects were observed on adults after immersion or by their feeding upon treated cotton buds. Paralysis developed and death occurred at ca. 14 days postexposure. A swollen, distended abdomen extending beyond the elytra was a characteristic symptom of avermectin B1 activity.
Strategy revealing phenotypic differences among synthetic oscillator designs.

Considerable progress has been made in identifying and characterizing the component parts of genetic oscillators, which play central roles in all organisms. Nonlinear interaction among components is sufficiently complex that mathematical models are required to elucidate their elusive integrated behavior. Although natural and synthetic oscillators exhibit common architectures, there are numerous differences that are poorly understood. Utilizing synthetic biology to uncover basic principles of simpler circuits is a way to advance understanding of natural circadian clocks and rhythms. Following this strategy, we address the following questions: What are the implications of different architectures and molecular modes of transcriptional control for the phenotypic repertoire of genetic oscillators? Are there designs that are more realizable or robust? We compare synthetic oscillators involving one of three architectures and various combinations of the two modes of transcriptional control using a methodology tha...
Characterization of the Fourth α Isoform of the Na,K-ATPase

The Na,K-ATPase is a major ion transport protein found in higher eukaryotic cells. The enzyme is composed of two subunits, α and β, and tissue-specific isoforms exist for each of these, α1, α2 and α3 and β1, β2 and β3. We have proposed that an additional α isoform, α4, exists based on genomic and cDNA cloning. The mRNA for this gene is expressed in rats and humans, exclusively in the testis, however the expression of a corresponding protein has not been demonstrated. In the current study, the putative α4 isoform has been functionally characterized as a novel isoform of the Na,K-ATPase in both rat testis and in α4 isoform cDNA transfected 3T3 cells. Using an α4 isoform-specific polyclonal antibody, the protein for this novel isoform is detected for the first time in both rat testis and in transfected cell lines. Ouabain binding competition assays reveal the presence of high affinity ouabain receptors in both rat testis and in transfected cell lines that have identical K D values. Further studies of this high affinity ouabain receptor show that it also has high affinities for both Na+ and K+. The results from these experiments definitively demonstrate the presence of a novel isoform of the Na,K-ATPase in testis.
Variable nitric oxide reactivity of tropocoronand cobalt(III) nitrite complexes as a function of the polymethylene linker chain length.

The size-dependent reactivity of cobalt tropocoronands [TC-n,n]2– is manifest in the NO chemistry of the cobalt(III) nitrite complexes [Co(η2-NO2)(TC-n,n)] (n = 4–6), the synthesis and characterization of which are reported for the first time. Complete conversion of [Co(η2-NO2)(TC-4,4)] to the cobalt mononitrosyl [Co(NO)(TC-4,4)] occurs upon exposure to NO(g). In contrast, addition of NO(g) to [Co(η2-NO2)(TC-5,5)] generates both cobalt mono- and dinitrosyl adducts, and addition of nitric oxide to [Co(η2-NO2)(TC-6,6)] converts this complex to the dicobalt tetranitrosyl species [Co2(NO)4(TC-6,6)]. In the latter complex, two tetrahedral cobalt dinitrosyl units are bound to the aminotroponeiminate poles of the [TC-6,6]2– ligand. These results significantly broaden the chemistry of cobalt tropocoronands with nitric oxide and the nitrite anion.
Preparation and characterization of conductive and transparent ruthenium dioxide sol-gel films.

RuO2 conductive thin films were synthesized using the sol–gel method and deposited onto transparent insulating substrates. The optical transmission, film thickness, surface morphology and compositi...
Investigation on nurses' humanistic quality in the first-class hospital

Objective:The aim of this study was to know the nurses' humanistic quality in the first-class hospital,this text is for ease of reference to raise the level of nurses' humanistic quality.Methods:The nurses were investigated by using of the self-designed Questionnaires.Results:The level of humanistic quality of the nurses whose seniority10 years was significantly higher;nurses with bachelor degree or above had a higher humanistic quality than that with junior college degree;the permanent nurses was much higher than those temporary ones: the psychological quality of the emergency nurses and pediatrics nurses was obviously higher than that of internal medicine,surgery,gynecology and obstetrics.Conclusion:The level of nurses' humanistic quality is unbalanced,it is suggested that hospital administrators should make series of tarect-oriented measures to improve the nurses' humanistic quality.
To foaming agent performance experimental study

The foam technology has obtained the widespread application in the oil industry,solved the technological difficult problem that much routine homework can't be solved in the past.Have made greater economic benefits.This text has selected several kind of common foaming agents,compare their ability of bubbling,The inspection temperature produces the influence to the foaming agent stability.Selects the performance quite good foaming agent from it.
A prototype service for benchmarking power consumption of mobile semantic application

We present a prototype web service that enables researchers to evaluate the performance per watt of semantic web tools. The web service provides access to a hardware platform for collecting power consumption data for a mobile device. Experiments are specified using RDF to define the conditions of the experiment, the operations that compose those conditions, and how they are combined into individual execution plans. Further, experimental descriptions and their provenance are published as linked data, allowing others to easily repeat experiments. We will demonstrate how we have used the system to date, how others can use it, and discuss its potential to revolutionize design and development of semantically enabled mobile applications.
Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle in a Modern World Context

Nutrition and lifestyle have been shown to impact the etiology of major causes of death including heart, malignant neoplasms, chronic lower respiratory, cerebrovascular, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes diseases. The death incidence attributable to these causes is projected to increase due to the growing and aging population. Socioeconomic constraints contribute to the coexistence of non-communicable diseases with food insecurity.
Preveleged Ca2+ Signaling Pathway between Membrane NCX and Mitochondria in Cardiac Myocytes

Accumulating evidence suggests that mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling plays a critical role in cardiac myocytes E-C coupling and that this may involve Ca2+ entering the mitochondria via the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) and exiting on the mitochondrial Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (mNCX). Here we investigate whether there are privileged Ca2+ transport pathways between surface membrane, mitochondria and SR. To address this issue, we used genetically engineered mitochondrial Ca2+ probes based on GCamP3 and GCamP6 along with synthetic fluorescent dye, Fura-2, to image mitochondrial and cytosolic Ca2+ movements simultaneously. Mitochondrial Ca2+ probes were virally introduced in either adult or neonatal cardiomyocytes. Whole-cell patch clamping and high-resolution TIRF microscopy were used to measure membrane current, mitochondrial Ca2+ and sub-sarcolemmal cytosolic Ca2+ simultaneously. In whole cell clamped myocytes dialyzed with 2mM EGTA, Na+ withdrawal- (substituting Na+ by tetra-ethylammonium, TEA) generated an outward NCX-mediated current reflecting Ca2+ entry and caused a rapid increase of mitochondrial Ca2+, without significant rise of cytosolic Cai, because of Ca2+-buffering by 2mM EGTA. When Na+ was readmitted, causing a rapid fall (release) of mitochondrial Ca2+ it triggered a significant transient rise of cytosolic Ca2+ despite the presence of buffering by 2mM EGTA. Interestingly, 5mM caffeine puffs while triggering rapid release of Ca2+ from the SR caused little or no significant rise in the mitochondrial Ca2+ signal. Blockers of MCU or mitochondrial NCX failed to suppress this Na+ withdrawal-induced mitochondrial Ca2+ rise. Our results suggest that Ca2+ buffers may block transfer of Ca2+ from the SR via the cytosol to mitochondria without blocking the privileged Ca2+ communication between sarcolemma and mitochondria. Supported by NIH grant R0-1,HL15162
FDA Implements New Labeling for Medications Used During Pregnancy and Lactation

Deciding which medications to take during pregnancy and lactation can be a complex and individualized decision that should be discussed with a physician. The new PLLR can help remove some of the uncertainty clinicians and patients face by replacing the potentially confusing letter categories with a narrative structure.
Co-occurrence of extremes in surface ozone, particulate matter, and temperature over eastern North America

Heat waves and air pollution episodes pose a serious threat to human health and may worsen under future climate change. In this paper, we use 15 years (1999-2013) of commensurately gridded (1° x 1°) surface observations of extended summer (April-September) surface ozone (O3), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and maximum temperature (TX) over the eastern United States and Canada to construct a climatology of the coincidence, overlap, and lag in space and time of their extremes. Extremes of each quantity are defined climatologically at each grid cell as the 50 d with the highest values in three 5-y windows (∼95th percentile). Any two extremes occur on the same day in the same grid cell more than 50% of the time in the northeastern United States, but on a domain average, co-occurrence is approximately 30%. Although not exactly co-occurring, many of these extremes show connectedness with consistent offsets in space and in time, which often defy traditional mechanistic explanations. All three extremes occur primarily in large-scale, multiday, spatially connected episodes with scales of >1,000 km and clearly coincide with large-scale meteorological features. The largest, longest-lived episodes have the highest incidence of co-occurrence and contain extreme values well above their local 95th percentile threshold, by +7 ppb for O3, +6 µg m-3 for PM2.5, and +1.7 °C for TX. Our results demonstrate the need to evaluate these extremes as synergistic costressors to accurately quantify their impacts on human health.
Early Geologists in Louisiana

Louisiana was one of the first areas in America distant from the Atlantic Ocean to attract the attention of travellers and other observers who made geological commentaries on the regions they visited. The great Mississippi River and reports about the potential of the river for trade and access to the immense interior of North America formed the basis for this attraction. Before the year 1900, more than forty individuals did important geological work or made significant observations about the geology of the state of Louisiana. In 1899, Gilbert D. Harris and Arthur C. Veatch reviewed the contributions of many of these observers in some detail. Among the early contributors, the work of five men can be considered to be major in its significance to the knowledge of Louisiana geology. These are, in chronological order, John L. Riddell, Sir Charles Lyell, Raymond Thomassy, Eugene W. Hilgard, and Gilbert D. Harris.
The Evolving Role of Companion Diagnostics for Breast Cancer in an Era of Next-Generation Omics

A companion diagnostic is a test for a specific biomarker-approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration-qualifying a patient to receive a specific, associated therapy. As interest has grown in precision medicine over the past decade, the principle of companion diagnostics has gained increasing purchase among laboratory professionals, clinicians, regulators, and even patients. The evolution of the biomarkers used to stratify and treat breast cancer illustrates the history of companion diagnostics and provides a lens through which to examine potential challenges. As new targeted therapies and corresponding biomarkers accumulate, algorithms for diagnosis and treatment necessarily become lengthier and more complex. To accommodate future needs of breast cancer patients, the companion diagnostic model will continue to adapt and evolve.
Plinko, Probability, and Pascal.

Start with a smaller board so patterns can be discovered I class, I recently referred to the television game show The Price Is Right and was surprised when nearly all the students broke into a grin of appreci ation. As I thought about the show more seriously, I realized that many of the games played on the show contain an element of probability or problem solving. Analysis of some of the games is very sim ple and quite appropriate for an introductory prob ability class; others are a bit more complicated. This article discusses one of the most interesting games, Plinko. The contestant drops a circular disk down a board with nails arranged in the pattern indicated by figure 1. Assume also that the disk is equally likely to go to the left or to the right at each nail it encounters. The contestant wins the amount of cash indicated on the reservoir in which the disk lands. Fig. 2 Begin the analysis with a smaller board.
Effect of carboxylic and hydroxycarboxylic acids on cement hydration: experimental and molecular modeling study

Most concrete produced includes chemical admixtures such as air entrainers, set modifiers, water reducers, etc., many of which include organic molecules. Hydroxycarboxylic acids, in particular, retard portland cement hydration. The interaction of such acids with hydrating cement phases is a complex, multi-parameter problem. To elucidate the interaction of hydroxycarboxylic and carboxylic acid retarders on hydration of cement, a combined experimental and molecular-computational approach was used. Glycolic acid, acetic acid, calcium glycolate and calcium acetate were used as model compounds. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to simulate the interactions of select test compounds with the (001) surface of the portlandite crystal (calcium hydroxide) and the (040) surface of the tricalcium silicate crystal. Hydrogen bond density profiles and binding energies were evaluated. The adsorption isotherm for chelate complexes was determined experimentally by equilibrating aqueous solutions of the agents in the presence of various amounts of solid-phase calcium hydroxide. Finally, isothermal calorimetry experiments were used to quantify effects on hydration rate. The glycolic acid shows significant cement retardation, whereas acetic acid does not retard. Glycolic acid was found to retard hydration via calcium chelation and surface adsorption that involves the adsorption of the calcium chelate complex preferentially on tricalcium silicate. Simulation results reveal that calcium glycolate forms a strong hydrogen bonding network near to calcium hydroxide and hydrated tricalcium silicate surfaces and are responsible for its strong adsorption on these surfaces. While acetic acid forms a strong calcium chelate, it does not associate with calcium hydroxide or unhydrated or hydrated tricalcium silicate surfaces.
Host plant cyanotype determines degree of rhizobial symbiosis

Plants with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as legumes with rhizobia, can tap the atmospheric nitrogen pool to obtain resources for defense compounds. Cyanogenesis, a nitrogen-based plant defense against herbivores, increases in response to rhizobial colonization, but depends on plant genotype. Here, we tested whether genotypic differences in host plant cyanogenesis influence symbiotic reliance on nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. Using thin, clear soil containers, we counted nodules on live root systems of distinct high (HC) and low (LC) lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) cyanotypes across the duration of an eight-week study. We measured changes in cyanogenic potential (HCNp) and protein content to reveal quantitative interactions between nodule number and both leaf traits. High cyanogenic plants maintained consistently twice as many nodules as LC plants. Including both cyanotypes, nodule number correlated positively with HCNp, but negatively with foliar protein content. However, within-cyanotype interactions between nodule number and plant traits were not significant except for foliar protein in HC plants, which decreased with increasing nodule number. Our results imply that while genotypes with higher levels of nitrogen-based defense invest more in the rhizobial partner, the costs involved in maintaining the symbiosis may cause resource allocation constraints in the plants' primary nitrogen metabolism.
Auger Neutralization Lifetimes for Low-Energy Ne+ Ions Scattered from Pt(111) Surfaces

Calculations of the angular distributions of soattered ions were used to simulate Impaot Collision Ion Soattering Speotrometry (ICISS) experiments. The oalculations were performed first for 2-keV Na+ ions inoident on the Pt (111) surface, a case for whioh Auger neutralization should be negligible. These oalculations were fitted to the experimental data of Niehus and Comsa to provide information about the surfaoe struoture of the sample and the trajeotories of the inoident ions. A first-order deoay model for Auger neutralization was inoluded with the oalculations for Na+ to alloy the simulation of ICISS soans for 2-keV Ne+ ions on the same surfaoe. From these simulations, the Auger neutralization half-life for Ne+ soattered from Pt was found to be 1.30 ± 0.10 femtoseoonds.
Ultrasound-Guided/Ultrasound-Assisted Percutaneous Liver Biopsy

Liver biopsy allows histologic evaluation of the liver, which remains an important tool in the diagnosis and prognosis of several liver diseases. It also makes possible chemical and gene expression analyses which otherwise could not be performed. This chapter provides an overview of the indications, contraindications, and complications of liver biopsy as well provides detailed instructions and technical tips for performing liver biopsy using ultrasound (US) assistance.
New Value, After LaSalle

The LaSalle opinion ended doubts about the continued existence of the new value exception to the absolute priority rule. Reorganization plans that propose to issue securities in exchange for new contributions can be crammed down but under stricter criteria. After LaSalle new value plans must meet a market test. Thus, LaSalle appeared to revolutionize the cram-down process, forcing auctions in every new value plan. This Article surveys the experience since LaSalle. The few cases that applied it never ordered an auction or a true market test. Every plan proposed by debtors was rejected. In cases where competing plans were allowed, the choice among them was made by the court rather than any market. The experience with competing plans indicates that new contributions of unique assets that will serve the debtor's strategy may overcome objections. Pursuing the justifications of the fresh start policy, that bankruptcy law will prevent the incapacitation of individuals' productivity, reveals the possibility of a narrow exception to LaSalle's requirement of a market test for every new value plan.
Adenosine and Adrenergic Mediated Effects in the Heart

This chapter describes some of the observations that have led to the present understanding of the antiadrenergic actions of adenosine that occur via adenosine A1 receptor activation. Additional information and references can be found in other more extensive reviews (1,2). While adenosine has been viewed as a promising and potentially important molecule in the myocardium, recent work has not only elevated the significance of this molecule, but uncovered new functional roles as well. Because space is limited, it is impossible to cite many important reports.
Problem Solving and Multiplication of Rational Numbers--Three Old Devices.

for solving problems that require the mul tiplication of rational numbers. These devices can be characterized as "rule" rather than "reason." They are not in keeping with "modern" mathematics whose abstractness and generality abro gate such concrete and special methods. They are, however, of interest, since they show how arithmetic has changed, and they might be used for the amusement of teachers and students and possibly for enrichment.
Technology, education, and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract This study examines whether telecommunications infrastructure promotes economic growth in countries with better access to education compared to those with less access. Using a panel of 45 Sub-Saharan African countries from 1993 to 2015, the results using the fixed-effects, two-step feasible efficient generalized method of moments estimator indicate that in countries with better access to education, the Internet contributes to economic growth, while mobile phones do not seem to do so. These results suggest that while education is regarded as pivotal for the Internet, it seems to be irrelevant for mobile phone usage.
Racial differences in recurrent ischemic stroke risk and recurrent stroke case fatality

Objective To determine black-white differences in 1-year recurrent stroke and 30-day case fatality after a recurrent stroke in older US adults. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries with fee-for-service health insurance coverage who were hospitalized for ischemic stroke between 1999 and 2013. Hazard ratios for recurrent ischemic stroke and risk ratios for 30-day case fatality comparing blacks to whites were calculated with adjustment for demographics, risk factors, and competing risk of death when appropriate. Results Among 128,789 Medicare beneficiaries having an ischemic stroke (mean age 80 years [SD 8 years], 60.4% male), 11.1% were black. The incidence rate of recurrent ischemic stroke per 1,000 person-years for whites and blacks was 108 (95% confidence interval [CI], 106–111) and 154 (95% CI 147–162) , respectively. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio for recurrent stroke among blacks compared with whites was 1.36 (95% CI 1.29–1.44). The case fatality after recurrent stroke for blacks and whites was 21% (95% CI 21%–22%) and 16% (95% CI 15%–18%), respectively. The multivariable-adjusted relative risk for mortality within 30 days of a recurrent stroke among blacks compared with whites was 0.82 (95% CI 0.73–0.93). Conclusion The risk of stroke recurrence among older Americans hospitalized for ischemic stroke is higher for blacks compared to whites, while 30-day case fatality after recurrent stroke remains lower for blacks.
Digital Technology and the Variation in Design Routines: A Sequence Analysis of Four Design Processes

We advance a theory of design process variation across organizational types and the effects of digitalization on these processes. We argue that design routines are subject to greater variation within and between organizations as organizations embed increasingly rich repertoires of digital capabilities in their design activities. Using a sequence analysis method we compare design process variation in four organizations to examine how design routines vary due to differences in embedded digital capabilities and organization of the design process. Our analysis reveals new insights on the effects organizational context and digitalization have on design routine composition.
Characterizing the autoreactive B cell transcriptome.

Autoantibodies have been recognized and studied for decades, but evaluation of the cellular and molecular processes underlying autoantibody production has until now been fairly limited. Can the use of cutting-edge technology to isolate autoreactive B cells and characterize their transcriptional activity provide further insight?
The Research Instrument and Respondent Impressions of the Residential Environment

The neighborhood unit, its intended purposes and subsequent criticisms, were the starting place for our own efforts. As mentioned at the outset, however, we did not investigate the neighborhood unit per se based on our assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. Rather, we were able to examine its derivatives as manifested in existing built environments. Accordingly, we substituted the “residential area” as the subject of most of our queries to our respondents, hoping to avoid any loaded connotations or biases stemming from the use of the word neighborhood. Moreover, instead of telling our respondents what the term residential area encompassed, we let them tell us what it meant to them, so that we did not prejudge or predetermine the outcome. In this way, we hoped to tap the essence of the residential experience.
Modeling Relapse in Animals

Alcohol addiction is a chronically relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive alcohol seeking and use. Alcohol craving and long-lasting vulnerability to relapse present a great challenge for the successful treatment of alcohol addiction. Therefore, relapse prevention has emerged as a critically important area of research, with the need for effective and valid animal models of relapse. This chapter provides an overview of the repertoire of animal models of craving and relapse presently available and employed in alcoholism research. These models include conditioned reinstatement, stress-induced reinstatement, ethanol priming-induced reinstatement, conditioned place preference, Pavlovian spontaneous recovery, the alcohol deprivation effect, and seeking-taking chained schedules. Thus, a wide array of animal models is available that permit investigation of behaviors directed at obtaining access to alcohol, as well as neurobehavioral mechanisms and genetic factors that regulate these behaviors. These models also are instrumental for identifying pharmacological treatment targets and as tools for evaluating the efficacy of potential medications for the prevention of alcohol craving and relapse.
Revisiting slug calorimeters for hypersonics

Abstract This paper describes the first steps toward developing a highly-accurate multi-layered slug calorimeter for estimating the surface heat flux in high-enthalpy flows associated with hypersonic ground test campaigns. Slug geometry, material choices, test conditions, manufacturing method, mathematical modeling and instrumentation selection must be integrated into the design process in order to achieve the desired accuracy outcome. Integration is often overlooked in lieu of simplified data reduction equations that relate in-depth temperature measurements to the desired surface heat flux. Simplified models are often physics deficient and can lead to misleading interpretations. This paper illustrates the need for inclusive modeling in arriving at the data reduction equation for the heat flux gauge. Several important results are highlighted in this paper including the: (a) identification of data reduction model discrepancies; (b) significance of Volterra integral formulations for algorithm development; (c) implementation of a parameter-free preconditioner operated on data reduction model for low-pass filtering; (d) development of the approximation thread for uncertainty propagation; (e) achievement of stability through the future-time method; and, (f) extraction of the optimal regularization parameter through phase-plane and cross-correlation concepts for estimating the “best” heat flux.
Empowering the affected: Informing community-based solutions through interviews with survivors of interpersonal firearm violence-Perspectives of survivors of firearm injuries.

Background Firearm violence remains epidemic in the United States, with interpersonal gun violence leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Interpersonal violence has strong associations with social determinants of health, and community-specific solutions are needed to address root causes. We hypothesized that open-ended interviews with survivors of interpersonal firearm violence would identify themes in individual and community-level factors that contribute to ongoing violence. Methods Between July 2017 and November 2019, we performed a mixed-methods study in which qualitative and quantitative data were obtained from survivors of interpersonal firearm violence admitted to our urban level I trauma center. Qualitative data were obtained through semistructured, open-ended interviews with survivors. Quantitative data were obtained via survey responses provided to these same individuals. Qualitative and quantitative data were then used to triangulate and strengthen results. Results During the study period, 51 survivors were enrolled in the study. The most common cause of firearm violence reported by survivors was increased gang and drug activity (n = 40, 78%). The most common solution expressed was to reduce drug and gang lifestyle by offering jobs and educational opportunities to afflicted communities to improve opportunities (n = 35, 69%). Nearly half of the survivors (n = 23, 45%) believe that firearm violence should be dealt with by the affected community itself, and another group of survivors believe that it should be through partnership between the community and trauma centers (n = 19, 37%). Conclusion Interviews with survivors of firearm violence at our urban level I trauma center suggest that drug and gang lifestyle perpetuate ongoing violence and that this would best be overcome by improving access to quality education and job opportunities. To address endemic firearm violence in their communities, trauma centers should identify opportunities to partner in developing programs that provide improved education, job access, and conflict mediation. Level of evidence Prognostic and epidemiological, level I.
Simulation-Based Guided Inquiry Activity for Deriving the Beer-Lambert Law

The Beer–Lambert law is a core spectroscopic relationship widely used across the undergraduate chemistry curriculum and beyond. The derivation of this model is a common topic for upper-level chemistry courses. But, due to its abstract nature, this derivation can often seem like a mathematical exercise detached from the molecular origins of absorption. Here, we present an activity centered around a simulation of absorption using spheres and cylinders. By interacting with variables in the simulation in a guided-inquiry format, students can connect the submicroscopic interactions between photons and molecules with the mathematical relationships that ultimately give rise to the Beer–Lambert Law. The activity presented here was implemented as a virtual lab for a cohort of analytical chemistry students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our evaluation of student responses shows the promise of this activity for encouraging students to engage in the scientific practice of modeling the submicroscopic nature of absorption to understand the development of Beer’s Law. In addition, we discuss how patterns observed in student responses have informed improvements to the activity for future implementations and identify some additional learning contexts to which the interactive simulation can be applied.
Rubiacearum Americanarum Magna Hama Pars XLVIII: A New View of Palicourea sect. Axillares and Description of Some New Species (Palicoureeae)

Many of the species classified in Psychotria L. subg. Heteropsychotria Steyerm. (Rubiaceae), including the species of Psychotria ser. Axillares (Hook. f.) Steyerm., have been shown to belong to Palicourea Aubl. based on morphological and molecular characters. This section is now treated as Palicourea sect. Axillares (Hook. f.) Borhidi, and includes 14 species found from southern Central America through the Andes of northwestern and western South America with a center of diversity in eastern Colombia and western Venezuela. This section is characterized by the combination of laminar, well-developed, bilobed stipules and mostly capitate, pseudoaxillary or sometimes terminal, mostly sessile inflorescences with numerous well-developed bracts that enclose the flowers but without enlarged involucral bracts. It is circumscribed differently here than it is by Borhidi. The nomenclatural summary, key, and diagnostic discussions that separate the species included here are based on several new taxonomic circumscriptions. No infraspecific taxa are recognized in Pal. axillaris (Sw.) Borhidi, but one of its varieties from Venezuela is raised to species status as Pal. villipila (Steyerm.) C. M. Taylor. The circumscription of Pal. rosacea (Steyerm.) Borhidi is expanded, and four species are newly described here: Pal. aristata C. M. Taylor from the Andes of southern Ecuador, Pal. quibdoana C. M. Taylor from northwestern Colombia, Pal. santanderiana C. M. Taylor from the Andes of eastern Colombia, and Pal. winfriedii C. M. Taylor from northern Venezuela.
Empirical Research Considerations in Drama Therapy: A Response Essay

This essay responds to Sajnani’s chapter and forwards the dialogue by discussing empirical research considerations in the profession of drama therapy. The CoActive Therapeutic Theater model is presented as a potential viable form of how drama therapy is being manualized which would allow for the work to be replicated and studied through quantitative measurements.
Cross sectional association between cytomegalovirus seropositivity, inflammation and cognitive impairment in elderly cancer survivors.

PURPOSE The higher prevalence of cognitive impairment/ dementia among cancer survivors is likely multifactorial. Since both exposures to cytomegalovirus (CMV) and inflammation are common among elderly cancer survivors, we evaluated their contribution towards dementia. METHODS Data from 1387 cancer survivors and 7004 participants without cancer in the 2016 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) was used in this study. Two inflammatory biomarkers, C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), were used to create an inflammation score. We used survey logistic regression adjusted for survey design parameters. RESULTS CMV seropositivity was not associated with cognitive impairment among cancer survivors (p = 0.2). In addition, inflammation was associated with elevated odds of cognitive impairment (OR = 2.2, 95% CI [1.2, 4.2]). Cancer survivors who were both CMV seropositive and had increased inflammation had the highest odds of cognitive impairment compared to those who were CMV seronegative and had low inflammation (OR = 3.8, 95% CI [1.5, 9.4]). The stratified analysis among cancer survivors showed this association was seen only among cancer survivors in whom the cancer was diagnosed within three years of measurement of inflammation score and CMV serostatus (OR = 18.5; 95% CI [6.1, 56.1]). CONCLUSION The CMV seropositivity and high inflammation was associated with higher cognitive impairment among cancer survivors. The stronger associations seen among cancer survivors diagnosed within the last three years suggest that strategies to reduce CMV activation and inflammation during or immediately after cancer treatment may be important in reducing the prevalence of cognitive impairment/ dementia among cancer survivors.
SU-E-T-760: Tolerance Design for Site-Specific Range in Proton Patient QA Process Using the Six Sigma Model

Purpose: To show how tolerance design and tolerancing approaches can be used to predict and improve the site-specific range in patient QA process in implementing the Six Sigma. Methods: In this study, patient QA plans were selected according to 6 site-treatment groups: head &neck (94 cases), spine (76 cases), lung (89 cases), liver (53 cases), pancreas (55 cases), and prostate (121 cases), treated between 2007 and 2013. We evaluated a model of the Six Sigma that determines allowable deviations in design parameters and process variables in patient-specific QA, where possible, tolerance may be loosened, then customized if it necessary to meet the functional requirements. A Six Sigma problem-solving methodology is known as DMAIC phases, which are used stand for: Define a problem or improvement opportunity, Measure process performance, Analyze the process to determine the root causes of poor performance, Improve the process by fixing root causes, Control the improved process to hold the gains. Results: The process capability for patient-specific range QA is 0.65 with only ±1 mm of tolerance criteria. Our results suggested the tolerance level of ±2–3 mm for prostate and liver cases and ±5 mm for lung cases. We found that customized tolerance between calculated and measured range reduce that patient QA plan failure and almost all sites had failure rates less than 1%. The average QA time also improved from 2 hr to less than 1 hr for all including planning and converting process, depth-dose measurement and evaluation. Conclusion: The objective of tolerance design is to achieve optimization beyond that obtained through QA process improvement and statistical analysis function detailing to implement a Six Sigma capable design.
Abstract 18102: Safety and Efficacy of Triple versus Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy after Stent Implantation in Patients Requiring Chronic Anticoagulation: a Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

Introduction: The optimal anti-thrombotic strategy for patients requiring chronic anticoagulation and undergoing PCI remains unclear. Dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) alone is less effective for stroke prevention, yet triple therapy (TT) (dual anti-platelet plus warfarin) carries increased bleeding risk. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the benefits and risks of DAPT versus TT. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus was performed. Studies comparing all-cause mortality between patients using DAPT and TT were selected. Secondary end-points of MI, stent thrombosis, stroke and major bleeding were also evaluated. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using random effects model. Results: We identified 13 studies (n=14,994) that compared outcomes between TT and DAPT. The mean duration of follow-up ranged from 0.5 to 1.6 years. Indications for anticoagulation included atrial fibrillation (75.6%), prosthetic valve (1.2%), DVT/PE (0.9%), LV clot/prophylaxis (0.6%) and other (21.7%). There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality [pooled RR: 0.90 (0.59-1.35), p=0.60], MI [RR: 1.08 (0.63 - 1.87), p=0.77] or stent thrombosis [RR: 0.80 (0.34 - 1.93), p=0.63] among patients treated with TT, as compared to DAPT. However patients treated with TT had significantly lower risk of stroke [RR: 0.51 (0.28 - 0.91), p=0.02] and a significantly increased risk of major bleeding [RR: 1.55 (1.03 - 2.35), p=0.04]. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in Net adverse cardiovascular events (death, MI, stroke or major bleeding) between TT and DAPT [RR: 1.24 (0.85 - 1.81, p =0.26]. Conclusions: The beneficial effect of TT for stroke reduction is compromised by a relative increased risk of major bleeding. It is important to individualize care when choosing antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy for patients following stent implantation, with careful consideration of each patient’s individual risk for stroke and major bleeding. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif