cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
202 IMPACT OF METABOLIC SYNDROME ON LEFT VENTRICULAR MASS AND GEOMETRY IN YOUNG ADULTS: THE BOGALUSA HEART STUDY.

Background The geometric patterns of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) are of incremental importance to the magnitude of left ventricular (LV) mass as a predictor of cardiovascular (CV) risk. However, the role of metabolic syndrome, a constellation of CV risk factors, affecting LV mass and geometry in an otherwise healthy young adult population is unclear. Methods This aspect was examined in 830 asymptomatic individuals (mean age 36.5 years, 68.5% whites, 41% males) as part of the Bogalusa Heart Study. LV parameters were assessed by two-dimensional M-mode echocardiography according to the American Society of Echocardiography recommendations. Relative wall thickness was calculated as septal wall thickness plus posterior wall thickness divided by LV end-diastolic diameter. Results Individuals with metabolic syndrome (as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III) showed significantly higher LV mass, LV mass index, end-diastolic posterior wall thickness, septal thickness, relative wall thickness, LV end-diastolic diameter, and lower fractional shortening and E/A ratio than individuals without metabolic syndrome. With respect to metabolic syndrome components, individuals with eccentric or concentric hypertrophy showed higher values of metabolic syndrome risk factors compared with individuals with a normal geometric pattern, but no differences were noted between individuals with normal and concentric remodeling pattern of LVH. Of note, individuals with concentric versus eccentric hypertrophy showed significantly higher mean arterial blood pressure and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). LV mass index and relative wall thickness were significantly correlated to all components of metabolic syndrome. Moreover, after adjusting for age, race, gender, and antihypertensive medication use, metabolic syndrome was associated with a sixfold increase in LV mass index and a 2.6- fold increase in relative wall thickness; these associations remained significant even after adjusting for individual components of metabolic syndrome. Further, LV mass index and relative wall thickness increased with increasing number of metabolic syndrome risk factors, regardless of age, race, and gender (p for trend, Conclusion Metabolic syndrome is strongly related to LV mass and geometric patterns and exerts more adverse influence on LV structure than each of its components alone.
STUDY ON THE RELEVANCE BETWEEN PROSTAGLANDIN LEVEL AND THE VAS PAIN GRADE IN ACUTE PAIN PATIENT

OBJECTIVE: To determine corelation between the level of prostaglandin and the degree of acute pain caused by surgical injury.METHOD:80 cases of ASA I-II class selective gynecological surgery patients were randomly divided into: prostaglandin inhibition group(group K,n = 40),non-prostaglandin inhibition group(group N,n = 40).5 minutes before operation two groups of patients were intravenous injection of ketone Luo acid(Ketorolac) 30mg and isometrical normal saline,and then have hemospasia venous blood 2 mL at the end of surgery(t1),4h(t2) and 24h after(t3) operation.Radioimmunoassay was used to determine the plasma 6-Keto-PGFla concentration;and 4 h,24 h after surgery went on Evaluation of analgesia effection(VAS grade).RESULTS: ①The plasma 6-Keto-K PGFla concentration of N group was significantly higher than that of K group at different time points and there was statistical significance;② At different time points the VAS pain grade of N group was significantly higher than that of K group and there was statistical significance.CONCLUSION:The level of body prostaglandin has obvious relevance with the degree of acute pain of injured tissue caused by surgery.Inhibition of prostaglandin level can effectively control postoperative pain.
Design and Realization of Simulative Training System for Fire Fighting Operators

This paper analyzes the current situation of simulative training system of fire fighting operators,describes the necessity of establishing simulative training system of fire fighting operators.The framework of the system is provided,and the operation flow of the system is introduced,the simulative training system of fire fighting is achieved.The system provides a new and useful training tool for fire fighting operators to improve the effectiveness and accuracy of fire fighting command and dispatch,which responses to emergencies in a non real-time environment.
A Survey on AIDS/HIV Knowledge and Behaviors of MSM in Wuhu City

Objective To evaluate the status of AIDS/HIV knowledge and behaviors of MSM in Wuhu City,and provide reference for preventing AIDS epidemic among MSM.Methods MSM HIV/AIDS related knowledge,high-risk behaviors and the incidence rate of syphilis before and after intervention were analyzed comparatively by the first and the second cross section survey.Results 1551 MSM were investigated.Before and after intervention,the awareness rates of MSM HIV/AIDS related knowledge were 67.26%,77.53% respectively.The rates of condom use in last anal intercourse with their sexual partner recently were 49.71% and 61.17% respectively.The rates of condom use in the last 6 months anal intercourse with their sexual partner recently were 24.89% and 27.80% respectively,and there was a remarkable difference of condom use before and after intervention(P0.05).HIV infection rates were 0.89% and 0.77% respectively,the incidence rates of syphilis were 1.11% and 2.77% respectively.Conclusion After the intervention,the levels of HIV/AIDS related knowledge and behaviors were enhanced significantly among MSM.
On Hirata-Azumaya Galois Extensions

Let B be a Hirata separable and an Azumaya Galois extension of B G with Galois group G. Then several characterizations of such a B are shown, and an equivalent condition is given for such a B satisfying the fundamental theory.
SOME APPLICATIONS OF ISOTOPIC SULFUR

Applications of sulfur isotopes to organic chemistry fall into two categories: isotope effects in reactions involving C—S 34 vs. C—S 32 , bonds, and tracer work involving the radioactive S 35 . Among reactions which have been examined for S 34 /S 32 isotope effects are the formation and decomposition of bisulfite addition compounds, displacement reactions of phenyl 2,4-dinitrophenyl sulfone, elimination reactions of sulfonium salts, and the Tschugaev reaction. The most extensive tracer application of the radioactive isotope of sulfur, S 35 , has been in persulfate-induced polymerizations. Isotopic labeling has been employed to follow the uptake by polymer of various components of the reaction mixture such as persulfate, elemental sulfur, bisulfite and mercaptans. Chain-transfer constants have been evaluated and molecular weights of polymers determined by use of S 35 -labeling.
Mentoring in an International Professional Development Program

As the link to postsecondary education and socioeconomic well-being strengthens globally, interest has developed in adopting the US community college model. The US community college model provides a mix of access, fluidity, and interactivity with industry that lends itself to development of curricula that meet the needs of multiple populations, varying lengths, and with recognized value in the workplace (Raby 2009). The driving forces that lead to international interest in the US community college include institutional adaptability, workforce development, an egalitarian ideal, and a student-centered orientation that is not always found in traditional higher education instructional methods (Valeau 2009). Approaches to adoption of the US community college include opportunities for study, faculty, and administrative professional development in US community colleges by international colleagues.
Where Strings Came From and What They Are

It is not possible to cover all the developments of string theories in four lectures. Moreover, not everyone in this audience is working on strings, which makes it difficult to select a level of presentation that might be interesting to the experts, and at the same time be pedagogically helpful to those who would like to learn some of the basics of string theory. Thus, it is necessary to restrict severely the topics, and I have done so with the nonexperts in mind. To indicate the level, I am told that I should not assume knowledge of the Nambu action [1], although many of you certainly know it in detail. So, in discussing general string formalism, I will omit technical details and many important topics and, instead, attempt no more than a qualitative description. When discussing compactification, I will describe the simplest toroidal schemes, including some of the Lie algebraic background. Nothing will be said about Calabi-Vau manifolds, which have been so interesting in the context of the heterotic string.
PAROTID FLUID COMPOSITION IN HEALTHY AGING MALES

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the link between age and parotid saliva composition in healthy aging males. The composition of human parotid saliva is primarily dependent on the acinar and duct cell secretory and resorption capacity. In an experiment described in the chapter, a vacuum-maintained metal collection device was positioned over the orifice of Stensen's duct. The subject was given a sour-lemon flavored lozenge, and a one-minute acquaintance interval of stimulation was permitted to clear the collection apparatus and to allow the gland to adjust to the stimulus. The electrolyte composition of human parotid saliva is dependent upon the net flux of water and electrolytes that are transported across the epithelium at any particular secretory rate. The decrease in parotid calcium might reflect a variety of physiologic conditions associated with aging. While there is little information relative to general body calcium metabolism to provide an insight regarding the physiological processes responsible for this change, the possibility exists that the decreasing calcium levels are associated with age-related changes in protein synthesis.
Effectiveness of Corticosteroid Injections for Treatment of de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis:

Background: Although surgery can provide definitive treatment for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, nonoperative treatment could be preferable if symptoms are predictably relieved. We sought to determine the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections as treatment for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis and to evaluate patient characteristics as predictors of treatment outcome. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using our institutional database International Classification of Disease, version 9 (ICD-9) code list for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Treatment success was defined as relief of symptoms after 1 or 2 injections. Relief was defined as resolution or improvement to the extent that the patient did not seek further intervention. Failure was defined as a subsequent surgical release or a third injection. Logistic regression analyses were performed to look for univariate associations between patient demographics/comorbidities and risk of treatment failure. Results: The treatment outcome of 222 limbs from 199 ...
Abstract B07: Advocacy for an underserved minority: Patient navigation for Latino cancer survivors

Background: Latino cancer survivors experience an unequal burden of unmet needs following treatment. These include issues involving psychological issues, health care, wellness and ultimately, survival. Study Design: Redes En Accion: The National Latino Cancer Research Network and LIVESTRONG partnered to conduct a randomized control trial utilizing trained, bilingual, bicultural patient navigators to improve wellness and access to psychosocial services among non-metastatic Latino cancer survivors from Texas and Chicago. The trial tests the efficacy of patient navigation (PN) in improving general and disease-specific quality of life (QoL), treatment compliance, and identification of mechanisms that may promote quality of life. The study involves a 2 X 4 randomized repeated measures design with an experimental condition (combined PN over three months with access to the LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center [LCNC] services [PN+LCNC]) versus a control condition (PN only) as the between-groups factor, and time-point (baseline/pre-randomization [T1]; post-PN [3-months post T1; T2], and 6 [T3] and 12 months [T4] follow up after T2) as the within groups factor. The unique combination of PN plus LCNC survivorship services is anticipated to show dramatic improvement in survivor-related measures. Results: LCNC provides free, bilingual support to U.S. cancer survivors throughout the cancer journey. It also refers survivors to services addressing their medical, economic and psychosocial needs, and monitors client contact and access outcomes. PN services are based on direct services provided by patient navigators, including but not limited to, securing transportation for clinic appointments, interpreting, completing complex medical forms, etc. Study implementation, needs assessment, community based participatory research, recruitment accrual to date, learned lessons, PN services offered, and referral to and effectiveness of the LCNC program and preliminary quality of life data analysis will be presented. Conclusions: Limited work has addressed the psychosocial needs of Latino cancer survivors. Culturally sensitive patient navigation (PN) could address these needs and significantly improve cancer survivorship. The results of the study will have immediate clinical relevance that could potentially highlight the importance of having patient navigators readily available to assist survivors within a clinic setting improving patients9 overall health outcomes and screening compliance. Citation Format: Amelie Ramirez, Sandra L. San Miguel, Edgar Munoz, Kip Gallion, Arely Perez, Leo Castillo, Sarah R. Arvey, Frank Penedo. Advocacy for an underserved minority: Patient navigation for Latino cancer survivors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B07.
Quasi-biweekly oscillations of the South Asian monsoon and its co-evolution in the upper and lower troposphere

The Upper Tropospheric Quasi-Biweekly Oscillation (UQBW) of the South Asian monsoon is studied using the potential vorticity field on the 370 K isentrope. The UQBW is shown to be a common occurrence in the upper troposphere during the monsoon, and its typical evolution is described. We suggest that the UQBW is a phenomenon of both the middle and tropical latitudes, owing its existence to the presence of the planetary-scale upper-tropospheric monsoon anticyclone. The UQBW is first identified as Rossby waves originating in the northern flank of the monsoon anticyclone. These Rossby waves break when reaching the Pacific Ocean, and their associated cyclonic PV anomalies move southward to the east of Asia and then westward across the Indian Ocean and Africa advected by the monsoon anticyclone. A strong correlation, or co-evolution, between the UQBW and quasi-biweekly oscillations in the lower troposphere (QBW) is also found. In particular, analysis of vertically-integrated horizontal moisture transport, 850 hPa geopotential, and outgoing long-wave radiation show that the UQBW is usually observed at the same time as, and co-evolves with, the lower tropospheric QBW over South Asia. We discuss the nature of the UQBW, and its possible physical link with the QBW.
Binding-Interface Dynamics between Calmodulin and its Targets Revealed using Nonperturbative Infrared Probe Groups

Calmodulin (CaM) binds to a wide array of natural targets, and most of these binding interactions have not been characterized structurally. The artificial SCN functional group was placed at chosen sites on both a target peptide of CaM and on CaM itself to characterize site-specific details of the binding between these two species. The infrared CN stretching band of the probe group reports mainly on solvent exposure, and reveals a dynamic distribution of environments at each chosen site that report directly on the bound conformational distribution of CaM and its partner. Dramatic site-specific changes are seen when CaM is free of calcium ions, saturated with calcium ions, or bound to the target peptide. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments indicate surprisingly that the SCN probe group does not substantially perturb binding thermodynamics, even when placed at “key” hydrophobic sites. New insights into CaM-target binding will be discussed, as will the prospects for application of this versatile and non-perturbative probe methodology to otherwise uncharacterized CaM-target interactions and other protein-protein binding interfaces.
Modeling slip system strength evolution in Ti-7Al informed by in-situ grain stress measurements

Abstract Far-field high-energy X-ray diffraction microscopy is used to asses the evolution of slip system strengths in hexagonal close-packed (HCP) Ti-7Al during tensile deformation in-situ. The following HCP slip system families are considered: basal 〈 a 〉 , prismatic 〈 a 〉 , pyramidal 〈 a 〉 , and first-order pyramidal 〈 c + a 〉 . A 1 mm length of the specimen's gauge section, marked with fiducials and comprised of an aggregate of over 500 grains, is tracked during continuous deformation. The response of each slip system family is quantified using ‘slip system strength curves’ that are calculated from the average stress tensors of each grain over the applied deformation history. These curves, which plot the average resolved shear stress for each slip system family versus macroscopic strain, represent a mesoscopic characterization of the aggregate response. A short time-scale transient softening is observed in the basal 〈 a 〉 , prismatic 〈 a 〉 , and pyramidal 〈 a 〉 slip systems, while a long time-scale transient hardening is observed in the pyramidal 〈 c + a 〉 slip systems. These results are used to develop a slip system strength model as part of an elasto-viscoplastic constitutive model for the single crystal behavior. A suite of finite element simulations is performed on a virtual polycrystal to demonstrate the relative effects of the different parameters in the slip system strength model. The model is shown to accurately capture the macroscopic stress-strain response using parameters that are chosen to capture the mesoscopic slip system responses.
Pathfinders On-Line

Abstract For decades, print pathfinders have complemented card catalogs and been useful reference tools. They're overlooked as components of on-line catalogs, even though they can extend the depth of the catalog. To encourage librarians to consider integrating pathfinders into on-line catalogs, the authors discuss problems in OPAC searching, describe the value and styles of pathfinders, and illustrate how to include them in a NOTIS system.
Associations Between Health Literacy and Health Behaviors Among Urban High School Students.

BACKGROUND Health literacy is crucial to develop health-related knowledge, adopt healthy lifestyles, and benefit from health care services. However, research on the association between health literacy and adolescent health outcomes, particularly on their prospective associations, is rare. We assessed health literacy using 3 validated measures, and examined cross-sectional and prospective associations between health literacy and adolescent health behaviors and outcomes. METHODS We conducted a short-term prospective study of 250 adolescents (mean age = 14 years; 57% female; 48% African American) who were entering or in the ninth grade in an urban school district. Health literacy was assessed by individual interviews at baseline, and health-related behaviors and outcomes were assessed by a paper-and-pencil survey at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up. RESULTS Nearly half of the sample was reading at least 2 grades below expected levels. Lower baseline health literacy was associated with a lower self-rating of general health, unhealthier diet, heavier weight, and greater engagement in problem behaviors and sexual behaviors at baseline. Lower baseline health literacy also was associated with a greater increase in substance use over time. CONCLUSIONS Results point to the pressing need to improve health literacy in urban high school students.
Energy Market Design for Renewable Resources: Imbalance Settlements and Efficiency–Robustness Tradeoffs

This paper examines optimal energy market bidding behavior for stochastic resources when energy imbalance payments are determined endogenously from market clearing conditions. Some electricity markets require wind producers to settle day-ahead offers based on their real-time energy production. This is usually justified by economic and cost-causation principles, without considering the effects of these policies on curtailment and system balancing costs. Under these real-time settlement requirements, demand and wind forecast errors impact the effective penalty price, so strategic behavior affects the penalty price paid by producers. This paper formulates a two-stage game where producers place energy bids in the day-ahead market and then choose a curtailment level in real-time, and it derives the symmetric subgame perfect equilibrium strategy for producers. It details how supply curve convexity and resource correlation can lead wind producers to bid conservatively even when they are not risk averse. The results show that market-based pricing mechanisms improve tradeoffs between system efficiency and mean squared bid error as compared to the case where penalty levels are determined by alternative policies, suggesting additional benefits of market-based penalty prices beyond those previously studied.
How Do Virus–Mosquito Interactions Lead to Viral Emergence?

Arboviruses such as West Nile, Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever viruses have become highly significant global pathogens through unexpected, explosive outbreaks. While the rapid progression and frequency of recent arbovirus outbreaks is associated with long-term changes in human behavior (globalization, urbanization, climate change), there are direct mosquito–virus interactions which drive shifts in host range and alter virus transmission. This review summarizes how virus–mosquito interactions are critical for these viruses to become global pathogens at molecular, physiological, evolutionary, and epidemiological scales. Integrated proactive approaches are required in order to effectively manage the emergence of mosquito-borne arboviruses, which appears likely to continue into the indefinite future.
Construction of CRISPR Libraries for Functional Screening

Identification of gene function has been aided by the ability to generate targeted gene knockouts or transcriptional repression using the CRISPR/CAS9 system. Using pooled libraries of guide RNA expression vectors that direct CAS9 to a specific genomic site allows identification of genes that are either enriched or depleted in response to a selection scheme, thus linking the affected gene to the chosen phenotype. The quality of the data generated by the screening is dependent on the quality of the guide RNA delivery library with regards to error rates and especially evenness of distribution of the guides. Here, we describe a method for constructing complex plasmid libraries based on pooled designed oligomers with high representation and tight distributions. The procedure allows construction of plasmid libraries of >60,000 members with a 95th/5th percentile ratio of less than 3.5.
SCINTILLATION DECAY TIMES AND RELATIVE SENSITIVITIES WITH ULTRAVIOLET LASER EXCITATION

Abstract An ultraviolet laser with a 2 ns pulse width was used to determine decay times and relative sensitivities of scintillating materials which have been found particularly useful in the vacuum ultraviolet spectral region.
Resistances and their Measurements

Electric current is the flow of charged particles. In order to contribute to the current, the charged particles must be free to move. In metals the carriers of electricity are negatively charged free electrons. In semiconductors such as silicon there are two types of carriers, namely free electrons and positive holes. If silicon, a group IV element, is doped with elements of the fifth group, such as arsenic or phosphorus, the concentration of free electrons increases while the concentration of holes decreases. In this case silicon becomes n-type, since it contains electrons as majority carriers and holes as minority carriers. When silicon is doped with elements of the third group, such as boron, it becomes p-type with holes as majority carriers and electrons as minority carriers. At room temperature the carriers have enough thermal energy to keep in constant but random motion as illustrated in figure 1.1.
Risk of Bias and Quality of Evidence for Treatment of ADHD With Stimulant Medication.

Storebo et al. provide a concise summary of two Cochrane reviews about benefits and harms of treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with methylphenidate: (1) a review of 185 randomized controlled trials that estimated benefits (e.g., moderate-to-large reduction in teacher-rated ADHD symptoms) and (2) a review of 260 nonrandomized trials that estimated harms (e.g., infrequent serious but frequent nonserious adverse events). They also mention (without providing much detail) additional information from the structured Cochrane method about the risk for bias in the trials reviewed (assessed as being high) and quality of evidence of the outcomes considered (rated as being very low). This led to the conclusion that "the jury is still out on benefits and harms." A similar conclusion of the first review generated an extensive debate in the literature. Some details will be summarized and discussed herein to provide context in case the recent review and the summary by Storebo et al. revive the debate.
Analysis of styrene maleic acid alternating copolymer supramolecular assemblies in solution by small angle X-ray scattering

Abstract Over the past decade, Styrene Maleic Acid alternating copolymers (SMA) have gained interest as an alternative to detergent solubilization for the isolation of integral membrane proteins. The formation of SMA lipid particles (SMALPs) presents a novel opportunity to isolate the proximal membrane environment, encompassing and throughout membrane proteins in vitro. Neither the organization or structure of SMAs in an aqueous buffer nor the mechanism by which SMA transforms the membrane bilayer into a SMALP is known. This study investigates the shape and size of diverse SMA polymer complexes/aggregates in solution at various pH, ionic strength, SMA concentration and temperature, analyzed by small angle X-ray scattering. It is clear that SMAs of differing physicochemical properties (styrene to maleic acid ratio, length of copolymer fragments and functionalization) display highly variable sizes/shapes in solution over a range of environmental conditions. The SMA supramolecular aggregates exhibit similar prolate ellipsoidal geometry of varying size, dependent on the degree of hydrophobicity of the SMA copolymer. At elevated temperature, particles composed of SMAs enriched in styrene increase in both radius of gyration and maximum particle diameter. Interestingly, we observe a correlation between the SMALP dimensions and that of native membranes. Future work will investigate if there may be a complimentary relationship between SMA aggregate dimensions and bilayer thickness (and/or protein transmembrane domain thickness), similar to what has been observed for tandem facial amphiphiles.
Analysis of laser and detector placement in MIMO multimode optical fiber systems

Multimode fibers (MMFs) offer a cost-effective connection solution for small and medium length networks. However, data rates through multimode fibers are traditionally limited by modal dispersion. Signal processing and Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) have been shown to be effective at combating these limitations, but device design for the specific purpose of MIMO in MMFs is still an open issue. This paper utilizes a statistical field propagation model for MMFs to aid the analysis and designs of MMF laser and detector arrays, and aims to improve data rates of the fiber. Simulations reveal that optimal device designs could possess 2–3 times the data carrying capacity of suboptimal ones.
3-D Face Alignment Using A Convolutional Point-Set Representation

We present a robust method for estimating the facial pose and shape parameters with a Projected Normalized Coordinate Code (PNCC), a derived image where each pixel is annotated with its corresponding vertex position in a generic 3D model. The method relies on a Convolutional Point-set Representation (CPR), a carefully designed feature map that extracts useful information encoded in pairs or triplets of vertices of PNCC. To estimate the shape and pose parameters, different CPRs are designed to represent mutually independent pose and shape parameters. The CPRs are then fed into multiple convolutional networks (with recurrent layers) in a sequential manner based on the transformation order of weak-perspective projection model to predict the target parameters. Reprojection errors are sampled along a predicted direction and the parameters are updated based on the pattern of reprojection errors. This technique boosts the model’s capability to find a local minimum under challenging scenarios. It is also demonstrated that CPRs obtained from different sources can be merged and contribute to outperforming the current state-of-the-art solutions for 3D face alignment. Experiments indicate that the proposed CPRFA (CPR-based Face Alignment) significantly improves 3D alignment accuracy. Compared to 3DDFA, the proposed method reduces the normalized mean error on AFLW2000 and AFLW database by 25.3% and 20.2% respectively.
Compute cache for data parallel acceleration

The talk will start with an overview of our work Neural Cache architecture which is capable of fully executing convolutional, fully connected, pooling layers in-cache and also supports quantization in-cache. Then I will present a versatile Compute Cache architecture named Duality Cache, which re-purposes cache structures to transform them into massively parallel compute units capable of running arbitrary data parallel workloads including Deep Neural Networks. Our work presents a holistic approach to building Compute Cache system stack with techniques of performing in-cache floating-point and fixed-point arithmetic, transcendental functions, enabling SIMT execution model, designing a compiler that accepts existing CUDA programs, and providing flexibility in adapting for various workload characteristics. Exposure to massive parallelism that exists in Duality Cache architecture improves performance of GPU benchmarks by 3.6x and OpenACC benchmarks by 3.2x over server class GPU. Re-purposing existing caches provides 72.6x better performance for CPU with only 3.5% of area cost. Duality Cache reduces energy by 5.2x over GPU and 20x over CPU..
Integrated Micro-Photonics for Remote Earth Science Sensing (Impress) Lidar

We present recent progress on a wavelength tunable, pulsed laser source for laser spectroscopy of CO 2 at 1572 nm. An integrated photonics design in indium phosphide (InP) is presented and compared to a fiber-component-based implementation. Significant improvement in size, weight and complexity is demonstrated.
Performance-Based Assessment of Social Cognition in Borderline Versus Psychotic Psychopathology

Abstract. Individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) are known to display deficits in social cognition (SC). Our sample comprised 81...
An Approach to Robotic Testing of the Wrist Using Three-Dimensional Imaging and a Hybrid Testing Methodology.

Robotic technology is increasingly used for sophisticated in vitro testing designed to understand the subtleties of joint biomechanics. Typically, the joint coordinate systems in these studies are established via palpation and digitization of anatomic landmarks. We are interested in wrist mechanics in which overlying soft tissues and indistinct bony features can introduce considerable variation in landmark localization, leading to descriptions of kinematics and kinetics that may not appropriately align with the bony anatomy. In the wrist, testing is often performed using either load or displacement control with standard material testers. However, these control modes either do not consider all six degrees-of-freedom (DOF) or reflect the nonlinear mechanical properties of the wrist joint. The development of an appropriate protocol to investigate complexities of wrist mechanics would potentially advance our understanding of normal, pathological, and artificial wrist function. In this study, we report a novel methodology for using CT imaging to generate anatomically aligned coordinate systems and a new methodology for robotic testing of wrist. The methodology is demonstrated with the testing of 9 intact cadaver specimens in 24 unique directions of wrist motion to a resultant torque of 2.0 N·m. The mean orientation of the major principal axis of range of motion (ROM) envelope was oriented 12.1 ± 2.7 deg toward ulnar flexion, which was significantly different (p < 0.001) from the anatomical flexion/extension axis. The largest wrist ROM was 98 ± 9.3 deg in the direction of ulnar flexion, 15 deg ulnar from pure flexion, consistent with previous studies [1,2]. Interestingly, the radial and ulnar components of the resultant torque were the most dominant across all directions of wrist motion. The results of this study showed that we can efficiently register anatomical coordinate systems from CT imaging space to robotic test space adaptable to any cadaveric joint experiments and demonstrated a combined load-position strategy for robotic testing of wrist.
Severe Neovascular Glaucoma Exacerbation as a Complication of Carotid Artery Stenting: A Case Report.

Introduction:Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) has been rarely reported as an acute complication of carotid endarterectomy, but there is scant literature available regarding this potential condition follo...
Hamamu: Specializing FPGAs for ML Applications by Adding Hard Matrix Multiplier Blocks

Designing efficient hardware for accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications is a major challenge. Rapidly changing algorithms and neural network architectures make FPGA based designs an attractive solution. But the generic building blocks available in current FPGAs (Logic Blocks (LBs), multipliers, DSP blocks) limit the acceleration that can be achieved. We propose Hamamu, a modification to the current FPGA architecture that makes FPGAs specialized for ML applications. Specifically, we propose adding hard matrix multiplier blocks (matmuls) into the FPGA fabric. These matmuls are implemented using systolic arrays of MACs (Multiply-And-Accumulate) and can be connected using programmable direct interconnect between neighboring matmuls to make larger systolic matrix multipliers. We explore various matmul sizes ($2\times 2\times 2$, $4\times 4\times 4$, $8\times 8\times 8$, $16\times 16\times 16$) and various strategies to place these blocks on the FPGA (Columnar, Surround, Hybrid). We find that providing $4\times 4\times 4$ hard matrix multiplier blocks in an FPGA speeds up neural networks from MLPerf benchmarks by up to $\sim 3.9x$, compared to a Stratix-10 like FPGA with equal number of MACs, same MAC architecture and high DSP:LB ratio. Although the flexibility of the FPGA will reduce for non-ML applications, an FPGA with hard matrix multipliers is a faster, and more area efficient hardware accelerator for ML applications, compared to current FPGAs.
Determination of phthalate esters in breast milk before and after frozen storage in milk storage bags

This study describes the migration of 20 phthalates from breast milk storage bags to breast milk after storage frozen for 1 to 6 months. Analysis of the investigated phthalates was performed by GC-...
Prevention and Treatment of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV): A Review of Current Recommendations and Emerging Therapies

Postoperative nausea and vomiting is one of the most frequent adverse events after surgery and anesthesia. It is distressing for the patient and can lead to other postoperative complications. Management of PONV involves a framework of risk assessment, multimodal risk reduction, and prophylactic measures, as well as prompt rescue treatment. There has been a significant paradigm shift in the approach towards PONV prevention. There have also been several emerging therapeutic options for PONV prophylaxis and treatment. In this review, we will discuss the up-to-date PONV management guidelines and highlight novel therapeutic options which have emerged in the last few years.
Information Theory for Human and Social Processes.

Ever since its earliest years, information theory has enjoyed both a promising and complicated relationship with the social sciences [...]
A Year Unlike Any Other: A Letter to VLA’s Membership

In this President’s letter to the Virginia Library Association membership, the author reflects on a challenging year. We saw libraries across Virginia close in the spring as we tried to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. COVID-19 has changed a lot about how we deliver services in libraries, but it has not changed our mission or our desire to serve our communities. And while many of VLA’s events, including the 2020 Annual Conference, had to be cancelled, VLA continued to move new initiatives and projects forward, including changes to the structure of the Lifetime Membership award, new affiliation with the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, approval of a new VLA logo, and the awarding of the 2020 VLA Presidential Citation. The author closes with an invitation to VLA members to the 2021 VLA Annual Conference in October.
Effect of Dose of GnRH Used in the Ovsynch System on AI Pregnancy Rates in Beef Cows

Estrous synchronization advances have the potential to dramatically increase the utilization of artificial insemination (AI) in beef cattle operations. Ultimately, the level of usefulness of these programs and AI in general will be the cost effectiveness of programs which are developed. Programs involving the use of GnRH and prostaglandins have been reported that allow for acceptable pregnancy rates using timed insemination and thus dramatically reducing handling, a significant deterrent to AI in beef cattle. One such scheme, Ovsynch, has utilized 100mg of GnRH for each of two injections in the scheme. Research conducted with dairy cattle has suggested that 50 mg GnRH provides similar pregnancy rate outcomes. Beef cow reproduction is significantly different than dairy reproduction due to different body composition, lactational demands and typical nutritional provision. If a lower dose of GnRH produces similar pregnancy outcomes, a significant economic advantage to the program would result. This trial was designed to compare the outcome of the four different combinations of 50 mg and 100 mg of GnRH in Ovsynch protocols.
Understanding patrons' participation in activities at entertainment malls: A study in “flow”

Purpose – This paper aims to apply concepts from “flow” paradigm to examine factors contributing to participation in entertainment and shopping activities at, and future patronage intent toward, entertainment shopping malls.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 342 consumers via mall intercepts conducted at two major entertainment shopping malls located in major metropolitan areas in the US states of Arizona and California. A self‐administered questionnaire was provided to subjects to complete while shopping at the mall. Data analysis was conducted using standard error of mean.Findings – Supporting flow theory, results suggest that future mall patronage intention is most directly influenced by participation in mall entertainment activities followed by shopping activities. Entertainment and shopping participation are indirectly and positively influenced by patrons' intrinsic motivations, freedom of choice to patronize the mall, and perceptions of challenges and skills in participating in m...
Accompanying the Student: the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm and Prior Learning

At the University of San Francisco’s School of Management (SoM), working adults enrolled in our Bachelor of Science in Management degree completion program participate in a process of experience and reflection that prepares them, as our slogan proclaims, to “change the world from here.” Before our working adult students take a management or business class, they are introduced to a process we call the Interdisciplinary Studies Assessment (ISA), a prior learning opportunity that is distinctive for how it works within an Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP) that recognizes that learning is a lifelong journey that can take place in a variety of settings. Through the ISA, students get credit not for life experience but credit for learning from life experience as demonstrated in the composition of course equivalent essays.
GridInfo: a graphical Grid monitoring tool in Java

Grid computing is increasingly used by organizations to achieve high performance computing. These Grids may span several countries. As a result of this, they may be difficult to monitor and manage. This paper aims at providing a real-time, multi-platform Grid monitoring tool. GridInfo monitors resources such as CPU and memory in a real-time manner. We monitor resource usage for processes on individual machines or a cluster. All the information is displayed using real-time graphs. GridInfo supports multiple operating systems. A combination of TCP and UDP is used for communications to ensure reliability and low network load. Data is stored and transmitted in XML form. Swing is used as the framework for the GUI. C is used for system level programming and Java for application level programming.
Substrate inhibition of fibrin-dependent plasminogen activation by tissue-type plasminogen activator.

Abstract Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) is a poor activator of plasminogen, but its catalytic efficiency is greatly enhanced in the presence of fibrin or certain fibrin derivatives. These two very different rates of plasminogen activation provide a basis for the phenomenon of substrate inhibition, which was the subject of the present study. The reaction mixture contained Glu-plasminogen (0-4.0 microM), +/- D-dimer (0.06-1.0 microM), t-PA (0.05-50.0 nM), and S2251 (1.5 mM). Inhibition of the reaction at higher plasminogen concentrations was seen at lower concentrations of t-PA (< 1.0 nM) and D-dimer (< 0.5 microM). The maximum rate of plasminogen activation occurred at 0.2 microM Glu-plasminogen but then decreased progressively above this concentration. At a physiological concentration of plasminogen (2.0 microM), activation was about half that at 0.2 microM. This phenomenon was shown not to be related to Glu-plasminogen aggregation or to a non-competitive inhibiting contaminant. Instead, the non-linear Lineweaver-Burk curve in the presence of D-dimer was consistent with substrate inhibition. Increasing the concentration of D-dimer (1.0 microM) and/or t-PA (50 nM) overcame the inhibition and reestablished linearity in the Lineweaver-Burk plots. However, at the higher concentrations of t-PA, the catalytic efficiency was reduced by 50-120-fold, suggesting that t-PA may be less efficient at pharmacological than at physiological concentrations. In conclusion, substrate inhibition in t-PA-induced plasminogen activation is reported for the first time. This phenomenon was confined to low concentrations of t-PA and D-dimer in the presence of physiological concentrations of plasminogen. The observation suggests that small fibrin clots (hemostatic plugs) may be more resistant to t-PA-induced lysis than an occlusive thrombus.
Kleptoparasitic interactions throughout the animal kingdom and a re-evaluation, based on participant mobility, of the conditions promoting the evolution of kleptoparasitism

Understanding of the conditions encouraging the evolution of kleptoparasitism has been limited by the preponderance of attention focused on a limited number of taxa (predominantly birds). However, most animal taxa contain kleptoparasitic members. In many ways, adult birds are aberrant because most are acrobatic, capable of three-dimensional movement, and steal from hosts that are capable of similar feats. The mobility of kleptoparasites and their hosts falls along a continuum, with the acrobatic birds at one end and sessile hosts and kleptoparasites at the other. Considering sedentary systems requires amendments to the criteria previously outlined as necessary for kleptoparasitism. Kleptoparasitic interactions between agile participants are ephemeral, involve numerous hosts over the lifetime of the kleptoparasite, and usually rely on vision. Large concentrations of hosts and large, high-quality food items are important in mobile systems. By contrast, the long-term, intimate associations of sedentary interactions demand that the host not consume the kleptoparasite's offspring and that the host must either have a longer life cycle than the kleptoparasite or be located in aggregations that have staggered life cycles (so the kleptoparasite can move to a new host when the original host dies). Expanding studies of kleptoparasitism to other taxa will differentiate between the selective pressures and evolutionary responses that are universal among kleptoparasitic symbioses and those that are restricted to certain groups. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 93, 745–762.
Evidence for Regulation of Cholesterol and Fatty Acid Synthesis in Liver by Cyclic Adenosine 3',5'-Monophosphate

Abstract Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate at 5 x 10-5 m decreased the incorporation of [2-14C]acetate into fatty acid (36 ± 5%) in rat liver slices. Concentrations of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate of 5 x 10-3 m and higher decreased cholesterol synthesis by more than 80%. The dibutyryl analog of the nucleotide produced a similar significant inhibition of fatty acid synthesis and cholesterol synthesis, but at concentrations up to 100-fold less. Metabolic evolution of CO2 was not significantly depressed at any concentration of either nucleotide. The data indicate that cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate may be involved in regulating acetyl-CoA incorporation into de novo fatty acid and cholesterol in a specific manner in mammalian liver.
Tying Context to Post-Adoption Behavior with Information Technology: A Conceptual and Operational Definition of Mindfulness

Although there are numerous explanations of why users behave in specific ways toward information technologies, recent work in social psychology suggests that holistic traits such as awareness and openness are potentially important explanatory variables in technology behavior theories. In this paper, we examine the multi-dimensional construct of mindfulness and its applicability to the domain of IS research. Drawing from the social psychology literature, we adapt the notion of mindfulness and its dimensions – alertness to distinction, openness to novelty, orientation in the present, and awareness of multiple perspectives – to the domain of information systems. In doing so, we place mindfulness within the broader nomological net related to individual level decisions about information technology. Also, we present preliminary explanations for how mindfulness converges with and discriminates from existing constructs in the information systems literature. Finally, we present an initial domain-specific measure of mindfulness and assess the psychometric properties of the proposed measure. Using data collected from 318 subjects with Internet Applications as the target technology, analysis indicates that the operational measures have acceptable psychometric properties and confirmatory factor analysis supports the proposed multidimensional structure. Implications for practice and research are offered.