cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coordinating processor and main memory for efficientserver power control

With the number of high-density servers in data centers rapidly increasing, power control with performance optimization has become a key challenge to gain a high return on investment, by safely accommodating the maximized number of servers allowed by the limited power supply and cooling facilities in a data center. Various power control solutions have been recently proposed for high-density servers and different components in a server to avoid system failures due to power overload or overheating. Existing solutions, unfortunately, either rely only on the processor for server power control, with the assumption that it is the only major power consumer, or limit power only for a single component, such as main memory. As a result, the synergy between the processor and main memory is impaired by uncoordinated power adaptations, resulting in degraded overall system performance. In this paper, we propose a novel power control solution that can precisely limit the peak power consumption of a server below a desired budget. Our solution adapts the power states of both the processor and memory in a coordinated manner, based on their power demands, to achieve optimized system performance. Our solution also features a control algorithm that is designed rigorously based on advanced feedback control theory for guaranteed control accuracy and system stability. Compared with two state-of-the-art server power control solutions, experimental results show that our solution, on average, achieves up to 23% better performance than one baseline for CPU-intensive benchmarks and doubles the performance of the other baseline when the power budget is tight.
The decentralized Wald problem

Abstract Two detectors making independent observations must decide which one of two hypotheses is true. The decisions are coupled through a common cost function. It is shown that the detectors' optimal decisions are characterized by thresholds which are coupled and whose computation requires the solution of two coupled sets of dynamic programming equations. An approximate computation of the thresholds is proposed and numerical results are presented.
Evaluation of a line probe assay kit for characterization of rpoB mutations in rifampin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from New York City.

A commercial line probe assay kit (Inno-LiPA Rif.TB) for rapid identification of mutations in the rpoB gene associated with rifampin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis was evaluated with a collection of 51 rifampin-resistant strains. Nine distinct rpoB mutations were identified. Concordances with automated sequence results for five wild-type kit probes and four probes for specific mutations were 94.1 and 100%, respectively. Overall concordance of the line probe assay kit with phenotypic rifampin susceptibility testing results was 90.2%.
Search for large extra dimensions using dielectron and diphoton events in pp collisions at √s = 1.8 TeV

Arkani-Hamed, Dimopoulous, and Dvali have proposed a model of low-scale quantum gravity featuring large extra dimensions. In this model, the exchange of Kaluza-Klein towers of gravitons can enhance the production rate of electron and photon pairs at high invariant mass in proton-antiproton collisions. The amount of enhancement is characterized by the parameter ${M}_{S}$, the fundamental Planck scale in the bulk extra dimensions. We have searched for this effect using $100\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{pb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ of diphoton data and $110\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{pb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ of dielectron data collected with the Collider Detector at Fermilab at $\sqrt{s}=1.8\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$ during the 1992\char21{}1996 run. In the absence of a signal, we place 95% confidence-level limits on ${M}_{S}$ of $905\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}/{c}^{2}$ and $826\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}/{c}^{2}$, for the case of constructive and destructive graviton interference, respectively.
Heterogeneous material modelling and virtual prototyping with 5-DOF haptic force feedback for product development

In this paper, we present a haptic force rendering modelling for heterogeneous soft-material product design and virtual prototyping. Techniques of both geometric and physical modelling of deformable heterogeneous materials are presented for virtual prototyping and product development. Haptic interactive forces and torques are calculated based on the deformation of heterogeneous materials with different material properties. A lab-built 5-DOF (Degree Of Freedom) haptic force-torque feedback interface is developed to allow the user to maneuver and test the virtual product models built for product development. The proposed techniques can be used in design and product evaluation, virtual prototyping, and other Virtual Reality (VR) applications where soft materials are involved.
Molecular Study of Mouse Peri-Implantation Development Using the In Vitro Culture of Aggregated Inner Cell Mass

To study the mechanisms of mouse peri-implantation development, we explored the in vitro culture of the isolated inner cell mass (ICM) of the blastocyst. As previously reported, individually cultured ICM recapitulated several early embryological events, such as the formation of primitive endoderm, epiblast, and proamniotic cavity. However, we found that the timing and efficiency of these morphogenetic processes significantly varied among the ICM. Due to this unpredictability in developmental potential, in- dividually cultured ICM may be unsuitable for further analysis. By contrast, we found that when five ICM were fused into a single mass, such aggregates (5� ICM) underwent efficient and synchronous mor- phogenesis. The synchronous nature of 5� ICM development was also demonstrated by the temporal and spatial pattern of apoptotic cell death. TUNEL assay showed that a number of the epiblast cells committed apoptosis in 48 hr of culture, which took place after primitive endoderm differentiation but prior to proamniotic cavity formation. In situ hybridization analysis showed that Oct4 was downregulated and a-fetoprotein was upregulated in the primitive en- doderm of the cultured 5� ICM. In addition, RT-PCR analysis revealed the expression of various primitive endodermal genes, but not of extraembryonic ectoder- mal markers in the cultured 5� ICM. Taken together, we propose that the 5� ICM is a useful in vitro tool to study the mechanisms of peri-implantation develop- ment of the mouse embryo. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 83-90, 2004. 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
IL-4 induction of IgE class switching by lipopolysaccharide-activated murine B cells occurs predominantly through sequential switching

Resting murine B cells activated with bacterial LPS co-express membrane (m)IgG1 and mIgE upon stimulation with IL-4. In this report, we combine both cellular and molecular approaches to elucidate the mechanism underlying this co-expression. We demonstrate that an anti-IgG1 antibody specifically and selectively inhibits IgE secretion (approximately 70%) by LPS + IL-4-stimulated B cells, which provides functional evidence for mIgG1 expression by precursors of IgE-secreting cells. The IgG1 and IgE secretory responses are separated temporally by approximately 16 h, with IgE production developing later than IgG1. A similar delay is observed in the appearance of mIgE+ cells suggesting that class switching to IgG1 precedes that to IgE. In the sort-purified, mIgG1+mIgE+ B cell population approximately 25% of cells expressed cytoplasmic (c) (secretory) IgG1 and approximately 15% expressed cIgE at the time of their isolation. However, only a small percent of the mIgG1+mIgE+ cells co-expressed cIgG1 and cIgE, further suggesting a temporal separation in IgG1 and IgE secretion within individual cells, but indicating that single cells can co-secrete these two Ig isotypes. Furthermore, the absolute level and rate of increase of IgG1 secretion by mIgG1+mIgE+ cells, upon their isolation and reculture, is lower than that for mIgG1+mIgE- cells suggesting a loss of CH gamma 1 expression in the former population. Analysis of total, unselected circular DNA excision products in LPS + IL-4-activated B cells demonstrates that most, if not all, of the DNA encoding the IgG1 constant heavy gene (CH gamma 1) (i.e., products of a class switch to IgE) have been rearranged. Collectively this data provides strong evidence at both the cellular and molecular level that the predominant mode of switching to IgE in response to in vitro stimulation by LPS + IL-4 is from IgM to IgG1 to IgE.
PS3-6: Blood Safety Continuous Active-Surveillance Network Feasibility Evaluation (Blood-SCAN)

Background/Aims In 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created the Blood Safety Continuous Active-Surveillance Network (Blood-SCAN), the first nationwide active surveillance system for monitoring the safety of FDA-regulated blood components and blood-derived products. Blood-SCAN employs the Mini-Sentinel Distributed Database (MSDD) which contains 126 million individuals within 17 Data Partners. Blood-SCAN is intended to augment the existing safety surveillance system and improve US biovigilance efforts. As a first step in creating Blood-SCAN, we assessed the feasibility of using the current MSDD to evaluate blood component and blood-derived product exposures and related health outcomes.
When are victims unlikely to cooperate with the police

Data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) are used to examine the tendency for victims of physical assault, sexual assault, and robbery to refuse to cooperate with the police (N= 3,856,171). Analyses of physical assaults involving homosexual and heterosexual couples did not support the hypothesis that women attacked by their male partners are less likely to cooperate than victims of other assaults. Analyses of violent offenses more generally showed that victims of violence were more likely to refuse to cooperate if they knew the offender in any way than if the offender was a stranger. In the case of physical and sexual assault, these effects were mainly observed for minor incidents. Finally, victims of sexual assault were more likely to cooperate with the police than victims of physical assault. The findings suggest the importance of comparing the victim's reactions to intimate partner violence and sexual assault to their reactions to other offenses. Aggr. Behav. 9999:1-12, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en
Understanding Synthesis Across Disciplines to Improve Nursing Education

Nursing students must learn higher-order thinking skills of analysis and synthesis to manage complex data for decision making in healthcare. Teaching synthesis, however, is challenging and elusive due to lack of understanding of the concept and an explicit pedagogy for teaching it. A qualitative, multi-phased research project was designed to gain understanding of what synthesis is, how professionals acquire synthesis skills, and how to best teach synthesis. The first phase explored interdisciplinary descriptions of synthesis. Three focus groups were conducted, and interdisciplinary participants responded to several questions. Several themes emerged suggesting that synthesis depends on cognitive skills and competencies, situational and contextual factors, preparation and knowledge acquisition skills, interpersonal and interaction skills, and personal qualities. Participants also supported use of multi-modal teaching strategies to reinforce students' use of synthesis in learning. This project provided a beginning understanding of the synthesis process, revealing striking similarities in synthesis across professional disciplines.
Reading Bias in Textbooks: President James Buchanan and the Schoolbooks

Much of what people know about history, historical figures, and events come from their schoolbooks and their teachers’ explanations of these events. Many of the misconceptions about President Buchanan come from the fact that most textbook authors dismiss him as ineffective: thus rendering him a footnote to history. A random number of textbooks were surveyed for their treatment of the fifteenth President of the United States. These textbooks were published between 1871 and 2006. Most of these historical narratives reveal bias, misinformation, hearsay, rumors, and a cursory sketch of the historical figure. Such is the case of President James Buchanan.
Severe asthma - assessment and management : review article

Around 5% of asthmatics have severe or difficult-to-control asthma, but they utilise a disproportionate amount of healthcare resources. Asthma that is not responding to treatment may be classified as 'problematic severe asthma', which is subcategorised into 'difficult-to-treat asthma' and 'severe therapy-resistant asthma'. The former group includes co-morbid conditions, adherence and/or technique problems, environmental allergens or irritants, and psychosocial problems, which all have to be assessed and managed before invasive investigations are undertaken to exclude other diagnoses and before stepping up treatment. A staged approach to assessment and management of problematic severe asthma is suggested. Options for therapy include high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), combinations of ICS and other controller medications, and novel therapies such as anti-IgE monoclonal antibody. New advances involve phenotyping severe asthma and individualising treatment according to the phenotype.
O3-S5.03 High-dose valacyclovir decreases plasma HIV-1 levels more than standard dose acyclovir in HIV-1, HSV-2 positive persons: a randomised, crossover trial

Background Standard doses of HSV suppressive therapy reduce plasma HIV-1 levels (0.25-0.5 log10 copies/mL) among HIV-1/HSV-2 co-infected persons, and modestly slow disease progression. Putative mechanisms for this effect include direct inhibition of HIV-1 by acyclovir or indirect reduction by decreasing HSV-associated inflammation. We hypothesised that higher-dose anti-HSV therapy would result in greater reduction in plasma HIV-1 RNA, and that the effect would be mediated by greater suppression of HSV shedding. Methods 34 participants with HIV-1 and HSV-2 who were not on antiretroviral therapy were enrolled into a randomised, open-label cross-over trial with valacyclovir 1000 mg twice daily or acyclovir 400 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. After a 2 week wash-out, they were crossed over to the alternate treatment arm for 12 weeks. HSV PCR was performed on self-collected genital swabs obtained daily during the first 4 weeks of each treatment period. Plasma HIV-1 RNA was measured weekly throughout the study. Results Among the 26 participants who completed both arms of the study, the mean age was 44; 21 were men. At entry, mean CD4 count was 525 cells/mm3 (range, 242–1055) and mean plasma HIV-1 RNA 3.9 log10 copies/ml (range 1.2–5.5). The mean plasma HIV RNA was 3.86 log10 copies/ml during acyclovir administration compared with 3.57 log10 copies/ml on valacyclovir; a 0.29 log10 copies/ml reduction (p=0.002). One week after initiation of valacyclovir, plasma HIV RNA decreased by a mean of 0.40 log10 copies/ml. Valacyclovir reduced HIV-1 RNA by ≥0.25 log10 copies/ml in 14 (54%) participants, compared with 3 (12%) on acyclovir. Neither the HSV shedding rate (8.92% vs 8.98% of days, p=0.94), nor the genital lesion rate (4.3% vs 1.1%; p=0.18) differed on acyclovir vs valacyclovir. Conclusions High-dose valacyclovir reduces plasma HIV-1 RNA levels more effectively than standard dose acyclovir in HIV-1, HSV-2 seropositive persons not receiving antiretroviral therapy. High dose valacyclovir does not provide more potent suppression of HSV reactivation in HIV-1 infected persons than acyclovir, suggesting that the effect of valacyclovir on HIV-1 RNA may not be mediated via HSV suppression.
Peri-anesthetic management for newborn infant under laparoscopic surgery

【Objective】To search the way of peri-anesthetic management for newborn infants under laparoscopic surgery, achieve the gaols of stable and quick induction, suitable depth of anesthesia, stable haemodynamics and rapid regain. 【Methods】 158 newborn infants with congenital malformations of digestive tract were divided into 2 groups. Group A (78 patients) under pyloromyotomy received sevoflurane inhalation combined with intravenous anes-thesia for induction and maintenance. Group B (80 patients) patients with macrocolon, biliary atresia or choledo-chocyst under laparoscopic surgery received sevoflurane inhalation combined with intravenous anesthesia for induc-tion and maintenance (58 patients were combined with epidural anesthesia). The effect of anaesthesia, time of pa-linesthesia, hemodynamics changes between the two groups were compared and analyzed. 【Results】 With statisti-cally significant differences (P 0.05), the operation time [(21.3±9.9) min] and pneumoperitoneum time [(14.7±10.3) min] in group A were shorter than those in group B, which were (98.1±38.6) min and (72.9±29.1) min. But both of them had the advantages of little tract excretion, stable hemodynamics, satisfactory anaesthesia, and shorter palines-thesia time compared to traditional general anaesthesia; and had no significant differences in palinesthesia time and extubation time (P 0.05). 【Conclusion】Intravenous-inhalational anesthesia for laparoscopic surgery in neonates shows little stimulus in respiratory tract, quick induction, few adverse reaction, rapid regain and is safe and effective.
Studies on Dilational Rheological Viscoelasticity of Surfactant HY—3

Through the sinusoidal oscillation program of pendant bubble/drop area,Tracker automatic droplet interfacial tension instrument made by the French I.T.CONCEPT was used to measure surface/interfacial dilational rheological viscoelasticity of anionic surfactant (foaming agent) HY—3 solution with the method of drop shape analysis.Influence factors of dynamic surface tension and surface dilational viscoelasticity modulus were investigated with the method of bubble (drop) expansion and compression.The results demonstrate that,the surface tension of HY—3 solution decreased with the concentration of HY—3 increased until the concentration reached critical micelle concentration (CMC);surface tension of HY—3 solution reduced along with the temperature increases,which is beneficial to improve stability of liquid film.On the contrary,the surface dilational viscoelasticity modulus increases gradually with the surfactant concentration increased.But when the surfactant concentration reaches up to the CMC,the surface dilational viscoelasticity modulus began to decrease.With the frequency of expansion increases,the surface dilational viscoelasticity modulus increases,the mechanical strength of liquid film intensifies,the capacity for self-repair strengthenes,which resultes in the deformation resistant of foam system is enhanced.Therefore,foam stability showes a upward trend.
Extended Image Method to Determine the Underground DC Current Distribution of HVDC Transmission Systems Under Peninsula Geological Conditions

Using the positive power function transformation,three-dimensional space was turned into two-dimensional space,and the concept of extended image method was put forward.Thereby,mathematical expressions for surface potential calculation under peninsula geological conditions were deduced.Subsequent analyses indicate that,the surface resistivity of the upper layer soil significantly affects the surface potentials,and the surface potential gradient increases as the coastline inclination angle reduces.In addition,the closer the earthing pole is to the coastline,the quicker the surface potentials will descend.Computations for ±660 kV Ningdong-Shandong HVDC project verify the effectiveness of the proposed method,and the results show that the peninsula geology results in evident impacts on the underground DC currents in some substations nearby,and necessary measures should be taken to suppress the DC bias effects.
Dose-dependent changes in sulfamethazine kinetics in rapid and slow isoniazid acetylators

The pharmacokinetics of sulfamethazine (SMZ) was studied in 44 healthy volunteers. After an oral dose of 10 mg/kg we found the usual distribution of rapid and slow acetylators. The differences in the t1/2s between the phenotypes were not due to variations in renal clearance. Repeat studies at this dose showed very little intraindividual variation in t1/2s. After a 40 mg/kg dose there was an increase in the t1/2 of SMZ in every subject. The implications of these results on methods of phenotyping are discussed.
Preparing the "Ground War" against tobacco among Chinese Americans in New York City: baseline data.

OBJECTIVES The objective of this paper is to report on data on the perceptions regarding smoking and environmental tobacco smoke as well as the health communication patterns of a representative sample of 715 adult Chinese families with children under age 18 who had not banned smoking in the home. METHODS We selected a representative sample of Chinese American families residing in New York's five boroughs: Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island based on Chinese family surnames and interviewed them by telephone between December 2000-March 2001. All except 4% of the interviews were conducted in English; most respondents chose to speak Cantonese and lesser numbers chose Mandarin. FINDINGS For the most part, respondents believed in the hazards of smoking, especially as it harms children living at home. To address smoking, respondents believed the physicians is the most trustworthy source of health information and the sources of health information consulted would be overwhelmingly the Chinese language newspaper, followed by Chinese language radio and television. CONCLUSIONS This study represents the first systematic assessment of Chinese Americans in New York with regard to selected tobacco control issues. The findings provide the empirical base for developing potential messages using the source considered most trustworthy (the physician) and the vehicle most consulted (Chinese language media).
Gene Transfer Techniques in Whole Embryo Cultured Post-implantation Mouse Embryos

Gene transfer techniques such as electroporation and lipofection are powerful systems for investigating gene function. In this chapter we focus on the methods and applications of gene transfer into specific cells and tissues of post-implantation mouse embryos.
Effects of El Niño-driven changes in wind patterns on North Pacific albatrosses.

Changes to patterns of wind and ocean currents are tightly linked to climate change and have important implications for cost of travel and energy budgets in marine vertebrates. We evaluated how El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-driven wind patterns affected breeding Laysan and black-footed albatross across a decade of study. Owing to latitudinal variation in wind patterns, wind speed differed between habitat used during incubation and brooding; during La Nina conditions, wind speeds were lower in incubating Laysan (though not black-footed) albatross habitat, but higher in habitats used by brooding albatrosses. Incubating Laysan albatrosses benefited from increased wind speeds during El Nino conditions, showing increased travel speeds and mass gained during foraging trips. However, brooding albatrosses did not benefit from stronger winds during La Nina conditions, instead experiencing stronger cumulative headwinds and a smaller proportion of trips in tailwinds. Increased travel costs during brooding may contribute to the lower reproductive success observed in La Nina conditions. Furthermore, benefits of stronger winds in incubating habitat may explain the higher reproductive success of Laysan albatross during El Nino conditions. Our findings highlight the importance of considering habitat accessibility and cost of travel when evaluating the impacts of climate-driven habitat change on marine predators.
Reading the comments: likers, haters, and manipulators at the bottom half of the web

Reading the Comments is an exploration of the dark side of online comments in all their various forms. The author combines historical context with academic research, case studies, and personal expe...
Feeding ecology of the walleye (Percidae, Sander vitreus), a resurgent piscivore in Lake Huron (Laurentian Great Lakes) after shifts in the prey community

Recovering populations of piscivores can challenge understanding of ecosystem function due to impacts on prey and to potentially altered food webs supporting their production. Stocks of walleye (Percidae, Sander vitreus), an apex predator in the Laurentian Great Lakes, crashed in the mid-1900s. Management efforts led to recovery by 2009, but recovery coincided with environmental and fish community changes that also had implications for the feeding ecology of walleye. To evaluate potential changes in feeding ecology for this apex predator, we assessed diets in the main basin of Lake Huron and in Saginaw Bay, a large embayment of Lake Huron, during 2009–2011. Walleye switched their diets differently in the main basin and Saginaw Bay, with non-native round goby (Gobiidae, Neogobius melanostomus) and rainbow smelt (Osmeridae, Osmerus mordax) more prevalent in diets in the main basin, and invertebrates, yellow perch (Percidae, Perca flavescens) and gizzard shad (Clupeidae, Dorosoma cepedianum) more prevalent in diets in the bay. Feeding strategy plots indicated that there was a high degree of individual specialisation by walleye in the bay and the main basin. Bioenergetic simulations indicated that walleye in Saginaw Bay need to consume 10%–18% more food than a walleye that spends part or all of the year in the main basin, respectively, in order to achieve the same growth rate. The differences in diets between the bay and main basin highlight the flexibility of this apex predator in the face of environmental changes, but changes in diet can alter energy pathways supporting piscivore production.
Super-scaled InP HBTs for 150 GHz circuits

The development of InP heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) with the emitter feature size less than 0.25 /spl mu/m is described. The key technical challenges in scaling to this dimension are reviewed and the technology approaches are enumerated. The development of these super-scaled InP HBTs is expected to enable mixed signal circuits with clock speeds in excess of 100 GHz.
Measuring Five Dimensions of Religiosity Across Adolescence

This paper theorizes and tests a latent variable model of adolescent religiosity in which five dimensions of religiosity are interrelated: religious beliefs, religious exclusivity, external practice, private practice, and religious salience. Research often theorizes overlapping and independent influences of single items or dimensions of religiosity on outcomes such as adolescent sexual behavior, but rarely operationalizes the dimensions in a measurement model accounting for their associations with each other and across time. We use longitudinal structural equation modeling with latent variables to analyze data from two waves of the National Study of Youth and Religion. We test our hypothesized measurement model as compared to four alternate measurement models and find that our proposed model maintains superior fit. We then discuss the associations between the five dimensions of religiosity we measure and how these change over time. Our findings suggest how future research might better operationalize multiple dimensions of religiosity in studies of the influence of religion in adolescence.
Optimization of electrospray ionization conditions to enhance formation of doubly protonated peptide ions with and without addition of chromium(III).

Rationale Production of multiply protonated ions by electrospray ionization (ESI) is important to the analysis of peptides by mass spectrometry. For small neutral and acidic peptides, addition of chromium(III) greatly increases the intensity of doubly protonated ions. The current study examines instrumental and solution parameters that maximize peptide ion charge by ESI. Methods The neutral and basic heptapeptides AAAAAAA (A7) and AAAKAAA (A3KA3) were used as test compounds and electrosprayed from a solution containing chromium(III) nitrate at a peptide to metal molar ratio of 1:10. Positive ion mode experiments were performed on a Bruker HCTultra PTM Discovery System quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. Source voltages and drying/nebulizer gases were systematically altered. The effects of rinsing, brand, and color of plastic microcentrifuge tubes (vials) employed were also investigated. Results Nebulizer gas pressure and drying gas flow rate are crucial parameters for production of [M + 2H]2+, while drying gas temperature alone has minimal effect. Optimization of the capillary exit and skimmer voltages are important both to maximize [M + 2H]2+ and reduce unwanted ion dissociation. Protonation is enhanced and fewer impurity peaks are observed when solutions are prepared in colorless plastic vials that have been rinsed briefly with propan-2-ol (isopropanol). Conclusions Optimization of instrument and sample preparation factors for enhanced protonation with and without Cr(III) is necessary to allow maximum formation of [M + 2H]2+. Proteomics researchers should find these procedures to be of use for increasing multiply protonated signal intensity even in the absence of Cr(III).
Adoption of Black children by White parents in heterosexual and homosexual relationships: Exploring mental health trainees' explicit and implicit attitudes

ABSTRACTWe investigated 163 (82.2% female; 73% White; and 91.4% heterosexual) mental health trainees' explicit and implicit attitudes toward heterosexual, lesbian, and gay White couples adopting and raising Black children. Explicit attitudes were assessed with a vignette depicting a Black child in need of a home. Implicit attitudes were assessed with the multifactor implicit association test (IAT) protocol. Explicit data showed that most participants indicated no strong family preference. However, IAT data showed that most trainees had implicit preference, with a moderate preference for lesbian couples over heterosexual couples and a moderate-to-strong preference for lesbian couples over gay couples. The trainees only demonstrated a very weak preference for heterosexual couples over gay couples. Overall, congruence between explicit and implicit is very low. Implications for training are discussed.
The Relationship Between Regional Anesthesia and Cancer: A Metaanalysis

Background: Some studies have suggested using epidural analgesia after cancer surgery to reduce metastasis. This article examines the relationship between regional anesthesia (RA) and cancer metastasis in an array of cancers. Methods: We conducted a review of the literature using PubMed and included 67,577 patients across 28 studies in a metaanalysis, evaluating the hazard ratios (HRs) of overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and biochemical recurrence-free survival. Results: We found no benefit to RA as it relates to cancer. The HR was 0.92 for overall survival, 1.06 for recurrence-free survival, and 1.05 for biochemical recurrence-free survival. Despite the overall analysis showing no benefit, we found some benefit when we evaluated only the randomized trials. However, we found no significant benefit of RA when we evaluated the cancers (gastrointestinal, prostate, breast, and ovarian) individually. Conclusion: This metaanalysis shows that RA has no overall survival, recurrence-free survival, or biochemical recurrence-free survival benefit. However, some individual studies have shown significant benefit in terms of cancer recurrence. Further, RA reduces the use of opioids, which has led to some secondary benefits. Further studies are needed to establish the benefits of RA as it relates to cancer.
Development and application of a 2-electron reduced density matrix approach to electron transport via molecular junctions.

Can an electronic device be constructed using only a single molecule? Since this question was first asked by Aviram and Ratner in the 1970s [Chem. Phys. Lett. 29, 277 (1974)], the field of molecular electronics has exploded with significant experimental advancements in the understanding of the charge transport properties of single molecule devices. Efforts to explain the results of these experiments and identify promising new candidate molecules for molecular devices have led to the development of numerous new theoretical methods including the current standard theoretical approach for studying single molecule charge transport, i.e., the non-equilibrium Green’s function formalism (NEGF). By pairing this formalism with density functional theory (DFT), a wide variety of transport problems in molecular junctions have been successfully treated. For some systems though, the conductance and current-voltage curves predicted by common DFT functionals can be several orders of magnitude above experimental results. I...
Comparison study of displacement estimation methods for microwave ablation procedures using electrode displacement elastography

Minimally invasive procedures such as microwave ablation (MWA) are growing in popularity as a substitute for surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinomas. Ultrasound electrode displacement elastography (EDE) has demonstrated the potential to provide a feasible non-ionizing approach for monitoring the region of thermal necrosis. We present results on a comparison of the contrast, signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios for two displacement estimation algorithms; namely the Quality-Guided Displacement Tracking (QGDT) and the Coupled Subsample Displacement Estimation (CSDE) methods. Twenty patients with EDE strain images estimated from the same radiofrequency frame pair using both algorithms are presented. CSDE depicts well delineated ablated regions, while QGDT in many instances depicts noisy boundaries. Quantitatively, the SNR, contrast, and CNR obtained using CSDE were higher than those obtained with QGDT. The axial SNR, contrast, and CNR for QGDT were found to be 34.6 ± 11.9 dB, 7.8 ± 4.2 dB, and 2.7 ± 6.4 dB, while the CSDE presented with values of 56.9 ± 20.4 dB, 22.5 ± 12.3, and 3.8 ± 2.5 dB, respectively. This study indicates that EDE using CSDE provides improved strain images however, both approaches produced reproducible results.
The successful salvage of a thrombosed pancreatic graft at the early postoperative period of a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation

Abstract Introduction Simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant is the preferred treatment option for end-stage renal disease due to type 1 diabetic nephropathy. Vascular complications are detrimental to graft survival and can lead to graft loss in the early postoperative phase of transplantation. Generally, duplex Doppler ultrasound is used for vascular patency monitoring and pancreatectomy followed by re-transplantation is required in the majority of cases. Recently, pancreatic graft salvage with non-operative management, including medical anticoagulation and endovascular thrombectomy, in the early postoperative period has been described with success. Presentation of case We report a case of early detection of pancreas venous graft thrombosis via clinical suspicion and radiological methods, and early intervention with endovascular thrombolysis. As a result, the pancreatic graft was successfully salvaged. Discussion A limited number of studies had showed successful graft salvage in only 30–45% of thrombosed pancreatic graft with surgical thrombectomy. Our patient also had bleeding from the vascular access site and ultimately required blood transfusion, however she recovered well after procedure. Conclusion Given the complexity and significance of PVGT, urgent and prompt treatment is necessary. Interpreting outcomes from our case and other small studies, it appears that endovascular pharmacomechanical thrombectomy can be a vital tool to salvage graft organs in those receiving SPK.
Drivers of persistent infection: pathogen-induced extracellular vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced by invading pathogens and also by host cells in response to infection. The origin, composition, and function of EVs made during infection are diverse and provide effective vehicles for localized and broad dissimilation of effector molecules in the infected host. Extracellular pathogens use EVs to communicate with each other by sensing the host environment contributing to social motility, tissue tropism, and persistence of infection. Pathogen-derived EVs can also interact with host cells to influence the adhesive properties of host membranes and to alter immune recognition and response. Intracellular pathogens can affect both the protein and RNA content of EVs produced by infected host cells. Release of pathogen-induced host EVs can affect host immune responses to infection. In this review, we will describe both the biogenesis and content of EVs produced by a number of diverse pathogens. In addition, we will examine the pathogen-induced changes to EVs produced by infected host cells.
Algebraic Aspects of Formal Chemical Kinetics

It is striking how slight has been the impact of essentially mathematical ideas upon chemistry. Save in those reaches of the subject that are virtually identical with physics (e.g. quantum mechanics) the torch of foundations research has seldom been lit and the chemist has been far less aware than the physicist of the illumination that might be had from the concepts of rationality and structure that are the “euristic vision of mathematical trance” [1]. Such notions as the necessity and sufficiency of conditions, of similarity classes or of invariants wake but few echoes in the canyons of chemistry and attempts to explore the axiomatic strata that may be present in the chemical landscape have been rare. By comparison with physics, it has received scant attention from the philosophers of science, and, though such attentions are regarded by some as a mixed blessing, this has kept chemistry a little apart from the main intellectual current of natural philosophy. Thus, for example, there is no virtually no tract of it that rejoices in the clarity and coherence of the various physical theories that Bunge has axiomatized and considered in his “ Foundations of Physics” [2].
User-Centered Design Approaches for Web Mapping Applications: A Case Study with USGS Hydrological Data in the United States

A User-Centered Design (UCD) approach can facilitate the development of effective user interfaces and generate comprehensive map contents for web mapping applications and services. To create a successful web mapping application, all major system components (GIS databases, web map servers, and web map browsers) should satisfy the needs of users and fulfill the objectives of mapping services. Different countries may have different user needs and mapping objectives. This research proposes a five-stage developmental framework (based on UCD approaches) for two major components of web mapping services: web map user interface (functions) and web map display layers (map contents). The five-stage framework (strategy, scope, structure, skeleton, and surface) of a UCD approach can provide comprehensive guidelines and implementation procedures for GIS developers and cartographers. This chapter uses a real-world web mapping example in the United States to illustrate the five stage UCD framework. The example prototype illustrates the display needs of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) hydrologic data and the required GIS tasks for water resource managers. The web map prototype is evaluated by domain experts and users in the USGS to analyze the effectiveness of a web mapping toolset and interface. This research suggests that full adoption of a UCD approach will improve the quality of web mapping and provide more useful geospatial information services for various users.
Impact of room pooling and electronic health record on patient (pt) wait time, clinic work flow, and pts’/providers’ satisfaction.

e18191Background: Excessive pt wait time can have negative effect on clinic work flow and on pts/ providers satisfaction. Increasing pt volume and limited clinic capacity can lead to long wait time...
Safety and Tritium Applied Research Facility Annual Atmospheric Tritium Emissions

AbstractThe Safety and Tritium Applied Research (STAR) facility provides the capabilities and infrastructure to support tritium research activities important to fusion research and development. Atmospheric tritium emissions are an expected byproduct of STAR laboratory operations and are monitored in accordance with federal regulations. This paper describes the STAR facility Stack Tritium Monitoring System, presents and discusses the annual STAR facility tritium emissions from 2004 to 2017, and briefly describes ongoing efforts to reduce atmospheric tritium emissions from the facility stack. Modeling calculations indicate that STAR facility atmospheric tritium emissions do not pose any health threat to the maximum exposed individual member of the public.
Electroreductive dechlorination of γ-Hexachlorocyclohexane catalyzed by Rh2(dpf)4 in nonaqueous media, where dpf = N,N′-Diphenylformamidinate (1-) ion

Abstract The electroreductive dechlorination of γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane) was investigated in non-aqueous media using as a catalyst the dirhodium complex Rh2(dpf)4, where dpf = the anion of N, N′-diphenylformamidinate. Rh2(dpf)4 undergoes two reversible one-electron redox processes in pyridine and/or N,N′-dimethylformamide (DMF), corresponding respectively to Rh24+/Rh25+ and Rh24+/Rh23+. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical measurements indicate that lindane reacts with the Rh23+ center in singly reduced [Rh2(dpf)4]−, giving a transient carbon-bonded dirhodium complex along with Cl−. Further catalytic dechlorination of lindane subsequently occurs with the activity of Rh2(dpf)4 as a catalyst depending upon the solvent conditions. Rh2(dpf)4 shows a higher catalytic reduction current in pyridine than in DMF for the degradation of lindane. This catalytic current can be further enhanced if 6% water (v/v) is added to the pyridine solution. Bulk controlled-potential electrolysis combined with GC–MS verified that although the addition of water to the neat pyridine increased the catalytic activity of Rh2(dpf)4, neat pyridine is still a better solvent for the formation of more extensively dechlorinated products of lindane. In neat pyridine, lindane can be converted stepwise to tetrachlorocyclohexene, dichlorobenzene isomers, chlorobenzene and the fully dechlorinated product benzene, the last of which becomes predominant at the end of the electrolysis. In pyridine having 6% added water, other than those dechlorinated products seen above, trichlorobenzene isomers are formed upon lindane degradation. Meanwhile, the relative concentrations of dichlorobenzene isomers and chlorobenzene become higher, while the yield of benzene becomes lower than the corresponding results obtained in neat pyridine. Based on the measured distribution of the products under the different solvent conditions, an overall pathway for the degradation of lindane is proposed.
Thromboembolic Risk of 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate versus Fresh Frozen Plasma for Urgent Warfarin Reversal in the Emergency Department.

Author(s): Maguire, Michelle; Fuh, Lanting; Goldstein, Joshua N.; Marshall, Ariela L.; Levine, Michael; Howell, Melissa L.; Parry, Blair A.; Rosovsky, Rachel; Hayes, Bryan D. | Abstract: Introduction: Warfarin is a potent anticoagulant used for the prevention and treatment of venous and arterial thrombosis. Occasionally, patients require emergent warfarin reversal due to active bleeding, supratherapeutic international normalized ratio, or emergent diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. Various agents can be used for emergent warfarin reversal, including fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC). Both FFP and 4F-PCC are generally considered safe; however, both agents contain coagulation factors and have the potential to provoke a thromboembolic event. Although clinical trials have compared the efficacy and safety of FFP and 4F-PCC, data are limited comparing the risk of thromboembolism between the two agents.Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed at a single, urban, academic medical center comparing the incidence of thromboembolism with FFP or 4F-PCC for warfarin reversal during a three-year period in the emergency department (ED) at Massachusetts General Hospital. Patients were included in the study if they were at least 18 years of age and were on warfarin per electronic health records. Patients were excluded if they had received both FFP and 4F-PCC during the same visit. The primary outcome was the frequency of thromboembolism within 30 days of 4F-PCC or FFP. Secondary outcomes included time to thromboembolic event and in-hospital mortality.Results: Three hundred and thirty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. Thromboembolic events within 30 days of therapy occurred in seven patients (2.7%) in the FFP group and 14 patients (17.7%) in the 4F-PCC group (p=l0.001). Death occurred in 39 patients (15.2%) who received FFP and 18 patients (22.8%) who received 4F-PCC (p=0.115). Since the 4F-PCC group was treated disproportionately for central nervous system (CNS) bleeding, a subgroup analysis was performed including patients requiring reversal due to CNS bleeds that received vitamin K. The primary outcome remained statistically significant, occurring in four patients (4.1%) in the FFP group and nine patients (14.1%) in the 4F-PCC group (p=0.02).Conclusion: Our study found a significantly higher risk of thromboembolic events in patients receiving 4F-PCC compared to FFP for urgent warfarin reversal. This difference remained statistically significant when controlled for CNS bleeds and administration of vitamin K.
Seeing the Cell Wall in a New Light.

How cell expansion is controlled to achieve a specific cell morphology remains one of the frontier questions in plant biology. The carefully guided extension of the plant cell wall produces a remarkable variety of cell shapes, and in a larger context, creates the physical frame for the plant itself
A Rare Case of Prostatic and Bilateral Renal Abscesses Caused by Community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection

Gram-negative bacilli are usually implicated in the formation of prostatic abscesses (PA) which is a rare complication of prostatitis. However, PA methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a substantial cause of PA in recent years. Predisposing factors for MRSA prostatitis include immunocompromised states such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), uncontrolled diabetes, intravenous drug use (IVDU), urethral instrumentation, bladder outlet obstruction, preexisting prostatic disease, recent prostatic procedure, and chronic dialysis among others. MRSA PA should be promptly diagnosed and appropriately treated as delay in diagnosis can be detrimental. We present a case of a patient with a remote history of IVDU who developed simultaneous bilateral renal and PA caused by MRSA in the absence of MRSA bacteremia. Since our patient did not have the traditional risk factors for MRSA infection, we can argue that he was infected by the community-acquired strains of MRSA.