cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Tree of Trees: Using Campus Tree Diversity to Integrate Molecular, Organismal, and Evolutionary Biology

The tree of life provides a fundamental roadmap to understanding biodiversity, yet requires integration across scales of the biological hierarchy and a unique set of tree thinking skills. This combination can be challenging for undergraduates at the introductory level because of their preconceptions regarding distinct fields of biology compounded by the unique structure of phylogenetic trees. To address these two challenges while providing an undergraduate research opportunity, we developed an activity for introductory biology students that integrates molecular, organismal, and evolutionary biology. This activity relies on woody plant identification, comparative morphology, and DNA sequence analysis to teach students how to reconstruct and interpret phylogenetic trees. After building separate phylogenetic hypotheses using morphological characters and molecular data, they compare their results with a master Tree of Trees to identify instances of homology and homoplasy. After delivering this activity, the majority of students scored the activity as “helpful to very helpful” in increasing their understanding of these concepts. Overall, we deliver a framework for developing comparable Tree of Trees–type activities that leverage students9 interests in familiar organisms and requires them to span scales of the biological hierarchy while improving their tree thinking skills.
Walking the Walk or Just Talk?: A Global Examination of Men’s Intentions to Take Violence Preventative Action

ABSTRACTGiven the increasing prominence of both bystander-based approaches to gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and of proactively engaging men and boys to join efforts to end GBV, understandi...
C-C Bond Formation Via β-Addition with Oxygen Retention Reversal in Oxygenate Synthesis

Abstract The experimental data and theoretical calculations presented herein support the mechanism for C n + C 1 and C n + C 2 chain growth in oxygenate synthesis in which the efficient and dominant aldol addition with oxygen retention reversal is caused by bonding of alkoxide oxygen of the intermediate 1,3-keto-alkoxide to the alkali ion while the carbonyl group is released for hydrogenation by a cis-trans isomerization thereof. This isomerization is sterically suppressed by alkyl substituents on the carbonyl carbon, viz . in reactions of secondary alcohols or ketones. The role of alkali promoter is to activate the beta carbon of the reacting aldehyde or ketone and to add a second aldehyde. The heavy alkali render the cistrans keto-alkoxide transition more facile than light alkali, with the result that both the rate of the C-C bond formation and the selectivity of the path involving oxygen retention increase as the size of the alkali cation increases.
Conducting Qualitative Data Analysis: Qualitative Data Analysis as a Metaphoric Process.

In the second of a series of “how-to” essays on conducting qualitative data analysis, Ron Chenail argues the process can best be understood as a metaphoric process. From this orientation he suggests researchers follow Kenneth Burke’s notion of metaphor and see qualitative data analysis as the analyst systematically considering the “this-ness” of the data from the “that-ness” of the qualitative abstraction drawn about the data. To make this metaphoric pronouncement a convincing case to judges as to the veracity of the juxtaposition of the code to that which is coded, the analyst must employ a recursive process by showing the presence of the qualities of the unit of analysis in the product of the qualitative analysis as evidence of the quality of the analysis itself. This evidentially recursive act must be made overtly because in qualitative data analysis, the data do not speak for themselves. Key Words: Qualitative Data Analysis, Metaphor, Evidence, Unit of Analysis, Recursion, and Qualitative Research. Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) as a form of knowledge management is a matter of managing analytical processes to transform data into information and information into knowledge and knowledge into wisdom (Davenport & Prusak, 1998). In this fashion QDA combines both scientific rigor and artistic aplomb to produce a systematic and creative product. It also entails you as the researcher must manage yourself throughout the entire enterprise as you perfrom as the primary analytical instrument (Patton, 2002). It further means you need to concentrate on intricate and fine detail and at the same time, not lose sight of the big picture of the research project. Needless to say, QDA demands a wide range of skills and knowledge on your part, including the ability to write well when presenting the results of your QDA. In the simplest terms, QDA involves collecting quality talk, observations, and/or documents, and being able to talk about the talk, make observations about the observations, and/or document the documents along with the ability to talk about the talk about the talk, make observations about the observations about the observations, and/or document the documents about the documents. From this perspective QDA can be understood as both the analysis of the data and the analysis of the analysis of the data. Because of this study within a study structure, you must be able to manage your study, your study of your study, and yourself very well and you must also be able to re-present both processes efficiently and effectively in your presentations and publications. To become a competent qualitative data analyst, be it in the practice of basic descriptive (Sandelowski, 2000) or interpretive (Thorne, 2008) approaches; or designer approaches such as grounded theory (Charmaz, 2006), ethnography (Murchison, 2010), or phenomenology (Finlay, 2011), you will spend considerable amounts of your time learning how to work through transcripts and field notes noting undivided units of qualitative significance, naming these qualitative differences that make a difference,
Nicotine metabolite ratio predicts smoking topography: The Pennsylvania Adult Smoking Study.

Abstract Background The nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) as measured by the ratio of 3′hydroxycotinine to cotinine has been examined in relation to tobacco use patterns including cigarettes per day and quit success to determine its role in nicotine dependence. We examined the NMR in relation to smoking topography and tested the hypothesis that normal metabolizers have a greater total daily puff volume than slow metabolizers. Methods The Pennsylvania Adult Smoking Study (PASS) is a longitudinal study of 352 adults who smoked, on average, 17 cigarettes per day. Subjects used a portable smoking topography device over a two-day period at home and at work. We measured the ratio of 3′hydroxycotinine to cotinine in the saliva of the subjects. Results In multiple linear regression analyses, a higher rate of nicotine metabolism was significantly associated with increased daily puffs and total daily puff volume. In a mediation analysis, a significant, indirect effect of race on the relationship between NMR and puff volume was observed, with 22% of the effect mediated by white race. A higher NMR was also associated with female gender, white race, cigarettes per day and nicotine dependence measures. Conclusion The NMR was associated with tobacco use patterns including smoking topography. Faster nicotine metabolism was associated with greater total daily puffs and puff volume.
The Reception of Darwinism in Uruguay

The reception of Darwinism in Uruguay followed the familiar Latin pattern of a debate between positivist and religionist intellectuals in the late 1870s and 1880s, with a significant and interesting exception. Before the intellectual debate began, another debate over Darwin’s merits had already taken place among the cattle breeders who were members of the Asociacion Rural-the Rural Association. That organization had been founded in 1871 with the intent of stimulating the modernization of the agrarian sector. Among its 165 founding members were members of both political parties, cattlemen, industrialists, and lawyers, all of whom subscribed to the objectives of the Association. Fifty-three of the founders were foreigners, including twenty-one Englishmen and ten Frenchmen. The Association favored the “concourse of all ideas,” and its statutes prohibited any religious or politically motivated manifestation.1This explains, I believe, the surprisingly open debate over Darwinism in the pages of itsRevista, in its first twenty volumes. The Association’s library contains an almost complete collection of Darwin’s works, in the same French edition by Reinwald that influenced all sectors of the Uruguayan intelligentsia.2
Tables with More Structure

The hypothesis of independence is often just a straw man we — don’t really think that two factors are independent of each other, so rejection of independence isn’t very interesting. What would be more promising would be to be able to fit models that allow for some structure in the table. Depending on the form of the table, many such models are possible. These models allow for a general interaction term to be summarized using fewer than (I — 1) (J — 1) degrees of freedom (often, far fewer).
Opportunities for consumer-driven load shifting in commercial and industrial buildings

Abstract Commercial and industrial buildings are typically billed for both electricity consumption and peak 15-minute demand. While this rate structure does not motivate consumers to lower the grid peak demand, it does provide strong motivation for shifting load away from the site peak. However, the economic viability of site peak reduction depends greatly on typical building operations and will vary widely from one building to the next. This paper quantifies the potential that various building types have for site peak reduction using a database of 15-minute demand for buildings in Texas. The primary contribution of this paper is the identification of building types that stand to gain the most by exploiting 15-minute peak demand charges. The influence that site peak demand reduction has on the overall grid is also analyzed. This analysis of site peak reduction in buildings leads to several interesting conclusions. For example, site peak reduction is generally most difficult at industrial and healthcare buildings. On the other hand, grade schools (K-12) and hotels may reduce the site peak with relatively little effort. However, even widespread site peak reduction will only have a minimal effect on the overall grid peak. While buildings may obtain cost savings by reducing these transmission and distribution costs, utilities should consider modifying the retail rate structure in order to provide a direct motivation for consumers to reduce wholesale electricity prices.
Delivering on the Promise of Distributed Renewable Energy Entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa

This review of distributed renewable energy (DRE) entrepreneurship analyzes the market demand and unique market characteristics in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) that drive technology-enabled DRE entrepreneurial solutions through innovative business models. It further examines how policy and regulatory challenges need to be overcome for scale and impact. The unmet energy demand in SSA provides significant opportunities for DRE entrepreneurs to complement and/or substitute grid-based systems through renewable energy solutions. The characteristics of DRE solutions such as affordability, modularity, flexibility, and sustainability endow competitive advantages in small-scale price-sensitive market segments especially in rural and remote settings. The viability and scalability of business models in the DRE sectors are highly dependent on a conducive policy and regulatory-enabling environment. DRE entrepreneurs are disrupting energy markets by combining technologies in renewable energy, energy efficiency, mobile payment, and data management systems to meet energy demand especially in price-sensitive, rural and remote markets.
Chirp Sonar Remote Sensing for Ripples DRI and SAX04

Abstract : The long-term research objective is to develop a cost effective technique for mapping the top 20 meters of sediment properties using acoustic remote sensing and recent developments in modeling the physics of sediments acoustics. The procedures for remotely estimating the physical and acoustic properties of sediments are tested using sediment properties from core data and insitu measurements.
Off-Target Effects of Clozapine-N-Oxide on the Chemosensory Reflex Are Masked by High Stress Levels.

Respiratory chemosensory circuits are implicated in several physiological and behavioral disorders ranging from sudden infant death syndrome to panic disorder. Thus, a comprehensive map of the chemosensory network would be of significant value. To delineate chemosensory neuronal populations, we have utilized pharmacogenetic Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) perturbations for acute neuronal perturbations in respiratory circuit mapping. Recent studies show that the biologically inert DREADD ligand clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) is back-metabolized into the bioactive compound clozapine in rodents, emphasizing the need for CNO-only DREADD-free controls, which have been carried out in several studies. However, we show that high CNO doses used in several chemosensory circuit mapping studies nonetheless affect the chemosensory ventilatory reflexes in control mice, which is unmasked by extensive habituation. Here, unhabituated control animals showed no differences in respiratory parameters after CNO administration, whereas habituated animals receiving the commonly used dose of 10 mg/kg of CNO show a deficit in the hypercapnic (high CO2) chemosensory reflex, which is not present in 1 mg/kg CNO treated or saline control groups. Our findings indicate that even in appropriately controlled studies, additional masked CNO off-target effects may exist and underscore the importance of using minimal doses of activating ligand in combination with high levels of habituation.
The Effect of QPF on Real-Time Deterministic Hydrologic Forecast Uncertainty

AbstractThe use of quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) in hydrologic forecasting is commonplace, but QPF is subject to considerable error. When QPF is included as a model forcing in the hydro...
Sources of International Law

Any scholarly work on international law would be incomplete without an overview of the sources of this important body of law regulating the conduct of states and other subjects of international law. In effect, to understand the rights, obligations, and liabilities of international entities, knowledge of the normative origins and sources of those rights, obligations, and liabilities is imperative. This is the focus of this chapter.
Penile vascular abnormalities in young men with persistent side effects after finasteride use for the treatment of androgenic alopecia

Background The constellation of persistent sexual, neurological, and physical adverse effects in patients who discontinue 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) has garnered recent concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate potential penile vascular changes and persistent adverse effects of 5ARIs in men treated for androgenic alopecia (AGA). Methods This was a prospective case-control study with 25 subjects with a history of 5ARI use for AGA and 28 controls. Patient self-reported questionnaires including the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) were used. Penile duplex Doppler ultrasound (PDDU) results were evaluated in men with a history of 5ARI use. Results A significant difference in total IIEF score between the 5ARI (median: 35; IQR: 29-43) and control group (median: 29; IQR: 27-32) (P=0.035) was observed. Seventeen 5ARI subjects (68%) had a vascular abnormality on PDDU. The median (IQR) for total IPSS score for the 5ARI group was 10 [5-16] compared to 3 [2-8] for the controls (P<0.01). The 5ARI group had a higher median total PHQ-9 score than controls [10 (6.5-16) vs. 1 (0-2) (P<0.001)]. Two subjects (8%) committed suicide during or after the study. Conclusions While the sexual side effects of 5ARIs are well known, there may be persistent genitourinary, physical, psycho-cognitive, anti-androgenic and penile vascular changes after 5ARI discontinuation. Use of 5ARIs for treatment of AGA may lead to persistent sexual, genitourinary, physical, psycho-cognitive, and anti-androgenic sequelae even after cessation of 5ARI therapy.
Chapter 13 – Intranet Security

Many organizations encounter a common problem in their approach to intranet security: They treat intranets as an internal tool that is hidden deep in the corporate network and is somehow immune from external attacks. This is far from the truth, however. An intranet is basically a Web application exposed to a hostile environment the same way as the corporate Web site and therefore vulnerable to the same scope of threats. The fact that it is intended for employees and trusted parties doesn’t guarantee anything against hacker attacks, viruses, and spam. Failing to introduce a dedicated intranet security policy entails a range of risks associated with sensitive information leakage and data loss. For many organizations, safeguarding intranets is even more important than protecting their Web sites. Intranets usually contain extremely confidential assets crucial for both day-to-day activity and strategic business development. A successful attack may result in disruption of the organization’s operations, significant reputation damage, and infringement of legal regulations. To avoid unexpected embarrassment after launching an intranet, organizations must carefully evaluate the solution’s capability to cope with security issues. So, with the preceding in mind, this chapter provides information about all aspects of threats that affect intranet security. The chapter is intended for organizations that understand the changing nature of the threat landscape and what might be done to mitigate it.
Prognostic Implications of Baseline B-type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels have been shown to predict outcomes in surgical aortic valve replacement patients. BNP levels have not been well studied in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The purpose of this study is to define the utility of baseline BNP levels in predicting short-term outcomes after TAVI. In this retrospective, observational, study from 2012 to 2019, we reviewed data on 1297 low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk patients who underwent TAVI. Patients were dichotomized into those with baseline BNP levels above or below 500 pg/ml. Our primary outcome was a composite of inpatient stroke and death. Our secondary outcome was a composite of 30-day stroke, death and readmission. There were 975 patients with a baseline BNP level of
Cross-species physiological interactions of endocrine disrupting chemicals with the circadian clock

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are endocrine-active chemical pollutants that disrupt reproductive, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular and metabolic health across species. The circadian clock is a transcriptional oscillator responsible for entraining 24-hour rhythms of physiology, behavior and metabolism. Extensive bidirectional cross talk exists between circadian and endocrine systems and circadian rhythmicity is present at all levels of endocrine control, from synthesis and release of hormones, to sensitivity of target tissues to hormone action. In mammals, a range of hormones directly alter clock gene expression and circadian physiology via nuclear receptor (NR) binding and subsequent genomic action, modulating physiological processes such as nutrient and energy metabolism, stress response, reproductive physiology and circadian behavioral rhythms. The potential for EDCs to perturb circadian clocks or circadian-driven physiology is not well characterized. For this reason, we explore evidence for parallel endocrine and circadian disruption following EDC exposure across species. In the reviewed studies, EDCs dysregulated core clock and circadian rhythm network gene expression in brain and peripheral organs, and altered circadian reproductive, behavioral and metabolic rhythms. Circadian impacts occurred in parallel to endocrine and metabolic alterations such as impaired fertility and dysregulated metabolic and energetic homeostasis. Further research is warranted to understand the nature of interaction between circadian and endocrine systems in mediating physiological effects of EDC exposure at environmental levels.
Sodium-Sulfur Batteries Enabled by a Protected Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Solid Electrolyte

Sodium–sulfur batteries are promising energy-dense, cost-effective energy storage systems. However, a low-resistance solid electrolyte is necessary to stabilize the sodium anode. While sulfide-base...
I never knew a librarian did that! Exploring how faculty and librarian relationships support meaningful collaboration

This paper examines the relationships that developed over a 10+ year span at a comprehensive college in upstate New York. When the library was reorganized into a generalist model of library support, the faculty members felt unsupported. The paper explains the origin of the department-wide collaboration and then uses reflections to analyze ways in which the relationship with a liaison librarian support the faculty members work. Specific themes include overcoming library anxiety, online teaching support, and scholarship support with suggestions for librarian practice.
Fatigue crack growth microstructural mechanisms and texture-sensitive predictive modeling of lightweight structural metals

Abstract Long and small fatigue crack growth (FCG) mechanisms of various light structural aluminum and titanium alloys were studied with respect to microstructure, stress ratio, and initial flaw size and related to the effective slip length (grain and phase boundaries). Damage mechanism maps were developed to provide design tools to improve material selection for safety-critical structural components. A predictive model for grain size-controlled microstructurally small FCG was developed with consideration of crack size, grain orientation, and the stochastic effects of discrete microstructural interactions. The model allows for rapid estimation of small FCG behavior and agrees well with experimental data.
Ambivalence and Contradiction in Digital Distribution: How Corporate Branding and Marketing Dilute the Lived Experiences in Ramy

Streaming television has seemingly offered an alternative to legacy television texts that have abstracted religion and cultural identity to achieve mass appeal and appease advertisers. In theory, agnostic platforms offer the opportunity to distribute niche content that does not stereotype marginalized groups. Indeed, series like Hulu’s Ramy (2019–) include nuanced portrayals of second-generation lived experiences and depart from past problematic representations of Arab Muslims. However, the branding and industry rhetoric that circle the series continue long-standing discursive practices that distance media corporations from lived religion and cultural specificity. This case study highlights that the democratizing thrust of the Internet has hardly destabilized problematic legacy industry practices and illustrates how paratextual representations and corporate discourses are increasingly contradictory in a complex, conglomerated media environment.
The Downstream "Halo Effect" of Opening a Single-Vault Proton Therapy Facility at a Cancer Center.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) There have been limited reports evaluating the effect of a proton center (PC) on a radiation oncology department at a medical center (MC). We hypothesized that the opening of our PC would both directly and indirectly increase the number of patients treated at the MC. MATERIALS/METHODS The impact of a new single-vault PC on patient volume at the MC was evaluated from fiscal year 2016 (FY16) through FY19, representing the year prior to induction of the PC through the first 2.5 years of operation. Patient starts and fractions were obtained through hospital patient tracking and billing systems for our primary site (MC1), which shares a campus with our PC, and two additional sites (MC2 and MC3) on separate campuses. Resident Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case logs were also analyzed. To determine the effect of the PC on MC1, MC2, and MC3, we reviewed the electronic medical record for all patients seen in in consultation for PC, where consults were initiated in July 2017. RESULTS Photon-based treatment starts at MC1 increased by a total of 4% (P = 0.49) from FY16-FY19. Combined photon and proton starts at MC1/PC increased by a total of 27% (P < 0.0001). The total combined number of photon starts at MC1, MC2, and MC3 increased by 11% (P = 0.002). Proton starts were 38 in FY17, 174 in FY18, and 191 in FY19. A total of 523 patients were seen in consultation at the PC (185 for prostate cancer), of whom 187 ultimately underwent proton therapy (36%), 36 prostate HDR (7%), 7 Gamma Knife radiosurgery (1%), 45 photon-based treatment (9%), and 248 no treatment within our department (47%). An additional 216 patients received proton therapy following consultations for photon-based treatment at MC1, MC2, or MC3. There was a cumulative 104% increase in HDR prostate implants from FY16-FY19 at MC1 (P = 0.0005), with PC consultations directly resulting in 69 HDR prostate implants in 36 patients. There was a 96% increase (from 25 in FY16 to 49 in FY19) in pediatric yearly case volume at MC1 from FY16-FY19 (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION The opening of our single-vault PC, which has been at full capacity since April 2018, has had no deleterious effect on photon-based treatment volume. However, there has been an approximate doubling in HDR prostate implants and pediatric treatment starts. Clinicians and administrators should be cognizant of this "halo" effect when balancing the costs and benefits of opening a particle-based therapy center.
La Unica Religion Verdandera En Las Fuerzas Armadas (The One True Religion in the US Military)

Spanish Abstract: La Academia de la Fuerza Aerea de los EE.UU. ha llamado la atencion de los medios nacionales desde el ano 2004 con respecto a la supuesta religiosidad omnipresente en la institucion. Aunque han surgido muchas explicaciones para los problemas que han emergido, una perspectiva sistematica enfocada en la constante rotacion de personal, una proporcion mayor de lo esperado de los capellanes cristianos evangelicos y una mayor tenencia del profesorado superior proporciona una posibilidad para transformar la cultura militar de una de inclusion y respeto. El juramento de Igualdad de Caracter se sugiere como el primer paso en establecer un ambiente de igualdad en donde se reconoce a todos y donde cada individuo tiene la misma oportunidad de tener exito y sobresalir en su profesion.English Abstract: The US Air Force Academy has drawn national media attention since 2004 with regards to alleged pervasive religiosity at the institution. Although there have been many explanations for the issues that have arisen, a systems perspective looking at high personnel turnover, a higher than expected proportion of evangelical Christian chaplains and greater tenure for faculty and senior leadership offer insights as to how to transform the culture to one of inclusion and respect. The Oath of Equal Character is suggested as a first step in establishing a level the playing field where all within the rank and file recognize and believe that every individual has the equal opportunity to succeed and excel.
Revenue Growth and Stock Returns

This paper examines the relation between revenue surprises and future stock returns. It also investigates how analysts update their earnings forecasts following announcements of revenue and earnings surprises. The results indicate that the stock price reaction on the earnings announcement date is significantly related to both revenue surprises and earnings surprises. I also find significant abnormal returns in the post announcement period for stocks that have large revenue surprises, after controlling for earnings surprises. Although analysts revise their forecasts of future earnings in response to revenue and earnings surprises, they are slow to incorporate all the information in their forecast revisions. In particular analysts underestimate the extent to which revenue and earnings surprises have permanent effects on future earnings.
Decay of passive scalars under the action of single scale smooth velocity fields in bounded two-dimensional domains: from non-self-similar probability distribution functions to self-similar eigenmodes.

We examine the decay of passive scalars with small, but nonzero, diffusivity in bounded two-dimensional (2D) domains. The velocity fields responsible for advection are smooth (i.e., they have bounded gradients) and of a single large scale. Moreover, the scale of the velocity field is taken to be similar to the size of the entire domain. The importance of the initial scale of variation of the scalar field with respect to that of the velocity field is strongly emphasized. If these scales are comparable and the velocity field is time periodic, we see the formation of a periodic scalar eigenmode. The eigenmode is numerically realized by means of a deterministic 2D map on a lattice. Analytical justification for the eigenmode is available from theorems in the dynamo literature. Weakening the notion of an eigenmode to mean statistical stationarity, we provide numerical evidence that the eigenmode solution also holds for aperiodic flows (represented by random maps). Turning to the evolution of an initially small scale scalar field, we demonstrate the transition from an evolving (i.e., non-self-similar) probability distribution function (pdf) to a stationary (self-similar) pdf as the scale of variation of the scalar field progresses from being small to being comparable to that of the velocity field (and of the domain). Furthermore, the non-self-similar regime itself consists of two stages. Both stages are examined and the coupling between diffusion and the distribution of the finite time Lyapunov exponents is shown to be responsible for the pdf evolution.
Speculative Algorithms for Concurrency Control in Responsive Databases

Speculative Concurrency Control (SCC) is a new concurrency control approach, especially suited for responsive database systems [5]. SCC uses potentially redundant computations to ensure that serializable schedules are discovered and adopted as early as possible, thus increasing the likelihood of the timely commitment of transactions with strict timing constraints. We present SCC-nS, a generic algorithm that characterizes a family of SCC-based algorithms. Under SCC-nS, shadows executing on behalf of a transaction are eitheroptimisticorspeculative.Optimistic shadows execute under an assumed serialization order, which requires them to wait for no other conflicting transactions. They execute unhindered until they are either aborted or committed. Alternately, speculative shadows execute under an assumed serialization order, which requires them to wait forsomeconflicting transactions to commit We single out three SCC-nS family members, which differ in the amount of resources they require, and thus the level of speculation they perform. Finally, we present some simulation results that establish the correlation between speculation and timeliness.
Multidimensional quasiballistic thermal transport in transient grating spectroscopy

Transient grating spectroscopy has emerged as a useful technique to study thermal phonon transport because of its ability to perform thermal measurements over length scales comparable to phonon mean free path (MFPs). Although several prior works have performed theoretical studies of quasiballistic heat conduction in transient grating, the analysis methods are either restricted to one spatial dimension or require phenomenological fitting parameters. Here, we analyze quasiballistic transport in a two-dimensional transient grating experiment in which heat conduction can occur both in and cross plane using an analytic Green's function of the Boltzmann equation we recently reported that is free of fitting parameters. We demonstrate a method by which phonon MFPs can be extracted from these measurements, thereby extending the MFP spectroscopy technique using transient grating to opaque bulk materials.
Effects of pentobarbital on plasma glucose and free fatty acids in the rat.

Hyperglycemia and hypolipemia were observed in rats after the injection of sodium pentobarbital. The observed changes were independent of whether the blood was collected by decapitation or by needle puncture of the aorta. The hyperglycemic response was caused by two factors including the stress of the injection per se and the pharmacological action of the drug. Hyperlipemia was observed at 5 min postinjection. However, pentobarbital decreased plasma free fatty acids by 15 min postinjection. Both the hyperglycemia and hypolipemia responses were dose dependent.
Halogenated aromatic hydrocarbon-induced suppression of the plaque-forming cell response in B6C3F1 splenocytes cultured with allogenic mouse serum: Ah receptor structure activity relationships.

The immunsuppressive effects of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs) were investigated in B6C3F1 female mice and in mouse splenocytes cultured with allogenic mouse serum using the Mishell-Dutton model for in vitro immunization to trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide (TNP-LPS). Exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-P-dioxin (TCDD), 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF), 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF, 1,3,6,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (pentaCB), or 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-hexaCB resulted in a dose-dependent suppression of the splenic plaque-forming cell (PFC) response both in vivo and in vitro. The effective dose required to decrease 50% (ED50) of the response to 2,3,7,8-TCDD, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF, 1,3,6,8-TCDF, 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentaCB, or 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-hexaCB in vivo was 14.1, 5.5, 1695, 34800, 21, and 19 nmol/kg, respectively, and in vitro was 7.0, 10.6, 149, 2325, 9.1 and 9.1 nM, respectively. There was an excellent rank order and linear correlation between the in vivo versus in vitro activities for these HAHs (r < 0.99) and the relative immunosuppressive potencies of these compounds paralleled their binding affinities for the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor. These results show that splenocytes cultured with allogenic mouse serum is an Ah-responsive in vitro assay which can be used for quantitating the immunosup-pressive effects of HAHS.
Limiting distribution of the aligned rank transform tests in balanced incomplete blocks

Abstract The aligned rank transform statistics are constructed in the same way as the least-squares statistics except that the observations are replaced by ranks of the aligned observations. In this article the asymptotic distribution of the aligned rank transform statistic for the balanced incomplete blocks is derived under the null hypothesis and a sequence of local location alternatives when the number of blocks approaches infinity. The relationship of the test statistic to the statistics for the single-factor repeated measurements and the mixed effects designs with incomplete observation vectors is also pointed out. In addition, the results in this article provide a generalization of the theoretical results for the rank transform statistics in the single-factor repeated measurements design and the mixed effects complete block design. Finally, a test statistic for ordered alternatives is formulated and its limiting distribution is derived.
Damping characterization of a filled epoxy used for dynamic structural modeling

This paper presents information on the usefulness of a particular aluminum-particle-filled epoxy for dynamic modeling. Damping characteristics in terms of the loss factor are presented for this epoxy and some structural metals. Though the damping of the epoxy was larger than that of any metal tested, it can still be considered small. Portal frames were modeled using the epoxy. Natural frequencies of vibration for the metal frames and epoxy models were determined. The scaled-epoxy-model frequencies accurately predicted the metal prototype frequencies. A possible area of error is pointed out with respect to the modeling of the shear modulus.
Profile of Mary-Claire King, 2014 Lasker-Koshland special achievement in medical science awardee

On September 19, 2014, Mary-Claire King received the 2014 Lasker-Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science given for exceptional leadership and citizenship in biomedical science. Her citation read: “For bold, imaginative, and diverse contributions to medical science and human rights — she discovered the BRCA1 gene locus that causes hereditary breast cancer and deployed DNA strategies that reunite missing persons or their remains with their families.”* In these days of specialization and high technology in genomics, Mary-Claire’s work and recognition are ample proof that what matters in science is asking the right questions and then choosing the tools to answer them and not the other way around. Her studies have changed our science. Consider that she did so in three different areas! Mary-Claire’s scientific achievements are many, but her three cardinal accomplishments are her discovery of the BRCA1 gene locus, her (and her mentor Allan Wilson’s) recognition of the importance of evolution in regulatory regions outside genes, and her applications of everyday genetic principles to solve human rights abuse cases (1). In each of these areas, her work and imprint have been exemplary, characterized by simplicity and elegance. She is a remarkable character, full of wit, wisdom, and opinion, sometimes strongly held ones, and ample fodder for a movie: indeed no less an actress than Oscar-winning Helen Hunt has portrayed her in Decoding Annie Parker (2). It’s difficult to do justice to her contributions and impact in a short profile, beyond what has already been written by others and her (1, 3). What I will add rather are the contexts in which her discoveries were made and which highlight her scientific courage.
Effects of exercise on the biochemical aging of mammalian myocardium. II. Creatine phosphokinase.

Abstract Male Fischer 344 rats from a long inbred colony (by brother-sister mating) were subjected to moderate (forced swimming) physical activity on a regular basis, beginning at 3 weeks following weaning. Normally caged, sedentary littermates were employed as controls at each age level. Exercised animals showed a greater total ventricular mass and correspondingly lower body weight, and the heart to body weight ratio for experimental animals about 25% higher at all ages, beginning at 3 months following onset of exercise. Finally, the specific activity of myocardial creatine phosphokinase was consistently higher for the exercised animals, beginning at 3 months of age and through 16 months of such exercise. These data support previous findings from this laboratory, as well as by others, that long-term moderate exercise begun early in life has a continuing, beneficial effect on the mammalian heart, both at the gross functional and intracellular biochemical levels.
Intraoperative lower extremity compartment pressures in lithotomy-positioned patients.

PURPOSE: Measurement of anterior leg compartment pressures in eight patients (16 limbs) who were positioned in the lithotomy position for prolonged periods of time while undergoing colorectal intra-abdominal surgery. METHODS: Anterior leg compartment pressures were measured in eight patients (16 limbs) by using a slit catheter, whereas subjects were positioned in the lithotomy position for prolonged periods of time while undergoing colorectal intra-abdominal surgery. RESULTS: Compartment pressures had minor elevations after initial lithotomy positioning, and gradually increased over time. Levels elevated to 30 mmHg at an average of five (range, 3.5 to 6) hours. The maximum recorded leg compartment pressure was 70 mmHg. The addition of Trendelenburg positioning was noted to consistently increase compartment pressures. All pressures returned to less than 10 mmHg shortly after removing the limb from the stirrups and placing the limb supine. No patients developed clinical evidence of compartment syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Leg anterior compartment pressures rise when limbs are placed in the lithotomy position for prolonged periods of time. The rise in pressure is increased with the addition of Trendelenburg positioning. Anterior compartment pressures reached a threshold of 30 mmHg at an average of five hours. The results of this study suggest that lithotomy positioning of the lower extremities has the potential to initiate leg compartment syndrome when the period of positioning approaches five hours. Removing the limbs from the stirrups and placing them in the supine position allows the pressure in the compartments to return to normal.
Design of monolithic silicon-based envelope-tracking power amplifiers for broadband wireless applications

This paper presents some design insights on achieving a fully monolithic silicon-based radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) using the envelope-tracking (ET) techniques for low-power broadband wireless applications. We will show that from our design experience, the highly integrated BiCMOS envelope-tracking power amplifier (ET-PA) system provides considerable efficiency-linearity enhancement, and works well with impressive power-saving for broadband 3G/4G cellular signals of high peak-to-average ratio (PAR). We will also demonstrate that further performance improvement of the fully monolithic BiCMOS ET-PA can be accomplished by: (1) combination of ET and transistor resizing techniques at the low output power regions; and (2) utilizing the ET technique with on-chip transformer power-combined SiGe PA for higher linear output power. For example, the fully monolithic BiCMOS ET-PA reaches the maximum linear output power (P out ) of 22.3/24.3 dBm with the overall power-added-efficiency (PAE) of 33%/42% at 2.4 GHz for the WiMAX 64QAM and the 3GPP LTE 16QAM modulations, respectively, without needing predistortion. Additionally, it can exhibit a highly efficient broadband characteristic for potential multi-band applications.
Babesia microti in Rodents and Raccoons from Northeast Florida

Human babesiosis in the United States is caused most commonly by the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite, Babesia microti . Although a few reports have described evidence of Babesia species in animals in Florida, to date Babesia microti specifically has not been reported from Florida or most other southern states. To determine if the organism is present in vertebrates in the region, small mammals were trapped and sampled at 2 sites in northeastern Florida, and DNA extracts from blood samples were screened for B. microti DNA via PCR assays targeting portions of the nuclear small subunit rRNA (18S rDNA) and beta-tubulin genes. Amplified fragments from representative samples of PCR-positive hosts were sequenced and compared phylogenetically to reference strains of Babesia species. The B. microti strains found in cotton rats ( Sigmodon hispidus ) most closely resembles B. microti sensu stricto strains that are pathogenic to humans, and strains found in raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) most closely resembles previously described raccoon-related strains of B. microti sensu lato. The results of this study suggest that B. microti is prevalent among cotton rats and raccoons at some sites in northeast Florida and may pose a risk to humans in the region.
Adolescent perspectives on phase I cancer research.

Background The aim of this study was to examine adolescent patients' perspectives on their understanding and decision making about a pediatric Phase I cancer study. Procedure Participants included adolescents ages 14–21 years with cancer (N = 20), all of whom attended a Phase I study consent conference. Participants responded to closed- and open-ended questions on a verbally administered structured interview, which assessed aspects of understanding and decision making about the Phase I study. Results All participants decided to enroll in the Phase I study. The majority of participants understood that participation was voluntary, entailed risks, and that they could withdraw. Most also believed that participation in the Phase I study would increase the length of their lives. The most frequent reasons for enrolling were positive clinical benefit, needing an option, impact on quality of life, and few side effects or fewer than those of current or past treatments. Eighty-five percent of participants reported that they themselves made the final decision about enrollment in the Phase I study. Conclusions Most participants hoped or expected that the Phase I study would provide a direct benefit (increased survival time or cure) and reported that they themselves were the final decision-maker about enrollment. Clinicians may underestimate the role of adolescents, especially if they believe that parents typically make such decisions. Future research should assess the actual participation of children and adolescents during the informed consent process and explore the role of hope in their decision making about Phase I studies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 873–878. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Research note: Parallel implementation of an efficient preconditioned linear solver for grid-based applications in chemical physics. III: Improved parallel scalability for sparse matrix-vector products

The linear solve problems arising in chemical physics and many other fields involve large sparse matrices with a certain block structure, for which special block Jacobi preconditioners are found to be very efficient. In two previous papers [W. Chen, B. Poirier, Parallel implementation of efficient preconditioned linear solver for grid-based applications in chemical physics. I. Block Jacobi diagonalization, J. Comput. Phys. 219 (1) (2006) 185-197; W. Chen, B. Poirier, Parallel implementation of efficient preconditioned linear solver for grid-based applications in chemical physics. II. QMR linear solver, J. Comput. Phys. 219 (1) (2006) 198-209], a parallel implementation was presented. Excellent parallel scalability was observed for preconditioner construction, but not for the matrix-vector product itself. In this paper, we introduce a new algorithm with (1) greatly improved parallel scalability and (2) generalization for arbitrary number of nodes and data sizes.
Indochinese refugees in schools in the United States of America—Challenges and opportunities for counsellors

More than 800,000 Southeast Asian refugees have settled in the United States of America since the early 1970s. The major governmental focus on resettlement efforts for these people has been on helping them to attain economic self-sufficiency. This paper reviews research related to the adaptation of the Indochinese refugee students in schools of the United States of America. Included are reviews of: state studies in California and Illinois, the report of the follow-up study of the overseas Southeast Asian refugee training programs preparing students for United States Schools, and major research reports on progress of Southeast Asian youth toward attaining economic self-sufficiency in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Philadelphia, and San Diego urban areas. Based on a synthesis of information from these six research reports, the author outlines role involvement for school and community agency counselors in meeting the needs of this new population.