cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developmental changes in amniotic and allantoic fluid insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and -II concentrations of avian embryos

In the literature, IGFs in the developing embryo are usually determined by blood serum concentrations. For this study, IGF-I/-II was quantified in the amniotic and allantoic fluids of fertile commercial broiler chicken (Gallus domesticus) (n=222), Pekin duck (Anas platyrhyncha) (n=250), and turkey (Meleagridis gallopavo) eggs (n= 200) during incubation. Amniotic and allantoic fluids were collected from embryos starting at 6 days of incubation for chickens and 8 days of incubation for ducks and turkeys. IGF concentrations within the fluids were determined by radioimmunoassay. Chicken amniotic IGF-I concentration at stage 29 of development was significantly higher (P< or =0.05) than the duck or turkey. At stage 36 of development the concentration of IGF-II in the amniotic fluid was 2.8 times greater in the chicken versus the duck (P< or =0.05) and 2 times greater than in the turkey (P< or =0.05). Within species, chicken IGF-I concentration in the amniotic fluid had a cubic trend (P< or =0.001), duck IGF-I increased linearly (P< or =0.001), and turkey concentrations declined quadratically (P< or =0.001) throughout development. In all species, the IGF-II concentration was higher than the IGF-I concentration in the amniotic and allantoic fluids.
Autophagy and cell death.

Autophagy is intimately associated with eukaryotic cell death and apoptosis. Indeed, in some cases the same proteins control both autophagy and apoptosis. Apoptotic signalling can regulate autophagy and conversely autophagy can regulate apoptosis (and most likely other cell death mechanisms). However, the molecular connections between autophagy and cell death are complicated and, in different contexts, autophagy may promote or inhibit cell death. Surprisingly, although we know that, at its core, autophagy involves degradation of sequestered cytoplasmic material, and therefore presumably must be mediating its effects on cell death by degrading something, in most cases we have little idea of what is being degraded to promote autophagy9s pro- or anti-death activities. Because autophagy is known to play important roles in health and many diseases, it is critical to understand the mechanisms by which autophagy interacts with and affects the cell death machinery since this will perhaps allow new ways to prevent or treat disease. In the present chapter, we discuss the current state of understanding of these processes.
Functional polymers. XLVII. Synthesis of various derivatives of ω‐alkenoates

A number of derivatives of ω-alkenoates were synthesized in preparation for the synthesis of functional polymers based on α-olefins. For the preparation of most of the methyl esters, the regular esterification of ω-alkenoic acids, specifically 10-undecenoic acid with methanol and sulfuric acid as the catalyst, was most effective. For the preparation of the tert-butyl- and 2-ethylhexyl esters of 10-undecenoic acid, the acid chloride route was found to be most convenient, whereas for the preparation of the corresponding esters of 5-hexenoic acid, our method of choice was the synthesis via the imidazolyl derivative of the acid. 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl 10-undecenoate and the 2,2-dimethyloxazolidine derivative of 10-undecenoic acid were prepared from the acid and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol or 2-amino-2-methyl-propanol with p-toluene sulfonic acid as the catalyst. Esters of phenol, 2,6-dimethylphenol, and 2,6-diphenylphenol were synthesized from 3-butenoic and 10-undecenoic acid with trifluoroacetic anhydride.
Breast tumor classification using axial shear strain elastography: a feasibility study

Recently, the feasibility of visualizing the characteristics of bonding at an inclusion-background boundary using axial-shear strain elastography was demonstrated. In this paper, we report a feasibility study on the utility of the axial-shear strain elastograms in the classification of in vivo breast tumor as being benign or malignant. The study was performed using data sets obtained from 15 benign and 15 malignant cases that were biopsy proven. A total of three independent observers were trained, and their services were utilized for the study. A total of 9 cases were used as training set and the remaining cases were used as testing set. The feature from the axial-shear strain elastogram, namely, the area of the axial-shear region, was extracted by the observers. The observers also outlined the tumor area on the corresponding sonogram, which was used to normalize the area of the axial-shear strain region. There are several observations that can be drawn from the results. First, the result indicates that the observers consistently (~82% of the cases) noticed the characteristic pattern of the axial-shear strain distribution data as predicted in the previous simulation studies, i.e. alternating regions of positive and negative axial-shear strain values around the tumor–background interface. Second, the analysis of the result suggests that in approximately 57% of the cases in which the observers did not visualize tumor in the sonogram, the elastograms helped them to locate the tumor. Finally, the analysis of the result suggests that for the discriminant feature value of 0.46, the number of unnecessary biopsies could be reduced by 56.3% without compromising on sensitivity and on negative predictive value (NPV). Based on the results in this study, feature values greater than 0.75 appear to be indicative of malignancy, while values less than 0.46 to be indicative of benignity. Feature values between 0.46 and 0.75 may result in an overlap between benign and malignant cases.
Hydrogen Photoproduction Is Attenuated by Disruption of an Isoamylase Gene in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

DNA insertional transformants of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were screened chemochromically for attenuated H2 production. One mutant, displaying low H2 gas photoproduction, has a nonfunctional copy of a gene that shows high homology to the family of isoamylase genes found in several photosynthetic organisms. DNA gel blotting and gene complementation were used to link this isoamylase gene to previously characterized nontagged sta7 mutants. This mutant is therefore denoted sta7-10. In C. reinhardtii, the STA7 isoamylase gene is important for the accumulation of crystalline starch, and the sta7-10 mutant reported here contains 7 h under anaerobic incubation. Complementation of mutant cells with genomic DNA corresponding to the STA7 gene restores both the starch accumulation and H2 production phenotypes. The results indicate that STA7 and starch metabolism play an important role in C. reinhardtii H2 photoproduction. Moreover, the results indicate that mere anaerobiosis is not sufficient to maintain hydrogenase gene expression without the underlying physiology, an important aspect of which is starch metabolism.
Thirty-day hospital readmission following discharge from postacute rehabilitation in fee-for-service Medicare patients.

18.8%-18.9%). for patients with debility. Rates were highest in men (13.0% [ 95% CI, 12.8%-13.1%], vs 11.0% [95% CI, 11.0%-11.1%] in women), non-Hispanic blacks (13.8% [95% CI, 13.5%-14.1%], vs 11.5% [95% CI, 11.5%-11.6%] in whites, 12.5% [95% CI, 12.1%-12.8%] in Hispanics, and 11.9% [95% CI, 11.4%-12.4%] in other races/ethnicities), beneficiaries with dual eligibility (15.1% [95% CI, 14.9%-15.4%], vs 11.1% [95% CI, 11.0%-11.2%] for no dual eligibility), and in patients with tier 1 comorbidities (25.6% [95% CI, 24.9%-26.3%], vs 18.9% [95% CI, 18.5%-19.3%] for tier 2, 15.1% [95% CI, 14.9%-15.3%] for tier 3, and 9.9% [95% CI, 9.9%-10.0%] for no tier comorbidities). Higher motor and cognitive functional status were associated with lower hospital readmission rates across the 6 impairment categories. Adjusted readmission rates by state ranged from 9.2% to 13.6%. Approximately 50% of patients rehospitalized within the 30-day period were readmitted within 11 days of discharge. Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Group codes for heart failure, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, septicemia, nutritional and metabolic disorders, esophagitis, gastroenteritis, and digestive disorders were common reasons for readmission.
Geoffrey M. Lilley: A Very Brief Biography

This introductory article is an attempt to highlight some background information as well as some career highlights for Professor Geoffrey M. Lilley. Though an attempt has been made to describe some earlier activities, there is an emphasis on those achievements made after I crossed paths with Professor Lilley in 1964. In the next article in this special issue Bob Westley gives a much lengthier description of his collaborations with Professor Lilley at Cranfield College of Aeronautics in the 1940's and 50's. It must be left to others, including Professor Lilley himself, to expand on the brief biography and bibliography compiled here. I have kept the account very factual and that may make it somewhat dry reading, though the breadth of Professor Lilley's achievements may come as a surprise to some. It did to me. If I had chosen to include my recollections of Professor Lilley's many stories of his adventures around the world, this article would have been much much longer. Also, I could never do these stories j...
Antibiotic-impregnated shunt systems versus standard shunt systems: a meta- and cost-savings analysis.

Object Infection is a serious and costly complication of CSF shunt implantation. Antibiotic-impregnated shunts (AISs) were introduced almost 10 years ago, but reports on their ability to decrease the infection rate have been mixed. The authors conducted a meta-analysis assessing the extent to which AISs reduce the rate of shunt infection compared with standard shunts (SSs). They also examined cost savings to determine the degree to which AISs could decrease infection-related hospital expenses. Methods After conducting a comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases to identify studies that evaluated shunt type and used shunt-related infection as the primary outcome, 2 reviewers independently evaluated study quality based on preestablished criteria and extracted data. A random effects meta-analysis of eligible studies was then performed. For studies that demonstrated a positive effect with the AIS, a cost-savings analysis was conducted by calculating the number of implanted shunts needed to prevent...
Implementation of synthetic aperture radar algorithms on a systolic/cellular architecture

Two sequences of operations necessary for implementation of high-resolution image formation in strip and spotlight modes of the synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) are presented. The sequences are mapped onto a systolic/cellular architecture. The mapping includes parallel implementation of all the basic operations and the pertinent data communication. Detailed estimates of the computation times are provided. >
Effect of selenite on cell surface fibronectin receptor.

Incubation of cells with selenite, under conditions in which there is no effect on cell viability, results in a decrease in the rate of their subsequent attachment to extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin (1). The attachment was inhibited by a pentapeptide containing the RGD sequence and by antibody against the cellular fibronectin receptor (α5β1 integrin), indicating that it is receptor-mediated. To investigate whether exposure to selenite has an effect on fibronectin receptors, we assayed for their presence on the cell surface by measuring the ability of cells to attach to a surface that had been coated with antibodies to the receptor. Brief exposure of cells to low concentrations of selenite resulted in a significant decrease in their ability to attach to monoclonal antibodies against the α5 or β1 subunits of the fibronectin receptor, as well as to polyclonal antibodies against the complete receptor. This indicates that exposure to selenite results in a decrease in receptors that are present at the cell surface. Exposure of the cells to selenate, selenocystine or selenomethionine did not result in a significant decrease in cell surface receptors. Preincubation of the cells with selenite was required for the effect, indicating that selenite does not directly interfere with receptor structure or function.
Impact of a pilot intervention to improve nutrition knowledge and cooking confidence among low-income individuals.

Poor dietary behaviors, limited food preparation skills, and low levels of self-efficacy toward preparing healthy meals have been indicated in low-income and food insecure populations. The purpose of this pilot intervention was to determine the effectiveness of a community cooking demonstration at increasing participants’ general nutrition knowledge and confidence to prepare healthy meals with limited resources. Data was analyzed from a convenience sample of 23 low-income adults associated with Head Start (n=8) or a local soup kitchen (n=15) in the Midwestern United States. Participants attended a one-hour presentation comprised of a cooking demonstration, taste testing, and basic education on the MyPlate food guide and food safety. Subjects completed a pre- and post-assessment to measure changes in cooking confidence and general food and nutrition knowledge. Results indicated that, although there were no significant improvements in participants’ confidence to prepare healthy meals (39.3±11.3 vs. 44.5±9.1; t=1.76, p=0.25), subjects experienced significant gains in knowledge related to the MyPlate food guide (1.2±0.5 vs. 1.8±0.8; t=2.82, p=0.01) and basic food safety (0.7±0.9 vs. 2.5±1.0; t=6.05, p<0.01). Further research is necessary to identify effective strategies for parlaying increased nutrition knowledge into improved self-efficacy and behavior change.
Gas-Phase Dissociation Energies of Hydrogen-Bonded Complexes in a Quadrupole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer

Intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen-bonds are perhaps the most important interactions in molecular self assembly and molecular recognition in solution chemistry. These interactions are also significant factors in host-guest chemistry and site-selective complexation. Recent studies have shown that host-guest complexes can be constructed in the gas phase with the absence of solvent, and thus some of the intrinsic details of complexation can be probed. One of the most informative parameters of host-guest complexes is the strength of their binding interactions. There are numerous ways to evaluate binding energies in solution, and comparison to gas-phase binding would provide new insight into evaluating structural and solvation effects on molecular recognition. Collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) and photodissociation (PD) are two methods currently employed for obtaining the binding energy of gas-phase ionized complexes. In the CAD technique, the disappearance of the molecular ion of interest and appearance of a specific fragment ion is monitored as a function of the energy used to excite the precursor ion [1]. The energy required to induce dissociation is then utilized in the evaluation of the binding energy, along with an estimation of the internal energy distribution of the precursor ion and RRKM correction for kinetic shifts based on the dissociation time scale of the instrument. For the method of estimating binding energies by photodissociation, dissociation rate constants are measured as a function of wavelength of internal energy in the ion of interest [2]. These rate constants along with RRKM modeling allow dissociation energies to be calculated.
Non-Skin Melanocytes in Vitiligo

Although melanocyte loss in vitiligo predominantly involves the skin, alterations in the mel-anocytes populations of extracutaneous sites have been reported. Loss of ocular pigmentation can occur in the eyes of a percentage of patients with vitiligo with focal hypopigmented lesions on the iris, anterior chamber, and retinal pigment epithelium/ choroid. Uveitis associated with central nervous system abnormalities is a feature of Vogt—Koyanagi— Harada (VKH) syndrome. Loss of otic melanocytes may occur in some patients with vitiligo as well as subtle abnormalities of hearing and brainstem auditory response. The possible involvement of leptomeningeal melanocytes has been speculated mostly in patients with VKH syndrome, even if the role of these melanocytes is not known.
In Situ Spectroscopic Evidence for Ordered Core–Ultrathin Shell Pt1Co1 Nanoparticles with Enhanced Activity and Stability as Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts

To truly understand the origin of the enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of Pt-based electrocatalysts over pure Pt, it is essential to characterize the electrocatalysts under ORR operating conditions. Herein, we report a dealloyed Pt1Co1 NP catalyst with Pt mass activity ∼4 times higher than that of Pt/C and with superior stability in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Advanced microscopy and in situ spectroscopy are combined to show that this electrocatalyst possesses a unique ordered PtCo core–ultrathin with nonporous Pt shell structure, and the structure maintains the desired compositional profiles in the near-surface region even during the ORR in acid. Ab initio FEFF8 calculations based on experimentally derived structures reveal that the catalytic enhancements result from cooperative compressive-strain and ligand effects induced by the Co enrichment in the compact core and near subsurface.
Possible effects of foreign DNA on pathogenic potential and intestinal proliferation of Escherichia coli.

Serious questions have been raised regarding the possible hazards inherent in recombinant DNA research. Among the various speculative dangers mentioned have been the following. (1) Are new, highly pathogenic bacteria likely to be created by this new technology and (2) could a microorganism, such as Escherichia coli, carrying foreign DNA become implanted in the human gut and eventually transfer this DNA to humans? These questions have been dealt with in some detail in another publication [1] which was made available to participants in this workshop in the form of a preprint. For this reason I will simply summarize some of the arguments pertaining to the first question and emphasize a few new developments which are relevant to the second problem.
Where there is heat, there is a way: Thermal to electric power conversion using thermoelectric microconverters

Spacecraft for missions to explore the outer planets of our solar system, that is, planets beyond the orbit of Mars, require a source of electric power which is not dependent on external sources such as solar energy. These spacecraft typically rely on a radioisotope system to provide heat which is converted directly to electric power.
Wrasses of the Galápagos Islands, with the description of a new deepwater species of Halichoeres (Perciformes: Labridae).

Halichoeres raisneri, new species, is described from three specimens captured by the Johnson Sea Link submersible at 114-125 m off Wolf Island, Galapagos. Distinctive features of the new species include a dorsally projecting fleshy flap along the posterior three-quarters of the upper lip and the absence of a canine tooth at the corner of the upper jaw. The body color of freshly caught females is pale pink with two yellow stripes and five prominent pink spots above the uppermost stripe. Similarities between the new species and other labrids are discussed, and a key to the 16 nominal species of Labridae known from the Galapagos Islands is provided. Decodon melasma is recorded from the Archipelago for the first time.
LITHOTRIPSY AND SURGERY

Advances in surgical techniques have dramatically altered the management of patients with symptomatic urolithiasis requiring intervention. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and ureteroscopy allow virtually any stone to be removed from the upper urinary tract without resorting to open surgical techniques. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is the preferred initial treatment for approximately 80% to 85% of calculi. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the preferred approach when dealing with more voluminous stone material (ie, > 2 cm). Ureteroscopy is generally reserved for distal ureteral calculi, although the recent advent of small flexible ureteroscopes have extended ureteroscopic techniques effectively into the proximal ureter and even the kidney. Staghorn stones are usually best managed initially with percutaneous nephrolithotomy followed by the addition of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, if necessary. The relative advantages, disadvantages, and complications of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and ureteroscopy will be reviewed.
Geomechanical analysis of a welding salt layer and its effects on adjacent sediments

Abstract We simulate welding of the source layer of a salt diapir with a forward finite-element model and study stresses and deformation in the salt layer and the diapir, as well as in their adjacent sediments. Welded salt layers are abundant in mature salt basins, where most or all of the salt has withdrawn into diapirs. However, there is little understanding of the stress field in these layers and their adjacent sediments. We show that salt flow along the source layer leads to significant stress anomalies inside the layer and in adjacent sediments. In the source layer, salt pressure becomes higher than overburden stress in nearly welded areas and becomes lower than overburden stress in adjacent thicker areas. When the source layer welds, stresses increase significantly in sediments near the weld tip, which helps compaction of these sediments and possibly their fracturing and faulting. Our model illustrates that all sediments overlying the weld experience this stress increase and the associated material changes as the weld tip propagates along the weld. We present natural examples fitting our predictions and discuss the importance of our results for the exploration, characterization, and production of reservoirs near welded salt layers.
Selection of cytochrome p450 genes for use in prodrug activation-based cancer gene therapy.

Prodrug activation-based cancer gene therapy is a molecular strategy to improve the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy by conferring upon tumor cells the capability to metabolize specific anticancer prodrugs into lethal intracellular toxins. The overall goal of this strategy is to increase the generation of cytotoxic drug metabolites locally, at their site of action within the tumor. This therapy can provide for an increase in drug efficacy and potentially also a reduction in host toxicity, which may be achieved by a lowering of the therapeutically effective drug dosage, thereby reducing the need to expose host tissues to high cytotoxic plasma drug concentrations. This chapter describes the cytochrome P450-based prodrug activation strategy for cancer gene therapy , with a particular emphasis on the selection of suitable P450 gene/prodrug combinations.
A Survey of Graduates of Combined Emergency Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Programs: An Update.

Abstract Background In 1998, emergency medicine–pediatrics (EM-PEDS) graduates were no longer eligible for the pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) sub-board certification examination. There is a paucity of guidance regarding the various training options for medical students who are interested in PEM. Objectives We sought to to determine attitudes and personal satisfaction of graduates from EM-PEDS combined training programs. Methods We surveyed 71 graduates from three EM-PEDS residences in the United States. Results All respondents consider their combined training to be an asset when seeking a job, 92% find it to be an asset to their career, and 88% think it provided added flexibility to job searches. The most commonly reported shortcoming was their ineligibility for the PEM sub-board certification. The lack of this designation was perceived to be a detriment to securing academic positions in dedicated children's hospitals. When surveyed regarding which training offers the better skill set for the practice of PEM, 90% (44/49) stated combined EM-PEDS training. When asked which training track gives them the better professional advancement in PEM, 52% (23/44) chose combined EM-PEDS residency, 27% (12/44) chose a pediatrics residency followed by a PEM fellowship, and 25% (11/44) chose an EM residency then a PEM fellowship. No EM-PEDS respondents considered PEM fellowship training after the completion of the dual training program. Conclusion EM-PEDS graduates found combined training to be an asset in their career. They felt that it provided flexibility in job searches, and that it was ideal training for the skill set required for the practice of PEM. EM-PEDS graduates' practices varied, including mixed settings, free-standing children's hospitals, and community emergency departments.
Precise stimulation location optimizes speech outcomes in essential tremor

Abstract Background Deep brain stimulation for essential arm tremor is often complicated by dysarthria and persistent voice tremor. Objective To determine the relationship of stimulation location to speech outcomes following bilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for essential tremor (ET). Methods Eighteen patients undergoing bilateral DBS for ET were prospectively studied. Speech pathologists grouped patients by final speech outcome (normal speech, voice tremor, or dysarthria). Locations of the active leads were calculated by normalizing the segmented thalamic volumes to those in the Morel atlas. Stimulation volumes within thalamic nuclei, error distances from target, and measures of accuracy were calculated and differences in measures between outcome groups tested. Results At optimal stimulation, 8 patients had normal speech, 6 had voice tremor, and 4 had mild dysarthria. Stimulation volumes were statistically concentrated within the ventral lateral posterior nucleus (VLp). The percentage of stimulation volume outside the VLp was higher in patients with dysarthria (60% vs. 24%, p = 0.02) or voice tremor (55% vs. 24%, p = 0.03) compared to patients with normal speech outcomes. The error distance from the center of VLp was greater for patients with dysarthria than those with normal speech (12.6 vs. 7.6 mm, p = 0.02). Electrodes with lower efficiency for VLp stimulation were more frequent with poor speech outcomes and in patients with persistent voice tremor. Conclusions Following bilateral DBS for ET, 22% of patients develop a non-disabling dysarthria. Optimal speech outcomes were achieved in 44% of patients and correlated with precise stimulation location within and not outside of the VLp.
To keep up, go beyond

L'auteur propose une strategie de developpement personnel aux bibliothecaires desireux de faire evoluer leurs competences au rythme des changements rapides que connait la profession. Pour cela il conseille d'explorer des domaines voisins comme l'enseignement superieur, la communication, les technologies informatiques, en utilisant les ressources electroniques sans perdre de temps.
Fracture mechanics of dental adhesives supplemented with Polymethyl-vinyl-ether-co-maleic anhydride

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Polymethyl-vinyl-ether-co-maleic anhydride (PVM/MA), called Gantrez AN, on interfacial fracture toughness (KIC) of self-etch and etch-and-...
The Distinction between Psychological Kinds and Natural Kinds Revisited: Can Updated Natural-Kind Theory Help Clinical Psychological Science and beyond Meet Psychology's Philosophical Challenges?:

Philosophers and psychologists have long held that mind-dependent/human (or social) kinds are not natural kinds. Yet in the last three decades philosopher of science Richard Boyd has challenged thi...
NICH at Its Best for Diabetes at Its Worst: Texting Teens and Their Caregivers for Better Outcomes

Background:There is growing evidence for the feasibility of text-based interventions for pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, less is known regarding whether the use of personalized text messages with high-risk youth and their caregivers is associated with improvements in youth health. This study examines the use of diabetes-specific texts and associated health outcomes for participants of the Novel Interventions in Children’s Healthcare (NICH) program.Methods:Text messages sent to youth with T1D and their caregivers during NICH intervention were coded regarding diabetes relevance and adherence-related content. Health outcome data (eg, HbA1c values, hospital admissions) prior to and following NICH program enrollment were collected.Results:Fewer than half (43%) of texts sent to patients and their caregivers were identified as being related to diabetes, and over 95% of diabetes-related texts were identified as adherence-related. Participants in the NICH program demonstrated a significant ...
Towards O(1) Memory

Since the dawn of computing, memory capacity has been a primary limitation in system design. Forthcoming memory technology such as Intel and Micron's 3D XPoint memory and other technologies may provide far larger memory capacity than ever before. Furthermore, these new memory technologies are inherently persistent and save data across system crashes or power failures.We conjecture that current operating systems are ill-equipped for an environment where there is ample memory. For example, operating systems do substantial work for every page allocated, which adds unnecessary overhead when dealing with terabytes of memory.We suggest that now is the time for a complete rethinking of memory management for both operating systems and language runtimes considering excess memory capacity. We propose a new guiding principle: Order(1) operation, so that memory operations have low constant time independent of size. We describe a concrete proposal of this principle with the idea of file-only memory, in which most dynamic memory allocation is managed with file-system mechanisms rather than common virtual memory mechanisms.
Changing Multiplex Ties: Intergenerational Leadership Succession in Family Firms

Actors connected via multiplex ties often have particularly stable relationships, but this also suggests that multiplex ties may be difficult to change. Since prior research has inadequately examin...
Reduction of interferences in the analysis of Children's Dimetapp using ultraviolet spectroscopy data and target factor analysis.

A calibration matrix has been developed and successfully applied to quantify actives in Children's Dimetapp®, a cough mixture whose active components suffer from heavy spectral interference. High-performance liquid chromatography/photodiode array instrument was used to identify the actives and any other UV-detectable excipients that might contribute to interferences. The instrument was also used to obtain reference data on the actives, instead of relying on the manufacturer's claims. Principal component analysis was used during the developmental stages of the calibration matrix to highlight any mismatch between the calibration and sample spectra, making certain that "apples" were not compared with "oranges". The prediction model was finally calculated using target factor analysis and partial least squares regression. In addition to the actives in Children's Dimetapp® (brompheniramine maleate, phenylephrine hydrogen chloride, and dextromethorphan hydrogen bromide), sodium benzoate was identified as the major and FDC phenylephrine hydrogen chloride=1041mgL-1±107% RE; dextromethorphan hydrogen bromide=1571mgL-1±107% RE, where % RE=percent relative error based on the reference HPLC data. After including interferences, the results were as follows: brompheniramine maleate=196.3mgL-1±4.4% RE; phenylephrine hydrogen chloride=501.3mgL-1±0.10% RE; dextromethorphan hydrogen bromide=998.7mgL-1±1.6% RE as detailed in Table 6.
Signal Detection Theory Analysis of Quality Control Inspector Performance

The signal detection theory (SDT) model of observer decision making, developed in sensory psychology, is applied to problems of evaluating industrial quality control inspector performance. The similarity between the SDT model of the inspector and qualit..
Improving Measurement Efficiency of the Inner EAR Scale with Item Response Theory.

Objectives(1) To assess the 11-item Inner Effectiveness of Auditory Rehabilitation (Inner EAR) instrument with item response theory (IRT). (2) To determine whether the underlying latent ability cou...
MORAL CONSENSUS AND THE LAW

New medical technologies typically bring with them new moral problems. This is abundantly and awkwardly apparent in the case of the recently developed human reproductive technologies. Do infertile couples have a moral right to medical assistance in reproduction? Does the donor in artificial insemination have any financial responsibility for the financial support of his child? Is it morally permissible to fertilize in vitro more ova than will be implanted in the female patient? Who ought to have custody of fertilized ova held in storage for possible future use? Ought the law to enforce surrogate motherhood contracts? Is surrogate motherhood itself morally permissible? Does a pregnant woman have a moral duty to submit to unwelcome medical treatment necessary for the health of her unborn child? Bioethicists and medical practitioners are in doubt about how these questions should be answered, and any proposed solution to these pressing moral problems will be highly controversial. Finding disagreement where concerted action of patient, physician, health care institution and public authorities is urgent, one longs for some consensus on these and similar moral issues.
X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy: Determination of Transition Metal Site Structures in Photosynthesis

This chapter gives a brief description of the theory and experimental methodology involved in X-ray absorption Spectroscopy, both X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). The advantages and limitations of the methods are discussed. Several examples of applications of X-ray absorption Spectroscopy in the field of photosynthesis are presented.
A Life in the Academy

David Keyt is a widely acknowledged master in applying the techniques of modern analytic philosophy to the interpretation, explication, and criticism of ancient texts. In this intellectual memoir he recounts his experiences during the rise of analytic classical scholarship and offers entertaining and illuminating anecdotes involving many major philosophers and classical scholars. He describes his education at Kenyon College and Cornell University and his subsequent career in the academy including a professorship at the University of Washington which spanned more than a half century. In an overview of his own published scholarship, he describes the development of his interpretative method and his most important insights into the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle.
Vascular Flora of E. C. Hafer Park, Edmond, Oklahoma

E. C. Hafer Park is located on the western edge of the Cross Timbers ecoregion, in central Oklahoma within the City of Edmond. The park contains post oak-blackjack oak forest, tallgrass prairie, riparian forest, and areas developed for recreational activities. A vascular plant inventory conducted during 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017 yielded 270 species in 190 genera and 65 families. The largest families were the Asteraceae (46 species), Poaceae (42), and Fabaceae (27). There were 96 annuals, four biennials, and 170 perennials. Sixty species (22.2%) were not native to the United States. No rare species currently being tracked by the Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory were present. Compared to floristic inventories for other sites of similar size in Oklahoma, Hafer Park has a relatively high number of species. However, it also has a relatively high percentage of exotic species from other continents, some of which are invasive and are threatening the native forest, grassland, and riparian plant communities.
Complications of Volar Plating of Distal Radius Fractures: A Systematic Review.

Background In recent years, there has been an increased utilization of volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures (DRFs). However, reported long-term complication rates with this technique remain unclear. Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the pooled incidence of complications associated with volar locking plating of DRF. Methods A search of the Scopus database was performed from 2006 through 2016. Studies were considered eligible if they had a diagnosis of a DRF and were treated with a volar locking plate with an average of 12 months or longer follow-up. Results The literature search yielded 633 citations, with 55 eligible for inclusion in the review (total n = 3,911). An overall complication rate of 15% was identified, with 5% representing major complications requiring reoperation. The most common complication types identified included nerve dysfunction (5.7%), tendon injury (3.5%), and hardware-related issues (1.6%). Conclusion Nerve complications were reportedly higher than tendon and hardware-related complications combined. However, despite varying complication rates in the literature, this systematic review reveals an overall low complication rate associated with volar locking plating of DRF.
Preparing Teachers to Use Excelets: Developing Creative Modeling Experiences for Secondary Mathematics Students

There are many challenges in preparing mathematics teachers for today’s classrooms including content, pedagogy, technology, and creativity. This qualitative study was designed to examine how pre-service mathematics teachers solve modeling tasks using Excelets, an interactive form of an Excel spreadsheet that allows for the manipulation of data and the visualization of changes in numeric, graphic, and symbolic form (Sinex in Developer’s guide to Excelets: dynamic and interactive visualization with “Javaless” applets or interactive Excel spreadsheets, 2005). Specific emphasis was given to how such experiences translate into providing creative learning environments in future teaching. The study focused on four specific participants and analyzed their Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) scores (AMTE, 2009), “think-alouds”, and written work to assess their understanding of modeling tasks that integrated technology as a tool for learning. Top-tier participants demonstrated abilities to recognize, accept, adapt, and explore mathematics creatively when using and integrating mathematical modeling tools while bottom-tier participants failed to exhibit these skills. Top-tier participants demonstrated high levels of creativity and TPACK yet rated themselves low in these skills while bottom-tier participants provided little creativity and TPACK yet rated themselves extremely high. These results indicate that there is more work to be done in preparing teachers to provide students with stimulating mathematics problems and explorations while scaffolding their integration of technological tools such as Excel.
Impact of topical corticosteroid pretreatment on susceptibility of the injured murine cornea to Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization and infection

Abstract Research with animal models of Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis has shown that use of a topical corticosteroid alone against an established infection can significantly increase the number of colonizing bacteria or worsen clinical disease. Moreover, retrospective analysis has suggested that corticosteroid use in humans is associated with an increased risk of keratitis in eyes with pre-existing disease. Thus, while corticosteroids are often used to reduce ocular inflammation in the absence of infection, the risk of opportunistic infection remains a concern. However, the effect of corticosteroids on the intrinsic barrier function of uninfected corneas is unknown. Here, we tested if short-term topical corticosteroid treatment of an uninfected murine cornea would increase susceptibility to P. aeruginosa colonization or infection after epithelial injury. Topical prednisolone acetate (1%) was administered to one eye of C57BL/6 mice three times a day for 3 days; control eyes were treated with sterile PBS. Prior to inoculation with a cytotoxic P. aeruginosa corneal isolate strain 6206, corneas were subject to superficial-injury by tissue paper blotting, or scratch-injured followed by 12 h of healing. Previously we have shown that blotting renders mouse corneas susceptible to P. aeruginosa adhesion, but not infection, while 12 h healing reduces susceptibility to infection after scratching. Corneas were evaluated at 48 h for bacterial colonization and microbial keratitis (MK). To monitor impact on wound healing, corneal integrity was examined by fluorescein staining immediately after scarification and after 12 h healing. For both the tissue paper blotting and scratch-injury models, there was no significant difference in P. aeruginosa colonization at 48 h between corticosteroid-pretreated eyes and controls. With the blotting model, one case of MK was observed in a control (PBS-pretreated) cornea; none in corticosteroid-pretreated corneas. With the 12 h healing model, MK occurred in 6 of 17 corticosteroid-pretreated eyes versus 2 of 17 controls, a difference not statistically significant. Corticosteroid-pretreated eyes showed greater fluorescein staining 12 h after scarification injury, but this did not coincide with increased colonization or MK. Together, these data show that short-term topical corticosteroid therapy on an uninfected murine cornea does not necessarily enhance its susceptibility to P. aeruginosa colonization or infection after injury, even when it induces fluorescein staining.
Religion and Nationalism: A Homage to Hans Albert

I met Hans Albert twice, in Vienna in 2002 at the Popper Centennial Congress, and, a few months later, in Alpbach, where he was an old timer who had seen the institution develop over half a century and took pride in belonging in its history. I found Albert charming, jolly and generous, very different from my image of the German mandarin. As a Popper scholar, I had, of course, heard of him before.
Aluminum: An Asynchronous, GPU-Aware Communication Library Optimized for Large-Scale Training of Deep Neural Networks on HPC Systems

We identify communication as a major bottleneck for training deep neural networks on large-scale GPU clusters, taking over 10x as long as computation. To reduce this overhead, we discuss techniques to overlap communication and computation as much as possible. This leads to much of the communication being latency-bound instead of bandwidth-bound, and we find that using a combination of latency- and bandwidth-optimized allreduce algorithms significantly reduces communication costs. We also discuss a semantic mismatch between MPI and CUDA that increases overheads and limits asynchrony, and propose a solution that enables communication to be aware of CUDA streams. We implement these optimizations in the open-source Aluminum communication library, enabling optimized, asynchronous, GPU-aware communication. Aluminum demonstrates improved performance in benchmarks and end-to-end training of deep networks, for both strong and weak scaling.
Temperature, placental abruption and stillbirth.

Abstract Background Pregnant women may be vulnerable to changes in ambient temperature and warming climates. Recent evidence suggests that temperature increases are associated with placental abruption, a risk factor for stillbirth. Objectives We investigated the effect of acute exposures to apparent temperature on stillbirths in Harris County, Texas, 2008–2013. Methods We conducted a case-crossover study to investigate the association between temperature and stillbirth among 708 women. We used data from the National Climatic Data Center to estimate maternal exposure to daily average apparent temperature over the days (lag days 1 through 6) preceding the stillbirth event. We employed symmetric bidirectional sampling to select six control periods one to three weeks before and after each event and applied conditional logistic regression to examine associations between increases of apparent temperature and stillbirths during the warm season (May–September). We adjusted for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) and used stratified analysis to examine differences in risk by maternal race/ethnicity. We also examined the association among stillbirths with and without placental abruptions. Results Independent of air pollutant exposures, a 10 °F increase in apparent temperature in the week preceding delivery (lag days 1 to 6) was positively associated with a 45% (adjusted OR = 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18, 1.77) increase in risk for stillbirth. Risks were elevated for stillbirths occurring in June through August, for Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women, but not for non-Hispanic Whites. We also observed elevated risks associated with temperature increases in the few days preceding delivery among stillbirths caused by placental abruption, with the risk being highest on lag day 1 (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.23). Conclusions Independent of maternal ambient air pollutant exposure, we found evidence of an association between apparent temperature increases in the week preceding an event and risk of stillbirth. Risks for stillbirth varied by race/ethnicity. Further, in the first study to evaluate the impact of temperature on a specific complication during pregnancy, the risks were higher among mothers with placental abruption.
Kidney transplantation for the primary care provider.

Abstract Advancement in kidney transplantation has led to prolonged survival in our population with kidney disease. Newer agents of immunosuppression have made this possible with less rejections and lesser opportunistic infections and transplant related deaths. Preventative care like timely vaccines, cancer screenings, aggressive blood pressure, blood sugar, lipid control, timely referral to consultants is required in these patient population to provide quality care and to prolong their survival. Primary care physicians are the best advocate for our transplant populations. To care for these complex transplant patients, it is vital for primary care physicians to be familiar with the overall approach on our patients.
Surrogate-based aeroelastic loads prediction in the presence of shock-induced separation

Abstract A surrogate-based modeling strategy is presented for robust and efficient prediction of unsteady aeroelastic loads in the presence of shock-induced separation. Enriched piston theory predictions are extended with a data-driven nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous inputs model to account for hysteresis from the interplay of a dynamically deforming surface with the separation bubble in a shock/boundary layer interaction. The approach is evaluated for prescribed surface motion and shock-induced panel flutter responses, with good agreement observed in each scenario relative to unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations. For the latter, excellent agreement is observed in the prediction of the stability boundary and oscillation frequency. In contrast, the oscillation amplitude conservatively deviates from the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes solution with increasing dynamic pressure. The online computational cost of the extended approach is orders of magnitude less than that required for predictions using an unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes model.