cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pediatric encephalitis: what is the role of Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

BACKGROUND. Encephalitis is a complex, debilitating, and sometimes fatal neurologic condition to which children are especially prone. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common respiratory pathogen, has been implicated as an etiology of encephalitis. Evidence for recent or acute M pneumoniae infection has been demonstrated in limited studies of both pediatric and adult patients with encephalitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Unexplained encephalitis cases are referred to the California Encephalitis Project for diagnostic testing. Serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and respiratory specimens are tested by polymerase chain reaction and serology methods for the presence of multiple pathogens, including M pneumoniae. M pneumonia–associated cases of encephalitis were compared with other bacterial agents, herpes simplex virus 1, and enterovirus. RESULTS. Of 1988 patients referred to the California Encephalitis Project, evidence of acute M pneumoniae infection was found in 111 patients, of which 84 (76%) were pediatric patients. Eighty percent of the 84 patients were positive for M pneumoniae by serology alone. Cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction for M pneumoniae was rarely positive (2%). Patients with M pneumoniae–associated pediatric encephalitis were a median of 11 years old, progressed rapidly (median: 2 days from onset to hospitalization), and were often in the ICU (55%). Symptoms included fever (70%), lethargy (68%), and altered consciousness (58%). Gastrointestinal (45%) and respiratory (44%) symptoms were less common. Compared with patients with other bacterial as well as viral agents, patients with M pneumoniae–associated encephalitis had fewer seizures and less-severe hospital courses. CONCLUSIONS. M pneumoniae is the most common agent implicated in the California Encephalitis Project. Patients with M pneumoniae–associated encephalitis are predominantly pediatric, and their presentations are clinically similar to enterovirus encephalitis, although they frequently require intensive care with prolonged hospitalizations. Given that M pneumoniae infection is found more than any other pathogen, increased emphasis should be placed on elucidating the role and mechanism of M pneumoniae in encephalitis.
SPATIOTEMPORAL VARIATION IN OYSTER FECUNDITY AND REPRODUCTIVE OUTPUT IN A NETWORK OF NO-TAKE RESERVES

Adult fecundity and reproductive potential can be critical determinants of subsequent larval supply and juvenile recruitment, and important determinants of placed-based management, especially when selecting sites for marine reserves where larval export is an expected outcome. We quantified spatiotemporal variation in fecundity and reproductive potential of female oysters (Crassostrea virginica) within a network of no-take oyster broodstock reserves by sampling over 3 y at 3 spatial scales: (1) per capita, (2) per square meter, and (3) per reserve. A total of 2,596 oysters were collected using scuba from six reserves in Pamlico Sound, NC, during 2006 to 2008 and processed in the laboratory for fecundity. Per-capita fecundity ranged from 0-340,500 eggs, and increased exponentially with oyster size, peaking in May of all years. In general, per-capita fecundity was highest at more inland mesohaline reserves, whereas reproductive potential per square meter and reserve reproductive potential were highest at more seaward polyhaline reserves as a result of a combination of relatively high density, and large oyster size and reserve areas. All 3 reproductive metrics increased in general over time. These results suggest that inland broodstock reserves should be prioritized for stock enhancement/seeding—and more seaward reserves for reserve expansion—and highlight the need to consider spatiotemporal variation and the scale at which a key demographic rate (fecundity and reproductive potential) is expressed when assessing the efficacy and conservation/restoration targets of marine reserves.
Supersymmetric form of the nonlinear σ model in two dimensions

A supersymmetric form of the two-dimensional nonlinear $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ model is described; the primary purpose is to explore further the analogy between the $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ model and four-dimensional Yang-Mills theory. In the case of three components, the theory contains an enlarged supersymmetry algebra and is equivalent to the ordinary $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ model with an additional logarithmic interaction between pseudoparticles.
Parasite Infections in Nestling Red-Shouldered Hawks (Buteo lineatus) in Northeast Wisconsin

Abstract Red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus) are threatened in Wisconsin and long-term data suggest that nest productivity is low in the state for unknown reasons. Our objective was to determine whether red-shouldered hawks in northeast Wisconsin were infected with parasites that could contribute to low nest productivity. We examined nestlings for the presence of Trichomonas gallinae, Protocalliphora avium, and blood parasites in June 2006 and 2007. We did not detect T. gallinae in throat swabs taken from 24 nestlings in 2007. Ear canals of nestlings were parasitized by P. avium larvae in 10 of 11 (91%) nests and in 22 of 24 (92%) nestlings. Larvae were found in higher intensity in 1 ear relative to the other. Leucocytozoon toddi was present in 90.5% (38/42) of the nestlings. At least 1 bird in each nest was infected. Intensity of L. toddi averaged 48.6 ± 58.3 infected cells per 2,000 erythrocytes (2.4 ± 2.9%). No other blood parasites were identified.
Sex, sex-role identity, and cognitive style.

Summary.-Two studies were conducted to test competing theoretical predictions concerning the relationships among sex, sex-role identity, and field independence: (1) Witkin and Vaught's positions that maleness and masculiniry (regardless of biological sex) are associated with field independence and (2) the present author's contention sex-reversed sex-role identiry, irrespective of sex, would be predictive of field independence. Data collected from 110 high school males and 78 college females and males supported the latter prediction but only for males. No main effecrs due to sex were found. The literature on Witkin, et al.'s (1962) construct of field independence is replete with data concerning sex differences. In nearly all of the studies which have reported significant sex differences, males have been found to be more field independent than females on both the Rod-and-frame Test and the Embedded-figures Test. However, Witkin has noted that the sex differences are slight compared to the range of individual differences for each sex. This led Vaught (1965) to speculate that within-sex variance may be a function of personality differences subsumed under the concept of sex-role identification. Using the Gough femininity scale and the Rod-and-frame Test, Vaught found in a sample of college students that (1) males were more field-independent than females and that (2) regardless of biological sex, the relatively more masculine subjects were more field-independent than the more feminine subpects. Vaught concluded that Learning experiences associated with the development of masculinity overlap with those contributing to the development of field independence and that "much of the observed sex differences in RFT performance can more appropriately be conceptualized as reflecting differences in role performances" (p. 281). This line of reasoning concurs with that of Witkin, et al. (1962). While the Witkin-Vaught "cultural reward hypothesis" is compelling, an equally compelling but alternative theoretical viewpoint would make a contrasting prediction. The socialization literature provides ample evidence that individuals with more traditional sex-role identification, i.e., masculine males and feminine females, have childhoods characterized by not only fewer but less complex and more rigid role-taking opport~~nities and independence-related experiences (see, e.g., Kagan & Moss, 1962; Mussen & Rutherford, 1963). To the extent that these experiences are congruent with those contributing to the development of field independence, this literature would lead one to hypothesize that masculinity would be associated with field independence only in
A Boundary Condition Capturing Method for Multiphase Flow with Phase Change

The development of predictive capability for free surface flow with phase change is essential to evaluate transport phenomena in aerospace, geophysical and industrial flows. This paper presents a boundary condition capturing method, Ghost Fluid Method, to the multiphase flow with phase change problems. The second-order projection method has been used for incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. The 3rd-order ENO scheme and 2nd-order semi-implicit Crank-Nicholson scheme is used to update the convective and diffusion term. This numerical investigation identifies the physics characterizing transient heat and mass transfer of multiphase flow. The preliminary results show that the numerical methodology is successful in modeling the multiphase flow with phase change. The contact discontinuity has been captured very well even when some severe deformation occurs.
Philosophizing Sociology Why So Much Debate about Exploitation in the Hindu Caste System

Currently, much of sociology lacks an accurate understanding of what it means to be human. Hence, as a discipline, it often finds itself erroneously searching for probabilistic social laws based on...
Summary of the fourth conference on United States utility experience in reactor noise analysis

Abstract The fourth informal conference on United States utility experience in reactor noise analysis and loose-part monitoring was held at the Northeast Utilities Service Company offices in Hartford, Connecticut, May 12–14, 1987. Host and general chairman for the meeting was J. V. Persio of Northeast Utilities. This conference provided a forum where utilities could share information on reactor noise analysis on an informal basis. There were about 60 attendees at the meeting representing 10 utilities, 3 reactor vendors, 8 consulting organizations, and 4 universities and research laboratories. Twenty-three papers were presented at the conference, dealing with various aspects of loose-part monitoring, neutron noise analysis, and standards activities.
Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia of the thyroid: Report of two patients, one with distant metastasis, and review of the literature

Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia (SMECE) is a recently recognized malignant neoplasm of the thyroid gland. Two additional cases of this condition which occurred in a 70-year-old woman and a 69-year-old woman are presented. The case of the 70-year-old woman (patient 1) is the first report of distant metastasis, besides lymph node metastasis, for this type of tumor. The patient initially presented with a thyroid mass, and the thyroid gland with surrounding cervical lymph nodes was removed. Because of focal keratin "pearl" formation, the tumor was misinterpreted as a metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to the thyroid. Approximately 4 years later, the patient developed a left supraclavicular mass and lung densities. A pathological fracture of the right humeral head followed, and the left supraclavicular mass recurred along with newly developed subcutaneous nodules on the chest wall and arm. Open lung and bone biopsies revealed metastatic SMECE, which was morphologically identical to that of the thyroid mass. The 69-year-old woman (patient 2) had, in 1983, undergone thyroidectomy with left radical neck dissection; this had been diagnosed as follicular carcinoma of the thyroid with lymph node involvement. After multiple isolated lymph nodes metastases, the patient developed locally extensive, recurrent tumor that showed microscopic features of SMECE. Review of the previous thyroid tumor and lymph nodes revealed the same type of histology. To our knowledge, only a single report containing eight cases of this distinctive carcinoma of the thyroid has been published. Herein we describe characteristic morphological features of two additional cases of this rare malignancy, one with distant metastasis, and we review the related literature.
Estimation and inference for case–control studies with multiple non–gold standard exposure assessments: with an occupational health application

In occupational case-control studies, work-related exposure assessments are often fallible measures of the true underlying exposure. In lieu of a gold standard, often more than 2 imperfect measurements (e.g. triads) are used to assess exposure. While methods exist to assess the diagnostic accuracy in the absence of a gold standard, these methods are infrequently used to correct for measurement error in exposure-disease associations in occupational case-control studies. Here, we present a likelihood-based approach that (a) provides evidence regarding whether the misclassification of tests is differential or nondifferential; (b) provides evidence whether the misclassification of tests is independent or dependent conditional on latent exposure status, and (c) estimates the measurement error-corrected exposure-disease association. These approaches use information from all imperfect assessments simultaneously in a unified manner, which in turn can provide a more accurate estimate of exposure-disease association than that based on individual assessments. The performance of this method is investigated through simulation studies and applied to the National Occupational Hazard Survey, a case-control study assessing the association between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.
Radiological Study of Wheat Monosomics. II. Differential Sensitivity of 16 Monosomics and the Disomic to a Single Dosage of X-Irradiation

Comparative studies were made on the radiosensitivity of disomic and selfed progenies of 16 monosomics of hexaploid wheat at three stages of development affter irradiation of dormant seeds with 14 kr units of x radiation. Data are presented graphically and results discussed. (C.H.)
Vicarious Calibration of an Ocean Salinity Radiometer from Low Earth Orbit

Abstract Statistical properties of the brightness temperature (TB) measured by a low-earth-orbiting radiometer operating at 1.4 GHz are considered as a means of calibrating and validating the sensor. Mapping of ocean salinity by such an instrument requires that its calibration be extremely stable over time. Whether certain statistical properties of the measurements are stationary (time invariant) enough to be of value as benchmarks to which the calibration can be referenced is considered. The global minimum, maximum, and average TB are considered, together with a vicarious cold TB statistic that makes use of a sharp lower bound on naturally occurring values for TB. Examination of simulated global distributions of the TB measurements suggests several things about the stationarity (or lack thereof) of the statistics in question. Global minima can vary widely due to instrument noise and are not a reliable calibration reference. Global maxima are strongly influenced by a number of environmental factors as wel...
Seasonal variation in acute myocardial infarction.

The recent article from Japan [1] reported a higher incidence of acute myocardial infarction in winter and spring in a Japanese population. This seasonable variation in acute myocardial infarction is, indeed, a universal phenomenon, having been reported from China [2–4] including Taiwan [5], Canada [6], Brazil [7], Germany [8], Greece [9], Israel [10], Russia [11], United Kingdom [12,13], and the United States [14–16]. Various explanations have been given and are being summarized in the following.
Distributed detection of weak dependent narrowband signals

Distributed signal detection schemes have received significant attention but most research has focused on cases with independent observations at the different sensors. Cases with dependent narrowband signals, which are of practical interest in communication, radar, and sonar problems, are studied here. The focus is on cases with two sensors where the observations consist of a weak random signal in possibly non-Gaussian additive noise which is independent from sensor to sensor. The author finds that the best (locally optimum) sensor test statistics for such cases are often different from the best test statistics for cases with isolated sensors and that these sensor test statistics may be nonsymmetric even for highly symmetric problems. The possible difference between the best weak-signal distributed sensor test statistic and the best weak-signal test statistic for an isolated sensor is due to the distributed scheme attempting to approximate the correlation terms found in the corresponding two-sensor centralized test. >
A Paradigm for the Design of Parallel Algorithms with Applications

This paper proposes a model or paradigm for the development of parallel algorithms, gives an example of the proposed paradigm, and displays algorithms developed by application of the technique. The algorithm for the merge of two ordered lists developed through application of this technique is thought to be original. The paradigm proposed is to create composite unit operations which combine data movement between data structures with a conventional operation such as compare or add. The composite operation constructed for this study is based upon partitioning the data elements into two linear lists. Exchange of data between adjacent elements in each list are then combined with compares and adds to complete the composite operations. This composite operation can be implemented on at least the following computational architectures.
Stochastic rollout and justification to solve the resource-constrained project scheduling problem

The key question addressed by the resource-constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP) is to determine the start times for each activity such that precedence and resource constraints are satisfied while achieving some objective. Priority rule-based heuristics are widely used for large problems and more recently justification has been shown to be an important extension. Xu et al. further augments priority rule heuristics by creating rollout procedures and proves their effectiveness. However, that procedure generates just one schedule. We extend that method using sampling to generate a set of schedules using probabilistic techniques and select the best schedule from this sample. Using the 600 problem instances in PSLIB, we present empirical evidence that this procedure produces solutions that are better than the rollout procedure alone but at a computational cost.
Reproductive complications and sexual dysfunction in the cancer patient

This chapter will review risk factors and management for three types of reproductive complications of cancer treatment: infertility, menopausal symptoms, and sexual dysfunction. Each problem area affects unique, albeit overlapping, populations of cancer patients and survivors.
Technology Broadband Roadmap for Rural Areas in the Andes and Amazon Regions in Peru

In the last five years, several countries in Latin America have launched national broadband plans . Most of these plans have a similar first stage component of deploying, or expanding, the national fiber-optic backbone network to interconnect main urban areas and reach rural areas in order to increase penetration of broadband. For example, Peru is now building a new fiber optic backbone that will expand backbone coverage to 22 states and 180 provinces including urban and rural areas. Once the backbone is deployed, the next big challenge that governments and broadband service providers will face is the deployment and operation of local access networks in underserved and unserved rural areas (in Latin America most of them located in the Andes range and Amazon rainforest). In this scenario, there is a high level of uncertainty as to the best local access technology to deploy and operate. Given this setting in Latin America, and taking Peru as a case study, this research addresses the question: What is the technology roadmap for introducing broadband services to underserved and unserved areas in the Andes and Amazon regions of Peru? The paper will identify and compare current (WiFi, WiMAX, LTE and TVWS) wireless technology candidates for access networks in the Andes and Amazon regions of Peru. The research will focus on the following key issues: 1. Analysis of the access network deployment cost for these wireless options based on different coverage and speed scenarios. 2. Analysis of operating and maintenance costs for these options after the initial deployment. Once again coverage and speed will play an important role in the analysis. This look at costs over time will allow the development of a broadband roadmap for the region that will describe the forecasted deployment of network capacity over a time period of 10 years. 3. Spectrum management. In the last decade in Peru, most licensed bands used to provide broadband services have been granted to operators on a nationwide and regional basis. This paper will examine current available spectrum and alternatives to enable more spectrum for new access network deployments in underserved or unserved areas in the Andes and Amazon regions. To address these points, the paper will determine the technical performance and cost of the wireless options using both specialized propagation software to carry out wireless network simulations in this remote environment and a detailed engineering cost model to quantify the cost of the access networks based on coverage and speed in this geographic setting (the Andes and Amazon regions). The paper will employ a quantitative research methodology that will utilize geographic coverage and demand data provided by Peruvian government agencies (i.e., the telecommunications regulatory agency (OSIPTEL), the universal service fund agency (FITEL), the transport and telecommunications department (MINTEL), etc.) Additionally, the paper will use access network elements and wireless equipment cost data from vendors in Peru and regional vendors.
Disintegration of Te 131

Investigations of the nuclear radiations from the 30-hour isomeric state of ${\mathrm{Te}}^{131}$ have been made with the help of magnetic lens spectrometers and scintillation counters. Beta-ray groups of end-point energies 2.46, 2.14, 1.69, 1.35, 0.98, 0.57, and 0.42 Mev have been found. The well-known internally converted 0.180-Mev transition, that from the 30-hour isomeric state of ${\mathrm{Te}}^{131}$ to the 25-minute ground state, was reinvestigated, and its $\frac{K}{(L+M)}$ ratio of 2.4 corresponds to that of an $M4$ transition. Photoelectron spectra show well defined lines corresponding to gamma-ray energies of 0.773, 0.446, 0.331, 0.147, and 1.12 Mev, and weaker lines corresponding to gamma-ray energies of 0.24, 0.275, 0.575, 0.84, and 1.63 Mev. Gray wedge pictures of NaI(Tl) scintillation spectra indicate that the 0.147 and 0.446-Mev transitions are the main lines appearing in the 25-minute tellurium with the 0.773-Mev line also visible. Gamma-gamma scintillation coincidence experiments on the long-lived tellurium are utilized in establishing a possible decay scheme.
Distribution of Eggs of the Potato Leafhopper, Empoasca fabae, on Solanum Plants

Eggs of the potato leaf hopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), were selectively distributed on plants of Solanum tuberosum growth habit and foliage type. Single terminal leaflets consistently received more eggs than subterminal leaflet pairs. Apical leaves of primary stems, apical leaves of axillary branches, and basal leaves of each, received fewer eggs than leaves situated between these extremities. Selection of oviposition site on a suitable plant may be dependent upon leaf characteristics which change with the physiological age of the leaves.
Consequences of Positivism A Pragmatist Assessment

The aim of this article is to highlight the baleful consequences of positivism in contemporary political science. The author focuses on Gary King, Robert Keohane, and Sidney Verba's Designing Social Inquirybecause it clearly and consistently articulates positivist commitments that tacitly and so often inconsistently, animate much work in the discipline. The author first establishes the positivist commitments that animate King, Keohane, and Verba's argument and then shows that precisely because of those commitments, their theory of inquiry generates two highly regrettable consequences: It hinders our ability to make sense of successful quantitative analysis generally and of causal explanation in particular. More diffusely, but no less important given King, Keohane, andVerba's practical aims, their theory of inquiry is self-defeating in its efforts to impart intellectual unity to the discipline of political science.
Variation in the Population Density of the California Red Scale, Aonidiella Aurantii Mask., in a Hilly Lemon Grove

Observations made in a hilly lemon grove indicate that the more elevated portions of the grove have the highest average temperature and that the population density of the California red scale in this grove is a function of temperature.
An Evaluation of Pyramidal Training to Teach Implementation of the Picture Exchange Communication System

The pyramidal training or train-the-trainer model is a method of training in which a professional teaches a skill to a small group of individuals who then teach that skill to another set of individuals. This model has demonstrated efficacy to teach several behavioral intervention techniques to parents, teachers, and direct care staff in a timely manner. The purpose of the present study was to extend the literature on pyramidal training to teach implementation of the first four phases of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to university students working with a confederate learner. We used a multiple baseline across participants design (Tier 1 and 2) and a non-concurrent multiple baseline design (Tier 3) to demonstrate the efficacy of this model. Results replicate and extend the literature on pyramidal training. Discussion focuses on implications and limitations to be addressed in future work. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epidemiology Analysis on Reported Guillain-Barrè Syndrome Cases among Children Under 15 between 2004 and 2010 in Gansu Province

OBJECTIVE To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of Guillain-Barre syndrome(GBS) under 15 years old in Gansu Province,to provide the evidenced for the prevention against the related infectious diseases.METHODS The epidemiology characteristics of prevalence of GBS among reported acute flaccid paralysis(AFP) between 2004 and 2010 was analyzed.RESULTS The average incidence of GBS was 1.19/100 000 among the children under 15 years in Gansu Province.The cases of incidence account for 59.01% of all AFP cases and was mainly sporadic.The peak of incidence was during July to November.The rate of residual paralysis was 30.75% among reported cases and the case fatality rate was 2.15%.CONCLUSION Effective measures should be taken to increase sensitivity of surveillance system,determine the high risk areas and population,and the cause of GBS.
Saliency detection for color image based on visual attention mechanism

Image saliency detection is an important step for computer vision processing.This paper presented a novel saliency detection algorithm for color image based on visual attention mechanism from human's psychology and physiology.Firstly,it used improved watershed segmentation method to divide the original image into several subdomains.Afterwards,it used regional spatial attention model to compute saliency map for each subdomain to get final saliency detection result.Experiment results show that the presented algorithm can accurately get saliency detection results in short time,and compared with traditional ones,the presented algorithm's results are more intact and more accurate.
ARACHIDONIC ACID MOBILIZATION IS SUPPRESSED DURING MITOSIS : ROLE OF CYTOSOLIC PHOSPHOLIPASE A2 ACTIVATION

In interphase HeLa cells, incubation with histamine or thapsigargin led to the rapid release of arachidonic acid. The release was absolutely dependent on Ca2+, consistent with the activation of an 85 kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). In metaphase-arrested HeLa cells, by contrast, the stimulation of arachidonate release by these agents was inhibited by more than 90%. The lack of arachidonic acid release by mitotic cells was at least partly expected, since histamine- or thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ influx and elevations of cytosolic free Ca2+ are known to be strongly inhibited during mitosis [Preston, Sha'afi and Berlin (1991) Cell Regul. 2, 915-925]. Indeed, incubation of interphase cells with the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 alone induced a high level of arachidonate release. However, even A23187 failed to elicit release from mitotic cells. Since the Ca(2+)-dependent release of arachidonate by many cell types is promoted by preincubation with ligands that activate receptors of the tyrosine kinase class, and tumour promoters that lead to the phosphorylation of cPLA2, we determined if the responses of mitotic HeLa cells could be modified by this 'priming' process. We first established that epidermal growth factor and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate were effective priming agents in interphase cells: cells preincubated with the hormone or tumour promoter showed a 2-fold stimulation of thapsigargin- or A23187-induced arachidonic acid release. However, none of the priming agents reversed the lack of mitotic cell response. This refractoriness was not caused by destruction of cPLA2 during mitosis: by Western blotting, cPLA2 of interphase and mitotic cells was shown to be present in comparable amounts. Moreover, cPLA2 activities measured in extracts of interphase and mitotic cells were also comparable. Surprisingly, mitotic cPLA2 appeared to be constitutively phosphorylated in non-hormone-treated (control) cells. The results indicate a novel mechanism of regulation by cPLA2 activity in mitotic cells.
Joint user-beam selection for hybrid beamforming in asynchronously coordinated multi-cell networks

A dense, coordinated deployment of BSs/APs is the most promising approach to address the increasing demand for higher wireless data rates. Using analog beamforming to coordinate and multiplex transmitters while employing digital beamforming locally per transmitter, promises to deliver the performance gains of coordination without high overhead. A central challenge of this hybrid beamforming architecture is how to jointly select the users and beams for each transmitter during a common transmission slot. To address this challenge, we propose a novel greedy user-beam selection scheme, which, similar to user selection algorithms in the context of MU-MIMO, aims to maximize a utility function of the users' rates. Motivated by the luck of formal bounds on such schemes, we propose two additional novel algorithms for which we establish formal performance bounds. The first algorithm is a greedy solution of an associated maximum weight independent set problem with cardinality constraints, while the second is a greedy solution of an associated maximum cardinality problem over a set of feasible links. Simulation results under real world scenarios show that the hybrid beamforming architecture coupled with the proposed user-beam selection algorithms, achieves users rates which are up to 10x higher than those achieved by current uncoordinated deployments.
Parafoveal processing of inflectional morphology on Russian nouns

ABSTRACTThe present study investigated whether inflectional morphology on Russian nouns is processed parafoveally during silent reading. The boundary-change paradigm [Rayner, K. (1975). The perceptual span and peripheral cues in reading. Cognitive Psychology, 7, 65–81] was used to examine parafoveal processing of nominal case markings of Russian nouns. The results yielded preview cost for morphologically related preview in gaze duration (vs. an identical baseline) and in total time (TT) (vs. a non-word baseline) and preview benefit in regressions out of the target word. The contribution of the study is two-fold. First this is the first demonstration that bound nominal inflectional morphemes are processed parafoveally in a language with linear concatenated morphology (Russian). Second the observed preview effects suggest that parafoveal preview of a morphologically related word was processed fully in the parafovea and interfered with the integration of the target word into the syntactic structure of the se...
The effect of alcohol and red wine consumption on clinical and MRI outcomes in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Background Alcohol and in particular red wine have both immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties, and may exert an effect on the disease course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective To assess the association between alcohol and red wine consumption and MS course. Methods MS patients enrolled in the Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis at the Brigham and Women's Hospital (CLIMB) who completed a self-administered questionnaire about their past year drinking habits at a single time point were included in the study. Alcohol and red wine consumption were measured as servings/week. The primary outcome was the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at the time of the questionnaire. Secondary clinical outcomes were the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) and number of relapses in the year before the questionnaire. Secondary MRI outcomes included brain parenchymal fraction and T2 hyperintense lesion volume (T2LV). Appropriate regression models were used to test the association of alcohol and red wine intake on clinical and MRI outcomes. All analyses were controlled for sex, age, body mass index, disease phenotype (relapsing vs. progressive), the proportion of time on disease modifying therapy during the previous year, smoking exposure, and disease duration. In the models for the MRI outcomes, analyses were also adjusted for acquisition protocol. Results 923 patients (74% females, mean age 47 ± 11 years, mean disease duration 14 ± 9 years) were included in the analysis. Compared to abstainers, patients drinking more than 4 drinks per week had a higher likelihood of a lower EDSS score (OR, 0.41; p = 0.0001) and lower MSSS (mean difference, − 1.753; p = 0.002) at the time of the questionnaire. Similarly, patients drinking more than 3 glasses of red wine per week had greater odds of a lower EDSS (OR, 0.49; p = 0.0005) and lower MSSS (mean difference, − 0.705; p = 0.0007) compared to nondrinkers. However, a faster increase in T2LV was observed in patients consuming 1–3 glasses of red wine per week compared to nondrinkers. Conclusions Higher total alcohol and red wine intake were associated with a lower cross-sectional level of neurologic disability in MS patients but increased T2LV accumulation. Further studies should explore a potential cause-effect neuroprotective relationship, as well as the underlying biological mechanisms.
Higher Education Institutional Rankings: Evaluating Their Credibility for Branding and Marketing

This chapter focuses on the importance of addressing two concerns before using the rankings—how rankings are used by stakeholders and whether the rankings are credible. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are ranked on almost every conceivable attribute. As a result, HEI ranking has emerged as a robust marketing component in branding and is used extensively by institutions. This chapter provides an overview of whether stakeholders are influenced by HEI rankings and a discussion of three important ranking issues—source legitimacy, data integrity, and methodology. A discussion of professional schools identifies the unique issues that surface when rankings focus on specialized programs. We conclude with a description of the International Ranking Expert Group initiative to create a framework for developing and evaluating credible HEI rankings.
Analysis and quantification of errors in the geometric correction of satellite images

The quantitative use of remote sensing satellite images in many applications requires that the geometric distortion inherent in these images be corrected, or rectified, to a desired map projection. The most widely used technique relies on ground control points to empirically determine a mathematical coordinate transformation to correct the geometry. In this paper, using the method of least squares, expressions for the accuracy of the geometric transformation and of the rectification of the satellite image to a map projection are derived. Explicit relations between the global accuracy of the transformation and the number, location, and local accuracy of the ground control points are obtained. The results are applied to the correction of a Landsat MSS image.
Designing a Proactive Risk Mitigation Environment for Integrated Autonomous Vehicle and Human Infrastructure.

Many safety and implementation issues plague the broad deployment of autonomous vehicles. A viable path to address these issues may include borrowing technology and policy design from the air traffic control (ATC) space. Air traffic is currently operating in a mixed human-automation environment made possible through restrictions. Future plans for air traffic systems include full automation, but the inclusion of proactive risk mitigation will be necessary to manage system and human errors to prevent catastrophic incidents. Autonomous vehicles will likely operate in a mixed environment upon initial implementation, but the same type of forward-facing risk assessment, mitigation, and restrictions will be necessary to provide a safe transportation environment. This paper evaluates the adaptation of “critical pairs” from aviation to autonomous vehicles as a proactive risk mitigation tool. The implementation of critical pairs evaluates each vehicle in relation to the others, and, based on feasible errors, determines speed and position adjustments to avoid a collision in the event of such errors. This type of proactive risk assessment would help prevent collisions or other dangerous events by giving the vehicles enough space and time to preemptively react to otherwise unexpected errors. This information can be used to determine if, how, and when errors may occur that would endanger other vehicles and may be a human monitored function in the face of full autonomous driving. This paper also addresses the type of infrastructure and regulation changes, such as dedicated autonomous vehicle roadways, pedestrian infrastructure, and specialized transition areas, that would be needed to support transition into a transportation system that includes autonomous vehicles, and would eventually support a fully autonomous environment.
Recent Developments in Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology is a relatively new field encompassing research in the unique pathophysiology, clinical care, and psychosocial issues facing patients between the ages of 15 and 40 with cancer. About 100,000 of the approximately 1.5 million people diagnosed annually with cancer in the USA are in this age range. This chapter will review notable new developments in the care of adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) within the last 3 years. The preponderance of data favors the treatment of AYA ALL patients with pediatric-inspired treatment regimens due to better relapse-free and overall survival. Minimal residual disease (MRD) measurement is emerging as an important prognostic factor and can serve as a new measure of efficacy of the addition of novel therapies to the treatment of patients with new diagnoses. There have been several treatment advances ranging from new cytotoxic agents for ALL to new antibody-based therapy to novel immune therapies such as CAR-T cells. The care of AYA ALL patients is improving as the unique issues for this patient population are addressed.
Biopsychosocial distress and clinical outcome in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Objective Limited research exists examining the biopsychosocial experience of patients diagnosed with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), a disease commonly associated with a poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to describe rates and types of distress in mRCC patients and explore the relationship between distress and overall survival. Method A cohort of 102 patients with mRCC treated at a single institution was assessed by a touch screen-based instrument comprising 22 core items spanning physical, practical, functional, and emotional domains. Association between biopsychosocial distress and clinicopathologic criteria was interrogated. Overall survival was compared between patients with low distress versus high distress.ResultHigh rates of distress (20.7%) were found among patients newly diagnosed with mRCC. Among those domains contributing to distress, pain, fatigue, and financial comorbidity were the most commonly reported by patients with mRCC. A trend toward poorer overall survival in those patients with high distress versus low distress was observed among mRCC patients.Significance of resultsBased on data from a relatively large sample of patients, this study provides the first specific insights into the potential impact of biopsychosocial distress and outcomes among patients with mRCC.
A Conceptual Framework for Sequential Organizational Technology Adoption with Dynamic Goal and Action Portfolios.

This research endeavors to integrate theory from several research streams in order to propose a framework for research into the common situation where organizations make sequential decisions with multiple relevant goals and multiple possible actions where the goals, actions, and decision context display dynamic characteristics in relation to environmental and decision contexts. Goal-driven decision-making for technology adoption decisions has been largely overlooked with a few notable exceptions. Social psychology and consumer-behavior research streams are integrated with traditional technology adoption concepts to yield a holistic framework.
An electronic encounter log's failure to scale

We have developed a series of Electronic Student Encounter Log (ESEL) programs intended to introduce medical students to promising medical informatics concepts. We attempted to expand ESELs scope from ambulatory settings to all hospital venues and to track progress toward educational goals. Students were confused and frustrated by a previously fast interface and delayed feedback. Numerous scaling problems emerged. Our attempt to address these problems in an extensive revision, developed for the latest affordable hardware and operating system, failed due to new data-corrupting crashes. Risks of scaling up and other familiar software development lessons are reinforced.
Behavioral Inhibition in Nonhuman Primates: The Elephant in the Room

Behavioral inhibition (BI) refers to a pattern of timidity and avoidance in the face of novel people, objects, or situations. It was a concept originally identified in humans, but there is no a priori reason to assume that it is specific to our species. Here, we examine some of the conceptual and methodological issues associated with studying behavioral inhibition in nonhuman primates and review two sets of studies, those in which behavioral inhibition (or something looking like behavioral inhibition) was induced by some manipulation and those in which behavioral inhibition was naturally occurring in populations. The review indicates that there is no consensus on how to define this temperament pattern behaviorally in nonhuman primates, and some have used this term inappropriately: “behavioral inhibition” is not the same thing as “inhibition of behavior.” We conclude that more attention needs to be paid to the dynamic aspects of behavior (specifically the fact that behavior can show multifinality and equifinality) and to methodological issues, such as those involving reliability and validity. Animal models in general, and primate models in particular, can be extremely valuable in understanding the underlying mechanisms and later health consequences of possessing a behaviorally inhibited phenotype, but their value can be diminished by lack of agreement—the elephant in the room—on how to measure behavioral inhibition in nonhumans.
New Eastern Geographic Distribution Records of Reithrodontomys fulvescens (Fulvous Harvest Mouse)

The current documented Reithrodontomys fulvescens (Fulvous Harvest Mouse) distribution includes western Mississippi. Here, we report new geographic distribution records in east-central Mississippi. We conducted live-trapping in Kemper County, MS, during the summers of 2011–2015, and captured both Fulvous Harvest Mice and Reithrodontomys humulis (Eastern Harvest Mouse). We compared measurements from captured Fulvous and Eastern Harvest Mice to verify presence of both species. Our results showed 2 separate clusters of measurements, independent of our species assignment in the field, and the clusters were significantly different (P < 0.01). It is unclear whether these new records represent a range expansion or new information about the species' historical distribution.
The Incidence of Workplace Bullying and Related Environmental Factors Among Nurse Managers.

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of the study was to explore relationships between authentic leadership style, global social power, job demand, job control, and workplace bullying of nurse managers in acute care settings across the United States.BACKGROUNDConsequences of workplace bullying are linked to intent
Ironing out pulmonary arterial hypertension

Iron and oxygen are essential to aerobic organisms, and their biologic functions are intertwined. For example, iron as a component of hemoglobin is required for oxygen transport to tissues, which is critical for energy generation. However, excess iron in combination with oxygen can generate toxic free radicals that damage cellular components. It is therefore not surprising that iron and oxygen homeostasis are both tightly controlled and closely interwoven (reviewed in refs. 1 and 2). Emerging literature suggests an intriguing link between iron and oxygen in the regulation of pulmonary vascular function. Hypoxia is well described to cause pulmonary vascular constriction as a mechanism to match blood flow with ventilation. Studies have also demonstrated that systemic iron deficiency exaggerates, whereas iron supplementation ameliorates, the pulmonary vasoconstriction response to hypoxia (3⇓–5). Moreover, iron deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (6⇓⇓–9), a heterogeneous disease characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure with concomitant elevated pulmonary vascular resistance that can be idiopathic, heritable, or associated with drugs, infections, connective tissue disease, congenital heart disease, or other causes (reviewed in ref. 10). If left untreated, PAH leads to progressive right heart failure and can ultimately be fatal. Iron deficiency in PAH patients is associated with greater disease severity and worsening survival, and intriguingly, iron supplementation has been shown to improve exercise capacity and quality of life in small clinical studies (6, 8, 9, 11, 12). However, it remains unclear how systemic iron deficiency impacts pulmonary vascular function and influences PAH. A study in PNAS by Lakhal-Littleton et al. (13) provides mechanistic insights into local iron regulation in the lung vasculature and how iron deficiency specifically in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) may contribute to the pathogenesis of PAH. At … [↵][1]1Email: Babitt.Jodie{at}mgh.harvard.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1