cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Reconstruction Approach to Scatterometer Wind Vector Field Retrieval

This paper approaches wind field estimation from scatterometer measurements as the inversion of a noisy nonlinear sampling operation. The forward sampling model is presented and made discrete for practical purposes. Generally, the wind estimation problem is ill-posed at high resolution, which means that there are more parameters to estimate than measurements. A Bayesian approach based on maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation is proposed to regularize the problem. This allows the simultaneous estimation of the regular samples of the high-resolution wind vector field directly from the noisy aperture-filtered backscatter σ° measurements. The MAP reconstruction approach is applied to the SeaWinds scatterometer, the examples are presented, and the results are compared to standard products. The MAP reconstruction method produces results that are consistent with standard products while preserving the higher spatial resolution information. The MAP estimates result in a similar resolution to the standard ultrahigh-resolution processing method but with a lower bias and a lower variability in the estimates.
An Evaluation of Low versus High Collaboration in Online Learning.

Abstract Researchers in a recent study found that online students’ ability to self-regulate led to more focused attention and time on task, and in turn, these skills could lead to better learning. Given the need for more theoretical work in this area, as well as the potential practical benefits from the use of these pedagogical strategies, we sought to compare differences between high- versus low-collaboration teams in an online assignment to determine if higher levels of student-to-student collaboration led to higher levels of self-regulation or learning presence (forethought and planning, monitoring, strategy use, and reflection). Specifically, we explored how the use of high-collaboration technologies, such as Google Docs and Google Hangouts, impacted the level of learning presence students demonstrated while participating in a small group project. The low-collaboration group made minimal use of an asynchronous discussion forum for collaboration. Differences in collaboration were measured using student grades, peer evaluations, pre- and posttests, and community of inquiry surveys. In addition, quantitative content analysis and social network analysis were used to assess collaboration by examining learning presence in the two groups.
Bilevel programming applied to the flow shop scheduling problem

A two level branch and bound algorithm is developed to solve an altered form of the standard flow-shop scheduling problem modeled as a bilevel programming problem. The flow-shop scheduling problem considered here differs from the standard problem in that operators are assigned to the machines and each operator has a different time table for the jobs on each machine. The shop owner is considered the top planner and assigns the operators to the machines in order to minimize the total flowtime while the customer is the bottom planner and decides on a job schedule in order to minimize the makespan.
Pneumonia associated with Torulopsis glabrata in an aborted bovine fetus

The second case of bovine abortion caused by Torulopsis glabrata observed in examining more than 5000 fetuses is reported. The yeast was cultured from fetal abomasal content and fetal lung; attempts to isolate viruses and bacteria were unsuccessful. The yeast was seen in association with diffuse fetal pneumonia characterized by presence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages within bronchioles, alveolar lumina and alveolar septa. Macrophages containing many yeast cells were observed within bronchioles.
AN IMPROVED NUMERICAL INTEGRATION METHOD FOR FLIGHT SIMULATION

In this paper a modified form of Euler integration is described which, when applied to the six-degree of freedom flight equations, retains and enhances many of the advantages of AB-2 integration and at the same time eliminates the disadvantages. The scheme is based on the Euler integration formula, but with the state-variable derivative represented at the midpoint of each integration step. In this case the conventional first-order Euler method actually becomes second order, with a very small accompanying error coefficient. To apply this method to the six-degree-of-freedom flight equations it is necessary to define velocity states at half-integer frame times and position states at integer frame times. It is shown through dynamic error analysis that the modified Euler method has an error coefficient which is one-tenth that associated with AB-2. The method also exhibits minimal output delay in response to transient inputs. The modified Euler method may also be useful in the integration of state and costate equations in real-time mechanization of Kalrnan filters for navigation and control systems. The ever increasing complexity of the math models used as a basis for real time flight simulation has continued to apply pressure on digital processor speed requirements for such simulations. More effective numerical integration algorithms can help relieve some of this pressure. The most popular method currently in use for flight simulation is the AdamsBashforth second-order predictor method, usually referred to as AB-2. Its advantages include second-order accuracy with respec1 to integration step size, only one required pass through the state equations per integration step, and compatibility with real-time inputs. Disadvantages include stability problems associated with extraneous roots and response delays of one or two frames following transient inputs. In the next section we consider AB-2 along with two other second-order integration methods suitable for real-time simulation of dynamic systems. The first is a two-pass realtime predictor-corrector algorithm and the second is a singlepass version of the same. We then introduce the modifiedEuler method and describe its application to the flight equations. The accuracy of the various methods is compared by means of time-history plots of the dynamic error in simulating aircraft response to a control-surface input.
Potassium channels and human corporeal smooth muscle cell tone: Further evidence of the physiological relevance of the Maxi-K channel subtype to the regulation of human corporeal smooth muscle tone in vitro

Purpose: Recent evidence indicates that the large conductance, voltage dependent, Ca2+ sensitive K channel or Maxi-K has an important role in the modulation of human corporeal smooth muscle tone and, thus, in erectile capacity. We further clarified the contribution of the Maxi-K channel subtype to the generation of contractile responses in isolated human corporeal tissue strips.Materials and Methods: We performed pharmacological studies of phenylephrine contracted isolated corporeal tissue strips in the presence and absence of the 2 Maxi-K channel blockers tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) and charybdotoxin, and the Maxi-K opener NS1619. K channel treatment effects were evaluated using 2 parameters, including 1) the steady state parameter of the empirically determined peak magnitude of the steady state contractile response and 2) the kinetic parameter of time required to achieve half of the peak steady state contractile response or half-time. Electrophysiological studies in freshly isolated and cultured m...
Drug Interaction Studies of a Glucan Synthase Inhibitor (LY 303366) and a Chitin Synthase Inhibitor (Nikkomycin Z) for Inhibition and Killing of Fungal Pathogens

The interaction between inhibitors of components of the fungal cell wall, glucan and chitin, was studied in vitro with the respective synthase enzyme inhibitors LY 303366 and nikkomycin Z. With Aspergillus fumigatus synergy was noted for inhibition and killing, and synergistic activity was also noted for some isolates of other species presently regarded as difficult to treat.
Acute hyperkalemia as a complication of intravenous therapy with epsilon-aminocaproic acid

Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) is used frequently during surgery as prophylaxis to decrease blood loss and transfusion requirements. A rare complication of EACA induced acute hyperkalemia in a patient undergoing total hip replacement is presented.
‘It's Urban Living, Not Ethnicity Itself’: Race, Crime and the Urban Geography of High‐Risk Youth

In the 1990s, panic about urban youth led to the intensification of punishment within the juvenile justice system. This article places this panic about urban youth within the context of the historical development of the juvenile justice system as an institution of urban governance, and within contemporary ‘new penology’ trends. In doing so, I argue that the idea of ‘risk’ and dangerousness as applied to juvenile offenders has two important consequences. First, these labels act to target juvenile justice interventions at youth of color. Second, these interventions attempt racial neutrality by using urban conditions as indicators of risk, but end up reinscribing racial difference in juvenile offending. In conclusion, I argue that the use of risk assessment in the juvenile court acts to continue a century-long tradition of using law enforcement to contain, control, and dispose of urban youth of color.
Constant‐Velocity Stars at the North Galactic Pole Suitable for Use as Secondary Velocity Standards*

ABSTRACT We present mean radial velocities for 143 stars in Selected Area 57 at the north Galactic pole that are suitable for use as secondary velocity standards. The stars were drawn from a magnitude‐limited sample and are mostly fainter than 11th magnitude in V. They span a wide range of effective temperatures and surface gravities and thus provide a suitable source of targets for observed templates. The mean radial velocities are based on at least 10 observations spanning at least 8200 days, and are accurate typically to 0.2 km s−1, with no obvious signs of variable velocity or composite spectra.
Unusual Features of the Light Response System Regulating Ferredoxin Gene Expression

The ferrdoxin gene system. Recently we identified a cDNA clone encoding ferredoxin I and showed that the level of the corresponding transcript in pea seedlings is increased by white light (Sagar et al., 1988a, b) and by red light acting through the phytochrome system (Dobres et al., 1987; Kaufman et al., 1985, 1986). The light responses of this gene — which we have designated Fed-1 — differ strikingly from those of RbcS and Cab which have so far served as the main models for light responsive genes, providing us with an opportunity to significantly broaden our understanding of light regulatory mechanisms.
Up-Regulation of Human Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase by p300 Transcriptional Complex

p300, a ubiquitous transcription coactivator, plays an important role in gene activation. Our previous work demonstrated that human inducible nitric oxide synthase (hiNOS) expression can be highly induced with the cytokine mixture (CM) of TNF-α + IL-1β + IFN-γ. In this study, we investigated the functional role of p300 in the regulation of hiNOS gene expression. Our initial data showed that overexpression of p300 significantly increased the basal and cytokine-induced hiNOS promoter activities in A549 cells. Interestingly, p300 activated cytokine-induced hiNOS transcriptional activity was completely abrogated by deleting the upstream hiNOS enhancer at -5 kb to -6 kb in the promoter. Furthermore, p300 over-expression increased cytokine-induced transcriptional activity on a heterologous minimal TK promoter with the same hiNOS enhancer. Site-directed mutagenesis of the hiNOS AP-1 motifs revealed that an intact upstream (-5.3kb) AP-1 binding site was critical for p300 mediated cytokine-induced hiNOS transcription. Furthermore, our ChIP analysis demonstrated that p300 was binding to Jun D and Fra-2 proteins at -5.3 kb AP-1 binding site in vivo. Lastly, our 3C assay was able to detect a long DNA loop between the hiNOS enhancer and core promoter site, and ChIP loop assay confirmed that p300 binds to AP-1 and RNA pol II proteins. Overall, our results suggest that coactivator p300 mediates cytokine-induced hiNOS transactivation by forming a distant DNA loop between its enhancer and core promoter region.
Diffusion and Trapping of Single Particles in Pores with Combined Pressure and Dynamic Voltage

In this article we report resistive-pulse experiments with polystyrene particles whose transport through pores is controlled by modulating the driving voltage during the process of translocation. Balancing electric and hydrostatic forces acting on the particles allowed us to observe a random walk of single particles in a pore for tens of seconds and to quantify their diffusion coefficient using two methods. The first approach is based on the mean square displacement and requires passage of multiple particles for a range of diffusion times. The diffusion coefficient of individual particles was determined based on the variance of their local diffusion velocities. The developed methods for measuring the diffusion coefficient in pores are applicable to particles of different sizes, do not require fluorescence labeling, and are entirely based on ion current recordings. In addition, application of a modulating voltage signal together with rising edge triggers enabled transporting the same particle back and fort...
Scanning Angle Plasmon Waveguide Resonance Raman Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Thin Polystyrene Films

Scanning angle (SA) Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize thin polymer films at a sapphire/50 nm gold film/polystyrene/air interface. When the polymer thickness is greater than ∼260 nm, this ...
Studies on the Biology of the Irregular Pine Scale

Toumcyella pinicola Ferris (Homoptera: Coccidae) is an important pest of certain ornamental pines in coastal California. Infested trees are reduced in vigor and become blackened by the sooty-mold fungi which colonize the honeydew produced by the scales. There is 1 generation each year. Emergence of crawlers begins in mid- or late spring in San Mateo County, California. When confined individually and held outdoors, females produced an average of 1307 crawlers over a period of 20 days. Female scales developed on the stems of shoot growth whereas about 80% of the males developed on the needles. Adult males emerged in mid-summer and early fall, at which time the females were approximately half grown.
Vitamin D analogs inhibit erythroid differentiation and induce monocytic differentiation of leukemic cells with the same relative potency.

Myeloid leukemia cells of human and murine origin can be induced to differentiate into more mature forms which lose their neoplastic properties- The hormonal form of vitamin D is a powerful inducer of monocytic differentiation, but its therapeutic use is limited by hypercalcemia. It was recently reported that a novel derivative of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-vitamin D3, is an exceptionally potent inducer of monocytic differentiation, and prolongs survival of mice bearing leukemia cells. We now show that this compound is also a most potent inhibitor of erythrodifferentiation. This finding has important implications for the control of hematopoiesis.
Prognostic factors in patients treated with intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin for superficial bladder cancer

Several factors were evaluated for prognostic significance in 104 patients with a history of recurrent superficial bladder cancer treated with a 6-week course of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin. Purified protein derivative skin test reactivity, tumor stage, tumor grade and number of previous tumor recurrences were evaluated in all patients. In addition, the prognostic value of a granulomatous response in the bladder was evaluated in 62 of the 104 patients. A significant correlation was reconfirmed between purified protein derivative reactivity and status free of tumor (p equals 0.041) after additional followup on 62 patients from a previous report. A significant correlation also was observed in the total patient population (p equals 0.054). Over-all, 60 per cent of the 62 patients and 52 per cent of the 104 patients whose purified protein derivative test converted from negative to positive remained free of tumor, compared to only 28 per cent of the 62 patients and 28 per cent of the 104 whose test failed to convert to positive. Mean followup was 29.3 +/- 5.7 months in the 62 patient subgroup and 23.5 +/- 5.8 months in the total 104 patients. Bladder granuloma data were available only for the 62 patient subgroup in the previous report. With extended followup, the significant correlation previously reported between status free of tumor and granulomatous response on bladder biopsy was lost. Over-all, 29 of 37 patients (51 per cent) with granulomas compared to 8 of 25 (32 per cent) without granulomas remained free of tumor (p equals 0.132). Tumor stage and grade, and number of previous tumor recurrences failed to show a significant correlation to status free of tumor. These results show that with extended followup, granulomatous response in the bladder lost its statistical correlation with status free of tumor, while a significant correlation was maintained for purified protein derivative responsiveness. This level of statistical significance was borderline and the purified protein derivative skin test response should not be considered useful as a prognostic indicator in individual patients.
Edmonton Symptom Assessment System for outpatient symptom monitoring of sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVES Although the extension of palliative care methodology to sickle cell disease (SCD) care has been proposed, there is no current standard for symptom assessment. Our goal was to assess the feasibility of integrating the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) into the outpatient management of SCD. METHODS Seventy-five adult patients presenting for outpatient visits at a comprehensive SCD center were enrolled. Patients completed the ESAS (self-report of 10 symptoms during the last 24 hours) and a survey regarding their opinion of the ESAS at enrollment and follow-up. RESULTS Pain (P = 0.0272) was the only symptom score that changed significantly between the initial and follow-up visits. In patients with a self-reported pain crisis, pain (P < 0.0001), fatigue (P = 0.0025), depression (P = 0.0458), nausea (P = 0.0384), and symptom distress scores (P = 0.0019) were significantly higher than for patients without a pain crisis. On the initial visit, 92% of all patients agreed or strongly agreed that the ESAS was easy to complete; 83% were satisfied or very satisfied with the ESAS as a way to report symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the ESAS is well received and can be successfully included as part of the longitudinal symptom management strategy for SCD.
TCT-462 Utility of the Syntax Score in Long-Term Outcomes after Newer-Generation Drug Eluting Stents in a Real-World

The ability of the SYNTAX score (SS) for long-term outcomes after newer-generation drug eluting stents (DES) have not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of the SS for long-term outcomes of patients treated with newer-generation DES. The SS was collected
Starvation prevention for arbiters of crossbars with multi-queue input buffers

Crossbars are key components of communication switches used to construct multiprocessor interconnection networks. Multi-queue input buffers have been shown to lead to high performance in such networks by allowing packets at an input port to be processed in non-FIFO order. Symmetric crossbar arbiters efficiently resolve conflicting requests in switches with multi-queue input buffers. While these arbiters lead to excellent performance in terms of throughput and average latency, they do not guarantee fairness. Hence, it is possible for an "unlucky" packet to be left in a switch buffer for a long time, potentially forever, while other packets are forwarded quickly through the switch. This paper introduces and evaluates a technique for preventing such starvation situations. The viability of the technique is demonstrated by implementing it in VLSI. Simulations show that the starvation-free arbiters may outperform arbiters that lack a starvation prevention mechanism for certain nonuniform traffic patterns at a cost of minor performance degradation for uniform traffic. >
REU Site

Recently more and more universities have been incorporating HPC (High Performance Computing) in their computing curriculum. The Bio-Grid REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Site offers undergraduate students interested or experienced in HPC a summer research opportunity to participate in projects that apply HPC in various life-science disciplines. The projects are associated with the Bio-Grid Initiatives conducted at the University of Connecticut. Training seminars are designed to equip students with background knowledge such as basic parallel programming, large-scale data analytics, and middleware support, etc., as well as some ongoing projects using these computing methods. Students participate in several collaborative projects supported by a campus-wide computational and data grid. The REU project introduces such interdisciplinary research work to students in the early stage of their academic career to spark their interest. The project aims at preparing future software engineers to formalize and solve emerging life-science problems, as well as life-science researchers with a strong background in high-performance computing. The Bio-Grid REU Site was supported by the National Science Foundation from 0810 and 1214, with a website located at http://biogrid.engr.uconn.edu/REU. REU Program Logistics.Recruitment and Selection Plans.Learning Outcomes.Post-Program Mentoring.Project Assessment.
Genetic control of growth and shoot phenology in juvenile loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) clonal trials

Southern pine genetic improvement programs have selected for faster early growth which has often increased yields over unimproved material, and some of this improvement is likely attributable to variation in growth phenology among genotypes. However, the genetics of shoot growth phenology traits are not well characterized. Loblolly pine cuttings and seedlings from parents originating in the Atlantic coastal plain (ACP) and Florida and grown on sites established in Palatka, FL and Cuthbert, GA were assessed for shoot phenology and growth traits during the second year and for growth in year 6. Individual-tree clonal repeatability in different growth and shoot phenology traits varied from 0.09 to 0.79 in cuttings, and was lower in Palatka than Cuthbert. Non-additive components of heritability were lower, with a few exceptions, than additive effects. Additive and genotypic correlations across sites were high (>0.6) for all traits measured in cuttings and for most seedling traits, suggesting low genotype × environment interactions between these two sites. Compared with progeny from crosses between ACP parents, progeny of Florida parents started growth earlier in the season and ended later. Strong genetic correlations were observed between second-year phenology traits and sixth-year height and diameter. This suggests some two-year traits could be useful for early selection of high-performing genotypes.
Abstract 2437: Timing of Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry May Increase Diagnostic Yield of Atrial Fibrillation in Select Patients with Cryptogenic Strokes

Introduction: Cryptogenic stroke accounts for 30-40% of ischemic strokes. Routine Holter monitoring detects atrial fibrillation (AF) in only 5-7% of patients with ischemic strokes. However, prolonged cardiac monitoring increases the diagnostic yield of AF. Objective: In this study we used mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT)and sought to determine 1)what percentage of our patients with cryptogenic stroke had underlying AF, 2) whether a period of highest diagnostic yield for AF could be derived and 3) whether there are clinical and electrocardiogram(EKG) parameters that predict AF in a select population. Methodology: Between March 2009 and December 2010, the data for 50 consecutive patients with MCOT at the stroke follow up clinic were analyzed. All had imaging, echocardiogram, EKG, hypercoagulable panel and at least 48 hours of in-patient cardiac telemetry monitoring. Of these, 16 were excluded because they either had no restricted diffusion on Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) or had procedure-related strokes, hypercoagulable state or TEE detected mobile plaques in the ascending aorta. Results: The final 34 patients (19 males, 15 females, mean age of 62.8±12.9) had a diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke.Magnetic rasonance imaging( MRI) detected anterior circulation strokes in 67.6% (23/34) of the cases with the remaining being posterior circulation strokes or a combination of both. MCOT of 21 days duration was initiated up to a median of 8 weeks (2-24 weeks) post discharge. Overall, AF was detected in 29.4% (10/34) of the patients within a median of 8.5 days. Of these, the detection rates were 8.8% within the first 7 days and 26.5% within 14 days. Beyond 14 days, AF detection rate increased by only 3%. Regression analysis indicated that enlarged left atrial size (>4 cm) was not a significant predictor of AF in our patient population. The combination of stroke, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, atrio-ventricular block II type 1, supraventricular tachycardia and regional wall motion abnormality on echocardiogram however was correlated with a higher diagnostic yield of detecting AF on MCOT (r 2 =0.72). Conclusion: Occult AF is common in patients with cryptogenic stroke. We found increased detection of atrial fibrillation with monitoring between 7 to 14 days, especially in those with an underlying history of stroke, coronary artery disease and certain EKG rhythm abnormalities.
Maternal Influence on the Inheritance of Hypertension

P138 Genetic determinants of essential hypertension remain poorly understood. To date, the focus of molecular genetic research has been primarily on the nuclear genes, whereas the role of the mitochondrial genome has not been ascertained. Although mitochondrial genome is just 16.5 kilobase pairs in length and comprises less than 1% of the total nucleic acid content in mammalian cells, mitochondria occupy pivotal position in human cellular bioenergetics, and mitochondrial defects have been implicated in a wide spectrum of human genetic disorders. In contrast to nuclear inheritance, mitochondrial genome is inherited exclusively through the mother. To assess the relative maternal and paternal contributions to the familial aggregation of hypertension, we examined family history data obtained from 310 hypertensive probands (65 African American, 149 US Caucasian, 96 Greek Caucasian) ascertained without respect to parental hypertension status. Proportions of affected mothers and fathers were compared using a χ 2 test. Cumulative lifetime risk for hypertension in mothers and fathers was estimated using a maximum likelihood extension of Kaplan Meier survival analysis. We found that the proportion of hypertensive mothers was significantly greater than the proportion of hypertensive fathers in all three ethnic groups. The proportions of hypertensive mothers were 83.9, 63.2 and 83.3% for African Americans, US Caucasians and Greek Caucasians, respectively. In contrast, the observed proportions for fathers were, respectively, 53.2, 47.3 and 48.8%. In conclusion, we observe a consistent maternal component in the inheritance of hypertension in three ethnic groups. Although environmental and epigenetic influences can not be excluded, our findings provide a new dimension in the search for the genetic components of hypertension and suggest that hypertension may prove to be not only polygenic but also “polygenomic” disorder. Furthermore, our data indicate that when assessing a patient’s risk for hypertension, particular attention should be paid to the maternal portion of the family history.
The Role of Zinc in the Biology and Virulence of Brucella Strains

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for many bacteria, including Brucella spp., and in Brucella strains, zinc is required for the proper function of several important enzymes involved in amino acid biosynthesis and resistance to oxidative stress. Additionally, zinc is an important cofactor for the virulence-associated transcriptional regulatory protein MucR, as well as for RicA, a type IV secretion system effector protein. Owing to the importance of zinc in the biology of Brucella strains, these bacteria possess a high affinity zinc uptake system, called ZnuABC that preferential imports zinc. Conversely, because of the toxic potential of free zinc cations, the brucellae also encode a zinc export system, called ZntA that functions in the intracellular detoxification of excess zinc. Not surprisingly, the levels of the zinc uptake and export systems are precisely controlled, and this genetic regulation is performed by two different zinc-responsive regulatory proteins, called Zur and ZntR, that govern the expression of the znuABC and zntA genetic loci, respectively, at the level of transcription. Importantly, the proper homeostasis of zinc levels in Brucella is required for efficient pathogenesis in animal models of Brucella infection. This chapter will outline the systems that regulate zinc uptake and export in Brucella strains, including the role of these system in Brucella virulence; the genetic regulation of zinc homeostasis; and the function of zinc as a cofactor for important enzymes in Brucella strains.
Prosodic Smothering in Macedonian and Kaqchikel

This article deals with a so-far unnoticed phenomenon in prosodic phonology, which we dub prosodic smothering. Prosodic smothering arises when the prosodic status of a clitic or affix varies with t...
An asymmetric rainfall response to ENSO in East Asia

This study explores the impact of El Nino and La Nina events on precipitation and circulation in East Asia. The results are based on statistical analysis of various observational datasets and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory’s (GFDL’s) global climate model experiments. Multiple observational datasets and certain models show that in the southeastern coast of China, precipitation exhibits a nonlinear response to Central Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies during boreal deep fall/early winter. Higher mean rainfall is observed during both El Nino and La Nina events compared to the ENSO-Neutral phase, by an amount of approximately 0.4–0.5 mm/day on average per oC change. We argue that, in October to December, while the precipitation increases during El Nino are the result of anomalous onshore moisture fluxes, those during La Nina are driven by the persistence of terrestrial moisture anomalies resulting from earlier excess rainfall in this region. This is consistent with the nonlinear extreme rainfall behavior in coastal southeastern China, which increases during both ENSO phases and becomes more severe during El Nino than La Nina events.
Performance evaluation of smart systems under uncertainty

This paper develops a model-based framework for the quantification and propagation of multiple uncertainty sources affecting the performance of a smart system. A smart system, in general, performs sensing, control and actuation for proper functioning of a physical subsystem (also referred to as a plant). With strong feedback coupling between several subsystems, the uncertainty in the quantities of interest (QoI) amplifies over time. The coupling in a generic smart system occurs at two levels: (1) coupling between individual subsystems (plant, cyber, actuation, sensors), and (2) coupling between nodes in a distributed computational subsystem. In this paper, a coupled smart system is decoupled and considered as a feed-forward system over time and modeled using a two-level Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN), one at each level of coupling (between subsystems and between nodes). A DBN can aggregate uncertainty from multiple sources within a time step and across time steps. The DBN associated with a smart system can be learned using available system models, physics models and data. The proposed methodology is demonstrated for the design of a smart indoor heating system (identification of sensors and a wireless network) within cost constraints that enables room-by-room temperature control. We observe that sensor uncertainty has a higher impact on the performance of the heating system compared to the uncertainty in the wireless network.
The Accuracy of Formal Neuropsychological Methods

Accuracy is equivalent to the rate of error and is a primary component of predictive validation. The criteria for validity and accuracy have not been adequately examined in neuropsychology. The accuracy of a test procedure cannot be better than its criterion, which may not be above 80% in neurology. In a series of studies, neuropsychological volunteers who were used as the normal criterion had full-scale intelligence quotients (FSIQs) that were almost always one standard deviation above the national average. This means that half of the normal American population is in the brain-damaged range if the criteria for brain damage are one standard deviation below the sample mean. Various types of psychometric procedures that are used to determine the accuracy of brain-damage studies include the Halstead Index (HI), the average impairment rating (AIR), the Neuropsychological Deficit Scale (NDS), and the average impairment scale (AIS). Decision algorithms and discriminant analysis are also examined. The inaccurate and inadequate methods used to criticize the neuropsychological key are discussed. Some recent developments in formal procedures and batteries are examined. Finally, all accuracy studies have been done on formal procedures such as fixed or standardized batteries because validation and accuracy procedures cannot be applied to a flexible battery.
Discovery, development, and current applications of DNA identity testing.

Genetic identity testing involves identifying the patterns of genetic material that are unique to almost every individual. Although over 99% of the DNA sequences in the human genome are identical between individuals, a small number of sequence differences are used to distinguish all humans (1). Those different sequences are usually targeted for identity testing. The techniques that are applied in identity testing are DNA fingerprinting, DNA profiling, and DNA typing. Although there are some technical differences between these tests, the terms have been used interchangeably.
Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, and Management

The fibromyalgia syndrome previously was considered to be a psychosomatic pseudo-disorder with objective basis. It is now readily diagnosed by established clinical criteria. While the syndrome was once believed to lack any abnormal laboratory values, it is now known to exhibit low platelet serotonin and low red blood cell ATP, plus elevated levels of substance P and nerve growth factor in the cerebrospinal fluids of affected individuals. Fibromyalgia is becoming the human model for the study of aberrant nociception. These findings indicate that fibromyalgia should be diagnosed prospectively, and that physiologically relevant laboratory abnormalities may soon lead to a more specific treatment.
Author Correction: The era of hyper-scaling in electronics

In the version of this Perspective originally published, in the key for Fig. 2d the labels for the light-blue and dark-blue lines were mistakenly swapped. The light-blue line should have been labelled ‘Tunnel FET’ and the dark-blue line should have been labelled ‘Negative capacitance FET’. This has now been corrected.
A Multisensory Design Probe: An Approach for Reducing Technostress

Technostress is an emerging and significant psychological phenomenon associated with the use of technology. As humans increasingly encounter computational technology on a daily basis, there is a need to manage the anxieties and tensions that can result from these interactions. Using the lens of critical design, we created a design probe to explore this concept of technology induced stress. The probe builds on the topic of slow technology and embraces multisensory experiences as a tool for individuals to reflect on their relationship with technology.
Learning Rate of Beginning Swimmers

Abstract The two parts of the study are based on the same experimental method of instruction. Basic assumptions relative to method are listed. Part I reports progress of 20 swimmers taught in small groups, and Part II, 134 in regular classes: All were college women, non-swimmers. Criterion for “learning to swim” was passing a 15-minute endurance test. Progress in small groups and classes was similar; the majority can “learn” in 15 lessons or less, the minimum learning time was 5 lessons; the accomplishments of the first lesson are indicative of probable learning rate; swimmers can be introduced successfully to deep-water skills in second or third lesson.
Middle Level Education in Rural Communities

Middle level teachers and administrators working in small or rural schools often face unique obstacles in implementing recommended middle level practices. From sharing staff and schedules with other school sites, to inappropriate instructional techniques, to a general lack of understanding of the middle level philosophy, these obstacles can be a source of frustration for school leaders and hinder school improvement initiatives. A better understanding of these issues and the discussion of potential solutions will benefit teachers, administrators, and policy makers in improving middle level education in rural communities. By building on the positive characteristics found in rural and smaller schools, as well as identifying and addressing the obstacles encountered at smaller schools, middle level leaders can create and maintain distinctive and effective programs for their students.
Absence of Motor-Evoked Potentials Does Not Predict Poor Recovery in Patients With Severe-Moderate Stroke: An Exploratory Analysis

Abstract Objective To better understand the role of the presence or absence of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in predicting functional outcomes following a severe-moderate stroke. Design Retrospective exploratory analysis. We compared the effects of the stimulation condition (active or sham), MEP status (+ or −), and a combination of stimulation condition and MEP status on outcome. Within-group and between-group changes were assessed with longitudinal repeated measures analysis of variance and longitudinal repeated measures analysis of covariance, respectively. The proportions of participants who achieved minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for the main outcome measures were calculated. Setting University research laboratory within a rehabilitation hospital. Participants A total of 129 subjects with severe-moderate stroke-related motor impairments who participated in previous studies combining neuromodulation and motor training Interventions Neuromodulation (active or sham) and motor training. Main Outcome Measures Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Results When participants were grouped by stimulation condition or MEP status, all groups improved from baseline to immediate postintervention and follow-up evaluations (all P .05). Regarding MCIDs, in the MEP−/active group, 14.5% of individuals reached MCID on FMA and 8.3% on ARAT post intervention. In the MEP+/active group, 33.3% of individuals reached MCID on FMA and 27.3% on ARAT post intervention. Conclusion As expected, the MEP+ group had the greatest improvement in motor function. However, it was shown that individuals without MEPs can also achieve meaningful changes, as reflected by MCID, when neuromodulation is paired with motor training. To our knowledge, this is the first study to differentiate the effects of neuromodulation by MEP status.
Regularization-Based Location Fingerprinting

Location fingerprinting is an approach to GPS-free localization. This approach requires a prior training set of fingerprints sampled at known locations, by comparing to which the locations of future fingerprints can be determined. For good accuracy, the training set should be large enough to appropriately cover the area. However, in practice, a quality training set is not easy to obtain and as such recent studies have resorted to utilizing fingerprints that are available without location information; these are called unlabeled fingerprints. This chapter presents several ways one can use regularization to learn from unlabeled fingerprints. Regularization is a mathematical framework to learn a function from data by enforcing regularizers to improve generalizability. The following scenarios are discussed: (1) how the training set can be enriched with unlabeled fingerprints, (2) how a trajectory of a moving device can be computed given its sequential fingerprints, labeled or unlabeled, collected during the trajectory, and (3) how a device can be tracked in an online manner as it moves using real-time fingerprints.
The Utility and Feasibility of Extending Beyond Traditional Patient Descriptions in Daily Practice

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Institutional and national programs have endorsed the use of validated instruments in daily practice, but their utility for frontline clinicians is unknown. Our first objective was thus to determine if routinely obtained patient descriptions accurately predict disease-specific validated instrument results. Our second objective was to assess the feasibility of deploying an electronic system to obtain and document patient-reported descriptions of health status. STUDY DESIGN Prospective assessment of consecutive eligible ambulatory care patients. METHODS For the first objective, patients presenting with the same chief complaint at consecutive visits provided concurrent routine symptom descriptions and validated instrument responses. To determine whether patients' routine descriptions predicted scores from disease-specific instruments, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, sensitivity/specificity, Spearman ρ correlation, and regression models were utilized. For the second objective, feasibility assessment focused on percent with successful response capture, time to questionnaire completion, and impact on physician time needed to obtain and document patient histories. RESULTS For the first objective, among patients with hearing loss, eustachian tube dysfunction, nasal obstruction, and chronic rhinosinusitis, the areas under the ROC curves were 0.38 to 0.83. Spearman ρ coefficients were 0.25 to 0.46. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 15.9% to 87.8%, with correct classification in 42.3% to 55.2% of cases. For the second objective, there was a 91% completion rate. Completion times were 7:18 to 12:37 for new patients and 3:23 to 6:41 for established patients. Physician time savings were estimated at 11 minutes per patient. CONCLUSIONS Using validated instruments and electronic data collection systems in daily practice has practical and clinical implications. These topics warrant further study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2c Laryngoscope, 130:S1-S13, 2020.
Simple non-perturbative resummation schemes beyond mean-field: case study for scalar ϕ4 theory in 1+1 dimensions

I present a sequence of non-perturbative approximate solutions for scalar ϕ4 theory for arbitrary interaction strength, which contains, but allows to systematically improve on, the familiar mean-field approximation. This sequence of approximate solutions is apparently well-behaved and numerically simple to calculate since it only requires the evaluation of (nested) one-loop integrals. To test this resummation scheme, the case of ϕ4 theory in 1+1 dimensions is considered, finding approximate agreement with known results for the vacuum energy and mass gap up to the critical point. Because it can be generalized to other dimensions, fermionic fields and finite temperature, the resummation scheme could potentially become a useful tool for calculating non-perturbative properties approximately in certain quantum field theories.
Placement of an External Ventricular Drain.

Placement of an External Ventricular Drain Placement of an external ventricular drain allows cerebrospinal fluid to drain from the ventricles to an external collecting system. An EVD is used to bot...
The Smart Appliance Scheduling Problem: A Bayesian Optimization Approach

Daily energy demand peaks induce high greenhouse gas emissions and are deleterious to the power grid operations. The autonomous and coordinated control of smart appliances in residential buildings represents an effective solution to reduce peak demands. This coordination problem is challenging as it involves, not only, scheduling devices to minimize energy peaks, but also to comply with user’ preferences. Prior work assumed these preferences to be fully specified and known a priori, which is, however, unrealistic. To remedy this limitation, this paper introduces a Bayesian optimization approach for smart appliance scheduling when the users’ satisfaction with a schedule must be elicited, and thus considered expensive to evaluate. The paper presents a set of ad-hoc energy-cost based acquisition functions to drive the Bayesian optimization problem to find schedules that maximize the user’s satisfaction. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed energy-cost based acquisition functions which improve the algorithm’s performance up to 26%.
Tattoo-Associated Sarcoidosis With Severe Uveitis Successfully Treated With Mycophenolate Mofetil: A Report of Two Cases.

Tattooing is an increasing trend among Western countries, with about 18% of the population undergoing the procedure once in their lifetime. The process looks simple; introduce exogenous pigment into the dermis layer of the skin, altering the skin color permanently. However, this simple procedure leads to several health issues and medical complications, both acute and chronic, and some are difficult to cure. Sarcoidosis is high on the list of severity involving almost all body organs. Multiple organ involvement makes this condition more difficult to treat. Lungs and lymphatics are the leading sites of involvement, followed by an inflammatory disease of the eye called uveitis. An additional problem is the limited confirmatory diagnostic tests and treatment options for sarcoidosis. Each patient must be considered unique based on their age, clinical presentation, and severity of involvement. Proper treatment must be tailored for better outcomes with minimum side effects and rapid cure. Here we describe two case reports of tattoo-associated sarcoidosis with severe uveitis successfully treated with mycophenolate mofetil.
Comparing belief in short-term versus long-term consequences of smoking and vaping as predictors of non-use in a 3-year nationally representative survey study of US youth.

Introduction Efforts to prevent youth tobacco use are critical to reducing smoking-related deaths in the USA. Anti-tobacco messaging often focuses on the severe long-term consequences of smoking (eg, fatal lung disease, cancer). It is unclear whether these long-term consequences are more likely to deter youth use than shorter term consequences (eg, headaches, friend disapproval). Methods A nationally representative 3-year rolling survey of adolescents and young adults (ages 13–26 years) measured belief in potential consequences of two types of tobacco products: combustible cigarettes (n=11 847) and electronic cigarettes (n=4470) as well as intentions and current use. Independent coders classified 23 consequences as either short or long term. Logistic regression tested the associations between short-term (vs long-term) beliefs and current intentions, as well as non-smoking behaviour at 6-month follow-up. Results Believing in both short-term and long-term consequences was associated with outcomes, but short-term beliefs were more highly associated with anti-smoking (OR=1.40, 95% CI (1.30 to 1.51)) and anti-vaping (OR=2.10, 95% CI (1.75 to 2.52)) intentions and better predicted non-smoking behaviour at follow-up, controlling for prior use (OR=1.75, 95% CI (1.33 to 2.31)). Conclusions These results support temporal discounting by adolescents and young adults and suggest health communication efforts aiming to reduce youth tobacco use should emphasise shorter term consequences.