cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Olfactory ability in normal pressure hydrocephalus as compared to Alzheimer's disease and healthy controls.

Abstract Objectives Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a treatable neurological disorder that appears in older adults, lacks specific diagnostic criteria, and resembles symptoms seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Presently, differentiating NPH from AD in the early stages of symptom presentation remains difficult. This study established whether olfactory testing may be useful in this regard. In addition, we determined whether olfactory function of NPH patients differed before and after extended lumbar drainage (ELD), as well as six months after surgical implantation of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Patients and methods Twenty-two NPH patients (mean age = 77.6 yrs), 14 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age = 79.9 yrs), and 7 AD patients (mean age = 75.5 yrs) were administered the 40-item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Eighteen of the 22 NPH patients were also tested following ELD and 8 patients were tested six months following implantation of VP shunt. Results Prior to ELD, patients with NPH scored significantly higher on the UPSIT than those with AD [respective means (SDs) = 26.9 (7.1) & 14.1 (4.7)]. While the mean NPH score was significantly below that of the matched controls [control mean (SD) = 32.7 (6.7)], their test scores were nonetheless within the general normal range, as determined from published normative data (48th percentile). The UPSIT scores did not differ significantly among the three longitudinal time points in the NPH patients. Conclusion Olfactory testing may be useful in differentiating between patients with NPH and patients with AD. Odor identification test scores of NPH patients are not influenced by the release of intracranial pressure via ELD or six months following implantation of a VP shunt.
Recent advances in understanding and managing chordomas

Chordomas are rare primary bone tumors arising from embryonic remnants of the notochord. They are slow-growing, locally aggressive, and destructive and typically involve the axial skeleton. Genetic studies have identified several mutations implicated in the pathogenesis of these tumors. Treatment poses a challenge given their insidious progression, degree of local invasion at presentation, and high recurrence rate. They tend to respond poorly to conventional chemotherapy and radiation. This makes radical resection the mainstay of their treatment. Recent advances in targeted chemotherapy and focused particle beam radiation, however, have improved the management and prognosis of these tumors.
Exposing the Competition, Co-opetition, and Cooperation Process of Consumers INA Retail Shopping Context

Competing is an experiential attribute that is (and has the potential to be) present in many shopping and consumer behavior situations. Although researchers have identified personality traits and situational circumstances as drivers of general competitive consumer behaviors (Mowen 2004), competitive shopping itself has not garnered significant attention. Meanwhile, evidence of consumers actively competing with each other can be found in scarcity-laden shopping situations like Black Friday, new product releases like Apple’s iPad and iPhone, and during times of threat or fear, such as when hurricane or snowstorm forecasts drive people to hoard gasoline and staple foods. Competition for consumer goods receives the most attention under circumstances of scarcity, which can be a result of several supply-demand functions (Gierl et al. 2008). But what happens when people compete for scarce goods? Researchers contend that “…scarcity hinders our ability to think…when we watch something we want become less available...a physical agitation sets in. …the blood comes up, the focus narrows. … the cognitive and rational side retreats. … cognitive processes are suppressed. … thoughtful analysis of the situation becomes less available... and brain clouding [occurs] (Cialdini 1993, p. 266).”
Theory of solar cell light trapping through a nonequilibrium Green's function formulation of Maxwell's equations

We develop a theory of solar cell light trapping based on directly solving Maxwell's equations through a nonequilibrium Green's function formalism. This theory rigorously connects the maximum power absorbed by the solar cell to the density of states of the cell. With this theory we are able to reproduce all standard results in solar cell light trapping previously derived using approximate formalisms. Therefore our development places solar cell light trapping theory on a much firmer theoretical foundation. Moreover, here the maximum power formula is derived without the assumption of reciprocity, unlike previous theories on solar cell light trapping. Therefore, we prove that the upper bound of light trapping enhancement cannot be overcome with the use of nonreciprocal structures. As a numerical test, we simulate an absorber structure that consists of a nonreciprocal material, and show that the absorption enhancement factor is largely independent of nonreciprocity, in consistency with the theory.
A comprehensive methodology for discovering semantic relationships among geospatial vocabularies using oceanographic data discovery as an example

It is challenging to find relevant data for research and development purposes in the geospatial big data era. One long-standing problem in data discovery is locating, assimilating and utilizing the...
Favorable and publicly funded studies are more likely to be published: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the characteristics of studies associated with the likelihood of publication. Study Design and Setting We searched for manuscripts that tracked cohorts of clinical studies (“cohorts”) that from launch to publication. We explored the association of study characteristics with the probability of publication via traditional meta-analyses and meta-regression using random effects models. Results The literature review identified 85 cohorts of studies that met our inclusion criteria. The probability of publication was significantly higher for studies whose characteristics were favorable (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.62, 2.57) or statistically significant (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.52, 2.81), had a multicenter design (OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.45), and were of later regulatory phase (3/4 vs. 1/2, OR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.49). Industry funding was modestly associated with lower (OR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.99) probability of publication. An exploratory analysis of effect modification revealed that the effect of the study characteristic “favorable results” on likelihood for publication was stronger for industry-funded studies. Conclusion The study characteristics of favorable and significant results were associated with greater probability of publication.
Protests, Parties, and Presidential Succession

The longevity of authoritarian regimes depends on elite cohesion, skilled security forces, and carefully executed transitions, even in the face of opposition movements with external support.
The ethics of productivity: Toward increased dialogue and customer-based accountability

The ethics of recent productivity improvement strategies requires an open and inclusive dialogue among diverse stakeholders, as well as customer-based accountability. By contrast, the expertise of managers in the past tended to drive a public productivity improvement process that involved little dialogue and customer-based accountability. This article examines fundamental values in productivity improvement and relates these to increased dialogue and cusomer-based accountability.
Orbital Apex Syndrome

Orbital Apex Syndrome A 61-year-old man presented with retro-orbital pain, near-complete ophthalmoplegia, loss of vision, and facial sensory deficits. Ophthalmologic findings are shown in a video.
Demonstrative reference and cognitive significance

Soulevant le probleme de la significiation cognitive de la croyance dans le contexte de la theorie de la reference directe, l'A. evalue la pertinence descriptiviste de la theorie revisee de J. Perry au regard de l'epistemologie des indexicaux et de la degnation rigide.
Distal splenorenal shunt vs. TIPS: distal splenorenal shunt versus transjugular intrahepatic portal systematic shunt for variceal bleeding A randomized trial : a rare randomized trial of a common therapy. Commentary

Background & Aims: Variceal bleeding refractory to medical treatment with β-blockers and endoscopic therapy can be managed by variceal decompression with either surgical shunts or transjugular intrahepatic portal systemic shunts (TIPS). This prospective randomized trial tested the hypothesis that patients receiving distal splenorenal shunts (DSRS) would have significantly lower rebleeding and encephalopathy rates than TIPS in management of refractory variceal bleeding. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial at 5 centers was conducted. One hundred forty patients with Child-Pugh class A and B cirrhosis and refractory variceal bleeding were randomized to DSRS or TIPS. Protocol and event follow-up for 2-8 years (mean, 46 ± 26 months) for primary end points of variceal bleeding and encephalopathy and secondary end points of death, ascites, thrombosis and stenosis, liver function, need for transplant, quality of life, and cost were evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference in rebleeding (DSRS, 5.5%; TIPS, 10.5%; P =.29) or first encephalopathy event (DSRS, 50%; TIPS, 50%). Survival at 2 and 5 years (DSRS, 81% and 62%; TIPS, 88% and 61%, respectively) were not significantly different (P =.87). Thrombosis, stenosis, and reintervention rates (DSRS, 11%; TIPS, 82%) were significantly (P < .001) higher in the TIPS group. Ascites, need for transplant, quality of life, and costs were not significantly different. Conclusions: DSRS and TIPS are similarly efficacious in the control of refractory variceal bleeding in Child-Pugh class A and B patients. Reintervention is significantly greater for TIPS compared with DSRS. Because both procedures have equivalent outcomes, the choice is dependent on available expertise and ability to monitor the shunt and reintervene when needed.
Tableau Proof Systems

Informally, a proof is an argument that convinces. Formally, a proof is of a formula, and is a finite object constructed according to fixed syntactic rules that refer only to the structure of formulas and not to their intended meaning. The syntactic rules that define proofs are said to specify a proof procedure. A proof procedure is sound for a particular logic if any formula that has a proof must be a valid formula of the logic. A proof procedure is complete for a logic if every valid formula has a proof. Then a sound and complete proof procedure allows us to produce “witnesses,” namely proofs, that formulas are valid.
Family accommodation mediates nightmares and sleep-related problems in anxious children.

Abstract Nightmares are commonly reported in clinically anxious children and are associated with the presence of other sleep-related problems. Family accommodation has been theorized as playing a central role in the sleep-related problems of anxious children, but empirical data is lacking. We examined associations between nightmares, maternal reports of family accommodation, and sleep-related problems in clinically anxious children. We also examined a hypothesized mediational pathway linking nightmares to other sleep-related problems, through increased family accommodation using structural equation modeling. Participants were 277 clinically anxious children (ages 6–17), and their mothers. Nightmares were reported in over three quarters of the children and were linked to higher mother-rated accommodation and to sleep-related problems. Fit indices for the structural equation model were excellent, and data supported the hypothesis that family accommodation mediates the association between nightmares and sleep-related problems in the anxious children. Results provide the first empirical evidence for the role of family accommodation in nightmares and other sleep-related problems in anxious children. Implications for assessment and treatment of childhood anxiety are discussed.
Resilience, Adapting to Change, and Healthy Aging

As people get older, they are often confronted with new challenges and changes. How older adults adjust to these changes will determine to a large extent their overall well-being. In this chapter, we propose that resilience is an important factor contributing to optimal adjustment in later life. Resilience can be thought of as personal resilience (i.e., individual characteristics), cognitive resilience, and social and community resilience (i.e., a reliable support system). Evidence suggests that interventions can be effective to enhance difference types of resilience.
Group- versus Parent-Involvement CBT for Childhood Anxiety Disorders: Treatment Specificity and Long-term Recovery Mediation.

Treatment specificity and long-term recovery mediation of peer-involvement group cognitive behavioral therapy (GCBT) and parent-involvement CBT (PCBT) were investigated for youth anxiety disorders....
Individual cell-only bioink and photocurable supporting medium for 3D printing and generation of engineered tissues with complex geometries

Scaffold-free engineering of three-dimensional (3D) tissue has focused on building sophisticated structures to achieve functional constructs. Although the development of advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing has brought remarkable capabilities to the field of tissue engineering, creating and culturing individual cell-only based high-resolution tissues with complex geometries without an intervening biomaterial scaffold while maintaining the resulting constructs' shape and architecture over time has not been achieved to date. In this report, we introduce a cell printing platform which addresses the aforementioned challenge and permits 3D printing and long-term culture of a living cell-only bioink lacking a biomaterial carrier for functional tissue formation. A biodegradable and photocrosslinkable microgel supporting bath serves initially as a fluid, allowing free movement of the printing nozzle for high-resolution cell extrusion, while also presenting solid-like properties to sustain the structure of the printed constructs. The printed human stem cells, which are the only component of the bioink, couple together via transmembrane adhesion proteins and differentiate down tissue-specific lineages while being cultured in a further photocrosslinked supporting bath to form bone and cartilage tissue with precisely controlled structure. Collectively, this system, which is applicable to general 3D printing strategies, is a paradigm shift for printing of scaffold-free individual cells, cellular condensations and organoids, and may have far reaching impact in the fields of regenerative medicine, drug screening, and developmental biology.
PDLens: smartphone knows drug effectiveness among Parkinson's via daily-life activity fusion

Drug effectiveness management is a complicated and challenging task in chronic diseases, like Parkinson's Disease (PD). Drug effectiveness control is not only linked to personal out-of-pocket cost but also affecting the quality of life among patients with chronic symptoms. In the current practice, although that health and medical professionals still play a key role in the personalized treatment plan, the critical decision on drug selection falls upon the individual report when patients call in or visit the clinics. Unfortunately, most of the patients with chronic diseases either fail to report their day-to-day symptoms or have a limited access to medical resources due to economic constraints. In this paper, we present PDLens, a first smartphone-based system to detect drug effectiveness among Parkinson's in daily life. Specifically, PDLens can extract digital behavioral markers related to PD drug responses from everyday activities, including phone calls, standing, and walking. PDLens models the PD symptom severity on drug treatment and detects the change of severity scores before and after drug intake. A ranking-based multi-view deep neural network is developed to decide the drug effectiveness upon the symptom severity changes. To validate the performance of PDLens, we conduct a pilot study with 81 PD patients and monitor their smartphone activities and severity changes over 33693 drug intake events across six (6) months. Compared with the standard clinical drug effectiveness test developed by Motor Disorder Society, results reveal that PDLens is a promising tool to facilitate drug effectiveness detection among PD patients in their daily lives.
Moving on from Here: Suggestions for the Future of “Mobility Thinking” in Studies of Paleolithic Technologies

Beginning in the early 1990s, the theme of mobility became central to many studies of Paleolithic lithic technology. Models relating group movements to the design, production, and treatment of stone artifacts have been widely employed both to explain features of Paleolithic assemblages, and as a source of information about the ecology of Pleistocene foragers. However, many of the questions that “mobility thinking” was originally adopted to answer are no longer at the center of inquiry in Paleolithic research. To remain relevant to new research agendas, new approaches to mobility and lithic technology should be developed. In keeping with the theme of this special issue, this paper discusses three areas where relatively simple changes in theory and practice could help to integrate “mobility thinking” into emerging research questions of broad, cross-disciplinary relevance: these include territories and ranging patterns, social networks, and intra-group variation in mobility.
A congestion control mechanism for SDN-based fat-tree networks

Nowadays, data centers are experiencing increasing applications' need that is mandating a software-oriented network architecture. A Software-Defined Network (SDN) is the new technology to overcome the traditional network's limitations. QoS is one current limitation that needs to be well-structured for successful software-oriented network architecture. Considerable key factors affect QoS, comprising traffic shaping and congestion control. This paper proposes a congestion control mechanism in SDN-based networks to enhance the overall QoS. The proposed mechanism monitors and detects congested parts and reacts automatically to reduce traffic load. The traffic load is redistributed to ensure better performance by re-routing subset flows. The re-routing decision is based on a passively measured QoS metric, port utilization. Experiments are conducted to prove the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism in an SDN-based fat-tree network. Results showed that the TCP recorded a noticeable improvement, namely, 22.4% in the average delay, 21.3% in throughput, 18.6% in max delay, and 15.3% for jitter. Moreover, the maximum monitored port utilization in the aggregation and core switches was also reduced by 22% on average.
Quantum disorder and unconventional magnetism in ALnX2 (A = alkali; Ln = lanthanide; X = chalcogen) materials

Discovering new electronic states is a driving motivation for much of the research in fundamental materials physics. New magnetic states formed within magnetically frustrated materials are an endur...
Hepatitis C virus DAA treatment adherence patterns and SVR among people who inject drugs treated in opioid agonist therapy programs.

Background Adequate medication adherence is critical for achieving sustained viral response (SVR) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID). However, it is less known which patterns of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment adherence are associated with SVR in this population or what factors are associated with each pattern. Methods The randomized three-arm PREVAIL study utilized electronic blister packs to obtain daily time frame adherence data in opiate agonist therapy program settings. Exact logistic regressions were applied to test the associations between SVR and six types of treatment adherence patterns. Results Of the 113 participants treated with combination DAAs, 109 (96.5%) achieved SVR. SVR was significantly associated with all pattern parameters except for number of switches between adherent and missed days: total adherent daily doses (exact AOR=1.12; 95%CI=1.04-1.22), percent total doses (1.09; 1.03-1.16), days on treatment (1.16; 1.05-1.32), maximum consecutive adherent days (1.34; 1.06-2.04), maximum consecutive non-adherent days (.85; .74-.95=.003). SVR was significantly associated with total adherent doses in the first two months of treatment, it was not in the last month. Compared to White participants (30.7±11.8(se)), Black (18.4±7.8) and Hispanic participants (19.2±6.1) had significantly shorter maximum consecutive adherent days. While alcohol intoxication was significantly associated with frequent switches, drug use was not associated with any adherence pattern. Conclusion Consistent maintenance of adequate total dose adherence over the entire course of HCV treatment is important in achieving SVR among PWID. Additional integrative addiction and medical care may be warranted for treating PWID experiencing alcohol intoxication.
UAV Communications with Machine Learning: Challenges, Applications and Open Issues

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have recently proved their ability to afford reliable and cost-effective solutions for many real-world scenarios. The autonomy, mobility and flexibility nature along with communications interoperability have made UAV able to provide a large variety of services. Awareness of context changes and adaptability to current services requirements are the key to UAVs’ deployment success. For this reason, machine learning (ML) has been widely used in overcoming the challenges that UAV faces in mobility, communication and resources management. This paper will mainly focus on the proposed UAV-centric ML solutions and their satisfaction with network requirements taking into consideration UAVs’ roles, collaboration, cooperation and network changing contexts. Solutions proposed in air to air, air to ground and ground to air communications as well as UAVs-enabled mobile edge computing are investigated for possible future insights. Future works will indeed highlight the need of UAVs’ cooperation in the emergent 5G/6G networks.
Prostate cancer: Alternatively spliced mRNA transcripts in tumor progression and their uses as therapeutic targets.

Abstract Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer deaths among American men. Current therapies show early antitumor responses, but ultimately lead to treatment resistance, relapse and poorer survival in patients. Alternative RNA splicing, a cell mechanism increasing the proteome diversity by producing multiple transcripts from a single gene, has been associated with prostate cancer development/progression. Reports showed that many aberrant mRNA splice variants are upregulated in prostate cancer, promoting malignancy through enhanced proliferation, metastasis, tumor growth, anti-apoptosis, and/or treatment resistance. Here, we discuss the oncogenic properties of aberrant splicing mechanisms underlying prostate cancer pathogenesis, as well as the uses of the splicing variants as potential diagnostics and treatment targets. Finally, we discuss the pharmacologic and molecular approaches for targeting aberrant splicing mechanisms as effective therapies to correct the splicing errors and overcome the drug resistance, ultimately improving the clinical outcome of prostate cancer patients.
False beliefs about sleep and their associations with sleep-related behavior.

OBJECTIVES Understanding the association between sleep-related beliefs and behaviors may be useful in improving sleep health in the general population. This study examines false beliefs about sleep and their associations with self-reported sleep and related behaviors. METHODS Respondents in an online survey indicated the degree to which they agreed with 20 statements previously identified as sleep myths by experts in the field. A total sleep myths score was calculated for each participant, with higher scores reflecting greater false beliefs. Sociodemographic factors, behaviors, and knowledge related to sleep were also assessed. RESULTS Total sample size was 1120 adults residing in the United States (51.5% female; M age = 47.22). Overall, belief in sleep myths was relatively common, with 10 of 20 false statements endorsed by at least 50% of the sample. Sleep myth scores varied by sociodemographic factors, including age, gender, socioeconomic indicators, and region of residence. Higher sleep myth scores were associated with greater inconsistency in bedtimes (odds ratio: 1.07 [1.04-1.09]), more frequent napping (odds ratio: 1.11 [1.09-1.14]), more in-bed activities (β = 0.35, p < .001), engaging in behaviors incompatible with sleep hygiene recommendations (β = 0.24, p < .001), and perceiving fewer consequences of insufficient sleep (β = -0.13, p < .001). Those endorsing more myths reported shorter sleep on non-worknights (β = -0.09, p = .01) but not on worknights. CONCLUSIONS Belief in sleep myths is related to sleep health behavior and may be a modifiable target for intervention.
Hypertrophy Inducing Factor In Pediatric Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy Serum

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a devastating and costly disease that results in about 50% mortality within 5 years of diagnosis. Despite improvements in adult HF outcomes, children with HF have had no substantial improvement in survival over the past 3 decades. Our work has shown that the myocardium of children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) demonstrates a gene expression pattern consistent with pathologic remodeling. The objective of this study was to investigate whether serum from pediatric IDC patients would recapitulate this pathologic gene expression pattern in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs). Methods: NRVMs were treated with: 1) whole serum from IDC and non-failing (NF) control patients; 2) heat inactivated serum; or 3) exosomes isolated from serum. Serum protein identification was performed by mass spectrometry. Results: Treatment of NRVMs with whole serum from pediatric IDC patients induced a pathologic hypertrophic response that was characterized by changes in gene ex...
Building Biobetters: The Regulatory Landscape

Whether new versions of currently marketed, or de novo biological drugs, biobetters are products specifically designed to maximize clinical performance. Performance optimization may include, among other improvements, enhanced targeting and delivery, increased activity and half-life, and reduced immunogenicity. Thus, it is critical that such products are developed efficiently and quickly, to allow patients access to drugs that provide maximum clinical benefits.
Short-term perioperative all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective Persons with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, but this excess CVD burden in the perioperative setting is yet to be determined. We aimed to determine the risk of perioperative short-term all-cause mortality and CVD events among women with SLE compared to those without SLE. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of pooled hospital discharge data of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998–2002. We abstracted diseases and procedures using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. The principal procedure was categorized into either a low, intermediate, or high risk level. Survey logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders provided estimates for stratum-specific odds of adverse events in women with SLE relative to those without SLE for each procedure risk level. Results All-cause mortality was significantly greater among women with SLE having a low- (odds ratio [OR] 1.54, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.00–2.37) or a high-risk principal procedure (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.34–4.75) relative to women without SLE, but did not differ significantly among persons with intermediate-risk procedures. Women with SLE with a low-risk procedure were also more likely to experience a composite CVD event relative to women without SLE (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.04–1.87). Conclusion Women with SLE are at an increased risk for short-term perioperative adverse events. These results highlight a need for greater scrutiny during perioperative evaluation and management of women with SLE.
Synopsis of the Report of the Second Circuit Task Force on Gender, Race and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts

The recent Report of the Second Circuit Task Force on Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts observes "some biased conduct toward parties and witnesses based on gender or race or ethnicity has occurred on the part of both judges and lawyers." "Biased conduct toward lawyers based on gender or race or ethnicity, has occurred to a greater degree." The Report concludes that such conduct is unacceptable and admonishes all participants in the Second Circuit courts to guard against it. The purpose of this Perspective is to review several sections of the Report. The Perspective is written from an informative, not an analytical, standpoint and is intended to summarize the status of key issues raised by the Task Force.
GenSAT: A Navigational Approach

GenSAT is a family of local hill-climbing procedures for solving propositional satisfiability problems. We restate it as a navigational search process performed on an N-dimensional cube by a fictitious agent with limited lookahead. Several members of the GenSAT family have been introduced whose efficiency varies from the best in average for randomly generated problems to a complete failure on the realistic, specially constrained problems, hence raising the interesting question of understanding the essence of their different performance. In this paper, we show how we use our navigational approach to investigate this issue. We introduce new algorithms that sharply focus on specific combinations of properties of efficient GenSAT variants, and which help to identify the relevance of the algorithm features to the efficiency of local search. In particular, we argue for the reasons of higher effectiveness of HSAT compared to the original GSAT. We also derive fast approximating procedures based on variable weights that can provide good switching points for a mixed search policy. Our conclusions are validated by empirical evidence obtained from the application of several GenSAT variants to random 3SAT problem instances and to simple navigational problems.
Multi-application resource allocation with users discrimination in cellular networks

In this paper, we consider resource allocation optimization problem in cellular networks for different types of users running multiple applications simultaneously. In our proposed model, each user application is assigned a utility function that represents the application type running on the user equipment (UE). The network operators assign a subscription weight to each UE based on its subscription. Each UE assigns an application weight to each of its applications based on the instantaneous usage percentage of the application. Additionally, UEs with higher priority assign applications target rates to their applications. Our objective is to allocate the resources optimally among the UEs and their applications from a single evolved node B (eNodeB) based on a utility proportional fairness policy with priority to realtime application users. A minimum quality of service (QoS) is guaranteed to each UE application based on the UE subscription weight, the UE application weight and the UE application target rate. We propose a two-stage rate allocation algorithm to allocate the eNodeB resources among users and their applications. Finally, we present simulation results for the performance of our rate allocation algorithm.
Information Technology for Management: Making Connections for Strategic Advantage

From the Publisher: Information Technology for Management, Second Edition Update, shows readers how to harness the power of today's information technologies for strategic advantage." "With a strong focus on managerial issues, the authors explain why IT plays an essential role in any organization's success and how different functional areas can use IT to facilitate problem solving, increase productivity and quality, improve customer service, and enable business process reengineering. Throughout the book, fascinating "war stories" and real-world examples make concepts come alive. And a Web-based Virtual Company project offers a unique opportunity to put theory into practice.
Cargoes of Doom: National and Multilateral Strategies to Combat the Illicit Transport of Weapons of Mass Destruction by Sea

This article provides an overview of the security strategies of the United States that are relevant to an analysis of the legal and policy issues surrounding efforts to prevent or disrupt the illicit transport of weapons of mass destruction by sea. They include the National Security Strategy of the United States, National Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction, National Strategy for Combating Terrorism, National Strategy for Maritime Security, National Strategy for Homeland Security and the Maritime Strategy for Homeland Security and Defense.
Near-Field Wireless Power and Data Transmission to Implantable Neuroprosthetic Devices

This chapter describes the fundamental principles of near-field wireless telemetry through inductive links and provides insight with respect to the choice of design parameters, carrier frequency, data modulation schemes, methods of theoretical analysis, and electromagnetic safety. After presenting the simplified models for the inductance and mutual coupling among conductive loops, non-resonant and resonant inductive links are described to show the basic idea behind magnetic resonance in inductive power transmission. The power transfer efficiency (PTE) for conventional inductive links has been derived based on the lumped circuit parameters, which leads to a simplified design procedure to optimize the coil geometries for achieving the highest PTE. Different carrier-based modulation schemes are presented followed by a brief discussion on single carrier versus multi-carrier telemetry links for high bandwidth and robust data transmission in the presence of the power carrier. Finally, a new carrier-less modulation scheme called pulse harmonic modulation (PHM) has been proposed, which can offer high data rate in implantable medical devices (IMDs) without dissipating much power on the implantable side.
Effect of the specimen size in predicting the mechanical properties of PbSn solder alloys

The data obtained from bulk test specimens are often used in deformation models to predict the mechanical responses of parts that are very different in size and shape, such as solder joints in VLSI surface mount components. Such predictions are valid only if the size of the solder joints exceeds the representative deformation volume of the bulk specimens. In the present study, the measurement of the representative volume was performed for a single-phase solder alloy (98Pb-2Sn wt.%) deformed in both tension and cyclic loading. Deformation of 98Pb-2Sn alloy at room temperature was shown to be extremely inhomogeneous in both tensile and cyclic loading, and strain localization was observed at the grain boundaries. Strain distribution is more inhomogeneous in the specimen tested in fatigue than the specimen tested in uniaxial tension. This may be due to fatigue inhomogeneity in strain distribution or a small degree of buckling. The number of grains required for a representative volume of the 98Pb-2Sn alloy specimens tested is quite large. >
Description of the Long-Term Lipogenic Effects of Dietary Carbohydrates in Male Fischer 344 Rats

The introduction of high fructose corn syrup as a substitute sweetener for sucrose in the mid-1970s has contributed to a general increase in fructose consumption in the U.S. diet. Although several previous investigations suggested that dietary fructose increases serum triglyceride concentration and body fat, these studies have, in general, evaluated this effect in young rats fed the experimental diets for a relatively short period of the life span of the animals. Moreover, these investigations did not control for the possible effects that increased adiposity due to fructose feeding may have on serum triglyceride concentration. The purpose of the current investigation was to describe the long-term effects of specific dietary carbohydrates on serum lipid concentrations and body composition. To this end, we measured serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol concentrations and body composition of rats aged 9, 18 and 26 mo that had free access to or were restricted to 60% of free access intake of one of five diets that varied in carbohydrate source (cornstarch, sucrose, glucose, fructose or equimolar fructose plus glucose) starting at 3 mo of age. Dietary fructose significantly increased serum triglyceride concentration across the life span in rats that had free access to food or were calorie restricted. The source of dietary carbohydrate did not have a significant effect on body composition, total cholesterol or the distribution of the cholesterol fractions. These data suggest that dietary fructose per se and not the interaction between fructose and the energy content of the diet increases serum triglyceride concentration in rats.
Revising Reasons Reactivity: Weakly and Strongly Sufficient Reasons for Acting

In Responsibility and Control: A Theory of Moral Responsibility John Martin Fischer and Mark Ravizza propose an account of moral responsibility according to which an agent is morally responsible for an action just when that action is the product of her own moderately reasons-responsive mechanism, where reasons-responsiveness is explained in terms of the mechanism’s regular reasons-receptivity and weak reasons-reactivity. In a review of Fischer and Ravizza’s book Mele contends that their weakly reasons-reactivity condition is inadequate, constructing a case in which, according to their theory, an extreme agoraphobic is morally responsible for his staying in his home. In this paper I modify Fischer and Ravizza’s account of moral responsibility in light of Mele’s problematic example, suggesting a refinement of their weakly reasons-reactivity requirement via a distinction between weakly sufficient reasons and strongly sufficient reasons.
Irrational beliefs, situational attributions, and the coping responses of adolescent runaways

Data collected from a sample of 181 adolescent runaways was used to investigate the relationship between irrational beliefs, situational attributions and different coping responses. The findings support the hypothesis that irrational beliefs and situational attributions directly relate to coping. Further, particular sets of irrational beliefs and attributions were found to be differentially associated with both adaptive and non-adaptive coping responses. Contrary to a second hypothesis, however, irrational beliefs failed to moderate the relationship between attributions and coping, and thus did not appear to influence coping responses through the meaning ascribed to stressful situations. Clinical applications based upon information about the cognitive phenomenology of the coping pathway suggested by this study are discussed.
Building Lean Startups at the Bottom of the Pyramid (Innovations Case Narrative: YouthBank and Generation Enterprise)

Valley. But Lagos, not San Francisco, is where we went in 2009 when we decided to launch our startup. After years of economic development research, strategy consulting, and engagement with at-risk youth, we, Clara Chow and Lily Rubin, had gone from friends, colleagues, and fellow social enterprise nerds in Washington D.C., to excited (and apprehensive) founders of a youth-run photo studio in Lagos, Nigeria—one of the world’s fastest-growing megacities. Our photo studio not only would develop headshots for aspiring “Nollywood” stars, it would give the street youth of Lagos—the infamous “Area Boys”—work experience, skills training, and, for top performers, access to microfinance, putting them on the path to becoming independent entrepreneurs and socially responsible community leaders. We raised over US $25,000, developed the business model and rotational training program, interviewed some 200 local youth to gather baseline data, and conducted extensive market research. We had a plan. Of course, nothing went according to plan. Years later, on Clara’s first day in Steve Blank’s Lean Launchpad class at Stanford, she’d be reminded that no startup business plan survives its first contact with reality. The only way to find out what works is to get out of the building and test it with real customers. Fail fast and cheaply. And adapt (“pivot” in startup speak) until you hit upon a model that the market wants, and can scale. This is the story of how we tested, failed, learned from our failure, and adapted the model for our youth organization over four years, 40 trips, and thousands of volunteer hours. What started as a quest to help a Nigerian activist bring microfinance to urban youth became a photo studio that provided on-the-job training
Determination of dip and anisotropy from transient triaxial induction measurements

The dip and anisotropy of an anisotropic formation were algebraically determined from the transient triaxial induction data without inversion. The time-dependent apparent dip and the apparent anisotropy, algebraically defined from the triaxial transient induction measurements, were applied in a two-layer formation. The apparent dip yielded the true dip in an anisotropic formation, as well as in layered formations, though it yielded the zero dip in an isotropic formation. At early time the apparent anisotropy yielded the true anisotropy of the layer on which the induction tool was located, and at later time the macroscopic anisotropy for a larger volume of investigation. The distance to the layer interface was identified by the transition time when the apparent dip and the apparent anisotropy change the values.
Postshunt hemochromatosis with cardiomyopathy

A case study is reported of a 40 year old male with alcoholic liver disease who, following portacaval shunt, developed hemochromatosis. Biopsy specimens of the liver taken at the time of the shunt and 10 months postoperatively showed no stainable iron. At autopsy, 26 months postoperatively, extensive parenchymal iron deposits were found in the liver, heart, pancreas, thyroid, adrenal, and kidney. Clinically the patient had a cardiomyopathy that in retrospect can be attributed to the cardiac iron deposits. Postshunt hemochromatosis is an infrequently recognized condition that is a potentially reversible cause of cardiac or hepatic decompensation in patients with portacaval shunts.
Local optimization of routing tables for data networks

Data communication networks generally contain routing tables at each of the nodes of the network. We consider the routing tables at a given node to specify the fraction of traffic for each destination that should travel over each of the outgoing links from the given node. An iteration algorithm is presented which, when applied at each node using update information from adjoining nodes, converges to the routing tables that minimize average delay in the network for stationary input statistics. The algorithm has the property that the traffic to each destination is guaranteed to be loop free at each iteration of the algorithm. Several kinds of loop freedom and their implications are discussed.
Quantum number and energy scaling of rotationally inelastic scattering cross sections

Abstract A general formula for rotationally inelastic cross sections in atom-diatomic collisions is derived. This result is achieved by assuming the transition probability is a function of rotational quantum number differences, the kinetic energy in the upper states, and is inversely proportional to the number of accessible states within an effective hamiltonian formalism. The scaling law is able to predict all rows, or columns, of the inelastic cross section matrix, σ jj , given any one row, or column, as a function of energy. Finally, we applied this scaling theory to a variety of collision systems; in general, good agreememt between predicted and exact results is exhibited. We have developed and tested a scaling law for rotationally inelastic transitions which predicts all rows or columns of the inelastic cross section matrix, σ jj , given any one row or column. The agreement between exact and predicted cross sections was good for the HeHF [20], HeHCl [21], H 2 CS [17], HeCO [16] and Li + H 2 [18] systems which vary in reduced mass from approximately 2–4 an and rotor constant from 0.82–60.0 cm −1 . However, for ArN 2 [13,14, 19,24] collisions (μ = 16.5 au, B e = 2.01 cm −1 ) the error increased with increasing j and/or Δ. In every case the disagreement was in the opposite direction from the prediction of eqs. (15a)–(15c) which are based upon fully degenerate statistics instead of the effective hamiltonian non-degenerate statistics of eqs. (2a) and (2b). Finally, we state two general conclusions: 1. (1) Whenever the initizil kinetic energy ( E —ϵ j ) is greater than approximately five times the energy gap (ϵ j+Δ —ϵ j ), the scaling theoretic cross sections are accurate within 20%; and 2. (2) at total energies much larger than that of the internal states of interest, all cross sections with the same change in rotational quantum number become approxinutely equal.
Midgut-based resistance of Heliothis virescens to baculovirus infection mediated by phytochemicals in cotton.

The decrease in susceptibility to polyhedrosis disease when Heliothis virescens larvae feed on cotton is profound, limiting the utility of baculoviruses for controlling noctuids on this important crop. We observed that the mortalities of H. virescens larvae challenged with a reporter-gene construct of Autographa californica M nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV-hsp70/lacZ) and fed either lettuce or artificial diet were approximately 2.5-fold higher than that of cotton-fed insects. This decrease in susceptibility on cotton was observed following oral but not intrahemocoelic inoculation of virus, and it was negatively correlated with levels of foliar peroxidase. The rates of development of both infected and uninfected larvae also were correlated negatively with levels of foliar peroxidase, and hence, were significantly lower for insects fed cotton. When Calcofluor White M2R, an optical brightener reported to enhance the retention of AcMNPV-infected midgut cells, was included in inoculum administered orally to larvae, mortality levels were equivalent regardless of diet. These results suggest that sloughing of infected midgut cells occurred at a higher rate in insects that fed on cotton compared to the other two diets, and that midgut cell sloughing is the mechanism whereby susceptibility to mortal infection by AcMNPV-hsp70/lacZ is decreased on cotton. This conclusion is consistent with previous reports that ingestion of cotton can generate reactive oxygen species within the midgut lumen that may damage midgut epithelial cells. As far as we know, this is the first study to link resistance intrinsic to the physiology of the insect (e.g., developmental resistance) and resistance conferred by host plant chemistry to a single mechanism, i.e., midgut cell sloughing.
Sperm-specific C-terminal processing of the proteasome PSMA1/α6 subunit

We previously reported that the ascidian sperm proteasome degrades the egg-coat protein extracellularly during fertilization. In order to explore an extracellular transport signal, we purified the proteasome from ascidian sperm and compared its subunit structure with egg and muscle proteasomes. The results showed that PSMA1/α6 subunit of the sperm proteasome is distinct from egg and muscle proteasomes. LC/MS/MS analysis revealed that the C-terminal 16 residues of sperm α6 subunit are processed. Whereas sperm-specific paralogous genes of α subunits are reported, its sperm-specific C-terminal processing is a newly discovered novel post-translational modification of the proteasome.