cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring and analyzing service levels: a scalable passive approach

Internet service providers are increasingly trying to differentiate themselves in terms of the service performance that they provide to their users. In this paper, we have developed a scalable service level monitoring methodology to assess user satisfaction without injecting any measurement traffic. Specifically, we suggest Web throughput as a service level metric, outline possible ways to measure it and discuss the advantages of passive observations of actual user activity. We further propose a statistical data analysis method that analyzes passive throughput measurements and quantifies user satisfaction/dissatisfaction and the confidence that the provider may have in the collected data, i.e. data reliability. The proposed technique is based on the premise that the service provider is interested in continuously monitoring the service levels being offered to a majority of the users over a long enough time. We present results of a real-world experiment that demonstrates that, with careful data analysis, passive measurements can effectively detect service problems. Our experiments also indicate that, for 90% of the time, the results of reliable passive measurements agree with those of random active measurements. Unlike active measurements, passive measurements do not generate additional traffic in the network, and hence are preferred. The underlying approach may also provide a communication vehicle between service sales/marketing and operations/capacity planning aspects of service provisioning.
Globalism and health

This chapter offers a look at the impact of globalization on health, describes some important determinants of global health, and examines the migration of health care professionals and the role of adult educators in global health issues.
Computation, behavior, and structure in fixed and growing automata.

The theory of automata is relevant to behavioral science in the sense that it is an absolutely rigorous theory of processes which are themselves absolutely rigorous abstractions of behavior. If we can specify exactly how we wish a system to behave (i.e., what shall happen in response to what), we can in principle construct the system. To what extent, then, can “higher order” systems of this sort be constructed, systems which will construct other systems with prescribed behavior characteristics? In particular, a question which has intrigued automata theoreticians is whether an automaton can be constructed which will reproduce itself and, if so, how complex does it need to be? These questions and related matters are discussed in this article.
Statistical analysis and diagnosis methodology for RF circuits in LCP substrates

This paper presents the application of a fast and accurate layout-level statistical analysis methodology for the diagnosis of RF circuit layouts with embedded passives in liquid crystalline polymer substrates. The approach is based on layout-segmentation, lumped-element modeling, sensitivity analysis, and extraction of probability density function using convolution methods. The statistical analyses were utilized as a diagnosis tool to estimate distributed design parameter variations and yield of RF circuit layouts for a given measured performance. The results of statistical analysis and diagnosis were compared with measurement results of fabricated filters. Statistical methods were also applied for design space exploration to improve system performance, as well as estimation of yield and diagnosis of faults during batch fabrication.
Neurology of anomia in the semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia

The semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is characterized by the combination of word comprehension deficits, fluent aphasia and a particularly severe anomia. In this study, two novel tasks were used to explore the factors contributing to the anomia. The single most common factor was a blurring of distinctions among members of a semantic category, leading to errors of overgeneralization in word–object matching tasks as well as in word definitions and object descriptions. This factor was more pronounced for natural kinds than artifacts. In patients with the more severe anomias, conceptual maps were more extensively disrupted so that inter-category distinctions were as impaired as intra-category distinctions. Many objects that could not be named aloud could be matched to the correct word in patients with mild but not severe anomia, reflecting a gradual intensification of the semantic factor as the naming disorder becomes more severe. Accurate object descriptions were more frequent than accurate word definitions and all patients experienced prominent word comprehension deficits that interfered with everyday activities but no consequential impairment of object usage or face recognition. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed three characteristics: greater atrophy of the left hemisphere; atrophy of anterior components of the perisylvian language network in the superior and middle temporal gyri; and atrophy of anterior components of the face and object recognition network in the inferior and medial temporal lobes. The left sided asymmetry and perisylvian extension of the atrophy explains the more profound impairment of word than object usage and provides the anatomical basis for distinguishing the semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia from the partially overlapping group of patients that fulfil the widely accepted diagnostic criteria for semantic dementia.
Mimicry of Dynamic Emotional and Motor-Only Stimuli

Simple reciprocal matching behaviors, such as facial mimicry, appear fundamental to social development and interpersonal processes. Identifying mechanisms and moderators of these reactions to other...
Impact of the Definition of Peak Standardized Uptake Value on Quantification of Treatment Response

PET-based treatment response assessment typically measures the change in maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), which is adversely affected by noise. Peak SUV (SUVpeak) has been recommended as a more robust alternative, but its associated region of interest (ROIpeak) is not uniquely defined. We investigated the impact of different ROIpeak definitions on quantification of SUVpeak and tumor response. Methods: Seventeen patients with solid malignancies were treated with a multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor resulting in a variety of responses. Using the cellular proliferation marker 3′-deoxy-3′-18F-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT), whole-body PET/CT scans were acquired at baseline and during treatment. 18F-FLT–avid lesions (∼2/patient) were segmented on PET images, and tumor response was assessed via the relative change in SUVpeak. For each tumor, 24 different SUVpeaks were determined by changing ROIpeak shape (circles vs. spheres), size (7.5–20 mm), and location (centered on SUVmax vs. placed in highest-uptake region), encompassing different definitions from the literature. Within each tumor, variations in the 24 SUVpeaks and tumor responses were measured using coefficient of variation (CV), standardized deviation (SD), and range. For each ROIpeak definition, a population average SUVpeak and tumor response were determined over all tumors. Results: A substantial variation in both SUVpeak and tumor response resulted from changing the ROIpeak definition. The variable ROIpeak definition led to an intratumor SUVpeak variation ranging from 49% above to 46% below the mean (CV, 17%) and an intratumor SUVpeak response variation ranging from 49% above to 35% below the mean (SD, 9%). The variable ROIpeak definition led to a population average SUVpeak variation ranging from 24% above to 28% below the mean (CV, 14%) and a population average SUVpeak response variation ranging from only 3% above to 3% below the mean (SD, 2%). The size of ROIpeak caused more variation in intratumor response than did the location or shape of ROIpeak. Population average tumor response was independent of size, shape, and location of ROIpeak. Conclusion: Quantification of individual tumor response using SUVpeak is highly sensitive to the ROIpeak definition, which can significantly affect the use of SUVpeak for assessment of treatment response. Clinical trials are necessary to compare the efficacy of SUVpeak and SUVmax for quantification of response to therapy.
Los1p, Involved in Yeast Pre-Trna Splicing, Positively Regulates Members of the Sol Gene Family

To understand the role of Los1p in pre-tRNA splicing, we sought los1 multicopy suppressors. We found SOL1 that suppresses both point and null LOS1 mutations. Since, when fused to the Ga14p DNA-binding domain, Los1p activates transcription, we tested whether Los1p regulates SOL1. We found that las1 mutants have depleted levels of SOL1 mRNA and Sol1p. Thus, LOS1 appears to positively regulate SOL1. SOL1 belongs to a multigene family with at least two additional members, SOL2 and SOL3. Sol proteins have extensive similarity to an unusual group of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases. As the similarities are restricted to areas separate from the catalytic domain, these G6PDs may have more than one function. The SOL family appears to be unessential since cells with a triple disruption of all three SOL genes are viable. SOL gene disruptions negatively affect tRNA-mediated nonsense suppression and the severity increases with the number of mutant SOL genes. However, tRNA levels do not vary with either multicopy SOL genes or with SOL disruptions. Therefore, the Sol proteins affect tRNA expression/ function at steps other than transcription or splicing. We propose that LOS1 regulates gene products involved in tRNA expression/function as well as pre-tRNA splicing.
On Objectivity, Irreversibility and Non-Newtonian Fluids

Early progress in non-Newtonian fluid mechanics was facilitated by the emergence of two fundamental and complementary principles: objective constitutive characterizations and unambiguous identification of irreversible processes. Motivated by practical and economic concerns in recent years, this line of fluid research has expanded to include debris flows, slurries, biofluids and fluid-solid mixtures; i.e., complex nonlinear fluids with disparate flow properties. Phenomenological descriptions of these fluids now necessarily include strong nonlinear coupling between the fluxes of mass, energy and momentum. Here, I review these principles, illustrate how they constrain the constitutive equations for non-Newtonian fluids and demonstrate how they have impacted other areas of fluid research.
Teleoperation Through Apertures:Passability Versus Driveability

Urban search and rescue (USAR) robots get stuck. Furthermore, USAR workers complained that it is difficult to judge whether a teleoperated robot can go through certain apertures. Two experiments te...
Gaze and Foot Input: Toward a Rich and Assistive Interaction Modality

Transforming gaze input into a rich and assistive interaction modality is one of the primary interests in eye tracking research. Gaze input in conjunction with traditional solutions to the "Midas Touch" problem, dwell time or a blink, is not matured enough to be widely adopted. In this regard, we present our preliminary work, a framework that achieves precise "point and click" interactions in a desktop environment through combining the gaze and foot interaction modalities. The framework comprises of an eye tracker and a foot-operated quasi-mouse that is wearable. The system evaluation shows that our gaze and foot interaction framework performs as good as a mouse (time and precision) in the majority of tasks. Furthermore, this dissertation work focuses on the goal of realizing gaze-assisted interaction as a primary interaction modality to substitute conventional mouse and keyboard-based interaction methods. In addition, we consider some of the challenges that need to be addressed, and also present the possible solutions toward achieving our goal.
Benchtop Electrochemical Liquid–Liquid–Solid Growth of Nanostructured Crystalline Germanium

An electrochemical liquid-liquid-solid (ec-LLS) process that produces large amounts of crystalline semiconductors with tunable nanostructured shapes without any physical or chemical templating agent is presented. Electrodeposition of Ge from GeO(2)(aq) solutions followed by dissolution into a liquid Hg electrode, saturation of the liquid alloy, and precipitation can yield polycrystalline Ge(s) under ambient conditions. A unique advantage of ec-LLS is that it involves precipitation under electrochemical control, where the applied bias precisely defines the flux of Ge into the liquid electrode. Fidelity of the saturation and precipitation of Ge from liquid electrodes affords a variety of material morphologies, including dense films of oriented nanostructured filaments with large aspect ratios (>10(3)). Electrodeposition involving a liquid electrolyte, a liquid electrode, and a solid deposit under ambient conditions represents a conceptually unexplored direct wet-chemical route for the preparation of bulk quantities of crystalline group-IV semiconductors without the time- and energy-intensive processing steps required in traditional preparations of semiconductor materials.
Testing the Effectiveness of a Number-based Classroom Exercise

Large numbers permeate political life, and students of political science can expect to encounter a wide range of numbers in newspaper articles, course readings, and statistics. Recent research in cognitive psychology demonstrates that American adults make systematic errors when comparing numbers in the millions, billions, and trillions. Political decisions made by voters often require weighing large quantities that range across many orders of magnitude, which is difficult without at least a basic understanding of relative magnitudes. If students also lack an understanding of large numbers, professors cannot meaningfully teach them about political phenomena involving such magnitudes. The authors designed and tested an exercise to improve students’ accuracy in dealing with large magnitudes, which had immediate and sustained effects on their political judgments about information involving large numbers.
The effect of drought stress on yield and panicle traits of different type super rice varieties during panicle initiation to grain filling stage

With experiment cultivated in pots and contrived simulation of drought stress,method to determine soil moisture by electronic balance(made in Shanghai) and W.E.T Sensor(ML2x type,made in USA),the effect of drought stress on panicle traits and yield components of different panicle type rice varieties(more or middle grains per panicle) was studied.The results showed that middle level drought stress of different stage from panicle initiation to grain filling had various degree of influence on rice panicle characteristics,yield and its components,and caused the reduction of grain yields(more than 20% of each variety).Water treatment from 15 to 30 days after panicle initiation had the greatest influence,followed by 0～15 d and 15～30 d after flowering,however,0～15 d after panicle initiation had the least influence.Compared with normal water supply,drought stress during panicle growth and development stage led to panicle length decrease obviously and numbers of the secondary branches and total spikelets per panicle reduce significantly,and drought stress during grain filling led to great reduction of filled grain numbers,fertility rate and 1000-grain weight, which caused the reduction of grain yields.The affecting degree of drought stress on panicle traits and yield components varied from these varieties because of different sensitivity to water stress,and the influence on super rice varieties was less compared with common hybrid rice variety(Shanyou 63) in general The rice varieties with more grains per panicle(eg.Guodao 6,Liangyoupeijiu and Ⅱyou 7) showed lower degree influence of drought stress on yield components and panicle traits than those with middle grains per panicle(eg.Tianyou 998,Ⅱyou 602 and Shanyou 63).
Needle Tract Seeding after Percutaneous Renal Adenocarcinoma Aspiration

AbstractWe report a rare case of tumor extension along a biopsy needle tract from renal cell carcinoma. Percutaneous renal mass aspiration has been reported to have a 3 to 4 per cent false positive rate and a 4 to 8 per cent false negative rate, and should be reserved for those renal masses in which a diagnosis is equivocal by noninvasive radiological techniques.
Multi-modal Systems As Multi-representational Systems

In earlier work, we have shown how a cognitive architecture can be augmented with a diagrammatic reasoning system to produce a bimodal cognitive architecture. In this paper, we show how this bimodal architecture is also bi-representational (multi-representational in the general case) by describing a desiderata for representational formalisms and showing how the diagrammatic representation in biSoar satisfies these requirements.
Citizen News Podcasts and Journalistic Role Conceptions in the United States and South Korea

This study, drawing on journalistic role conceptions and media systems theory, investigates the different perceptions of news users in the United States and South Korea toward citizen-run news podcasts. The findings reveal that Americans view citizen podcasts performing the role of interpreters of social issues more than other journalistic roles, while Koreans display a perception that the most important role of citizen podcasts is critical commentator against the government and businesses. The study also finds that Korean news users’ trust in citizen podcasts is significantly higher than that of Americans. The present study concludes that citizen podcasts play an alternative role in Korean journalism, while they complement professional journalism in the United States.
Disentangling the ACA’s Coverage Effects — Lessons for Policymakers

In 2014, the biggest factor in the expansion of U.S. health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act was Medicaid, which produced 63% of gains — but this effect comprised several distinct phenomena.
An agile software engineering process improvement game

Many computing students do not receive adequate training in software quality management. Some students do not have the opportunity to practice software process improvement activities even if they do see the topics covered in their course lectures and textbooks. Serious games are gaining popularity as a means of instruction in higher education. Some excellent prescriptive software process simulation games have been created, as well as a few software engineering drill and practice games. In general, these games do not allow students to create agile process models or experiment with process improvement strategies. We are creating a serious game that will serve as a virtual learning environment to allow students to explore agile process improvement practices. Our game is designed as a single-player game where the player takes the role of software team leader and plays against an AI (artificial intelligence) opponent representing the customer's interests and needs. Players are rewarded for developing project strategies that allow for completion of projects on time, within budget, and meet the necessary software quality requirements. It is our intention to create a game with sufficiently detailed instructions to allow instructors to introduce hands on practice with agile process improvement activities without requiring additional class time.
The Medicinal Chemistry of Tuberculosis Chemotherapy

The development of effective chemotherapy for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) began in the 1940s and has been reinvigorated recently due to concern regarding the emergence of highly drug-resistant TB strains. This chapter explores the medicinal chemistry efforts that gave rise to current frontline and second-line drugs in global use today and attempts to comprehensively summarize ongoing discovery and lead optimization programs being conducted in both the private and the public sector. TB has a large number of disease-specific considerations and constraints that introduce significant complexity in drug discovery efforts. Conceptually, the disease encompasses all the drug discovery challenges of both infectious diseases and oncology, and integrating these considerations into programs that often demand collaboration between industry and academia is both challenging and rewarding.
Ethics and Information Technology

Advances in information technology have yielded significant improvements in the healthcare system for physicians and for their patients. However, in addition to these benefits, there are ethical issues and challenges that must be recognized and addressed. Electronic medical records improve efficiency and potentially increase safety but greatly increase the likelihood that sensitive health information will be compromised. Modern communication technology has the potential to improve the accuracy and timeliness of communication between providers and patients but creates risks that are largely absent from a face-to-face conversation. Advances in oncology research have been realized in part due to advances in technology. Learning healthcare systems have proven that there are opportunities to improve patient care by leveraging data contained in electronic medical records. However, with respect to both research and patient care, there are complex ethical issues regarding the sharing of health data that must be addressed and ultimately resolved to realize our nation’s goal of eliminating cancer.
Teaching Metacognition Experientially: A Focus on Higher Versus Lower Level Learning

We investigated the effects of using experiential learning and direct instruction to teach metacognitive theory and to determine whether instructional type differentially affected higher vs. lower ...
Relaxed Autonomously Switched Hybrid System Approach to Indirect Multiphase Aerospace Trajectory Optimization

This investigation presents a methodology that simplifies the design of multiphase trajectories for aerospace vehicles using indirect methods. Such systems can be viewed as autonomously switched hy...
Part re-registration during process interruption of electron beam melting additive manufacturing

Advanced additive manufacturing (AM) technology for the creation of parts with enhanced or multi-functionality is emerging through developments in component embedding and multi-material fabrication techniques. With the current state of the technology, the embedding or multi-material fabrication processes generally require AM process interruption and part removal, referred to here as stop and go fabrication. Part position error is introduced during repositioning of the part before fabrication is resumed. An additional challenge when using electron beam melting (EBM) technology for stop and go fabrication is an environment that makes it difficult to use standard measuring tools to achieve proper part registration due to ultra-high vacuum at up to 10−4 Torr and high processing temperature exceeding 800 °C, thus limiting access to the build chamber. In this work, a part positioning technique based on the analysis of infrared (IR) images was developed as a viable contactless and real-time option to reduce registration error for EBM stop and go fabrication. This work introduces stop and go fabrication for a cylindrical part and a rectangular prism that were fabricated using EBM with part repositioning using the IR imaging technique. Following fabrication, the linear and angular displacements of the parts were measured and the absolute maximum misalignment values of 0.17 and 0.87 mm were obtained for the cylindrical part and the rectangular prism, respectively. These results suggest that this simple image analysis-based part positioning technique can be employed in advanced AM fabrication, including multi-material fabrication, sensor embedding, and repair applications.
Examining Relationships among Choice, Affect, and Engagement in Summer STEM Programs

Out-of-school time programs focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) have proliferated recently because they are seen as having potential to appeal to youth and enhance STEM interest. Although such programs are not mandatory, youth are not always involved in making the choice about their participation and it is unclear whether youth’s involvement in the choice to attend impacts their program experiences. Using data collected from experience sampling, traditional surveys, and video recordings, we explore relationships among youth’s choice to attend out-of-school time programs (measured through a pre-survey) and their experience of affect (i.e., youth experience sampling ratings of happiness and excitement) and engagement (i.e., youth experience sampling ratings of concentration and effort) during program activities. Data were collected from a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 10–16 year old youth (n = 203; 50% female) enrolled in nine different summer STEM programs targeting underserved youth. Multilevel analysis indicated that choice and affect are independently and positively associated with momentary engagement. Though choice to enroll was a significant predictor of momentary engagement, positive affective experiences during the program may compensate for any decrements to engagement associated with lack of choice. Together, these findings have implications for researchers, parents, and educators and administrators of out-of-school time programming.
Carbon Dioxide-Mediated C(sp3)–H Arylation of Amine Substrates

Elaborating amines via C–H functionalization has been an important area of research over the past decade but has generally relied on an added directing group or sterically hindered amine approach. Since free-amine-directed C(sp3)–H activation is still primarily limited to cyclization reactions and to improve the sustainability and reaction scope of amine-based C–H activation, we present a strategy using CO2 in the form of dry ice that facilitates intermolecular C–H arylation. This methodology has been used to enable an operationally simple procedure whereby 1° and 2° aliphatic amines can be arylated selectively at their γ-C–H positions. In addition to potentially serving as a directing group, CO2 has also been demonstrated to curtail the oxidation of sensitive amine substrates.
Determination of phosphine residues in whole grains and soybeans by ion chromatography via conversion to phosphate.

An ion chromatographic (IC) method was developed for determining phosphine (PH3) in whole grains (barley, corn, oats, rice, rye, and wheat) and soybeans. The method converts phosphine to phosphate (i.e., orthophosphate) and isolates the phosphate by IC with eluent-suppressed conductivity detection. Recoveries of unbound phosphine by the method were similar to those obtained by an established colorimetric method for 7 different products fortified at 3 levels. Mean recoveries were low (i.e., 30-60%) and varied with product type and level of fortification. Recoveries of PH3 from previously fumigated products fortified with aluminum phosphide ranged from 19.0% for barley fortified at 0.734 ppm to 88.3% for corn fortified at 1.691 ppm. Precision data from 3 products based on replicate analyses (n = 4 or 5) gave relative standard deviations of 1.78-4.66% for mean laboratory-fumigated PH3 levels of 0.679-1.309 ppm. Estimated limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) for PH3 were 0.010 microgram/g (10 ppb) and 0.0275 microgram/g (27.5 ppb) at signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) of 4:1 and 10:1, respectively. These values were also determined for a nonchemically suppressed IC system with LOD of 0.02 microgram/g (20 ppb) and LOQ of 0.055 microgram/g (55 ppb) at S/N of 4:1 and 10:1, respectively. Phosphate response was linear over the concentration range equivalent to 0.30-10.0 micrograms P/mL, with a mean correlation coefficient of 0.9988 based on replicate standard curves. The relationship of product composition to recovery from various products was also examined.
Morphological novelty emerges from pre-existing phenotypic plasticity.

Plasticity-first evolution (PFE) posits that novel features arise when selection refines pre-existing phenotypic plasticity into an adaptive phenotype. However, PFE is controversial because few tests have been conducted in natural populations. Here we present evidence that PFE fostered the origin of an evolutionary novelty that allowed certain amphibians to invade a new niche—a distinctive carnivore morph. We compared morphology, gene expression and growth of three species of spadefoot toad tadpoles when reared on alternative diets: Scaphiopus holbrookii, which (like most frogs) never produce carnivores; Spea multiplicata, which sometimes produce carnivores, but only through diet-induced plasticity; and Spea bombifrons, which often produce carnivores regardless of diet. Consistent with PFE, we found diet-induced plasticity—in morphology and gene expression—in Sc. holbrookii, adaptive refinement of this plasticity in Sp. multiplicata, and further refinement of the carnivore phenotype in Sp. bombifrons. Generally, phenotypic plasticity might play a significant, if underappreciated, role in evolutionary innovation. Phenotypic plasticity may play a role in initiating novelty. This study provides evidence for selection on phenotypic plasticity leading to the evolution of a carnivore morph tadpole, which allowed spadefoot toads to invade a new niche.
Systems Concepts in Group and Family Therapy

Systems theory plays a significant role for the development of group and family theoretical concepts. Obviously, both groups and families constitute systems, but systems thinking has hardly had a full impact as yet on a generation of therapists who have trained under the aegis of psychoanalysis or behaviorists who mainly have focused on individual intrapsychic process or behavior — which does not obliterate the fact that the individual all by himself also is a “system”.
Ferromagnetic Exchange in Molecular Solids

Ferromagnetism requires spin alignment throughout the bulk and albeit rare for a molecular solid1 the quest for molecular based ferromagnets is the subject of increasing contemporary interest.3–7 Several mechanisms have been proposed for achieving ferromagnetic coupling in a molecular solid and in the past few years research directed toward this end has started. In the 1960’s Harden M. McConnell proposed two models, namely, Heitler-London spin exchange between positive spin density on a radical and negative spin density on another8 and admixing of a virtual triplet excited state with the ground state for a chain of alternating radical cation donors and radical anion acceptors.9 Noboru Mataga10 (1968) and later Alexandr A. Ovchinnikov11 (1978) essentially suggested that very high spin multiplicity alternate hydrocarbon molecules may have ferromagnetic domains.
New Directions in Nonlinear Surface Spectroscopy Enabled by Ultrafast Lasers

We demonstrate Fourth Harmonic Spectroscopy below the damage threshold and real-time parallel measurement of Second Harmonic Spectra from semiconductor surfaces using amplified and broad bandwidth femtosecond pulses.
Structural Anomalies of the Nose and Sinuses in Patients with Rhinosinusitis

Acute rhinosinusitis is considered primarily an infectious disease. Infection may play a role in recurrent rhinosinusitis, although other factors may contribute as well. In contrast, chronic rhinosinusitis is believed to be largely an inflammatory condition. Host factors such as anatomy or genetic susceptibility can predispose a patient to rhinosinusitis, but the clinical effects of anatomy are generally small. These anatomic variants can include anomalies of the nasal septum, middle turbinates, maxillary and frontal sinus outflow pathways, and developmental abnormalities, some of which can be detected on physical examination. In addition, endoscopy or radiographic imaging can help diagnose anatomical conditions. Some of these anatomical defects can cause obstruction of the osteomeatal complex. It is important to identify these anatomical factors because correction has the potential to generate long-lasting clinical improvements. In evaluation of a patient with rhinosinusitis, attention should also be paid to neighboring structures such as the adenoids and oral cavity. Management of all etiologic factors of chronic inflammatory disease will yield the best long-term results.
Universal method for robust detection of circadian state from gene expression

Circadian clocks play a key role in regulating a vast array of biological processes, with significant implications for human health. Accurate assessment of physiological time using transcriptional biomarkers found in human blood can significantly improve diagnosis of circadian disorders and optimize the delivery time of therapeutic treatments. To be useful, such a test must be accurate, minimally burdensome to the patient, and readily generalizable to new data. A major obstacle in development of gene expression biomarker tests is the diversity of measurement platforms and the inherent variability of the data, often resulting in predictors that perform well in the original datasets but cannot be universally applied to new samples collected in other settings. Here, we introduce TimeSignature, an algorithm that robustly infers circadian time from gene expression. We demonstrate its application in data from three independent studies using distinct microarrays and further validate it against a new set of samples profiled by RNA-sequencing. Our results show that TimeSignature is more accurate and efficient than competing methods, estimating circadian time to within 2 h for the majority of samples. Importantly, we demonstrate that once trained on data from a single study, the resulting predictor can be universally applied to yield highly accurate results in new data from other studies independent of differences in study population, patient protocol, or assay platform without renormalizing the data or retraining. This feature is unique among expression-based predictors and addresses a major challenge in the development of generalizable, clinically useful tests.
Is my grief too public for you? The digitalization of grief on Facebook™

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr provide users a metaphorical space to share their feelings and experiences with others, including on the topics of grief and ...
Teen mothers' educational attainment and their children's risk for teenage childbearing

The children of teen mothers are at elevated risk for becoming teen parents themselves. The current study aimed to identify how levels of mothers' education were associated with risk of teenage childbearing for children of teen versus nonteen mothers. Through structural equation modeling, we tested whether children's environmental and personal characteristics in adolescence and subsequent sexual risk behaviors mediated the relationship between their mothers' educational attainment and their risk for teenage childbearing. With multiple-group models, we assessed whether the associations of maternal educational attainment with children's outcomes were similar for the children of teen and nonteen mothers. The sample (N = 1,817) contained linked data from female National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 (NLSY79) participants and their first-born child (son or daughter) from the NLSY79 Children and Young Adults. The mediating pathways linking higher levels of maternal education to lower risk for teenage childbearing, and magnitudes of the associations, were mostly similar for children of teen and nonteen mothers. However, nonteen mothers experienced greater associations of their high school diploma attainment (vs. no degree) with some of their children's outcomes. Also, the association of earning a high school diploma (vs. a GED) with household incomes was greater for nonteen mothers; there was no significant difference between degree types for teen mothers. Findings provide support for teen mother secondary school support programming, but point to a need for further research regarding the long-term behavioral and social outcomes associated with the high school equivalency certificate for teen mothers and their children. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Digital Background Calibration of a Split Current-Steering DAC

A digital background calibration method for a current-steering digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is presented. The algorithm uses one comparator for calibration and corrects for current-source mismatch, which causes DAC nonlinearity. The DAC is split into two identical channels, with each channel consisting of a main DAC and an auxiliary DAC. The comparator examines the difference between the two channels to generate a binary error signal, which is used in a sign-LMS algorithm. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the split-calibration algorithm.
Design, Construction, and Operation of New Duplex Magnet at Pulsed Field Facility-NHMFL

The Pulsed Field Facility (PFF)- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) in Los Alamos, New Mexico has developed and operated a several types of ultra-high field pulsed magnets, including 100 T Multi-shot, 60 T Long Pulse, and an array of small 65 T magnets for users. Separately powering (nested) coils allows to both reduce the driving voltages and have a further degree of control over the pulse duration and therefore the current carrying capacity in conductor to maximize the produced magnetic fields. Duplex design with two nested coils powered separately by two capacitors has been used at several pulsed field centers to increase the generated magnetic field. In the last year, PFF-NHMFL focused on developing such a magnet to generate maximum magnetic field up to 77 Tesla using existing 4 MJ capacitor bank. The magnet is expected to provide 75 tesla magnetic field during regular operation. A Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) bank is used to protect the capacitor bank and its associated electrical components from the overvoltage in the case of a fault happening in the duplex magnet. This paper will outline the design, construction and operation of that magnet and the MOV bank.
The Cascading Effects of CEO Dark Triad Personality on Subordinate Behavior and Firm Performance: A Multilevel Theoretical Model:

Chief executive officer (CEO) personality has emerged as a key predictor of firm performance. A burgeoning literature rooted in psychology has shown that leaders with the dark triad personality tra...
The impact of advanced age on outcomes in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

5577 Background: Limited data are available regarding outcomes in elderly head and neck cancer patients. This retrospective study was designed to characterize head and neck cancer in geriatric pati...
Techno-economic Feasibility and Spatial Analysis of Thermochemical Conversion Pathways for Regional Poultry Waste Valorization

This study examines prominent thermochemical conversion technologies, such as slow pyrolysis, fast pyrolysis, gasification and hydrothermal liquefaction, for treating poultry litter in New York Sta...
Basic Signal Theory

The purpose of this chapter is to establish the basic definitions and terminology to be used throughout this book and to briefly review material required for the understanding of echo-location from an engineering and mathematical perspective. Accordingly, this chapter contains standard signal processing material that would be covered at the senior under-graduate or early graduate level in electrical engineering. Most of it may be found in standard texts some of which are listed in the references. It is assumed that the reader has some background in linear systems, probability and stochastic processes, vector matrix notation, and is familiar with the conventions used to denote random variables and vectors.
An Association Between the Inflammatory Biomarker GlycA and Depressive Symptom Severity.

Objective The underlying mechanisms of depression remain unclear; however, current literature suggests a relationship between inflammation and depression. The association between the inflammatory biomarker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and depression has been previously investigated, but the relationship between GlycA, a novel spectroscopic inflammatory biomarker, and depression does not appear to have been examined. Methods Data were obtained from The Dallas Heart Study (DHS, conducted between 2000 and 2002), which consisted of a large community-based sample of Dallas County residents (N = 3,033). Depressive symptom severity was assessed with the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self-Report (QIDS-SR). It was hypothesized that the serum GlycA level would be a statistically significant predictor of QIDS-SR scores after control for demographic covariates. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the relationship between GlycA level and QIDS-SR scores. The role of hs-CRP in predicting QIDS-SR scores was also explored. Results GlycA level was a statistically significant positive predictor of QIDS-SR score (β = .053, P = .038) with control for sex, age, antidepressant use, ethnicity, smoking status, drinking status, body mass index, and years of education. In a subset of adults with moderate-to-severe depression, GlycA level was not associated with QIDS-SR scores. Additionally, hs-CRP level was not a statistically significant predictor of QIDS-SR scores. Conclusions This study found a positive association between the inflammatory biomarker GlycA, but not hs-CRP, and depressive symptom severity in a large multiethnic and multiracial community-based sample. Thus, these results provide the first indication that GlycA may be a potentially useful novel biomarker of depression.
When Can Negativity Mean Success? Gender Composition, Negative Relationships and Team Performance:

Teams are often plagued by internal discord, such as negative relationships, which can impede successful team performance. While most teams eventually encounter negative relationships, we have limi...
Multi-model groundwater-management optimization: reconciling disparate conceptual models

Disagreement among policymakers often involves policy issues and differences between the decision makers’ implicit utility functions. Significant disagreement can also exist concerning conceptual models of the physical system. Disagreement on the validity of a single simulation model delays discussion on policy issues and prevents the adoption of consensus management strategies. For such a contentious situation, the proposed multi-conceptual model optimization (MCMO) can help stakeholders reach a compromise strategy. MCMO computes mathematically optimal strategies that simultaneously satisfy analogous constraints and bounds in multiple numerical models that differ in boundary conditions, hydrogeologic stratigraphy, and discretization. Shadow prices and trade-offs guide the process of refining the first MCMO-developed `multi-model strategy into a realistic compromise management strategy. By employing automated cycling, MCMO is practical for linear and nonlinear aquifer systems. In this reconnaissance study, MCMO application to the multilayer Cache Valley (Utah and Idaho, USA) river–aquifer system employs two simulation models with analogous background conditions but different vertical discretization and boundary conditions. The objective is to maximize additional safe pumping (beyond current pumping), subject to constraints on groundwater head and seepage from the aquifer to surface waters. MCMO application reveals that in order to protect the local ecosystem, increased groundwater pumping can satisfy only 40 % of projected water demand increase. To explore the possibility of increasing that pumping while protecting the ecosystem, MCMO clearly identifies localities requiring additional field data. MCMO is applicable to other areas and optimization problems than used here. Steps to prepare comparable sub-models for MCMO use are area-dependent.
10-year survival in patients diagnosed with high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer: a new metric for a new millennium

Objectives: To determine 10-year (yr) overall survival (OS) for patients (pts) diagnosed with high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer (HGEOC). Methods: We analyzed the records of all pts diagnosed with HGEOC who underwent primary treatment at our institution between 1/2001 and 12/2009. Patients lost to follow-up were excluded if they had less than 5 yrs of follow-up. All pts with a known date of death were included. Appropriate statistical methods were used. Results: During the study period, a total of 1100 pts had their primary treatment at our institution. Histology was high-grade serous in 891 pts (81%) and other high-grade histology in 209 (19%). FIGO Stage was as follows: I, 141 (13%); II, 63 (6%); III, 688 (63%); IV, 208 (19%). Initial treatment was: surgical staging (N=225)/debulking (N=651), 876 (80%); neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS), 187 (17%); chemotherapy alone with no surgery, 37 (3%). Of the 896 stage III or IV pts treated with PDS or NACT/IDS, 306 (36%) had complete gross resection (CGR), 360 (42%) had 1-10mm residual, and 172 (20%) had >10mm residual. Of the 343 pts (31%) tested, 53/343 (15%) were identified to have a germline BRCA1 mutation, 29/343 (8%) a germline BRCA2 mutation, and 8/343 (2%) a germline mutation in a moderate penetrance gene. The median follow-up for survivors was 135 mos. The 10-yr OS by stage was: I, 80.1%; II, 64.6; IIIA-B, 41.1%; IIIC, 21.3%; IV, 6.9% (p 10mm residual were also long-term survivors. Download : Download high-res image (71KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: In our large 1100-pt cohort of women with HGEOC, 10-yr survival correlated with stage, ranging from 80% for stage I to 7% for stage IV. These data can be useful during patient counseling. The heterogeneity of these long-term survivors speaks to the differing underlying biologic drivers of this disease.
PERNICIOUS ANEMIA FROM ADDISON TO FOLIC ACID

I have tried to review and clarify steps leading to our present knowledge of pernicious anemia as a clinical and etiologic entity. The early history is most illuminating. The development of the present concept of this complicated disease is a triumph of medical research. Many great names both in clinical and research fields are associated with the advance in knowledge of pernicious anemia. Further research will almost certainly clarify problems still unsolved.
Cyclooxygenase Inhibition Mechanisms: Recent Advances

Cyclooxygenases (COXs) are key enzymes of bioactive lipid metabolism that catalyze the committed step in prostaglandin biosynthesis. Inhibition of COX catalysis is a principal mode of action of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The combination of structural and functional analysis of COX-inhibitor interactions has provided important insights into the molecular determinants of inhibition. Although COX protein structure does not change significantly on inhibitor binding, a surprising variety of binding modes and molecular interactions are observed with different NSAIDs. This article focuses on recent advances in our understanding of these interactions with emphasis on arylcarboxylic acid-based inhibitors and their derivatives.
Contributions to the mineral chemistry of Hawaiian rocks

Small gabbroic dikes of high TiO2 content transect massive hawaiite in the Kaena Quarry, Waianae Range, Oahu. One dike studied consists of two rock types: (a) border zone alkali gabbro of high titanomagnetite and titanaugite content and, (b) interior mugearite that contains iron-rich pyroxenes and K-feldspar. The dike probably formed as an in situ latestage segregation enriched in TiO2, SiO2, and alkalis.