cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Histopathologic Finding of Ulcerative Enteritis with Vasculitis

Gastrointestinal symptoms are often present in patients with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), particularly early in the course of the illness. However, pathologic changes in the gastrointestinal tract have not been reported in a child who has survived. We document vasculitis in the terminal ileum of a child with RMSF who also had radiographic findings consistent with involvement of the entire small bowel. An appreciation for the gastrointestinal manifestations should facilitate a rational approach to their management and prevent a delay in diagnosis.
APRIL: a processor architecture for multiprocessing

Processors in large-scale multiprocessors must be able to tolerate large communication latencies and synchronization delays. This paper describes the architecture of a rapid-context-switching processor called APRIL with support for fine-grain threads and synchronization. APRIL achieves high single-thread performance and supports virtual dynamic threads. A commercial RISC-based implementation of APRIL and a run-time software system that can switch contexts in about 10 cycles is described. Measurements taken for several parallel applications on an APRIL simulator show that the overhead for supporting parallel tasks based on futures is reduced by a factor of two over a corresponding implementation on the Encore Multimax. The scalability of a multiprocessor based on APRIL is explored using a performance model. We show that the SPARC-based implementation of APRIL can achieve close to 80% processor utilization with as few as three resident threads per processor in a large-scale cache-based machine with an average base network latency of 55 cycles.
The containment problem for Real conjunctive queries with inequalities

Query containment is a fundamental algorithmic problem in database query processing and optimization. Under set semantics, the query-containment problem for conjunctive queries has long been known to be NP-complete. In real database systems, however, queries are usually evaluated under bag semantics, not set semantics. In particular, SQL queries are evaluated under bag semantics and return multisets as answers, since duplicates are not eliminated unless explicitly requested. The exact complexity of the query-containment problem for conjunctive queries under bag semantics has been an open problem for more than a decade; in fact, it is not even known whether this problem is decidable.Here, we investigate, under bag semantics, the query-containment problem for conjunctive queries with inequalities. It has been previously shown that, under set semantics, this problem is complete for the second level of the polynomial hierarchy. Our main result asserts that, under bag semantics, the query-containment problem for conjunctive queries with inequalities is undecidable. Actually, we establish the stronger result that this problem is undecidable even if the following two restrictions hold at the same time: (1) the queries use just a single binary relation; and (2) the total number of inequalities is bounded by a certain fixed value. Moreover, the same undecidability results hold under bag-set semantics.
"Using History to Make Slavery History": The African American Past and the Challenge of Contemporary Slavery

This article argues that contemporary antislavery activism in the United States is programmatically undermined and ethically compromised unless it is firmly grounded in a deep understanding of the African American past. Far too frequently those who claim to be “the new abolitionists” evince no interest in what the original abolitionist movement might have to teach them and seem entirely detached from a U.S. history in which the mass, systematic enslavement of African Americans and its consequences are dominating themes. As a result contemporary antislavery activism too often marginalizes the struggle for racial justice in the United States and even indulges in racist ideology. In an effort to overcome these problems, this article seeks to demonstrate in specific detail how knowledge of the African American past can empower opposition to slavery as we encounter it today.
Back Talk: Engagement sensing for enhancing video viewing

We present Back Talk, a prototype that enhances video viewing for distributed viewers. The system captures engagement, general attentiveness, and viewer comments; the output auditory environment comprises audio cues triggered by sensed data, and comments.
The fine structure of the Necturus (amphibia) heart.

The fiber diameter in the heart of Necturus maculosus is not significantly different from that of other amphibian myocardial cells, averaging approximately 5 μ over most of its length and about 10 μ in the nuclear region. No transverse (T) tubular system was found. Instead, there were shallow invaginations of the sarcolemma and many pinocytotic vesicles at the periphery of the myocytes. Other intracellular membrane systems such as the Golgi apparatus and sarcoplasmic reticulum were also sparse and poorly organized. However, subsarcolemmal cisterns, specialized segments of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in close apposition with the sarcolemma, were clearly demonstrated. Nexal junctions were recognized at points of contact between myocytes, although they occupied smaller areas than those of mammalian myocardial cells. Mitochondria were small and few. Light cells with few organelles or myofibrils, which resembled Purkinje fibers of mammalian and avian hearts, were often observed. A nerve ending in close contact with muscle cells was described.
KINDEN: knowledge-based INtelligent VLSI design ENvironment

KINDEN, and experimental ASIC design environment based on a central-object-oriented model base, is described. KINDEN's approach is a departure from most research in applying artificial intelligence (AI) technology to problems in the VLSI design domain which has typically focused on form of design synthesis or decomposition. KINDEN is a high-level ASIC digital signal-processing (DSP) design system, which enables the user to design a DSP system from a top-level specification. The external VLSI CAD consists of commercial CAD, including Mentor and Cadence on Apollo workstation and academic CAD tools on SUN workstation. The in-house tools are being developed on SUN and CRAY supercomputer. The applications developed around the central model-base retrieve and store the design data through the callable C interface. In addition, the external CAD tool databases are supported via EDIF translators, through which the applications can read/write in EDIF. >
Generalized Interface Polarity Scale Based on Second Harmonic Spectroscopy

Quantitative polarity scales have been of great value in advancing our understanding of chemical and physical processes in bulk solvents. However, an understanding of the polarity at liquid interfaces has been more elusive and no scale of interface polarity currently exists. Following our demonstration that second harmonic spectroscopy can be used to measure interface polarity, we have determined the polarity of several liquid/liquid and vapor/liquid interfaces. The polarities of the water/1,2-dichloroethane and water/chlorobenzene interfaces have been investigated using the polarity indicator molecule N,N-diethyl-p-nitroaniline (DEPNA). The betaine dye 4-(2,4,6-triphenylpyridinium)-2,6-diphenylphenoxide, (ET(30)), was used to probe the polarity of the air/water interface. The intramolecular charge transfer (CT) absorption band positions of both DEPNA and ET(30) are measured and used to define the interface solvent polarity. An important finding is that the polarity of the liquid interfaces is simply rela...
Effects of Methoprene on Binary Caste Groups of Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Four factorial experiments were conducted in which groups of Reticulitermes flavipes workers containing up to 13.3% of a second caste (soldiers, short-wing-pad nymphs, long-wing-pad nymphs, or female neotenics) were exposed to various concentrations of the insect growth regulator methoprene. For all experiments the main effect of the factor “methoprene concentration” dominated the results. Large numbers of presoldiers were produced, as well as a loss of hindgut protozoan symbionts. In the two experiments with long-wing-pad nymphs and female neotenics, the factor “initial caste proportion” was also significant, but was complicated by a statistically significant “methoprene concentration”—“caste proportion” interaction. These effects were relatively minor, however, compared with the main effect of methoprene concentration and suggest that the presence of nonworker castes in their normal proportions do not militate the disruptive effects of exogenous juvenile hormone analogs.
Modification of Atomic Force Microscopy Tip with Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes is a ideal material for the Modification of AFM tip duo to its unique characteristics,such as small radius of curvature, good flexibility and orientation. In the paper, several success modification technology, such as vapor deposition method and chemical shrinkage, and their applications were discussed.
Measurements of the proton-air cross section with high energy cosmic ray experiments

Detecting Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECRs) enables us to measure the proton-air inelastic cross section σinel p–air at energies that we are unable to access with particle accelerators. The proton-proton cross section σp–p is subsequently inferred from the proton-air cross section at these energies. UHECR experiments have been reportingon the proton-air inelastic cross section starting with the Fly’s Eye in 1984 at √s =30 TeV and ending with the most recent result of the Telescope Array experiment at √s = 95 TeV in 2015. In this proceeding, I will summarize the most recent experimental results on the σinel p–air measurements from the UHECR experiments.
Intelligent Tutoring Systems

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) are computer learning environments that help students master knowledge and skills by implementing intelligent algorithms that adapt to students at a fine-grained level and that instantiate complex principles of learning. An ITS normally works with one student at a time because students differ on many dimensions and the goal is to be sensitive to the idiosyncrasies of individual learners. ITS have been developed for mathematics and other computationally well-formed topics as well as knowledge domains that have a verbal foundation. Reviews and quantitative meta-analyses confirm that ITS technologies frequently improve learning over reading text and traditional teacher-directed classroom teaching. This chapter describes affordances that are frequently incorporated in most applications. Some affordances are routinely incorporate in ITS (active student learning, interactivity, adaptivity, and feedback) whereas others are frequently but not always included (choice, non-linear access to topics, linked representations, and open-ended learner input). The Generalized Intelligent Framework for Tutoring (GIFT) is a framework that articulates the frequent practices, pedagogical and technical standards, and computational architectures for developing ITS; the goal of the GIFT initiative is to scale up ITS development for schools, the military, industry, and the public. The chapter also identifies major challenges in building ITS and some of their limitations.
Zusammenfassung der Untersuchungsergebnisse

Ausgangspunkt der vorliegenden Untersuchung bildete die Erk.enntnis, class fiir cine internationale Marktbearbeitungsstrategie zunachst die Betrachtung der eigenen Internationalisiorungsvergangenheit erfolgen sollte. Obne die systematische Identifikation der unternehmenseigenen Stiirken und Schwichen sowie der Chancen und Risiken der Unternehmensumweh, wiire die Ableitung einer internationalen Marktbearbeitungsstrategie ohne ausreichende Fundierung.
Cerebral peduncle angle: Unreliable in differentiating progressive supranuclear palsy from other neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract Introduction The significant symptom overlap between progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and other parkinsonian neurodegenerative diseases frequently results in misdiagnosis. However, neuroimaging can be used to quantify disease-related morphological changes and specific markers. The cerebral peduncle angle (CPA) has been shown to differentiate clinically diagnosed PSP from other parkinsonian diseases but this result has yet to be confirmed in autopsy-proven disease. Methods Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained for 168 patients representing 69 medical facilities. Following randomization, the images were divided into two groups (Type 1 and Type 2) based upon midbrain morphological differences. Two readers were blinded and independently measured the CPA of 146 patients with autopsy-proven progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP; n = 54), corticobasal degeneration (n = 16), multiple system atrophy (MSA; n = 11) and Lewy body disease (n = 65). Results Applying two separate measurement techniques revealed no statistically significant differences in CPA measurements among any study groups regardless of classification measurement approach. The interobserver agreement showed significant differences in measurements using the Type 2 approach. Conclusion Measuring the CPA on MRI is not a reliable way of differentiating among patients with PSP, corticobasal degeneration, MSA, or Lewy body disease.
Functionality test of a readout circuit for a 1mm 3 resolution clinical PET system

We are developing a 1mm3 resolution Positron Emission Tomography (PET) camera dedicated to breast imaging, which collects high energy photons emitted from radioactively labeled agents injected in the patients to detect molecular signatures of breast cancer. The camera consists of 8 × 8 arrays of 1 × 1 × 1mm3 lutetium yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) crystals coupled to position sensitive avalanche photo-diodes (PSAPDs).
Transcatheter interventions in adult congenital heart disease

Recent reports have suggested that the number of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) has surpassed pediatric numbers and that approximately 1 in 150 adults has some form of CHD (Marelli et al., Circulation 115:163–172, 2007; Warnes et al., Circulation 118:2395–2451, 2008). Significant rates of intervention and re-intervention are required in this cohort of patients with one report demonstrating 20 % of young adults with CHD requiring cardiovascular surgery (Zomer et al., Circulation 124:2195–201, 2011). Increasingly, transcatheter alternatives to surgery exist in this population particularly in the field of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (tPVR), and recommendations for catheter intervention in adults with CHD have been published in the context of overall care of these patients (Warnes et al., Circulation 118:2395–2451, 2008). Case complexity will vary according to the underlying diagnosis ranging from more straightforward interventions such as atrial septal defect closure to complex stenting interventions for interatrial baffle leak in patients following atrial switch surgery for transposition of the great arteries. Many of the more complex patients may have had multiple previous interventions, and detailed review of previous data as well as sensible use of pre-procedural imaging techniques including cardiac CT and MRI is essential. This chapter will outline some of the procedural techniques and the diagnostic imaging tools used to optimize patient selection and procedural success. Outcome data where available will also be discussed in relation to the range of transcatheter interventions seen in this patient group.
25-Vitamin D levels in chronic hepatitis C infection: association with cirrhosis and sustained virologic response.

Background Low serum 25-Vitamin D levels are associated with advanced fibrosis in hepatitis C infection. Vitamin D supplementation has been hypothesized to augment response rates to interferon-based therapy. To date, no investigation has evaluated vitamin D levels during directacting antiviral therapy. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic cohorts, the predictive value of pretreatment levels for a sustained virologic response, and the changes in 25-OH vitamin D levels during direct-acting antiviral therapy. Methods Two hundred eighteen patients with chronic hepatitis C who completed directacting antiviral therapy were consecutively enrolled. Vitamin D levels were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay, prior to initiation and at completion of therapy. Advanced liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) was determined by biopsy, FibroSURE blood test, or imaging. Results A sustained virologic response was achieved in 79% (n=172) of patients, with 19% (n=44) relapsing. A total of 123 (56.4%) patients were cirrhotic. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency (10-20 ng/mL) and severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL) was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients (P=0.04). Pre-treatment vitamin D levels in cirrhotic patients were negatively correlated with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, total bilirubin and INR (P<0.05). Neither pretreatment vitamin D level nor the change during therapy was associated with an increased rate of sustained virologic response. Conclusions The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is higher in hepatitis-C–related cirrhotic cohorts compared to non-cirrhotic patients and correlates with components of hepatic function. Neither pretreatment vitamin D level nor the change during therapy was associated with an increased rate of sustained virologic response. Keywords Hepatitis C, vitamin D, 25-OH vitamin D, sustained virologic response, direct acting antiviral Ann Gastroenterol 2017; 30 (3): 344-348
The Darjeeling Distinction: Labor and Justice on Fair Trade Tea Plantations in India: by Sarah Besky. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2014. 233 pp.

As she steeps a bag of Lipton's, how often does the average tea drinker think about the origin of her tea? Sure, most people in the West know that tea comes from far-off places like China and India...
Strategic Decision Making in B Corps vs. Traditional Businesses: Is There a B Corps Effect?

The B Corps movement, in particular the efforts to pass Benefit Corporation legislation, has instigated both strong support and criticism. But despite the growing controversy, we know very little a...
Reclaiming Tangible Heritage: Cultural Aesthetics, Materiality, and Ethnic Belonging in the Maya Diaspora

Resumen Este articulo trata la materializacion del hogar y la herencia en el contexto de la migracion indigena de Yucatan, Mexico, a los Estados Unidos. Analizo la manera en que la realidad contemporanea de la migracion Maya, junto con el largo legado de desarraigo y de apropiacion cultural, forman la manera en que los migrantes interactuan dia a dia con la cultura material que los rodea. La manipulacion por los migrantes indigenas de objetos a los cuales se les asignan propositos nuevos que enlazan la vida migrante a la cultura del pueblo y a la herencia arqueologica, toma una prominencia y un significado particular en el contexto de la migracion transnacional. A traves de encuentros tactiles y visuales con objetos re-definidos que funcionan como indicadores de la identidad Maya y la distincion cultural, los migrantes se re-apoderan de la herencia tangible y crean una “estetica de herencia” que les permite reclamar custodia de lugar, hogar, y pertenencia. En retrospectiva, los objetos usados en este proceso permiten que el migrante solidifique una identidad indigena etnica emergente que depende de conexiones emocionales con su hogar al igual que con su pasado pre-Hispanico.
Assessing the Accuracy of Foveal Avascular Zone Measurements Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: Segmentation and Scaling

PURPOSE The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) is altered in numerous diseases. We assessed factors (axial length, segmentation method, age, sex) impacting FAZ measurements from optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography images. METHODS We recruited 116 Caucasian subjects without ocular disease, and acquired two 3 × 3 mm AngioVue scans per each right eye (232 total scans). In images of the superficial plexus, the FAZ was segmented using the AngioVue semiautomatic nonflow measurement tool and ImageJ manual segmentation. In images from the full retinal thickness, the FAZ was segmented using the AngioAnalytics automatic FAZ tool. Repeatability, reliability, and reproducibility were calculated for FAZ measurements (acircularity, area). RESULTS FAZ area (mean ± SD) for manual segmentation was 0.240 ± 0.0965 mm2, greater than both semiautomatic (0.216 ± 0.0873 mm2) and automatic (0.218 ± 0.0869 mm2) segmentation (P < 0.05). Not correcting for axial length introduced errors up to 25% in FAZ area. Manual area segmentation had better repeatability (0.020 mm2) than semiautomatic (0.043 mm2) or automatic (0.056 mm2). FAZ acircularity had better repeatability with automatic than manual segmentation (0.086 vs. 0.114). Reliability of all area measurements was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.994 manual, 0.969 semiautomatic, 0.948 automatic). Reliability of acircularity measurements was 0.879 for manual and 0.606 for automatic. CONCLUSION We identified numerous factors affecting FAZ measurements. These errors confound comparisons across studies and studies examining factors that may correlate with FAZ measures. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Using FAZ measurements as biomarkers for disease progression requires assessing and controlling for different sources of error. Not correcting for ocular magnification can result in significant inaccuracy in FAZ measurements, while choice of segmentation method affects both repeatability and accuracy.
Measuring Stress in Young Children Using Hair Cortisol: The State of the Science.

Extensive literature suggests that adverse experiences in early childhood may deleteriously impact later health. These effects are thought to be related to the impact of persistent or chronic stres...
Transforming in the visiting assistant professor role: collaborative self-study research in physical education teacher education

Transitioning into faculty roles can be a challenging experience. Responsibilities related to teaching, research, and service can be difficult to balance, and mismatch between personal preferences ...
Effect of Engineered Nanoparticles on Exopolymeric Substances Release from Marine Phytoplankton.

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs), products from modern nanotechnologies, can potentially impact the marine environment to pose serious threats to marine ecosystems. However, the cellular responses of marine phytoplankton to ENPs are still not well established. Here, we investigate four different diatom species (Odontella mobiliensis, Skeletonema grethae, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Thalassiosira pseudonana) and one green algae (Dunaliella tertiolecta) for their extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) release under model ENP treatments: 25 nm titanium dioxide (TiO2), 10–20 nm silicon dioxide (SiO2), and 15–30 nm cerium dioxide (CeO2). We found SiO2 ENPs can significantly stimulate EPS release from these algae (200–800%), while TiO2 ENP exposure induced the lowest release. Furthermore, the increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration can be triggered by ENPs, suggesting that the EPS release process is mediated through Ca2+ signal pathways. With better understanding of the cellular mechanism mediated ENP-induced EPS release, potential preventative and safety measures can be developed to mitigate negative impact on the marine ecosystem.
Series resonant converters with the resonant capacitor replaced by a bridge

Series resonant converters are widely used in applications such as transformer-isolated DC-DC conversion and induction heating. The resonant capacitor in these converters is often a difficult component since it requires high current-handling capability and tight tolerance. This paper discusses replacement of the series resonant capacitor with a bridge. The series bridge is gated to behave as a capacitive element in a fashion akin to converter-based static series compensation used in flexible AC transmission systems. The advantages of the approach, particularly for three-phase series resonant conversion or converters with multi-winding transformers, will be discussed.
A CASE OF PALPITATIONS AFTER A BLOOD DRAW

Risk stratification for patients with an asymptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern remains an area of controversy. A 33 year old man with a known history of WPW ECG pattern without prior symptoms presented to the emergency room with palpitations that occurred moments
System Management With NetScript

Cost and complexity of managing client machines is a major concern for enterprises. This concern is compounded by emerging client machines that are mobile and diverse. To address this concern, management systems must be easy to configure and deploy, must handle asynchrony and disconnection for mobile clients, and must be customizable for diverse clients. In this paper, we first present NetScript, an environment for scripting with network components. We then propose a management system built with NetScript, where mobile scripts invoke components to perform management operations. We demonstrate that our approach results in a flexible, scalable management system that can support mobile and diverse client machines.
New March Tests for Multiport RAM Devices

This paper describes three new march tests for multiport memories. A read (or write) port in such a memory consists of an n-bit address register, an n-to-2^n-bit decoder (with column multiplexers for the column addresses) and drivers, and a K-bit data register. This approach gives comprehensive fault coverage for both array and multiport decoder coupling faults. It lends itself to a useful BIST implementation with a modest area overhead that tests these faults and achieves low test application time.
Anotomys leander (Fish-eating rat)

Since only the female karyotype is known, there is no way to identify the sex chromosomes. We present this single karyotype because the diploid number of this species is the highest known thus far in mammals, and it is uncertain that a male specimen will be obtained in the near future.
An Ex Ante Approach to Modeling Investment in New Technology

A conceptual framework to account for irreversibility and uncertainty in technology adoption decision making is suggested as an extension of the Dixit-Pindyck model. The general case of farmers making large capital investments to bring their production facilities into compliance with environmental regulations is spotlighted, and the role of evolving policies as a source of uncertainty is considered. Many environmental policies affecting production agriculture are geared toward water conservation or water quality protection; several examples are discussed. The particular case of Texas producers’ propensity to adopt free-stall dairy housing is spotlighted. Free-stall investments offer advantages for both productivity augmentation and water pollution abatement, yet uncertainty and irreversibility are obstacles to adoption. Empirical results demonstrate that uncertainty about costs and requirements for environmental compliance is an important determinant of dairy producers’ investment behavior. Ex ante forecasting of how uncertainty and irreversibility are likely to affect producers’ responsiveness to agricultural technologies has implications for the design of environmental policies. Simulation modeling methods are described. Implications of this ex ante paradigm for policy design and implementation are discussed.
The Impact of Live Tweeting on Social Movements

Social networks have supplemented or reduced in-person communications substantially in recent years. Twitter, for instance, offers multiple mechanisms for digital communication, including drop-in commenting, scheduled support group discussions and event-based discussions. In 280 characters or less, users express sentiments, make declarations, post relevant resources and commiserate online around a central topic. The duration of these interactions are anchored by the prevalence of common hashtags used by those members contributing to the discussion. In this work, we focus on an event-based discussion, e.g., live tweeting, and its impact on timely social movements. We follow the gender and racial live tweeting dialogue during the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 2016 to 2018. We identify, evaluate and correlate timely hashtags and keywords.
Early‐breeding females experience greater telomere loss

Annual reproductive success is often highest in individuals that initiate breeding early, yet relatively few individuals start breeding during this apparently optimal time. This suggests that individuals, particularly females who ultimately dictate when offspring are born, incur costs by initiating reproduction early in the season. We hypothesized that increases in the ageing rate of somatic cells may be one such cost. Telomeres, the repetitive DNA sequences on the ends of chromosomes, may be good proxies of biological wear and tear as they shorten with age and in response to stress. Using historical data from a long-term study population of dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis), we found that telomere loss between years was greater in earlier breeding females, regardless of chronological age. There was no relationship between telomere loss and the annual number of eggs laid or chicks that reached independence. However, telomere loss was greater when temperatures were cooler, and cooler temperatures generally occur early in the season. This suggests that environmental conditions could be the primary cause of accelerated telomere loss in early breeders.
Circulation in the Coastal Ocean, Part 3

The simple models of shelf circulation components discussed so far were based on the coastal constraint assumption and longshore uniformity. This is clearly restrictive: how far from shore the coastal constraint is valid is itself one of the important questions in shelf dynamics. A longshore sea-level gradient constant in space and time is evidently not a realistic assumption over larger pieces of the coastline. The focus of much recent work on shelf dynamics has been on determining the mechanism that allows longshore sea-level gradients to exist along open shelves, and the distribution of such gradients. The excitement of finding answers to such questions is still fresh for those of us involved in the exercise.
Antagonism and romantic relationships

Abstract This chapter reviews antagonism and its association with romantic relationship functioning. We highlight the negative associations between antagonism and relationship quality, both for antagonistic individuals themselves and for their romantic partner. We also discuss interpersonal and intrapersonal processes associated with antagonistic traits that prove problematic in a relationship context, including poor communication and other maladaptive behaviors, higher levels of aggression, intimate partner violence, and infidelity, lower levels of positive behaviors such as forgiveness and empathic responding, as well as more negative perceptions of and expectations about their partner's behavior. We conclude by discussing limitations of this work and future directions to advance understanding of antagonism and romantic relationships.
Fellowship and Subspecialization in Urology: An Analysis of Robotic-assisted Partial Nephrectomy.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the impact of a urologic fellowship on physician case-volume and immediate patient outcomes, and to assess predictors of undergoing a robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy by a fellowship-trained (FT) urologist. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all robotic (ICD-9 17.4) partial nephrectomies (PN; ICD-9 55.4) reported in the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative Systems (SPARCS) database of New York State (NYS) from 2009 to 2014. Perioperative outcomes assessed included length of stay, 30-day readmission rates, 90-day readmission rates, and complication rates. Pearson chi-square tests were used to compare categorical variables, and unpaired Student t tests were used to assess continuous variables. Results FT urologists performed 2199 (56%) RAPN during the study period, and nonfellowship trained (NFT) urologists completed 1700 (44%) RAPN. FT urologists performed more RAPN in teaching hospitals than NFT urologists (23% vs 7%). The average surgical volume per year for a FT urologist conducting RAPN was 9.6 ± 2.2 cases/y. NFT urologists had an average surgical volume of 7.2 ± 1.5 cases/y (P = Conclusion There were no differences for RAPN perioperative outcomes between FT urologists and their NFT peers. FT urologists perform a higher case-volume of RAPN in NYS, and this trend is increasing.
Continuous-Time Delta-Sigma Modulator with Time Domain Noise Coupling

This paper presents a design methodology to use time domain quantization noise information to further increase the order of the overall noise transfer function (NTF). Additional 2nd order NTF can be achieved by using the time domain quantization noise information that is inherently available in the noise shaped integrating quantizer (NSIQ). The time domain quantization noise is delayed through a voltage controlled delay line (VCDL) and coupled to the NSIQ itself using only two coupling resistors. Therefore, no additional digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is required to both extract the quantization noise and couple to the loop, which is necessary in traditional voltage domain noise coupling scheme. Mathematical analyses and MATLAB simulation results are provided to prove the efficiency of the proposed scheme.
Area and International Studies: Economics

Economists have tended to focus their attention on increases in efficiency and competition that arise from extensions of the market, and they view with suspicion impediments to mobility of goods and resources caused by the existence of national borders or distinctive national cultures. In addition, they have come to view economic agents as relatively homogeneous in their behavior across the globe. These agents respond differently, sometimes simply because they are faced with different institutions and different incentive structures. Economics sees itself essentially as a science dealing with universals, not with particulars. Hence, economists have been relatively little engaged with area and international studies. Exceptions to this neglect have arisen when economists have become involved in the administration of empires and, after decolonization, with attempts to bring about the development of poor countries. Exceptions have also occurred when economists have shown concern for the causes of conflict between nations and the rise of totalitarian economic systems, and when they appreciated that it might be necessary to construct new institutions for a new international economic order.
Seizures in patients with cancer

Seizures are common in patients with cancer and either result from brain lesions, paraneoplastic syndromes, and complications of cancer treatment or are provoked by systemic illness (metabolic derangements, infections). Evaluation should include a tailored history, neurologic examination, laboratory studies, neuroimaging, and electroencephalogram. In unprovoked seizures, antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment is required, and a nonenzyme-inducing AED is preferred. Treatment of the underlying cancer with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy also can help reduce seizures. Benzodiazepines are useful in the treatment of both provoked seizures and breakthrough epileptic seizures and as first-line treatment for status epilepticus. Counseling for safety is an important component in the care of a patient with cancer who has seizures. Good seizure management can be challenging but significantly improves the quality of life during all phases of care, including end-of-life care.
An exploratory analysis on the influence of genetic variants on weight gain among etonogestrel contraceptive implant users

Abstract Objective To identify genetic variants associated with weight gain related to etonogestrel contraceptive implant use. Study design We conducted a retrospective analysis from a parent pharmacogenomic study of healthy, reproductive-aged women using etonogestrel implants. We reviewed medical records to calculate objective weight changes from implant insertion to study enrollment and asked participants about subjective weight gain (yes/no) during contraceptive implant use. We used genotyping data (99 genetic variants) from the parent study to conduct backward-stepwise generalized linear modeling to identify genetic variants associated with objective weight changes. Results Among 276 ethnically diverse participants, median body-mass index (BMI) was 25.8 kg/m2 (range 18.5–48.1). We found a median weight change of +3.2 kg (range −27.6 to +26.5) from implant insertion to study enrollment. Report of subjective weight gain had minimal agreement with measured weight gain during implant use (Cohen’s kappa = 0.21). Our final generalized linear model contained two variables associated with objective weight change that met conservative statistical significance (p Conclusion Genetic variants in the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) do not have known associations with obesity or metabolic syndrome, but there is physiologic plausibility for a progestin-mediated genetic association between ESR1 and weight gain. Additional genetic research is needed to substantiate our findings and elucidate further advances in individualized counseling on the risk of weight gain with exogenous steroid hormones. Implications Genetic variation in the estrogen receptor 1 gene may account for variability in weight gain among etonogestrel contraceptive implant users. If these findings can be replicated with other progestin-containing medications, we may be able to better individualize contraceptive counseling.
Decentralized Multi-Agent Stochastic Optimization With Pairwise Constraints and Quantized Communications

Decentralized optimization methods often entail information exchange between neighbors. In many circumstances, due to the limited communication bandwidth, the exchanged information has to be quantized. In this paper, we investigate the impact of quantization on the performance of decentralized stochastic optimization. We consider a multi-agent network, in which each node is associated with a stochastic cost and each pair of neighbors is associated with a constraint. The goal of the network is to minimize the aggregate expected cost subject to all the constraints. We first develop a decentralized stochastic saddle point algorithm with quantized communications for the scenario of sample feedback, in which a sample of the random variable in the stochastic cost function is revealed to each node at each time. We establish performance bounds for the expected cost suboptimality and expected constraint violations of the algorithm in terms of the quantization intervals. We show that asymptotic optimality can be achieved if the quantization intervals approach zero. On the other hand, if the quantization intervals are fixed and nonzero, then non-diminishing performance gaps exist, which indicate a tradeoff between optimization performance and communication overhead. We further extend the algorithm and analysis to the scenario of bandit feedback, where samples of the random variables are not available and only the values of the cost function at two random points close to the current decision are disclosed. We show that the performance of the algorithm does not degrade in order sense compared to its counterpart with sample feedback. Finally, two numerical examples, namely decentralized quadratically constrained quadratic program and decentralized logistic regression, are presented to corroborate the efficacy of the proposed algorithms.
Investigation of External Quantum Efficiency Roll-Off in OLEDs Using the Mean Field Steady State Kinetic Model

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are promising candidates for solid-state lighting but suffer from decreased efficiency at the high current density required for lighting applications. This dec...
Justice for George Floyd and a reckoning for global mental health

In the wake of George Floyd's killing by police in Minneapolis and the global response inspired by Black Lives Matter, it is time for the field of global mental health to reexamine how we have acknowledged and addressed racism in our institutions, our research, and our mental health services. In solidarity with street level responses, this is an important opportunity to understand and collaboratively respond to public demand for systemic change. To respond effectively, it is vital to (1) be aware of the colonial history that influences today's practices, and move forward with anti-colonial and anti-racist actions; (2) identify where and why diversity and representation are lacking in the global mental health workforce, then follow steps to combat these disparities; and (3) work with communities and institutions to end both police violence and structural violence.
Isomer Ratio for (b,xn,yp,γ) Reactions

A method for the calculation of isomer ratios in reactions in which the compound nucleus decays by the emission of a few particles followed by $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ emission is presented. It is shown that the calculated value of the isomer ratio is sensitive to the spin cutoff parameter, the amount of quadrupole admixture in the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray cascade, and the presence of discrete levels. In most cases good agreement between experimentally measured and calculated values of isomer ratios is obtained.
Advances in nucleic acid architectures for electrochemical sensing

Abstract Nucleic acid–based electrochemical sensors are ideally suited to the detection of molecular targets for which enzymatic detection or direct electrochemical oxidation – reduction reactions are not possible. Moreover, the versatility of nucleic acids in their ability to bind a great variety of target types, from small molecules to single-entity mesoscopic targets, makes them attractive receptors for the development of electrochemical biosensors. In this brief opinion piece, we discuss field advances from the past two years. We hope the works highlighted here will inspire the community to pursue creative designs enabling the detection of larger and more complex targets with a specific focus on analytical validation and translation into preclinical or clinical applications.
Median Optimal Treatment Regimes.

Optimal treatment regimes are personalized policies for making a treatment decision based on subject characteristics, with the policy chosen to maximize some value. It is common to aim to maximize the mean outcome in the population, via a regime assigning treatment only to those whose mean outcome is higher under treatment versus control. However, the mean can be an unstable measure of centrality, resulting in imprecise statistical procedures, as well as unfair decisions that can be overly influenced by a small fraction of subjects. In this work, we propose a new median optimal treatment regime that instead treats individuals whose conditional median is higher under treatment. This ensures that optimal decisions for individuals from the same group are not overly influenced either by (i) a small fraction of the group (unlike the mean criterion), or (ii) unrelated subjects from different groups (unlike marginal median/quantile criteria). We introduce a new measure of value, the Average Conditional Median Effect (ACME), which summarizes across-group median treatment outcomes of a policy, and which the optimal median treatment regime maximizes. After developing key motivating examples that distinguish median optimal treatment regimes from mean and marginal median optimal treatment regimes, we give a nonparametric efficiency bound for estimating the ACME of a policy, and propose a new doubly robust-style estimator that achieves the efficiency bound under weak conditions. Finite-sample properties of the estimator are explored via numerical simulations and the proposed algorithm is illustrated using data from a randomized clinical trial in patients with HIV.
Comparison of tests for association of 2 × 2 tables under multiple testing setting

Fisher’s exact test and Pearson’s chi-squared test are frequently used for testing associations of two binary variables in 2-by-2 contingency tables. In the single test setting, many studies have s...
Does allochthonous leaf litter structure terrestrial cave invertebrate assemblages

Allochthonous materials are the main sources of nutrients for most cave invertebrate communities. However, scant research exists about the differences in quality of various cave nutrient sources. W...
Subjects for Discussion in the Professions

All service and professional communities confront challenges and issues on diverse subjects. Some of these have been mentioned earlier in this book. The providers, those serviced or served, and policy-makers in the EU have to make known a solution. In this case, it is the dental care professionals (DCPs), patients, and the decision-makers in the EU and/or the Member States who compose the community. Hopefully, the solution will be consensual. Unfortunately, such does not always occur. When this happens, the community suffers a rupture that can signal adverse consequences.
Quantifying the syntactic bootstrapping effect in verb learning: A meta-analytic synthesis

How do children infer the meaning of a novel verb? One prominent proposal is that children rely on syntactic information in the linguistic context, a phenomenon known as "syntactic bootstrapping" (Naigles, 1990). For example, given the sentence "The bunny is gorping the duck," a child could use knowledge of English syntactic roles to infer that "gorping" refers to an action where the bunny is acting in some way on a duck. Here, we examine the strength of the syntactic bootstrapping effect, its developmental trajectory and generalizability using meta-analytic methods. Across 60 experiments in the literature (N = 849 participants), we find a reliable syntactic bootstrapping effect (d = .24). Yet, despite its theoretical prominence, the syntactic bootstrapping effect is relatively small, comparable in size to cross-situational learning and sound symbolism, but smaller than mutual-exclusivity and gaze-following. Further, we find that the effect does not strengthen over development, and is present only for studies that use transitive sentences. An examination of a range of methodological factors suggests that the effect is not strongly influenced by methodological implementation. In the General Discussion, we consider implications of our findings for theories of verb learning and make recommendations for future research. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
An Analytical Study of a Two-Sided Mobility Game.

In this paper, we consider a mobility system of travelers and providers, and propose a ``mobility game" to study when a traveler is matched to a provider. Each traveler seeks to travel using the services of only one provider, who manages one specific mode of transportation (car, bus, train, bike). The services of each provider are capacitated and can serve up to a fixed number of travelers at any instant of time. Thus, our problem falls under the category of many-to-one assignment problems, where the goal is to find the conditions that guarantee the stability of assignments. We formulate a linear program of maximizing the social welfare of travelers and providers and show how it is equivalent to the original problem and relate its solutions to stable assignments. We also investigate our results under informational asymmetry and provide a ``mechanism" that elicits the information of travelers and providers. Finally, we investigate and validate the advantages of our method by providing a numerical simulation example.