cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revealing dimensions of thinking in open-ended self-descriptions: An automated meaning extraction method for natural language☆

Abstract A new method for extracting common themes from written text is introduced and applied to 1165 open-ended self-descriptive narratives. Drawing on a lexical approach to personality, the most commonly-used adjectives within narratives written by college students were identified using computerized text analytic tools. A factor analysis on the use of these adjectives in the self-descriptions produced a 7-factor solution consisting of psychologically meaningful dimensions. Some dimensions were unipolar (e.g., Negativity factor, wherein most loaded items were negatively valenced adjectives); others were dimensional in that semantically opposite words clustered together (e.g., Sociability factor, wherein terms such as shy, outgoing, reserved, and loud all loaded in the same direction). The factors exhibited modest reliability across different types of writing samples and were correlated with self-reports and behaviors consistent with the dimensions. Similar analyses with additional content words (adjectives, adverbs, nouns, and verbs) yielded additional psychological dimensions associated with physical appearance, school, relationships, etc. in which people contextualize their self-concepts. The results suggest that the meaning extraction method is a promising strategy that determines the dimensions along which people think about themselves.
Nutrient-plankton models with nutrient recycling

In this paper, nutrient-phytoplankton-zooplankton interaction with general uptake functions in which nutrient recycling is either instantaneous or delayed is considered. To account for higher predation, zooplankton's death rate is modeled by a quadratic term instead of the usual linear function. Persistence conditions for each of the delayed and nondelayed models are derived. Numerical simulations with data from the existing literature are explored to compare the two models. It is demonstrated numerically that increasing zooplankton death rate can eliminate periodic solutions of the system in both the instantaneous and the delayed nutrient recycling models. However, the delayed nutrient recycling can actually stabilize the nutrient-plankton interaction.
Is weight loss possible in patients treated with thiazolidinediones? Experience with a low-calorie diet

SUMMARYBackground: Weight gain is a frequent side-effect of thiazolidinediones, possibly related to fluid retention and stimulation of pre-adipocyte differentiation.Methods: We report our experience with a low-calorie diet (800cal, sodium content 1500 mmol day−1) combined with behavior modification on eight patients treated with thiazolidinediones (six pioglitazone and two rosiglitazone).Results: All patients had reported previous weight gain following treatment with thiazolidinediones. All patients lost weight over 12 weeks in the program with their mean ± SD body weight falling from 270 ± 54 lbs (123 ± 25 kg) to 244 ± 61 lbs (111 ± 28 kg) (p < 0.01). The weight loss observed was no different from that observedin 16 age- and gender-matched patients with type 2 diabetes not treated with thiazolidinediones (from 263 ± 54 lbs (120 ± 25 kg) to 239 ± 52 lbs (109 ± 24 kg); p < 0.01). Glycemic control improved while reducing insulin treatment. Blood pressure control also improved and antihypertensive medication...
TIPR: transcription initiation pattern recognition on a genome scale.

MOTIVATION The computational identification of gene transcription start sites (TSSs) can provide insights into the regulation and function of genes without performing expensive experiments, particularly in organisms with incomplete annotations. High-resolution general-purpose TSS prediction remains a challenging problem, with little recent progress on the identification and differentiation of TSSs which are arranged in different spatial patterns along the chromosome. RESULTS In this work, we present the Transcription Initiation Pattern Recognizer (TIPR), a sequence-based machine learning model that identifies TSSs with high accuracy and resolution for multiple spatial distribution patterns along the genome, including broadly distributed TSS patterns that have previously been difficult to characterize. TIPR predicts not only the locations of TSSs but also the expected spatial initiation pattern each TSS will form along the chromosome-a novel capability for TSS prediction algorithms. As spatial initiation patterns are associated with spatiotemporal expression patterns and gene function, this capability has the potential to improve gene annotations and our understanding of the regulation of transcription initiation. The high nucleotide resolution of this model locates TSSs within 10 nucleotides or less on average. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Model source code is made available online at http://megraw.cgrb.oregonstate.edu/software/TIPR/. CONTACT megrawm@science.oregonstate.edu. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Dielectric modeling, characterization, and validation up to 40 GHz

As computer speeds continue to scale with Moore's law, improved transmission line modeling techniques are required for data rates greater than 3-5 gigabits per second (Gb/s). These transmission line models must accurately predict the interconnect characteristics to provide silicon designers correct channel parameters to ensure viable products. This work describes an analytic dielectric modeling methodology that produces accurate dielectric characteristics up to 40 GHz. Validation of multiple dielectric materials was performed up to 40 GHz by direct and indirect measurement techniques. The dielectric materials chosen for this study were based upon commonly available dielectrics that are suitable for high volume manufacturing in the printed wiring board industry.
Self-concordance for empirical likelihood

The usual approach to computing empirical likelihood for the mean uses Newton’s method after eliminating a Lagrange multiplier and replacing the function log(x) by a quadratic Taylor approximation to the left of 1=n. This paper replaces the quadratic approximation by a quartic. The result is a self-concordant function for which Newton’s method with backtracking has theoretical convergence guarantees.
Relationships between symptomatology and SES-related factors in hyperkinetic/MBD boys.

Relationships among symptomatology, socioeconomic status, and parenting styles were examined for 113 hyperkinetic/minimal brain dysfunction boys from intact families. Primary symptoms (e.g. hyperactivity) did not vary as a function of SES, but SES-related differences emerged for secondary symptoms (e.g., aggressive behavior, self-esteem deficits) and for parenting variables. Parenting variables were found to be better predictors of secondary symptoms than was SES. Implications for further research are offered.
Suicide in the US Army

Suicide in the US Army is a high-profile public health problem that is complex and poorly understood. Adding to the confusion surrounding Army suicide is the challenge of defining and understanding individuals/populations dying by suicide. Data from recent studies have led to a better understanding of risk factors for suicide that may be specifically associated with military service, including the impact of combat and deployment on increased rates of psychiatric illness in military personnel. The next steps involve applying these results to the development of empirically supported suicide prevention approaches specific to the military population. This special article provides an overview of suicide in the Army by synthesizing new information and providing clinical pearls based on research evidence.
Optimal clocking of circular pipelines

A timing model for circular pipelines is presented and used to obtain the minimum cycle time in terms of circuit delays and clock skews. The model accounts for short- and long-path delays, the effects of clock skew, and the use of both latches and flip-flops as synchronizing elements. The formulation and implementation of algorithms to find the minimum cycle time for both single-phase and a restricted class of multi-phase clocks are described. >
Kinetic Aspects in Solid-Matrix Luminescence for Lumiphors Adsorbed on Filter Paper

From the room-temperature fluorescence lifetimes of benzo(f)quinoline and 4-phenylphenol adsorbed on filter paper and earlier luminescence data, several photophysical parameters were calculated. Also, a number of equations that relate radiative and nonradiative rate constants to pre-exponential factors and activation energy terms were considered. By combining the luminescence data obtained in this work and previous luminescence data acquired as a function of temperature, it was possible to derive equations for the two model compounds that described fluorescence quantum yield and phosphorescence quantum yield as a function of the pre-exponential factors, activation energies, and temperature. These equations were somewhat complex, but some fundamental conclusions were revealed after a few simplifying assumptions were made.
Randomized Clinical Trial of 3 Types of Physical Exercise for Patients With Parkinson Disease

Objective To compare the efficacy of treadmill exercises and stretching and resistance exercises in improving gait speed, strength, and fitness for patients with Parkinson disease. Design A comparative, prospective, randomized, single-blinded clinical trial of 3 types of physical exercise. Setting The Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center at the University of Maryland and the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center. Patients A total of 67 patients with Parkinson disease who had gait impairment were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 arms of the trial. Interventions (1) A higher-intensity treadmill exercise (30 minutes at 70%-80% of heart rate reserve), (2) a lower-intensity treadmill exercise (50 minutes at 40%-50% of heart rate reserve), and (3) stretching and resistance exercises (2 sets of 10 repetitions on each leg on 3 resistance machines [leg press, leg extension, and curl]). These exercises were performed 3 times a week for 3 months. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome measures were gait speed (6-minute walk), cardiovascular fitness (peak oxygen consumption per unit time [$$⋅VO 2 ], and muscle strength (1-repetition maximum strength). Results All 3 types of physical exercise improved distance on the 6-minute walk: lower-intensity treadmill exercise (12% increase; P = .001), stretching and resistance exercises (9% increase; P 2 (7%-8% increase; P Conclusions The effects of exercise were seen across all 3 exercise groups. The lower-intensity treadmill exercise resulted in the greatest improvement in gait speed. Both the higher- and lower-intensity treadmill exercises improved cardiovascular fitness. Only the stretching and resistance exercises improved muscle strength. Therefore, exercise can improve gait speed, muscle strength, and fitness for patients with Parkinson disease. The combination of treadmill and resistance exercises may result in greater benefit and requires further investigation.
Finding a cluster of points and the grey pattern quadratic assignment problem

In this paper we propose a model which aims at selecting a tight cluster from a set of points. The same formulation applies also to the grey pattern problem where the objective is to find a set of black dots in a rectangular grid with a given density so that the dots are spread as evenly as possible. A branch and bound algorithm and five heuristic approaches are proposed. Computational results demonstrate the efficiency of these approaches. Seven grey pattern problems are solved to optimality and for eight additional grey pattern problems the best known solution is improved. The cluster problem on a network is solved for 40 problems with the number of points ranging between 100 and 900 and the size of the cluster ranging between 5 and 200. Twenty one problems were solved optimally and the remaining 19 problems were heuristically solved in a very short computer time with excellent results.
Analysis and design of a linear array of electromagnetically coupled microstrip patches

A linear array of microstrip patches coupled electromagnetically through sections of transmission line embedded within the substrate is described and analyzed. Such an array has the advantages of a simple feed mechanism, since only the first and last patches need to be fed or terminated with a load. A design procedure is presented whereby the coupling transmission line sections may be chosen in order to excite a specific set of patch currents, producing a desired radiation pattern. >
African American Lesbian and Bisexual Women

This article explores the convergence of racism, sexism, and heterosexism in the lives of African American women, particularly lesbian and bisexual women, and its effects on the development of their sexuality and sexual identity. Specifics of this discussion focus on African American women, however, the struggles reflected in their development of a personal identity exemplify the kinds of struggles that most women of color encounter. These struggles are reflected in the need to negotiate a dominant culture that devalues women, people of color, and lesbians; the need to master and integrate the cultural derivatives of one's own ethnic group; the need to manage relationships with family, community, and partners; and the need to form a consolidated personal identity.
FadR, transcriptional co‐ordination of metabolic expediency

FadR is an Escherichia coli transcriptional regulator that optimizes fatty acid metabolism in response to exogenously added fatty acids. Many bacteria grow well on long-chain fatty acids as sole carbon source, but at the expense of consuming a useful structural material. Exogenous fatty acids are readily incorporated into membrane phospholipids in place of the acyl chains synthesized by the organism, and phospholipids composed of any of a large variety of exogenously derived acyl chains make biologically functional membranes. It would be wasteful for bacteria to degrade fatty acids to acetyl-CoA and then use this acetyl-CoA to synthesize the same (or functionally equivalent) fatty acids for phospholipid synthesis. This line of reasoning suggests that bacteria might shut down endogenous fatty acid synthesis on the addition of long-chain fatty acids to the growth medium. Moreover, this shutdown could be closely coupled to fatty acid degradation, such that a bacterial cell would use a portion of the exogenous fatty acid for phospholipid synthesis while degrading the remainder to acetyl-CoA. To a degree, the bacterium could both have its cake (the acyl chains for phospholipid synthesis) and eat it (to form acetyl-CoA). This scenario turns out to be true in E. coli. The key player in this regulatory gambit is FadR, a transcription factor that acts both as a repressor of the fatty acid degradation and as an activator of fatty acid biosynthesis.
Sycophant: An API for Research in Context-Aware User Interfaces

Research in context-aware user interfaces aims to improve human-computer interaction by providing more effective, smarter and user-friendlier solutions for computer applications. Currently, software available for performing such research and developing context-aware interfaces is very limited both in scope and possibilities of extension. Sycophant was designed with two objectives in mind: first, to allow easy insertion of new features and capabilities needed for conducting research and, second, to provide a reusable, readily available programming resource for developing new context-aware interactive software applications. Available as open source software, Sycophant's API and the calendaring application we created using it are presented in this paper in terms of functional capabilities, high level architecture, detailed design, and results of use. Procedural steps for developing new context-aware user interfaces using our API are also described in the paper.
Toward a New Politics? On the Recent Historiography of Human Rights

When the late Kenneth Cmiel undertook the first systematic analysis of the emerging historiography of human rights in 2004, he surveyed a field that was ‘refreshingly inchoate’. In the ensuing seven years, the scholarship on the history of human rights has burgeoned considerably. Yet one might still reasonably characterise the field overall as inchoate. Like any new subfield of historical inquiry, there is a clear lack of consensus among leading historians of human rights about even the most elementary contours of the subject. What are human rights? When and where did they emerge? How and why did they spread (if, indeed, they spread at all)? Who were the crucial agents in this history? Few historians working in the field seem to agree in their answers to any of these questions.
Conditional Density Growth (CDG) model: a simplified model of RRT coverage for kinematic systems

It has been shown before that the Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm is probabilistically and resolution complete; and that the probability of finding a particular solution path can be related to the number of nodes. However, little analysis exists on the rate at which the tree covers the configuration space. In this paper, we present a stochastic difference equation which models how the tree covers the configuration space as a function of the number of nodes in the tree. Using two simplifying assumptions, appropriate for holonomic, kinematic systems in expansive configuration spaces, we derive closed-form solutions for the expected value and variance of configuration space coverage, which only depend on two easily computable parameters. Using a grid-based coverage measurement, we present experimental evidence supporting this model across a range of dimensions, obstacle densities, and parameter choices. Collecting data from 1000 RRTs, we provide evidence that configuration space coverage concentrates tightly around the expected coverage predicted by the model; and the results of the Chi-squared test suggest that the distribution of coverage across these runs is highly Gaussian. Together these results enable one to predict the expected coverage, along with a confidence interval, after a certain number of nodes have been added to the tree. We also applied the model to an example with extremely narrow passages and to a system with non-holonomic kinematics. The expected value prediction is still qualitatively accurate; but the rate constant is reduced and the variance is higher. Overall, in addition to its theoretical value, the model may find future application as an online measure of search-progress and problem difficulty, useful for adaptive variants of the basic RRT algorithm.
A CFD study of gas–solid jet in a CFB riser flow

Three-dimensional high-resolution numerical simulations of a gas–solid jet in a high-density riser flow were conducted. The impact of gas–solid injection on the riser flow hydrodynamics was investigated with respect to voidage, tracer mass fractions, and solids velocity distribution. The behaviors of a gas–solid jet in the riser crossflow were studied through the unsteady numerical simulations. Substantial separation of the jetting gas and solids in the riser crossflow was observed. Mixing of the injected gas and solids with the riser flow was investigated and backmixing of gas and solids was evaluated. In the current numerical study, both the overall hydrodynamics of riser flow and the characteristics of gas–solid jet were reasonably predicted compared with the experimental measurements made at NETL. Published 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Distribution of mucus and sperm in bovine oviducts after artificial insemination: the physical environment of the oviductal sperm reservoir.

There is a sperm reservoir in the caudal oviduct of cattle and other mammals. We had observed trapping of sperm by mucus produced by explants of bovine oviductal epithelium in vitro; therefore, we used techniques designed for preserving mucus and luminal dimensions to determine whether mucus is associated with the reservoir in vivo. Heifers were synchronized by prostaglandin injections and inseminated during estrus. Oviducts on the side of ovulation were surgically removed either 8-10 h after insemination (preovulatory) or 50-55 h after insemination (postovulatory). Segments (1 cm) taken from the uterotubal junction (UTI), caudal 3 cm of isthmus, and mid ampulla were snap frozen. Frozen sections were coated with collodion and postfixed in phosphate-buffered formaldehyde containing cetyl-pyridinium chloride. Sections were alternately stained with periodic acid-Schiff stain (PAS) or alcian blue/PAS. Most of the oviductal lumen was highly branched with passages that measured only a few microns across and were filled with mucus. In limited areas, the lumen opened to 100 ,Im across and was only lightly stained for mucus. Overall, the lumen was much narrower than in sections prepared by standard fixation and paraffin embedding. Sperm were found scattered throughout the lumen of the UTJ and isthmus, in both the narrow, deeply stained luminal areas and the wider, lightly stained areas. The numbers tapered off cranially, especially prior to ovulation. In conclusion, the combination of narrow passages and mucus would appear to impede sperm progress, contributing to the creation of a reservoir.
Improving knowledge, technical skills, and confidence among pediatric health care providers in the management of chronic tracheostomy using a simulation model

SummaryObjective The results from a recent national survey about catastrophic complications following tracheostomy revealed that the majority of events involved a loss of airway. Most of the events due to airway loss involved potentially correctable deficits in caregiver education. Training in a simulated environment allows skill acquisition without compromising patient safety. We assessed the knowledge and confidence level of pediatric health care providers at a large tertiary care children's hospital in routine and emergency tracheostomy care and evaluated the efficacy of a comprehensive simulation-based tracheostomy educational program. Methods The prospective observational study was comprised of 33 subjects including pediatric residents, internal medicine–pediatric residents, pediatric hospitalist faculty physicians, and advanced practice registered nurses who are involved in the care of patients with tracheostomies within a tertiary-care children's hospital. The subjects completed self-assessment questionnaires and objective multiple-choice tests before and after attending a comprehensive educational course that employed patient simulation. The outcome measurements included pre- and post-course questionnaires, pre- and post-course test scores, and observational data from the simulation sessions. Results Before the education and simulation, the subjects’ comfort and confidence levels on a five-point Likert scale in performing routine tracheostomy tube care, routine tracheostomy tube change, and an emergency tracheostomy tube change were as follows (median (Q1, Q3)): 1 (1, 2), 1 (1, 2), and 1 (1, 2), respectively (n = 28). The levels of comfort and confidence after completing the course improved significantly to 4 (4, 5), 4 (4, 5), 4 (4, 5), respectively (P < 0.001) (n = 20). For the knowledge assessment, the pre-course test mean score was 0.53 ± 0.50, and the scores on the post-course test improved significantly with a mean score of 0.82 ± 0.39 (P < 0.001). During the educational intervention, specific deficiencies observed included a lack of understanding or familiarity with different types of tracheostomy tubes (e.g., cuffed versus uncuffed), physiological significance of the cuff, mechanism of action and physiological significance of the speaking valve, and the importance of the obturator in changing the tracheostomy tube. Conclusion There is a need for improved tracheostomy education among pediatric health care providers. Incorporation of patient-simulation into a tracheostomy educational program was effective in improving knowledge, confidence, and skills. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:696–704. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of lung cancer risk biomarker candidates comprising transcript abundance levels of antioxidant, DNA repair, and transcription factor genes

1894 Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of both men and women in the United States and approximately 90% of cases can be attributed to cigarette smoking. The high death rate is in part because the disease typically is in advanced stage at time of diagnosis. High resolution coaxial tomography (HRCT) offers promise to markedly increase survival through diagnosis at early stage. However, the potential cost of screening is very high because there are greater than 40 million active or ex-smokers. Because only 10-15% of heavy smokers develop lung cancer, a biomarker that accurately predicts individuals at greatest risk could substantially reduce cost of screening. Previously, we published data supporting the hypothesis that individuals with sub-optimal regulation of transcript abundance (TA) for certain antioxidant and DNA repair genes in their normal bronchial epithelial cells were more likely to develop bronchogenic carcinoma. Here we assessed the TA levels of these antioxidant and DNA repair genes, along with TA levels of transcription factors that regulate them, in the normal bronchial epithelial cells of 25 lung cancer and 24 non-lung cancer individuals using standardized, quantitative RT-PCR. A computational model was developed to identify the “best” threshold level(s) of TA separating cancer from non-cancer individuals. Depending on whether the TA level for a gene was above or below the threshold, a subject was assigned a value of 1 or 0 for that gene. The values for each of 15 genes were totaled for each subject. The 15 genes in HGNC format are CEBPG, E2F1, E2F6, XRCC1, ERCC4, ERCC5, GPX1, GPX3, GSTM3, GSTP1, GSTT1, GSTZ1, MGST1, SOD1 and CAT. For the composite 15 gene biomarker, cross-validation by logistic procedure estimated a total value cut-off of greater than or equal to 7 out of 15 genes as a biomarker for lung cancer individuals, which yielded an estimated accuracy of 84%, sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 79%. Recently, a 16 gene composite biomarker comprising the original 15 gene set plus ERCC1 demonstrated by cross-validation with logistic procedure an estimated total value cut-off of greater than or equal to 8 out of 15 genes as a biomarker for lung cancer individuals, which yielded an estimated accuracy of 82%, sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 75%. We hypothesize that at least some of the non-lung cancer individuals with positive result are at increased risk and that this will become manifest with additional time. Currently, cross-validation of additional composite biomarkers is underway to find the best set of genes which most reliably separates cancer from non-cancer. These results have justified a larger prospective study to determine whether these composite biomarkers will be useful in predicting risk for lung cancer in current and former smokers.
327 HYPOGONADOTROPIC HYPOGONADISM (HHG) IN ACUTE INTERMIT TENT PORPHYRIA (AIP)

HHG in AIP has not been reported. A 20 yr. old male with AIP and inappropriate secretion of ADH was hyposmic, tall (178 cm), eunuchoid (U/L, 0.84), had a high-pitched voice, absent facial hair and Tanner 2-3 pubic hair. His testes were small (R, 8 ml; L, 10 ml). Karyotype was XY. Basal serum FSH, 5.5 mIU/ml; LH, 5.6 mIU/ml and T, 54 ng/dl were all low and PRL was normal. Mean nocturnal LH (6.5 ± 0.2 (SE) mIU/ml) was low and showed no periodic pulses. Mean nocturnal T (156 ± 13 ng/dl) was also low, with minimal fluctuations between 2200 h and 0300 h; however, between 0300 h and 0800 h two peaks of T occurred simultaneously with those of cortisol. The responses of LH to LHRH and TSH and PRL to TRH were normal. Nocturnal GH secretion was characterized by 3 peaks. Basal GH was normal and increased to 16 ng/ml during AITT and remained above 10 ng/ml between 60 and 150 minutes. Basal T, 252 ng/dl, increased to 2049 ng/dl after 4 days of im hCG (5000 units/d). Basal 24 h urine Δ amino levulinic acid (ALA), 18 mg and porphobilinogen (PBG), 68 mg, respectively, were high and did not change after 4 days of hCG (ALA, 25 mg/d; PBG, 51 mg/d). Three attacks of AIP occurred during 8 months prior to T therapy, but none occurred during 7 months of hCG or T therapy. Conclusions: 1) Hypothalamic dysfunction in AIP may cause HHG 2) hCG and T do not alter ALA and PBG excretion and may protect these patients from repeated attacks.
Role of metformin in type II diabetes

When diet and exercise fail to control type II diabetes, metformin promotes control of blood sugar levels.
Outcome of computer-assisted sinus surgery: a 5-year study.

BACKGROUND The aim of this work was to study the outcome and rate of complications in a cohort of patients who underwent computer-assisted surgery (CAS). A retrospective study was performed of all patients undergoing CAS at a tertiary care teaching hospital over a 5-year period. METHODS All patients who underwent computer-assisted sinus surgery with at least 1 year of follow-up were included in the study. Charts were reviewed for indication of CAS, incidence of major complications, and need for revision surgery after CAS. RESULTS A total of 120 patients underwent CAS in the 5-year period. Ten patients were lost to follow-up and were not included in the analysis. Indications for the use of CAS were revision surgery in 85 patients, sphenoid sinus disease in 12 patients, isolated frontal sinus disease in 4 patients, combined sphenoid and frontal disease in 2 patients, and cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) leak in 7 patients. The mean postoperative follow-up was 2.6 years. There were no major complications. Fifteen (16.5%) patients required revision surgery: 10 patients required revision endoscopic sinus surgery (1-5 revisions using CAS), 3 patients required an external open procedure, and 3 patients required revision CSF leak closure (one patient required both revision sinus surgery and an external procedure). There were no cases of major intra- or postoperative bleeding, central nervous system damage, CSF leak, or orbital trauma in this study. CONCLUSION CAS helps in avoiding trauma to the orbit and anterior skull base and has a low incidence of major complications. The need for revision surgery may occur in patients with frontal sinus disease, nasal polyposis, or recurrent CSF leak.
A software-defined networking architecture for aerial network optimization

The dynamic nature of aerial networks often results in poor network performance from an end-user perspective due to frequent and extended link outages. With growing expectations of network availability and performance, there is an unmet need to utilize all the available information in the network environment for optimizing network decisions. We present the preliminary design of a Software Defined Networking (SDN)-based prototype system that uses the knowledge about aerial node orbits to predict future network events, especially link outages. By proactively mitigating the effects of network events through SDN-based optimizations, our prototype system is expected to increase the availability and performance of aerial networks. We expect that our generalized approach of using SDNs for leveraging operationally available information for network optimization, is applicable in many different contexts in addition to aerial networking.
Developing the Practice of Teacher Questioning through a K-2 Elementary Mathematics Field Experience.

AbstractThis article presents findings from research on a field experience designed to help elementary preservice teachers learn the practice of teacher questioning during formal and informal inter...
Significant Differences in Antigen-Induced Transendothelial Migration of Human CD8 and CD4 T Effector Memory Cells.

Objective—Circulating human T effector memory cell (TEM) recognition of nonself MHC (major histocompatibility complex) molecules on allograft endothelial cells can initiate graft rejection despite elimination of professional antigen-presenting cells necessary for naive T-cell activation. Our previous studies of CD4 TEM have established that engagement of the T-cell receptor not only activates T cells but also triggers transendothelial migration (TEM) by a process that is distinct from that induced by activating chemokine receptors on T cells, being slower, requiring microtubule-organizing center–directed cytolytic granule polarization to and release from the leading edge of the T cell, and requiring engagement of proteins of the endothelial cell lateral border recycling compartment. Although CD4 TEM may contribute to acute allograft rejection, the primary effectors are alloreactive CD8 TEM. Whether and how T-cell receptor engagement affects TEM of human CD8 TEM is unknown. Approach and Results—We modeled ...
A dark side of political skill? Awareness and life satisfaction in a Latin American Business

Research has typically explained the positive intrapsychic influence of political skill using Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. However, research explaining the possible negative intrapsychic consequences of high levels of political skill is lacking. Therefore, we introduce Cognitive Activation Theory (CAT) to the political skill literature to explain possible negative outcomes of political skill. In testing this theory, we used two hierarchical moderated multiple regressions to examine the relationship between affective and continuance commitment, life satisfaction, and political skill in a large, privately owned, financial services firm in Ecuador. Aligned with prior research, affective commitment positively affected life satisfaction; however, contrary to our hypothesis, continuance commitment also positively affected life satisfaction. Furthermore, consistent with both Conservation of Resources and Cognitive Activation Theory, results indicated that political skill strengthened the relationship between affective commitment and life satisfaction. However, contrary to Cognitive Activation Theory, political skill did not significantly weaken the relationship between continuance commitment and life satisfaction.
Publius as a Republican

The most detailed and eloquent Federalist argument for the United States Constitution was made by ‘Publius’ in a series of ‘Foederalist’ letters ‘To the People of the State of New York’, published in New York City newspapers between 27 October 1787, and 2 April 1788, and as a collection, with eight new essays, on 28 May.1 Many of Publius’s essays were written towards the end of the ratification debate, so his actual influence on the decision to ratify may not have been very great.2 But he presented the Federalist position in its most polished and complete form, as it stood on the eve of the Constitution’s final ratification. The Federalist reiterates the major arguments presented in the state ratification debates, and confirms the conceptions of republicanism and representation that they endorsed.3
Organisational improvement: one hospital's experience of implementing TQM

The implementation of total quality management (TQM) in the British National Health Service (NHS) has become an anachronism. Most NHS managers are not interested in TQM as a strategy for improving organisational performance and patient care because of the general belief among NHS managers that TQM fails to tackle the critical needs of organisations in trouble, particularly on issues such as improving organisational performance, efficiency and effectiveness. The paper, however, through the use of a single case study, can confirm contrary to the views of NHS managers, that the concept and philosophy of TQM is indeed an effective approach in achieving organisational performance improvement when a systems approach to implementation is adopted. Furthermore, the paper suggests that the most successful and sustainable approach to the implementation of TQM in healthcare is the systems management approach that aligns structure, systems and outcomes.
Predicting first trimester pregnancy outcome: derivation of a multiple marker test

Objective To predict first trimester pregnancy outcome using biomarkers in a multicenter cohort. Design Case-control study. Setting Three academic centers. Patient(s) Women with pain and bleeding in early pregnancy. Intervention(s) Sera from women who were 5–12 weeks' gestational age with ectopic pregnancy (EP), viable intrauterine pregnancy (IUP), and miscarriage/spontaneous abortion (SAB) was analyzed by ELISA and immunoassay for activin A, inhibin A, P, A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease-12, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), pregnancy specific B 1 -glycoprotein (SP 1 ), placental-like growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, glycodelin (Glyc), and hCG. Classification trees were developed to optimize sensitivity/specificity for pregnancy location and viability. Main Outcome Measure(s) Area under receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of first trimester pregnancy outcome. Result(s) In 230 pregnancies, the combination of trees to maximize sensitivity and specificity resulted in 73% specificity (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–0.80) and 31% sensitivity (95% CI 0.21–0.43) for viability. Similar methods had 21% sensitivity (95% CI 0.12–0.32) and 33% specificity (95% CI 0.26–0.41) for location. Activin A, Glyc, and A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease-12 definitively classified pregnancy location in 29% of the sample with 100% accuracy for EP. Progesterone and PAPP-A classified the viability in 61% of the sample with 94% accuracy. Conclusion(s) Multiple marker panels can distinguish pregnancy location and viability in a subset of women at risk for early pregnancy complications. This strategy of combining markers to maximize sensitivity and specificity results in high accuracy in a subset of subjects. Activin A, ADAM12, and Glyc are the most promising markers for pregnancy location; P and PAPP-A for viability.
Flavored e-cigarette use: Characterizing youth, young adult, and adult users.

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the use of flavored e-cigarettes varies between youth (12–17 years old), young adults (18–29 years old), and older adults (30 + years old). Cross-sectional surveys of school-going youth (n = 3907) and young adult college students (n = 5482) in Texas, and young adults and older adults (n = 6051) nationwide were administered in 2014–2015. Proportions and 95% confidence intervals were used to describe the percentage of e-cigarette use at initiation and in the past 30 days that was flavored, among current e-cigarette users. Chi-square tests were applied to examine differences by combustible tobacco product use and demographic factors. Most e-cigarette users said their first and “usual” e-cigarettes were flavored. At initiation, the majority of Texas school-going youth (98%), Texas young adult college students (95%), and young adults (71.2%) nationwide said their first e-cigarettes were flavored to taste like something other than tobacco, compared to 44.1% of older adults nationwide. Fruit and candy flavors predominated for all groups; and, for youth, flavors were an especially salient reason to use e-cigarettes. Among adults, the use of tobacco flavor at initiation was common among dual users (e-cigarettes + combustible tobacco), while other flavors were more common among former cigarette smokers (P = 0.03). Restricting the range of e-cigarette flavors (e.g., eliminating sweet flavors, like fruit and candy) may benefit youth and young adult prevention efforts. However, it is unclear what impact this change would have on adult smoking cessation.
Evolution of Emerging Environmental Testing and Evaluation Techniques

Contemporary statistically-based environmental test and evaluation techniques used to develop and qualify electronic systems will be too costly and time consuming for emerging equipment systems with much higher levels of reliability than current systems. The current emphasis on physical testing needs to be reduced and blended with the emerging analytical computerized tools to develop a more cost effective approach to evaluate the environmental suitability of electronic systems. It is proposed that an integrated approach based upon fracture mechanics concepts of latent defects growth and/or a nondestructive inspection techniques could yield such an approach.
The Epidemiology and Effect of Sliding Injuries in Major and Minor League Baseball Players

Background:Although sliding occurs frequently in professional baseball, little is known about the epidemiology and effect of injuries that occur during sliding in this population of elite athletes....
Turbulent mixing in a deep fracture zone on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

AbstractMidocean ridge fracture zones channel bottom waters in the eastern Brazil Basin in regions of intensified deep mixing. The mechanisms responsible for the deep turbulent mixing inside the numerous midocean fracture zones, whether affected by the local or the nonlocal canyon topography, are still subject to debate. To discriminate those mechanisms and to discern the canyon mean flow, two moorings sampled a deep canyon over and away from a sill/contraction. A 2-layer exchange flow, accelerated at the sill, transports 0.04–0.10-Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) up canyon in the deep layer. At the sill, the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy e increases as measured from microstructure profilers and as inferred from a parameterization of vertical kinetic energy. Cross-sill density and microstructure transects reveal an overflow potentially hydraulically controlled and modulated by fortnightly tides. During spring to neap tides, e varies from O(10−9) to O(10−10) W kg−1 below 3500 m around the 2-layer inte...
Vocational Behavior and Career Development, 1976: A Review.

Abstract This review covers selections from the literature published in 1976 on topics of interest in vocational and career behavior and development. Both theoretical and research contributions are included, representing investigations in vocational choice, career maturity and development, stereotyping, measurement, vocational behavior, and related variables.
‘A Dangerous and Pestilent Fellow’: Return to Religious Liberalism

Chapter 8 begins by noting Brownson’s return to religious liberalism in 1854, evinced by the publication of The Spirit-Rapper. Brownson’s subsequent imprudent writing on the papacy draws criticism from fellow Catholics. A discussion follows involving the Rev. John Forbes, who returns to the Episcopal church after having served as a Catholic priest for ten years. Catholic observers worry that Brownson is planning to leave the Church as well. Hence religious mobility raises the fear of apostasy. Cortes then provides an analysis of Protestant and Catholic sectarianism. The chapter ends with a discussion of the conflict between the liberal Brownson and the ultramontane Archbishop of New York John Hughes. ‘Cross Pressures’ from the Catholic world are so strong that Brownson suspends the publication of the Brownson Quarterly Review in 1864.
On Designing a GeoViz-Aware Database System - Challenges and Opportunities

The human’s ability to perceive, consume, and interact with the data is in-fact limited. One key observation is worth considering – that Geospatial data is typically consumed as aggregate visualizations.
Multiple mechanisms of Mcl-1 depletion by the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor flavopiridol in mantle cell lymphoma cell lines

2085 Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma carrying poor prognosis. The disease is characterized by the t(11;14) (q13;q32) chromosomal translocation and overexpression of cyclin D1, which drives cellular proliferation by stimulating the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) 4 and 6. Overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins, most notably Mcl-1, is an additional hallmark of MCL cells. The pan-cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor flavopiridol has demonstrated responses in MCL patients, even when suboptimal schedules have been employed. Flavopiridol most potently inhibits cdk9, with Ki 3 nM, and its effects on cellular transcription are expected to compromise Mcl-1 expression. Preclinical studies of flavopiridol in Z138-C, NCEB-1, Granta 519, and JVM-2 MCL cell lines were performed to elucidate mechanisms of cell death. Z138-C cells were the most sensitive with IC50 around 100nM. Growth of Granta 519 was compromised above 200nM drug, while NCEB-1 and JVM-2, which express the highest levels of Mcl-1, were relatively resistant. Time course experiments in Z138-C cells treated with 200-500 nM flavopiridol demonstrated that reduction of phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II (RNA pol II) occurred by 8 hrs after drug exposure, likely related to cdk9 inhibition. Depletion of cyclin D1 and phospho-Rb occurred a few hours later. Surprisingly, reduction in Mcl-1 expression was noted by 3-4 hours, prior to altered phosphorylation of the RNA pol II CTD. In addition, the appearance of cleaved PARP, indicative of apoptosis, preceded the reduction of phospho-CTD and cyclin D1 and closely paralleled the diminution of Mcl-1. To better explain the early diminution of Mcl-1 expression, we investigated signaling pathways known to contribute to its stability. The data show that flavopiridol causes reduction in both phospho-Erk and phospho-Akt by 2 hrs after drug exposure, directly preceding the diminution of Mcl-1. In addition, the efficacy of flavopiridol against MCL cell lines was synergistically enhanced by co-treatment with agents that modulate the Akt pathway, including the PI3-K inhibitor LY294002, as well as rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor. However, in cells treated with flavopiridol alone, there is recovery of these pathways within 4-5 hours. These results suggest that Mcl-1 expression is tightly linked to apoptosis in flavopiridol-treated MCL cell lines and that early effects on signaling pathways correlate best with the timing of initial Mc1-reduction. Later, reduced phosphorylation of the RNA pol II CTD may prevent further Mcl-1 expression and reduction of cyclin D1 expression as well. Therefore, flavopiridol-mediated depletion of Mcl-1 occurs by multiple mechanisms. These preclinical results justify further trials of flavopiridol in MCL both alone and in combination.
A meta-analysis of the association between vocalizations and expressive language in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Abstract Background Targeting the frequency or complexity of prelinguistic vocalizations might improve the language trajectory of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who exhibit continued expressive language deficits. Aims This meta-analysis evaluates the strength of the association between various measures of vocalizations and expressive language in young children with ASD and five putative moderators of that association to inform prelinguistic intervention development: consonant-centricity, communicativeness, concurrent versus longitudinal research design, risk for correlated measurement error, and publication status. Methods and procedures We systematically searched databases and other sources for correlations between vocalizations and expressive language in children with ASD less than 9 years old. Using robust variance estimation, we calculated the weighted mean effect size and conducted moderator analyses. Outcomes and results Nine studies (19 reports), which included 362 participants and 109 unique effect sizes, met inclusion criteria. The weighted mean effect size between vocalizations and expressive language was significant (r = 0.50, 95% CI [0.23, 0.76]). As predicted, concurrent correlations were significantly stronger than longitudinal correlations. Other moderator effects were not detected. Conclusions and implications Young children with ASD demonstrate a strong association between vocalizations and expressive language skills. Future experimental studies should investigate causal relations to guide intervention development.
An internal domain of β-tropomyosin increases myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity

Tropomyosin (TM) is involved in Ca2+-mediated muscle contraction and relaxation in the heart. Striated muscle α-TM is the major isoform expressed in the heart. The expression of striated muscle β-T...