cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Online task assignment in crowdsourcing markets

We explore the problem of assigning heterogeneous tasks to workers with different, unknown skill sets in crowdsourcing markets such as Amazon Mechanical Turk. We first formalize the online task assignment problem, in which a requester has a fixed set of tasks and a budget that specifies how many times he would like each task completed. Workers arrive one at a time (with the same worker potentially arriving multiple times), and must be assigned to a task upon arrival. The goal is to allocate workers to tasks in a way that maximizes the total benefit that the requester obtains from the completed work. Inspired by recent research on the online adwords problem, we present a two-phase exploration-exploitation assignment algorithm and prove that it is competitive with respect to the optimal offline algorithm which has access to the unknown skill levels of each worker. We empirically evaluate this algorithm using data collected on Mechanical Turk and show that it performs better than random assignment or greedy algorithms. To our knowledge, this is the first work to extend the online primal-dual technique used in the online adwords problem to a scenario with unknown parameters, and the first to offer an empirical validation of an online primal-dual algorithm.
SU-F-T-280: An Assessment of Deviations in Gamma Index Between PTW Octavius4D Phantom Measurements and Various Treatment Planning Systems

Purpose: There is a variety of treatment planning systems (TPS) available for clinical use all with highly variable settings to calculate patient dose. Patient specific IMRT QA is often a daily procedure at most clinics and each clinic devises their own policy on the TPS settings for testing the quality of the patient plan against a measured dose on IMRT QA phantoms. With this in mind, it is the aim of this study to evaluate the effect of dose calculation parameters on IMRT QA. Methods: Six patient plans were optimized and calculated using Pinnacle3 (v9.10). Patient QAs were calculated using the PTW Octavius4D phantom with a dose grid resolution of 3mm and a phantom density of 1.045g/cc. Using PTW's VeriSoft, the calculated dose distribution of Pinnacle3, Monaco, and Eclipse were compared to the delivered plan (the control) on the Octavius4D. For each TPS, the dose grid was varied from 2–4mm, and the phantom density varied ±10% in increments of 2%. Additionally, statistical uncertainties ranging from 0.7%–3% were calculated for Monaco. Using the evaluation metric of 3% and 3mm with a threshold of 10% of the max dose, the average and standard deviation of the 3D γ-index were calculated for each plan. The γ-index from axial, sagittal, and coronal slices at isocenter and the overall 3D γ-index were used for the comparisons. Results: The disparity in γ-index was small between most plan modifications. An extreme example is one case in which a 3D slice yielded a γ-index that differed up to 12.9% whereas the maximum variation in total volume for any case was merely 2.3%. The average standard deviation of all slices was ±1.49% and the average standard deviation for total volume was only ±0.55%. Conclusion: Dose calculation resolution and algorithm does not significantly affect the patient QA measurements.
The Fortified Hill Site Near Gila Bend, Arizona

ABSTRACTExcavations arc reported of an unusual site, located on top of a volcanic escarpment, on the Gila Bend Indian Reservation. The rooms and walls were reconstructed during excavation. All components, with the exception of probable ceremonial units, were composed of rubble core masonry. Three building phases were delineated. Rooms were grouped in social units of two or three houses.Two burial zones of primary cremations were found. Mining areas were evident under the edge of the site and on a neighboring escarpment. Tests indicate that minerals were mined for ceramic temper or obsidian.The cultural assemblage is a manifestation of the Tanque Verde phase (ca. A.D. 1200–1300) as known from the Tucson Basin.It is proposed that the village was settled by migrants to the area after it was abandoned by the Hohokam proper. Site location, on a cultural frontier, makes it possible but not certain that the defensible quality of the hill was of prime concern.
OpenFlow-based live video streaming with GENI Cinema

The use of computer networks to relay streaming multimedia content is on the rise and is expected to continue to increase in the coming years. This paper discusses the use of GENI Cinema as a means to distribute streaming content across different networks at scale. Through the use of OpenFlow, GENI Cinema is able to gain control over the flow and routing of video streams in the network to efficiently and scalably distribute video content from video producers to video consumers. GENI Cinema accomplishes video “channel” switching with minimal perceived delay and no disruption in content to the producers or consumers. A prototype implementation of GENI Cinema on the distributed GENI testbed is discussed.
AED Therapy in Pregnancy and Fetal Thyroid Levels

The neonatal screening results of TSH and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) in 34 study neonates born to mothers exposed to AEDs during pregnancy and their matched controls were evaluated at the Department of Paediatrics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Positron annihilation spectroscopy investigation of vacancy defects in neutron-irradiated 3 C -SiC

Positron annihilation spectroscopy characterization results for neutron-irradiated $3C$-SiC are described here, with a specific focus on explaining the size and character of vacancy clusters as a complement to the current understanding of the neutron irradiation response of $3C$-SiC. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy was used to capture the irradiation temperature and dose dependence of vacancy defects in $3C$-SiC following neutron irradiation from 0.01 to 31 dpa in the temperature range from $380{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}\mathrm{C}$ to $790{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}\mathrm{C}$. The neutral and negatively charged vacancy clusters were identified and quantified. The results suggest that the vacancy defects that were measured by positron annihilation spectroscopy technique contribute very little to the transient swelling of SiC. In addition, coincidence Doppler broadening measurement was used to investigate the chemical identity surrounding the positron trapping sites. It was found that silicon vacancy-related defects dominate in the studied materials and the production of the antisite defect ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{Si}}$ may result in an increase in the probability of positron annihilation with silicon core electrons.
Current and Emerging Molecular Tests for Human Papillomavirus–Related Neoplasia in the Genomic Era

Laboratory tests have a key role in preventing human papillomavirus (HPV)–driven carcinomas and in guiding therapeutic interventions. An understanding of the virology, immunology, and carcinogenesis of HPV is essential for choosing appropriate diagnostic test modalities and developing new and even more effective cancer prevention strategies. HPV infects basal epithelial cells on multiple surfaces and induces carcinoma primarily in the cervix and the oropharynx. HPV types are stratified as high risk or low risk based on their carcinogenic potential. During oncogenesis, HPV interferes with cell cycle regulation and incites DNA damage responses that thwart apoptosis and enable mutations to accumulate. Such mutations are an adverse effect of innate and adaptive antiviral immune responses that up-regulate DNA-editing enzymes, with natural selection of cells having a chromosomally integrated viral genome lacking expression of viral proteins targeted by the immune system. Infected cancers share a similar mutation signature, reflecting the effect of apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing catalytic polypeptide enzyme DNA-editing enzymes. It is feasible that genomic tests for characteristic mutations or methylation signatures, along with tests for dysregulated HPV gene expression, add value in predicting behavior of premalignant lesions. Furthermore, these tumor markers in cell-free DNA of plasma or body fluids may one day assist in early detection or monitoring cancer burden during treatment.
Bloodless transplants for multiple myeloma are feasible and yield similar results as matched controls.

e19538 Background: High dose therapy-autologous stem cell transplant (HDT-ASCT) prolongs progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in multiple myeloma (MM). The use of myelo-ablativ...
Biopsychosocial distress assessment among testicular cancer survivors (TCS) using electronic patient reported outcomes (PROs).

204Background: Distressis a frequently endorsed experience by cancer patients.Many organizations advocate formal distress screening as part of clinical care in order to better meet the “psychological, social, and/or spiritual needs of patients that may interfere with the ability to cope effectively with cancer, its physical symptoms, and its treatments.” The primary objective of this study is to characterize distress levels among TCS using electronic PROs via a modified version of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (DT) and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS). Methods: Eligible TCS ( < 69 years at diagnosis, any treatments, not in active or maintenance stage of exercise behavior) enrolled onto a pilot study of an electronic, self-directed, individually tailored “EXercise for CAncer Patients” (EXCAP) program were offered iPad-based distress screening during routine medical oncology clinic visits. Screening consisted of a modified DT, where patients self-report ...
Assessment of U.S. chassis supply models on drayage productivity and air emissions

Abstract A new drayage scheduling model is developed to assess the effectiveness of different U.S. chassis supply models. It extends previous drayage models by incorporating these features: (1) treating tractor, container, and chassis as separate resources which are provided in different locations, (2) ensuring that container and chassis are of the same size and type, and (3) considering the possibility that drayage companies can subcontract the work to independent owner-operators whose trucks will originate from and terminate at different locations. The resulting model is a mixed-integer quadratic programming model that solves the scheduling of tractor, loaded container, empty container and chassis in drayage operation in an integrated manner. The mathematical model is an extension of the multiple traveling salesman problem with time windows (m-TSPTW). To efficiently solve the developed model, a reactive tabu search (RTS) algorithm combined with an insertion heuristic is developed. The model and algorithm are used to evaluate the effectiveness of different chassis supply models currently in use in the U.S. The results indicated that among the U.S. chassis models the co-op pool, terminal pool and rental pool with chassis yard inside the terminal yield the lowest drayage operation time, percentage of empty movements, and air emissions.
Synthesis of Generalized Predictive Control Algorithms with Guaranteed Frozen-time Stability

Abstract For a fixed plant model GPC (generalized predictive control) guarantees stability only for two specific choices of horizons. In one instance it results in a deadbeat control law while in the other, the solution given by GPC has been shown to converge to that of the corresponding algebraic Riccati equation. However values of the costing horizon that result in a stabilizing controller is not known a priori . This paper presents sufficient conditions for stability of closed loop systems that result from implementing solutions of the finite horizon LQ problem for arbitrary fixed costing horizons. On this basis, a class of predictive control laws that ensures frozen-time stability of the closed loop system is proposed.
The Age of the Baitoa Formation, Dominican Republic, Using Mollusca for the Correlation

In an attempt to prove that mollusks may be used for inter-formational correlation, a study was undertaken to ascertain the age of the shallow-water Baitoa Formation, which has proved barren of microguide- fossils (planktic foraminifera or clacareous nannofossils). Only a limited number of gastropod species from the genera Orthaulax, Murex, Chicoreus, Typhis, Vasum, and Fasciolaria were examined but by utilizing their "concurrent ranges" the age was determined to be late lower Miocene (Burdigalian) just as the formation was originally thought to be by Cooke.
Insuring Your Earning Power

Ask any financial planner or insurance agent what the most neglected or underinsured financial risk is, and they are likely to say the risk of losing your ability to earn a living. Most individuals simply do not give sufficient attention to this possibility and, if they do, believe that they are adequately covered. In other words, they believe they will never lose their earning power. However, according to the Commissioner’s Individual Disability Table A, one in three working Americans will suffer some form of disability that lasts at least 90 days before they reach the age of 65. In addition, one in seven employees will be disabled for five or more years prior to their retirement. You are two to three times more likely to become disabled during your working career than you are to die during this same period. These are impressive (and somewhat frightening) numbers.
Percutaneous Post-Myocardial Infarction Ventricular Septal Rupture Closure: A Review

ABSTRACTVentricular septal rupture remains a rare, but most often lethal, complication of acute myocardial infarction. Current guidelines recommend emergent surgical repair of post-myocardial ventricular septal rupture, with concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting as indicated. Though surgery provides improved survival over medical management alone, mortality rates remain up to 60%. With technological advances, percutaneous closure has emerged as an alternative management option. In this review, we address patient selection, timing, success, mortality, and complications of transcatheter post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture closure. Current data reveal a lower mortality as compared to surgical management. The optimal device for closure remains uncertain. Timing of closure >14 days after myocardial infarction appears to be associated with greater procedural success; however, delaying repair introduces a selection bias. Complications include device embolization, arrhythmia, residual shun...
FOXOMAS: A SECOND GENERATION METHOD FOR OBTAINING STABLE HEAVY CHAIN IMMUNOGLOBULIN PRODUCING HYBRIDOMAS

Publisher Summary This chapter describes Foxomas as a highly efficient method for obtaining stable murine hybridomas. Spleen cells from immunized mice homozygous for a Robertsonian chromosome translocation [Rb(8.12)] are fused with myeloma cells deficient in adenosine phosphoribosyl transferase (APRT–) and exposed to culture media requiring APRT activity for cell growth. As the APRT locus and the heavy-chain immunoglobulin loci are genetically linked in the donor mouse spleen cells, the retention of one or both copies of chromosome 12 in hybrid cells is insured by selective culture media. The heavy-chain Ig loci undergo allelic restriction and therefore, the subsequent growth of hybrid cells producing antibody in selective media provides for the continuous retention of the active Ig locus in theoretically 2/3 of all hybridomas. Several APRT-myeloma cell lines of BALB/c origin were isolated by negative selection procedures and were used in fusion experiments. Enzymatic and karyotypic analysis demonstrated the concurrent retention of APRT isozyme activity, one or both chromosomes, and antibody production. The loss of antibody production by hybridoma cell lines during isolation, cloning, and subsequent cell population expansion is not a trivial problem. The instability of continued antibody production by hybridoma lines has resulted from the chromosomal loss of the relevant immunoglobulin genes and from overgrowth by subpopulations of nonproducing cells arising during the propagation of the hybrids. The capture ratio is significantly higher with the Foxoma method because of the continuous retention of the 8.12 chromosomes of the donor spleen cells. It increases the applicability and efficiency of the hybridoma technology.
Relationship between the phase of the ongoing activity at the stimulus time and the N100 detected response using EEG recordings

There are two main theories to explain the reason of the average response in the EP recorded with an EEG system. One of these theories affirms that the average response results from synchronous phase-resetting in the ongoing activity provoked by the stimulus. Testing the relationship between the phase in the ongoing EEG activity at the stimulus time and the response after the stimulus we pretend to find a relationship in accordance with this theory. In this study, data from 19 normal subjects were recorded using an EEG recorder system. Observing the Cz channel, the phase of the ongoing activity at the time of stimulus arrival was estimated and compared with the response obtained from the same signal after applying an iterative Independent Component Analysis algorithm. Applying this algorithm, basically two kinds of EEG responses are detected for each single trial observing the N100 peak. One response follows the same pattern as the average EP and the other response follows just the opposite one. In this paper we present the relationship found between the phase and the percentage of found trials with these two kinds of responses.
Incidence Axiom and Ruler Postulate

Our goal in this text is to learn something about the foundations of Euclidean geometry. We shall accomplish this by studying non-Euclidean geometry! Although this may strike you as strange at first, there are two good reasons for this approach. The principal reason is that you know too much about Euclidean geometry. It really is more difficult to study something that is very familiar because it is hard to keep in mind the distinction between the mathematical system that has been developed at any given time and what you feel has to be true. Of course, the second reason for this approach is to learn something about non-Euclidean geometry itself. The celebrated man-in- the-street has heard about non-Euclidean geometry, and every student of mathematics should know something about the subject.
Endothelial and fibroblast viability assays for tissue allografts

To perfect methods for the freezing, storage and subsequent transplantation of cells and tissues, it is important to set the criteria for success at the outset. Therefore one or more criteria should be defined which accurately maintain the ability of the system to carry on its physiological function. For example, a frozen-thawed vein should be capable of performing as a conduit after implantation. The vein should not be prone to stenosis, aneurysms, or leakage around the suture lines, and should ideally be non-thrombogenic. Since thrombosis and vascular tone is dependent upon the presence of an intact endothelial lining, a viable cryopreserved allograft should have an intact endothelial lining. For heart valves, the presence of a high percentage of the fibroblasts which are capable of resynthesizing the collagenous matrix of the valve, as well as maintaining the mechanical integrity, is the primary consideration. The viability of any tissue after cryopreservation is dependent in part upon handling during procurement and prefreezing storage. Any exposure to non-physiological conditions, such as ischemia, hypoxia, or anoxia causes direct toxicity to most cell types or sensitizes the cells to the subsequent stresses of freezing and thawing. Careful selection of the cryobiological variables can minimize but not eliminate the loss in viability. Major considerations include the type of cryoprotective agent used, the concentration of that agent, the temperature of exposure, cooling rate, warming rate, osmotic effects, media effects, and dilution scheme.
Scaling the repetition rate of thulium-doped ultrafast soliton fiber lasers to the GHz regime

GHz high repetition rate compact sources with femtosecond pulse durations and stable performance can enable a wide range of applications. In this paper, several high repetition rate ultrafast thulium fiber lasers with repetition rates varying between 532 MHz to 1.25 GHz are demonstrated with femtosecond pulse durations down to 426 fs. An approach of maintaining comparable pulse energies while scaling the repetition rates allows high-quality femtosecond mode-locking performance with low noise performance in thulium soliton lasers for the first time.
Ad wearout wearout: How time can reverse the negative effect of frequent advertising repetition on brand preference

Abstract This paper reports a surprising reversal in the effect of advertising repetition over time. A field study shows higher annoyance with a more frequently advertised brand at the time of advertising, but greater preference for this same brand several weeks later. A longitudinal online experiment replicates the reversal in brand preference across four time points and tests an underlying mechanism for this reversal. It shows that initial annoyance with frequent ad repetition is highly susceptible to decay over time, whereas brand memory remains relatively stable. Through these two processes, brands with heavier advertising exposure move over time from lower preference to higher preference. Finally, a third experiment demonstrates a crucial condition for this reversal — product relevance at the time of consideration. This study shows that the reversal occurs only if at the later time the product category is relevant. We discuss the substantial implications of these findings for marketing theory and practice.
Estimation of Liquid Water Path in Stratiform Precipitation Systems using Radar Measurements during MC3E

Abstract. In this study, the liquid water path (LWP) in stratiform precipitation systems is retrieved, which is a combination of rain liquid water path (RLWP) and cloud liquid water path (CLWP). The retrieval algorithm uses measurements from the vertically pointing radars (VPRs) at 35 GHz and 3 GHz operated by the U.S Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) during the field campaign Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E). The measured radar reflectivity and mean Doppler velocity from both VPRs and spectrum width from the 35 GHz radar are utilized. With the aid of the cloud base detected by ceilometer, the LWP in the liquid layer is retrieved under two different situations: (I) no cloud exists below the melting base, and (II) cloud exists below the melting base. In (I), LWP is primarily contributed from raindrops only, i.e., RLWP, which is estimated by analyzing the Doppler velocity differences between two VPRs. In (II), cloud particles and raindrops coexist in the liquid layer. The CLWP is estimated using a modified attenuation-based algorithm. Two stratiform precipitation cases (20 May 2011 and 11 May 2011) during MC3E are illustrated for two situations, respectively. With a total of 14 hours of samples during MC3E, statistical results show that the occurrence of cloud particles below the melting base is low (8 %), however, the mean CLWP value can be up to 0.87 kg m −2 , which is much larger than the RLWP (0.22 kg m −2 ). When only raindrops exist below the melting base, the averaged RLWP value is larger (0.33 kg m −2 ) than the with cloud situation. The overall mean LWP below the melting base is 0.39 kg m −2 for stratiform systems during MC3E.
Granulysin: killer lymphocyte safeguard against microbes

Primary T cell immunodeficiency and HIV-infected patients are plagued by non-viral infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites, suggesting an important and underappreciated role for T lymphocytes in controlling microbes. Here, we review recent studies showing that killer lymphocytes use the antimicrobial cytotoxic granule pore-forming peptide granulysin, induced by microbial exposure, to permeabilize cholesterol-poor microbial membranes and deliver death-inducing granzymes into these pathogens. Granulysin and granzymes cause microptosis, programmed cell death in microbes, by inducing reactive oxygen species and destroying microbial antioxidant defenses and disrupting biosynthetic and central metabolism pathways required for their survival, including protein synthesis, glycolysis, and the Krebs cycle.
The pathology and changing epidemiology of dialysis-related cardiac beta-2 microglobulin amyloidosis.

Abstract Cardiac amyloidosis in the setting of systemic amyloidosis due to β2-microglobulin can occur in the setting of long-term dialysis. It has been suggested that newer dialysis techniques may prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of this disorder occurring. Currently, the prevalence and incidence of dialysis-related cardiac β2-microglobulin amyloidosis are unclear. The published literature regarding dialysis-related cardiac β2-microglobulin amyloidosis (Aβ2M) was reviewed, and a new case of this disorder is reported. The cumulative available data were analyzed for changing patient characteristics over time. Cardiac Aβ2M was previously a common condition in patients who had undergone dialysis for 9 or more years with traditional low-flow dialysis membranes. Newer dialysis technologies reduce, but do not normalize, serum β2-microglobulin levels in chronic dialysis patients. Newer dialysis technologies appear to reduce the risk of developing Aβ2M compared with traditional low-flow dialysis membranes. New cases of documented dialysis-related cardiac Aβ2M are uncommon. Analysis of the cases of dialysis-related cardiac Aβ2M published over the last 3 decades reveals increasing dialysis intervals over time. Thus, new cases of this disorder are typically associated with remote prior dialysis with low-flow membranes. While initially, the majority of cases of dialysis-related cardiac Aβ2M were reported from Europe and the United States, more recently, the majority of cases were reported from Japan, where there is a relatively large population of patients on very long-term dialysis. In addition, low-flow dialysis membranes continue to be used in many parts of the world, raising the potential for dialysis-related cardiac Aβ2M to be more common in those countries. Dialysis-related osteoarticular Aβ2M appears to continue to occur in the setting of chronic dialysis with the use of high-flow membranes. Dialysis-related cardiac Aβ2M is currently uncommon and typically associated with the use of low-flow dialysis membranes. However, the condition could potentially occur in the setting of long-term dialysis even with the use of high-flow membranes. Summary Dialysis-related cardiac β2-microglobulin amyloidosis frequently occurred in the past in patients who had undergone dialysis for nine or more years. Currently, the condition is uncommon and typically associated with remote prior dialysis with low-flow membranes. There is potential for this condition to continue to afflict patients receiving chronic dialysis with newer dialysis technologies.
Diffusion-Dependent Nanoparticle Assembly in Thin Films of Supramolecular Nanocomposites: Effects of Particle Size and Supramolecular Morphology

Nonequilibrium structures in nanocomposites provide possibilities to modulate the organization of nanofillers beyond the phase diagram and to fabricate functional materials with targeted properties...
Cumulative Sociodemographic Risk Indicators for Difficult Child Temperament

Cumulative risk models provide a convenient, parsimonious way to identify outcomes associated with multiple, highly correlated risk factors. In this paper, we explored linkages between a cumulative sociodemographic risk index, which included rurality status, and aspects of temperamental difficulty in an early school age sample of 53 school-aged children from Southcentral Appalachia. Cumulative risk was significantly predictive of temperamental difficulty, as defined by high negative affectivity and low effortful control, but post-hoc analyses revealed this association to be driven primarily by two of the eight risk indicators: rural status and income-to-needs risk. Although rurality status was highly correlated with income-to-needs risk, rurality predicted negative affectivity over and above income-to-needs risk and income-to-needs risk predicted effortful control over and above rurality status. Future models of cumulative risk may benefit from including rurality status as a risk indicator, despite high collinearity with income-to-needs risk.
Fragments of the Past: The Petit Palais, the Exposition Universelle, and the Ghosts of French Imperialism

My article discusses how the universal exposition is displayed in the Petit Palais museum in Paris. The Petit Palais' articulation of its own relationship to the Exposition of 1900 raises important...
Microscopic theory of cavity-confined monolayer semiconductors: Polariton-induced valley relaxation and the prospect of enhancing and controlling valley pseudospin by chiral strong coupling

We apply a microscopic theory of exciton polaritons in cavity-confined monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides including both optical polarizations in the monolayer plane, allowing us to describe how chiral cavity photons interact with the valley degrees of freedom of the active material. Upon polariton formation, the degenerate excitons inhabiting the two inequivalent valleys are shown to assume symmetric and antisymmetric superpositions as a result of cavity-mediated intravalley interactions combined with intervalley Coulomb interactions. This is representative of a polariton-induced coherent mixing of the valley polarization. Upon dephasing, this mixing is prone to open a new valley relaxation channel that attains significance with increasing cavity coupling. Importantly, we show that optical cavities with an asymmetric reflectance of left- and right-handed circularly polarized photons offer a considerably more robust platform to realize a conserved valley polarization, as the valley localization of excitons is reinstated by an asymmetric Rabi splitting that lifts their degeneracy. Moreover, we show this degeneracy lifting to allow for wavelength-selective access to the valley pseudospin by means of a polariton-induced chiral Stark effect, offering interesting opportunities for valleytronic applications.
Shale gas production forecasting is an ill-posed inverse problem and requires regularization

Abstract Decline curve analysis (DCA)—the extrapolation of a production curve model fitted to a well’s past production—remains the standard approach for forecasting unconventional oil and gas production. A scaling curve based on a fractured shale gas reservoir model was recently proposed as a way of connecting this approach with underlying physics but as this paper shows, it actually generates worse predictions than the traditional non-physical modified Arps curve. DCA is fundamentally an ill-posed inverse problem with the defining characteristic of model sloppiness, or parameter correlation. Today’s unconventional resource forecasts can be substantially improved by using information from offset wells to reduce ill-posedness through Tikhonov regularization. This versatile approach nearly matches a deep neural network approach introduced here, which has practical limitations but offers a model-neutral benchmark of achievable extrapolation accuracy. There is a natural connection between regularization and a Bayesian formulation which is also highlighted. This paper evaluates long-term forecasting accuracy for these techniques using historic production data from 4457 Barnett shale wells, and reveals that the overlooked step of regularization is more critical than choice of model.
Using Casinos for Growth: The Benefits and Limits of Commercial Gambling as an Economic Development Strategy

The last three decades have seen explosive growth in the commercial gambling industry. Researchers have correspondingly studied the impacts of this industry as it emerged. This chapter draws together a number of key findings from the economics literature on casinos as the basis for informed regional development policy. The use of casino gambling as a tourism amenity is explained, followed by findings from the literature on social costs of casinos. These costs are contrasted by the literature on how casinos impact a number of important economic indicators including employment, income, and tax revenues. A number of geographic considerations of these benefits are then enumerated, including spatial limits. The chapter concludes with a short list of policy considerations for jurisdictions considering the legalization of commercial gambling as a basis for economic development.
A Smart-Left Decision Support System for Flashing Yellow Arrow Traffic Signals

The flashing yellow arrow (FYA) signal display creates an opportunity to enhance the left-turn phase with a variable mode that can be changed on demand. This paper presents phase II of the research. Phase I developed a decision support system (DSS) to select the FYA left-turn mode, and changing by time of day at intersections. There was a need to continue to refine the interactive framework to improve its service. However, the ultimate objective of the continued research of phase II was to demonstrate the ability to execute the automation of the process. Phase II of the FYA project provided additional intersection data that refined the model. Virtual testing of the DSS was first conducted using VISSIM application programming interface (API) before the field testing environment. A Custom communications software was developed to retrieve instantaneous channel input data, synchronize opposing thru green phase, analyze traffic information, provide the algorithm decision, and generate a real-time log recording the events to determine whether it would be optimal to switch the red arrow to a flashing yellow arrow. The algorithm determines the time interval between the successive arrivals of vehicles and computes the corresponding headway for each lane by cycle on a second-by-second basis. The DSS was ultimately tested at two different intersections in Seminole County. The FYA 4-section configuration provides the opportunity for a fully adjustable system and provides the TMCs with more tools to operate the intersections as efficiently as possible at peak and off-peak times.
Choosing and Changing Financial Advisors: An fMRI Study of Associated Brain Activations

3 Introduction Understanding investor behavior is important for the overall economy and especially for those who work in the financial services industry. With the growth of professional financial planning, it has become common for individuals to make investment choices not through the direct buying and selling of individual stocks and bonds, but by hiring a professional who manages investments on their behalf. Although some research has investigated the behavior of individuals when directly investing in markets (e.g., Barber & Odean, 2000; Grinblatt & Keloharju, 2000), relatively little has been done to explore how individuals select financial professionals to manage funds on their behalf.
Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Variable Region (IgHV) Unmutated, but Not Mutated, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Arises in a CD34+ Progenitor

Abstract Background: It is now clear that CLL is a heterogeneous disease with varied prognoses. Cytogenetics and IgHV mutational status are 2 of the most important prognostic variables. Recent data from our group and others suggest that IgHV mutational status has a greater impact on prognosis than cytogenetics; accordingly, the small fraction (about 25%) of del(17p) and del(11q) CLL patients with mutated IgHV have relatively favorable prognoses, while those (about 30%) del(13q) patients with unmutated IgHV have relatively unfavorable prognoses. Although CLL with mutated IgHV should arise from a post-germinal center B cell, we studied whether IgHV unmutated CLL could arise as early in B cell differentiation as a CD34+CD19+ cell. Methodology: We prospectively studied 20 patients with overt mutated IgHV CLL and 31 with overt unmutated IgHV CLL for the presence of CD34+CD19+ cells harboring the specific patient's CLL cytogenetic abnormality by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). CD34+ cells were isolated from the patients' peripheral blood by magnetic bead and column (Miltenyi Biotec). The isolated cells were then analyzed by flow cytometry for CD34 and CD19 expression, and CD34+CD19+ cells (if present) were sorted onto slides and FISH performed using probes specific for the patient's known cytogenetic abnormality. Results: Essentially no population of CD34+CD19+ cells could be detected circulating in patients with mutated IgHV (Figure 1, 2 representative patients). However, there was a small (0.32% of circulating cells, range 0.15-1.5%), but easily detectable, population of CD34+ cells in 29/31 patients with unmutated IgHV (Figure 2, 2 representative patients with sorting gates shown) regardless of the cytogenetic abnormality [9 patients with +12, 7 with del(13q), 6 with del(17p), 5 with del(11q), and 4 with other). These CD34+ cells were exclusively CD19+. The 2 unmutated patients without detectable CD34+CD19+ cells both harbored +12 abnormalities. When enough CD34+CD19+ cells were isolated for FISH analysis, the CLL-specific chromosomal abnormality was detected in 99+1% of the CD34+CD19+ cells, including in those patients with del(13q) and unmutated IgHV (Figure 2A). Conclusion: We show that CD34+CD19+ cells harboring the CLL-specific cytogenetic abnormality can be found in the vast majorith of CLL patients with unmutated IgVH, regardless of cytogenetic abnormality. We could not detect these cells in CLL patients with mutated IgHV. These data suggest that the IgHV mutational status may provide a glimpse into at least 2 biologically distinct diseases, both of them currently called CLL. The primitive cell of origin in unmutated IgHV CLL may in part explain its poorer prognosis,and suggests that this form of CLL is indeed a leukemia, arising from the bone marrow. Download : Download high-res image (247KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Clinical Psychological/Neuropsychological Assessment Process

In this chapter, the actual process of the assessment is discussed. It is important to understand that the purpose of each step is to facilitate the comprehensive understanding of the child or adolescent, the final well-informed acceptance of the findings, and the willingness to implement the recommendations on behalf of the youngster. The assessment consists of the following steps, which are explicated below.
Non-Perpendicular High-G Shock on Potted Fine Pitch Electronics Under Sustained High Temperature Aging

Fine pitch electronic components in the defense and aerospace applications, experience high thermo-mechanical loads. To study and understand these scenarios, the printed circuit boards with components are usually tested at 0-degree drop angle. But the angle of shock varies a lot in real life scenarios. Change in drop angle, could change the mode of shock propagation throughout the board, which further affects the solder-joint reliability of the components on the board. Studying board level drop tests with change in drop angle would be more relatable to the real-life drop scenarios. Potting is one of the most cost-effective restraint mechanisms, it protects the components from shock, vibration, moisture and heat. Exposure to high temperature is very common in these applications. But properties of the potting compounds changes with long term exposure to high temperature. Potted test vehicles are exposed to a temperature of 100C for 30 and 60days. Long term storage at high temperature, is intended to help in understanding the change in potting compound properties and their impact on reliability. A circular board with surface mount components is tested at g-levels of 10,000g and 25,000g and three different angles of 0-degree, 30-degree, 60-degree. Understanding effect on shock-propagation and component reliability with respect to drop angle variation and long-term thermal aging, is the focus on this paper. To make simulation predictions of the drop angle variation, an explicit finite model of the drop assembly has been created to predict and compare with the experimental results.
Association of Insurance Status With Emergent Versus Nonemergent Hospital Encounters Among Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Background Although the number of hospital visits has exponentially increased for adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) over the past few decades, the relationship between insurance status and...
Scaling of computed tomography body composition to height: relevance of height-normalized indices in patients with colorectal cancer.

Background Body weight scales to height with a power of ≈2 (weight/height2 ), forming the basis of body mass index (BMI). The corresponding scaling of body composition measured by abdominal computed tomography (CT) to height has not been established. The objective of this analysis was to quantify the scaling of body composition measured by a single-slice axial abdominal CT image (skeletal muscle, and visceral, subcutaneous, and total adipose tissue) to height in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods This cross-sectional study included non-Hispanic white males and females, aged 18-80 years, who were diagnosed with stage I-III CRC at an integrated health care system in North America between January 2006 and December 2011. Body composition was measured by a single-slice axial CT image of the third lumbar vertebra and analysed with a semi-automated threshold segmentation procedure. Allometric regression models were used to quantify height scaling powers (β ± standard error) for each body composition measure, adjusted for age, for males and females. An interaction test was used to determine if height scaling powers were statistically significantly different between males and females. Results Among 2036 subjects, the mean (standard deviation) age was 64 ± 11 years, 1008 (49.5%) were female, and the mean (standard deviation) BMI was 27.9 ± 5.4 kg/m2 . Powers for skeletal muscle area were 1.06 ± 0.12 for males and 0.80 ± 0.12 for females (P = 0.049). Powers for visceral adipose tissue area were 1.81 ± 0.64 for males and 0.57 ± 0.79 for females (P = 0.16). Powers for subcutaneous adipose tissue area were 2.04 ± 0.42 for males and 0.81 ± 0.45 for females (P = 0.056). Powers for total abdominal adipose tissue area were 1.80 ± 0.46 for males and 0.76 ± 0.50 for females (P = 0.20). Conclusions Body composition measured by single-slice axial abdominal CT, particularly muscle area, scales to height with age-adjusted powers that are different than 2 and are distinct between males and females. These observations may have implications for the development of height-adjusted body composition indices in patients with cancer.
A longitudinal study on PRRSV detection in swine herds with different demographics and PRRSV management strategies.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has been one of the major health-related concerns in the swine production industry. Through its rapid transmission and mutation, the simultaneous circulation of multiple PRRSV strains can be a challenge in PRRSV diagnostic, control and surveillance. The objective of this longitudinal study was to describe the temporal detection of PRRSV in swine farms with different production types and PRRS management strategies. Tonsil scraping (n = 344) samples were collected from three breeding and two growing herds for approximately one year. In addition, processing fluids (n = 216) were obtained from piglet processing batches within the three breeding farms while pen-based oral fluids (n = 125) were collected in the two growing pig farms. Viral RNA extraction and reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were conducted for all samples. The sample positivity threshold was set at quantification cycle (Cq) of ≤ 37. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized linear modelling and post hoc pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni adjustments using R statistical software. The results suggested a higher probability of detection in processing fluids compared to tonsil scraping specimens [odds ratio (OR) = 3.86; p = .096] in breeding farms whereas oral fluids were outperformed by tonsil scrapings (OR = 0.26; p < .01) in growing pig farms. The results described herein may lead to an improvement in PRRSV diagnostic and surveillance by selecting proper specimens.
CHRFAM7A expression in mice increases resiliency after injury

INTRODUCTION The CHRNA7 gene encodes the α-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAchR) that regulates anti-inflammatory responses to injury; however, only humans express a variant gene called CHRFAM7A that alters the function of α7nAChR; CHRFAM7A expression predominates in bone marrow and monocytes/macrophages where the CHRFAM7A/CHRNA7 ratio is highly variable between individuals. We have previously shown in transgenic mice that CHRFAM7A increased emergency myelopoiesis from the bone marrow and monocyte/macrophage expression in lungs. MATERIALS AND METHODS CHRFAM7A transgenic mice are compared to age- and gender-matched wild-type (WT) siblings. We utilized a model of sepsis using LPS injection to measure survival. Lung vascular permeability was measured after severe burn injury in WT vs. CHRFAM7A transgenic mice. Bone marrow CHRFAM7A expression was evaluated using adoptive transfer of CHRFAM7A transgenic bone marrow into WT mice. RESULTS Here, we demonstrate that CHRFAM7A expression results in an anti-inflammatory phenotype with an improved survival to LPS and decreased acute lung injury in a severe cutaneous burn model compared to WT. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the relative expression of CHRFAM7A may alter resiliency to injury and contribute to individual variability in the human systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) to injury.
Recent trends in computational electromagnetics for analysis and design

This paper suggests a system evolution environment for current and future developments in computational electromagnetics for analysis and design of practical applications. The proposed system involves four main interacting blocks. These represent 1) the computing platform, 2) the analysis toolbox, 3) an optimization chest, and 4) the design engineer's observation and decision making path. The optimization chest is a black box of various optimization techniques. The choice of an optimization procedure versus another is based on the expectation that the selected method will work faster or give best answers to a particular problem rather than the heuristic choice of a method that is application specific. The interaction between the modules is described in a shared open system computational environment which will make use of available facilities and utilize the experiences and tools gained from previous applications.