cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enabling web browsers to augment web sites' filtering and sorting functionalities

Existing augmentations of web pages are mostly small cosmetic changes (e.g., removing ads) and minor addition of third-party content (e.g., product prices from competing sites). None leverages the structured data presented in web pages. This paper describes Sifter, a web browser extension that can augment a well-structured web site with advanced filtering and sorting functionality. These added features work inside the site's own pages, preserving the site's presentational style and the user's context. Sifter contains an algorithm that scrapes structured data out of well-structured web pages while usually requiring no user intervention. We tested Sifter on real web sites and real users and found that people could use Sifter to perform sophisticated queries and high-level analyses on sizable data collections on the Web. We propose that web sites can be similarly augmented with other sophisticated data-centric functionality, giving users new benefits over the existing Web.
Symbol interleaved parallel concatenated trellis coded modulation

This paper presents a method for efficient coding at high spectral efficiency using parallel concatenated trellis coded modulation (PCTCM) with symbol interleaving. The constituent encoders are optimized for symbol-wise free distance, and each has an infinite symbol-wise impulse response. In many cases of practical interest, the optimal structure for these constituent encoders connects the memory elements in a single row. Simulation results show that the performance is as close as 0.5 dB to the constrained capacity.
A National Survey of Faculty Development Evaluation Outcome Measures and Procedures

This article presents the results of a national study of 39 higher education institutions that collected information about their evaluation procedures and outcome measures for faculty development for online teaching conducted during 2011-2012. The survey results found that over 90% of institutions used measures of the faculty person’s assessment of satisfaction and usefulness of the training; student GPAs were used by only 30% of the institutions. As for how evaluations were conducted, online evaluations were used by 80% of institutions and focus groups were used by 21% of the institutions.
Use of an external cascade Kalman filter to improve the performance of a Global Positioning System (GPS) inertial navigator

The accuracy of in-air inertial navigation system (INS) alignment has been analyzed for several methods of GPS/INS integration. It is found that an external filter which operates on the outputs of the GPS receiver achieves a faster alignment than the GPS receiver alone. Steady-state accuracy is not significantly improved by the use of the external filter. The data rate of this external filter should be one update per second, which is the same as the GPS receiver's update rate and is the fastest that the external filter could be updated. In-air alignment of a second INS can be performed as a transfer alignment. In this procedure, the INS, which is integrated with the GPS, transfers its alignment to the second INS using an external filter. The performance of this external filter is analyzed and it is found that for a medium-accuracy INS, and also for a low-accuracy attitude heading reference system (AHRS), the fastest update rate provides the best alignment response. >
The relation of seafloor voltages to ocean transports in North Atlantic circulation models: model results and practical considerations for transport monitoring

Motionally induced voltage differences offer one of the few observational methods sensitive to changes in large-scale ocean transports. They present a useful contrast to most oceanographic data by virtue of their natural spatial integration, temporal continuity, and potentially long duration. However, widespread oceanographic use of the voltages observable with seafloor cables has been impeded by uncertainties of interpretation. Interpretation in terms of volume transport fluctuations has proved successful in the Straits of Florida and for a short cable in the easternmost part of the Bering Strait. Still, a number of older experimental studies resulted in disappointment, the Bering Strait work has been little known, and the Florida success might be a special case. The question considered in this paper is: Does a linear relationship between net transport and voltage difference fluctuations hold for long, open-ocean cables? This question is addressed by using a numerical model based on two years of results from the WOCE Community Modeling Effort, which simulated the wind-driven and thermohaline circulation in the North Atlantic using mean monthly winds and realistic topography with a resolution sufficient to permit mesoscale eddies. The model includes the effects of spatial and temporal variations of seawater temperature and salinity, electric current loops, the effects associated with the meandering of ocean currents over realistic topography and sediment thickness, realistic earth conductivity, and the spatially varying geomagnetic field. The main result is that the relationship between voltage and net cross-cable transport fluctuations can be remarkably linear over long distances. In view of the difficulties of long-term, large-scale transport monitoring by other methods, the implication of this work is that well chosen and carefully interpreted voltage observations hold great promise. This should be explored through renewed modeling, observation, and interpretation efforts.
Mast Cell-Deficient W-sash c-kit Mutant KitW-sh/W-sh Mice as a Model for Investigating Mast Cell Biology in Vivo

Mice carrying certain mutations in the white spotting (W) locus (ie, c-kit) exhibit reduced c-kit tyrosine kinase-dependent signaling that results in mast cell deficiency and other phenotypic abnormalities. The c-kit mutations in KitW/W-v mice impair melanogenesis and result in anemia, sterility, and markedly reduced levels of tissue mast cells. In contrast, KitW-sh/W-sh mice, bearing the W-sash (Wsh) inversion mutation, have mast cell deficiency but lack anemia and sterility. We report that adult KitW-sh/W-sh mice had a profound deficiency in mast cells in all tissues examined but normal levels of major classes of other differentiated hematopoietic and lymphoid cells. Unlike KitW/W-v mice, KitW-sh/W-sh mice had normal numbers of TCRγδ intraepithelial lymphocytes in the intestines and did not exhibit a high incidence of idiopathic dermatitis, ulcers, or squamous papillomas of the stomach, but like KitW/W-v mice, they lacked interstitial cells of Cajal in the gut and exhibited bile reflux into the stomach. Systemic or local reconstitution of mast cell populations was achieved in nonirradiated adult KitW-sh/W-sh mice by intravenous, intraperitoneal, or intradermal injection of wild-type bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells but not by transplantation of wild-type bone marrow cells. Thus, KitW-sh/W-sh mice represent a useful model for mast cell research, especially for analyzing mast cell function in vivo.
WHAT IS RACIAL DOMINATION

When students of race and racism seek direction, they can find no single comprehensive source that provides them with basic analytical guidance or that offers insights into the elementary forms of racial classification and domination. We believe the field would benefit greatly from such a source, and we attempt to offer one here. Synchronizing and building upon recent theoretical innovations in the area of race, we lend some conceptual clarification to the nature and dynamics of race and racial domination so that students of the subjects—especially those seeking a general (if economical) introduction to the vast field of race studies—can gain basic insight into how race works as well as effective (and fallacious) ways to think about racial domination. Focusing primarily on the American context, we begin by defining race and unpacking our definition. We then describe how our conception of race must be informed by those of ethnicity and nationhood. Next, we identify five fallacies to avoid when thinking about racism. Finally, we discuss the resilience of racial domination, concentrating on how all actors in a society gripped by racism reproduce the conditions of racial domination, as well as on the benefits and drawbacks of approaches that emphasize intersectionality.
Susceptibility of Rabbits to Infection by the Inhalation of Type II Pneumococci.

1. Rabbits are very susceptible to infection by inhalation of Type I pneumococci. 2. When rabbits are exposed to a pneumococcus spray the bacteria readily penetrate into the lower respiratory tract. The pneumococci which reach the periphery of the lungs as a result of this procedure usually disappear within a few hours but a generalized and fatal septicemia frequently later appears. Pneumococci may then be recovered from the periphery of the kidney, liver, and spleen. In the animals which die pleurisy and pericarditis are common but pneumonia does not occur. 3. Rabbits may recover from pneumococcus septicemia.
On the Electronic Structure of [1Fe] Fe−S Complexes from Anionic Photoelectron Spectroscopy

The electronic structure of a series of Fe−S complexes, Fe(SCN)3-, Fe(SCN)4-, Na+[Fe(SCN)42-], Fe(SCH3)3-, Fe(SCH3)4-, Na+[Fe(S2-o-xyl)22-], and Fe(S2-o-xyl)2- (where S2-o-xyl = o-xylene-α,α‘-dithiolate), was investigated in the gas phase using photodetachment photoelectron spectroscopy. Spectral features due to detachment from metal d orbitals or ligand orbitals were distinguished by comparing with the spectrum of a d0 complex, Sc(SCN)4-. A weak threshold feature was observed in the spectra of all ferrous complexes due to detachment of the minority spin Fe 3d electron [FeII (3d6) → FeIII (3d5)]. The spin majority Fe 3d electron signals were observed at much higher binding energies, revealing directly the “inverted level scheme” for these [1Fe] Fe−S complexes based on previous spin polarized calculations. The “inverted level scheme” is shown to be a general feature of the electronic structures of the [1Fe] Fe−S complexes, independent of the oxidation state and coordination number. Information about the ga...
Embedded Versus Peripheral Corporate Social Responsibility: Psychological Foundations

We propose a new conceptualization to make sense of the vast and diverse body of work regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR): (a) embedded CSR and (b) peripheral CSR. This distinction relies on psychological foundations originating primarily in industrial–organizational psychology and related fields (i.e., organizational behavior, human resource management) and allows for a better understanding of when and why CSR is likely to lead to positive outcomes for employees, organizations, and society. Embedded CSR involves an organization's core competencies and integrates CSR within a firm's strategy, routines, and operations, and therefore affects all employees. In contrast, peripheral CSR focuses on activities that are not integrated into an organization's strategy, routines, and operations (e.g., philanthropy, volunteering). We use our conceptualization to explain the success of CSR initiatives at GE, IBM, and Intel, and to reinterpret the scholarly CSR literature in the fields of marketing, corporate governance and legal studies, and economics. We also describe how our conceptualization can help bridge the much lamented micro–macro and science–practice gaps and helps guide future CSR research as well as organizational interventions.
Development of a persistent ovarian follicle and associated elevated concentrations of 17β-estradiol preceding ovulation does not alter the pregnancy rate after embryo transfer in cattle

It was hypothesized that prolonged elevation in 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) preceding ovulation as a result of a persistent ovarian follicle would have a detrimental effect on pregnancy rate after Day 7 (behavioral estrus = Day 0) of the estrous cycle. Cows were either treated with exogenous progesterone (P(4)) for 10 d or remained untreated (CON; n = 76). Cows were treated with 1 of 2 doses of P(4) from Day 6 to 16 which was intended to result in either elevated E(2) (EE(2); n = 76) or normal E(2) (NE(2); n = 76) concentration in the circulation. At the initiation of P(4) treatment, cows received prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) to eliminate the endogenous source of P(4). On Day 16, the exogenous source of P(4) was removed from treated cows, while cows in the CON group received PGF(2alpha). A single embryo was transferred into each cow 7 days after observation of behavioral estrus. Blood samples were taken on alternating days during the treatment period to determine concentrations of P(4) and E(2). The pregnancy rate was determined by ultrasonographic examination 25 to 32 d after embryo transfer. There was a treatment-by-day interaction (P < 0.0001) on E(2) concentrations in the plasma during the 10-d treatment period. Cows in the EE(2) group had a higher concentration of E(2) by Day 8 (6.1 +/- 0.5 pg/ml) and this concentration remained elevated until PRID removal compared with that of cows in the NE(2) (2 +/- 0.2 pg/ml) and CON (2.0 +/- 0.3 pg/ml) groups, which had concentrations of E(2) similar to those at the initiation of treatment. Pregnancy rates after embryo transfer did not differ (P = 0.56; X(2) = 1.1) among cows in the EE(2) (30.7%), NE(2) (36.2%) and CON (32.9%) groups. Prolonged elevation of E(2) concentrations associated with the development of a persistent ovarian follicle preceding ovulation did not affect the pregnancy rate to embryo transfer after Day 7 of the estrous cycle in cows.
Automatic Stress and Load Testing for Embedded Systems

Load and Stress testing are important to guarantee the system is able to support specified load conditions as well as properly recover from the excess use of resources. The generation of test cases to achieve levels of load and stress is a demanding task. Here we propose an approach for the automatic generation of test cases to achieve specified levels of load and stress for a combination of resources. The technique is based on the use of a PID Controller to drive the inputs to the desired levels. The preliminary results are a good indication of the potential of the approach.
Analysis and Synthesis of State-Feedback Controllers With Timing Jitter

We consider a continuous-time linear system with sampled constant linear state-feedback control and a convex quadratic performance measure. The sample times, however, are subject to variation within some known interval. We use linear matrix inequality (LMI) methods to derive a Lyapunov function that establishes an upper bound on performance degradation due to the timing jitter. The same Lyapunov function can be used in a heuristic for finding a bad timing jitter sequence, which gives a lower bound on the possible performance degradation. Numerical experiments show that these two bounds are often close, which means that our bound is tight. We show how LMI methods can be used to synthesize a constant state-feedback controller that minimizes the performance bound, for a given level of timing jitter.
Family Structure, Sex-Role Socialization, and the Decision to Run for Office

Abstract A leading explanation for the small number of women in top elective positions is that not enough women comprise the pool of candidates generally considered “eligible” to run for political office. This explanation assumes that once more women excel in the areas of law and business, the leading occupations preceding a career in politics, the disparity between the number of women and men serving in elected positions will dissipate. Despite the fact that studies of the initial decision to run for office are critically important in evaluating women's slow movement into elected positions, almost no empirical work examines the initial decision to seek office. This article, which examines the attitudes of over 200 women and men from the pool of potential candidates in New York State, offers a first look at some of the ways in which gender may interact with the initial decision to run for office. Ultimately, we argue that the “eligibility pool” explanation may not fully take into account the manner in whi...
A convected particle domain interpolation technique to extend applicability of the material point method for problems involving massive deformations

SUMMARY A new algorithm is developed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the material point method for problems involving extremely large tensile deformations and rotations. In the proposed procedure, particle domains are convected with the material motion more accurately than in the generalized interpolation material point method. This feature is crucial to eliminate instability in extension, which is a common shortcoming of most particle methods. Also, a novel alternative set of grid basis functions is proposed for efficiently calculating nodal force and consistent mass integrals on the grid. Specifically, by taking advantage of initially parallelogram-shaped particle domains, and treating the deformation gradient as constant over the particle domain, the convected particle domain is a reshaped parallelogram in the deformed configuration. Accordingly, an alternative grid basis function over the particle domain is constructed by a standard 4-node finite element interpolation on the parallelogram. Effectiveness of the proposed modifications is demonstrated using several large deformation solid mechanics problems. Copyright 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A flat glow discharge excimer radiation source

Increasing the current of a microhollow cathode discharge in high-pressure xenon allowed us to generate disc-shaped 100- to 150-/spl mu/m-thick plasma layers on the planar cathode of a microhollow electrode system, with diameters approaching 1 cm. The plasma layer has been found to emit intense excimer radiation at 172 nm. The maximum of the excimer emission shifts with increased current toward the perimeter of the plasma disc, and the spectral distribution in the area close to the cathode hole changes from vacuum ultraviolet to visible. Plasma filaments, radiating in the visible, are formed which extend from the center to the perimeter of the disc shaped plasma. They correspond to areas of reduced excimer emission, indicating a transition from nonthermal to thermal plasma.
Twitter and Health Science Research

Twitter is a communication platform that can be used to conduct health science research, but a full understanding of its use remains unclear. The purpose of this narrative literature review was to examine how Twitter is currently being used to conduct research in the health sciences and to consider how it might be used in the future. A time-limited search of the health-related research was conducted, which resulted in 31 peer-reviewed articles for review. Information relating to how Twitter is being used to conduct research was extracted and categorized, and an explanatory narrative was developed. To date, Twitter is largely being used to conduct large-scale studies, but this research is complicated by challenges relating to collecting and analyzing big data. Conversely, the use of Twitter to conduct small-scale investigations appears to be relatively unexplored.
Ultrathin oxide-nitride gate dielectric MOSFET's

The first ultrathin oxide-nitride (O-N) gate dielectrics with oxide equivalent thickness of less than 2 nm have been deposited and characterized in n-MOSFET's. The O-N gates, deposited by remote plasma-enhanced CVD, demonstrate reduced gate leakage when compared with oxides of equivalent thickness while retaining comparable drive currents.
Optimal power and rate allocation framework for the uplink with individual average rate requirements

For delay-tolerant data applications in a wireless system, using average throughput as a quality of service (QoS) measure results in more efficient resources allocation strategies compared to using instantaneous signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR). By adapting both power and rate in a multiuser multi-antenna system based on the channel conditions, the overall power consumption can be greatly reduced. In this paper, we establish a general framework for optimal power and rate allocation when there is an average throughput constraint for each user. A key feature of the framework is that it allows consideration and evaluation of a wide range of practical receiver structures. The structural results show that the range of optimal rate and power allocation policy can be specified by a set of optimization problems over vectors, one for each fading state. The rate constraints are taken care by a rate weight vector mu, which can be tracked by a stochastic approximation algorithm. The performances of different receiver structures are compared numerically.
A diary examination of romantic and sexual partners withholding affectionate messages

Expressing and receiving affectionate messages have emotional and physiological benefits (Floyd, 2006a). Previously, research has called for an examination of why people withhold affectionate messages that may provide these positive effects (Horan & Booth-Butterfield, 2013). Accordingly, this study examined instances of withholding affection in a variety of romantic relationships. Participants initially completed general scales of deception and affection followed by a 7-day diary detailing what they felt when they withheld affection, what they communicated in place of affection, and their deceptive motives. After inductively developing a coding scheme, 12 themes were identified for what participants felt, the most common of which were liking, a desire for affection, and irritation. Eleven themes emerged for what was communicated in lieu of affection, some of which were moderated affection, rejection, and jealousy-evoking. Eleven themes emerged for reasons why participants withheld affection, including con...
Intracellular Buffering in the Dog at Varying CO2 Tensions

1. The effect of varying the P co 2 on the buffering of mineral acid has been investigated. HCl (6 mmol/kg) was infused into anaesthetized-paralysed dogs maintained on a respirator and changes in P co 2 (between 20 and 60 mmHg) were arranged by varying the stroke volume. 2. No significant interaction between buffering of respiratory and metabolic events was discerned. Variations in P co 2 did not alter the efficiency of the buffering of the HCl. The presence or absence of metabolic acidosis did not alter the magnitude of the effect of acute respiratory change on the concentration of extracellular bicarbonate. This response remained between 1·0 and 1·3 mmol/l for changes of 10 mmHg in the P co 2 . 3. The buffering of HCl achieved outside the blood and extracellular fluids did not correlate with measured changes in extracellular pH or with predicted changes in intracellular pH. This buffering appears to be associated with changes in the H + ion concentration gradient across the cell membranes.
Blood glucose monitor in anesthesia for patients with insulinoma

Insulinoma の術中血糖管理は, 血糖の変動が大きいため頻回の血糖測定を必要とするが, 詳細にこれを測定することは繁雑であり, かつ困難である. これに対して今回我々は持続血糖モニターを用いて麻酔管理を行った2例を経験した.持続血糖モニターで連続的に血糖を測定し監視することにより, 術中血糖の変動を少なく保ち, 従来よりも比較的安定した血糖管理を行うことが出来た.持続血糖モニターの使用により, 術中血糖の変化に対して速やかな処置が可能となり, insulinoma の様な細心の血糖管理を必要とされる症例の麻酔管理にとって, このモニターは有力な手段となると考えられる.
Tidal Transports and Streams in the St. Lawrence River and Estuary

Seven harmonic constituents (M 2 , S 2 , N 2 , K 1 , O 1 , M 4 and MS 4 ) of the tidal transports and streams through each of 22 sections across the St. Lawrence river and estuary are calculated from water level data and the principle of continuity. Excellent agreement is obtained with values of the same harmonic constituents deduced from direct current measurements in four of the cross-sections. It is suggested that the average tidal streams through the sections are more accurately determined from the tide gauge data and the principle of continuity than could be accomplished by direct curren t measurement.
WRF Forecasts of Great Plains Nocturnal Low-Level Jet-Driven MCSs. Part I: Correlation between Low-Level Jet Forecast Accuracy and MCS Precipitation Forecast Skill

AbstractThe Great Plains low-level jet (LLJ) fosters an environment that supports nocturnal mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) across the central United States during the summer months. The current study examines if LLJ forecast accuracy correlates with MCS precipitation forecast skill in 4-km WRF runs. LLJs were classified based on their synoptic background as either strongly forced, cyclonic flow (type C) or weakly forced, anticyclonic flow inertial oscillation driven (type A). Large-scale variables associated with the LLJ were examined. For all LLJs inclusive and the subset of type C LLJs alone, the forecast accuracy of the LLJ total wind direction significantly correlated with MCS precipitation forecast skill. For type C LLJ cases, where predictive skill for MCSs was higher overall, the LLJ ageostrophic wind direction forecast accuracy significantly correlated with MCS precipitation forecast skill during the LLJ and MCS developmental stages, with potential temperature and moisture forecast accuracy c...
Lack of effect of bran on digoxin absorption

The effect of dietary fiber on digoxin absorption was investigated in 12 patients taking digoxin. Steady-state serum digoxin concentrations were determined while subjects were on a regular diet and while they were on a diet supplemented with 22 gm bran daily. During the period of bran supplementation, the serum digoxin concentration did not change (average change, +0.5%; 90% confidence interval, -12% to +14%). Bran does not cause a clinically significant reduction in digoxin absorption.
A digital advocate? Reactions of rural people who experience homelessness to the idea of recording clinical encounters.

Background Are the benefits of recording clinical encounters shared across different groups, or do they vary based on social position? Studies show that educated patients record their clinical visits to enhance their experience, but very little is known about recording benefits among “hard-to-reach” populations. Objective To examine the reactions of homeless people to the idea of using a smartphone to record their own clinical encounter, either covertly or with permission from their physician. Method We conducted semi-structured interviews with individuals at a temporary housing shelter in Northern New England. A thematic analysis identified themes that were iteratively refined into representative groups. Results Eighteen (18) interviews were conducted, 12 with women and six with men. Initial reactions to clinical recordings were positive (11 of 18). A majority (17 of 18) were willing to use recordings in future visits. A thematic analysis characterized data in two ways: (i) by providing reliable evidence for review, they functioned as an advocacy measure for patients; (ii) by promoting transparency and levelling social distance, this technology modified clinical relationships. Discussion Recordings permitted the sharing of data with others, providing tangible proof of behaviour and refuting misconceptions. Asking permission to record appeared to modify relationships and level perceived social distance with clinicians. Conclusions We found that while many rural, disadvantaged individuals felt marginalized by the wide social distance between themselves and their clinicians, recording technology may serve as an advocate by holding both patients and doctors accountable and by permitting the burden of clinical proof to be shared.
The Strategic Role of the Salesforce in Developing Customer Satisfaction Across the Relationship Lifecycle

The use of salesreps to build trusting relationships and customer satisfaction is a strategic choice in many organizations. Underlying this is an assumption that a trustworthy salesrep can play a critical role in driving the ultimate success of the firm's strategy to enhance an organizational customer's economic and noneconomic satisfaction. In this research, I contend that the customer relationship lifecycle is a critical moderator of the impact of a trustworthy salesrep on customer satisfaction. Survey results of approximately 1400 channel customers indicate that the consequential value of interpersonal trust in a salesrep is both time- and context-dependent. The salesrep plays a minimal role in influencing satisfaction outcomes in the exploration phase of a customer relationship. However, as the relationship progresses through the buildup and mature phases, the interpersonal trust developed with a salesrep can add tremendous value to a customer's satisfaction with the relationship and the firm's produc...
Rethinking Sport for Development and Peace: the Capability Approach

In recent years, we have witnessed an upsurge in the attention given to Sport for Development and Peace (SDP). Yet, despite a burgeoning body of scholarship, SDP remains largely undertheorized. Eme...
“Day Light Again”: “Déjà Vu”

The purpose of this chapter is to add to the discussion of the record album cover as a visual representation to be studied as an opening to explore the possibilities of critical self-understanding and aesthetic understandings which lead to critical understandings of the world and the consequent agency for the possibilities of political transformation. The major goal of studying the cover of the album Deja vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (1970) is to develop and elaborate ways in which this type of record album study can lead to these types of understandings.
GDF-15, Galectin 3, Soluble ST2, and Risk of Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in CKD.

Rationale & Objective Inflammation, cardiac remodeling, and fibrosis may explain in part the excess risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), galectin 3 (Gal-3), and soluble ST2 (sST2) are possible biomarkers of these pathways in patients with CKD. Study Design Observational cohort study. Setting & Participants Individuals with CKD enrolled in either of 2 multicenter CKD cohort studies: the Seattle Kidney Study or C-PROBE (Clinical Phenotyping and Resource Biobank Study). Exposures Circulating GDF-15, Gal-3, and sST2 measured at baseline. Outcomes Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization for physician-adjudicated heart failure and the atherosclerotic CVD events of myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident. Analytic Approach Cox proportional hazards models used to test the association of each biomarker with each outcome, adjusting for demographics, CVD risk factors, and kidney function. Results Among 883 participants, mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 49±19mL/min/1.73m2. Higher GDF-15 (adjusted HR [aHR] per 1-SD higher, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.53-2.29), Gal-3 (aHR per 1-SD higher, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.36-1.78), and sST2 (aHR per 1-SD higher, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.17-1.58) concentrations were significantly associated with mortality. Only GDF-15 level was also associated with heart failure events (HR per 1-SD higher, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.12-2.16). There were no detectable associations between GDF-15, Gal-3, or sST2 concentrations and atherosclerotic CVD events. Limitations Event rates for heart failure and atherosclerotic CVD were low. Conclusions Adults with CKD and higher circulating GDF-15, Gal-3, and sST2 concentrations experienced greater mortality. Elevated GDF-15 concentration was also associated with an increased rate of heart failure. Further work is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking these circulating biomarkers with CVD in patients with CKD.
National Technology Policy in Global Markets

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, U.S. policymakers confronted an unusual combination of political success and economic challenge in the international landscape. As the Cold War waned, competition from firms in industrial and industrializing allies, such as Japan and South Korea, placed severe pressure on U.S. firms in many industries, including the high-technology industries whose early growth had benefited from Cold War-related defense spending. One result of this juxtaposition of events was a series of federal initiatives designed to link the activities of the vast network of federal laboratories, many of which were established as part of the Cold War defense build-up, to the technological needs of industry. The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) was one of the most widely employed vehicles in these initiatives, particularly in the Department of Energy (DoE) laboratory system.
Learning in Non-Stationary Wireless Control Systems via Newton's Method

This paper considers wireless control systems over an unknown time-varying non-stationary channel. The goal is to maximize control performance of a set of independent control systems by allocating transmitting power within a fixed budget. Since the channel's time-varying distribution is unknown, samples of the channel are taken at every epoch. By reverting the resulting stochastic optimization problem in its Lagrange dual domain, we demonstrate that it takes the equivalent form of minimizing a certain empirical risk measure, a well-studied problem in machine learning. Newton's method is used to quickly learn approximately optimal power allocation policies over the sampled dual function as the channel evolves over time over windows of epochs. The quadratic convergence rate of Newton is used to establish, under certain conditions on the sampling size and rate of channel variation, an instantaneous learning and tracking of these optimal policies. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the learning algorithm on a low-dimensional wireless control problem.
Improving Run-Time Bug Detection in Aviation Software Using Program Slicing

We present an improvement to run-time bug detection by using program slicing instead of a heuristic to identify relevant program variables to monitor. Our results show that selecting variables using the program slice produces higher sensitivity compared to selecting variables heuristically. Moreover, at least in the experiments conducted, program slicing resulted in more consistent detection, with lower variance in sensitivity as compared to the heuristic approach.
Quantitative analysis of changes in antioxidant in crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) cable insulation material exposed to heat and gamma radiation

Abstract Quantitative analysis of the antioxidant poly(1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline) (pTMQ) was conducted on pristine, thermally-aged, and gamma radiation-aged commercial cross-linked polyethylene-(XLPE-)based cable insulation material aged at temperatures 60, 90, and 115 °C, with gamma radiation exposure dose rates of 0, 120, 300, and 540 Gy/h for 15 days. The quantification of antioxidant was performed using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GCMS). Oxidation induction time (OIT) was measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and correlation was made between the quantified depletion of antioxidant and measured OIT. It was observed that, in the case of isothermal aging, the quantity of antioxidant and OIT decreased with increasing gamma radiation dose. In the case of samples exposed to the same gamma radiation dose, the quantity of antioxidant and OIT were observed to decrease with increasing aging temperature. Depletion in the quantity of antioxidant relative to that in the pristine material ranged from 7 to 93% for differently aged samples. The measured decline in OIT ranged from 0 to 80%. Change in the quantity of antioxidant in the material was observed to follow the same trend as the change in OIT when the samples were aged under various conditions. The observations are explained in terms of the reaction between the antioxidant and free radicals created during exposure of the samples to thermal and gamma radiation.
Normal faulting and viscous buckling in the Tibetan Plateau induced by a weak lower crust.

Flow of weak lower crust has been invoked to reconcile observed topographic gradients, uniform elevations, slow seismic velocity, and high conductivity measured in the Tibetan Plateau, with viscosity estimates of 1016–1021 Pa·s. Here we investigate the dynamic response resulting from a range of lower crust viscosities in a 3-D lithospheric-scale geodynamic simulation of the India–Eurasia collision zone to determine bounds of physically viable lower crustal strengths. We show that thickening of the plateau is accommodated through viscous buckling of the upper crust in response to lower crustal flow for a lower crustal viscosity on the order of 1020 Pa·s. This generates two east–west trending bands of surface subsidence and dilatation consistent with observed normal faulting and estimates of vertical velocity. These results suggest viscous buckling of the upper crust, induced by lower crustal flow from gravitational pressure gradients due to high topography, is responsible for the observed extension in Tibet. Weak lower crustal flow in Tibet has been invoked to reconcile geophysical observations, yet viscosity estimates vary from 1016 to 1021 Pa·s. Here the authors show that viscous buckling of the upper crust in response to lower crust flow (viscosity ~1020 Pa·s) is responsible for the observed extension in Tibet.
China's Multi-Faceted Economic Development Strategy in East Africa

Abstract Sino-East African infrastructure investment and international trade have reached record levels and garnered global interest in recent years. Despite this attention, there is a lack of project-level analysis and documentation relating to China's overarching economic strategies in the East African region. By analyzing the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and the Damerjog Port-Ogaden Basin gas pipeline projects, this article discusses project-level details and their roles in China's overarching economic development strategy. Through analysis on bilateral trade and infrastructure development connectivity, this article determines the derivatives and long-term strategic interests of Sino-African trade and infrastructure investment.
Quality management in healthcare organizations: Empirical evidence from the baldrige data

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of customer satisfaction and quality results in the healthcare industry using the Baldrige data. We use publicly available data on quality assessment of healthcare organizations that applied for the Baldrige award to examine two research questions: 1) whether the Baldrige model is a reliable and valid model for assessment of quality practices in healthcare organizations, and 2) to determine the relationship between quality practices and their impact on quality results in the healthcare organizations. Using structural equation modeling, the findings suggest that the Baldrige model is a valid and reliable quality assessment model for healthcare organizations. Consistent with previous studies, the findings suggest that the main driver of the system is leadership, which has a significant effect on all quality practices in the healthcare industry. Controlling for the applicants’ year, the findings indicate that 1) Information analysis and knowledge management has a significant impact on Quality results, 2) Workforce development and human resource management has a significant impact on both Customer focus and satisfaction and Quality results, and 3) Strategic planning for quality has a significant impact on Customer focus and satisfaction. The study provides insights and suggestions for healthcare organizations on how to improve their quality systems using the Baldrige model.
From the Conference to the Classroom: Elevating Short-Term Professional Development for Lifelong Learning:

Short-term or “one shot” professional development experiences are sometimes deemed less effective because they lack mechanisms for deep and ongoing engagement. Using the music conference as an exam...
A fracture mechanics study of aluminum alloy 6063 light poles

Abstract The focus of the most recent experimental studies of the welded shoe-base connection has been the fatigue strength in the long-life regime. A fracture mechanics-based life prediction model developed for the as-tested case compares favorably with experimental results. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) results were used to better understand the role of striations in fatigue life estimation of as-tested specimens. In addition, a parametric study using the finite element method investigated geometric parameters affecting the stresses local to the shoe-base detail. Local stresses from the parametric study provided a basis for fracture mechanics models of shoe-base details with altered geometries.
A Knowledge Graph-based Approach for Exploring the U.S. Opioid Epidemic.

The United States is in the midst of an opioid epidemic with recent estimates indicating that more than 130 people die every day due to drug overdose. The over-prescription and addiction to opioid painkillers, heroin, and synthetic opioids, has led to a public health crisis and created a huge social and economic burden. Statistical learning methods that use data from multiple clinical centers across the US to detect opioid over-prescribing trends and predict possible opioid misuse are required. However, the semantic heterogeneity in the representation of clinical data across different centers makes the development and evaluation of such methods difficult and non-trivial. We create the Opioid Drug Knowledge Graph (ODKG) -- a network of opioid-related drugs, active ingredients, formulations, combinations, and brand names. We use the ODKG to normalize drug strings in a clinical data warehouse consisting of patient data from over 400 healthcare facilities in 42 different states. We showcase the use of ODKG to generate summary statistics of opioid prescription trends across US regions. These methods and resources can aid the development of advanced and scalable models to monitor the opioid epidemic and to detect illicit opioid misuse behavior. Our work is relevant to policymakers and pain researchers who wish to systematically assess factors that contribute to opioid over-prescribing and iatrogenic opioid addiction in the US.
Critical Issues in the Linguistic Study of Aphasia

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the continuity and change that has taken place in the linguistic study of aphasia from the late nineteenth century to the present. The early observation of vowel lowering in motor aphasia is of great interest in light of the recent work carried out by Keller on this phenomenon. It is possible to use two distinct levels of analysis—one for the aphasie and another for the hearer. An articulatory switch at the phonetic level for an aphasie subject may well give rise to the production of an acoustic cue, which will trigger the perception of some non-target phonemic unit by a hearer. Timing phenomena are, by their very nature, linear or syntagmatic and the level of analysis will again be different for the aphasie and for the hearer. Proper laryngeal and velar control crucially involve timing and change over time, and transitionalizing provides the most important acoustic cues for speech perception. Temporal incoordinations, therefore, will inevitably affect the acoustic cues picked up by hearers.
Effect of vorapaxar on cardiovascular and limb outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease with and without coronary artery disease: Analysis from the TRA 2°P-TIMI 50 trial:

Intensive antithrombotic therapy reduces major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Recent studies have suggested heterogeneity in risk and benefit in those with and without concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral revascularization. We evaluated the risk of MACE and MALE in patients with PAD stratified by history of concomitant CAD and prior peripheral revascularization and whether the efficacy and safety of vorapaxar were similar in these subgroups. The TRA 2°P-TIMI 50 trial randomized 26,449 patients with prior MI, ischemic stroke, or PAD to vorapaxar or placebo. This analysis examined the effect of vorapaxar in a broad population of 6136 patients with PAD. Overall, vorapaxar significantly reduced MACE (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73, 0.99; p = 0.034) and MALE (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53, 0.92; p = 0.011) in patients with PAD. The absolute risk reduction (ARR) for MACE was greater in patients with PAD and CAD versus those with PAD alone (-2.2% vs 0.1%: number needed to treat (NNT) 45 vs 1000). Conversely, the ARR for MALE was higher in those with prior lower extremity revascularization (2.5% vs 0.2%: NNT 40 vs 500). Vorapaxar increased major bleeding (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.12, 1.71; p = 0.003). The net clinical outcome in all patients with PAD was reduced with vorapaxar (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72, 0.94; p = 0.004), with benefits driven by reductions in MACE for those with CAD and by reductions in MALE for those with prior peripheral revascularization. Among patients with PAD, vorapaxar resulted in a net clinical benefit; however, the drivers of benefit were heterogeneous, with greater reductions in MACE in those with concomitant CAD and greater reductions in MALE in those with prior lower extremity revascularization, and unclear benefit in patients with neither. These clinical characteristics may be useful in identifying the subgroups of patients with PAD most likely to benefit from potent antithrombotic therapies. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00526474.
A fast pressure-correction method for incompressible flows over curved walls

Abstract We have developed an explicit and direct pressure-correction method for simulating incompressible flows over curved walls. In order to integrate the Navier Stokes (NS) equations in time, we have developed an explicit, three-stage, third-order Runge-Kutta based projection-method (FastRK3) which requires solving the Poisson equation for pressure only once per time step. We have chosen to discretize the incompressible NS equations written in the orthogonal coordinates rather than the general formulation in curvilinear coordinates because the former does not contain cross-derivatives in the advection, diffusion, Laplacian, and gradient operators. Thus, the computational cost of solving the NS equations is substantially reduced and the numerical stencils of the finite difference approximations to these operators mirror that of the Cartesian formulation. This property also allows us to develop an FFT-based Poisson solver for pressure (FastPoc) for those cases where the components of the metric tensor are independent of one spatial direction: surfaces of linear translation (e.g., curved ramps and bumps) and surfaces of revolution (e.g., axisymmetric ramps). We have verified and validated FastRK3 and we have applied FastRK3 for simulating separated flows over ramps and a bump. Finally, our results show that the new FFT-based Poisson solver, FastPoc, is thirty to sixty times faster than the multigrid-based linear solver (depending on the tolerance set for the multigrid solver), and the new flow solver, FastRK3, is overall four to seven times faster when using FastPoc rather than multigrid. In summary, given that the computational mesh satisfies the property of orthogonality, FastRK3 can simulate flows over curved walls with second-order accuracy in space.