cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on mosquito population dynamics in different microenvironments in downtown Shanghai

Objective To study the mosquito population dynamics in different microenvironments of the same region and toanalyze the relevant factors contributing to the differences in mosquito population dynamics in downtown Shanghai.MethodsFive mosquito- monitoring sites were set according to the geographical distribution in the park and grassy areas of downtownShanghai(People's Square and People's Park) where mosquitoes were frequently encountered. Adult mosquitoes werecontinuously monitored by CO2trapping method for more than 220 days to determine the differences in mosquito populationdynamics at the five monitoring sites.ResultsThe 224 days continuous adult mosquito monitoring showed that the number anddensity of adult mosquitoes at the 5thmonitoring site were 9737 mosquitoes and 43.50 mosquitoes/day·machine, significantlyhigher than those at the other four monitoring sites(P0.01), and the adult mosquito density in the People's Square wassignificantly higher than that in the People's Park(29.80 vs. 11.13 mosquitoes/day·machine; t=-5.552, P0.01); as to the adultmosquito population, the constituent ratio of Aedes albopictus in the People's Square was significantly higher than that in thePeople's Park(25.32% vs. 9.54%; χ2=187.923, P0.01), and the constituent ratio of Culex tritaeniorhynchus in the People's Parkwas significantly higher than that in the People's Square(18.46% vs. 2.77%; χ2=187.923, P0.01); Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was thedominant species in the 2ndmonitoring site(constituent ratio 48.55%).ConclusionThe mosquito density and population varysignificantly in different microenvironments of the same region, which may be attributable to such factors as breedingenvironment and human disturbance. The surveillance and control of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus should be implemented in downtown Shanghai.
Septate uterus with cervical duplication: a rare malformation.

This previously unreported case of complete uterine septum, cervical duplication, and a longitudinal vaginal septum is best explained by the theory of Muller et al. (5), not by classically held views of unidirectional mullerian development. According to their theory, this anomaly could develop from failure of fusion of the most caudad mullerian ducts, resulting in a normal uterine fundus, with a complete septum, cervical duplication, and a longitudinal vaginal septum. This anomaly was accurately characterized using an endoscopic approach.
Implementing Institutions: From Courts to Bureaucracy

Without adequate implementation, the law-in-action will only accidentally conform to the law-in-the-books. That puts at risk, not only the whole development project, but also the Rule of Law (Seidman, R.B., 1987b:84, 85–6). Governments establish a variety of institutions to implement law: courts and other dispute-settlement institutions, public corporations, bureaucratic agencies.1 This chapter considers: (1) The general relationship between law-making and law-implementing; (2) a theory to guide investigations of implementing institutions; (3) the reasons for the abandonment of the myth of courts as the predominant implementing agency; and (4) the paradox of bureaucracy in the third world.
Evaluations of threshold voltage stability on COTS SiC DMOSFETs using fast measurements

Threshold voltage (Vt) stability of commercial SiC DMOSFETs during bias-temperature stressing was evaluated using the fast-Ic and fast Id-Vgs measurement techniques at both room and elevated temperatures. Unipolar bias stress results confirmed that there is a rapid recovery of Vt and that all vendors' devices showed the same basic charge-trapping behavior, although some differences were observed in negative bias response at high temperatures. In situ Vt measurements during 10 kHz gate switching showed stable device operation at room temperature but accelerating Vt drift and increasing switching oxide trap densities when operated at 175 °C. Vt hysteresis during high temperature gate switching indicates the presence of a mobile ion or polarization effect in addition to the expected interface- and oxide-trap charging mechanisms.
The Vitamin E Analog Gamma-Tocotrienol (GT3) and Statins Synergistically Up-Regulate Endothelial Thrombomodulin (TM)

Statins; a class of routinely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs; inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzymeA reductase (HMGCR) and strongly induce endothelial thrombomodulin (TM); which is known to have anti-inflammatory; anti-coagulation; anti-oxidant; and radioprotective properties. However; high-dose toxicity limits the clinical use of statins. The vitamin E family member gamma-tocotrienol (GT3) also suppresses HMGCR activity and induces TM expression without causing significant adverse side effects; even at high concentrations. To investigate the synergistic effect of statins and GT3 on TM; a low dose of atorvastatin and GT3 was used to treat human primary endothelial cells. Protein-level TM expression was measured by flow cytometry. TM functional activity was determined by activated protein C (APC) generation assay. Expression of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), one of the key transcription factors of TM, was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). TM expression increased in a dose-dependent manner after both atorvastatin and GT3 treatment. A combined treatment of a low-dose of atorvastatin and GT3 synergistically up-regulated TM expression and functional activity. Finally; atorvastatin and GT3 synergistically increased KLF2 expression. These findings suggest that combined treatment of statins with GT3 may provide significant health benefits in treating a number of pathophysiological conditions; including inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases.
Risk of obstructive sleep apnea in African American patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background It is widely known that patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) commonly experience sleep disruption. Many of these patients have the associated diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, little is known about the risk factors for developing OSA in the CRS population.
Koger, Gregory, and Matthew J. Lebo, Strategic Party Government: Why Winning Trumps Ideology: Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2017. 224 pages. $30 (softcover); $90 (hardcover).

Why has the strength of parties in the U.S. Congress ebbed and flowed over time? In their new book, Strategic Party Government, Gregory Koger and Matthew Lebo answer this question by presenting a t...
Expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas of the digestive system: a potential target for anti–PD-1/PD-L1 therapy

Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the digestive system has a dismal prognosis with limited treatment options. This study aimed to investigate expression of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in these tumors. Thirty-seven patients with a poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the digestive system were identified. Their electronic medical records, pathology reports, and pathology slides were reviewed for demographics, clinical history, and pathologic features. Tumor sections were immunohistochemically labeled for PD-1 and PD-L1, and expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 on tumor and tumor-associated immune cells was analyzed and compared between small cell and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas. The mean age of patients was 61 years old with 18 men and 19 women. The colorectum (n=20) was the most common primary site; other primary sites included the pancreaticobiliary system, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and ampulla. Expression of PD-1 was detected on tumor cells (n=6, 16%) as well as on tumor-associated immune cells (n=23, 63%). The 6 cases with PD-1 expression on tumor cells also had the expression on immune cells. Expression of PD-L1 was visualized on tumor cells in 5 cases (14%) and on tumor-associated immune cells in 10 cases (27%). There was no difference in PD-1 and PD-L1 expression between small cell and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas. In conclusion, PD-1/PD-L1 expression is a frequent occurrence in poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas of the digestive system. Checkpoint blockade targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway may have a potential role in treating patients with this disease.
Low physiological arousal and high impulsivity as predictors of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors among adolescents

Abstract Self-injurious thoughts and behaviors are used to escape or regulate aversive physiological states during stress. Low sympathetic nervous system arousal during stress has been shown to confer risk. This risk may be exacerbated by trait impulsivity; adolescents high in impulsivity are more likely to rashly use maladaptive regulation strategies. We examined this relationship longitudinally in a sample of adolescents ages 10 to 14 (55.4% female) from the United States. Consistent with our hypothesis, low arousal during stress and high trait impulsivity interacted to predict the use of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors over a six-month period. This study extends and clarifies previous research findings regarding the relationship between physiological arousal and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors.
Histological evidence of specialized microcirculation of the endolymphatic sac

A specialized type of blood vessel is demonstrated within the dense soft tissue areas of the vestibular aqueduct and vascular channels of the surrounding bone, including the paravestibular canaliculus (PVC). The vessel wall is formed by the collagen-smooth muscle bundles of these areas. The lumen of these vessels is irregular, and segments appear to be closed by apposition of the bundles. The vessels are continuous with the capillaries of the endolymphatic sac. It is not clear whether they are on the venous side of the capillary system, or on the arterial side and might possibly be part of an arteriovenous anastomoses system. Their possible role in some cases of Meniere's disease must be considered.
“Healthcare on a Wrist”: Increasing Compliance Through Checklists on Wearables in Obesity (Self-)Management Programs

Increasingly, healthcare can get on our wrists. Unhealthy lifestyle habits (e.g., sedentary behavior, nutrient-poor diets) result in higher levels of chronic diseases (e.g., CVD, obesity) and, paradoxically, the first step in disease management requires radical lifestyle changes, away from the unhealthy ones. These changes are difficult for patients and require day-to-day planning and adherence to new behaviors (increased physical activity, special diet programs) for best health outcomes in a long-term. We envision an important role of personalized, miniaturized Information Technologies (IT), specifically smart watches—supporting the patient’s self-management efforts in any daily life context, acting as a reminder for specific activities and documenting the patient’s progress via checklist-based approach. We delineate the requirements and design choices for the WATCH-list—an example of self-management service for obesity patients’ compliance to diet programs. We discuss the chronic illness self-management and role of IT in increasing the patient’s self-efficacy of activities contributing to health, in turn increasing the patient’s compliance to these activities and therefore facilitating better health outcomes in a long term.
Rate effects on Southern American English VOT

This study examines the effect of speaking rate on VOT durations of initial stops in Southern American English (SAE). English is claimed to have a two-way contrast between long-lag (fortis) and short-lag (lenis) stops, but lenis stops in SAE have been shown to be produced with prevoicing rather than short-lag VOT. This study examines whether SAE lenis stops are specified for privative voice or if prevoicing is an example of contrastive emphasis. Similar to rate effects found in other languages, the data here support the conclusion that SAE does have phonologically specified privative voice in the lenis stop.
Psychosocial Factors that Shape Substance Abuse and Related Mental Health of Women Military Veterans who Use Community-Based Services

ABSTRACTBackground: Women Veterans who use the Veterans Health Administration (VA) have high rates of substance abuse and poorer health than non-Veteran women. Less is known about the psychosocial needs of women Veterans who seek care in non-VA settings. Objectives: We provide a grounded description of factors that impact substance abuse, mental health, and related quality of life of women Veterans who use non-VA community-based health and social services. Methods: Utilizing a mixed methods design, we conducted semi-structured in-person interviews with 22 women Veterans in Los Angeles in 2013–2015. Results: The current health of these women Veterans was shaped by substance abuse and several other factors, including: histories of trauma (in childhood, during military service) and discrimination, and associated mental health conditions; post-military socio-economic stressors; shifting social roles and adverse social support; and lost personal identity after military service. Psychosocial factors collectivel...
VALUES, LIFESTYLES AND BASIC BELIEFS AS INFLUENCES ON PERCEIVED QUALITY OF LIFE

ABSTRACT Inquiry begins with a model for the study of quality of life (Q. of L.). The model predicts that Q. of L. derives from fulfillment (or lack of fulfillment) of life values and goals in a lifestyle. Lifestyles, in turn, are constrained by a person's socio-economic-community situation and also by one's beliefs concerning how the world works. The model also is adaptable to the study of quality of life of a community. The model was operationalized for individuals and a pilot study with a sample of 294 was used to examine postulated relationships. Self-actualization fulfillment and a sense of fate control were the main predictors of (contributors to) Q. of L. for this sample. Being upper middle class facilitated self-actualization and fate control and, through them, enhanced Q. of L. Some persons choose alternate lifestyles and alternate routes to Q. of L. such as a traditionally oriented spiritually rewarding lifestyle. Love of nature, compassion, and romantic love added an extra dimension to Q. of L. for many people.
LMX-differentiation strengthens the prosocial consequences of leader humility: An identification and social exchange perspective

Abstract The current study proposes a cross-level moderated-mediation model to explain how and when leader humility motivates followers' prosociality. Drawing on social identity theory, we theorize that humble leaders motivate their followers to engage in helping behavior by fostering a sense of shared identity. Moreover, consistent with research emphasizing the inclusion of the larger social environment in exploring leader-identity relationships, we draw from social exchange theory to investigate the role of LMX-differentiation in moderating this positive indirect effect. We collected survey data in three waves with a time lag of three weeks between each wave from 233 employees and their 45 supervising managers working at a large Chinese internet company. Our results provide support for the positive indirect effect of leader humility on follower helping via their identification with the leader. Further, our results show that this positive indirect effect is significant only in the presence of high LMX-differentiation, and becomes non-significant in the presence of low LMX-differentiation.
Will Students Gain Knowledge of the World by Reading Fiction

Teachers of literature often have students read works of fiction to learn important truths about the world. But, it is not clear how looking at a work of fiction can tell us about the actual world....
The impact of flow and physical enrichment on preferences in zebrafish

Abstract Environmental enrichment is used extensively to improve the welfare of animals in captivity, however, the importance of physical exercise as enrichment is only now coming to light. A key question in assessing the welfare of animals in captivity is, ‘What do animals want?’ In order to answer this question fully, it is important to determine the role of enrichment, exercise and their interaction on the development of behavior. We housed groups of zebrafish in experimental tanks in which they had free access to four different zones; (i) Enriched only, (ii) Swimming only, (iii) Enriched + Swimming, and (iv) Plain. The tanks also had a central arena where food was delivered. Enrichment included plastic plants and a sandy substrate, and in swimming zones water flow was set at 14 m/s. After four days of acclimatization, behavioral data on zone use was collected, and a preference index was recorded for each replicate tank. Zebrafish showed a significant preference for the Enriched + Swimming zone (0.72 ± 0.08) but avoided both the Swimming only (−0.28 ± 0.04) and Plain (−0.31 ± 0.04) zones spending more time in the central arena (−0.02 ± 0.04). These results suggest that the combination of both enrichment and exercise is more important than either factor alone. Furthermore, zebrafish prefer enrichment over exercise and even plain tanks when presented with these housing conditions separately. The results highlight the importance of investigating multiple factors simultaneously when assessing preferences for types of housing.
Multi-Harmonic Detection of Methane Using 3.2{\mu}{m} Mid-IR DFB Laser for Environmental Sensing Applications

We show advantages of higher harmonic 2f and 4f-wavelength modulation spectroscopic detection for improving sensitivity in methane detection. A spectral-line analysis in the wing region is used to achieve 1-sec. precision of 0.3% or 5 ppbv.
Cross-sectional study of perceptions of qualities of a good medical teacher among medical students from first to final year.

INTRODUCTION Defining the characteristics of a good medical teacher has implications for faculty selection and development. Perceptions of characteristics may differ with cultural context and level of training, as medical students progress from didactic preclinical training based on cognitivist learning theory to more complex integration of theory and practice in specific contexts in clinical training based on constructivist learning theory. METHODS We modified a validated questionnaire with permission from the original authors at Melaka Manipal Medical College, Melaka, Malaysia. Participants rated 35 characteristics on a 5-point Likert scale. The modified questionnaire was validated in a pilot pool of medical students (n = 69), with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.90, and administered to Year 1-5 medical students (n = 917) at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. RESULTS Based on the proportion of favourable Likert scoring, four top desirable characteristics were common across Year 1-5 students: good communication skills (84.4%); sound knowledge of subject (82.7%); enthusiasm (78.4%); and providing effective explanations (74.4%). Approachability (p = 0.005), encouraging participation (p < 0.001) and constructive criticism (p < 0.001) were more important to clinical students (Year 3-5) than preclinical students (Year 1-2). CONCLUSION The top four characteristics were consistent across all years of medical students in this study. Characteristics emphasised in the clinical years facilitate active learner participation, consistent with constructivist learning theory.
Optimal Power Flow in Distribution Scheme Using Load Forecast

As load forecasting in distribution becomes increasingly important considering the new push for microgrids, distributed generation and system security studies, new methods for handling distribution’s unique challenges are required. Data availability, data quality, and system dynamics make distribution an especially difficult environment to analyze. Neural networks provide a powerful tool to analyze how load is impacted by time and weather. The objective of this study is the application of neural networks to learn a feeder’s load behavior and forecast a 24-hour load profile based on historical weather and SCADA data. Further, this load forecasting is used to perform an optimal power flow calculation for minimizing violations and deviations from normal on a distribution scheme that can be served from one of several sources.
Increased Prevalence of Breast Cancer in Female Patients with Lichen Sclerosus

Abstract Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an inflammatory dermatosis whose pathogenesis is incompletely understood. A retrospective review of patients with biopsy confirmed LS at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) clinical sites between 2009 and 2018 was conducted to study the link between breast cancer and LS. Out of 35 female patients who meet our inclusion criteria, 28.6% had a history of breast cancer, which is significantly higher than breast cancer prevalence (13%) in the United States. Interestingly, we have also observed a high rate of thyroid disease in patients with LS (32.6%), which is consistent with previous studies. Further studies are needed to delineate how breast cancer contributes to the development of LS, and whether screening for breast cancer has any utility in the management of LS.
Comparison of the Application Effect of Existing Classification Algorithms by Measured Voltage Dip

This paper presents the mechanism of five different algorithms for the type of unbalance dip, compared the results based on measured voltage dip by these algorithms. Apply three algorithms to calculate the type of unbalance dip for some typical cases. A conclusion is that there are large differences in results when applying the different algorithms to measured voltage dips. For two of the algorithms it is recommended against application or further development
Control Systems — Concepts and Insights for Managerial Decision Making

Control science is the only rigorous approach for effective decision making in complex dynamical systems! This maxim is relevant beyond the realm of engineered systems, even if its universality is not appreciated by all control scientists and engineers. In this paper I discuss the application of control concepts to managerial decision making—which encompasses decision making for business strategy, social change, and a sustainable ecosystem. Several "insights" derived from control science and engineering are presented for managers and other decision makers.
Kangaroo Rats: Ecosystem Engineers on Western Rangelands

On the Ground • Kangaroo rats occur exclusively in arid environments of western North America, where they often function as ecosystem engineers and keystone species. • These rodents can exist on a diet of seeds without drinking free water. • Kangaroo rats evade attacks from their primary predators, owls and snakes, using split-second gymnastic-like maneuvers. • Kangaroo rat activities, such as digging, altering soil seed banks, and storing seeds in surface caches, account for their keystone species status. • Although some kangaroo rat species are common over large geographic areas, others have limited ranges, and some are endangered. Climate change will only make their future conservation more challenging.
A Dynamic Model of Optimal Retargeting

The optimal retargeting strategy requires dynamic analysis, with better information tracking potentially leading to less retargeting.
Sound velocities in shock-compressed soda lime glass: Melting and liquid-state response

Longitudinal sound velocities (and elastic moduli) were determined in soda lime glass (SLG) at peak shock stresses ranging between 40 and 90 GPa. Laser interferometry was used to obtain particle velocity histories and sound velocities by impacting SLG samples on lithium fluoride (LiF) optical windows. In all experiments, the SLG response consists of a sharp jump to a constant state followed by a release wave. The measured longitudinal sound velocities and moduli showed a marked decrease between 52 and 58 GPa, providing experimental evidence for the transformation from an amorphous solid to a liquid in shock-compressed SLG. The stress threshold (\ensuremath{\sim}55 GPa) for melting in SLG is considerably lower than the threshold reported in shock-compressed fused silica (\ensuremath{\sim}72 GPa), showing the effect of network-modifying cations on the onset of melting. The relative values of sound velocities, shock velocities, and the Hugoniot slopes---between 58 and 90 GPa---are fully consistent with the thermodynamic response of a shock-compressed liquid. Using the experimental results, the Gr\"uneisen parameter (\ensuremath{\Gamma}) values were determined for liquid SLG to 90 GPa and then used to provide the Mie-Gr\"uneisen equation of state for liquid SLG.
Association of Medicaid Managed Care Drug Carve Outs With Hepatitis C Virus Prescription Use

Importance Medicaid enrolls a disproportionate share of US adults with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and most receive Medicaid benefits through managed care organizations (MCOs). Medicaid MCOs often impose stricter requirements to access HCV medications than traditional fee-for-service Medicaid, which may inhibit use. Though Medicaid MCOs generally cover prescription drugs, several states have carved out direct-acting antiviral HCV medications from MCO coverage and opted to cover them under fee-for-service. Whether these carve outs were associated with changes in medication use is unknown. Objective To examine the association between Medicaid-covered HCV medication fills and carve outs of these medications from MCO coverage. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study examined changes in fills of Medicaid-covered direct-acting antiviral HCV medications in 4 states (Indiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, and West Virginia) that carved out these drugs from Medicaid MCOs between 2015 and 2017. A synthetic control approach was used to compare changes in HCV prescription fills between states that did and did not carve out these medications from MCO prescription drug coverage. Data of direct-acting antiviral HCV prescription fills were obtained from the Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data files, January 2015 to June 2020. Data analysis was conducted from November 2020 to June 2021. Exposures Carve outs of direct-acting antiviral HCV medications from Medicaid MCO prescription drug coverage. Main Outcomes and Measures Direct-acting antiviral HCV prescriptions filled per 100 000 Medicaid enrollees. Results In this cross-sectional study, carve outs were associated with a mean quarterly increase of 22.1 (95% CI, 12.7-34.1) HCV prescriptions per 100 000 Medicaid enrollees, a relative increase of 86.3% compared with synthetic control states. Compared with each state’s respective synthetic control, HCV prescription fills were associated with an increase of 11.5 (95% CI, 5.1-19.0) HCV prescription fills per 100 000 Medicaid enrollees per quarter in Indiana, 36.6 (95% CI, 23.5-53.9) in Michigan, 20.7 (95% CI, 11.1-32.8) in West Virginia, and 43.6 (95% CI, 25.9-68.4) in New Hampshire. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of data from 39 states and the District of Columbia, carve outs of direct-acting antiviral HCV medications from Medicaid MCO prescription drug coverage were associated with significant increases in HCV medication use. Given their clinical benefits, greater uptake of HCV medication may help improve the health of Medicaid enrollees with HCV and reduce the economic burden of untreated HCV on the US health care system.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Association With Chemotherapy in the Setting of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma.

T-cell lymphomas (TCLs) account for approximately 15 to 20% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas in the United States. The most common form of TCL is cutaneous TCL (CTCL), with Sezary syndrome and mycosis fungoides being the most prevalent subtypes. Sezary syndrome is the more aggressive form and often is referred to as a late-stage variant of mycosis fungoides. Clinically, it is characterized by diffuse erythroderma, cutaneous edema, pruritus, nonhealing cutaneous ulcers, and lymphadenopathy. Patients also can present with changes to their nails, hyperpigmentation, alopecia, palmoplantar keratoderma, ectropion, and hepatosplenomegaly. The overall prognosis for patients with Sezary syndrome is poor. The literature regarding oral manifestations of CTCL mostly report those of mycosis fungoides because it is the most common subtype of CTCL. Currently, there are only 2 reports in the scientific literature of intraoral manifestations of Sezary syndrome. This case report describes a patient with Sezary syndrome who presented with rapidly progressing erythematous lesions of the gingiva and multifocal osteonecrosis of the maxilla and mandible. This is the third reported case of an intraoral manifestation of Sezary syndrome and the first reported case of osteonecrosis in the setting of CTCL.
Cross-Layer Design for Data Accessibility in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) are becoming an integral part of the ubiquitous computing and communication environment, providing new infrastructure for multimedia applications such as video phone, multimedia-on-demand, and others. In order to access multimedia information in MANET, Quality of Service (QoS) needs to be considered, such as high success rate to access multimedia data, bounded end-to-end delay, and others. In this paper, we present a data accessibility service for a group of mobile users to access desired data with high success rate. This accessibility service is only possible if we utilize advanced data advertising, lookup and replication services, as well as a novel predictive location-based QoS routing protocol in an integrated fashion. Using cross-layer design, we illustrate how the QoS routing protocol assists data advertising, lookup and replication services to achieve high data access success rate. Simulation results have shown that our design is successful in a dynamic MANET.
Overseeing the Refugee Convention: Reporting

At the Ministerial Meeting of States Parties to the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Refugee Protocol held in Geneva on Dec. 12-13, states agreed formally to pursue efforts to reinforce effective implementation of their refugee protection treaty obligations. To that end, the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), in collaboration with the University of Michigan's Program in Refugee and Asylum Law, convened a Global Consultation on International Protection in Geneva on Dec. 11. That meeting launched a process of careful review of options for the establishment of an independent supervisory mechanism for international refugee law based on a series of Working Papers. The introductory paper, "Taking Oversight of Refugee Law Seriously," by Prof. James Hathaway of the University of Michigan Law School, makes the case for genuinely independent supervision of the Refugee Convention. In particular, it argues that scholars and activists must not be intimidated by institutional insistence that oversight of the Refugee Convention be a function exclusively of the UNHCR. The High Commissioner's duty to supervise implementation of the Convention and the more general obligation of state parties to take collective responsibility to oversee implementation of their treaty obligations are, in fact, compatible ? not mutually exclusive ? responsibilities. The first four Working Papers in the series consider the usefulness in the context of the Refugee Convention of the most widely used mechanisms of treaty supervision which, as forcefully argued by Harvard's Professor Henry Steiner, are mutually reinforcing and interdependent processes. The final three papers speak to the process of overseeing the Refugee Convention. Working Paper No. 1 takes up the question of state reporting requirements, regularly reviewed through a "dialogue of justification" between the supervisory body and states, supported by strong non-governmental input. It emphasizes the value of carefully targeted, thematic reporting, rather than routine, generic reports; and outlines a well-prepared and forward-looking process of review.
Introduction to Part Three: The Relationship of Social Work with Groups to Group Work in Other Professions

In this article the author introduces the reader to one of Papell’s major papers, written in 1973, in which she responds to evidence in the literature that the profession has an unclear commitment to the social work frame of reference in social work with groups. A conceptual scheme is used to contrast approaches of six different professional disciplines and to distinguish what may represent the special nature of the social work profession’s approach to group work.
The indirect impact of child-oriented advertisements : On mother-child interactions

The Federal Trade Commission (1978) has expressed concern about the direct and indirect effects that commercial food advertisements have on children and families. Based on these concerns, they suggested banning all advertising aimed at young children. The present experiment was designed within the context of concern about the influence of television food advertising on parent-child interactions. It was predicted that mothers whose children viewed a television program with embedded food advertisements would display more control strategies and more power assertion while grocery shopping than mothers of children who were not exposed to advertisements. The results corroborated this hypothesis and, in addition, revealed that children who viewed the food advertisements attempted to influence their mothers' consumerism more than children who did not view the food advertisements. These results were discussed in terms of the importance of considering how television-viewing indirectly influences the quality of parent-child interactions.
Chapter 20 Comparisons of cross-modality integration in midbrain and cortex

Multisensory neurons are abundant in the superior colliculus and anterior ectosylvian cortex of the cat. Despite the fact that these areas receive inputs from different regions, and are likely to be involved in different functional roles, their multi-sensory neurons have many fundamental similarities. They all have multiple receptive fields, one for each sensory input, and these receptive fields overlap one another. It is this spatial correspondence among receptive fields that determines the manner in which both populations of neurons integrate the inputs they receive from different sensory channels. Several principles of integration characterize both cortical and mid-brain multisensory neurons, and these constancies in the fundamentals of cross-modality integration are likely to provide a basis for coherence at different levels of the neuraxis. Yet there are also obvious differences in these populations of multisensory neurons. Cortical receptive fields are significantly larger than those in the midbrain, have a lower incidence of suppressive surrounds, and exhibit less cross-modality inhibitory interactions than in the midbrain. Presumably, these differences reflect a greater emphasis on non-spatial aspects of cross-modality integration in cortex than is required by the orientation and localization functions mediated by the superior colliculus.
Isotopic evolution of snowmelt 2. Verification and parameterization of a one‐dimensional model using laboratory experiments

[1] Three controlled cold room experiments were conducted to verify and parameterize a one-dimensional (1-D) model that simulates the isotopic composition of meltwater exiting the base of a snowpack. In the model, snow melts at the surface at a constant rate, and water percolates down the column while exchanging isotopically with ice. The effective rate of isotopic exchange and hence the isotopic composition of the melt at a given time is determined by the exchange rate constant kr, the height of the original snowpack, the percolation velocity u*, and the liquid to ice ratio in the exchange system. The experiments were designed to have different effective rates of exchange by varying the height of the snow column and the melt rate. Fitting the model to each of the experiments yielded kr values that fall in a narrow range, 0.14 to 0.17 hr−1, confirming that kr is an intrinsic rate constant for isotopic exchange. Knowing this value is important for developing future models, in which more complicated hydrological conditions are considered.
The multilevel fast multipole algorithm for electromagnetic compatibility analysis

This paper studies the application of the multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA) to the analysis of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problems. For structures composed of complex surfaces, wires, and interconnections of the latter, the MLFMA achieves the same accuracy as the classical method of moments, but requires far less simulation time and memory resources. In this paper, the MLFMA is used to predict the input impedance of a modules-on-backplane structure. Experimental results are used to validate the algorithm. Comparison with other numerical techniques (the classical method of moments, the finite element method, and the finite-difference time-domain method) shows that the MLFMA is the most effective technique in solving large-scale EMC problems.
Remote sensing and GIS in modeling visual landscape change: a case study of the northwestern arid coast of Egypt

Land use planners in many countries have recognized the importance of the aesthetic values of landscape. Their desire to incorporate these values into decision-making processes has created a need to identify valid ways to quantify the scenic characteristics of landscapes. This has led to an increasing interest in the use of spatial data and geographic information systems (GIS) methodology in assessing visual attributes of the landscape. The objective of the present study is to assess the visual changes in a rapidly developing coastal area of Egypt using remotely sensed data (satellite images and aerial photographs) and raster GIS modeling. The analysis assesses changes between a period characterized by a vernacular, relatively natural landscape (1950s) and the beginning of the exploitation of the region for resorts (1990s). Using land use/land cover classes extracted from the satellite images and aerial photographs, four visual attributes of landscape are identified: land use/land cover diversity, activity (degree of naturalness), proximity to the shoreline, and topographic variety. A composite index is also developed. Although these attributes and the composite index rely mostly on the type of land use/land cover information on the landscape under consideration, the adopted techniques succeed in detecting several changes in the attributes, spatially locating them and mapping the magnitude of their changes. This study demonstrates what can be done to analyze and assess what is usually considered an incommensurable resource, the visual attributes of landscapes. It also reveals the extent of the impact of unplanned or ill-planned activities on one of the fragile resources of arid landscapes.
Mismatched hemagglutinin and neuraminidase specificities in recent human H3N2 influenza viruses.

Abstract The hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza viruses initiates infection by binding to sialic acid on the cell surface via α2,6 (human) or α2,3 (avian) linkage. The influenza neuraminidase (NA) can cleave both α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialic acids, but all influenza NAs have a marked preference for the non-human α2,3 linkage. Recent H3N2 influenza viruses have lost the ability to agglutinate chicken red blood cells. To determine if changes in HA specificity or affinity correlate with NA specificity or activity, we examined red cell binding and elution of a series of H3N2 viruses. We found that the NA activity of many influenza viruses does not release binding by their HA. In some egg-adapted strains, lack of elution correlates with low levels of viral NA activity, and these elute rapidly when bacterial NA is added. However, a Fujian-like virus, A/Oklahoma/323/03, does not elute by its own NA or with Vibrio cholerae sialidase, and it binds to red cells pre-treated with V. cholerae sialidase. It elutes after addition of the broad specificity Micromonospora viridifaciens sialidase. Human glycophorin inhibits A/Oklahoma/323/03 hemagglutination 6-fold better than fetuin. We conclude that specific forms of sialic acid are used as receptor by recent human H3N2 influenza viruses, perhaps involving branched α2,6 sialic acid or α2,8 sialic acid structures on O-linked carbohydrates. The virus itself has no O-linked glycans, so even though the NA is not able to cleave receptors on cells, the viruses will not self-aggregate. It will be important to monitor efficacy of neuraminidase inhibitors in case there are NA-resistant receptors in the human respiratory tract that allow the viruses to be less dependent on NA activity.
High linearity power operation of AlGaAs/GaAs HBT at 10 GHz

Digital communication requires high linearity operation in both the receiver and the transmitter. AlGaAs/GaAs HBTs have achieved excellent saturated power operation throughout the microwave frequency range. The two-tone test of the HBT at 10 GHz was carried out on both CE and CB configurations. At −44 dBc IMD3, the CE HBT achieved 12 dB gain with a single carrier power density of 0.097 mW/μm2 and 5.8% collector efficiency. These results show that HBT linearity performance is as competitive as the MESFET in power transistor applications.
Individual vs. household determinants of the demand for medical care: A study of rural families

This article investigates, from a household perspective, the demand for medical care. Earlier (economic) studies have typically focused on individual utilization patterns; however, the data set employed here allows for an investigation of the role of other family members on individual demand. The theoretical results suggest that the labor force status (via the wage rate) of one family member may, in addition to influencing that person's rate of medical care use, effect the utilization of other household members. Separate physician visit demand equations are estimated for husbands, wives, and the household unit. The empirical results indicate that the wife's (full) cost of receiving medical care is a significant determinant of utilization by both the husband and other family members. Overall, the findings suggest that demand studies should take the presence of other household members and family structure into consideration when analyzing the determinants of individual medical care utilization.
Classification of cryo electron microscopy images, noisy tomographic images recorded with unknown projection directions, by simultaneously estimating reconstructions and application to an assembly mutant of Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle Virus and portals of the bacteriophage P22

Cryo electron microscopy is frequently used on biological specimens that show a mixture of different types of object. Because the electron beam rapidly destroys the specimen, the beam current is minimized which leads to noisy images (SNR substantially less than 1) and only one projection image per object (with an unknown projection direction) is collected. For situations where the objects can reasonably be described as coming from a finite set of classes, an approach based on joint maximum likelihood estimation of the reconstruction of each class and then use of the reconstructions to label the class of each image is described and demonstrated on two challenging problems: an assembly mutant of Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle Virus and portals of the bacteriophage P22.
Growth of Bulk GaN Crystals by the Basic Ammonothermal Method

A remarkable progress was made in GaN wafer fabrication via the basic ammonothermal method. Bulk GaN crystals were grown on GaN platelets in supercritical ammonia at 575 °C and 220 MPa with sodium amide. The grown crystals showed three-dimensional polyhedron shape in size of more than 5 mm. Clear crystallographic facets of N-face and m planes were observed although Ga-face was decorated with angled facets of {1011} planes. X-ray diffraction revealed multiple grains whose individual full width half maximum of ω scan was 200–400 arcsec. C plane and m plane wafers were fabricated by slicing the GaN boules.
Microphase Boundaries and Chain Conformations in Multiply Branched Diblock Copolymers

We consider a melt of diblock copolymers consisting of a linear A block connected to a regularly branched B block. A simple “Alexander−de Gennes”-type calculation of the free energy for lamellar, cylindrical, and spherical microphases in strong segregation reveals large shifts in the phase boundaries as a function of the number of generations of the branched block and the functionality of the branch points. Modifying the calculation for the case of just two generations in the branched block, we find that a significant fraction of the second-generation branches fold back to lower the free energy. This is consistent with recent dendrimer theory, which also predicts that branches fold back toward the center. Nevertheless, controlled introduction of branching into copolymer blocks can evidently be quite effective in shifting phase boundaries and thereby influencing mesoscale morphology.
Predictability and number of pairings in Pavlovian fear conditioning

Three groups of dogs were Sidman avoidance trained. They then received different kinds of Pavlovian fear conditioning. For one group CSs and USs occurred randomly and independently; for a second group, CSs predicted the occurrence of USs; for a third group, CSs predicted the absence of the USs. The CSs were subsequently presented while S performed the avoidance response. CSs which had predicted the occurrence or the absence of USs produced, respectively, increases and decreases in avoidance rate. For the group with random CSs and USs in conditioning, the CS had no effect upon avoidance.
Defining, navigating, and negotiating success: the experiences of mid-career Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar women.

BACKGROUND: We studied female graduates of the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program (CSP, Class of 1984 to 1989) to explore and describe the complexity of creating balance in the life of mid-career academic woman physicians. METHODS: We conducted and qualitatively analyzed (κ 0.35 to 1.0 for theme identification among rater pairs) data from a semi-structured survey of 21 women and obtained their curricula vitae to quantify publications and grant support, measures of academic productivity. RESULTS: Sixteen of 21 (76%) women completed the survey. Mean age was 48 (range: 45 to 56). Three were full professors, 10 were associate professors, and 3 had left academic medicine. Eleven women had had children (mean 2.4; range: 1 to 3) and 3 worked part-time. From these data, the conceptual model expands on 3 key themes: (1) defining, navigating, and negotiating success, (2) making life work, and (3) making work work. The women who described themselves as satisfied with their careers (10/16) had clarity of values and goals and a sense of control over their time. Those less satisfied with their careers (6/16) emphasized the personal and professional costs of the struggle to balance their lives and described explicit institutional barriers to fulfillment of their potential. CONCLUSION: For this group of fellowship-prepared academic women physicians satisfaction is achieving professional and personal balance.