cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Faculty Perceptions of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Definition, Activity Level and Merit Considerations at One University.

This study investigated the status of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), the amount and types of pedagogical scholarship, and the merit accorded SoTL within academic units for purposes of faculty assessment (i.e. hiring, promotion, and tenure decisions) at a research/doctoral granting institution. Responding to an electronic survey were 159 tenured and tenure track faculty (30% assistant professor, 31% associate, 31% full professors; 6% collateral/clinical/administrative) from all colleges and schools. The data analyzed showed a disconnect between the perceptions of tenured and non- tenured faculty on what qualifies as SoTL and the place of scholarly works within promotion and tenure. More specially, non-tenured faculty tended to judge teaching activities as SoTL regardless of their likelihood for publication, whereas tenured faculty more often recognized only published works as SoTL. Results also indicated that a limited number of faculty were engaged in SoTL; possible reasons could include lack of external funding and nebulous promotion and tenure guidelines as they concern SoTL.
Using a Complex-Impedance Measuring Instrument to Determine In Situ Soil Unit Weight and Moisture Content

In situ measurements of soil unit weight and moisture content play a critical role in conventional compaction quality assurance and quality control procedures. Recently, there have been a number of attempts to develop alternative electrically-based test devices that can be used to measure the in situ unit weight and/or moisture content of a compacted soil; these devices are intended to serve as alternatives to more traditional tests such as sand cone, rubber balloon, drive cylinder, or nuclear density gauge tests. The study described in this paper focuses on the use of a relatively new electrically-based in situ soil test device that uses measurements of soil complex impedance, soil capacitance, and soil resistance to infer in situ soil unit weight and moisture content; this device is typically referred to as a complex-impedance measuring instrument (CIMI). This paper provides a detailed explanation of current CIMI operating principles and also describes the utilization of a CIMI for field- and laboratory-based testing. The CIMI used in this study was calibrated and assessed in two field compaction projects in which different silty sands were used for construction. A mold-based calibration approach was developed for building an electrically-based soil model using the CIMI; this approach provides an alternative to field calibration of the device. In order to perform a more complete assessment of the CIMI in a controlled environment, a series of CIMI tests were conducted in a large “field box,” and the resulting in situ measurements of soil unit weight and moisture content made using the CIMI are compared with the results from nuclear density gauge, sand cone, and drive cylinder tests. The advantages and disadvantages of field versus mold calibration of the CIMI are discussed, and side-by-side assessment of the CIMI relative to other conventionally used compaction control tests allows the reader to assess the accuracy of this device.
A Model Agreement for Genetic Research in Socially Identifiable Populations

Genetic research increasingly focuses on population-specific human genetic diversity. However, the naming of a human population in public databases and scientific publications entails collective risks for its members. Those collective risks can be evaluated and protections can be put in place by the establishment of a dialogue with the subject population, before a research study is initiated. Here we describe an agreement to undertake genetic research with a Native American tribe. We identified the culturally appropriate public and private social units within which community members are accustomed to make decisions about health. We then engaged those units in a process of communal discourse. In their discourses about our proposed study, community members expressed most concern about culturally specific implications. We also found that, in this population, private social units were more influential in communal decision making than were public authorities. An agreement was reached that defined the scope of research, provided options for naming the population in publications (including anonymity), and addressed the distribution of royalties from intellectual property, the future use of archival samples, and specific cultural concerns. We found that informed consent by individuals could not fully address these collective issues. This approach may serve as a general model for the undertaking of population-specific genetic studies.
An Evaluation and Comparison of Linguistic Alignment Measures

Linguistic alignment has emerged as an important property of conversational language and a driver of mutual understanding in dialogue. While various computational measures of linguistic alignment in corpus and experimental data have been devised, a systematic evaluation of them is missing. In this study, we first evaluate the sensitivity and distributional properties of three measures, indiscriminate local linguistic alignment (LLA), Spearman’s correlation coefficient (SCC), and repetition decay (RepDecay). Then we apply them in a study of interactive alignment and individual differences to see how well they conform to the Interactive Alignment Model (IAM), and how well they can reveal the individual differences in alignment propensity. Our results suggest that LLA has the overall best performance.
Directed Transport by Surface Chemical Potential Gradients for Enhancing Analyte Collection in Nanoscale Sensors

Nanoscale detectors hold great promise for single molecule detection and the analysis of small volumes of dilute samples. However, the probability of an analyte reaching the nanosensor in a dilute solution is extremely low due to the sensor’s small size. Here, we examine the use of a chemical potential gradient along a surface to accelerate analyte capture by nanoscale sensors. Utilizing a simple model for transport induced by surface binding energy gradients, we study the effect of the gradient on the efficiency of collecting nanoparticles and single and double stranded DNA. The results indicate that chemical potential gradients along a surface can lead to an acceleration of analyte capture by several orders of magnitude compared to direct collection from the solution. The improvement in collection is limited to a relatively narrow window of gradient slopes, and its extent strongly depends on the size of the gradient patch. Our model allows the optimization of gradient layouts and sheds light on the fund...
Challenging and Appropriating Discourses of Power: Listening to and Learning from Early Career Early Childhood Teachers of Color.

ABSTRACTThe racial mismatch between teachers and students has become a salient issue in efforts to counter the historical failure of children of Color in American (pre)schools. To address this mismatch, scholars have argued for the critical need to recruit and retain teachers of Color. In this article, we propose that to successfully prepare teachers of Color so that they remain committed to the profession, we must learn from their experiences during their preservice preparation and their first years of teaching. Against the backdrop of normative institutional discourses shaping teachers and teaching, we sought to learn from the ways in which six early career early childhood teachers of Color reconciled their preservice teacher education experiences, identities, and beliefs about education with the construction of their identities as teachers. To do so, we asked: How do the discursive spaces of early childhood teaching and teacher education shape the practices, beliefs, and identities of early childhood t...
Caballerismo may protect against the role of machismo on Mexican day laborers’ self-esteem.

The current study examined the role of sociodemographic factors of income, education level, and immigration status, as well as bilinear Latino masculinity (i.e., machismo and caballerismo) on selfesteem among 70 Mexican day laborers. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed in the final model that immigration status was a significant negative predictor of self-esteem, whereas caballerismo was significantly positively related to self-esteem. An interaction effect between machismo and caballerismo suggested that caballerismo served as a protective factor against the role of machismo on self-esteem. In addition, findings suggested men who scored low or high on both machismo and caballerismo scored higher on self-esteem than men who scored high or low on one but not the other. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
FInal Report: First Principles Modeling of Mechanisms Underlying Scintillator Non-Proportionality

This final report presents work carried out on the project “First Principles Modeling of Mechanisms Underlying Scintillator Non-Proportionality” at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory during 2013-2015. The scope of the work was to further the physical understanding of the microscopic mechanisms behind scintillator nonproportionality that effectively limits the achievable detector resolution. Thereby, crucial quantitative data for these processes as input to large-scale simulation codes has been provided. In particular, this project was divided into three tasks: (i) Quantum mechanical rates of non-radiative quenching, (ii) The thermodynamics of point defects and dopants, and (iii) Formation and migration of self-trapped polarons. In the following, the progress and results of each of these subtasks will be detailed.
In situ expression of Bcl-2 in pulmonary artery endothelial cells associates with pulmonary arterial hypertension relative to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

AbstractWe have previously reported that pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) can be harvested from the tips of discarded Swan-Ganz catheters after right heart catheterization (RHC). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the existence of an antiapoptotic phenotype in PAECs obtained during RHC is a distinctive feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; World Health Organization group 1) and might be used to differentiate PAH from other etiologies of pulmonary hypertension. Specifically, we developed a flow cytometry-based measure of Bcl-2 activity, referred to as the normalized endothelial Bcl-2 index (NEBI). We report that higher NEBI values are associated with PAH to the exclusion of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and that this simple diagnostic measurement is capable of differentiating PAH from HFpEF without presenting addition risk to the patient. If validated in a larger, multicenter study, the NEBI has the potential to assist physicians in the selection of a...
Therapy for Tourette Syndrome

A 12 year-old male with Tourette Syndrome whose symptoms improved with gum chewing is reported from the Division of Pediatric Neurology, Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, PA.
MULTIFOCAL CHOROIDAL MELANOMA IN A PATIENT WITH GERM LINE BRCA-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN 1 MUTATION.

Purpose To report a case of unilateral multifocal melanoma in a patient with germ line BRCA-associated protein 1 mutation. Methods Case report. Results A 67-year-old white woman with a family history of lung and liver cancers developed blurred visual acuity of 20/30 in the left eye. She was discovered to have two independent pigmented choroidal melanomas in the macula and superotemporally, both demonstrating overlying subretinal fluid and orange pigment. Both melanomas were treated with a single custom-designed Iodine 125 brachytherapy device. Upon systemic evaluation, asymptomatic renal cell carcinoma was found, and blood lymphocyte testing for germ line BRCA-associated protein 1 mutation was positive. Conclusion Multifocal choroidal melanoma is exceedingly rare. Patients with uveal melanoma, especially if multifocal, and those with other systemic malignancy or family history of cancers should be tested for germ line BRCA-associated protein 1 mutation. Lifelong monitoring for other systemic malignancies is advised.
Human Rights and the Individual: Cross-Cultural Variation in Human Rights Scores, 1980 to 2010

This study analyzes patterns of cross-cultural variability and convergence in two categories of human rights: bodily integrity (protection from torture, extrajudicial killing, and other forms of physical repression) and civil liberties (the freedoms of expression, assembly, movement, and religion). Countries are delineated into twelve cultural zones based primarily on predominant religious tradition and secondarily on geographical region. The core hypothesis predicts that respect for bodily integrity rights, which seeks to protect biological beings from physical harm, will vary less across cultures than respect for civil liberties, which empowers social and cultural entities to be self-determining agents. Individuals’ capacity for pain and suffering is thought to be universal, but conceptions of the bounded and autonomous actor are culturally constructed and hence variable across cultures. Statistical analyses support this hypothesis: compared with civil liberties scores, cross-cultural variation in bodily integrity scores is much lower and also less durable in the presence of control variables. Moreover, whereas civil liberties scores are substantially higher in Western countries than in the rest of the world, cross-cultural variability in bodily integrity scores is gradational rather than polarized.
Electrochemical Behavior of Titanium in Saline Environments: The Effects of Temperature, pH, and Microstructure

This research investigates the effects of temperature, pH, degree of salinity, galvanic coupling, microstructure, and composition on the electrochemical behavior of commercially pure titanium in a saline environment. Essentially, the findings establish that increased temperature, altered microstructure, decreased pH, and decreased purity of titanium all serve to increase the corrosion potential and cathodic reaction rate, thus making the metal more susceptible to hydrogen absorption. Further, the data indicate that galvanic coupling with certain metals such as naval brass and stainless steel can anodically polarize titanium, whereas coupling with metals such as aluminum, HY80 steel, and zinc catholically polarizes titanium, thus promoting hydrogen evolution on the titanium surface.
Assessing the network connectivity of modifier ions in metaphosphate glass melts: A dynamic light scattering study of Na-Zn mixtures.

Photon correlation spectroscopy conducted on polymeric metaphosphate melts [NaPO3]1−y[Zn(PO3)2]y shows a systematic decrease in glass fragility as the more strongly bonding Zn cation replaces the more weakly bonding Na cation as a crosslinking agent between PO3 chains. This decrease is similar to that observed previously in Na–Al melts and the decrease in fragility for both systems is shown to be fully consistent with a recently reported universal pattern of fragility in network forming glasses as a function of network connectivity. Unique to the Na–Zn system is the appearance of an ultraslow relaxation in the dynamic structure factor (slower than the viscoelastic decay) that is not present in either Na–Al or Na–Li metaphosphate mixtures. This relaxation appears to originate from the diffusion of the Zn cation within the melt which is partially coupled to the oxide network. Taken together, these results underscore the need to distinguish between network-forming cations of high ionic bond strength that contribute to the connectivity of the oxide network and those of lower bond strength that do not contribute.
Retrospective Evaluation of Postoperative Adverse Drug Events in Patients Receiving Rivaroxaban After Major Orthopedic Surgery Compared with Standard Therapy in a Community Hospital.

tudy Objectives To evaluate the occurrence of bleeding and venous thromboembolic (VTE) events in patients receiving rivaroxaban, warfarin, or warfarin with the addition of enoxaparin during the immediate post-operative period following major orthopedic surgery. Methods Patients older than 18 years who received at least one dose of rivaroxaban the morning following surgery, adjusted dose warfarin, or adjusted dose warfarin with the addition of enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis following major orthopedic surgery between October 1, 2011 and February 28, 2015 were included. Data collected from the electronic health record included patient demographics, renal function, inpatient aspirin, P2Y12-inhibitor and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, type of surgery, post-operative analgesia, and presence of VTE risk factors. Adjusted incidence rate ratio for bleeding or VTE events was estimated using modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors. Covariates included in a multivariable model were age, sex, aspirin use, P2Y12-inhibitor use, NSAID use, obesity, VTE risk factors, and creatinine clearance. Results 3246 patients met study inclusion criteria. Overall, the incidence of bleeding and VTE events were rare. Bleeding event incidence ranged from 0.4% in the warfarin and warfarin with the addition of enoxaparin groups to 1.2% in the rivaroxaban group (p=0.088). There were two major bleeding events and eighteen minor bleeding events (including hemorrhagic wound complications). VTE event incidence ranged from 0.2% in the warfarin with the addition of enoxaparin group to 0.6% in the rivaroxaban group (p=0.230). Two deep vein thromboses and ten pulmonary emboli occurred. Using the multivariable model, the warfarin and warfarin with the addition of enoxaparin groups had significantly lower incidence rates of bleeding compared to rivaroxaban (IRR=0.218, p=0.0120 and IRR=0.242, p=0.021, respectively). Principal Conclusions We observed a small, yet significant, increase in rivaroxaban-related bleeding in the immediate postoperative period relative to warfarin or warfarin with the addition of enoxaparin for prevention of VTE following major orthopedic surgery. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Empire's End: Transnational Connections in the Hispanic World: Tsuchiya, Akiko, and William G. Acree Jr. (eds.), Nashville, TN: Vanderbilt University Press 240 pp., $34.95, ISBN 978-0-8265-2077-7 Publication Date: March 2016

Edited by Akiko Tsuchiya and William G. Acree Jr., both professors of Spanish at Washington University in St. Louis, this anthology critically approaches the cultural impact of Spain's loss of empi...
External Validation of the Simplified Preoperative Assessment for Low-Grade Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix.

MD Anderson Cancer Center developed a computed tomography (CT)-based preoperative assessment tool simplified preoperative assessment for appendix tumor (SPAAT) for predicting incomplete cytoreduction (IC) in low-grade mucinous adenocarcinoma (LGMA) of the appendix, based on preoperative CT scans. This study independently evaluates the tool’s performance. Seventy-six preoperative CT scans of LGMA patients were evaluated by two surgeons unfamiliar with the patients’ medical history. Scores were assigned based on SPAAT criteria, with a SPAAT ≥3 predictive of IC. Binary regression analyses and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analyses were performed. Patients with splenic resection were excluded due to the structure of the SPAAT assessment tool. Seventy-six LGMA patients underwent attempted cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). Of 68 patients, 58 had complete cytoreduction and 10 had IC; 8 patients were ineligible due to prior splenectomy. The mean SPAAT score was 0.8, with six patients having SPAAT scores ≥3. SPAAT scores ≥3 were predictive of IC, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 19 (95% confidence interval 2.8–124.1) (p = 0.002). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value were 40, 97, 50, and 90%, respectively. A SPAAT score ≥3 was not associated with worse survival prognosis. Median follow-up was 2.4 years and AUROC curve was 71%. SPAAT components with respective HR and p-values were foreshortening of the bowel mesentery (29.5; p = 0.004), and scalloping of the pancreas (9; p = 0.008), spleen (4.3; p = 0.04), portal vein (3.1; p = 0.4), and liver (2.1; p = 0.3). A SPAAT score ≥3 predicted IC based on a binary regression model. The clinical value of this score is controversial due to low sensitivity and PPV.
Regulation of mitochondria-dynactin interaction and mitochondrial retrograde transport in axons

Mitochondrial transport in axons is critical for neural circuit health and function. While several proteins have been found that modulate bidirectional mitochondrial motility, factors that regulate unidirectional mitochondrial transport have been harder to identify. In a genetic screen, we found a zebrafish strain in which mitochondria fail to attach to the dynein retrograde motor. This strain carries a loss-of-function mutation in actr10, a member of the dynein-associated complex dynactin. The abnormal axon morphology and mitochondrial retrograde transport defects observed in actr10 mutants are distinct from dynein and dynactin mutant axonal phenotypes. In addition, Actr10 lacking the dynactin binding domain maintains its ability to bind mitochondria, arguing for a role for Actr10 in dynactin-mitochondria interaction. Finally, genetic interaction studies implicated Drp1 as a partner in Actr10-dependent mitochondrial retrograde transport. Together, this work identifies Actr10 as a factor necessary for dynactin-mitochondria interaction, enhancing our understanding of how mitochondria properly localize in axons.
Shift Work: Disrupted Circadian Rhythms and Sleep-Implications for Health and Well-Being

Our 24/7 society is dependent on shift work, despite mounting evidence for negative health outcomes from sleep displacement due to shift work. This paper reviews short- and long-term health consequences of sleep displacement and circadian misalignment due to shift work. We focus on four broad health domains: metabolic health, risk of cancer, cardiovascular health, and mental health. Circadian misalignment affects these domains by inducing sleep deficiency, sympathovagal and hormonal imbalance, inflammation, impaired glucose metabolism, and dysregulated cell cycles. This leads to a range of medical conditions, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, gastrointestinal dysfunction, compromised immune function, cardiovascular disease, excessive sleepiness, mood and social disorders, and increased cancer risk. Interactions of biological disturbances with behavioral and societal factors shape the effects of shift work on health and well-being. Research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and drive the development of countermeasures.
Using Model-Based Learning to Promote Computational Thinking Education

Digital technology in the twenty-first century is characterized by omnipresent smart devices and ubiquitous computing that enable computation to occur almost anytime and anywhere. This contributes to increased complexity, rapidly changing technologies, and big data challenges to professionals in most every disciplinary field. In this environment, computational thinking (CT) becomes a fundamental skill to empower our next generation of the American workforce. Consequently, CT education across all disciplines and grade levels is being advocated by academic institutions, governmental agencies, and private industrial corporations. However, existing academic programs in K-12 schools and small teaching universities are inadequately structured to prepare students with the needed computational thinking skills and knowledge. In addition, there is a scarcity in research on learning CT to guide development of CT curriculum and instructional practices across all grade levels. To mitigate this problem, we propose several model-based learning programs that the authors have been exploring since 2012 to promote active learning of CT for students of different age groups. Most of the programs were designed to exploit out-of-school time education and hands-on team research projects to advance CT education from K6 to K16 students. Under the CT context, the proposed and existing programs emphasize cultivating student problem solving ability through problem-based learning (PBL) in which students learn computational thinking by completing team projects. We also illustrate how small universities and K-12 schools can cost-effectively offer CT education by forming coalitions, leveraging emerging cyberlearning technology, and sharing educational resources.
Materials sustainability for environment: Red-mud treatment

Bayer’s process revolutionized the extraction of aluminum from the bauxite ores. However, the hydrothermal extraction of alumina is associated with the generation of a byproduct, red-mud consisting of undissolved solids composed of iron oxides, sodium alumino silicates, titania, silica and rare earth elements. The accumulation of red-mud (or bauxite residue) in the world is 30 billion metric tons produced at a rate of 125 million tons per annum (2013). Utilization of red-mud for constructional purposes, wastewater treatment, metallurgical products, and pigments are listed. Metallurgical processing efforts of red-mud to generate various value added products such as pig iron, direct reduced iron slag wool, magnetite, titania, iron carbides are presented in the article.
Longitudinal parental preferences for late effects communication during cancer treatment

Few studies have investigated parent preferences for late effects communication during pediatric cancer treatment. We used questionnaire data to assess whether parental preferences for late effects information change over the year after diagnosis. Most parents found this information to be very/extremely important at baseline, assessed soon after diagnosis, (94%, 153/162), 4 months (91%, 147/162), and 12 months (96%, 156/163). Similarly, most parents wanted as much detail as possible about late effects at baseline (85%, 141/165), 4 months (87%, 144/165), and 12 months (83%, 137/165). Parents of children with favorable prognoses preferred more details at baseline (OR 2.94, 1.18-7.31, P = 0.02) than parents whose children had less favorable prognoses.
Tech Matters: Effectively Integrating Google Analytics with LibGuides at Germanna Community College

SpringShare LibGuides, and CMS are popular applications within the library community, but the reporting functionality of these tools is minimal. Google Analytics (GA) can enhance usage reporting if...
Detection of Feigned ADHD across Two Domains: The MMPI-2-RF and CAARS for Faked Symptoms and TOVA for Simulated Attention Deficits

Psychological assessments of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) must consider possible feigning of ADHD symptoms and simulated deficits on attentional measures. Studies have consistently found that motivated examinees can easily feign ADHD with little research focused on its detection. Via a between-subjects simulation design, the current study investigated the MMPI-2-RF and the Conners Infrequency Index (CII) in a university sample by comparing four groups: feigned ADHD, feigned mental disorders, genuine ADHD, and non-ADHD controls. Encouragingly, the CII evidenced moderate discriminability between feigned ADHD and (a) genuine ADHD (d = 0.97) as well as (b) feigned mental disorders (d = 0.96). Because the MMPI-2-RF F-family scores did not differentiate ADHD feigners from other feigners or genuine ADHD, a Dissimulation (Ds) ADHD (Ds-ADHD) scale was developed by utilizing erroneous stereotypes as the detection strategy. While requiring cross-validation, the initial data demonstrated good discriminant validity in distinguishing feigned ADHD from both genuine ADHD and general feigning. As noted in the Discussion, ADHD assessments must systematically take into account examinees’ level of effort and actively evaluate the possibility of feigned ADHD.
Estuarine Fish Communities along a Spatial Urbanization Gradient

ABSTRACT Valenti, J.L.; Grothues, T.M., and Able, K.W., 2017. Estuarine fish communities along a spatial urbanization gradient. In: Buchanan, G.A.; Belton, T.J., and Paudel, B. (eds.), A Comprehensive Assessment of Barnegat Bay–Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey. The human population surrounding Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, has increased dramatically in recent decades. Consequently, urbanization (anthropogenic development) of the watershed has occurred, resulting in shoreline hardening and habitat destruction. A resulting gradient of urbanization increases from the southern to the northern portion of the bay's watershed. The objective of this study was to investigate cumulative impacts of urbanization in Barnegat Bay by assessing species composition, abundance, and diversity of fish communities in relation to the large-scale urbanization gradient in the watershed. Otter trawl surveys occurred in April, June, August, and October for 3 years (2012–2014) at 40 sampling sites stratified along the urbanization gradien...
Licensing or not Licensing? A Pilot Study on Examining the Apparel Extension of Auto Brands Ford and Jeep in China Market

This study intends to shed some light on understanding how consumers evaluate and accept global brands’ apparel extension in the world largest consumer market to provide practical directions for apparel manufactures to make licensing decisions. Specifically, this study applied the brand concept mapping (BCM) approach to evaluate an auto brand’s fashion clothing extension. Snowball sampling was used to collect data in major cities in China. Sixty participants were recruited and divided into four groups to collect responses toward two auto brands and the two auto brands’ apparel extensions, respectively. Consensus maps were generated based on individual maps. The comparison of BCMs showed that strong brand associations from the parent brand transferred well to the apparel extension, even when the “fit” between the parent brand and its apparel extension was poor. In the category of apparel, country of origin can be leveraged for manufacture licensees to compete for a market share. However, brand personality plays a more important role in consumers’ acceptance of such a long-distance brand stretching. In addition, the level of individual consumer’s brand engagement can be a good indicator for identifying target customer segment.
Severe ingrown toenail with hypertrophic skin bridging: A case report and review of the literature:

We present a case report of an 18-year-old male who was diagnosed with a chronic non-congenital ingrown toenail to his right hallux with skin bridging spanning the mid-portion of the nail plate. Th...
Collaborative Virtual Queue: Benefit Analysis of a Collaborative Decision Making Concept Applied to Congested Airport Departure Operations

In this paper, the authors examine the potential benefits of using a collaborative decision making (CDM) concept in reducing congestion at airports. They present the Collaborative Virtual Queue (CVQ) which uses virtual queuing to keep aircraft away from runway queues and enable last-minute flight swapping. The possibilities for improving taxi-out time robustness in addition to potential impacts of last-minute intra-airline pushback reordering actions are evaluated.
Numerical Methods for the Analysis of Dynamics and Synchronization of Stochastic Nonlinear Systems

The most important numerical tools needed in the analysis of chaotic systems performing chaos synchronization and chaotic communications are discussed in this chapter. Basic concepts, theoretical framework, and computer algorithms are reviewed. The subjects covered include the concepts and numerical simulations of stochastic nonlinear systems, the complexity of a chaotic attractor measured by Lyapunov exponents and correlation dimension, the robustness of synchronization measured by the transverse Lyapunov exponents in parameter-matched systems and parameter-mismatched systems, the quality of synchronization measured by the correlation coefficient and the synchronization error, and the treatment of channel noise for quantifying the performance of a chaotic communication system. For a dynamical system described by stochastic differential equations, the integral of a stochastic term is very different from that of a deterministic term. The difference and connection between two different stochastic integrals in the Ito and Stratonovich senses, respectively, are discussed. Numerical algorithms for the simulation of stochastic differential equations are developed. Two quantitative measures, namely, the Lyapunov exponents and the correlation dimension, for a chaotic attractor are discussed. Numerical methods for calculating these parameters are outlined. The robustness of synchronization is measured by the transverse Lyapunov exponents. Because perfect parameter matching between a transmitter and a receiver is generally not possible in a real system, a new concept of measuring the robustness of synchronization by comparing the unperturbed and perturbed receiver attractors is introduced for a system with parameter mismatch. For the examination of the quality of synchronization, the correlation coefficient and the synchronization error obtained by comparing the transmitter and the receiver outputs are used. The performance of a communication system is commonly measured by the bit-error rate as a function of signal-to-noise ratio. In addition to the noise in the transmitter and the receiver, the noise of the communication channel has to be considered in evaluating the bit-error rate and signal-to-noise ratio of the system. An approach to integrating the linear and nonlinear effects of the channel noise into the system consistently is addressed. Optically injected single-mode semiconductor lasers are used as examples to demonstrate the use of these numerical tools.
Feed management and the use of automatic feeders in the pond production of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of using automatic feeding and acoustic feedback systems on the pond culture of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. This trial was performed using 16, 0.1 ha ponds stocked at 38 shrimp/m2 and grown for 13 weeks. The treatments used were a standard feeding protocol (SFP) fed twice daily, a Timer treatment fed a 15% increase to the SFP offering feed 6 times per day (Timer 15), a timer treatment fed a 30% increase to the SFP offering feed 6 times per day (Timer 30), and the AQ1 acoustic feedback system that fed based on feeding activity (AQ1). At the conclusion of the pond production trial, final individual weights of the shrimp were significantly different for all treatments 19.74 g, 25.15 g, 27.52 g, and 32.04 g for the SFP, Timer 15, Timer 30, and AQ1 treatments respectively. The shrimp yield for the AQ1 treatment (7430 kg/ha) was also significantly higher than the SFP (4843 kg/ha) or Timer 15 (5629 kg/ha) treatments. The AQ1 treatment also produced a significantly higher value of shrimp ($65,587/ha) than the SFP ($32,982/ha) or the Timer 15 ($44,279/ha). No significant differences were seen in FCR (1.07–1.24) or survival (58.5–63.9%). The results of this and previous work, demonstrated that increasing the number of daily feedings from 2 to 6 can allow for a higher daily feeding rate, which translated into higher growth and production. Improvements of feed inputs using feedback technologies improved the production as the number of feedings and quantity of feed was increased, resulting in further improvements in production. The results of this study indicate that increasing the number of daily feedings in the pond production of shrimp has the potential to significantly increase growth and can reduce the labor requirements for feeding.
Monetarist, Keynesian, and New Classical Theories of Output, Unemployment, and Inflation in Germany: 1960–1985

One of the recurring themes in the macroeconomic literature is the controversy about the short-term determinants of output, unemployment, and inflation. Much of the debate has focused on the specification and estimation of a single theory, judging the “success” or “failure” of each theory on the basis of the goodness of fit for the estimated reduced-form equation. The dispute among Monetarist, Keynesian, and New Classical economists, however, cannot be considered settled until their respective hypotheses are tested against each other directly by using the same data set and nested regression equations.
Detecting riparian habitat preferences in "savanna" chimpanzees and associated Fauna with strontium isotope ratios: Implications for reconstructing habitat use by the chimpanzee-human last common ancestor.

Objectives Riparian or gallery forests are critical habitats for numerous plants and animals today. Paleoanthropologically, reliance on such habitats informs behavioral and ecological reconstructions; for example, gallery forest habitats likely played a critical role in the transition from ape to hominin in the early Pliocene and may represent a preferred habitat for the last common ancestor of chimpanzees and humans. Direct indicators for gallery forest habitats preference are lacking. The objective of this article is to assess whether strontium isotope ratios are a reliable indicator of habitat preference for fauna living in and around gallery forests. Materials and methods We report bioavailable strontium isotope ratios from the Mugiri River, its tributaries, and its gallery forest (Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, southwestern Uganda), and compare them to surrounding savanna-grassland values. We compare these environmental values to strontium isotopes ratios in faunal tooth enamel to determine if habitat preferences are accurately reflected. Results Gallery forest and savanna-grassland vegetations have significantly different strontium isotope ratio profiles. We trace these isotopic differences to the influence of the Mugiri tributaries, which originate on Paleoproterozoic gneiss deposits on top of the surrounding escarpments. These isotopic differences in vegetation are mirrored in the tissues of fauna with habitat preferences for either the gallery forest or the surrounding grasslands. Discussion This research demonstrates the potential of strontium isotope ratios to identify habitat preferences in modern or fossil fauna under proper geologic variability. It provides a methodological model for future studies seeking to reconstruct habitat preferences in early hominins.
Baccalaureate nursing students' experiences with multi-patient, standardized patient simulations using telehealth to collaborate

Abstract Background Nurse faculty must utilize teaching strategies that promote student achievement of essential competencies, and simulation can provide experiential learning to help prepare students for professional practice. Purpose The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore baccalaureate nursing students' experiences with multi-patient, standardized patient simulations that used telehealth to provide opportunities to learn and practice intra- and interprofessional collaboration. Student perceptions of their ability to utilize lessons from the simulations in clinical practice were also examined. Methods Focus group interviews were conducted with 27 final-semester baccalaureate nursing students after they had participated in two telehealth-enhanced simulations. Results Analysis revealed five themes: Anxiety due to lack of experience, Improved clinical reasoning, Real world practice, How to communicate effectively, and Application to clinical practice. Conclusion The use of telehealth helped overcome barriers to implementing collaborative simulations and provided students with experiential learning that addressed essential competencies for safe and effective professional nursing practice.
On track to a standard model

I applaud the ambition and optimism with which the authors lay out their case for a “single, coherent explanation of consciousness” that can unite GW, HOT and illusionism into a “standard model” ba...
Detection of Minute Doses of Ionizing Radiation

(1966). Detection of Minute Doses of Ionizing Radiation. Acta Radiologica: Diagnosis: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 101-104.
A Tool for Performing Link Analysis, Operational Sequence Analysis, and Workload Analysis to Support Nuclear Power Plant Control Room Modernization

Nuclear power continues to have an imperative role for the U.S.’s electricity generation. However, for these nuclear power plants (NPPs) to remain economically viable, new strategies for reducing operations and maintenance costs must be explored. The U.S. Department of Energy Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program is researching how to digitally transform existing analog and hybrid main control rooms into a fully integrated control room that addresses this challenge. The transformation will fundamentally change the conduct of operations for these U.S. NPPs. Human factors engineering has a vital role in this effort, where traditional task analysis methods are important in informing the design of advanced human-system interface displays. This work describes a preliminary tool to support task analysis for the development of these advanced displays. Details on the use of this tool, including the specific task analysis methods offered, are presented in this paper.
Contributions of US medical schools to primary care (2003-2014): Determining and predicting who really goes into primary care

Background and objectives Schools of medicine in the United States may overstate the placement of their graduates in primary care. The purpose of this project was to determine the magnitude by which primary care output is overestimated by commonly used metrics and identify a more accurate method for predicting actual primary care output. Methods We used a retrospective cohort study with a convenience sample of graduates from US medical schools granting the MD degree. We determined the actual practicing specialty of those graduates considered primary care based on the Residency Match Method by using a variety of online sources. Analyses compared the percentage of graduates actually practicing primary care between the Residency Match Method and the Intent to Practice Primary Care Method. Results The final study population included 17,509 graduates from 20 campuses across 14 university systems widely distributed across the United States and widely varying in published ranking for producing primary care graduates. The commonly used Residency Match Method predicted a 41.2% primary care output rate. The actual primary care output rate was 22.3%. The proposed new method, the Intent to Practice Primary Care Method, predicted a 17.1% primary care output rate, which was closer to the actual primary care rate. Conclusions A valid, reliable method of predicting primary care output is essential for workforce training and planning. Medical schools, administrators, policy makers, and popular press should adopt this new, more reliable primary care reporting method.
Interventional Modalities to Treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating pain condition that often requires a multidisciplinary approach including medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological therapy, and interventional procedures to restore the patient’s quality of life. This article reviews the interventional treatments for pain resulting from CRPS. Sympathetic nerve blocks (stellate ganglion and lumbar sympathetic) are the first-line interventional treatment options for patients with CRPS of the upper and lower extremities, respectively. Fluoroscopic techniques for lumbar sympathetic blocks have not significantly changed throughout the years. However, both novel fluoroscopic and ultrasound approaches to stellate ganglion blockade have arisen. In addition, novel neuromodulation therapies to treat CRPS have been developed to include new waveforms with dorsal column stimulation and entirely new nerve targets such as dorsal root ganglion stimulation. This paper will review the latest interventional treatment options available for the treatment of CRPS.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) Induced by Reduced Uterine Perfusion in The Mouse Programs Impaired Glucose Homeostasis in Female Offspring

Low birth weight is associated with increased risk of hypertension, obesity and metabolic diseases in later life but the mechanism is unclear. We previously showed IUGR in mouse programs hypertensi...
Breast tissue characterization based on ultrasound RF echo modeling and tumor morphology

We propose fractional differencing autoregressive moving average (FARMA) process for modeling RF ultrasound echo. Along with the FARMA model parameters, we use several morphological features extracted from suspected tumors and patient age as potential indicators of malignant or benign masses. Here, we present computerized methods to extract these features and proposed statistical classifiers for breast tissue characterization. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed tissue characterization method on several in vivo ultrasound breast images including benign and malignant tumors. The area of the receiver operator characteristics (ROC) based on 120 in vivo images obtained from 90 patients yields a value of 0.8941, which indicates that proposed tissue characterization method is comparable or better in performance than other methods reported in the literature.
Power efficient instrumentation with 100 fA-sensitivity and 164 dB-dynamic range for wearable chronoamperometric gas sensor arrays

Chronoamperometric gas sensor arrays show great promise for ultra-low power consumption and low cost for wearable gas sensing devices for human safety and health monitoring. This paper presents a novel power efficient instrumentation circuit with high sensitivity and large dynamic range for wearable chronoamperometric gas sensor arrays. This instrumentation combines an input digital modulation technique and a semi-synchronous incremental ΣΔ ADC structure to achieve very high power efficiency over a large dynamic range with high sensitivity. The proposed instrumentation was implemented in 0.5 μm CMOS technology. Measurement results demonstrate that 164dB cross-scale dynamic range and 100 fA sensitivity are achieved with a high power efficiency.
Discontinuities in Intraurban Systems

Historically there has been considerable unity of method in modelling the regional distribution of population and economic activities and the intraurban distribution of these. The most obvious example is that the standard neoclassical, Mills-Muth model (Alonso, 1964; Mills, 1967; Muth, 1969) of intraurban land use and rent is essentially similar to the von Thunen (1826) model of land use and rent over a broader regional space.
Health and Safety Aspects of Human MR Studies

The sections in this article are 1 Historical Development 2 Static Magnetic Fields 3 Time-Varying Magnetic Fields 4 The Radiofrequency Heating Theory 5 Contrast Agents 6 Implants 7 Conclusions and Guidelines 8 Biographical Sketch Related Articles