cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer vision and graphics in fluorescence microscopy

The focus of this paper is on the visualization of intracellular structures in 3-D, dual labelled, fluorescent images, and the quantification of the spatial relationships among these structures. Specifically, a local, fast deformable model has been developed which finds the membrane of a cell. Two visualization algorithms have also been developed. One is a surface-based algorithm which converts voxel data into planar surfaces and hence permits the visualization of the cell membrane (as found by the deformable model) in conjunction with the original data. The second is a 3-D voxel-based algorithm which permits the simultaneous visualization of two data sets and is optimized to emphasize the extent to which the data in two 3-D images (one from each fluorescent label) co-localize. In addition, a quantitative analysis of overlap between two data volumes has also been performed. The application of the developed tools to several biologically motivated problems is discussed.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Deciding to Buy Expensive Technology: The Case of Biliary Lithotripsy

Acquiring expensive, new medical technology requires an evaluation of the efficacy and effectiveness, safety, profitability, feasibility, and risk of a project in the context of the hospital's social responsibility and institutional strategy. A case study of the decision to bring biliary lithotripsy to Strong Memorial Hospital illustrates how these criteria offer managers a coherent approach to difficult and consequential decisions about acquiring medical technology.
A fast algorithm for the disjunctive decomposition of m-valued functions. II. Time complexity analysis

For part I see ibid., p.118-25. The time complexity of the fast algorithm for the disjunctive decomposition of m-valued functions, proposed in part I is studied. A probabilistic approach is used to estimate the time complexity for random m-valued functions, where several statistical properties of such functions are obtained and used in the analysis. It is shown that the time complexity for random functions is of the order of (nm)/sup 3/. In the case in which a random function has a single disjunctive decomposition, the time complexity becomes of the order n/sup 3/m/sup n/. The algorithm was simulated on a digital computer. The experimental results are in agreement with the theoretical predictions. >
Analysis of a ring-laser gyroscope with intracavity phase-conjugate coupling

A ring-laser gyroscope with the opposite modes coupled by an intracavity phase-conjugate interaction is examined analytically and numerically. It is shown that the coupling mitigates cross-saturation-induced mode extinction, allowing a homogeneously broadened medium to be used as the gain for a laser gyroscope. It is also shown that the coupling can induce a bias beat frequency that can potentially be used as an all-optical dither. The phase conjugation is shown to affect the lock-in threshold only indirectly. The results are compared with pertinent experiments from the literature.
Asset Building among Low Income Adults: An Exploratory Study with Participants in an Emergency Savings Program

Some of the most severe burdens of the Great Recession were shouldered by low income people who lacked emergency savings. The absence of assets in the form of emergency savings makes low income families particularly vulnerable in times of economic distress. Without savings to cushion unexpected financial emergencies, many families who were financially fragile before the recession fell into, or deeper into, poverty. In this article, we provide an overview of assets theory, review empirical evidence on saving, and discuss institutional arrangements in society that often aggravate poverty but that may offer opportunities to narrow the large and growing asset gap. Some innovative community-based organizations have recently developed programs to help people in low income communities build assets in the form of emergency savings. Unlike the now familiar Individual Development Account (IDA) programs that most often require earned income and offer dedicated savings accounts for long-term developmental purposes, e...
A Brief Review of Intimate Partner Violence in the United States: Nature, Correlates, and Proposed Preventative Measures

Aggression and violence are themes which characterize a significant proportion of many close romantic relationships. Both women and men may find themselves caught in a web of intimate terror – controlled, manipulated, and hurt by a coercive and violent partner. In this brief review article, we summarize existing literature on the form of intimate partner violence known as coercive controlling violence (CCV), domestic abuse, or intimate terrorism. We begin by discussing the nature and consequences of CCV relationships. Personal or individual (e.g., biological sex, age, immigrant status, socioeconomic status, attitudes and beliefs, mental health and psychopathology), relational or interpersonal (e.g., relationship type, relationship satisfaction), and environmental (e.g., economic strain, social isolation) risk factors associated with the occurrence of domestic abuse are identified. Finally, potential preventative measures at the individual, interpersonal, and sociocultural level that may serve to reduce the likelihood of this pernicious interpersonal phenomenon are considered.
Using handgrip strength to screen for diabetes in developing countries

Lack of access to healthcare in the developing world has created a need for locally-based primary and pre-primary healthcare systems. Many regions of the world have adopted Community Health Worker (CHW) programmes, but volunteers in these programmes lack the tools and resources to screen for disease. Because of its simplicity of operation, handgrip strength (HGS) measurements have the potential to be an affordable and effective screening tool for conditions that cause muscle weakness in this context. In the study described in this report, translators were used to collect data on age, gender, height, weight, blood pressure, HGS and key demographic data. HGS was significantly lower for diabetics than patients without diabetes. A simple binary logistic model was created that used HGS, age, blood pressure and BMI to predict a patient's probability of having diabetes. This study develops a predictive model for diabetes using HGS and other basic health measurements and shows that HGS-based screening is a viable method of early detection of diabetes.
Directional Correlation of the Gamma Rays in Gd 154

Directional correlation measurements have been carried out on five cascades involving the gamma rays in ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{154}$. The results of these measurements in conjunction with the work of Juliano and Stephens, and Cork et al, show the existence of two rotational bands and possibly the start of two more such bands. The nature of these bands are explained in terms of the Bohr-Mottelson model for spheroidal nuclei. The levels are characterized by the quantum numbers ($K, I, \ensuremath{\pi}$) and are listed in order of increasing energy. The ground state rotational band consists of the ground state (0, 0, +) and the first and second excited states of (0, 2, +) and (0, 4, +), respectively. The 0.998-Mev and 1.130-Mev levels are assigned to a second rotational band with $K=2$ and spin and parity values 2+, 3+, respectively. The assignment of quantum numbers to the 1.400-Mev level can be made as either (2, 2, \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}) with the mixture of (99.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.25% $D$, 0.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.25% $Q$) for the 1.277-Mev gamma ray, or (3, 3, \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}) with the mixture of (85\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2% $D$, 15\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2% $Q$) for the 1.277-Mev gamma ray. The state at 1.723 Mev is best characterized by the quantum numbers (2, 2, -) with the mixture of (99.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3% $E1$, 0.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3% $M2$) for the 0.725-Mev gamma ray, or (3, 3, -) with the mixture of (78.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6% $E1$, 21.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6% $M2$) for the 0.725-Mev gamma ray.
Interrelationships of Glucose and Inorganic Phosphorus in Blood and Urine of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.

SummaryIn a metabolic study of 15 patients with diabetes mellitus, a reciprocal relationship between fasting blood glucose and plasma or serum inorganic phosphorus was observed in all cases. In general, low levels of blood sugar tended to be associated with high levels of inorganic phosphorus and vice versa. Although a negative correlation was found in all patients, the coefficient of correlation varied markedly from patient to patient. There appeared to be a slight tendency, if any, toward a low positive correlation between the 24-hour excretion of glucose and inorganic phosphorus in the urine. The significance and possible mechanisms of the observed interrelationships are discussed.We are indebted to Dr. s. Lee Crump, University of Rochester Medical Center, for statistical analyses in this paper.
Using a spherical crystallite model with vacancies to relate local atomic structure to irradiation defects in ZrC and ZrN

Abstract Zirconium carbide and zirconium nitride are candidate materials for new fuel applications due to several favorable physicochemical properties. ZrC and ZrN samples were irradiated at the Advanced Test Reactor National Scientific User Facility with neutrons at 800 °C to a dose of 1 dpa. Structural examinations have been made of the ZrC samples using high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and the findings compared with a previous study of ZrC irradiated with protons at 800 °C. The use of X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) to characterize the radiation damage was also explored including a model based on spherical crystallites that can be used to relate EXAFS measurements to microscopy observations. A loss of coordination at more distant coordination shells was observed for both ZrC and ZrN, and a model using small spherical crystallites suggested this technique can be used to study dislocation densities in future studies of irradiated materials.
On constructing collaborative innovation education mechanism of college ideological and political education

Effective education mechanism is the inevitable choice to enhance the pertinence and effectiveness of ideological and political education. It is also an important guarantee for promoting the innovation and development of ideological and political education. By using the theory of collaborative innovation for ideological and political education and giving full play to the synergistic effect and the overall effect of each element of ideological and political education subsystem,we can improve the quality and effect of ideological and political education collaborative education.
Surveillance des lésions solides multiples

Resume La decouverte de lesions solides multiples bilaterales de morphologie benigne est frequente en echographie. La surveillance par imagerie de masses multiples solides monomorphes n’est pas consensuelle : classement ACR2, ou ACR3 avec surveillance annuelle, ou ACR3 avec controle a 6 mois ou 6 mois–1 an. L’analyse de chaque masse doit etre soigneuse. Au cours de la surveillance d’une adenofibromatose, des modifications peuvent apparaitre conduisant a une classification ACR 4 (microcalcifications, heterogeneite en echographie). Les papillomes multiples recidivants peuvent faire discuter une macrobiopsie d’exerese.
Treatment of children in the U.S. with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

USA 10,434 children with End State Renal Disease or chronic renal insufficiency have been followed by NAPRTCS. 5958 renal transplants have been performed. Haemoidalysis preceeded Tx in 28%, PD in 47% and 24% were preemptive transplants. The most common diagnoses were obstructive uropathy, renal dysplasia, FSGN, reflux nephropathy and CGN. 20.4 were 12 yrs of age). 3863 patients with chronic renal insufficiency have been followed. Mean height by standard deviation score is -1.41 with one third -1.88. Growth hormone for one year increased SDS by -0.30.
Current Oscillations in Superconducting Windings

Practical use of superconductivity in high-current magnetic systems, motors, generators, magnetic energy storages, etc. is often complicated by a problem of cryostatic stability of current-carrying elements with respect to their transition into normal state due to nucleation and propagation of normal zone caused by thermal perturbations. Criteria of cryostatic stability as well as a steady — state thermal propagation of normal zone along a superconducting wire carrying a fixed current I were studied by many authors1,2,3. However, the regime of fixed I is an idealization of real electric circuits usually consisting of several superconducting windings having significant inductances. In this case the appearance of normal zone in some part of a superconducting winding is accompanied by a redistribution of currents over its different sections or by a current sharing between the winding and normal shunt. This can result in complicated dynamic regimes, in particular, self-sustained oscillations of normal zone which have been observed in different superconducting systems2, 3. Therefore a superconducting system connected to a d.c. power supply can be an active element of electric circuit generating current oscillations of large amplitude. In this paper a numerical study of such oscillations have been carried out within the framework of an approach proposed in 3.
Record-Low Spatial Mode Dispersion and Ultra-Low Loss Coupled Multi-Core Fiber for Ultra-Long-Haul Transmission

Newly developed 125-μm-cladding coupled four-core fibers realized the record-low spatial mode dispersion (SMD) of 3.14 ± 0.17 ps/√km over C-band and the ultra-low attenuation of 0.158 dB/km at 1550 nm, both of which are the lowest ever reported among the optical fibers for the space-division multiplexed transmission. The SMD was observed to be proportional to the fiber bend curvature, i.e., inversely proportional to the bend radius, and the SMD of 3.14 ± 0.17 ps/√km was measured at the bending radius of ∼31 cm. By assuming the 3.14-ps/√km SMD accumulation, the tap count of the multiple-input multiple-output digital signal processing for the crosstalk compensation is estimated to be only 63 taps for covering 99.99% power of the impulse response after 10 000-km propagation when the 25-GBaud (50-GHz sampling) is assumed. The present results demonstrate the strong applicability of the coupled multicore fiber to the ultralong-haul submarine transmission system.
Mapping the Coastal Frontier: Shipwrecks and the Cultural Landscape of the Early Republic Littoral

This chapter explores the myriad efforts of public and private individuals and organizations to map the early American coastal frontier. At the dawn of the nineteenth century, the American littoral was an isolated, parochial, preindustrial space strewn with shipwrecks on the margins of a fledgling nation. In the decades after Independence, shipwrecks became one of the few reasons why outsiders trekked into this veritable frontier. Federal agents came to secure the duties that financed government operations, humanitarian organizations to succor the shipwrecked, and entrepreneurs to acquire and commodify the local knowledge that was essential for safe navigation. At the same time, newspaper editors, artists, authors, and other cultural producers brought tales of coastal shipwrecks into the homes and workplaces of Americans, introducing them to the wild coast and disaster through sensational narratives. Coastal shipwrecks, as this chapter demonstrates, are not only events, material remains, processes, or narratives that illuminate a maritime cultural landscape, but ones that defined and fundamentally shaped the landscape.
The Cognitive, Psychological, and Emotional Presentation of Cushing’s Disease

Abstract In Cushing’s disease, hypercortisolism causes a spectrum of medical comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoporosis, as well as the typical physical stigmata. Hypercortisolism can impact central nervous system function as well. Patients often have mood disorders, and depression is the most common finding. Sleep disorders (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea) are also common, which may affect psychological health. Cushing’s disease is associated with cognitive dysfunction, and patients with Cushing’s disease are often found to have reduced verbal intellectual skills, learning, and memory. Many of these findings may improve with appropriate therapy for the hypercortisolism.
Automatic Ice Surface and Bottom Boundaries Estimation in Radar Imagery Based on Level-Set Approach

Accelerated loss of ice from Greenland and Antarctica has been observed in recent decades. The melting of polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers has considerable influence on sea level rise in a changing climate. Ice thickness is a key factor in making predictions about the future of massive ice reservoirs. The ice thickness can be estimated by calculating the exact location of the ice surface and subglacial topography beneath the ice in radar imagery. Identifying the locations of ice surface and bottom is typically performed manually, which is a very time-consuming procedure. Here, we propose an approach, which automatically detects ice surface and bottom boundaries using distance-regularized level-set evolution. In this approach, the complex topology of ice surface and bottom boundary layers can be detected simultaneously by evolving an initial curve in the radar imagery. Using a distance-regularized term, the regularity of the level-set function is intrinsically maintained, which solves the reinitialization issues arising from conventional level-set approaches. The results are evaluated on a large data set of airborne radar imagery collected during a NASA IceBridge mission over Antarctica and show promising results with respect to manually picked data.
Nonstationarity in threshold response of stormflow in southern Appalachian headwater catchments

Threshold behavior of stormflow response is an emergent pattern observed in several studies demonstrating subsurface storage controls on catchment rainfall-runoff dynamics. These studies demonstrate a distinct transition from negligible stormflow discharge response to rapid, linearly increasing stormflow identified by a single, uniquely defined threshold as a basic catchment attribute that relates to geophysical properties. Utilizing precipitation, streamflow, and soil moisture data spanning 15 years from three catchments at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory (CHL), we analyze how threshold behavior forms and varies at several timescales. We pose three hypotheses: (1) stormflow thresholds form at CHL as a function of antecedent soil moisture and gross precipitation, (2) thresholds vary seasonally and interannually, and (3) threshold variation through time implies greater long-term complexity of runoff controls beyond catchment geophysical properties, including forest canopy ecohydrologic feedbacks. We isolate threshold behavior of stormflow using piecewise regression analysis in short to long-term data sets with respect to antecedent soil moisture index and gross precipitation. We use this to investigate threshold variation over seasonal, interannual, and decadal timescales that encompass hydroclimatic extremes. Seasonal analysis reveals that thresholds are more variable between growing seasons than between dormant seasons. In growing seasons with greater water stress, stormflow thresholds are lower after controlling for soil moisture storage suggesting more complex, long-term rainfall-runoff relationships as a result of forest canopy response to water stress. We present a conceptual model of how vegetation-climate interactions influence long-term rainfall-runoff relationships creating interannual variability of stormflow thresholds and linear stormflow response.
Universal Linear System Model For Kinematics And Forces Affected By Nonlinear Irregular Waves

A new and unique universal linear system model is proposed for predicting particle kinematics and forces on a structure affected by measured nonlinear irregular waves. The predicted and measured data are in excellent agreement. Application of the model seems to be diverse, and it is envisioned that the technique may be employed for excellent simulation of nonlinear responses including ringing of a coupled TLP in steep nonlinear irregular waves. The technique for generation of realistic steep nonlinear irregular waves in a wave tank is a pressing need.
Generations and Collective Memory

When discussing large social trends or experiences, we tend to group people into generations. But what does it mean to be part of a generation, and what gives that group meaning and coherence? It's collective memory, say Amy Corning and Howard Schuman, and in Generations and Collective Memory, they draw on an impressive range of research to show how generations share memories of formative experiences, and how understanding the way those memories form and change can help us understand society and history. Their key finding-built on historical research and interviews in the United States and seven other countries (including China, Japan, Germany, Lithuania, Russia, Israel, and Ukraine)-is that our most powerful generational memories are of shared experiences in adolescence and early adulthood, like the 1963 Kennedy assassination for those born in the 1950s or the fall of the Berlin Wall for young people in 1989. But there are exceptions to that rule, and they're significant: Corning and Schuman find that epochal events in a country, like revolutions, override the expected effects of age, affecting citizens of all ages with a similar power and lasting intensity. The picture Corning and Schuman paint of collective memory and its formation is fascinating on its face, but it also offers intriguing new ways to think about the rise and fall of historical reputations and attitudes toward political issues.
Inservice Preparation for Mainstream Teachers of English Language Learners: A Review of the Empirical Literature

The empirical literature regarding the nature and outcomes of inservice learning opportunities for mainstream teachers of ELLs reveals that such opportunities give primary emphasis to developing te...
An Investigation of Predictors of Self-efficacy to Cope with Stress and Implications for Health Education Practice

Background: We investigated predictors of self-efficacy to cope with stress in diverse populations with stressful life experiences. We also examined the association between predictors of coping sel...
Multiple Point Statistics: A Review

Geostatistical modeling is one of the most important tools for building an ensemble of probable realizations in earth science. Among them, multiple-point statistics (MPS) has recently gone under a remarkable progress in handling complex and more realistic phenomenon that can produce large amount of the expected uncertainty and variability. Such progresses are mostly due to the recent increase in more advanced computational techniques/power. In this review chapter, the recent important developments in MPS are thoroughly reviewed. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed as well. Finally, this chapter provides a brief review on the current challenges and paths that might be considered as future research.
Imaging Techniques Used in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Tumors

The radiologist plays a crucial role in diagnosing pediatric malignancies. Often, it is the radiologist who first suggests the possibility of a malignant process based on imaging findings. Therefore, it is imperative for radiologists to be familiar with the typical and unique imaging features of pediatric solid and hematologic malignancies. The work-up of children with cancer almost always begins with plain-film radiography followed by ultrasonography and other cross-sectional imaging. Nuclear medicine studies provide invaluable information regarding tumor function and biology. The radiologist must guide the work-up of children with malignancies and provide a rational approach to the imaging evaluation based on the most likely diagnosis, the clinical scenario, and technical considerations. Because children, relative to adults, are more sensitive to the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, the radiologist must apply the “as low as reasonably achievable,” or ALARA, principle to the imaging work-up. In this chapter I will review the relative risks and benefits of the available imaging modalities for the initial assessment of children with cancer and discuss indications for their use in this patient population.
Challenges and Approaches to Statistical Design and Inference in High Dimensional Investigations

Advances in modern technologies have facilitated high-dimensional experiments (HDEs) that generate tremendous amounts of genomic, proteomic, and other “omic” data. HDEs involving whole-genome sequences and polymorphisms, expression levels of genes, protein abundance measurements, and combinations thereof have become a vanguard for new analytic approaches to the analysis of HDE data. Such situations demand creative approaches to the processes of statistical inference, estimation, prediction, classification, and study design. The novel and challenging biological questions asked from HDE data have resulted in many specialized analytic techniques being developed. This chapter discusses some of the unique statistical challenges facing investigators studying high-dimensional biology, and describes some approaches being developed by statistical scientists. We have included some focus on the increasing interest in questions involving testing multiple propositions simultaneously, appropriate inferential indicators for the types of questions biologists are interested in, and the need for replication of results across independent studies, investigators, and settings. A key consideration inherent throughout is the challenge in providing methods that a statistician judges to be sound and a biologist finds informative.
A tale of two courses: an experience report about student engagement related to the use of an electronic student response system and pre-lecture videos

Student engagement can often be an elusive thing to accomplish, especially in an introductory-level course in which students are enrolled only because they are required to be. This paper reports on apparent student engagement successes in two introductory-level courses in a computer science department, and compares some of these results to course results from other disciplines. Each pair of courses involved different pedagogy and results. The author describes the use of an electronic student response system in one course, and the use of the same student response system combined with pre-lecture videos in a second course. The possible relationship between the use of these pedagogical tools and student engagement is explored.
Ibuprofen Sorption to Coastal Plain Soils

Ibuprofen is commonly detected in onsite wastewater systems. Such onsite systems are abundant in coastal plain areas, globally. Coastal plain soils have unique mineralogy. Rapid subsurface transport may occur in coastal plain soils due to their characteristic permeable soils and seasonally high water tables. Laboratory batch sorption studies were conducted on Norfolk, Goldsboro, and Lynchburg, three archetypical coastal plain soils, with varying physicochemical properties, to evaluate ibuprofen sorption. Sorption distribution coefficients (KD values) across all three soils ranged from 0.63 to 1.26 L kg−1. Sorption of ibuprofen to Norfolk and Goldsboro soils was able to be modeled using a Freundlich isotherm; however, the Lynchburg soil, was not, likely due to soil heterogeneity. In general, sorption of ibuprofen was influenced by soil organic carbon content.
Cost-Effectiveness of Preoperative Smoking Cessation Interventions in Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Smoking is associated with adverse outcomes after total joint arthroplasty (TJA), including periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Although preoperative smoking cessation interventions may help reduce the risk PJI, the short-term cost-effectiveness of these programs remains unclear. Methods Decision analysis was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a preoperative smoking cessation intervention over a 90-day TJA episode of care. Costs and probabilities were derived from literature review and published Medicare data. Thresholds for cost and efficacy of the intervention were determined using sensitivity analysis. Results In our model, the average 90-day cost was $32 less for patients enrolled in a mandatory smoking cessation intervention ($23,457) compared with patients who were not ($23,489). In sensitivity analyses, the smoking cessation intervention was cost-saving vs no intervention when the short-term cost of PJI was greater than $95,410, the rate of PJI was reduced by at least 25% for former vs current smokers, the cost of the intervention was less than $219, or the success rate of the intervention was greater than 56%. Conclusion Smoking cessation interventions prior to TJA can increase the value of care and are an important public health initiative. Routine referral to smoking cessation interventions should be considered for smokers indicated for TJA. Level of Evidence Level II, economic and decision analyses.
Structure of an engineered intein reveals thiazoline ring and provides mechanistic insight.

We have engineered an intein which spontaneously and reversibly forms a thiazoline ring at the native N-terminal Lys-Cys splice junction. We identified conditions to stablize the thiazoline ring and provided the first crystallographic evidence, at 1.54 A resolution, for its existence at an intein active site. The finding bolsters evidence for a tetrahedral oxythiazolidine splicing intermediate. In addition, the pivotal mutation maps to a highly conserved B-block threonine, which is now seen to play a causative role not only in ground-state destabilization of the scissile N-terminal peptide bond, but also in steering the tetrahedral intermediate toward thioester formation, giving new insight into the splicing mechanism. We demonstrated the stability of the thiazoline ring at neutral pH as well as sensitivity to hydrolytic ring opening under acidic conditions. A pH cycling strategy to control N-terminal cleavage is proposed, which may be of interest for biotechnological applications requiring a splicing activity switch, such as for protein recovery in bioprocessing.
Should We Use F-Tests for Model Fit Instead of Chi-Square in Overidentified Structural Equation Models?:

Debate continues about whether the likelihood ratio test (T ML) or goodness-of-fit indices are most appropriate for assessing data-model fit in structural equation models. Though potential advantag...
To Be or Not to Be an Autotown: Four Case Studies

This chapter examines the relationship between auto communities and the plants in their midst, as they transition from being decommissioned to serving other uses. Four plants, General Motors’ Assembly Plant in Janesville, Wisconsin; the Willow Run Assembly Plant in Ypsilanti near Detroit, Michigan; Adam Opel’s plants in Bochum, Germany; and Ford’s Genk Body & Assembly in Belgium, were chosen for their historical significance, location near urban corridors, economic impact, architectural and land use strategies, and size (around 4 million square feet). Additionally, all were shut down within the last decade. We briefly describe the context and history in each case, addressing the decision-making process that occurred before the plants were closed, the roles played by different levels of government and other decision-makers, incentives and compromises that were discussed in an attempt to prevent the plants from closing, and the effects of closure on the labor force and the larger community. Studying two plants in Europe and two in USA allows us to highlight some broad parallels and differences.
Regeneration niches in Nothofagus-dominated old-growth forests after partial disturbance: Insights to overcome arrested succession

Abstract Arrested succession may lead to losses of productivity and biodiversity in forests after disturbance. In this condition, recalcitrant understory vegetation often dominates over long periods of time and delays forest recovery and succession. Arrested succession has been defined as a type of forest degradation because ecosystem processes and functions that underlie successional dynamics are dramatically reduced. We used the Hutchinson’ niche concept to understand the relative importance of environmental variables that define niche axes of species leading to arrested succession (recalcitrant understory vegetation) and to identify a shift along niche axes that promote the successional progression of long-lived early- and late-seral tree regeneration after partial disturbance due to restoration treatments. We studied Nothofagus old-growth forests in the Chilean Andes, where after selective harvests (i.e., a partial overstory disturbance) the understory is commonly dominated by dense thickets of native bamboo (Chusquea spp.), which has been shown to arrest succession by preventing tree regeneration. To overcome this, sites are typically partially scarified (24 to 45% of the area) following harvest to control bamboo and to encourage early-seral tree regeneration. The partial overstory and ground disturbance leaves a wide array of conditions (environmental gradient) that allowed us to investigate the factors under which a given plant group may regenerate, grow, and dominate the forest. Ordination and niche modeling were used to investigate the niche breadths for bamboo and regenerating tree species, as well as the environmental niche axes at this early successional stage, i.e., eight years after disturbance. The results showed different trends in the shift of centroid and extent of realized niches among three plant groups. For instance, performance of the early-seral group was related to litter cover (–), exposed mineral soil (+) and soil water content (+), which resulted in a niche expansion. In contrast, soil water content affected bamboo (–) and may be responsible for the reduction in realized niche space. Light had less influence on defining niches for tree regeneration during early successional stages. Linking the niche concept to succession provided a simple display of multifaceted issues and thus a better understanding of underlying processes and mechanisms. It provides an example of how application of this concept can help to determine situations in which such regeneration can (or cannot) be established successfully and promote the progression of succession following disturbance. This knowledge provides important insights for designing management and restoration practices based on strong ecological foundations.
Simulating the impact of sodium reduction from packaged foods on population sodium intake in US adults and children.

OBJECTIVE To simulate the impact that Na reductions in food categories that are the largest contributors to dietary Na intake would have on population Na intake from packaged foods among US adults and children. DESIGN 24 h Dietary recall data were used. For each store-bought packaged food product reported by participants, we generated sales-weighted Na content at the median and 25th percentile using Nutrition Facts Panel data from 193 195 products purchased by US households. The impact that Na reductions would have on population Na intake, overall and by sociodemographic subgroup, was examined. SETTINGS US households. PARTICIPANTS Children aged 2-18 years (n 2948) and adults aged >18 years (n 4878), 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. RESULTS Na intake from packaged foods was 1258 (se 21) mg for adults and 1215 (se 35) mg for children. Top-ten packaged food group sources contributed 67 % of Na intake. For adults and children, there was a decrease of 8·7 % (109 mg) and 8·0 % (97 mg), respectively, in Na intake if the top-ten sources reduced Na from the median to the 25th percentile. Although absolute reduction in intake varied between sociodemographic subgroups, significant differences were not observed. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated that if Na reduction shifted the top-ten packaged food group sources of dietary Na intake from the median to 25th percentile, population Na intake would be reduced by 9 % in US adults and children. These findings will help inform the US government's Na reduction targets, as well as policy makers' understanding of differences in intake of critical sub-populations in the USA.
Characterization of atmospheric nitrous oxide emissions from global agricultural soils

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas with an atmospheric lifetime of ~ 114 years. Agriculture activities are the main sources for N2O emission into the atmosphere by human activities. Global N2O emissions into the atmosphere are projected to increase in the coming years as demand for food, fibre and energy increases owing to increasing global population. Here, a statistical model (N2O_STAT) is developed for characterizing atmospheric N2O emissions from agricultural sources. We obtained N2O emissions and physicochemical variables (i.e. air temperature, soil temperature, soil moisture, soil pH, and N input to the soil) from published journal articles since 2000. A statistical model was developed by expressing a multiple linear regression equation between N2O emission and the physicochemical variables. The model was evaluated for 2012 N2O emissions. Results of the model are compared with other global and regional N2O models (e.g. EDGAR, EPA/USGS, and FAOSTAT). In comparison with other data sets, the model generates a lower global N2O estimate by 9–20% (N2O_STAT: 3.75 Tg N yr−1; EDGAR: 4.49 Tg N yr−1; FAO: 4.07 Tg N yr−1), but is ~ 25% higher when compared to Bouwman et al. (Glob Biogeochem Cycles 16:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1029/2001gb001812 , 2002) (2.80 Tg N yr−1). We also performed a region-based analysis (USA, India, and China) using the N2O_STAT model. For the USA, our model produces an estimate that ranges from − 13 to + 32% in comparison with other published data sets. Meanwhile, the N2O_STAT model estimate for India shows N2O emissions between − 56 and + 14% when compared to other data sets. A much lower estimate is seen for China, where the model estimates N2O emissions 38–177% lower than other data sets. The N2O_STAT model provides an opportunity to predict future N2O emissions in a changing world.
De-biasing the evaluation process of in-person review panels for a postdoctoral fellowship

Good intentions are not enough to advance diversity. This case study of a 2019 postdoctoral fellowship competition in astronomy illustrates how incorporating lessons from social science research into the evaluation process mitigates bias, identifies outstanding scientists, and improves diversity.
Interrelationships between maternal and fetal mineral status

Deficient mineral status of the developing fetus has been associated with potential risk for abortion and stillbirth. However, the relationship between maternal and fetal hepatic mineral concentrations is not simply a linear association and there are increasing concerns over mineral toxicity in the fetus or neonatal calf. The objective of this study is to utilize paired maternal and fetal liver mineral concentrations using a calculated ratio of fetal-to-maternal and maternal-to-fetal hepatic mineral concentrations to identify maternal-fetal relationships in hepatic mineral concentrations.
Free Moment Measures and Laws

In arXiv:1304.0630, it was shown that convex, almost everywhere continuous functions coordinatize a broad class of probability measures on $\mathbb{R}^n$ by the map $U \mapsto (\nabla U)_{\#} e^{-U} dx$. We consider whether there is a similar coordinatization of non-commutative probability spaces, with the Gibbs measure $e^{-U} dx$ replaced by the corresponding free Gibbs law. We call laws parametrized in this way free moment laws. We first consider the case of a single (and thus commutative) random variable and then the regime of $n$ non-commutative random variables which are perturbations of freely independent semi-circular variables. We prove that free moment laws exist with little restriction for the one dimensional case, and for small even perturbations of free semi-circle laws in the general case.
Reliable control using two controllers

The reliable stabilization of linear, time-invariant, multi-input multi-output control systems using a two-controller configuration is considered. For any given plant, a method of designing two controllers which maintain closed-loop stability both when working together and when acting independently is developed. For stable plants, the authors develop a method for the decomposition of a given stabilizing controller into the sum of two controllers which provide reliable stabilization. >
A Web-Based Data Architecture for Problem-Solving Environments: Application of Distributed Authoring and Versioning to the Extensible Computational Chemistry Environment

Next-generation problem-solving environments (PSEs) promise significant advances over those now available. They will span scientific disciplines and incorporate collaboration capabilities. They will host feature-detection and other agents, allow data mining and pedigree tracking, and provide access from a wide range of devices. Fundamental changes in PSE architecture are required to realize these and other PSE goals. This paper focuses specifically on issues related to data management and recommends an approach based on open, metadata-driven repositories with loosely defined, dynamic schemas. Benefits of this approach are discussed, and the redesign of the Extensible Computational Chemistry Environment's (Ecce) data storage architecture to use such a repository is described, based on the distributed authoring and versioning (DAV) standard. The suitability of DAV for scientific data, the mapping of the Ecce schema to DAV, and promising initial results are presented.
The effect of context on the intelligibility of hearing and deaf children's speech.

This study examines the effect of redundancy of information on the intelligibility of hearing and deaf children's speech. Listeners, including those experienced and inexperienced with respect to th...
Dual-link failure resiliency through backup link mutual exclusion

One of the strategies to recover from dual-link failures is to employ link protection for the two failed links independently which requires that two links may not use each other in their backup paths if they may fail simultaneously. Such a requirement is referred to as backup link mutual exclusion (BLME) constraint and the problem of identifying a backup path for every link that satisfies the above requirement is referred to as the BLME problem. This paper explores the BLME problem in depth by: (1) formulating the backup path selection as an integer linear program; and (2) developing a pseudo-polynomial time approximation algorithm based on minimum cost path routing. The ILP formulation and heuristic are applied to six networks and their performance is compared to approaches that assume precise knowledge of dual-link failure. The heuristic approach is shown to obtain feasible solutions that are resilient to most dual-link failures, although the backup path lengths may be significantly higher than optimal. In addition, the paper demonstrates the significance of the knowledge of failure location by illustrating that network with higher connectivity may require lesser capacity than one with a lower connectivity to recover from arbitrary dual-link failures.
Wound healing complications in brain tumor patients on Bevacizumab

Bevacizumab (BEV) is commonly used for treating recurrent glioblastoma (GBM), and wound healing is a well-established adverse event. Retrospective analysis of GBM patients with and without wound healing complications while on BEV treatment is reported. 287 patients identified, majority were males (60 %) with median age of 52.5 years. 14 cases identified with wound healing problems, related to either craniotomy (n = 8) or other soft tissue wounds (n = 6). Median duration of BEV treatment to complication was 62 days (range 6-559). Majority received 10 mg/kg (n = 11) and nine (64.3 %) were on corticosteroids, with median daily dose of 6 mg (range 1-16 mg) for median of 473 days before starting BEV. For dehisced craniotomy wounds, median time for starting BEV from last surgery was 29 days (range 27-345). Median time from starting BEV to developing wound complication was 47 days (range 16-173). Seven (87.5 %) had infected wounds requiring antibiotics, hospitalization. Four (50 %) required plastic surgery. BEV stopped and safely resumed in 6 (75 %) patients; median delay was 70 days (range 34-346). Soft tissue wounds included decubitus ulcer, dehisced striae, herpes simplex, trauma to hand and back, and abscess. Median time from starting BEV to wound issues was 72 days (range 6-559). Five (83.3 %) were infected, requiring antibiotics. While three (50 %) required hospitalization, none required plastic surgery. Treatment stopped in five (83.3 %) and restarted in two (median delay 48 days, range 26-69). Wound healing complications are uncommon but associated with significant morbidity. Identifying those at risk and contributing factors warrants further investigation.
Discretization, Digitization, and Embedding

This chapter deals with the relationships among objects in discrete, digital, and continuous spaces. If Chap. 7 can be viewed as covering the theoretical aspect of discrete spaces and its objects, then this chapter can be viewed as covering the practical methods to make actual moves from one space to another. Likewise, Chap. 9 then connects classical mathematics to discrete and digital topology. Two of the most important operations are discretization (obtaining a discrete object from continuous space) and embedding (putting a discrete or digital object into a continuous space). To obtain a discrete object, we need to retain its geometric and tropologic identity, such as distance measurements and genus (holes). In general, a discrete object differs from a continuous object in that it has two basic measures: graph distance and Euclidean distance. The graph distance measures the number of edges between two notes as discrete sampling points. Euclidean distance can be viewed as the weight on the edges. Embedding is putting a discrete object back into a continuous space. For instance, putting a weighted graph into 3D Euclidean space, we must not allow two edges to cross each other. In practice, discretization and embedding are not separated. They are two parts of a unified process called mesh generation in computer graphics. Other embedding methods, such as the piecewise linear reconstruction method and more sophisticated polynomial fitting and B-spline methods are discussed in Chap. 11.
Implementing the Hospital Emergency Incident Command System: an integrated delivery system's experience.

Introduction Hospital disaster manuals and response plans often lack formal command structure; instead, they rely on the presence of key individuals who are familiar with hospital operations, or who are in leadership positions during routine, day-to-day operations. Although this structure occasionally may prove to be successful, it is unreliable, as this leadership may be unavailable at the time of the crisis, and may not be sustainable during a prolonged event. The Hospital Emergency Incident Command System (HEICS) provides a command structure that does not rely on specific individuals, is flexible and expandable, and is ubiquitous in the fire service, emergency medical services, military, and police agencies, thus allowing for ease of communication during event management. Methods A descriptive report of the implementation of the HEICS throughout a large healthcare network is reviewed. Results and conclusions Implementation of the HEICS provides a consistent command structure for hospitals that enables consistency and commonality with other hospitals and disaster response entities.