cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Building and launching an online quality improvement information exchange for home visiting programs in Missouri

Continuous quality improvement initiatives (CQII) in home visiting programs have traditionally occurred within a local implementing agency (LIA), parent organization, or funding provision. In Missouri, certain LIAs participate in the Missouri Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program (MIECHV). Their CQII activities and the coordination of CQI efforts across agencies are limited to quarterly meetings to discuss barriers to service delivery and newsletters. Their designed CQI process does not include evaluation of program fidelity or assessment nor supports to assist with identifying and prioritizing areas where improvement is needed. Therefore, much of LIA CQII are often lost to the benefit of external agencies facing similar challenges. We developed a virtual environment, the Missouri MIECHV Gateway, for CQII activities. The Gateway promotes and supports quality improvement for LIAs while aligning stakeholders from seven home visiting LIAs. Development of the Gateway environment aims to complement the existing MIECHV CQI framework by: 1) adding CQI elements that are missing or ineffective, 2) adding elements for CQI identification and program evaluation, and 3) offering LIAs a network to share CQI experiences and collaborate at a distance. This web-based environment allows LIA personnel to identify program activities in need of quality improvement, and guides the planning, implementation, and evaluation of CQII. In addition, the Gateway standardizes quality improvement training, collates overlapping resources, and supports knowledge translation, thus aimed to improve capacity for measurable change in organizational initiatives. This interactive web-based portal provides the infrastructure to virtually connect and engage LIAs in CQI and stimulate sharing of ideas and best practices. This article describes the characteristics, development, build, and launch of this quality improvement practice exchange virtual environment and present results of three usability pilot tests and the site launch. Briefly, prior to deployment to 58 users, usability pilot testing of the site occurred in three stages, to three defined groups. Pilot testing results were overall positive, desirable, and vital to improving the site prior to the full-launch. The majority of reviewers stated they would access and use the learning materials (87%), use the site for completing CQII (80%), and reported that the site will benefit their work teams in addressing agency challenges (66%). The majority of reviewers also approved of the developed fidelity assessment: as, easy to use (79%), having a clear purpose (86%), providing value in self-identification of CQII (75%), and recommendations were appropriate (79%). The System Usability Scale (SUS) score increased (10%) between pilot groups 2 and 3, with a mean SUS score of 71.6, above the U.S. average of 68. The site launched to 60 invited users; the majority (67%) adopted and used the site. Site stability was remarkable (6 total minutes of downtime). The site averaged 29 page views per day.
Brachiopod morphology, life mode, and crushing predation in the Ordovician Arnheim Formation, Kentucky, USA

AbstractPredation on ancient shelled prey is an often-studied topic in paleoecology, but the early Paleozoic and the brachiopods that dominated the seafloor at that time are relatively underreprese...
Local and systemic permanent second molar eruption pathology: diagnostic and therapeutic decision trees

Permanent second molar eruption anomalies, although rare, seem to have become increasingly frequent over the past decades. The present article first inventories and, when necessary, defines the many local and systemic etiologies. Then two decision trees are described, to help clinicians in case of non-eruption of second molars at the normal age; the first seeks to specify diagnosis, and the second to guide treatment planning.
Applying Ecological Concepts to the Management of Widespread Grass Invasions

The management of plant invasions has typically focused on the removal of invading populations or control of existing widespread species to unspecified but lower levels. Invasive plant management typically has not involved active restoration of background vegetation to reduce the likelihood of invader reestablishment. Here, we argue that land managers could benefit from the ecological principles of biotic resistance and ecological resilience in their efforts to control invading plants and restore native species. We discuss two similar but contrasting case studies of grass invasion that demonstrate how these principles can be applied to control and management. In seasonally dry Hawaiian woodlands, management of invasive fire-promoting grasses has focused on seeding native species that are resilient to fire disturbance and can coexist with grasses. Resistance to grass invasions appears to be weak in unburned native habitats. Thus, the focus of management efforts has been to increase resilience of the native vegetation to inevitable disturbance. We contrast this with the Great Basin of the western USA where the annual Mediterranean grass, Bromus tectorum, also has promoted an increase in fire frequency in shrublands and woodlands. Here, a three-tiered approach has been employed in which preventative management in the form of fire or fire surrogates is used in the initial stages of invasion to increase the resilience and resistance of the native herbaceous vegetation. In transitional stages where B. tectorum is well established but not dominant, mechanical or herbicide treatments are used to open up dense and senescing shrub canopies, thereby increasing vigor of native perennial herbaceous species through competitive release. The released competitors (perennial grasses) are then assumed to provide resistance to B. tectorum invasion. Following complete B. tectorum dominance, the focus of management is intensive seeding of native species to create resistant plant communities that reduce the likelihood of reinvasion.
Chemotherapy in Patients with Organ Dysfunction

Clinical studies of chemotherapy, or other antineoplastic therapies, are usually conducted in physiologically otherwise normal patients with cancer. As a result, limited information is typically available about the optimal dosage and schedule of chemotherapy for patients with organ dysfunction and the impact of chemotherapy in such patients. This is a potentially important problem, because most chemotherapies, as with other pharmacologic agents, are metabolized by the liver or kidney. Over the past decade, a concerted effort has been made to focus on chemotherapy in this patient population. The new generation of biologic therapies may not possess this difficulty, as the monoclonal antibodies that, to date, comprise the most successful of these agents are metabolized by the reticuloendothelial system and may not require these modifications. However, these concerns regarding the appropriate administration of antineoplastic agents will persist with the new small molecule inhibitors, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which also may require individual evaluation in patients with organ dysfunction.
Sonic hedgehog regulation of human rhabdosphincter muscle:Potential implications for treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

Aims Rhabdosphincter (RS) muscle injury occurs during prostatectomy, and is a leading cause of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Current SUI treatments engender significant side effects, which negatively impact patient quality of life. Thus an unmet need exists to develop novel RS regeneration methods. We have shown that Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is a critical regulator of penile smooth muscle, and we have developed novel peptide amphiphile nanofiber hydrogel delivery of SHH protein to the penis to regenerate smooth muscle after prostatectomy induced injury. If similar SHH signaling mechanisms regulate RS muscle homeostasis, this innovative technology may be adapted for RS regeneration post-prostatectomy. We examine the SHH pathway in human RS muscle. Methods Human RS obtained during radical cystoprostatectomy (n = 13), underwent SHH pathway analysis. Primary cultures were established (n = 5), and RS cells were treated with SHH protein, SHH inhibitor, or PBS (control). Immunohistochemical analysis for SHH pathway, skeletal muscle actin, and trichrome stain were performed. RS growth was quantified at 3 and 6 days. Results SHH, it is receptors patched and smoothened, and transcriptional activators, GLI proteins, were identified in human RS muscle. At 3 and 6 days, RS cells increased 62% and 78% (P = 0.0001) with SHH treatment and decreased 40% (P = 0.0001) and 18% (P = 0.039) with SHH inhibition. Conclusions The SHH pathway was identified in human RS. RS growth increased with SHH treatment, indicating intervention may be possible to enhance RS regeneration, and impact SUI. Peptide amphiphile delivery of SHH may be applicable for RS regeneration and SUI prevention.
A prospective study of the pathophysiology of carcinoid crisis.

Background Sudden massive release of serotonin, histamine, kallikrein, and bradykinin is postulated to cause an intraoperative carcinoid crisis. The exact roles of each of these possible agents, however, remain unknown. Optimal treatment will require an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of the carcinoid crisis. Methods Carcinoid patients with liver metastases undergoing elective abdominal operations were studied prospectively, using intraoperative, transesophageal echocardiography, pulmonary artery catheterization, and intraoperative blood collection. Serotonin, histamine, kallikrein, and bradykinin levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Of 46 patients studied, 16 had intraoperative hypotensive crises. Preincision serotonin levels were greater in patients who had crises (1,064 vs 453 ng/mL, P = .0064). Preincision hormone profiles were otherwise diverse. Cardiac function on transesophageal echocardiography during the crisis was normal, but intracardiac hypovolemia was observed consistently. Pulmonary artery pressure decreased during crises (P = .025). Linear regression of preincision serotonin levels showed a positive relationship with mid-crisis cardiac index (r = 0.73, P = .017) and a negative relationship with systemic vascular resistance (r=-0.61, P = .015). There were no statistically significant increases of serotonin, histamine, kallikrein, or bradykinin levels during the crises. Conclusion The pathophysiology of carcinoid crisis appears consistent with distributive shock. Hormonal secretion from carcinoid tumors varies widely, but increased preincision serotonin levels correlate with crises and with hemodynamic parameters during the crises. Statistically significant increases of serotonin, histamine, kallikrein, or bradykinin during the crises were not observed.
Leprosy in a Midwestern Dermatology Clinic: Report of 9 Patients.

Abstract Objective To describe the clinical features and epidemiology of leprosy in patients evaluated in a Midwestern dermatology clinic. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective review of clinical and laboratory data from patients with leprosy who were evaluated in the Department of Dermatology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from January 1, 1994, through December 31, 2017. Results Nine patients, 7 male and 2 female, were identified, ranging in age from 15 to 63 years (mean age, 38 years). Six of the 9 patients (67%) were foreign-born: 3 from Oceania (2 from Micronesia and 1 from Guam), 1 from Southeast Asia (Indonesia), and 2 from Mexico. Three patients were born in the United States. All 9 patients presented with skin lesions (granulomatous histopathologic type), and 8 had neuropathy. Leprosy was multibacillary in 8 patients and paucibacillary in 1. Two patients experienced a type 1 treatment reaction, and 5 had type 2 reactions. Three of the 9 patients had speciation by polymerase chain reaction (Mycobacterium leprae in 2 and Mycobacterium lepromatosis in 1). Conclusion Despite its rarity in the United States, leprosy should be considered in the differential diagnosis when evaluating both foreign- and US-born patients with granulomatous dermatitis and peripheral neuropathy. Because M lepromatosis was not identified until 2008 and requires polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis, the incidence of this species among patients with leprosy diagnosed in earlier years is unknown.
Anomalous behavior of Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) optical assembly: root cause investigation reveals crystallization of RTV 566 at low temperatures

During qualification thermal testing of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) lens assemblies, an anomalous focus change was observed during thermal-vacuum testing at its cold operating temperature (-75°C to - 85°C). Optical testing of the lens assemblies performed in the thermal-vacuum chamber indicated the magnitude and direction of the focus change, but did not identify the specific changes in the lens elements that were causing the focus shift. Individual lens motions measured using an interferometer indicated that lens vertices were moving relative to one another in a way that was inconsistent with predictions from detailed structural/thermal/optical (STOP) modeling. Further STOP analysis indicated the focus and vertex motion data were consistent with changes in lens curvature, suggesting that radial forces were deforming the lens. Finite element modeling showed that material property changes in the silicone adhesive material (room temperature vulcanizing, RTV 566) used to bond the lenses to the aluminum bezels could produce the necessary forces. The root cause of the focus shift was suspected to be unanticipated crystallization of the RTV 566 which has not previously been documented. Despite its widespread use, very little information has been published about the mechanical properties of RTV 566, and typical thermomechanical testing of its behavior has always utilized temperature sweeps. For this investigation, extensive testing was performed to characterize material property changes of RTV 566 samples under isothermal conditions at low temperatures (-75 to -85°C), for extended periods and at different levels of applied strain. The data presented here provide conclusive evidence that RTV 566 experiences time-dependent changes in mechanical properties that are consistent with crystallization phenomena.
Parental Empowerment, Involvement, and Satisfaction: A Comparison of Choosers of Charter, Catholic, Christian, and District-Run Public Schools:

Purpose: This study investigates parental empowerment, involvement, and satisfaction in charter, Catholic, Christian, and district-run public schools. The analyses of these indicators across school...
Special Section on AGESW Pre-Dissertation Fellows & Thanking Our Reviewers

This is the final issue of the Journal of Gerontological Social Work for 2019. This year we have published articles on a wide range of topics and from a diverse group of authors. We end this year w...
Characterisation and prognostic impact of immunoparesis in relapsed multiple myeloma.

Characterisation and prognostic impact of immunoparesis in relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) is lacking in the current literature. We evaluated 258 patients with relapsed MM, diagnosed from 2008 to 2015, to investigate the prognostic impact of deep immunoparesis on post-relapse survival. On qualitative immunoparesis assessment, no, partial and full immunoparesis was present in 9%, 30% and 61% of patients, respectively. Quantitative immunoparesis was assessed by computing the average relative difference (ARD) between polyclonal immunoglobulin(s) and corresponding lower normal limit(s), with greater negative values indicating deeper immunoparesis. The median ARD was -39%, with an optimal cut-off of -50% for overall survival (OS) by recursive partitioning analysis. Deep immunoparesis (ARD ≤-50%) was associated with a higher tumour burden at first relapse compared to none/shallow [ARD >-50%] immunoparesis. The OS (P = 0·007) and progression-free survival (PFS; P < 0·001) differed significantly between the deep and none/shallow immunoparesis groups. Kaplan-Meier estimates for 3-year OS were 36% and 46%, and for 2-year PFS were 17% and 27%, respectively. On multivariable analysis (MVA) for PFS, both qualitative and quantitative immunoparesis retained negative prognostic impact independently. However, only quantitative immunoparesis was independently prognostic for OS on MVA. Depth of immunoparesis in relapsed MM is an important prognostic factor for post-relapse survival in the era of novel agents and continuous therapy.
Links between parental socialization of coping on affect: Mediation by emotion regulation and social exclusion

Abstract Introduction Parental socialization of coping strategies is associated with various emotion regulation difficulties and continues to impact individuals during emerging adulthood. As emerging adults’ transition into adulthood, they experience social stressors that put their emotion regulation skills to the test. Methods The current study examined the associations of the parental socialization of coping strategies and emotion regulation difficulties with emerging adult positive and negative affect in response to social exclusion. Emerging adults (N = 402, 206 males and 196 females) from a large Southern university in the United States were recruited for the study. Participants completed survey measures of parental socialization of coping, positive and negative affect, and emotion regulation difficulties before engaging in a social exclusion task called Cyberball. After the task, participants completed a measure of positive and negative affect again. Results Primary parental socialization of coping was associated with emotion regulation difficulties, both of which were associated with affect after the exclusion task, thus supporting the indirect effect of parental coping socialization on affect through a preexisting variable (i.e., emotion regulation) and a causal manipulation (i.e., exclusion task). Conclusions The impact of parental suggestions of coping strategies and emotion regulation difficulties during emerging adulthood indicate that parents continue to be an important point of intervention as individuals’ transition to adulthood.
Imaging spectrum of mesenteric masses

Mesenteries are extensions of the visceral and parietal peritoneum consisting of fat, vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. Mesenteric masses have a wide differential diagnosis with neoplastic, infectious, or inflammatory etiologies and can either be solid or cystic. Imaging features are critical for the diagnosis. We review the epidemiology, imaging spectrum, and differentiating features and treatment of mesenteric masses.
Spontaneous Polyploids and Antimutators Compete During the Evolution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mutator Cells.

Mutations affecting DNA polymerase exonuclease domains or mismatch repair (MMR) generate “mutator” phenotypes capable of driving tumorigenesis. Cancers with both defects exhibit an explosive increase in mutation burden that appears to reach a threshold, consistent with selection acting against further mutation accumulation. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae haploid yeast, simultaneous defects in polymerase proofreading and MMR select for “antimutator” mutants that suppress the mutator phenotype. We report here that spontaneous polyploids also escape this “error-induced extinction” and routinely outcompete antimutators in evolved haploid cultures. We performed similar experiments to explore how diploid yeast adapt to the mutator phenotype. We first evolved cells with homozygous mutations affecting polymerase δ proofreading and MMR, which we anticipated would favor tetraploid emergence. While tetraploids arose with a low frequency, in most cultures, a single antimutator clone rose to prominence carrying biallelic mutations affecting the polymerase mutator alleles. Variation in mutation rate between subclones from the same culture suggests that there exists continued selection pressure for additional antimutator alleles. We then evolved diploid yeast modeling MMR-deficient cancers with the most common heterozygous exonuclease domain mutation (POLE-P286R). Although these cells grew robustly, within 120 generations, all subclones carried truncating or nonsynonymous mutations in the POLE-P286R homologous allele (pol2-P301R) that suppressed the mutator phenotype as much as 100-fold. Independent adaptive events in the same culture were common. Our findings suggest that analogous tumor cell populations may adapt to the threat of extinction by polyclonal mutations that neutralize the POLE mutator allele and preserve intratumoral genetic diversity for future adaptation.
Host Resistance to Retroviruses

Repeated episodes of colonization by retroviruses, including integration into germlines, have led to adaptations by vertebrates that cause their cells to become resistant to retroviral infection. These adaptations can take the form of mutations in host genes that are required for retrovirus replication, such as those encoding receptors. Additionally, hosts have evolved new genes and functions whose major purpose appears to be to actively inhibit retrovirus replication. Some of these genes are themselves derived from ancient endogenous retroviruses, while others have evolved from duplicated cellular genes. The cellular activities that inhibit retrovirus replication include a class of proteins that bind to incoming retroviral capsids and inactivate them, thereby preventing the establishment of a provirus in the target cell DNA. A second major class of antiretroviral activities are cellular cytidine deaminases that infiltrate nascent retroviral particles and later perturb reverse transcription. Additional, less-well-characterized cellular antiretroviral activities include those that inhibit undefined early events, reduce retroviral genome accumulation in infected cells, and inhibit viral particle release.
Spinal cord stimulation and rehabilitation in an individual with chronic complete L1 paraplegia due to a conus medullaris injury: motor and functional outcomes at 18 months

Epidural electrical stimulation of the conus medullaris has helped facilitate native motor recovery in individuals with complete cervicothoracic spinal cord injuries (SCI). A theorized mechanism of clinical improvement includes supporting central pattern generators intrinsic to the conus medullaris. Because spinal cord stimulators (SCS) are approved for the treatment of neuropathic pain, we were able to test this experimental therapy in a subject with complete L1 paraplegia and neuropathic genital pain due to a traumatic conus injury. An otherwise healthy 48-year-old male with chronic complete L1 paraplegia with no zones of partial preservation (ZPP) and intractable neuropathic genital pain presented to our group seeking nonmedical pain relief and any possible help with functional restoration. After extensive evaluation, discussion, and consent, we proceeded with SCS implantation at the conus and an intensive outpatient physical therapy regimen consistent with the recent SCI rehabilitation literature. Intraoperatively, no electromyography (EMG) could be elicited with epidural conus stimulation. At 18 months after implantation, his motor ZPPs had advanced from L1 to L5 on the left and from L1 to L3 on the right. Qualitative increases in lower extremity resting state EMG amplitudes were noted, although there was no consistent evidence of voluntary EMG or rhythmic locomotive leg movements. Three validated functional and quality of life (QoL) surveys demonstrated substantial improvements. The modest motor response compared to the literature suggests likely critical differences in the anatomy of such a low injury. However, the change in ZPPs and QoL suggest potential for neuroplasticity even in this patient population.
Playboy and Pornification: 65 Years of the Playboy Centerfold

In the more than 6 decades since its founding, Playboy magazine has had to contend with a great deal of cultural change, most significantly the rise of the Internet pornography industry. The magazine, particularly its signature centerfold, the Playmate of the Month, has had to adapt accordingly. In this visual analysis, I review 65 years of Playboy centerfolds to consider how their bodies—physical characteristics, positions, contexts, and explicitness—have changed, and how this reflects the broader social change to which they are subject. I find that, overall, very little changes over the years, with two notable exceptions: increased visibility of the montes pubis and the slow decreasing in the amount of pubic hair the models have, and the brief time period in which the magazine attempted to remove nudity altogether. My results show that the magazine appears to place more value on staying true to the Playboy image than to adapting to a new market and has continued to be a recognized symbol of gender and sexuality even in light of decreasing readership and publication.
Assessing sexual dysfunction among stroke survivors and barriers to address this issue by physicians at a Latin American reference hospital

Abstract Background Sexual dysfunction affects at least one half of patients after a stroke. Problems related to sexual function are rarely assessed or addressed by physicians. Objective To determine the frequency and factors associated with sexual dysfunction among stroke survivors and self-reported barriers of physicians to discuss sexual dysfunction during regular consultation. Methods We administered a questionnaire to a cross-sectional sample of stroke survivors to assess the frequency and factors associated with sexual dysfunction and the aspects of sexuality most commonly affected by stroke in a reference hospital in Peru. A qualitative approach was used to determine the willingness to address sexual issues and related barriers among neurology physicians participating in the study. Results Among 150 patients, sexual dysfunction was identified in 89 (59%). Only 10% self-reported their sexual function as optimal. Markedly decreased frequency of sexual encounters (49%) and markedly decreased sexual desire (33%) were the aspects of sexual function most commonly reported by patients after a stroke. Fear of having a new stroke [OR:3.2, 95% CI (1.5–6.3)], depression [OR:2.1, 95% CI (1.0–4.3)], and self-perception of having impaired motor function [OR:2.5, 95% CI (1.2–5.0)] were significantly associated with sexual dysfunction. In the qualitative assessment of physicians (N = 15), when asked how often they addressed sexual aspects during regular consultation with a stroke survivor, none answered “very often”, and only 8 (51%) answered “sometimes”. At the end of the study, 10 (66%) physicians verbalized the perception that addressing this issue encouraged their patents to be more open to personal concerns and prompted a stronger doctor-patient relationship. Conclusion Sexual dysfunction affected more than a half of stroke survivors, and was significantly associated with depression, fear of having a new stroke, and with the self-perception of impaired motor function. Addressing sexual issues during the regular consult by physicians was infrequent. Barriers reported by physicians included limited time during regular consultation and the belief that this issue should be addressed under the scope of other specialties.
After the Great War: economic warfare and the promise of peace in Paris 1919: by Phillip A. Dehne, London, Bloomsbury Academic, 2019, x + 297 pp., $102.60 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-350-08704-0

Most works about the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 not surprisingly focus on the leaders of the powers that dominated the peacemaking – Georges Clemenceau, David Lloyd George, and Woodrow Wilson. ...
Non-equilibrium longitudinal optical phonons and their lifetimes

Non-equilibrium phonons have been discussed for almost six decades. Here, the nature of the longitudinal optical mode, particularly in polar materials, is discussed along with its lifetime and bottleneck occurrences. The history of non-equilibrium phonons is discussed along with their generation by the relaxation of hot carriers. The role of inter-valley scattering and phonon lifetime is introduced along with the concept of a phonon bottleneck. Various methods of lifetime measurement are introduced. Measurements of the lifetime in a variety of semiconductor materials is reviewed and a possible scaling behavior discussed.
Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Part XC: The A3 Approach and Lean in Healthcare.

ABSTRACT The A3 form is a structured way of solving problems using a detailed step-by-step methodology using the principles of the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. The A3 form supports efforts to organize the thinking of workers about new ways to improve. The form is used as a guide for many project teams to find answers, and then the team arrives at decisions through consensus. Sometimes process mapping, driver diagrams, and gap analysis are included in A3 problem solving. The A3 form is just one of numerous healthcare applications for the Toyota Production System and Lean.
A novel fully-decoupled, second-order time-accurate, unconditionally energy stable scheme for a flow-coupled volume-conserved phase-field elastic bending energy model

Abstract Different from the classical phase-field elastic bending model of lipid vesicles that uses a penalty term to conserve volume approximately, in this paper, a new model with accurate volume conservation is first established. Then, for its coupling system with the incompressible flow, we design a highly efficient scheme which is linear and energy stable. More importantly, this scheme is second-order time-accurate and fully-decoupled and it only needs to solve several independent linear equations with constant coefficients at each time step to obtain a numerical solution with second-order time accuracy. The key idea is to introduce two types of nonlocal auxiliary variables, one of which is linearize the nonlinear potential, and the other is used to introduce an ordinary differential equation to deal with the nonlinear coupling terms that satisfy the “zero-energy-contribution” feature. We strictly prove the solvability and unconditional energy stability and conduct numerical simulations in 2D and 3D to demonstrate the accuracy and stability of the scheme numerically. To the best of the author's knowledge, the decoupling method developed in this paper is the first second-order fully-decoupled scheme for the flow-coupled phase-field model.
Roles of Administrators in Ensuring the Quality of Online Programs

Roles of administrators are often overlooked when discussing the quality of online education. Administrators have long assumed the pivotal influence on school policies, faculty morale, and learning atmosphere. This paper will examine the challenges administrators face and their new roles of quality assurance for online education. Recommendations will also be made for improving the quality and success of online programs. https://doi.org/10.34105/j.kmel.2010.02.026
THE EFFECTS OF SELECTION SYSTEM ON JURY COMPOSITION

The Supreme Court and judicial scholars have argued that the demographic composition of grand and petit juries is important. To the extent that composition is a function of the selection system used, this suggests that the method of selecting grand and petit jurors is important. This article tests the link between selection system and composition by comparing the representation of blacks, Mexican-Americans, and women on grand juries selected by commissioners with the same three classes' representation on grand juries selected at random from the voter registration lists. For these jurisdictions, only female representation is consistently higher under random selection procedures.
An approach for area- and power-efficient low-complexity implementation of multiple antenna transceivers

In this paper, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain is used to resolve the limits of circuit chip area and power consumption in multiple antenna systems. Multiple antennas promise greatly increased capacity, but increase chip area and power consumption due to multiple RF front ends and additional resources to process multiple streams. However, trading capacity for diversity gain decreases the SNR required for similar data rates as a single antenna system. For analog circuits, the SNR gain relaxes noise requirements, making viable both inductorless and reduced power consumption circuits. For example, simulations of a inductorless low noise amplifier (LNA) show a 3 dB increase in noise figure but threefold decrease in area when compared with a conventional narrowband LNA. Similarly, a narrowband LNA has a slightly higher noise figure when operated at half its original power consumption. For digital circuits, the lowered complexity of high diversity systems decreases the size and power consumption of the digital processor.
Slow intelligence systems

In this talk I will introduce the concept of slow intelligence. Not all intelligent systems have fast intelligence. There are a surprisingly large number of intelligent systems, quasi-intelligent systems and semi-intelligent systems that have slow intelligence. Such slow intelligence systems are often neglected in mainstream research on intelligent systems, but they are really worthy of our attention and emulation. I will discuss the general characteristics of slow intelligence systems and then concentrate on evolutionary query processing for distributed multimedia systems as an example of artificial slow intelligence systems.
Hospitalization of adolescents for psychiatric and substance abuse treatment. Legal and ethical issues

It has been estimated that as many as 12%-15% of the nations 63 million children are in need of mental health treatment. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to see to it that these children receive the services they need. Unfortunately, there is mounting evidence that a significant proportion of our health care resources are being misspent on the unnecessary and inappropriate hospitalization of children and youths in psychiatric and substance abuse treatment programs. More alarming is the evidence of poor quality programs, abusive practices, and greed. The intense competition to capture a "share of the market" and turn a profit or keep a nonprofit hospital from closing its doors is contributing to unprofessional and unethical advertising and public relations practices. In the end these practices will reflect poorly on the broader mental health and health care community. Hopefully, the stakeholders in the system will recognize these problems and assume a leadership role in turning the situation around. If not, we can expect intervention from forces outside the system (e.g., courts, elected public officials, public interest groups, the business community, and child advocates). Language: en
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PREDICTIVE ABILITY OF ADAPTIVE FORECASTING, RE‐ESTIMATION, AND RE‐IDENTIFICATION USING BOX‐JENKINS TIME‐SERIES ANALYSIS ON QUARTERLY EARNINGS DATA

This paper assesses the predictive ability of the Box-Jenkins methodology when utilized in an on-going setting. Three procedures are utilized to update the original forecasts generated from the Box-Jenkins models: adaptive forecasting, re-estimation, and re-identification. The results indicate that constant monitoring of the structure and parameters of the time-series models are necessary through time. It appears that adaptive forecasting techniques are insufficient to update BJ time-series models when used in conjunction with quarterly earnings data. Re-estimation is recommended as each new observation becomes available. Re-identification procedures are recommended on a less frequent basis.
Citations to scientific publications: their impact on firm technological outcomes

Previous research appearing in International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning and other journals examined issues regarding openness vs. secrecy with scientific information. In particular, this research explored whether companies who are more open with their scientific findings (i.e., publish them in scientific journals) fare better in their innovation outcomes than those who are more secretive. The empirical findings were generally quite supportive of the hypothesised relationships. However, most of these efforts employed total publication counts as the primary predictor variable. The purpose of this current research effort is to extend this research stream by utilising citation-weighted publication counts to further refine the analysis. The findings are that citation analysis adds to the explanatory value of predicting technological outcomes.
The cloud radiative effects of International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project weather states

[1] The salient features of the daytime cloud radiative effect (CRE, also known as cloud radiative forcing) corresponding to various cloud regimes or weather states are examined. The analysis is based on a 24 year long data set from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) for three distinct geographical zones covering most of the Earth's surface area. Conditional sampling and averaging of the ISCCP cloud fraction and CRE in 2.5° grid cells is performed for each weather state, and the state's radiative importance expressed as the relative contribution to the total CRE of its geographical zone is explained in terms of dominant cloud type, cloud fraction, and frequency of occurrence. Similarities and differences within and between geographical zones in the cloud fraction and CRE characteristics of the various weather states are identified and highlighted. By providing an exposition of the radiative energy characteristics of different cloud type mixtures, we facilitate the meteorological situation-dependent evaluation of radiation budget effects due to clouds in climate models.
Asymmetric cubature formulas for polynomial integration in the triangle and square

We present five new cubature formula in the triangle and square for exact integration of polynomials. The points were computed numerically with a cardinal function algorithm which does not impose any symmetry requirements on the points. Cubature formula are presented which integrate degrees 10, 11 and 12 in the triangle and degrees 10 and 12 in the square. They have positive weights, contain no points outside the domain, and have fewer points than previously known results.
Adenocarcinoma of the vagina arising in endometriosis: Long-term survival following radiation therapy☆

Abstract Primary adenocarcinoma of the vagina arising in endometriosis is extremely rare. We present here the fifth case in the literature and the only one in which long-term follow-up is available. The patient was managed with intravaginal and external beam irradiation therapy and remains alive and free of disease 7 years after the completion of the treatment. The literature is reviewed with reference to the incidence, histopathology, and treatment of vaginal malignancies arising in endometriosis.
Factors influencing the ballistic impact resistance of elastomer-coated metal substrates

An experimental study was carried out of various factors affecting the ballistic penetration resistance of elastomer/steel bilayers. For blunt penetrators, the contribution of the coating to performance is optimized using the hardest substrates, front surface placement of the elastomer, and (when normalizing by added weight) thin, ca. 2–3 mm, coatings. These results, none of which are predicted by existing models, evince the marked coupling of coating and substrate in the impact response of the bilayer. We also show that nanoparticle fillers have a modest effect on ballistic performance of polyurea coatings, changing the penetration velocity by a few percent or less. This contrasts with the linear dynamic mechanical behavior, which shows much more significant increases in energy absorption due to nano-reinforcement.
Temporal and spatial distribution of azinphos-methyl applied to alfalfa

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency uses a simple exposure nomogram to make preliminary assessments of the pesticide residues concentrations on foods of terrestrial wildlife. This study was conducted to measure the spatial and temporal distribution of the organophosphorus insecticide azinphos-methyl (Guthion® 2S) in a dense alfalfa crop to evaluate the assumptions used in this nomogram and to determine the influences of application rate and spatial distribution of residues on the potential dietary exposure to herbivores. Concentrations of azinphos-methyl were measured on spray cards, soil, and alfalfa plants (top 15 cm and bottom 15 cm) on plots treated at 0, 0.77, 1.55, 3.11, and 4.67 kg active ingredient/ha (4 enclosures/treatment) at 2 h and 2, 6, 14 and 28 days after application. Although the concentrations measured on spray cards were very close to predicted, the concentrations on alfalfa canopy vegetation were higher than expected from the nomogram and increased at a faster rate with increasing application rate than expected. Concentrations were 1.5–2.4 times higher in the alfalfa canopy than on alfalfa near soil level. Variability among alfalfa samples within treatments was high, with part of the variation in canopy samples explained by the distance to the end of the spray boom. Only 16–32% of pesticide reached the soil surface. The calculated half-life of azinophos-methyl was 2.5–4.5 days on vegetation and 19.3 days on soil. Dietary exposure to small herbivores would be expected to exceed nomogram predictions, but be highly variable for individuals due to the patchy nature of the pesticide distribution.
Global Trade Integration and Economic Convergence of Developing Countries

Gerschenkron hypothesized that lower income countries would tend to grow more rapidly than higher income countries and, therefore, that their average incomes would converge. Since that time the record indicates that the industrialized nations have had relatively slow growth rates while many less-developed countries (LDCs) have had relatively rapid rates of growth, although many others have had slower rates of growth and some have been negative. Furthermore, the rates of growth have varied considerably during the four and one-half decades since 1952, both among countries and within a country from one year to the next. Thus, convergence remains an issue among development economists and others interested in the topic, with frequent concern being expressed about a growing gap between average incomes in the moreand less-developed economies of the world. In this article we examine convergence (and divergence) due to differential rates of growth, factors that affect growth, the role of international trade in the process, the policy frameworks that enhance or detract from growth, and the research needs and opportunities for agricultural and resource economists. A controversial aspect is the influence of trade on the process since most development economists tend to believe that more
Bad Data Suppression in Power System Static State Estimation

The presence of bad data points may severely degrade the performance of any of the power system static state estimators currently being proposed. This paper discusses a BDS (bad data suppression) estimator which is based on a non-quadratic cost function but which reduces to the weighted least squares estimator in the absence of bad data. In the presence of bad data, the BDS algorithm provides state estimates comparable to those provided by the weighted least squares method when all data is good. Computer storage and computational requirements and convergence time are equivalent for the BDS and weighted least squares estimators.
Neutron Reflectometry Study of the Conformation of HIV Nef Bound to Lipid Membranes

Nef is an HIV-1 accessory protein that directly contributes to AIDS progression. Nef is myristoylated on the N-terminus, associates with membranes, and may undergo a transition from a solution conformation to a membrane-associated conformation. It has been hypothesized that conformational rearrangement enables membrane-associated Nef to interact with cellular proteins. Despite its medical relevance, to our knowledge there is no direct information about the conformation of membrane-bound Nef. In this work, we used neutron reflection to reveal what we believe are the first details of the conformation of membrane-bound Nef. The conformation of Nef was probed upon binding to Langmuir monolayers through the interaction of an N-terminal His tag with a synthetic metal-chelating lipid, which models one of the possible limiting cases for myr-Nef. The data indicate that residues are inserted into the lipid headgroups during interaction, and that the core domain lies directly against the lipid headgroups, with a thickness of ∼40 A. Binding of Nef through the N-terminal His tag apparently facilitates insertion of residues, as no insertion occurred upon binding of Nef through weak electrostatic interactions in the absence of the specific interaction through the His tag.
Dyslipidemias with desirable plasma total cholesterol levels and angiographically demonstrated coronary artery disease.

Abstract The National Cholesterol Education Program treatment guidelines define a plasma total cholesterol of 50 years, systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus compared to non-CAD control subjects. In women with CAD and total cholesterol ≤200 mg/ dl, HDL cholesterol ≤45 mg/dl and diabetes mellitus were also significantly prevalent. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that HDL cholesterol, hypertension and age in men and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol in women were significantly associated with CAD after adjustment for other risk factors. These results suggest that a complete lipid and lipoprotein analysis be obtained in all patients with CAD, irrespective of the plasma (or serum) total cholesterol level.
On the effect of uniform surface load upon the plastic yielding of simply supported beams

Abstract The theorems of limit analysis are applied in a study of the plastic yielding of simply supported beams under the condition of plane stress, taking into account the influence of a uniform surface load. It is assumed that the material obeys the Mises yield criterion and the results are compared with those obtained by the simple plastic theory of bending.
Instrumenting home networks

In managing and troubleshooting home networks, one of the challenges is in knowing what is actually happening. Availability of a record of events that occurred on the home network before trouble appeared would go a long way toward addressing that challenge. In this position/work-in-progress paper, we consider requirements for a general-purpose logging facility for home networks. Such a facility, if properly designed, would potentially have other uses. We describe several such uses and discuss requirements to be considered in the design of a logging platform that would be widely supported and accepted. We also report on our initial experience deploying such a facility.