cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Macrohabitat factors affect day roost selection by eastern red bats and eastern pipistrelles in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA

Although roost sites are critically important to bats, we have few data on macrohabitat factors that affect roost selection by foliage-roosting bats. Such data are needed so that forest managers can make informed decisions regarding conservation of bat roosts. Our objective was to examine roost selection by nonreproductive eastern pipistrelles (Perimyotis subflavus) and red bats (Lasiurus borealis) in a dense deciduous forest undergoing low-intensity timber management in the southern Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina, USA. During May to August 2004–2006, we radiotracked eight red bats and seven pipistrelles to roosts for 1–14 days (red bats, ¯ x ¼ 4:11 days, n = 19 roosts; pipistrelles, ¯ x ¼ 7 days, n = 15 roosts). We compared roost and random trees or points using paired-sample t-tests for tree and microhabitat characters and logistic regression models of one to three variables for macrohabitat characters. Neither red bats nor pipistrelles selected roosts based on tree or microhabitat characteristics. Red bats used a wide range of stand ages and conditions and, based on our most plausible models for macrohabitat variables, roosted closer than expected ð ¯ x ¼ 70: 6m Þ to linear openings such as gated roads.
A Web query system for heterogeneous geospatial data

This paper describes a Web-based query system for semantically heterogeneous geospatial data. Although Web-based information systems are currently being developed by the GIS community to provide data discovery and download capabilities for distributed Web data sets, they do not include the ability to pose DBMS type queries over the data. We developed a system that provides DBMS querying and that also resolves semantic differences that occur in distributed sources. We are working in the context of a proposed statewide land information system.
Gas in the Galactic Halo

The evidence that gas exists in the halo of the Galaxy is examined. The likely properties of halo gas intervening between QSOs and the Galaxy are extracted from observations of the galactic halo. The available data discussed include 21-cm observations, optical absorption lines, ultraviolet lines, and X-ray observations. The possible existence of a cosmic ray halo is assessed, and the relationship of galactic size to the extent of the halo is examined. The main physical constraints on the gas in the halo are detailed, including the radiation field, particle density, temperature, mass in the halo gas, and abundances. Models for the gas in the halo are summarized. It appears that the distribution of gas in the galactic halo is an expanded disk not more than 10 kpc thick. At low column densities, the Galaxy could extend out to several times the Holmberg radius. The disk may be photoionized on the outside by the QSO background radiation.
Biological and chemical comparison of butanol- and phenol-water extracted lipopolysaccharide from Capnocytophaga sputigena

Lipopolysacharide was isolated form Capnocytophaga sputigena strain 4 by the butanol-water method, and its release and association with acid (AcP) and alkaline (AIP) phosphatase was compared. Approximately 70% of the AcP and AIP was released with the butanol-water extracted LPS (BLPS), with one-third of the released phosp0hatases co-eluting with it on Sepharose 4B. The BLPS was low in carbohydrate, KDO, lipid, heptose, hexosamine, and higher in phosphate and protein that the phenol-water (PLPS) extracted LPS, SDS-PAGE-periodic acid Schiff staining revealed carbohydreate in both LPS preparations, while Commassie Blue staining revealed peptides only in BLPS, occurring as several minor bands and one major band at 39–41 kilodaltons. Immunoferritin reactions localized the LPS at the surface of intact C. sputigena; both LPSs were, however, immunochemically distinct. Incorporation of 3H-thymidine into BLPS stimulated whole and T-depleted C3H/HeJ mouse spleenocytes 7 and 4 fold, respectively higher than with PLPS. A phosphatase-LPS interaction employing purified molecules was examined.
Bilingual Education Program Models: A Framework for Understanding

Bilingual education remains a controversial topic of discussion in the United States locally and nationally. Issues of educational benefits need to be kept separate from political issues; both must be informed by understanding of the larger society. In this paper I describe different possible bilingual education models and comment on the educational costs and benefits associated with each.
Breaking the MapReduce Stage Barrier

The MapReduce model uses a barrier between the Map and Reduce stages. This provides simplicity in both programming and implementation. However, in many situations, this barrier hurts performance because it is overly restrictive. Hence, we develop a method to break the barrier in MapReduce in a way that improves efficiency. Careful design of our barrierless MapReduce framework results in equivalent generality and retains ease of programming. We motivate our case with, and experimentally study our barrier-less techniques in, a wide variety of MapReduce applications divided into seven classes. Our experiments show that our approach can achieve better performance times than a traditional MapReduce framework. We achieve a reduction in job completion times that is 25% on average and 87% in the best case.
The Role of CD36 in the Pathogenesis of Alcohol-Related Disease

Abstract Cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) is a class B scavenger receptor that is expressed in a variety of cell types. It exerts multiple functions, including facilitating fatty acid (FA) uptake into tissues. Due to its role in FA transport, CD36 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Accordingly, CD36-deficient mice are protected against alcoholic steatosis; however, this effect is independent of altered hepatic FA uptake. Here, we discuss the structure-function relationship of CD36, as well as its role in FA uptake, Ca 2+ signaling, and the recognition of damage- and pathogen-associated molecular patterns. We hypothesize that these two latter functions provide a potential mechanistic explanation for the protective effect of CD36 deficiency against alcohol-related diseases. In summary, the diverse functions of CD36 means there are several potential points of interaction between altered CD36 function and alcohol-related disease that can only be resolved with further research.
A 1×2 circular patch antenna array for next generation 802.11ac WLAN applications

In this paper, design, simulation and optimization study of a 1×2 circular microstrip patch antenna (MPA) array for next generation 802.11ac wireless LAN (WLAN) is presented. The IEEE 802.11ac is a set of MAC layer enhancements for higher throughput in the 5GHz band. This emerging standard provides wider channels, higher throughput and efficient use of spectrum. The proposed antenna array is designed and simulated using Agilent ADS momentum. The antenna array is designed using the FR4 substrate (er = 4.6 and h = 1.6mm). The dimensions of the proposed design is calculated using the transmission-line model. An inset-feed with quarter-wave transformer is used to feed the antenna elements. The proposed design improves the shortcomings of a classical rectangular MPA. Hence, the maximum achieved bandwidth and gain of the 1×2 circular patch antenna array are 292MHz and 5.17dBi respectively. The proposed array may be used as a template to form larger arrays which can be used in next generation 802.11ac WLANs.
Analysis of Microstructure in Hot Torsion Simulation

Hot torsion is frequently employed to simulate multipass thermomechanical rolling. While flow behavior, observed through shear stress versus shear strain, is typically used to characterize hot deformation and softening behaviors, the resulting microstructures can also provide significant insight into microstructural evolution and strain accumulation during the hot deformation process. A preferred approach for the analysis of microstructural features resulting from hot torsion is presented. Torsional strain paths are reviewed and compared with traditional hot rolling deformations. A tangential sectioning technique, combined with supporting fundamentals, is also presented. Microstructural observation of steels thermomechanically deformed in hot torsion verified the ability to reasonably quantify strain from microstructural analysis. This approach offers a new method for assessing shear strain accumulation within local regions of a body plastically deformed in torsion, and should provide a useful complement to the assessment of mechanical responses in hot deformation studies.
Case 3: Fever, Vomiting, and Increased Sleepiness in a 4-year-old Girl

1. B. Jason Brotherton, MD* 2. Irving Steinberg, PharmD* 3. Jeffrey L. Johnson, MD* 1. *LAC + USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. A 4-year-old girl presents with 1 week of fever, vomiting, and increased sleepiness. Her medical history includes cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and epilepsy treated with carbamazepine (CBZ) for the past 2 years. The last change in CBZ dosing was 2 months ago after a seizure. The girl’s mother reports that she repeated several doses of CBZ after emesis for the past 2 days. Of note, the family travelled to Mexico 3 weeks ago. On physical examination, the girl’s temperature is 102°F (38.8°C); other vital signs are normal for age. She appears fatigued but is easily aroused. When not stimulated during the physical examination, she quickly goes back to sleep. Results of her neurologic evaluation are unchanged from her baseline hypertonia and hyperreflexia. She has scleral icterus. Her abdomen is soft and nontender, with a palpable liver edge 3 cm below the right costal margin. Initial laboratory findings document thrombocytopenia (77×103/μL [77×109/L]), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 4231 U/L (70.66 μkat/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 2660 U/L (44.42 μkat/L), alkaline phosphatase 375 U/L (6.26 μkat/L), total bilirubin 7.3 mg/dL (124.86 μmol/L), conjugated bilirubin 5.8 mg/dL (99.2 μmol/L), prothrombin time (PT) 23.7 seconds, and international normalized ratio 2.09. Serum CBZ concentration is 25.5 mg/L (therapeutic range, 4–12 mg/L). White blood cell count is 6900/μL (6.9×109/L), with 57% neutrophils, 34.8% lymphocytes, 7.7% monocytes, 0.3% eosinophils, and 0.2% basophils. …
Scattering and Acoustical and Optical Radiation Forces and Torques for Manipulation

Selected conceptual developments here relate scattering with particle manipulation. Phenomena and formulations considered (emphasizing, but not limited to, axisymmetric situations) include radiation torque, negative radiation force and tractor beams, optical theorems, and acoustical viscous effects.
Buddha in a box: The materiality of recitation in contemporary chinese buddhism

ABSTRACTBuddha-recitation devices (nianfo ji 念佛機) use modern technology to reproduce the name of the Buddha endlessly, offering this function in the form of portable plastic boxes akin to small radios or iPods. These devices raise key questions for our understanding of contemporary Buddhism: Why is a specialized device necessary? How is the device shaped by earlier traditions of recitation and sound? The Buddha-recitation device uses packaging and ornamentation to establish its status as a religious object, thereby sanctifying the ordinary function of producing sound. Although this mechanized recitation appears to replace that of human voice, analysis of miracle tales, personal testimonials, and doctrinal discussions shows that these devices more closely emulate the sacred sounds spontaneously produced in the environment of the western paradise where Buddhists aspire to be reborn.
Children with Cerebral Palsy with Spastic Hemiplegia of Nursing Stated

[Objective]Children with spastic hemiplegia during rehabilitation treatment at the same time, enhance rehabilitation care,can improve the therapeutic effect.[Methods]The patients,aged 11 months to 4 years old in 40 cases of children with spastic hemiplegia in functional training and rehabilitation care on the basis of massage,respectively,to hold the correct posture,sitting,wearing a strip material,eating guide the rehabilitation.[Results]28 patients with markedly alleviate the 12 cases,all valid.[Conclusion]Rehabilitation care can improve the rehabilitation treatment in children with spastic hemiplegia effects and patient self -care ability,thereby enhancing the quality of life of children,reducing the burden on society and the family.
Optogenetic and chemogenetic strategies for sustained inhibition of pain

Spatially targeted, genetically-specific strategies for sustained inhibition of nociceptors may help transform pain science and clinical management. Previous optogenetic strategies to inhibit pain have required constant illumination, and chemogenetic approaches in the periphery have not been shown to inhibit pain. Here, we show that the step-function inhibitory channelrhodopsin, SwiChR, can be used to persistently inhibit pain for long periods of time through infrequent transdermally delivered light pulses, reducing required light exposure by >98% and resolving a long-standing limitation in optogenetic inhibition. We demonstrate that the viral expression of the hM4D receptor in small-diameter primary afferent nociceptor enables chemogenetic inhibition of mechanical and thermal nociception thresholds. Finally, we develop optoPAIN, an optogenetic platform to non-invasively assess changes in pain sensitivity, and use this technique to examine pharmacological and chemogenetic inhibition of pain.
Current Smokers’ Preferences for Receiving Cessation Information in a Lung Cancer Screening Setting

The purpose of this study was to identify current smokers’ communication format preferences for receiving smoking cessation information in a lung cancer screening setting. A cross-sectional correlational design using survey methodology with 159 screening-eligible current smokers was the method used. Data was dichotomized (digital versus traditional preference) and analyzed using Pearson’s chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression. Race was a statistically significant predictor with White participants having four times greater odds of reporting preference for a digital format for receiving smoking cessation information such as social media and/or supportive text messages (OR: 4.06; p = 0.004). Lung cancer screening is a new venue where current long-term smokers can be offered information about smoking cessation while they are engaging in a health-promoting behavior and potentially more likely to contemplate quitting. It is important to consider the communication format preference of current smokers to support cessation uptake. This study is the first to examine communication format preference of current smokers in the context of the lung cancer screening venue. Key differences noted by race support the need for further research examining multiple formats of communication with efforts to maximize options in the cancer screening setting.
Valuation Implications of Accounting Conservatism

This paper examines whether financial analysts understand the valuation implications of unconditional accounting conservatism when forecasting target prices. While accounting conservatism has a downward effect on reported earnings, it does not have a downward effect on the present value of future cash flows. We examine whether analysts add back the effect of accounting conservatism incorporated in their own earnings forecasts when using these forecasts to estimate target prices. We find that signed target price forecast errors (actual minus forecast) have a significant positive association with the degree of conservatism in earnings, suggesting that on average target prices are biased due to the effect of accounting conservatism. Cross-sectional analysis suggests that more sophisticated analysts undo the effect of conservatism to a greater extent than other analysts, although their target price forecasts also exhibit systematic bias due to conservatism. In additional analyses, we track the analyst's valuation path to understand the mechanism through which unconditional conservatism leads to bias in target prices. We first establish that analysts' earnings forecasts do incorporate the downward effect of accounting conservatism. Based on alternative earnings-based valuation models/heuristics that analysts may use, e.g., the forward P/E and the PEG ratio, we find that analysts fail to add back the effect of accounting conservatism incorporated in their earnings forecasts when deriving their target prices. As a consequence, we find that, for extreme levels of conservatism, the bias in analysts' target prices due to conservatism leads to a distortion of market prices. The evidence highlights the concern that the use of simple valuation heuristics by analysts can inhibit price discovery, especially in the presence of conservative accounting.
Universality regained: Kibble-Zurek dynamics, off-equilibrium scaling and the search for the QCD critical point

Abstract We generalize and apply the key elements of the Kibble-Zurek framework of nonequilibrium phase transitions to study the non-equilibrium critical cumulants near the QCD critical point. We demonstrate that the off-equilibrium critical cumulants are expressible as universal scaling functions. We discuss how to use off-equilibrium scaling to provide powerful model-independent guidance in searches for the QCD critical point.
From 2D to 3D Representation

This tutorial describes methods that have been developed to obtain three-dimensional (3D) representations and rendering of medical objects based on a sequence of two-dimensional (2D) slices. The topics discussed are segmentation of 3D scenes, representation of segmented 3D scenes (binary arrays, segment-end-point representation, directed contours, octrees, objects and their surfaces), and display of objects in 3D scenes (projection onto a screen, hidden surface removal, visible surface rendering, stereoscopic presentation).
Evaluation of Shielding and Hazards in the Transuranium Processing Plant

The shielding and containment criteria for the Transuranium Processing Plant obtained by calculations and experiments are given. The shield evaluation studies (for cell walls, cell windows, and fis...
Subharmonic and Endoscopic Contrast Imaging of Pancreatic Masses: A Pilot Study.

Objectives To use subharmonic imaging (SHI) to depict the vascularity of pancreatic masses compared to contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and pathologic results. Methods Sixteen patients scheduled for biopsy of a pancreatic mass were enrolled in an Institutional Review Board–approved study. Pulse-inversion SHI (transmitting/receiving at 2.5/1.25 MHz) was performed on a LOGIQ 9 system (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI) with a 4C transducer, whereas contrast harmonic EUS (transmitting/receiving at 4.7/9.4 MHz) was performed with a radial endoscope (GF-UTC180; Olympus Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) connected to a ProSound SSD α-10 scanner (Hitachi Aloka, Tokyo, Japan). Two injections of the contrast agent Definity (Lantheus Medical Imaging, North Billerica, MA) were administrated (0.3–0.4 and 0.6–0.8 mL for EUS and SHI, respectively). Contrast-to-tissue ratios (CTRs) in the mass and an adjacent vessel were calculated. Four physicians independently scored the images (benign to malignant) for diagnostic accuracy and inter-reader agreement. Results One patient dropped out before imaging, leaving 11 adenocarcinomas, 1 gastrointestinal stromal tumor with pancreatic infiltration, and 3 benign masses. Marked subharmonic signals were obtained in all patients, with intratumoral blood flow clearly visualized with SHI. Significantly greater CTRs were obtained in the masses with SHI than with EUS (mean ± SD, 1.71 ± 1.63 versus 0.63 ± 0.89; P = .016). There were no differences in the CTR in the surrounding vessels or when grouped by pathologic results (P > .60). The accuracies for contrast EUS and SHI were low (<53%), albeit with a greater κ value for SHI (0.34) than for EUS (0.13). Conclusions Diagnostic accuracy of contrast EUS and transabdominal SHI for assessment of pancreatic masses was quite low in this pilot study. However, SHI had improved tumoral CTRs relative to contrast EUS.
Regulation of Vasopressin Release by Ionotropic Glutamate Receptor Agonists

Immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, and electrophysiological techniques have demonstrated the presence of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors in the supraoptic nuclei(1–4). A role for EAA regulation of vasopressin (VP) release is suggested by the ability of the non-specific EAA antagonist, kynureic acid, to inhibit osmotically stimulated VP release from explants of the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system (HNS)(5). In addition, both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists (AP5 and MK801) and the non-NMDA receptor antagonist, DNQX, applied independently inhibit osmotically stimulated VP release implicating the importance of both classes of glutamate receptors in the regulation of VP release.
Anterior chamber perfusion versus posterior chamber perfusion does not influence measurement of aqueous outflow facility in living mice by constant flow infusion.

Abstract Mice are now routinely utilized in studies of aqueous humor outflow dynamics. In particular, conventional aqueous outflow facility (C) is routinely measured via perfusion of the aqueous chamber by a number of laboratories. However, in mouse eyes perfused ex-vivo, values for C are variable depending upon whether the perfusate is introduced into the posterior chamber (PC) versus the anterior chamber (AC). Perfusion via the AC leads to posterior bowing of the iris, and traction on the iris root/scleral spur, which may increase C. Perfusion via the PC does not yield this effect. But the equivalent situation in living mice has not been investigated. We sought to determine whether AC versus PC perfusion of the living mouse eye may lead to different values for C. All experiments were conducted in C57BL/6J mice (all ♀) between the ages of 20 and 30 weeks. Mice were divided into groups of 3–4 animals each. In all groups, both eyes were perfused. C was measured in groups 1 and 2 by constant flow infusion (from a 50 μL microsyringe) via needle placement in the AC, and in the PC, respectively. To investigate the effect of ciliary muscle (CM) tone on C, groups 3 and 4 were perfused live via the AC or PC with tropicamide (muscarinic receptor antagonist) added to the perfusate at a concentration of 100 μM. To investigate immediate effect of euthanasia, groups 5 and 6 were perfused 15–30 min after death via the AC or PC. To investigate the effect of CM tone on C immediately following euthanasia, groups 7 and 8 were perfused 15–30 min after death via the AC or PC with tropicamide added to the perfusate at a concentration of 100 μM. C in Groups 1 (AC perfusion) and 2 (PC perfusion) was computed to be 19.5 ± 0.8 versus 21.0 ± 2.1 nL/min/mmHg, respectively (mean ± SEM, p > 0.4, not significantly different). In live animals in which tropicamide was present in the perfusate, C in Group 3 (AC perfusion) was significantly greater than C in Group 4 (PC perfusion) (22.0 ± 4.0 versus 14.0 ± 2.0 nL/min/mmHg, respectively, p = 0.0021). In animals immediately following death, C in groups 5 (AC perfusion) and 6 (PC perfusion) was computed to be 21.2 ± 2.0 versus 22.8 ± 1.4 nL/min/mmHg, respectively (mean ± SEM, p = 0.1196, not significantly different). In dead animals in which tropicamide was present in the perfusate, C in group 7 (AC perfusion) was greater than C in group 8 (PC perfusion) (20.6 ± 1.4 versus 14.2 ± 2.6 nL/min/mmHg, respectively, p in situ in living mice or euthanized animals within 15–30 min post mortem is not significantly different when measured via AC perfusion or PC perfusion. In eyes of live or freshly euthanized mice, C is greater when measured via AC versus PC perfusion when tropicamide (a mydriatic and cycloplegic agent) is present in the perfusate.
Darter (Percidae: Etheostoma) species differ in their response to video stimuli

Video playback experiments offer unique opportunities for behavioural tests due to the breadth and ease of possible manipulations available to stimuli. However, serious limitations to video playback experiments exist, primarily the need to configure a technology designed for human vision to replicate stimuli for a nonhuman viewer. Here, we test the effectiveness of video playback for two species of freshwater fish, Etheostoma barrenense and Etheostoma zonale . The focal species are closely related sympatric species that have distinct male nuptial coloration. Dichotomous choice assays using video stimuli showed that female E. zonale prefer video of conspecific males whereas female E. barrenense showed no preference for videos of conspecific or heterospecific males. Comparisons of video trials to live trials indicate that response to video playback is comparable to responses to live stimuli in female E. zonale but not in female E. barrenense . Differences in monitor replication of species-specific coloration may account for the asymmetry in response, and future work should further test colour-based recognition of video stimuli in E. zonale .
Non-parametric Panel Data Models with Interactive Fixed Effects

This article studies non-parametric panel data models with multidimensional, unobserved individual effects when the number of time periods is fixed. I focus on models where the unobservables have a factor structure and enter an unknown structural function non-additively. The setup allows the individual effects to impact outcomes differently in different time periods and it allows for heterogeneous marginal effects. I provide sufficient conditions for point identification of all parameters of the model. Furthermore, I present a non-parametric sieve maximum likelihood estimator as well as flexible semiparametric and parametric estimators. Monte Carlo experiments demonstrate that the estimators perform well in finite samples. Finally, in an empirical application, I use these estimators to investigate the relationship between teaching practice and student achievement. The results differ considerably from those obtained with commonly used panel data methods.
France, Europe, and the Orient in the Essays: Montaigne’s Dialectics

Taking the critical issue of thematic coherence as his starting point, the author proposes that the spatial organization of Montaigne’s “Of Coaches” (III.6), proceeding in a circular movement from Europe to the East, to the New World, and finally back to Europe, serves as the organizing principle of this famous chapter of the Essays. In his reading, the author relates the much commented passages about the New World to Montaigne’s mostly ignored mentions of the East and suggests that they create a dialectic tension. In the Essays, Orientalist tropes underpin Montaigne’s skepticism and undermine, rather than foster, the construction of a European self. In “Of Coaches,” the dialectics of Orientalism serves Montaigne most of all to reveal the precarity of human knowledge.
Clostridium sordelli Toxic Shock After Endometrial Ablation: Review of Gynecologic Cases

Abstract Background: Clostridium sordelli is a rare toxin-mediated infection that has been associated with profound septic shock and a nearly 100% mortality rate in obstetric and gynecologic patien...
Creating Ties and Maintaining Support: Networking and Self Help

Alzheimer’s disease strikes families, not just individuals. It is a degenerative disorder which has no known medical cure. Neither the affected individuals nor their families are allowed much hope and without hope we frequently find despair. This despair on the part of the Alzheimer’s patient and his or her family members can occasionally lead to depression which in turn leads to isolation and to a subsequent cutting off of family and social ties. In other instances, this dismal prognosis spurs people on to strengthen their ties with family, friends, and similarly afflicted people. The former response is generally considered maladaptive and frequently exacerbates the depression and isolation on the part of both the patient and the concerned family members. The latter response tends to help enable people to deal better psychologically with the very real and genuine pain of losing a loved one.
Note on the Monotonicity of Coefficients for Some q-Series Arising from Ramanujan's Lost Notebook

In this note, we shall give a partition-theoretic interpretation which explains the non-negativity of the coefficients of some q-series arising from Ramanujan's Lost Notebook and prove the almost-increasingness of the coefficients via a vector partition generating function.
Analysis of Moisture Content, Total Oil and Fatty Acid Composition by NIR Reflectance Spectroscopy: A Review

Near Infrared (NIR) Reflectance spectroscopy has established itself as an important analytical technique in the field of food and agriculture. It is quicker and easier to use, and does not require processing the samples with corrosive chemicals such as acids or hydroxides. However, in earlier times, the samples had to be ground into powder form before making any measurements. Thanks to the development of new soft ware packages for use with NIR instruments, NIR techniques could be used in the analysis of intact grains and seeds. While most of the commercial instruments presently available work well with small grain size materials such as wheat and corn, they were found to be unsuitable for large kernel size products such as shelled or in-shell peanuts. In this chapter, principles of NIR Reflectance spectroscopy were reviewed, in particular reference to the water and oil bands. Also presented are some recent applications of NIR for the rapid and nondestructive measurement of moisture and total oil contents in shelled and in-shell peanuts. Applicability, and limitations of NIR reflectance method in the analysis of fatty acid composition of different varieties of peanuts while they are in their shells was also discussed. Ability to rapidly and nondestructively measure the water and total oil content, and analyze the fatty acid composition, will be immensely useful in the grading process of grains and nuts.
Non-Local Super Resolution in Ultrasound Imaging

The resolution of ultrasound (US) images is limited by physical constraints and hardware restrictions, such as the frequency, width and focal zone of the US beam. Different interpolation methods are often used to increase the sampling rate of ultrasound images. However, interpolation methods generally introduce blur in images. Herein, we present a super resolution (SR) algorithm for reconstruction of the B-mode images using the information from the envelope of radio frequency (RF) data. Our method is based on utilizing repetitive data in the nonlocal neighborhood of samples. The performance of the proposed approach is determined both qualitatively and quantitatively using phantom and in-vivo data.
Illegible Will: Coercive Spectacles of Labor in South Africa and the Diaspora by Hershini Bhana Young

Young, Hershini Bhana. Illegible Will: Coercive Spectacles of Labor in South Africa and the Diaspora . Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2017.
Climate change or climate regimes? Examining multi-annual variations in the frequency of precipitation extremes over the Argentine Pampas

A recent period of increased precipitation over the Argentinian Pampas expanded the boundary of rain-fed agriculture. However, such changes may not be sustainable if they arose from transient climate regime shifts. Considerable research exists on trends and cycles in sub-daily to annual precipitation metrics including the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation. However, efforts to identify wetter and drier phases (or regimes) in this region are scant. This article aims to bridge that gap and advance our understanding of the multi-annual behavior of regional precipitation extremes, which can have the greatest impacts. It is unlikely that all extreme events are drawn from a single probability distribution or generated by the same physical processes. Hence, hidden mixtures of Poisson distributions are fitted to several precipitation frequency metrics to explore whether the annual to decadal variations in extreme precipitation frequency are greater than anticipated from a single system, and representative of regime shifts. Statistically significant improvements in the fit over single distributions were found for statistical mixture models of the frequency of very wet days, and the frequency of wet spells. This supports the hypothesis that multiple weather regimes exist giving rise to wetter or drier epochs. Posterior probabilities of hidden states from the fitted mixture distributions were used to identify wetter and drier years for comparison with sea surface temperature anomalies. This confirmed the presence of two distinct regimes, supporting other research, into the dynamical influences of precipitation behavior in the Argentine Pampas.
Stories from LGBTQ social work faculty: What is the impact of being “out” in academia?

This article describes a qualitative study of 17 self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) social work faculty members’ experiences with being “out” in an academic sett...
Relaxation Training and Relaxation-Related Procedures

Men and women have earnestly sought a state called relaxation from the earliest of recorded times. Whether it be defined subjectively or, in the more recent scientific tradition, objectively, relaxation is universally considered a desirable and pleasant state. In this chapter, relaxation, relaxation training and related procedures, and the experimental evidence concerning the efficacy of relaxation training in applications to behavioral medicine will be discussed. Although relaxation per se is not always defined within systems of relaxation training, it is usually expected that relaxation is accompanied by a general muscular loosening and a slowing of the flow of thought. The techniques used to elicit such phenomena vary from the truly physical (progressive muscular relaxation) to the purely mental (hypnosis and imaginal relaxation).
Christ’s Presence in the Poor and the Church: A Traditionalist Liberation Theology:

This paper argues that central claims about the poor in liberation theology do not displace traditional claims about the centrality of the Church but are a natural outworking of them. Christ is pre...
Development and validation of a clinical trial feasibility assessment (CTFA) tool and evaluation of the NCI clinical trial evaluation and scoring (NCI-CTES) model.

e16549 Background: The ability to predict accrual success of a specific NCI sponsored clinical trial (CT) in the setting of a Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) is typically based on the ex...
Tail expectation and imperfect competition in limit order book markets

Abstract Perfect competition in liquidity provision in limit order markets is characterized by a tail expectation condition ( Glosten 1994 ). In this paper, we model imperfect competition in schedules by infinitely many liquidity suppliers, quoting on a limit order book. We show that there are zero-rent mixed-strategy equilibria featuring finite numbers of active liquidity suppliers. None of the equilibria satisfies the competitive outcome, not even on average. Considering a sequence of equilibria with the number of active liquidity suppliers becoming large, we show that the aggregate stochastic marginal price schedule converges to the deterministic competitive marginal price schedule.
Bone Marrow: An Immunometabolic Refuge during Energy Depletion.

An integrated immunometabolic response during negative energy balance is required for host survival. Three new papers by Jordan et al. (2019), Nagai et al. (2019), and Collins et al. (2019) report that monocytes, naive B cells, and memory CD8 T cells use bone marrow as a haven to tide off periods of metabolic adversity to maintain immune-responsiveness.
Biological Synthesis of Nanoparticles Using Bacteria

Inorganic nanoplatforms represent an attractive tool in different biomedical applications due to their multifunctional property and intrinsic molecular property which help in efficient diagnosis, imaging, continuous monitoring, and successful therapy. Recently, synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) by bio-reduction using bacteria and other microorganisms has gained immense popularity due to several advantages over chemical synthesis methods including low cost, less use of toxic chemicals, biocompatibility, and easy to synthesize. In this present book chapter, we have provided a detailed overview of bacteria-mediated green synthesis of INPs, their characterization, and mechanism of synthesis. Finally, we have mentioned the current challenges for the bacteria-mediated synthesis of INPs and their future scopes in various biomedical applications.
Coupling computational thermodynamics with density-function-theory based calculations to design L12 precipitates in FeNi based alloys

Abstract Achieving a high-volume fraction of thermodynamically stable L12-type precipitates that are resistant to coarsening is of great importance for the development of low-cost Fe Ni based austenitic steels. With the aid of computational thermodynamics, this work designed two model alloys: Fe-37.4Ni-6.1Al-2.9Ti (FNAT) and Fe-45.2Ni-5.9Al-8.5Si (FNAS). Both alloys were designed to contain a similar amount of L12 precipitate in Fe-Ni matrix without forming other precipitates. Density-Function-Theory (DFT) calculation was coupled with computational thermodynamics to predict the critical radius at which the precipitates change shape from spherical to cuboidal. The calculation results suggest that critical radius for the FNAT alloy is about two orders of magnitude larger than that for the Fe Ni Al Si alloy. Phase stability and morphology of the L12 precipitates in these two alloys were experimentally investigated through X-ray diffraction, atom probe tomography, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The L12 precipitates in the Fe Ni Al Si system were found to be cuboidal and rod shaped, with much larger size than the spherical ones in the Fe Ni Al Ti system, agreeing with the calculation results. This work suggested that coupling computational thermodynamics with DFT calculations can be reliably used to design L12 precipitates in Fe Ni based alloys.
Smart and Connected Scooter for People with Mobility Challenges

Despite the technical success of existing assistive technologies, for example, electric wheelchairs and scooters, they are still far from effective enough in helping the people with mobility challenges, for example, the elderly, blind, and disabled, navigate to their destinations in a hassle-free manner. While mobility scooters may help to improve the quality of life of their users, operating them is still challenging in many scenarios. Riders often face challenges in driving scooters in some indoor and crowded places, especially on sidewalks with numerous obstacles and other pedestrians. It is also hard to determine the right path, for example, sidewalks with ramps and no dead ends. People with certain disabilities, such as the blind, are often unable to drive their scooters well enough. In this paper, we propose to improve the safety and autonomy of navigation by designing a cutting-edge autonomous scooter, thus allowing people with mobility challenges to ambulate independently and safely in possibly unfamiliar surroundings. To solve the discrepancies of system complexity, sensing, and mapping we propose sensor fusion solutions and connected infrastructure for object localization and mapping under various spatial and lighting conditions. We propose to improve obstacle detection system by performing joint partitioning and deep learning based object detection. Our system design offers the advantages of being affordable, vendor-independent, discreet, noninvasive and unobtrusive.
The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Patients With Spinal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Virtual reality (VR) technologies have been shown to be beneficial in various areas of health care; to date, there are no systematic reviews examining the effectiveness of VR technology for the treatment of spinal pain. Purpose To investigate the effectiveness of VR technology in the management of individuals with acute, subacute, and chronic spinal pain. Methods Six electronic databases were searched until November 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of VR were eligible for inclusion. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias for each study and the overall quality of evidence. Mean differences of outcomes were pooled as appropriate using random-effects models. Results Seven RCTs with high risk of bias met review criteria. Quality of evidence ranged from very low to low quality. In patients with chronic neck pain, VR improved global perceived effect (GPE), satisfaction, and general health at short-term follow-up, as well as general health and balance at intermediate-term follow-up compared to kinematic training. VR improved pain intensity and disability at short-term and long-term follow-up compared to conventional proprioceptive training in patients with chronic neck pain. In patients with either subacute or chronic low back pain (LBP), VR improved pain, disability, and fear of movement compared to lumbar stabilization exercises and improved pain compared to conventional physical therapy (at short-term follow-up). In patients with chronic LBP, VR improved pain compared to lumbar stabilization exercises and improved fear of movement compared to conventional physical therapy (at short-term follow-up). Conclusion VR's potential for improvement in outcomes for spinal pain that demonstrated statistical and/or clinical significance (pain intensity, disability, fear of movement, GPE, patient satisfaction, general health status, and balance) highlights the need for more focused, higher-quality research on the efficacy and effectiveness of VR for treatment of patients with spinal pain.
Intrathecal delivery of nusinersen in individuals with complicated spines.

BACKGROUND The treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with nusinersen requires intrathecal medication administration, which can be challenging in individuals with complicated spines. This retrospective case series reviews the nusinersen treatment experience at one academic medical center with children and adults with SMA and complicated spines. METHODS Twenty medical records of individuals receiving nusinersen were reviewed and administration methods summarized and assessed. RESULTS Ten children and 10 adults were treated, and 55% had complicated spines. In total, 163 treatments were given, 91 in those with complicated spines. In the complicated spines, 74% of treatments were done by means of fluoroscopic lumbar puncture, 22% by means of intrathecal Ommaya reservoir, 3% by means of palpation, and < 1% by means of computed tomography-guided transforaminal approach. CONCLUSIONS A large majority of individuals with complicated spines can receive intrathecal nusinersen using fluoroscopic guidance in the lumbar region. Other delivery methods are available but less frequently used.
Leader Scholar Communities: Supporting EdD Students’ Dissertation in Practice Efforts

In this essay, we discuss Leader Scholar Communities (LSCs), which have proven to be helpful in supporting students’ dissertation in practice (DiP) efforts in several CPED-guided programs. We have organized this essay around four important topics including (a) describing a theoretical framework that serves as the foundation for LSCs, (b) providing a rationale for using LSCs, (c) illustrating how LSCs have been implemented to support students’ DiP efforts in our EdD programs, and (d) exploring the benefits and limitations of LSCs. We have also presented research information about graduates’ perceptions of LSCs. We concluded by presenting some questions others might wish to contemplate as they consider the use of LSCs to support their students’ DiP efforts. An erratum has been published for this article at DOI: https://doi.org/10.5195/ie.2020.215.
Identification of the effect of nanofiller morphology on interlaminar fracture toughness of hybrid composites

Nanoscale reinforcements have the potential to improve mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composite. Here, effect of nanofiller morphology and dispersion in augmenting mode I fracture toughn...
Does Increased Visibility to the IRS Cause Public Firms to Go Private? Evidence from FIN 48

This study investigates whether the introduction of a mandatory disclosure requirement (FIN 48), which had the effect of increasing public firms’ visibility to the tax authority, incentivized going-private transactions. Building on analytical work suggesting that disclosures required under FIN 48 act as a signal to the government regarding the uncertainty of the taxpayer’s position (Mills, Robinson, and Sansing 2010), I hypothesize and find evidence of an increased propensity to go private among aggressive tax planning firms following the enactment of the new disclosure rule but prior to its adoption. The effect is concentrated in firms with high CEO ownership, consistent with CEOs of tax aggressive firms viewing the mandated disclosures as damaging to the firm’s prospects and seeking to escape the anticipated effects to their personal wealth. Furthermore, I find that the spike in going-private transactions among tax aggressive firms is driven primarily by private equity-led buyouts. Overall, my findings suggest that mandatory disclosures giving rise to increased visibility to the tax authority may have the unintended consequence of discouraging some firms from operating as public entities.
Piers Plowman and the Reinvention of Church Law in the Late Middle Ages: Piers Plowman and the Reinvention of Church Law in the Late Middle Ages, by Arvind Thomas, Toronto, Toronto University Press, 2019, 288 pp., $77 (hardback), ISBN 978-1487502461

Offering a critique of scholarly approaches associated with the law and literature movement, Piers Plowman and the Reinvention of Church Law aims to “uncover intersections of, rather than just rela...
Active Visual Information Systems

To accomplish the discovery, fusion and retrieval of visual/multimedia information from diversified sources, active visual information systems capable of processing and filtering visual/multimedia information, checking for semantic consistency, and structuring the relevant information for distribution are needed. We describe a framework for the human- and system-directed discovery and fusion of visual/multimedia information, which is based upon the observation that a significant event often manifests itself in different media over time. Therefore if we can index such manifestations and dynamically link them, then we can check for consistency and discover important and relevant visual/multimedia information. This dynamic indexing technique is based upon the theory of active index. An approach for rapid prototyping of active visual information systems using Tele-Action Objects, TAO_HTML Interpretor and active index system is then presented.