cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local Economic Development in China and the United States: Strategies and Issues

Globalization stimulates local governments in China and the United States to step up their economic development efforts. What strategies are successful and why? Does industry cluster development lead to higher per capita income? What government infrastructure and incentives stimulate and nurture businesses? This article examines local economic development in China and the United States, comparing strategies and outlining challenging issues. Kuotsai Tom Liou of the University of Central Florida finds that local governments must play the leading role in sustainable development, as a partnership approach promotes collaboration among communities, industries, and other government entities. Policy implications and theoretical issues aimed to promote further comparative studies are presented.
Three models of discourse analysis: The role of social structure∗

(1980). Three models of discourse analysis: The role of social structure. Discourse Processes: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 101-131.
The graph topology on nth-order systems is quotient Euclidean

It is shown that on the set of m-input p-output minimal nth-order state-space systems the graph topology and the induced Euclidean quotient topology are identified. The author considers the set L/sub n//sup p*m/ of m-input p-output nth-order minimal state-space systems. The author presents three lemmas and a corollary from which a theorem is proved stating that the graph topology and the quotient Euclidean topology are identical on a quotient space L/sub n//sup p*m// approximately . Since the graph topology is constructed to be weak, and the quotient Euclidean topology is intuitively strong, this result is unexpected. >
Pathwise uniqueness for reflecting Brownian motion in Euclidean domains

For a bounded C1,α domain in ℝ d we show that there exists a strong solution to the multidimensional Skorokhod equation and that weak uniqueness holds for this equation. These results imply that pathwise uniqueness and strong uniqueness hold for the Skorokhod equation.
Decomposition, Pricing for Decentralization and External Economies

The decomposition procedure for the solution of large scale linear programs is described in an elementary manner with illustrative calculations. Its economic interpretation as a procedure for decentralized decision by the multi-division firm or the multi-sector economy is explained in detail. Decomposition is shown to provide internal prices for decentralized decision making in the presence of external economies or diseconomies. However, it is demonstrated that in many cases there exist no prices which will lead divisions to make independent decisions that are optimal from the point of view of the company or the economy as a whole.
Multicast routing in 40 Gb/s heterogeneous optical networks

This paper addresses multicast routing in 40 Gb/s traffic in heterogeneous optical networks. The multicast routing of multi-rate traffic (MRMT) problem is informally defined as the process of finding the best routing which maximizes the total bandwidth utilization in the network, for a given set of sessions, and a given WDM and TDM equipment budget. In our model, a multicast connection is realized by constructing a multicast tree. The whole process is divided into two steps. Numerical results demonstrate our approach utilizes network resources more efficiently, as compared to the approach based on shortest path algorithm.
Rurality and Event-Free Survival in Patients With Heart Failure

Background Evidence of health disparities between urban and rural populations usually favors urban dwellers. The impact of rurality on heart failure (HF) outcomes is unknown. Objective We compared event-free survival between HF patients living in urban and rural areas. Methods In this longitudinal study, 136 patients with HF (male, 70%; age, mean ± SD 61 ± 11 years; New York Heart Association class III/IV, 60%) were enrolled. Patients' emergency department visits for HF exacerbation and rehospitalization during follow-up were identified. Rural status was determined by rural-urban commuting area code. Survival analysis was used to determine the effect of rurality on outcomes while controlling for relevant demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables. Results Rural patients (64%) had longer event-free survival than urban patients (P = .015). Rurality (P = .04) predicted event-free survival after controlling for age, marital status, New York Heart Association class, medications, adherence to medications, depressive symptoms, and social support. Conclusions Rural patients were less likely than their urban counterparts to experience an event. Further research is needed to identify protective factors that may be unique to rural settings.
Inferring ozone production in an urban atmosphere using measurements of peroxynitric acid

Abstract. Observations of peroxynitric acid (HO2NO2) obtained simultaneously with those of NO and NO2 provide a sensitive measure of the ozone photochemical production rate. We illustrate this technique for constraining the ozone production rate with observations obtained from the NCAR C-130 aircraft platform during the Megacity Initiative: Local and Global Research Observations (MILAGRO) intensive in Mexico during the spring of 2006. Sensitive and selective measurements of HO2NO2 were made in situ using chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS). Observations were compared to modeled HO2NO2 concentrations obtained from the NASA Langley highly-constrained photochemical time-dependent box model. The median observed-to-calculated ratio of HO2NO2 is 1.18. At NOx levels greater than 15 ppbv, the photochemical box model underpredicts observations with an observed-to-calculated ratio of HO2NO2 of 1.57. As a result, we find that at high NOx, the ozone production rate calculated using measured HO2NO2 is faster than predicted using accepted photochemistry. Inclusion of an additional HOx source from the reaction of excited state NO2 with H2O or reduction in the rate constant of the reaction of OH with NO2 improves the agreement.
Generalized Köthe function spaces. I

The idea of constructing a space of functions taking values in a locally convex space E from a linear space of scalar valued functions is well known. We can, for example, define a space consisting of all E-valued functions φ(t) such that for all elements e′ of the dual E′ of E. Besides this construction there are others which arise in special cases. This idea has been used to obtain integrals of vector-valued functions (compare (2), Chapter III, § 4). Schwartz has also used it in his paper on differentiable vector-valued functions (9) whose main result is the famous kernel theorem, as well as in introducing vector-valued distributions. It is natural to expect that the space of vector-valued functions obtained will inherit some properties of the function space and the vector space E. Therefore one usually starts from some function space which has interesting properties.
Technology and teen drivers

The rapid evolution of computing, communication, and sensor technology is likely to affect young drivers more than others. The distraction potential of infotainment technology stresses the same vulnerabilities that already lead young drivers to crash more frequently than other drivers. Cell phones, text messaging, MP3 players, and other nomadic devices all present a threat because young drivers may lack the spare attentional capacity for vehicle control and the ability to anticipate and manage hazards. Moreover, young drivers are likely to be the first and most aggressive users of new technology. Fortunately, emerging technology can also support safe driving. Electronic stability control, collision avoidance systems, intelligent speed adaptation, and vehicle tracking systems can all help mitigate the threats to young drivers. However, technology alone is unlikely to make young drivers safer. One promising approach to tailoring technology to teen drivers is to extend proven methods for enhancing young driver safety. The success of graduated drivers license programs (GDL) and the impressive safety benefit of supervised driving suggest ways of tailoring technology to the needs of young drivers. To anticipate the effects of technology on teen driving it may be useful to draw an analogy between the effects of passengers and the effects of technology. Technology can act as a teen passenger and undermine safety or it can act as an adult passenger and enhance safety. Impact on industry: Rapidly developing technology may have particularly large effects on teen drivers. To maximize the positive effects and minimize the negative effects will require a broad range of industries to work together. Ideally, vehicle manufacturers would work with infotainment providers, insurance companies, and policy makers to craft new technologies so that they accommodate the needs of young drivers. Without such collaboration young drivers will face even greater challenges to their safety as new technologies emerge. © 2007 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Forming low resistance nano-scale contacts using solder reflow

We describe the use of solder reflow on the 100 nanometer scale to form electrically conductive contacts. We fabricated nanowires using electrodeposition in nanoporous templates. We investigated the use of directed assembly and nanoscale soldering to integrate the nanowires with microfabricated bond pads, and measured the electrical characteristics of the soldered wires. The electrical resistance of a single nanowire on top of two adjacent contact pads dropped by an order of magnitude after solder reflow. The results in this paper demonstrate that it is possible to use solder films as thin as 100 nm to electrically bond nanocomponents to substrates with contact resistances as low as 5 /spl Omega/.
Investigation of hybrid modes in broadside-coupled coplanar waveguide for microwave and millimeter-wave integrated circuits

The dispersion of the hybrid modes in the broadside-coupled coplanar waveguide (CPW) is studied using the full-wave spectral-domain method. Over the dominant-mode frequency range, the dispersion is low. The analysis and investigation are useful for the determinations of the dominant-mode operation and the overmoding characteristics in microwave and millimeter-wave broadside-coupled CPW circuits.
Effects of Acute and Chronic Ethanol Exposure on Intestinal Microvillus Membrane Lipid Composition and Fluidity

Chronic ethanol consumption produces nutrient malabsorption. The mechanisms by which this occurs are poorly understood. One potential mechanism is an alteration in microvillus membrane (MVM) composition and fluidity. The effects of in vivo ethanol exposure on MVM lipid composition and fluidity were determined in rats fed either a standard diet or 15% ethanol in water for 2 months. Acute jejunal exposure to 4% ethanol was also performed in vivo in each feeding group. Acute exposure to ethanol produced an increase in static and dynamic membrane fluidity associated with a decrease in MVM cholesterol regardless of prior ethanol exposure. Chronic ethanol feeding alone did not alter membrane fluidity. Changes in membrane fatty acid composition were minor and variable after both acute and chronic ethanol exposure. Prior chronic ethanol feeding did not prevent the acute effects of ethanol on MVM composition or fluidity. These data support the theory that ethanol acutely disrupts nutrient transport by changing MVM lipid fluidity. The absence of adaptive changes in membrane composition and fluidity may also explain the persistent absorptive defects seen with chronic alcoholism.
Probabilistic tracking of motion boundaries with spatiotemporal predictions

We describe a probabilistic framework for detecting and tracking motion boundaries. It builds on previous work (M.J. Black and D.J. Fleet, 2000) that used a particle filter to compute a posterior distribution over multiple, local motion models, one of which was specific for motion boundaries. We extend that framework in two ways: 1) with an enhanced likelihood that combines motion and edge support, 2) with a spatiotemporal model that propagates beliefs between adjoining image neighborhoods to encourage boundary continuity and provide better temporal predictions for motion boundaries. Approximate inference is achieved with a combination of tools: sampled representations allow us to represent multimodal non-Gaussian distributions and to apply nonlinear dynamics, while mixture models are used to simplify the computation of joint prediction distributions.
FSL J1-208, a Virulent Uncommon Phylogenetic Lineage IV Listeria monocytogenes Strain with a Small Chromosome Size and a Putative Virulence Plasmid Carrying Internalin-Like Genes

ABSTRACT The bacterial genus Listeria contains both saprotrophic and facultative pathogenic species. A small genome size has been suggested to be associated with the loss of pathogenic potential of L. welshimeri and L. seeligeri. In this paper we present data on the genome of L. monocytogenes strain FSL J1-208, a representative of phylogenetic lineage IV. Although this strain was isolated from a clinical case in a caprine host and has no decreased invasiveness in human intestinal epithelial cells, our analyses show that this strain has one of the smallest Listeria chromosomes reported to date (2.78 Mb). The chromosome contains 2,772 protein-coding genes, including well-characterized virulence-associated genes, such as inlA, inlB, and inlC and the full prfA gene cluster. The small genome size is mainly caused by the absence of prophages in the genome of L. monocytogenes FSL J1-208, and further analyses showed that the total size of prophage-related regions is highly correlated to chromosome size in the genus Listeria. L. monocytogenes FSL J1-208 carries a unique type of plasmid of approximately 80 kbp that does not carry genes annotated as being involved in resistance to antibiotics or heavy metals. The accessory genes in this plasmid belong to the internalin family, a family of virulence-associated proteins, and therefore this is the first report of a potential virulence plasmid in the genus Listeria.
Supporting Cloud Computing with the Virtual Block Store System

The fast development of cloud computing systems stimulates the needs for a standalone block storage system to provide persistent block storage services to virtual machines maintained by clouds. This paper presents the Virtual Block Store (VBS) System, a standalone block storage system built on the basis of LVM, iSCSI, and Xen hypervisor, which can provide basic block storage services such as volume creation and attachment. The concept and functional interface of VBS are based on Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS) service; moreover, VBS works independently with an existing LVM volume server and Xen nodes, and thus can be easily extended to support other types of volume servers and virtual machine managers, or integrated with various cloud computing systems. Preliminary I/O benchmark results are presented and analyzed, indicating that a VBS volume can provide throughput that is similar to an ATA over Ethernet virtual device.
Resolution-complete safety falsification of continuous time systems

In this paper we consider a class of analysis problems for control systems, aimed at safety falsification, i.e., checking whether a controlled trajectory exists that violates a given safety property. We introduce a notion of resolution completeness for safety falsification, and present a resolution-complete algorithm applicable to continuous-time LTI systems. The algorithm is based on deterministic incremental search procedures, building feasible trajectories exploring the reachable set at increasing resolution levels. Given a target resolution, the algorithm terminates either with a trajectory that violates the safety specification, or proves that no input within a certain class exists that violates the specification.
Transfer of the Chlorinated Hydrocarbon PCB in a Laboratory Marine Food Chain

The transfer of chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHC) in a laboratory simulation of a three trophic level marine food chain was studied. The food chain consisted of the algal flagellate Dunaliella sp., the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, and the larva of the Northern anchovy Engraulis mordax. CHC were introduced into the seawater at concentrations representative of near-shore conditions off southern California without the use of dispersing agents. Each trophic level appeared to be in a steady-state at the time of first sampling, 5 days after inoculation. Apparent partition coefficients were calculated for each trophic level. The CHC contamination in the diet of the rotifers and anchovy larvae was also calculated. Unfed anchovy larvae accumulated the same amount of CHC as fed larvae and the final concentration appeared to be dependent on the CHC concentration in the seawater. The data in this report suggest that CHC accumulation is not a food-chain phenomenon but rather the result of direct partitioning of the compounds between the seawater and the test organisms.
COGNITIONS OF SELF AS LEARNER: A NECESSARY OBJECTIVE IN EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION '

Summary.-In any learning event, one's self-concept is being formed, challenged, extended, threatened. Some self-concepts about being a learner can become harmful self-fulfilling prophecies if left unarticulated. A necessary objective in the learning process may be to bring one's own experiences as a learner into cognitions about self as learner. This action permits alternative and flexible self-conceptions. Support for this objective is discussed with reference to theoretical assumptions underlying experiential education. Use of experiential language expressed in terms of polarities and dilemmas is presented as a method by which concepts of self as learner can be articulated effectively.
Using rapid prototyping to teach design for automated assembly principles

This paper describes the use of rapid prototyping to teach students design for automated assembly (DFAA) principles. Traditionally students have been unable to implement their DFAA solutions to real problems during the course of a standard term due to limitations of time and equipment. With rapid prototyping, however, students can not only complete a full design cycle, but they can test their solutions and complete iterations. This in turn leads to an increase in students' understanding of DFAA, was well as to their confidence that they can correctly apply the principles.
Continuous Infusion of Recombinant Factor VIIa: Continue or not?

The development of a neutralizing inhibitor in a hemophilia patient represents the most serious complication of factor replacement therapy today. Among patients with hemophilia A and B, the incidence of inhibitor formation is 18-32% and 2-3%, respectively. The propensity for inhibitor development in either disorder is a function of the underlying molecular defect as well as other inherited and treatmentrelated factors. Multidomain deletions, gene rearrangements, and missense mutations, molecular events associated with the absence of circulating factor VIII or IX, engender the greatest risk (2-4). Some inhibitors are transient or can be abolished by repeated and frequent exposure to the congenitally missing coagulation factor, a process that has been termed immune tolerance induction. However, in a subset of patients, particularly those with a high titer or longstanding inhibitor, tolerance cannot be achieved and alternative measures to achieve hemostasis become necessary. Patients with high titer inhibitors (> 5 BU) are routinely treated with
Intersegmental Dynamics Are Controlled by Sequential Anticipatory, Error Correction, and Postural Mechanisms

Intersegmental dynamics are controlled by sequential anticipatory, error correction, and positional control mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to examine the mechanisms underlying control of ...
Model for Nonlinear Dynamics of Offshore Towers

It is possible to model the responses of deep-ocean tower structures subjected to wave forces. Interactions of four systems—the wave surface heights, the ocean, the hydraulic force, and the structure—lead to a problem formulation involving weakly nonlinear random vibrations. Analytical solution of the problem is achieved by the use of a discrete-system semilinear technique in which an equivalent linear system is studied. Certain coefficient parameters of the equivalent system differential equations of motion are selected in a manner minimizing the error of the equivalent system approximation. Any resulting linear system is nonclassical since normal mode superposition techniques do not apply. Nonclassical mode superposition, which involves complex-valued mode shapes and coordinates, supplies the solution. Principal conclusions are that a simplified analysis (using one nonclassical mode) becomes possible for increasing wind velocities, that amplitude and phasing effects in the various systems require design analyses at many wind velocities, and that form drag forces become noticeable at high wind velocities.
Negative Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Test Result After Massive Transfusion: Believe It or Not?

Objectives: Diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is complicated by a high false-positive rate for the screening enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and limited availability of confirmatory platelet activation assays such as serotonin release assay (SRA). We evaluate the impact of a massive transfusion on EIA and SRA testing and emphasize that the timing of the confirmatory sample is important. Methods: We present a case in which separate samples for HIT testing were collected before and after a major bleed requiring massive transfusion. We also discuss a recent study in which HIT serum samples were diluted in vitro and in vivo. Results: The EIA was strongly positive, but SRA was negative, leading to suspicion of a false-positive EIA result. However, SRA performed on the initial EIA specimen was strongly positive. A second EIA, drawn after a massive transfusion, was negative. Conclusions: Replacement of several blood volumes diluted the HIT antibodies below the limit of detection. Confirmatory testing for HIT antibodies should be done on the specimen that initially tested positive.
Aligning US health and immigration policy to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis.

Objectives Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health issue, claiming 1.4 million lives worldwide in 2011. Using data from the 2009-2010 National Health Interview Survey, we examine variation in 'having heard of TB' (HTB) by global region of birth and health insurance status. Methods Cross-sectional analysis with bivariate comparisons and multivariate logistic regression to evaluate how adults differed in reported HTB, controlling for global region of birth. Results HTB rates ranged from 63.4% of adults born in Asia to 88.6% born in Europe. Uninsured immigrants had the lowest rate of HTB, ranging from a low of 50.1% of uninsured adults born in Asia to 77.6% born in Europe and 90.8% of US-born uninsured adults. Longer length of time in the United States (>5 years) was significantly associated with increased likelihood of HTB, as did being of Asian race/ethnicity and being male. Those with private health insurance coverage had the highest rates of HTB. Conclusions To reduce persistent TB, public health program directors and policy makers must 1) recognize the variation in HTB by global region of birth and prioritize areas with the lowest HTB rates, and 2) reduce barriers to health insurance coverage by eliminating the 5-year ban for public program coverage for new immigrants.
CHROMOSOMAL, GENIC, AND MORPHOLOGIC VARIATION IN THE AGILE KANGAROO RAT, DIPODOMYS AGILIS (RODENTIA: HETEROMYIDAE)

Chromosomal, genic, and morphologic variation was examined among populations of Dipodomys agilis from southern California and Baja California, including populations previ- ously recognized as D. antiquarius, D. paralius, and D. peninsularis. Populations with a diploid chromosomal number of 62 and a fundamental number of 110 were found north of San Gor- gonio Pass, and those possessing a diploid number of 60 and a fundamental number of 116 were found to the south. Genic data also indicated a similar separation of northern and southern populations. Analyses of morphologic data revealed that populations in the north were signif- icantly larger than those in the south for several characters. Considering the three data sets, there is considerable differentiation of populations north of San Gorgonio Pass from those to the south. Apparently, the terrain at San Gorgonio Pass, and possibly human habitation, has prevented genetic exchange between these populations for a sufficient period for differences between them to accumulate. (Karyotypic variation; electrophoresis; morphologic variation; kan- garoo rat; Dipodomys; Heteromyidae.)
Effect and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Analysis of Different Varieties (Interstocks) on Fruit Quality of Shatangju

Fruit quality of Shatangju top grafted on five different varieties of citrus (interstocks) was tested and analyzed using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. The results showed that the effect of different citrus varieties (interstocks) on the fruit external quality was not significant,but significant on fruit internal quality. Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation analysis showed that Algeria valencia orange and Penggan were best for top grafting with Shatangju. Nanfengmiju was better and Gonggan and Mashuiju were poor. The research results provided scientific references for grafting with Shatangju on different varieties of citrus (interstocks).
Capecitabine and lapatinib for the first-line treatment of metastatic/recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The combination of cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and cetuximab is a standard treatment for patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer, with a high rate of toxicity. Identifying less toxic, equally effective regimens is imperative. Therefore, in the current study, the authors investigated first-line treatment with an all-oral regimen of capecitabine and lapatinib. METHODS Patients were required to have incurable head and neck cancer of any primary site other than the nasopharynx, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0 to 2, and no prior exposure to capecitabine or lapatinib. Subjects were treated with capecitabine at a dose of 1000 mg/m2 twice daily and lapatinib at a dose of 1250 mg daily. Capecitabine was administered for 14 days of each 21-day cycle for 4 cycles. Lapatinib was administered daily until disease progression. The primary outcome was overall survival. RESULTS A total of 44 subjects were accrued between November 13, 2009 and April 29, 2014. Approximately 38.6% of the sample had an ECOG PS of 0, 52.3% had an ECOG PS of 1, and 9.1% had an ECOG PS of 2. Approximately 81.8% were male and the median age of the patients was 62 years. Prior attempts at curative treatment with chemotherapy had been used in 68.2% of patients (platinum was used in 55.8%). There was no grade 5 toxicity noted (toxicity was graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [version 3.0]). The most common adverse events were diarrhea (18.2% of patients with grade 3) and rash (13.6% of patients with grade 3). The primary objective was met; the median overall survival was 10.7 months (90% confidence interval [90% CI], 8.7-12.9 months). The overall response rate was 25% (90% CI, 15%-38%). The median progression-free survival was 4.2 months (90% CI, 3.6-5.1 months). The results were not substantially different when subdivided by p16 status. Only 2 patients were positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS The current study met its primary objective of survival comparable to the combination of cisplatin, 5-FU and cetuximab regimen, and the toxicity of this all-oral regimen was tolerable. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Exercise Intolerance In Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

More than 50% of Americans with heart failure have preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Exercise intolerance is a hallmark of HFpEF, but the pathophysiology is not well understood. Diverse etiologies and incomplete mechanistic understanding have resulted in ineffective management strategies to improve the outcomes of HFpEF. Traditional therapies that have been beneficial in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), neurohormonal blockade in particular, have not been effective in treating HFpEF. In this review, we address underlying mechanisms of HFpEF and present the rationale supporting exercise as a component of comprehensive management.
Actor-Activated: Gelber, Horovitz, van Itallie, Terry, Fornès

Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway are only approximations, and I have indicated crossovers. This chapter will be purer, and yet not wholly pure, in its survey of playwrights who were closely involved with performance.
Bootstrapping disaster: The challenge of growing and maintaining a cross-sector collaborative network.

This article examines the interaction of nonprofit and private actors with the traditional bureaucratic structures of government in central Pennsylvania's recovery from hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee. That effort relied heavily on private and nonprofit organizations as drivers of the response and recovery. The author maps the organizations involved in the recovery effort and explores the impact of the recovery effort on those organizations. A social network analysis was conducted and complemented with follow-up interviews with key actors. The network analysis reveals weak communication between sectors and a reliance on nonprofits to deliver services; interviews uncover the challenges of intersectoral collaboration. The author addresses the successes and limitations of the means by which a network of nonprofit efforts were coordinated with federal and state relief efforts and draw lessons for improving future practices. The author finds that this case deviates from theory in several ways that complicated community response and recovery. In particular, the challenges of developing and maintaining a recovery network while simultaneously delivering services placed great strain on several organizations, as well as on the fledgling network as a whole.
Improved Data-Filtering for Linear Systems by Means of Normalized Centroid Vectors.

1. Abstract In linear systems it is desirable that the effects of noise be eliminated to the greatest extent possible. In previous work an algorithm adapted from techniques intended to ensure the quality of positions obtained from the Global Positioning System was found to produce substantial reductions in solution error over unfiltered data; in this paper, we present an improved version of this algorithm The modified algorithm is demonstrated using a problem from robot tracking, and simulation results are presented verifying the improvement in performance.
Factors influencing fire severity under moderate burning conditions in the Klamath Mountains, northern California, USA

Topography, weather, and fuels are known factors driving fire behavior, but the degree to which each contributes to the spatial pattern of fire severity under different conditions remains poorly understood. The variability in severity within the boundaries of the 2006 wildfires that burned in the Klamath Mountains, northern California, along with data on burn conditions and new analytical tools, presented an opportunity to evaluate factors influencing fire severity under burning conditions representative of those where management of wildfire for resource benefit is most likely. Fire severity was estimated as the percent change in canopy cover (0–100%) classified from the Relativized differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (RdNBR), and spatial data layers were compiled to determine strength of associations with topography, weather, and variables directly or indirectly linked to fuels, such as vegetation type, number of previous fires, and time since last fire. Detailed fire progressions were used to estimate weather (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, temperature inversions, and solar radiation) at the time of burning. A generalized additive regression model with random effects and an additional spatial term to account for autocorrelation between adjacent locations was fitted to fire severity. In this fire year characterized by the relative absence of extreme fire weather, topographical complexity most strongly influenced severity. Upper- and mid-slopes tended to burn at higher fire severity than lower-slopes. East- and southeast-facing aspects tended to burn at higher severity than other aspects. Vegetation type and fire history were also important predictors of fire severity. Shrub vegetation was more likely to burn at higher severity than mixed hardwood/conifer or hardwood vegetation. As expected, fire severity was positively associated with time since previous fire, but the relationship was non-linear. Of the weather variables analyzed, temperature inversions, common in the complex topography of the Klamath Mountains, showed the strongest association with fire severity. Inversions trapped smoke and had a dampening effect on severity within the landscape underneath the inversion. Understanding the spatial controls on mixed-severity fires allows managers to better plan for future wildfires and aide in the decision making when managing lightning ignitions for resource benefit might be appropriate.
Alterations in Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli Colonization and Virulence Following Dietary Modulation and Administration of Antimicrobials

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection is primarily a foodborne zoonosis and can result in severe disease, with long-term health effects, or even death. Despite knowing the major STEC reservoir, how the human host is typically exposed, and primary virulence factors that contribute to pathogenesis, little progress has been made in certain areas that are important for human disease prevention. We have not yet been able to eliminate STEC from the cattle reservoir, to prevent infection after human exposure, or to prevent the serious and sometimes tragic sequelae of infection. This chapter will discuss dietary and antimicrobial effects on STEC colonization and virulence. We will review some of the dietary manipulations that have been tried to limit cattle STEC colonization as a way to prevent its subsequent spread to humans. The use of dietary supplements and probiotics for prevention or mitigation of human disease has also been studied, and these efforts will be addressed as well. Antimicrobial treatment of human STEC infection remains controversial, as some studies have associated antibiotic treatment with worse patient outcomes. This chapter will describe the mechanism(s) by which antimicrobial treatment may alter STEC pathogenicity. In addition, a recent outbreak of HUS caused by a Stx-producing E. coli O104 strain with an enteroaggregative phenotype challenged traditional thinking about the use of antimicrobials in the setting of STEC infection, and this will be reviewed.
Ozone Design Values in Southern California's Air Basins: Temporal Evolution and U.S. Background Contribution

California's ambient ozone concentrations have two principal contributions: U.S. background ozone and enhancements produced from anthropogenic precursor emissions; only the latter effectively respond to California emission controls. From 1980 to 2015 ozone has been monitored in eight air basins in Southern California. The temporal evolution of the largest measured concentrations, i.e., those that define the ozone design value (ODV) upon which the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) is based, is described very well by an exponential decrease on top of a positive offset. We identify this offset as the ODV due to the U.S. background ozone (i.e., the concentration that would be present if U.S. anthropogenic precursor emissions were reduced to zero) and is estimated to be 62.0 ± 1.9 ppb in six of the basins. California's emission control efforts have reduced the anthropogenic ozone enhancements by a factor of ~5 since 1980. However, assuming that the current rate of exponential decrease is maintained and that U.S. background ODV remains constant, projections of the past decrease suggest that ~35 years of additional emission control efforts will be required to reach the new NAAQS of 70 ppb in the Los Angeles area. The growing predominance of U.S. background ozone contributions has shifted the maximum ozone concentrations in all air basins from later to earlier in the summer. Comparisons indicate that currently accepted model estimates of U.S. background ozone concentrations in Southern California are somewhat underestimated; thus, reducing ozone in this region to the 2015 NAAQS may be more difficult than currently expected.
Piston geometry effects in a light-duty, swirl-supported diesel engine: Flow structure characterization:

This work studied how in-cylinder flow structure is affected in a light-duty, swirl-supported diesel engine when equipped with three different piston geometries: the first two featuring a conventio...
Supplemental oxygen in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: evidence from Nocturnal Oxygen Treatment Trial to Long-term Oxygen Treatment Trial

Purpose of review Oxygen therapy was the first treatment shown to prolong life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been joined by lung volume reduction surgery in selected patients with emphysema, smoking cessation, and potentially noninvasive ventilation in chronic hypercapneic respiratory failure. Although there is consensus around the survival-enhancing effect of supplemental oxygen (SupplO2) for patients with chronic severe hypoxemia at rest, the impact of SupplO2 for COPD patients with moderate hypoxemia and exertional desaturation had been less clear. Recent findings The recently published Long-term Oxygen Treatment Trial (LOTT) showed no benefit of SupplO2 for the composite outcome of survival and all-cause hospitalizations, or for component outcomes, severe COPD exacerbations, or quality of life in COPD patients with moderate resting hypoxemia or room air normoxemia with exercise desaturation. Summary Results of the LOTT challenge the practice of prescribing SupplO2 for patients with COPD and moderate resting hypoxemia or isolated exertional desaturation. In the context that LOTT may not have recruited patients for whom SupplO2 conferred subjective benefit, there may be a role for short-term trials of SupplO2 with assessment of subjective benefit in such patients.
Expanding Boundaries: Current and New Directions in Study Abroad Research and Practice

In spite of advances in the understanding of the effects of the immersion experience on language and cultural development in the last three decades, many questions in study abroad (SA) research remain unanswered. The present article offers a close examination of the field as it is today with an eye toward future trends and gaps in the literature. The authors discuss how the field is being reshaped in response to the preponderant role of new technologies in research and educational practices; to constant challenges to diversify access for minority students, including heritage language learners; and to meeting the growing demands of a globalized economy and workforce. Current trends in SA program design such as the incorporation of service-learning, volunteering, and internships into the SA curriculum are also given special consideration. The article focuses on language development first and then on the factors influencing that development that are internal and external to learners. Interfaces between these areas are addressed. Subsections of the article provide an outline of an innovative SA research agenda as well as suggestions for rethinking SA program design and implementation
Tetrahedral mesh adaptation for Lagrangian shock hydrodynamics

Abstract Lagrangian shock hydrodynamics simulations will fail to proceed past a certain time if the mesh is approaching tangling. A common solution is an Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) form, in which the mesh is improved (remeshing) and the solution is remapped onto the improved mesh. The simplest remeshing techniques involve moving only the nodes of the mesh. More advanced remeshing techniques involve altering the mesh connectivity in portions of the domain in order to prevent tangling. Work has been done using Voronoi-based polygonal mesh generators and 2D quad/triangle mesh adaptation. This paper presents the use of tetrahedral mesh adaptation methods as the remeshing step in an otherwise Lagrangian finite element shock hydrodynamics code called Alexa .
Opioids for management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients.

Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC [Actiq]), a rapid-acting opioid, has been shown to be an effective treatment for breakthrough cancer pain. Other opioids, including immediate-release oral morphine (MSIR), also may be effective; however, evidence comparing these agents with OTFC is lacking.
Mental capacity and contracts.

People with mental illness or a degenerative mental disease have special protections under the law when entering into contracts or other binding documents. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Welfare reform in Indiana: The political economy of restricting access to education and training

This article interrogates welfare reform policies that restrict welfare reliant mothers' access to education and training. It focuses on how these policies have been implemented through the Indiana Manpower Placement and Comprehensive Training Program (IMPACT), Indiana's “work first” response to women's growing experience of poverty. Using methods of inquiry inspired by Dorothy E. Smith's articulation of “institutional ethnography,” a case study is developed to investigate the critical disjuncture that arises when welfare reliant mothers attempt to navigate these policies in the context of Indiana's extended political economy. It is argued that through these restrictive policies, welfare reliant mothers are forced into Indiana's unrelenting low-wage labor market, increasing the pervasiveness of poverty and further perpetuating the reproduction of inequality.
A phase I study of neoadjuvant cisplatin (C), docetaxel (D) and nintedanib (N) for resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

8555Background: Major pathologic response (mPR) in resected NSCLC following neoadjuvant chemotherapy correlates with long-term survival. This phase 1 study assessed the safety and efficacy of N add...
Dual Verification Reduces Contrast Media Extravasation in Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Lacking Blood Return

Abstract Extravasations remain an inherent risk of power injected contrast studies despite various methods aimed at reducing these unintended events. Anecdotally, it was observed within a large radiology department that peripheral intravenous lines without blood return placed by traditional technique were more likely to be associated with an extravasation. Given that these peripheral intravenous lines appeared to pose higher risk of harm to the patient, it seemed appropriate to assess a quality-improvement measure that may reduce this risk. As dual verification is frequently used in hospitals in high-risk situations, this method was incorporated to understand its potential effectiveness on reducing extravasations.
A robust stochastic decision-making model for inventory allocation of surgical supplies to reduce logistics costs in hospitals: A case study

Abstract In a hospital, surgical supplies can be stored in multiple locations, each of which has limited space and different associated costs. The locations include central storage, where items are retrieved to build a cart of supplies for each procedure; sterile storage adjacent to the operating rooms; and within the operating rooms themselves. In practice, the decision on allocating items to these locations is often based on the staff’s experience, rather than through optimization methods. In this research, we have identified the costs associated with each location to determine where each item should be stored and in what quantities. These costs include the cost of building the case cart, the cost of returning unused items to storage, the cost of picking items during a procedure, the cost of restocking and the cost of reviewing items to determine what needs to be replenished. Since the number of supplies required to perform a procedure is uncertain, we have developed a robust stochastic mixed-integer programming model to make the inventory allocation decision. The model also enables a hospital to assess the potential cost saving from optimization of the preference cards, which are used by surgeons to specify the requested supplies available on the case carts. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated through a case study. Three alternatives to the current configuration of the system are presented and reduction of inventory expenditure within each alternative is discussed. Finally, sensitivity analyses are performed to determine which cost parameters contribute to the model more significantly and how the model behaves against different levels of risk coefficient.
An Electronic Referral and Social Work Protocol to Improve Access to Mental Health Services.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of mental health problems among adolescents in the United States is a major public health concern. However, the uptake of mental health treatment is low. Integrating behavioral health into primary care is 1 research-informed strategy to increase engagement in treatment. Facilitators of and barriers to implementation of integrated behavioral health in a pediatric primary care setting are not well delineated. METHODS: We examined the effectiveness of 2 mental health quality improvement strategies: an electronic referral and a social work follow-up protocol. We analyzed the following measures: uptake rate of first mental health appointments, overall use of mental health appointments, and first and overall mental health appointment show rate. RESULTS: Overall use rate improved after implementation of electronic referral, with 13 consecutive points above the median. First appointment show rates improved with a special cause run occurring after adding social work students to the mental health quality improvement team. First appointment show rate improved from a monthly average of 51% (November 2014 to March 2016) to 78% (April 2016 to December 2016). Use rate improved initially with increased efforts in assisting patients with scheduling; show rate improved more slowly after an emphasis on scheduling patients exhibiting treatment readiness. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that a number of facilitators can increase the effective use of mental health services in an integrated adolescent clinical setting. These include an electronic referral through a shared electronic health record, multidisciplinary collaboration, and care management by social workers equipped with a variety of clinical and care coordination skills.
IBC-2018 and ASCE 7-16

The IBC-2018 is based on the design requirements of every structures, and portion including nonstructural components attached to structures and their supports in accordance with ASCE 7-16 Chaps. 11, 12, 13, 15, 17 and 18. In 2000, the UBC is replaced by the IBC published by the international Code Council (ICC). The IBC-2000 is similar to the UBC-97, but it contains some significant differences. An important difference is that the IBC-2000 includes a set of maps to obtain seismic response spectral values that will result in the same level of risk at any given geographic location in the United States. This code also introduces the concept of Seismic Use Group, which is somewhat analogous to the Importance Factor in the UBC-97. Current IBC-2018 adopt Risk Category instead of Seismic Use Group. In addition, the latest IBC-2018 classifies every building in a Seismic Design Category which determines the analysis procedure to be used, the maximum allowed height and drift limitations.