cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The performance of professional market timers: daily evidence from executed strategies

We examine the performance of 30 professional market timers during 1986–1994. Prior studies have analyzed implicit recommendations from mutual fund returns or explicit recommendations from newsletters. We analyze explicit recommendations executed in customer accounts. Using four tests, three benchmark portfolios, and daily data, we find significant unconditional and conditional ability that is robust with respect to transaction costs and survivorship bias. Relative ability persists and varies with the frequency of recommendation changes. When recommendations of successful timers are observed monthly instead of daily, significant ability generally disappears. Hence, the frequency with which recommendations are observed can change inferences regarding ability.
Provenance determined by REE, Th, and Sc analyses of metasedimentary rocks, Boyden Cave roof pendant, central Sierra Nevada, California

ABSTRACT REE, Th, and Sc analyses of metasedimentary rocks collected from the western sequence of the Boyden Cave roof pendant, when compared with similar analyses of uppermost Precambrian to Cambrian miogeoclinal mudstones from the Nopah Range, support the idea that rocks from the former area are a part of a large tectonically displaced fragment of the Cordilleran miogeocline, as proposed by R.A. Schweickert and M.M. Lahren. For example, REE distribution diagrams for samples from the western sequence of the Boyden Cave pendant show parallel light-REE enrichment trends and negative Eu anomalies that range from 0.61 to 0.86, and average 0.69. Likewise, REE distribution patterns for samples from the uppermost Precambrian to Cambrian Cordilleran miogeoclinal section in the Nopah Range also show p rallel light-REE enrichment trends, and Eu anomalies that range from 0.65 to 0.75 and average 0.68. On a La-Th-Se diagram, samples from the Boyden Cave pendant cluster with specimens from the Nopah Range. Finally, sediments from both areas have broadly similar Th/Sc and Th/U ratios. These results suggest that samples from the western sequence of the Boyden Cave pendant are composed of detritus like that shed from differentiated western North American upper continental crust during the early development of the Cordilleran miogeocline. Such an interpretation is consistent with: (1) the quartz-rich to slightly feldspathic character of sandstones in the Boyden Cave pendant, which implies a continental to transitional continental-block provenance; (2) a Precambrian U-Pb age for detrital zirco extracted from a single sandstone bed; and (3) the complete absence of volcanic material in the western sequence of the Boyden Cave pendant. Our results support the regional correlations and tectonic model proposed by R.A. Schweickert and M.M. Lahren, and further suggest that although underutilized, REE, Th, and Sc analyses are useful in evaluating stratigraphic, sedimentologic, and tectonic problems in complexly metamorphosed and deformed metaclastic terranes.
A hardware filesystem implementation with multidisk support

Modern High-End Computing systems frequently include FPGAs as compute accelerators. These programmable logic devices now support disk controller IP cores which offer the ability to introduce new, innovative functionalities that, previously, were not practical. This article describes one such innovation: a filesystem implemented in hardware. This has the potential of improving the performance of data-intensive applications by connecting secondary storage directly to FPGA compute accelerators. To test the feasibility of this idea, a Hardware Filesystem was designed with four basic operations (open, read, write, and delete). Furthermore, multi-disk and RAID-0 (striping) support has been implemented as an option in the filesystem. A RAM Disk core was created to emulate a SATA disk drive so results on running FPGA systems could be readily measured. By varying the block size from 64 to 4096 bytes, it was found that 1024 bytes gave the best performance while using a very modest 7% of a Xilinx XC4VFX60's slices and only four (of the 232) BRAM blocks available.
Subclinical effects and fenbendazole treatment of turkey ascaridiasis under simulated field conditions.

SUMMARY. Under simulated natural conditions of bird production and parasite challenge, the effects of ascaridiasis and the effectiveness of fenbendazole treatment (6-day regimes in the feed at 16 ppm) were documented. Birds were artificially challenged with ascarid larvae on a daily basis from day 35 to 112, with bird grow out ending on day 119. Experimental groups, on a per pen basis, were infected control, treated with fenbendazole at days 63–69, treated with fenbendazole at days 63–69 and days 91–97, and uninfected control. In the same order as above, and on an experimental group mean bird basis, final weights were 13.34, 13.47, 13.59, and 13.78 kg, average daily gains from day 7 to day 119 were 117.8, 118.9, 120.1, and 121.8 g, and units gained per unit of feed consumed from day 7 to day 119 were 0.337, 0.341, 0.347, and 0.362. Infected control bird mean Ascaridia dissimilis burdens, with all stages combined, ranged from 351.1 on day 63 to 117.2 on day 91, levels seen commonly with naturally infected ...
Critical Negotiations and Black Lives An Africana Womanist Analysis to Raise Consciousness

In the wake of the killings of Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis, Mike Brown, and Eric Garner, mass protests continue to emerge. Across the country, blacks and non-blacks, men and women, rich and poor are seeking justice. Responding to the cultural and political climate recent scholarship address several key areas, ranging between reform and radical activism. However, there are several limitations to the current discussions. One of the most critical concerns is the need for a more nuanced understanding about race, class, and gender dynamics and the interplaying enactment of these critical dimensions, particularly involving power, state violence, patriarchy, and prescriptive inscriptions of masculinity. In response to the limitations of the current discourse surrounding these injustices, I suggest that using an Africana womanist perspective as a tool to raise consciousness is a more effective approach to broaden and deepen understanding about the state-sanctioned violence against black Americans. Africana woman...
Electrodeposited Germanium Nanowires

Germanium (Ge) is a group IV semiconductor with superior electronic properties compared with silicon, such as larger carrier mobilities and smaller effective masses. It is also a candidate anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Here, a simple, one-step method is introduced to electrodeposit dense arrays of Ge nanowires onto indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates from aqueous solution. The electrochemical reduction of ITO produces In nanoparticles that act as a reduction site for aqueous Ge(IV) species, and as a solvent for the crystallization of Ge nanowires. Nanowires deposited at 95 °C have an average diameter of 100 nm, whereas those deposited at room temperature have an average diameter of 35 nm. Both optical absorption and Raman spectroscopy suggest that the electrodeposited Ge is degenerate. The material has an indirect bandgap of 0.90–0.92 eV, compared with a value of 0.67 eV for bulk, intrinsic Ge. The blue shift is attributed to the Moss–Burstein effect, because the material is a p-type degenerate ...
Design and performance of a hand-held UXO discriminator

Summary Because hand-held systems have the advantage of being lightweight, compact, portable, and deployable under most site conditions, they are particularly useful in areas of dense vegetation or challenging terrain. In heavily wooded areas or areas with steep or uneven terrain, hand-held sensors may be the only suitable device for unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection and discrimination because it can be carried through spaces that the operator could walk through or at least approach. Based on these considerations, we designed and built a sensor package in a shape of a 14-in (0.35 m) cube. This time-domain electromagnetic handheld prototype incorporates the key features of the cartmounted system – (a) three orthogonal transmitters and ten pairs of receivers, and (b) difference or gradient measurements that significantly reduce the ambient and motion noise, and greatly enhance the sensitivity to the gradients of the target. Electromagnetic induction data transformed into time dependent object intrinsic polarizabilities allow discrimination of UXO from false targets (scrap metal). A near-intact UXO displays a single major polarizability coincident with the long axis of the object and two equal smaller transverse polarizabilities, whereas metal scraps have distinct polarizability signatures that rarely mimic those of elongated symmetrical bodies. Our prototype results have demonstrated that the same discrimination capabilities afforded by the cart-mounted system are available in the hand-held unit albeit with a slightly reduced depth of detection. The hand-held UXO discriminator is able to discriminate small (20 mm) objects at a depth of 0.45 m and large (105 and 155 mm) objects at the depth of 0.85 m. Large objects are detected down to 1.15 m.
Geographical review of the historical and current status of Ospreys ( Pandion haliaetus ) in Utah

A small numbers of Ospreys ( Pandion haliaetus ) are known to have nested historically in Utah. A precise baseline figure is unavailable, but the 19th-century Osprey population in Utah probably consisted of at least 15 breeding pairs scattered in 4 geographic regions. Human persecution is believed to have caused the abandonment of nesting territories along the Wasatch Front and in the western Uinta Mountains by 1900 and 1960, respectively. Osprey populations in the southern plateaus and Green River areas, however, began increasing in the late 1970s. Several recent nesting attempts and numerous summer sightings at nontraditional and abandoned historical sites in Utah suggest the Osprey is also expanding its range in Utah. High productivity for local pairs and long-range dispersal from more northerly Osprey populations are discussed as sources for the current surge in Utah's Osprey population, which now consists of approximately 35 breeding pairs.
Gaucher and niemann-pick disease:two case reports and review of literantures

Objective:To investigate the clinical diagnosis,treatment,myelogram changes and differential diagnosis of Gaucher and Niemann-Pick disease.Method:One case of Gaucher disease and one of Niemann-Pick disease were reported and related literatures were reviewed.Result:The bone of the Gaucher patient was damaged particularly and a lot of Gaucher cells were found in the bone marraw.The patient of Niemmnn-Pick disease was 7 months and had damaged liver function,which were Niemann-Pick cells in his bone marraw and blood,and his brother suffered the same disease.Conclusion:Gaucher and Niemann-Pick disease are autosomal recessive (AR) genetic disorder.The bone marrow cytological examination is one of the important basis for diagnosis of such diseases,and enzyme replacement therapy is the main treatment.
Relationships of concentrations of certain blood constituents with milk yield and age of cows in dairy herds

Regression analyses were performed on data from 48 Compton metabolic profile tests relating the concentrations of certain constituents in the blood of dairy cows to their milk yield, age and stage of lactation. The common partial regression coefficients for milk yield, age and stage of lactation were estimated for each blood constituent. The relationships of greatest statistical significance were between the concentrations of inorganic phosphate and globulin and age, and the concentration of albumin and milk yield.
Developing Global Preparedness Efficacy

Increasing globalization and technological innovations have redefined the role of engineers in working towards sustainable development. The question of how to measure and evaluate preparedness of engineering students to meet these requirements remains an open question. This paper develops a performance indicator called Global Preparedness Efficacy (GPE) to measure the effectiveness of curricula that bring student engineers together with underserved communities in satisfying ABET criteria 3 h, which is “the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context”. This indicator measures ability to navigate the complexity and novelty of the problem space and enabling the creation solutions to the problem at hand consistent with the global socio-economic, political and cultural realities.
Attenuation and backscattering from local coda

Coda decay and excitation for local events were examined at Mammoth Lakes and Morgan Hill, California, Monticello, South Carolina, and New Brunswick, Canada, in the frequency range of 3 to 50 Hz. The single-scattering theory of attenuation and coda generation was used to interpret the data. Coda decay was parameterized by the total apparent turbidity, which is inversely proportional to the conventional coda Q , and the backscattering turbidity, which is proportional to the ratio of the coda power at the time of the direct S and the energy of the direct S pulse. This is a scattering parameterization, since turbidities are cross-sections per unit volume; the term “apparent” is used for the total apparent turbidity because in actuality this parameter contains the effect of anelastic attenuation as well as scattering. For short times (less than 10 sec), the total (apparent) turbidity determined from coda decay was about 0.1 km−1 for all regions, or a Q of about 60 (3 Hz) to 1000 (50 Hz). The backscattering turbidity determined from coda excitation at short times is often larger than the total apparent turbidity and thus indicates strong, multiple scattering in the upper crust, especially for frequencies in the 3- to 10-Hz range. This means that coda Q is not equivalent to direct S Q in this frequency range, since it does not include the full effect of scattering. At times longer than 10 to 15 sec for the codas from Monticello and New Brunswick, the coda energy appeared to be channeled into a horizontally propagating mode such as Lg . This change was seen as a change in decay rate and excitation; the total turbidity for this portion of the coda was lower than for short codas, about 0.01 km−1, indicating less scattering. At Monticello, the conditions for the validity of the single-scattering theory appeared to be satisfied, meaning that coda Q includes the effect of scattering and is a proper measure of the Q of the wave type that makes up the coda—most likely Lg . The backscattering turbidity, which is controlled solely by scattering, and the total apparent turbidity at Monticello both show a minimum around 10 Hz. This correlation between coda excitation and decay indicates that a substantial portion (at least 50 per cent) of coda Q in this case is due to scattering. The evidence for strong scattering observed in other codas indicates that scattering will play an important role in attenuation at those sites also. Codas from California, however, did not show the phenomenon of a change at 10 to 15 sec, indicating either that this mode is not present or that it is more strongly scattered. All of the scattering observed in this study probably occurs in the crust. Reverberation under the station cannot be excluded for most codas, but the existence of two types of coda at Monticello and New Brunswick demonstrates that this cannot be the dominant mechanism at these sites.
Understanding Humans in Multimedia

To fully understand humans in multimedia and uncover new opportunities, a multimodality approach is necessary. Bridges must be built across sometimes disparate communities to catalyze new multimodal and cross-disciplinary research efforts. Progress in cognitive science, linguistics, and natural-language processing is fundamental for designing machines that can perceive the world as humans do.
Mindfulness-Based Movement: A Polyvagal Perspective.

Compelling evidence suggests that physical activity is an effective intervention for cancer survivors, including for those undergoing active cancer treatments. However, to date most evidence has emerged from interventions that have promoted moderate to vigorous physical activity. In this conceptual review, we argue that attention should be given to the entire continuum of physical activity from reducing sedentary behavior to increasing higher levels of physical activity when possible. In addition, considerable evidence in the cancer literature supports the value of mindfulness-based interventions as a means of helping patients and survivors cope with the variety of threats that accompany this disease. Based on the success of these two areas of research, we argue for conceptualizing and promoting physical activity as Mindfulness-Based Movement, using Polyvagal Theory as a theoretical framework to understand the role and value of Mindfulness-Based Movement as a potential intervention for cancer care and con...
Variable Gain Parameter Estimation Algorithms for Fast Tracking and Smooth Steady State

Abstract Based on the ideas of the set-membership identification, we present in this paper variable gain Least Mean Square (LMS) and Weighted Recursive Least Squares (WRLS) algorithms. It is shown that the proposed algorithms possess a fast tracking ability to the variations of the parameter and at the same time are less sensitive to noise leading to a smooth steady-state.
The Clinical and Medicolegal Implications of Radiology Results Communication

Multiple guidelines and legal precedents have established the radiologist's duty to inform clinicians directly of critical findings, or findings that will greatly impact patient health in a timely manner [1]. While the number one cause for radiology malpractice cases is misdiagnosis, the literature shows a growing portion of lawsuits surrounding breakdowns in communication between radiologists and ordering providers [2,3]. As such, a review of guidelines related to the communication of imaging results is warranted. We will describe and provide our perspective on results communication as well as attempt to further define ideal communication practices in healthcare scenarios that fall outside of normal cases.
A spiral approach to teach value propositions using the NABC framework in core engineering courses

In recent years, entrepreneurial mindset has become a hot topic in engineering education. The core of the entrepreneurial mindset on which we focus is summarized succinctly by the three C's: Curiosity, Connections, and Creating value. This paper describes ways to use a tool within the engineering curriculum focused on creating value. Specifically, we utilize the Need-Approach-Benefits-Competition (NABC) framework developed by Stanford Research International to teach engineering students how to articulate value propositions. Our teaching approach involves multiple assignments or projects that expose students to the NABC framework in several core engineering courses, with each subsequent assignment building on the previous experience that the cohort of students has with the NABC framework (i.e., a spiral approach). We argue that such a spiral approach using the NABC framework is advantageous in order to instill a value creation mindset in engineering students.
A Synopsis of Mesoscale Eddies in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Here we review hydrographic and drifter observations of Gulf of Mexico rings. Typical sizes of these structures are 200 km in diameter as inferred from the maximum temperature gradient with swirl speeds often reaching one m/s. They have been observed to transport 30 sverdrups of Caribbean water to the western boundary of the Gulf. As many as three of these structures have been observed in the Gulf of Mexico at one time. They can exhibit elliptical shapes particularly as they approach the western slope or other eddies. Eddies have been observed to follow a west southwest path over the abyssal plain, or to take a more northernly route roughly paralleling the northern continental slope. We also compare kinematic characteristics as inferred by drifter observations with Lagrangian data generated by the Hurlburt/Thompson eddy resolving general circulation model. This model produces eddy paths that are remarkably similar to the observed transits across the abyssal Gulf. The model also shows some elliptical structure in the eddies as well as their northward migration along the western slope. During the latter period, the agreement between the model and the observations is remarkably good. This results in the unusual situation of the prediction of mesos-cale features by an eddy resolving general circulation model actually improving in time. However, not all of the simulated kinematics agree with the observations. Some of the model swirl velocities for outer orbits significantly exceed observed swirl velocities despite the fact that the rotational period of the model (22-23 days) is larger than the observed rotational period (11-15 days).
Where do Community Foundations locate? Examining Community Needs and Resources for Redistribution

Community foundations exemplify place-based, bottom-up efforts of redistribution in communities. However, why do such efforts occur in some communities, but not in others? Using zero-inflated negat...
Human-centric framework for perceptually adaptive interfaces

Multimodal interfaces have long held the promise of enhanced and effective human machine interaction. The ultimate goal of multimodal interfaces is to facilitate human activity allowing seamless exchange of information. This goal requires a coordinated development effort that incorporates a thorough understanding of human perceptual system in the design of interfaces. In this manner, multimodal interfaces can supplement and expand current paradigms in human computer interaction. A novel framework is, therefore, proposed for design, development and evaluation of perceptual interactions between human and the computer. The proposed framework hopes to enable interfaces that aim to 'fit' and 'adapt' with the human perceptual system. An empirically driven conceptual approach is used to derive guidelines, create artefacts, and develop models for these perceptually adaptive interfaces.
Are We Alone

Mythology and religious texts are rich with descriptions of beings from other worlds. The search for other worlds, not only the physical planets but the intelligent beings that might inhabit those places, is a scientific enterprise similar to space exploration; however, that journey begins in our mind. This planet, with a 4 billion year history, is a speck in a cosmic ocean with vast shores that we haven’t seen yet. Our ships can’t cross this immense ocean, but our imaginations can, and that journey may be more exciting than the destination. Should we continue our efforts to detect intelligent beings? Experts differ, and many describe this process as similar to looking for a needle in a haystack, which in fact has better odds.
Rewriting Algeria: Transcultural Kinship and Anticolonial Revolution in Kateb Yacine’s L’Homme aux sandales de caoutchouc

Adam Aziz examines L’Homme aux sandales de caoutchouc (The Man in Rubber Sandals), a 1970 play by the Franco-Algerian writer Kateb Yacine. L’Homme narrates the dramatic journeys of characters of disparate geopolitical and historical contexts, such as Mohamed, a North African peasant conscripted into the French colonial army, and Alabama, an African-American soldier serving in the Vietnam War. Aziz argues that L’Homme blends both history and fiction to produce an enduring historical and literary archive of subaltern voices that conveys the motifs of transcultural kinship and anti-colonial revolution characterizing North Africa and Indochina during the turbulent era of decolonization. Aziz contends that L’Homme shows how differing anti-colonial narratives may instead be conjoined as teachable lessons in national unity, where Vietnam functions metonymically as political exemplar to emulate and cautionary metaphor to bear in mind for a post-independence Algeria.
Satellite Observations of Surface Air Pressure Using Active Microwave Remote Sensing Technique for Severe Weather Forecast Improvements

Currently there is a tremendous gap in observations of global air pressure fields although many satellite remote sensing techniques have been developed in measuring certain atmospheric variables such as temperature and moisture in last few decades. Air pressure is the key variable for the Earth's dynamic fields. This study explores the potential of global surface air pressure measurements using a satellite active microwave sensing technique, namely the Differential-absorption BArometric Radar (DiBAR), to improve weather forecasts, particularly severe weather such as typhoon predictions. The research team at NASA Langley has developed a prototype instrument and demonstrated its performance through ground and airborne experiments. Spacebome capability of this measurement approach will significantly improve typhoon and severe weather forecasts.
Developments in Illinois and Indiana in 1955

In Illinois and Indiana, 4,553 wells were drilled for oil and gas in 1955, as compared with 4,181 in 1954, an increase of 9 per cent. Total oil production increased 17 per cent, from 77,813,000 barrels in 1954 to 92,008,000 barrels in 1955. Exploratory drilling increased 7½ per cent, from 999 completions in 1954 to 1,075 completions in 1955. Forty-two new pools, 91 extensions, and 41 new pays in producing areas were discovered in the two states in 1955. As in previous years, most of the discoveries in 1955 were in Mississippian formations. Two new pools produced from Pennsylvanian sandstone, 30 from Mississippian sandstone and limestone, 6 from Devonian limestone and sandstone, and 4 from Silurian limestone.
Activation state of muscle satellite cells isolated from steers implanted with a combined trenbolone acetate and estradiol implant

Muscle satellite cells were isolated from seven yearling steers implanted for 31 d with a combined implant that contained 120 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and 24 mg of estradiol (E2) and from seven nonimplanted, control steers. Implanted steers had a 28% greater ADG and a 23% greater feed efficiency than did nonimplanted steers. Implanted steers had increased (P<.001) circulating IGF-I concentrations on d 6, 14, and 31 after implantation, and circulating IGF-I concentrations in control steers remained constant or decreased (P<.05) at these times. Maximum fusion percentage was greater (P< .005) in satellite cell cultures isolated from implanted steers (ISC cultures) than in satellite cell cultures isolated from control steers (NSC cultures) (72.8% vs 54.8%, respectively). Satellite cell cultures isolated from implanted steers (ISC cultures) also contained a greater (P<.001) number of myotube nuclei than did NSC cultures (7,998 nuclei/cm2 vs 5,150 nuclei/cm2, respectively). After 72 h in culture, the number of cells (corrected for plating density) was 43% greater (P<.05) in ISC cultures than in NSC cultures. [3H]Thymidine incorporation rates per 10(5) cells at 24 and 34 h after plating were greater (P<.05) in ISC cultures than in NSC cultures; however, incorporation rates did not differ at 72 h. These data indicate that TBA + E2 implantation may result in an in vivo activation of muscle satellite cell proliferation that can be detected in cell culture. This activation may play an important role in TBA + E2-enhanced muscle growth.
Sleep quality mediates the relationship between frailty and cognitive dysfunction in non-demented middle aged to older adults

Objectives:Frailty is associated with cognitive decline in older adults. However, the mechanisms explaining this relationship are poorly understood. We hypothesized that sleep quality may mediate the relationship between frailty and cognition.Participants:154 participants aged between 50-90 years (mean = 69.1 years, SD = 9.2 years) from the McKnight Brain Registry were included.Measurements:Participants underwent a full neuropsychological evaluation, frailty and subjective sleep quality assessments. Direct relationships between frailty and cognitive function were assessed using linear regression models. Statistical mediation of these relationships by sleep quality was assessed using nonparametric bootstrapping procedures.Results:Frailty severity predicted weaker executive function (B = −2.77, β = −0.30, 95% CI = −4.05 – −1.29) and processing speed (B = −1.57, β = −0.17, 95% CI = −3.10 – −0.16). Poor sleep quality predicted poorer executive function (B = −0.47, β = −0.21, 95% CI = −0.79 – −0.08), processing speed (B = −0.64, β = −0.28, 95% CI = −0.98 – −0.31), learning (B = −0.42, β = −0.19, 95% CI = −0.76 – −0.05) and delayed recall (B = −0.41, β = −0.16, 95% CI = −0.80 – −0.31). Poor sleep quality mediated the relationships between frailty severity and executive function (B = −0.66, β = −0.07, 95% CI = −1.48 – −0.39), learning (B = −0.85, β = −0.07, 95% CI = −1.85 – −0.12), delayed recall (B = −0.47, β = −0.08, 95% CI = −2.12 – −0.39) and processing speed (B = −0.90, β = −0.09, 95% CI = −1.85 – −0.20).Conclusions:Relationships between frailty severity and several cognitive outcomes were significantly mediated by poor sleep quality. Interventions to improve sleep quality may be promising avenues to prevent cognitive decline in frail older adults.
Colorectal cancer screening among Hispanics/Latinos in the HCHS/SOL sociocultural ancillary study.

Abstract Latino adults are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) at later stages compared to white adults which may be explained by disparities in screening rates. The aim of this study was to examine factors associated with three CRC screening indicators [i.e., 1) any CRC screening ever (via, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy); 2) FOBT in last year, 3) sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy in last 10 years) among US Hispanics/Latinos. We analyzed population-based data collected in 2008–2011 from 2265 adults aged 50–75 from San Diego, Bronx, Miami and Chicago from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Sociocultural Ancillary Study. Based on the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, the following correlates of CRC screening were examined: predisposing (i.e., age, education, income, acculturation), enabling (i.e., recent physician visit, insurance, recent mammogram), and need (i.e., health-related quality of life and family/personal history of cancer) factors. Separate logistic regression models were analyzed for the three CRC screening indicators. Enabling factors associated with all CRC screening indicators included: health insurance, a recent physician visit, and a mammogram in the last year (women only). For women, being older, more acculturated (i.e., English language or foreign-born but in the US for 10 or more years), and having a personal history of cancer was associated with at least one CRC screening. Findings suggest that improving access and utilization of care among Hispanics/Latinos may be critical for earlier CRC diagnosis and survival.
A Social Interactionist Approach to the Victim-Offender Overlap

A social interactionist perspective suggests that violent offenders are frequently victims of violence because of the way they behave, and the way third parties behave during verbal disputes that lead to escalation. We examine to what extent violent offenders are more likely to be victimized because they tend to engage in provocative actions, are less likely to engage in remedial actions, and more likely to be intoxicated, and because third-parties have a greater tendency to encourage aggressive behaviors during disputes involving offenders. Analyses are based on an original situational-level survey of male inmates and men in the community about characteristics of their verbal and violent interpersonal disputes. We examined the extent to which various dispute-related behaviors and third-party actions mediated the relationship between offending and two study outcomes: whether the dispute became violent and whether the antagonist was victimized. Using two measures of violent offender status, we find that violent actors are more likely to engage in verbal aggression during disputes, are less likely to engage in remedial actions, and are more likely to be intoxicated. Third parties are more likely to be present during the disputes of offenders and they tend to encourage escalation. Combined, these situational processes mediate a substantial portion of the relationship between offending and violent victimization. The findings indicate the victim-offender overlap is partly due to the behaviors of offenders and third parties during disputes that significantly increase the risk of conflict escalation.
The use of U3Si2/Al dispersion fuel for high power research reactors

Abstract In order to investigate the irradiation performance of U3Si2/Al dispersion fuel at relatively aggressive reactor conditions, compared to how this fuel is typically used in a research or test reactor, post irradiation examination was performed on two fuel plates that were irradiated at ∼270 W/cm2 average surface heat flux and to a maximum local burnup greater than 8 × 1021 fissions/cm3 in the Advanced Test Reactor as part of the RERTR-8 experiment. As part of the non-destructive examinations that were performed on both fuel plates, detailed thickness measurements using a high-fidelity measurement bench were performed on one fuel plate and a segment of the second fuel plate. This paper provides the first reported results of such high-resolution thickness measurements for U3Si2/Al dispersion fuel plates, containing primarily the U3Si2 fuel phase, irradiated at such power levels to high burnup. For destructive examination using optical metallography, samples were generated from both irradiated plates. Localized regions of high swelling (characteristic of internal blistering) were observed on the surface of both fuel plates, suggesting that the performance limits had been reached for each plate. Destructive examinations showed that the fuel particles that are primarily U3Si2, which become amorphous during irradiation, in both plates contained relatively large fission gas bubbles with evidence of fission gas bubble interconnection.
Impact of EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement on the outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastasis.

BACKGROUND The impact of activating alterations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] mutation/anaplastic lymphoma kinase [ALK] translocation) in prognosticating patients with brain metastasis (BM) is not well defined. This study was sought to identify this impact in NSCLC patients with BM accounting for the known validated variables. METHODS Among 1078 NSCLC-BM patients diagnosed/treated between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2015, three hundred and forty-eight with known EGFR/ALK status were analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and intracranial progression-free survival (PFS) were measured from the time of BM. RESULTS Ninety-one patients had either ALK (n = 23) alterations or EGFR (n = 68) mutation and 257 were wild type (WT; negative actionable mutations/alterations). Median age of EGFR/ALK+ NSCLC BM patients was 60 years (range 29.8-82.6 y) and ~50% (n = 44) had Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score >80. Median number of BM was 2 (1 to ≥99). The median OS for the ALK/EGFR+ NSCLC BM was 19.9 versus 10.1 months for the WT (P = 0.028). The number of BM in the EGFR/ALK+ group did not impact OS (BM = 1 with 21.1 months vs 2-3 with 19.1 months and >3 with 23.7 months, P = 0.74), whereas fewer BM in the WT cohort had significantly better OS (BM = 1 with 13.8 mo, 2-3 with 11.0 mo and >3 with 8.1 mo; P = 0.006) with the adjustment of age, KPS, symptoms from BM and synchronicity. CONCLUSIONS Number of BM does not impact outcomes in the EGFR/ALK+ NSCLC patients, implying that targeted therapy along with surgery and/or radiation may improve OS irrespective of the number of BM. Number of BM, extracranial metastasis (ECM), and KPS independently affected OS/PFS in WT NSCLC BM, which was consistent with the known literature.
Effectiveness of progesterone in pregnancy complications

This commentary reflects on the effectiveness of progesterone in early pregnancy complications. Several studies have investigated the role of progesterone in women with bleeding in early pregnancy and in women with recurrent miscarriages. These publications suggests that first trimester use of progesterone is not effective to prevent miscarriages when there is blood loss in the first trimester, and that it is also not effective to prevent new miscarriages in women with recurrent miscarriages in their history. However, subgroup analysis tells us it might be effective to prevent new miscarriages in women with blood loss in the first trimester and three earlier miscarriages. Expert groups in the Netherlands are currently considering recommendations on the prescription of progesterone for women with early pregnancy complications.
Parameter estimation and inverse problems, 3rd edition

The overall theme of this book is obtaining and analysing solutions to discretised parameter estimation problems using both classical and Bayesian approaches. Briefly, ‘parameter estimation’ is the...
Challenges of pesticide exposure assessment in occupational studies of chronic diseases.

In this issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine , Ohlander and colleagues review methods used to assess pesticide exposure in occupational epidemiology studies over the last 25 years .1 Their findings are striking for two reasons. The first is the very large number of studies published during this time period. Pesticides have been linked to almost every category of chronic disease, including cancer, respiratory, neurological and autoimmune diseases, as well as reproductive outcomes. The authors identified 1271 articles, averaging over 50 publications per year. Second, as the authors note, the methods used to assign pesticide exposure are relatively crude in many instances, limiting the aetiological inferences that can be made from these data. Pesticide exposure is ubiquitous not only in occupational settings but also in the environment. Worldwide, in 2012, the last year for which data are available, almost six billion pounds of pesticide active ingredients were applied.2 These chemicals are important in agriculture and food production, public health (including vector control) and for aesthetic reasons. The use of pesticides has increased dramatically, with an estimated 11% growth per year between 1950 and 2000.3 This growth continues, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. In the USA, it is estimated that >90% of the population has detectable concentrations of pesticide biomarkers in their urine or blood.4 It is therefore critical that we understand how they may impact human …
Crop Dispersal and Lucayan Tool Use: Investigating the Creation of Transported Landscapes in the Central Bahamas through Starch Grain, Phytolith, Macrobotanical, and Artifact Studies

Starch grain, phytolith, and macrobotanical evidence is expanding our understanding of the Lucayan transported landscape, plant food preparation, and cooking practices. Starch grain analyses reveal...
Building high throughput permissioned blockchain fabrics: challenges and opportunities

Since the introduction of Bitcoin---the first widespread application driven by blockchains---the interest in the design of blockchain-based applications has increased tremendously. At the core of these applications are consensus protocols that securely replicate client requests among all replicas, even if some replicas are Byzantine faulty. Unfortunately, these consensus protocols typically have low throughput, and this lack of performance is often cited as the reason for the slow wider adoption of blockchain technology. Consequently, many works focus on designing more efficient consensus protocols to increase throughput of consensus.We believe that this focus on consensus protocols only explains part of the story. To investigate this belief, we raise a simple question: Can a well-crafted system using a classical consensus protocol outperform systems using modern protocols? In this tutorial, we answer this question by diving deep into the design of blockchain systems. Further, we take an in-depth look at the theory behind consensus, which can help users select the protocol that best-fits their requirements. Finally, we share our vision of high-throughput blockchain systems that operate at large scales.
Nutritional Status and Obstacles to Healthy Eating Among Refugees in Geneva.

Refugees face various nutritional challenges during and after migration. This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study seeks to investigate the prevalence of undernutrition and obesity among refugees in Geneva, and to identify barriers to healthy eating. Anthropometric measurements of 354 adult refugees were collected between 2017 and 2019 by trained nurses and dietitians. Seven focus group discussions totaling 51 participants, refugees and social workers, investigated conceptions and needs regarding diet. The mean Body Mass Index is 24.6 ± 4.8 kg/m2. Women are disproportionately affected by obesity compared to men (p < 0.001). Weight gain post-migration is correlated positively with length of stay in Geneva (p < 0.001). Major obstacles to healthy eating are economic and linguistic. For participants, cooking workshops and free physical activities are highly needed interventions. Post-migration lifestyle interventions should be implemented to prevent weight gain in this population. Such interventions must be multi-level, to overcome structural, social and behavioral barriers to healthy eating.
Follow the leader or go your own way: The use of logos and branding in AmeriCorps and similar federally funded service grant programs as a pre-cursor to sustainable branding

We compare three federally funded grant programs: AmeriCorps, Head Start and TRIO. AmeriCorps, part of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), consists of three programs, the Ame...
Decreased antithrombin activity and inflammation in cats.

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine if inflammatory markers are associated with antithrombin activity in cats.MethodsFor a retrospective population of 231 cats admitted to a refe...
Use of Video-Based Patient Education to Modify Health Behaviors

Background: Video-enhanced patient education may help to standardize educational content and improve patients’ retention of instructions when compared with current written/verbal modalities of patient education. The purpose of this project was to investigate the impact of understanding pulmonary disease and medications in those receiving video-enhanced instruction compared with those who did not. A secondary evaluation comparing comprehension of pulmonary disease and medications improve after receiving instruction of any kind was conducted Methods: In the past, patients at a large, tertiary medical center were offered discussion supplemented with written forms of education. Although the literature implies that video-enhanced learning would lead to better comprehension of the information, the Pulmonary Disease Navigators did not have consistent access to video content. Through a quality improvement project, the navigators were provided access to video content to supplement the standard written/verbal education. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients (n = 62) consented to participate in this study. Inclusion criteria was patients >18 years of age with no cognitive impairments to participating. They were randomized into two groups: those that received supplemental video-based instruction (n = 32) or those who received standard written/verbal education without videos (n = 30). An electronic link was provided to the patients who consented to participate and was utilized to determine their satisfaction and comprehension of the materials presented. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the scores for understanding pulmonary disease between the two groups (P = .36). There was a significant difference between the two groups in understanding of medications (P
Integrated care competencies: Self-assessment by graduate counseling students

The prevalence and complexities associated with the co-existence of mental and physical health conditions remain a serious concern that warrants integrated care (IC)—a collaborative multi-disciplinary system of care delivery incorporating primary care with behavioral health that ensures consumer access to continuous and appropriate care. In this study, we examined the relationship between graduate counseling students’ characteristics—gender, field experience, and training in IC and their self-perceived competency in IC. Data from 243 participants in graduate counselor education programs from the United States (U.S.) were collected using the Integrated Care Competency Scale, and analyzed using MANOVA and multiple regression analyses. Results indicated that access to IC training and field experiences were linked to higher self-reported competencies in IC. Moreover, the findings revealed that counseling students’ specialty, exposure to training, and field experience were good predictors of competency in IC. Implications for counselor education training and further research are discussed.
Determining Patient Satisfaction Indicators in a Rural Wound Care Center

Patient satisfaction is vital in healthcare, just like any other business. The field of wound care and being a rural healthcare facility present two unique sets of complexity for providers and patients. This study sought to identify key factors influencing patient satisfaction in wound care. Data were collected on potential quality attributes via a patient survey. Fourteen attributes were determined to be essential factors for patient satisfaction.
Extinguishing a Fictional Fire: Responding to Emotional and Misinformed Audiences

Along with their benefits, social media platforms can present reputational challenges for organizations, including a channel to breed visible, online reputational threats known as paracrises. In 2018, an emotional television episode of This Is Us sparked social media chatter surrounding the popular slow cooker Crock-Pot. Distraught viewers angrily inundated social media with unfounded fears, proclaimed the appliances were unsafe, and vowed to discard them, circulating inaccurate information and creating a hybrid angry customer and misinformation paracrisis for the brand. Crock-Pot quickly transformed the threat into a public relations success and brand-building opportunity by using emotionally-driven messages, modified crisis response strategies, and strategic alliances. This study illustrates the limitations of current paracrisis response strategies for responding to misinformation and emotional audiences and demonstrates that adapting classic crisis responses (i.e., situational crisis communication theory) can be a more effective approach. The findings offer recommendations for how managers can adapt classic crisis responses and integrate communication style elements, including human voice and humor, to manage angry customers and misinformation paracrises effectively.