cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Notice of Violation of IEEE Publication Principles Using connectors to integrate software components

Effective measures to promote software reuse have become increasingly more important as the cost and complexity of software development continues to escalate. The key to integration is determining the relationship between potentially reusable components and how they can be properly adapted. It is not always the case that existing components completely satisfy a given problem. The paper addresses the integration of software components by using connectors and describes an approach to integrating components based on type, interface, and behavior adaptation.
Community covariates of malnutrition based mortality among older adults.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify community level covariates of malnutrition-based mortality among older adults. A community level framework was delineated which explains rates of malnutrition-related mortality among older adults as a function of community levels of socioeconomic disadvantage, disability, and social isolation among members of this group. Methods County level data on malnutrition mortality of people 65 years of age and older for the period 2000–2003 were drawn from the CDC WONDER system databases. County level measures of older adult socioeconomic disadvantage, disability, and social isolation were derived from the 2000 US Census of Population and Housing. Negative binomial regression models adjusting for the size of the population at risk, racial composition, urbanism, and region were estimated to assess the relationships among these indicators. Results Results from negative binomial regression analysis yielded the following: a standard deviation increase in socioeconomic/physical disadvantage was associated with a 12% increase in the rate of malnutrition mortality among older adults (p Conclusions Community patterns of malnutrition based mortality among older adults are partly a function of levels of socioeconomic and physical disadvantage and social isolation among older adults.
Protein abundances are more conserved than mRNA abundances across diverse taxa

Proteins play major roles in most biological processes; as a consequence, protein expression levels are highly regulated. While extensive post-transcriptional, translational and protein degradation control clearly influence protein concentration and functionality, it is often thought that protein abundances are primarily determined by the abundances of the corresponding mRNAs. Hence surprisingly, a recent study showed that abundances of orthologous nematode and fly proteins correlate better than their corresponding mRNA abundances. We tested if this phenomenon is general by collecting and testing matching large-scale protein and mRNA expression data sets from seven different species: two bacteria, yeast, nematode, fly, human, and rice. We find that steady-state abundances of proteins show significantly higher correlation across these diverse phylogenetic taxa than the abundances of their corresponding mRNAs (p=0.0008, paired Wilcoxon). These data support the presence of strong selective pressure to maintain protein abundances during evolution, even when mRNA abundances diverge.
Primary production calculations in the Mid‐Atlantic Bight, including effects of phytoplankton community size structure

We developed an absorption-based primary production model that includes the effects of phytoplankton community size structure for the continental margin and adjoining Gulf Stream waters of the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB). The model uses seasonal cycles of phytoplankton community size structure from previously published results, representative absorption spectra, remotely sensed chlorophyll concentration, sea surface temperature, photosynthetically active radiation, in situ determination of mixed layer dynamics, and previously determined nitrate concentration. The model allows for both light- and nutrient-limitation during the MAB seasonal cycle. Primary production was calculated every month for 5 yr for study areas representing shelf, shelf break, slope, and Gulf Stream waters. Two main approaches were taken to calculate production: using satellite observations integrating to the depth of the mixed layer and using profile observations integrating to the depth of the euphotic zone. The profile euphotic zone production estimates were greater than the satellite mixed layer estimates. Additionally, the timing of production peaks and troughs was largely related to the depth of integration, with profile euphotic zone peak production occurring generally 2 months after the satellite mixed layer estimates. Relative to cell size and seasonality, primary production was regulated more by biomass than light acquisition capability. Comparison of remotely based production estimates and estimates made with in situ depth-dependent data revealed that approximately 30% of daily water column photosynthesis was missed by satellite-based estimates.
Disk-assisted Spin-down of Young Radio Pulsars

We present a model for the spin-down of young radio pulsars in which the neutron star loses rotational energy not only by emitting magnetic dipole radiation but also by torquing a surrounding disk produced by supernova fallback. The braking index predicted in our model is, in general, less than n = 3 (the value for pure magnetic dipole radiation), in agreement with the reported values of n < 3 for five young radio pulsars. With an accuracy of 30% or better, our model reproduces the age, braking index, and third-frequency derivative of the Crab pulsar for a disk mass inflow rate in the range of 3 × 1016-1017 g s-1.
Intraoperative rhythm analysis using pulmonary venous doppler : Importance of atrioventricular interval

Inappropriate timing or duration of the atrioventricular (AV) interval with DDD pacing can lead to hemodynamic compromise. Intraoperative pulmonary venous Doppler interrogation by transesophageal echocardiography can be a valuable tool to assess subtle rhythm abnormalities that may go unnoticed by electrocardiogram and hemodynamic monitoring. We describe a dramatic example of hemodynamic improvement following pacemaker adjustment after pulmonary venous Doppler identified an inappropriately short AV interval.
Thermal Cycling Absorption Process (TCAP): Instrument and Simulation Development Status at Los Alamos National Laboratory

The Thermal Cycling Absorption Process (TCAP) Project at Los Alamos National Laboratory has been a collaborative effort with Savannah River Site to demonstrate the Tube-in-Tube (TnT) column design and to improve TCAP science. TnT TCAP is an alternative design which uses a liquid to thermally cycle the metal hydride packed column. Inert gas displacement tests and deuterium pulse tests have been performed on the TnT TCAP column. The inert gas displacement tests are designed to measure plug flow in the column while the deuterium pulse tests determine the separation ability of the column. A residual gas analyzer measures the gases in the exit stream and the experimental results are compared with pulse test model results.
Paved With Political Intentions: The Impact of Structure on the National Park Services of Canada and the United States

The structural allocation of decisionmaking power between political authorities and career civil servants influences agency policy behavior. I propose and examine this argument in the context of the national park service agencies of Canada and the United States. Centralization of power to political authorities increases agency attention to electoral concerns such as visitor service. Empowerment of careerists enhances attention to long-term agency goals such as preservation of natural resources.
EVANS' NORMAL FORM THEOREM REVISITED

Evans defined quasigroups equationally, and proved a Normal Form Theorem solving the word problem for free extensions of partial Latin squares. In this paper, quasigroups are redefined as algebras with six basic operations related by triality, manifested as coupled right and left regular actions of the symmetric group on three symbols. Triality leads to considerable simplifications in the proof of Evans' Normal Form Theorem, and makes it directly applicable to each of the six major varieties of quasigroups defined by subgroups of the symmetric group. Normal form theorems for the corresponding varieties of idempotent quasigroups are obtained as immediate corollaries.
The Value of Non-Instrumental Computer Use: A Study of Skills Acquisition and Performance in Brazil

Telecenters, libraries, schools, and other public places where people access computer technology generally must decide which information and communication technologies (ICTs) to make available to the public. These decisions are often made based on a conception of which ICT uses are worthwhile, and often venues end up privileging instrumental uses—when people use the technology as an instrument toward productive goals—over non-instrumental uses, such as gaming or chatting. Users, on the other hand, do not necessarily make these distinctions and they switch seamlessly across multiple types of activities with technology. While public ICT providers must demonstrate good stewardship of public monies, when they privilege activities such as word processing a job application but not gaming or social networking, they constrain how people integrate technology meaningfully into their lives. This article presents the results of a study that investigated assumptions about the benefits of instrumental versus non- instrumental computer uses. Our findings indicate that people who use computers largely for non-instrumental purposes are generally as capable with the computers as those who use them for instrumental purposes, that people who largely use computers for these non-instrumental purposes are gaining skills that translate to instrumental tasks, and that dictating policy across largely software and tool-driven definitions of what constitutes “serious” or “worthwhile” uses of technology (and allocating public money to support access to such technology uses) does not match how individuals see themselves as users of these tools.
Symptomatic relief, but no cure--the Obama health care reform.

Barack Obama has laid out a vision for reform that promises health insurance for (nearly) everyone, with coverage as good as that enjoyed by members of Congress. Joseph Antos argues that the Obama plan offers a host of policy proposals that address the symptoms but not the underlying disease that afflicts the health care system.
Placental isoprostane is significantly increased in preeclampsia

We determined placental tissue levels, production rates, and secretion rates of isoprostanes for placentas obtained from women with normal pregnancies and women with preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Isoprostanes are markers of oxidative stress that exert biological actions such as vasoconstriction. Placental tissue was rinsed and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen to determine tissue levels of total and free isoprostane. Placental tissue pieces were also incubated in serum-free DMEM for 48 h at 37 degrees C in 95% air/5% CO(2) to determine production rates. Isolated placental cotyledons were perfused for the determination of secretion rates. All samples were analyzed by EIA for isoprostane using an antibody specific for 8-Iso-PGF(2) (15-F(2t)-IsoP). In addition, medium samples were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), a breakdown product of lipid peroxidation. We found that tissue levels of free isoprostane and total isoprostane (free plus esterified forms) were significantly higher for preeclamptic placentas than for normal placentas. Concentrations of isoprostane and MDA in the medium increased progressively during 48 h of incubation of placental explants. At 48 h of incubation, the mean concentrations of both isoprostane and MDA were significantly higher for the placentas from preeclamptic women than for the placentas from normal pregnant women. Concentrations of MDA were highly correlated with those of isoprostane. Induction of oxidative stress with xanthine plus xanthine oxidase increased placental production of isoprostane by normal tissue to a level similar to that of preeclamptic tissue. Placental secretion of isoprostane was eightfold greater toward the maternal side of the placenta than toward the fetal side, and was increased sixfold on the maternal side and twofold on the fetal side by inducing oxidative stress with t-butyl hydroperoxide. This study presents new information that isoprostanes are formed and secreted by the human placenta and provides convincing evidence that oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation are abnormally increased in placentas of preeclamptic women.
Influence of Chironomidae (Diptera) faecal pellet accumulation on lake sediment quality and larval abundance of pestiferous midge Glyptotendipes paripes

Two opposite distribution patterns of larval Glyptotendipes paripes in relation to organic carbon content in sediments of central Florida lakes were discovered. In a majority of examined lakes, G. paripes larvae were most abundant in sand sediment and their density rapidly declined with increased carbon content (type 1 lakes); however, in some cases the opposite was true (type 2 lakes). To elucidate this anomaly, field-collected organic sediments from types 1 and 2 lakes and sand sediment were studied for G. paripes development in the laboratory. Type 1 organic sediment consisted predominantly of fine particles ( 0.25 mm diameter), with significantly higher levels of dissolved oxygen concentrations that were similar to sand sediment. Type 2 organic sediment and sand sediment were conducive to higher survival of G. paripes larvae than fine organic sediment. The larvae in type 2 organic sediment produced longer tubes than in other sediment types. This observation indicates that accumulation of chironomid faecal pellets in lake sediments may change physical properties, such as dissolved oxygen level and consequently alter conditions for survival of chironomid larvae and possibly other benthic fauna.
Abstract W P1: Efficacy of IV TPA in Endovascular Trials: A Pooled Analysis

Background: IV TPA is the comparator for many studies of endovascular therapies (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke. We analyzed the efficacy of IV TPA reported in recent large EVTs and compared it to earlier studies. Our hypothesis was that the perceived failure of various therapies in recent EVT trials was due to the unanticipated efficacy of IV TPA alone and not the failure of EVT. This may have adversely affected the design and power assumptions of recent trials. Methods: We analyzed baseline and outcome data from recent large trials of IV TPA vs placebo and IV TPA alone vs various EVTs with or without IV TPA. Studies included were ECASS I-III, ATLANTIS, NINDS, SITS-MOST, EPITHET, IMS3, and SYNTHESIS. Onset to treatment times, age, and baseline NIHSS scores were examined. The primary outcome was a modified Rankin of 0-2 at 3 months for the IV TPA only patients. When possible we analyzed patients treated 4.5 to 6 hr after symptom onset to mirror the treatment delays seen in EVT. Results: Across all studies there were 8736 IV TPA only treated patients. The median age was consistent across all trials (67-68 years), as was the mean NIHSS score (11-13 for all, except for 16 in IMS3). Good outcomes were achieved in 40% to 46% of IV TPA only treated patients in the EVT trials compared to 49% for those treated in IV TPA vs placebo trials and 55% treated in open-label IV TPA registries. Limiting the analysis to patients treated 4.5 to 6 hr after stroke onset showed 49% of patients had a good outcome with IV TPA alone vs placebo. One EVT trial under-estimated the efficacy of the IV TPA only arm, with an assumed good outcome rate of only 40% (vs 46% in the actual trial). Conclusions: Among patients enrolled in EVT trials, IV TPA alone performs quite well, with up to 46% of patients having a good outcome. Any EVTs will have to demonstrate robust efficacy to show a superior clinical benefit when compared to IV TPA alone.
The Two‐Headed Deer: Illustration of the Ramayana in Orissa

The Two-Headed Deer: Illustration of the Ramayana in Orissa. Joanna Williams. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1996.210 pp.
US public support for drone strikes against asymmetric enemies abroad: Poll trends in 2013

Military drones have been much in the news, and numerous polls have sought to measure public opinion relating to US drone strikes – a recent but already iconic image of asymmetric conflict. I examined eight US national polls conducted in 2013 and found that, while a consistent majority supports targeting terrorists with drones, there is a small but increasing minority that disapproves. This trend, along with strong disapproval of US drone strikes in many other countries, points to a possible future in which drones are less acceptable for the stronger side in asymmetric conflict or more accessible to the weaker side.
Efficient Discovery of Confounders in Large Data Sets

Given a large transaction database, association analysis is concerned with efficiently finding strongly related objects. Unlike traditional associate analysis, where relationships among variables are searched at a global level, we examine confounding factors at a local level. Indeed, many real-world phenomena are localized to specific regions and times. These relationships may not be visible when the entire data set is analyzed. Specially, confounding effects that change the direction of correlation is the most significant. Along this line, we propose to efficiently find confounding effects attributable to local associations. Specifically, we derive an upper bound by a necessary condition of confounders, which can help us prune the search space and efficiently identify confounders. Experimental results show that the proposed CONFOUND algorithm can effectively identify confounders and the computational performance is an order of magnitude faster than benchmark methods.
EFFECTS OF pH, LACTATE CATION (K, Na, Ca), AND LACTATE ION CONCENTRATION ON IN VITRO METMYOGLOBIN‐REDUCING ACTIVITY

ABSTRACT Lactic acid salts with three different cations (K, Na, Ca) were investigated at three lactate (L) concentrations (0.1, 0.3 and 0.6 M) to evaluate in vitro metmyoglobin-reducing activity (MRA) at three pH levels (5.7, 6.4 and 7.4). All lactates generated MRA at normal meat pH (5.7), with greater MRA at pH 7.4 than at both pH 6.4 and 5.7 (P < 0.05). No consistent differences were noted among lactates for generating MRA, except at pH 7.4 where CaL was greatest (P < 0.05). At pH 6.4 and 7.4, MRA increased (P < 0.05) as lactate concentration increased. This study provides evidence that lactate oxidation at postmortem muscle pH generates reducing equivalents and that addition of CaL, NaL or KL should increase MRA and color stability. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Lactate products are commonly used by the meat industry for microbial control, specifically of Listeria monocytogenes. Previous research has shown lactates to increase meat color stability as well. This research examines whether lactate products, with three different cations, can generate metmyoglobin-reducing activity (MRA) to a similar extent. Results of this study indicate that the three lactates increase MRA in vitro, even at postmortem meat pH (5.7). These data should lead to further testing of lactate products in both fresh and processed meat systems in different packaging formats, which would add additional information to meat processors' decision-making process.
Evidence-Based Platelet Transfusion Guidelines

Transfused platelets (plts) are either pooled random-donor platelet (plt) concentrates or single-donor apheresis plts. When stored for 5 days, all of these products are equally efficacious. A 10,000/microL prophylactic plt transfusion trigger has been documented to be both hemostatically efficacious and cost effective in reducing plt transfusion requirements. The optimal plt dose/transfusion is being evaluated in an ongoing clinical trial. Therapeutic plt transfusions to control or prevent bleeding with trauma or surgical procedures require higher transfusion triggers of 100,000/microL for neurosurgical procedures and between 50,000/microL and 100,000/microL for other invasive procedures or trauma. Leukoreduction has been documented to reduce plt alloimmunization rates, cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission by transfusion, and febrile transfusion reactions. Whether it reduces immunomodulatory effects of transfusion (i.e., decreases infection rates and cancer recurrence) is still controversial, as is universal leukoreduction. Poor responses to plt transfusions are often multifactorial. For alloimmune plt refractoriness, HLA matching, cross-matching, and identification of the specificity of the patient's antibodies with avoidance of mismatched donor antigens are all equally effective in identifying compatible plts for transfusion. Other causes of poor plt responses are splenomegaly, ABO mismatching, females with 2 or more pregnancies and males, use of heparin or amphotericin, bleeding, fever, graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), and vaso-occlusive disease (VOD).
Microsatellite Amplification From Museum Feather Samples: Effects of Fragment Size and Template Concentration on Genotyping Errors

Abstract We address the problem of microsatellite genotyping errors associated with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification from degraded and dilute template DNA and provide suggestions for improving the accuracy of genotype data in studies using older museum specimens as a source of DNA. In the course of a population genetics study of African indigobirds (Vidua spp.), we used replicate PCR to evaluate genotyping reliability for nine microsatellite loci in relation to PCR fragment length and DNA template concentration (DNA extracted from the calamus of one vs. two wing feathers). Complete amplification failure and the dropout of one allele from heterozygous genotypes were the predominant problems encountered. For samples with heterozygous genotypes, allele dropout occurred in 19.2 and 12.1% of PCR using extracts derived from one and two feathers, respectively. The amplification of artifact bands was less frequent (affecting 4.9 and 1% of positive PCR reactions with one- and two-feather extracts, res...
Bacterial interference for prevention of urinary tract infection: an overview.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infection in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. The bladders of patients wit...
The First Session and Intakes

Coaching is a multi-step process and the first steps include the initial contact, intake process, and the first session. This chapter provides an overview of recruiting, initiating services, the first coaching conversation, the intake process, and the first session. Chapter 5 provides detailed information on creating an intake packet, a coaching agreement, and a sample intake form. Readers will have an understanding of building a coaching relationship and beginning a coaching session.
Why has US monetary policy become ineffective lately

ABSTRACTSome recent studies show that US monetary policy has lost its stimulative traction, especially since the early 1980s. They argue that the Fed’s forward guidance has enabled economic agents to anticipate the changes in interest rates more accurately. As a result, it is harder to find truly exogenous monetary policy shocks, which has made monetary policy ineffective. In this article, we find that anomalous economic behaviours of financial institutions might be the true reason for the ineffective monetary policy. Our structural vector autoregressive model shows that increases in the US money supply mostly flowed into the financial sector to increase its profits instead of stimulating the real sector of the economy through business investment.
Examining the drivers of agricultural experimentation among smallholder farmers in malawi

Smallholder farmers in Malawi are faced with the challenge of managing complex and dynamic farming systems while also adapting to change within volatile agroecological conditions. Moreover, management decisions are influenced by a combination of local knowledge, expert recommendations and on-farm experimentation. Although many smallholder farmers actively experiment with new crops and technologies, little is known about the prevalence of experimentation or the types of experiments farmers conduct. This study examined the decision-making processes of experimenting farmers to explore the drivers of on-farm experimentation. Using a mixed-methods design that incorporated field observations, survey data and in-depth interviews, we identified numerous examples of experiments with new crops, varieties and techniques that had been executed either independently or through participation in an agricultural development project. Results of quantitative and qualitative analysis reveal that smallholder farmers in Malawi across a range of socioeconomic characteristics are inclined to experiment, and gender roles in agricultural experimentation vary widely. While experimental methods differ between farmers, there are commonalities in the drivers of experimentation, including adapting to climate change, improving soil health, improving nutrition and generating income. Smallholders have a great capacity for experimentation, and their knowledge, experience, preferences and priorities – if properly understood and incorporated – could ultimately benefit both future agricultural development projects and their participants.
Embedding algorithm pseudocode in lyrics to facilitate recall and promote learning

We introduce a sequence of three videos for binary search. This sequence takes the student through the problem, solution, algorithm and analysis, and mnemonic song with rhyming pseudocode lyrics. Having these materials in video form provides an alternate way to introduce binary search that can be used outside the classroom. We also suggest that this approach supports computational thinking, along with universal design in learning as visual and audio materials are both available.
Early detection and quantification of zooplankton grazers in algal cultures by FlowCAM

Abstract Algal cultivation and biomass production for biofuel and other products have many advantages over terrestrial crops. However, sustainable algal cultivation, especially in open ponds, is difficult due to opportunistic zooplankton grazers. There is an urgent need for the development of methods and procedures for early detection and quantification of zooplankton in algal cultures. In this study, the FlowCAM was able to detect and quantify Brachionus calyciflorus, a model organism, in algal cultures with a detection limit of
Interface between 40S exit channel protein uS7/Rps5 and eIF2α modulates start codon recognition in vivo

The eukaryotic pre-initiation complex (PIC) bearing the eIF2·GTP·Met-tRNAiMet ternary complex (TC) scans the mRNA for an AUG codon in favorable context. AUG recognition evokes rearrangement of the PIC from an open, scanning to a closed, arrested conformation. Cryo-EM reconstructions of yeast PICs suggest remodeling of the interface between 40S protein Rps5/uS7 and eIF2α between open and closed states; however, its importance was unknown. uS7 substitutions disrupting eIF2α contacts favored in the open complex increase initiation at suboptimal sites, and uS7-S223D stabilizes TC binding to PICs reconstituted with a UUG start codon, indicating inappropriate rearrangement to the closed state. Conversely, uS7-D215 substitutions, perturbing uS7-eIF2α interaction in the closed state, confer the opposite phenotypes of hyperaccuracy and (for D215L) accelerated TC dissociation from reconstituted PICs. Thus, remodeling of the uS7/eIF2α interface appears to stabilize first the open, and then the closed state of the PIC to promote accurate AUG selection in vivo.
Vibrational Nonequilibrium Quantification for State-Resolved Simulation of a Hypersonic Flow

Recent developments in internal energy nonequilibrium modeling for hypersonic gas flow simulations indicate a strong need for improved fidelity. Research efforts have consequently focused on discre...
GABAergic Interneurons in Synaptic Plasticity and Information Storage

The flow of information in the CA1 region is strongly modulated by the action of the nonpyramidal neurons, most of which are inhibitory interneurons whose axons target different domains of the pyramidal cell dendritic tree. This chapter considers specific forms of synaptic plasticity of excitatory input onto interneuron populations and reviews the synaptic plasticity of GABAergic output generated by interneurons on their target cells. No single general principal accounts for either the plasticity of excitatory synaptic transmission onto interneurons, or the plasticity of their GABAergic inhibitory output. Interneurons receive input often from a wide array of afferent fibers as well as making their output onto a wide array of diverse cellular targets.
The ontology reference model for visual selectivity analysis in drug-target interactions

In a drug development process, appropriate drug-binding selectivity is critical for a success drug. However the selectivity in a data source, showing the intensity of efforts, may be limited to prior knowledge of the expertise or be biased towards the hypothesis testing. With the increasing of drug screening data, it is challenging to coordinate the efforts and execute data governance at a large scale. Visual selectivity analysis for examining target selection is in demand. We proposed a knowledge-driven approach and designed an ontology reference model to provide an intuitive view of the selectivity in a drug-target interaction network data. We employed the model to carry out the visual selectivity analysis on the NIMH Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (PDSP) data and the LINCS Compounds-interacting ChEMBL Database. The analysis indicates the possible ‘dark matter’ drug targets. The approach can be expanded to coordinate other experimental screening data and set a stage for the analysis of the mechanism of action of biological therapies.
Mexico, Immigration, and Trump: Towards Transborder Thinking

Since the contributions to this Special Issue consist of relatively brief statements, the Editorial Board of Konturen has decided to forego abstracts this time around. Please click on "html" or "pdf" below for the full document of this essay.
Synthesis and Applications of Imidazoquinolines: A Review

Imidazoquinolines are heterocylic scaffolds resulting from the fusion between the 5-membered ring imidazole and the benzopyridine ring, quinoline (Figure 1). Such fused systems retain some properti...
Hoffmannseggia humilis, the Correct Name for H. gladiata (Fabaceae)

Abstract: In order to correct an error in the recently published revision of Hoffmannseggia in North America, the correct nomenclature for H. humilis is provided.
Trends in the Prevalence and Disparity in Cognitive Limitations of Americans 55-69 Years Old.

Objectives To determine whether the prevalence of cognitive limitation (CL) among Americans ages 55 to 69 years changed between 1998 and 2014, and to assess the trends in socioeconomic disparities in CL among groups defined by race/ethnicity, education, income, and wealth. Method Logistic regression using 1998-2014 data from the biennial Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative data set. CL is defined as a score of 0-11 on a 27-point cognitive battery of items focused on memory. Socioeconomic status (SES) measures are classified as quartiles. Results In models controlling for age, gender, and previous cognitive testing, we find no significant change over time in the overall prevalence of CL, widening disparities in limitation by income and, in some cases, wealth, and improvements among non-Hispanic whites but not other racial/ethnic groups. Discussion Among people 55-69, rates of CL are many times higher for groups with lower SES than those with higher SES, and recent trends show little indication that the gaps are narrowing.
The Use of Time Limits in Planned Brief Casework

Planned use of time-limited casework is recommended where passive-dependency resulting from fears of separation-individuation is the central problem
An Event-Level Analysis of Condomless Anal Intercourse with a HIV-Discordant or HIV Status-Unknown Partner Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men from a Multi-site Study

Despite the high HIV incidence and prevalence among black men who have sex with men (BMSM), little research has examined partner characteristics, partner seeking venue, sexual position, substance use, and sexual risk behavior at the sex event-level among BMSM. Using the baseline data from a multi-site study of 807 BMSM stratified by their HIV status, the goal of this study was to conduct a detailed event-level analysis of 1577 male anal sex events to assess the factors associated with condomless anal intercourse (CLAI) with a HIV-discordant or HIV status-unknown partner. We found CLAI with an HIV-discordant or unknown HIV status partner among HIV-negative BMSM was negatively associated with having sex with a main partner, and was positively associated with taking both receptive and insertive sexual positions during sex. As compared to a sex partner met at bar, night club or dance club, HIV-positive BMSM were less likely to engage in CLAI with HIV-discordant and unknown HIV status partner met at party or friend's house or at community organizations. HIV-positive BMSM had lower odds of engaging in CLAI with HIV-discordant and unknown HIV status partner if they had insertive sexual position or both receptive and insertive sexual positions. These results underscore the importance of delineating unique sex event-level factors associated with sexual risk behavior depending on individuals' HIV status. Our findings suggest event-level partner characteristics, sexual position, and partner seeking venues may contribute to disparities in HIV incidence.
Iterative Learning Control: An Overview

In this chapter we give an overview of the field of iterative learning control. We begin with an introduction to the concept of learning control. Then we summarize the past work that has been reported in the literature. We conclude the chapter with a general formulation and statement of the learning control problem.
Ground Force 360 Device Efficacy: Perception of Healthy Subjects

While local and regional exercise modes are essential to knee injury prevention, many athletic activities demand sudden directional change movements necessitating global or whole body training to optimize dynamic knee stability. Three-dimensional dynamic knee stability is essential during jump landings that challenge frontal plane knee alignment and control, create torsional loads, and have simultaneous upper extremity and trunk movements. The Ground Force 360 Device was designed to provide a weightbearing method for applying progressive three-dimensional (primarily frontal-transverse plane) loads in a low impact, functionally relevant manner. This study evaluated the perceptions of healthy subjects after approximately 4 weeks of device training. With end range descriptors of 0 = not likely or useful and 10 = very likely or useful, subjects rated device use likelihood as somewhat (mean ± standard deviation; 7.1 ± 2.1) and perceived usefulness specifically for football, soccer, basketball, or tennis training as very useful (8.2 ± 1.2). Separate analysis of subjects involved in competitive sports revealed greater perceived device use (7.9 ± 1.1) and usefulness (8.4 ± 0.7) scores. Subjects liked how the device trained “the hips” and improved directional change quickness. This device may provide a useful translational neuromuscular training mode to supplement conventional strength-power training, plyometrics, and sport performance.
Lean-Burn Natural Gas Engine Exhaust Remediation Using Nanostructured Catalysts and Coatings

We have developed nanocrystalline catalytic systems with excellent thermal stability that reduce NO, CH4 and CO emissions from exhaust streams containing excess oxygen. Magnesium oxide, yttrium oxide and samarium oxide catalysts were synthesized using a controlled wet-chemical precipitation technique. This process produces nanocrystalline, high surface area metal oxide powders that can be easily coated onto monoliths and substrates. Greater than 50% conversion of NO to N2 was achieved in excess O2 at high space velocities with the nanocrystalline oxide catalysts. Nanostructured barium hexaaluminate coated with manganese oxide was used to aid in the complete oxidation of CO and CH4. The nanocrystalline oxide systems have superior hydrothermal stability compared to noble metal and zeolitic catalysts. Presence of water vapor in the feed stream resulted in only a slight loss of activity for the nanocrystalline Y2O3 system, the full activity of which was restored upon removal of water from the feed stream.
Monetized health benefits attributable to mobile source emission reductions across the United States in 2025.

Abstract By-products of mobile source combustion processes, such as those associated with gasoline- and diesel-powered engines, include direct emissions of particulate matter as well as precursors to particulate matter and ground-level ozone. Human exposure to fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) is associated with increased incidence of premature mortality and morbidity outcomes. This study builds upon recent, detailed source-apportionment air quality modeling to project the health-related benefits of reducing PM2.5 from mobile sources across the contiguous U.S. in 2025. Updating a previously published benefits analysis approach, we develop national-level benefit per ton estimates for directly emitted PM2.5, SO2/pSO4, and NOX for 16 mobile source sectors spanning onroad vehicles, nonroad engines and equipment, trains, marine vessels, and aircraft. These benefit per ton estimates provide a reduced-form tool for estimating and comparing benefits across multiple mobile source emission scenarios and can be applied to assess the benefits of mobile source policies designed to improve air quality. We found the benefit per ton of directly emitted PM2.5 in 2025 ranges from $110,000 for nonroad agriculture sources to $700,000 for onroad light duty gas cars and motorcycles (in 2015 dollars and based on an estimate of PM-related mortality derived from the American Cancer Society cohort study). Benefit per ton values for SO2/pSO4 range from $52,000 for aircraft sources (including emissions from ground support vehicles) to $300,000 for onroad light duty diesel emissions. Benefit per ton values for NOX range from $2100 for C1 and C2 marine vessels to $7500 for “nonroad all other” mobile sources, including industrial, logging, and oil field sources. Benefit per ton estimates increase approximately 2.26-fold when using an alternative concentration response function to derive PM2.5-related mortality. We also report benefit per ton values for the eastern and western U.S. to account for broad spatial heterogeneity patterns in emissions reductions, population exposure and air quality benefits.
Learning of Battery Model Bias for Effective State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries

State of charge (SOC) estimation of lithium-ion batteries has been extensively studied and the estimation accuracy was mainly investigated through the development of various battery models and dynamic estimation algorithms. All battery models, however, contain inherent model bias due to the simplifications and assumptions, which cannot be effectively addressed through the development of various algorithms such as Kalman filtering (KF) or particle filtering (PF). Consequently, as observed in some study, battery SOC estimation using a typical extended KF in fact is not very accurate where the error could range from 5% to 10% or even more depending on the battery characteristics. This paper proposes bias characterization of the battery model, so that accuracy of the baseline model could be significantly improved and eventually SOC estimation could be much more accurate than the one only using the baseline model. This paper reports great potential for improving battery SOC estimation with the bias characterization and proposes two methods for actual bias modeling. In particular, the polynomial regression model and the Gaussian process regression model are proposed to examine the effects of the two methods on bias modeling and SOC estimation using a typical battery circuit model. Results are demonstrated in both simulation and lab testing using three battery charging/discharging profiles with the cross-validation technique.
A multi-task, multi-stage deep transfer learning model for early prediction of neurodevelopment in very preterm infants.

Survivors following very premature birth (i.e., ≤ 32 weeks gestational age) remain at high risk for neurodevelopmental impairments. Recent advances in deep learning techniques have made it possible to aid the early diagnosis and prognosis of neurodevelopmental deficits. Deep learning models typically require training on large datasets, and unfortunately, large neuroimaging datasets with clinical outcome annotations are typically limited, especially in neonates. Transfer learning represents an important step to solve the fundamental problem of insufficient training data in deep learning. In this work, we developed a multi-task, multi-stage deep transfer learning framework using the fusion of brain connectome and clinical data for early joint prediction of multiple abnormal neurodevelopmental (cognitive, language and motor) outcomes at 2 years corrected age in very preterm infants. The proposed framework maximizes the value of both available annotated and non-annotated data in model training by performing both supervised and unsupervised learning. We first pre-trained a deep neural network prototype in a supervised fashion using 884 older children and adult subjects, and then re-trained this prototype using 291 neonatal subjects without supervision. Finally, we fine-tuned and validated the pre-trained model using 33 preterm infants. Our proposed model identified very preterm infants at high-risk for cognitive, language, and motor deficits at 2 years corrected age with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.86, 0.66 and 0.84, respectively. Employing such a deep learning model, once externally validated, may facilitate risk stratification at term-equivalent age for early identification of long-term neurodevelopmental deficits and targeted early interventions to improve clinical outcomes in very preterm infants.
United Arab Emirates 2050: The Race to the Top!

We perform 360 review on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) geopolitical and economical status to analyze its strengths and weaknesses. The UAE in 2020 is ranked top 22 around the world, and best ranking category is in ‘movers’ (top 1), while adventure and heritage are worst categories (top 63, both). While the UAE is distinctive, dynamic and unique, the main problems are the political and the constitution systems, social inclusion, government debt and lack of energy diversification. We provide a set of policy recommendations to aid policy makers and the business community to enhance the economic growth and development. Our main political recommendations are to separate the state from religion (Islamic sharia), and Democracy from civil liberties, thus, to rewrite the entire constitution with more bills of rights. Social recommendations are to enhance the role of women and support financial inclusion. The key economic policies to implement are modernizing the monetary system as to make the currency floating, not fixed; and lower the overall government debt, that reached all time high relative to GDP, by introducing a taxation system. Finally, diversify the sources of energy with wind farms and solar panels productions. Should these recommendations implemented, we project with high probabilities that the UAE will reach among the top by 2050.
Response of prestressed concrete beams under combined effects of fire and structural loading

Abstract This paper presents results from experimental and numerical studies on the behavior of prestressed concrete (PC) beams under the combined effect of fire and structural loading. Four PC beams were tested under simultaneous application of fire and structural loading. Test variables included fire exposure, load level, concrete strength, and restraint conditions. Data generated from fire tests is used to validate a numerical model developed for evaluating the fire response of PC beams under any specified fire, loading, and restraint conditions. The model accounts for critical factors governing fire response of PC beams including fire-induced restraint forces, cracking and crushing of concrete, spalling, and geometry of beam. Specifically, the model can account for varying fire-induced restraint forces that change with fire exposure duration. Results from validation show that the model can capture the fire response of PC beams with reasonable accuracy in both thermal and structural domains. Data generated from fire tests and numerical studies show that restraint forces developed from constraining thermal expansion of beams produce marginal increases in fire resistance of PC beams.
Pulling the Plug: Retail Traders and Social Media

This paper examines the relationship between social media and retail trading activity. Using days on which social media platform connectivity is exogenously interrupted, creating a natural experiment, I measure the impact on retail trading behavior in TAQ retail identified trades and a novel dataset of aggregate positions in Robinhood. These ”outage” days are associated with a 2.5% increase in retail trading volume and concentrated mostly in retail traders selling stocks and closing positions. This increase in retail trading volume is consistent with social media serving to distract retail investors, rather than aiding in information acquisition. Institutional investors are unaffected by these days, and stocks with a high concentration of retail traders have improved bid-ask spreads consistent with the increase of retail traders lowering adverse selection risk and improving liquidity.
İnhale kortikosteroidlerin yarar ve zararlarını tartmak

Occupational and environmental exposures cause substantial lung disease morbidity and mortality. A detailed exposure history is the key to detecting and treating these largely preventable illnesses and deaths. Components of an exposure history include details of the current and past work histories as well as of nonoccupational exposures. Identification of a sentinel health event requires a public health approach to the follow-up of affected individuals. This approach includes industrial hygiene sampling and monitoring, engineering and administrative controls, institution of proper work practices, education, and medical monitoring.
Why Do We Have Managers

Economic actors have to make lots of decisions, and the paper is based on the premise that it takes time to be involved in any one of them. Attempts to economize on decision-making time imply that groups of peers may abdicate decision-making authority to a small set of managers even though this means that the information and preferences of the uninvolved players are neglected. We find that players are more likely to be managers if they have better information and more representative, but stronger, preferences. The possibility of ex post intervention may force managers to take the preferences of others into account and can lead to smaller management teams. On the other hand, the threat of intervention may reduce managers' incentives to use their private information. We proceed to suggest that the argument may explain employees' willingness to let their bosses decide, and thus throw some light on the theory of the firm.