cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Host's diet effects on nitrogen utilization efficiency for two parasitoid species: Brachymeria intermedia and Coccygomimus turionellae

. Differences in the weight of parasitoid individuals of Brachymeria intermedia (Nees) (Chalcidae) and Coccygomimus turionellae (L.) (Ichneumonidae) were found to be associated with differences in host diet. The availability of the host nitrogen to the parasitoids differed depending on the sex of the host, Lymantria dispar, and its diet. Nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) for both parasitoid species were inversely correlated with host weight and with host nitrogen. Values for NUE are lower than those reported for phytophagous insects such as Lepidoptera.
Caught in a fire trap: Recurring fire creates stable size equilibria in woody resprouters

Globally, fire maintains many mesic habitats in an open canopy state by killing woody plants while reducing the size of those able to resprout. Where fire is frequent, tree saplings are often suppressed by a “fire trap” of repeated topkill (death of aerial biomoass) and resprouting, preventing them from reaching adult size. The ability to tolerate repeated topkill is an essential life-history trait that allows a sapling to persist until it experiences a long fire-free interval, during which it can escape the fire trap. We hypothesized that persistence in the fire trap results from a curvilinear relationship between pre-burn size and resprout size, which causes a plant to approach an equilibrial size in which post-fire biomass recovery is equal to fire-induced biomass loss. We also predicted that the equilibrial stem size is positively related to resource availability. To test these hypotheses, we collected data on pre-burn and resprout size of five woody plant species at wetland ecotones in longleaf pine ...
Listening to music gives some quality-of-life benefit to older people in a small 4-week trial from Hong Kong.

Commentry on: YY Lee, MF Chan, E Mok. Effectiveness of music intervention on the quality of life of older people. J Adv Nurs2010;66:2677–87.
A performance evaluation of lock-free synchronization protocols

In this paper, we investigate the practicat performance of lock-free techniques that provide synchronization on shared-memory multiprocessors. Our goal is to provide a technique to allow designers of new protocols to quickly determine an algorithm’s performance characteristics. We develop a simple analytical performance model based on the architectural observations that memory accesses are expensive, synchronization instructions are more expensive, and that optimistic synchronization policies result in wasted communication bandwidth which can slow the system as a whole. Using our model, we evaluate the performance of five existing lock-free synchronization protocols. We validate our analysis by comparing our results with simulations of a parallel machine. G;ven this analysis, we identify those protocols which show promise of good performance in practice. In addition, we note that no existing protocols provide insensitivity to common delays while still offering performance equivalent to locks. Accordingly, we introduce a protocol, based on a combination of existing lock-free techniques, which satisfies these criteria.
Performance of routing protocols in very large-scale mobile wireless ad hoc networks

As wireless devices become more and more popular, ad hoc networks grow in the number of nodes as well as the complexity of communication among the large number of nodes. However, due to the limitation of simulation technologies, it is either impossible or very hard to investigate the scalability of ad hoc routing protocols in very large-scale wireless networks. In this paper, a comprehensive simulation study is conducted of the performance of an on-demand routing protocol on a very large-scale, with as many as 50,000 nodes in the network. We address the scalability analysis based on various network sizes, traffic load, and mobility. The reasons for packet loss are analyzed and categorized at each layer. Based on the observations, we optimize the parameter selection and try to exhaust the scalability boundary of the on-demand routing protocol for wireless ad hoc networks.
Optical forces in scanning probe microscopy

We demonstrate that the mechanical action of light can be detected by a scanning probe microscope. The conservative and nonconservative electromagnetic forces can be directly measured and they affect the perceived topography.
Intraoperative Testing of Selectivity of Spiral Nerve Cuff Electrodes

Nerve cuff electrodes were used intraoperatively to stimulate peripheral nerves to test electrode selectivity in the human upper extremity. Subjects were recruited from patients undergoing upper extremity nerve repair procedures. The nerves were stimulated through different contacts in the cuff and with varying parameters. Data was recorded to estimate stimulation threshold and determine selectivity data. Thresholds appeared to be higher than anticipated based on previous cat data. Preliminary selectivity was demonstrated on several nerves
Voltage analysis of distribution systems with DFIG wind turbines

Wind energy is becoming the most viable renewable energy source mainly because of the growing concerns over carbon emissions and uncertainties in fossil fuel supplies and the government policy impetus. The increasing penetration of wind power in distribution systems may significantly affect voltage stability of the systems, particularly during wind turbine cut-in and cut-off disturbances. Currently, doubly fed induction generator wind turbine (DFIG-WT) is the most popular wind turbine. This paper investigates the issues of voltage stability improvement and grid-loss reduction of distribution systems which include DFIG-WTs under unbalanced heavy loading conditions. Simulation studies are carried out in IEEE 34-bus test system using DIgSILENT software to examine these issues during steady-state and transient operations of the system. Optimal locations of the WTs are determined based on this analysis. A new index (system unbalanced voltage variance) is proposed to evaluate system unbalanced voltage. The dynamic impacts between WTs and motor loads are also examined.
Conditional Activation of Akt in Adult Skeletal Muscle Induces Rapid Hypertrophy

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a severe morbidity caused by a variety of conditions, including cachexia, cancer, AIDS, prolonged bedrest, and diabetes. One strategy in the treatment of atrophy is to induce the pathways normally leading to skeletal muscle hypertrophy. The pathways that are sufficient to induce hypertrophy in skeletal muscle have been the subject of some controversy. We describe here the use of a novel method to produce a transgenic mouse in which a constitutively active form of Akt can be inducibly expressed in adult skeletal muscle and thereby demonstrate that acute activation of Akt is sufficient to induce rapid and significant skeletal muscle hypertrophy in vivo, accompanied by activation of the downstream Akt/p70S6 kinase protein synthesis pathway. Upon induction of Akt in skeletal muscle, there was also a significant decrease in adipose tissue. These findings suggest that pharmacologic approaches directed toward activating Akt will be useful in inducing skeletal muscle hypertrophy and that an increase in lean muscle mass is sufficient to decrease fat storage.
Variable Structure Control of Dynamical Systems with Bounded Controllers

This paper examines the problem of the control of multivariable linear time-invariant dynamical systems with bounded controllers using the Variable Structure Control (VSC) approach. New type of Lyapunov functions is introduced. The domain of attraction for this class of systems is obtained. A coordinate transformation for decoupling the "fast" and "slow" states is also presented. This transformation can also be used in the investigation of variable structure and high gain feedback systems. A pole placement problem in high gain feedback conrol systems is then considered and illustrated by means of a numerical example.
REVERSIBLE AUTOMATA AND INDUCTION OF THE ENGLISH AUXILIARY SYSTEM

In this paper we apply some recent work of Angluin (1982) to the induction of the English auxiliary verb system. In general, the induction of finite automata is computationally intractable. However, Angluin shows that restricted finite automata, the k-reversible automata, can be learned by efficient (polynomial time) algoriths. can be learned by efficient (polynomial time) algorithms. We present an explicit computer model demonstrating that the English auxiliary verb system can in fact be learned as a l-reversible automaton, and hence in a computationally feasible amount of time. The entire system can be acquired by looking at only half the possible auxiliary verb sequences, and the pattern of generalization seems compatible with what is known about human acquisition of auxiliaries. We conclude that certain linguistic subsystems may well be learnable by inductive inference methods of this kind, and suggest an extension to context-free languages.
Concept Mapping, PowerPoint, and a Pedagogy of Access

This article explores the synergy that can be created when concept-mapping techniques are used in collaboration with theconstruction of PowerPoint presentations to increase the richness of the learning experience. Some weaknesses of the typical PowerPoint format are highlighted with a description of how they can be overcome through a more considered approach to both the structure of the presentation and the design of supporting handouts that incorporate ideas taken from the literature on concept mapping. In combination, these complementary tools (concept maps and PowerPoint) might contribute to anepistemologically balanced teaching approach. Reflection upon the revealed diversity of students' views may contribute tolecturers' conceptions of teaching. The possibility of using this to generate an inclusive pedagogy of access within higher education is introduced.
A reconfigurable, power-efficient adaptive Viterbi decoder

Error-correcting convolutional codes provide a proven mechanism to limit the effects of noise in digital data transmission. Although hardware implementations of decoding algorithms, such as the Viterbi algorithm, have shown good noise tolerance for error-correcting codes, these implementations require an exponential increase in very large scale integration area and power consumption to achieve increased decoding accuracy. To achieve reduced decoder power consumption, we have examined and implemented decoders based on the reduced-complexity adaptive Viterbi algorithm (AVA). Run-time dynamic reconfiguration is performed in response to varying communication channel-noise conditions to match minimized power consumption to required error-correction capabilities. Experimental calculations indicate that the use of dynamic reconfiguration leads to a 69% reduction in decoder power consumption over a nonreconfigurable field-programmable gate array implementation with no loss of decode accuracy.
Real-time precipitation estimation based on index station percentiles.

Operational hydrologic models are typically calibrated using meteorological inputs derived from retrospective station data that are commonly not available in real time. Inconsistencies between the calibration and (generally sparser) real-time station datasets can be a source of bias, which can be addressed by expressing real-time hydrological model forcings (primarily precipitation) as percentiles for a set of index stations that report both in real time and during the retrospective calibration period, and by using the real-time percentiles to create adjusted precipitation forcings. Although hydrological model precipitation forcings typically are required at time steps of one day or shorter, percentiles can be calculated for longer averaging periods to reduce the percentile estimation errors. The authors propose an index station percentile method (ISPM) to estimate precipitation at the models input time step using percentiles, relative to a climatological period, for a set of index stations that report in real time. In general, this approach is most appropriate to situations in which the spatial correlation of precipitation is high, such as cold season rainfall in the western United States. The authors evaluate the ISPM approach, including performance sensitivity to the choice of percentile estimation period length, using the Klamath River basin, Oregon, as a case study. Relative to orographically adjusted interpolation of the real-time index station values, ISPM gives better estimates of precipitation throughout the basin. The authors find that ISPM performs best for percentile estimation periods longer than 10 days, with diminishing returns for averaging periods longer than 30 days. They also evaluate the performance of ISPM for a reduced station scenario and find that performance is relatively stable, relative to the competing methods, as the number of real-time stations diminishes.
Theory and Noise Dynamics of the Delay-Locked Loop

The delay-locked loop, with its applications to radar, sonar, seismic propagation studies and interferometry, is a basic geoscience instrument. This paper presents the theory and investigates the performance of the delay-locked loop with and without clipping in a noisy (Gaussian) environment. The signal processing required to produce an appropriate error characteristic is derived and the significant factors affecting system operation are presented in the form of a normalized model. When signal clipping is introduced, a delay tracking system is shown to result that is self-adjusting and capable of providing near optimum performance in varying signal/ noise environments. Application is made to the tracking of a research submersible randomly exploring the ocean floor. The dual problem of continuously tracking the peak spectral frequency of a random process exhibiting a slowly changing resonance is also considered.
Looking Out to Look In: The Use of the Periphery in China's Geopolitical Narratives

Using a previous paper published in Eurasian Geography and Economics (Agnew, 2012) as a point of departure, an American geographer and specialist on China explores the role of the periphery (frontier, borderlands) in forging perceptions of China's place in the world. By presenting counter-narratives to the myth of a singular Chinese culture/ethnicity spreading inexorably from a Yellow River hearth region over five millennia, the author demonstrates how the Chinese have "looked out" (i.e., used a complex and seemingly alien frontier space) in order to "look in" (mark a "Chinese" identity as culturally homogeneous even when it was not). The paper examines how this process worked through time to repeatedly reinvent an unambiguous and knowable China from histories of intermixing, ambiguity, and spatial complexity. It contrasts a Mao-era perspective of a periphery marking the leading edge of an expanding and homogeneous Chinese culture with post-Mao and post-socialist narratives, which view the periphery more ...
Controlled Submergence of Pittsburgh’s Deep Sewers

Features of design of Pittsburgh’s thirty miles of tunnel sewers now under construction by the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority and proposed procedure for operation of the system under controlled submergence are described in this paper.
Mechanical Properties of NiTi-Based Foam with High Porosity for Implant Applications

In order to better understand NiTi-based shape memory alloy foams for implant applications, Ni40Ti50Cu10 foams were heat treated and then deformed under incremental and cyclic compression loading. After heat treatment, the microstructure consists of a (Ni,Cu)Ti matrix with small (Ni,Cu)4Ti3 precipitates and a large Ti2(Ni,Cu) secondary phase. The heat-treated Ni40Ti50Cu10 foam exhibits a two-step transformation, involving B19′ → B19 and B19 → B2 on heating and B2 → B19 and B19 → B19′ on cooling, respectively. One Ni40Ti50Cu10 foam was compression loaded for 10 cycles at each subsequent strain level, i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 % strain. In each set of compressive stress–strain loops, the maximum stress level decreases due to plastic damage accumulation and/or retention of transformed martensite. Cross-sectional images from micro-computed tomography were collected during compression loading, which shows very uniform deformation without severe structural damage even up to 5 % strain. Localized deformation is visible at 6 % strain.
Lactic acid in exudates and transudates.

We have determined lactic acid in a number of serous fluids and in samples of blood taken at the time of paracentesis. Determinations were made immediately by the method of Clausen.The exudates all showed a considerably greater lactic acid content than that of the blood, the highest values and greatest excess being found in frankly purulent fluids and in sero-fibrinous exudates (streptococcus) which later became purulent. The transudates yielded relatively low figures, usually slightly below the blood values.The accumulation of lactic acid in inflammatory exudates may be due to bacterial action or to the action of leucocytes on glucose and other metabolites, as noted by Levene and Meyer.1 In malignant exudates its presence, in concentrations greater than that of the blood, would be explained by the observation of Warburg,2 whose study of the respiration of malignant tissues showed a production of lactic acid by cancer cells many times greater than that of normal tissues.
A New Species of Ceratostomella on the Date Palm

Status Chalaropsis: Conidia dimorpha, endogena et exogena; endoconidiophora recta, hyalina, ampulliformia, 100-190 ti longa, 7-10 ,u lata, 1-3-septata, ex apice endoconidia formantia; endoconidia continua, tenui-tunicata, hyalina, magnitudine variabilia, plerumque 8-15 X 6-10 p, cylindrica apicibus truncatis vel rotundatis, catenulata, saepe in massas mucosas agglutinata; macroconidiophora procumbentia, hyalina, septata, sympodice ramosa; macroconidia exogena, hyalina dein olivaceo-fusco, crasse-tunicata, continua, ex ovata ovoidea basi truncata, plerumque 15-22 X 11-16 p, singillatim in hyphis brevibus successive nata. Status ascophorus: Perithecia lageniformia, solitaria; bulbus pallide tinctus, fere sphericus, 180-320 A in diam., partim vel omnino immersus, mycelio laxo tectus; appendices e nullis multae, fuscae, varie ramosae, 35-90 p longae; rostrum fuscidulum, apicem versus hyalinum et fimbriatum, attenuatum, 440980 A longum, 24-71 p in diam.; asci deliquescentes, non visi; ascosporae hyalinae, ellipticae, lateribus inaequaliter convexis, continuae, 8-15 X 2.5-4 Au, tegumento mucoso vestitae, 8 vel pauciores in dispositione sectionibus aurantii simili glomeratae, extrusae et ad apicem rostri globum pellucidum formantia.
Semiparametric estimation in a three-state duration-dependent Markov model from interval-censored observations with application to AIDS data.

The semiparametric maximum likelihood estimation is considered in a three-state duration dependent Markov process when times of the intermediate transition (e.g., onset of a disease) are interval censored and the times of transitions to an absorbing state (e.g., death) are known exactly or are right censored. It is assumed that the intensity of the transition to an absorbing state depends both on chronological time and duration in the intermediate state. De Gruttola and Lagakos (1989, Biometrics 45, 1-11) and Frydman (1992, Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series B 54, 853-866) discussed non-parametric estimation from the same sampling scheme under the assumption that the intensity of transition to an absorbing state depends only on the duration in the intermediate state or only on the chronological time respectively. The approach taken here generalizes, but in discrete time framework, the results from Frydman (1992). The distribution of the time to the intermediate transition is modelled nonparametrically and the intensity of onset of terminal condition semiparametrically. The algorithm is developed for the computation of the estimators. The methods are illustrated with AIDS data.
Relational Communication: Form versus Content in the Sales Interaction:

In view of the importance of interpersonal communication in the face-to-face selling interaction, this discussion seeks to provide a more complete picture of the actual communication process by int...
Packing Regularities in Biological Structures Relate to Their Dynamics

The high packing density inside proteins leads to certain geometric regularities and also is one of the most important contributors to the high extent of cooperativity manifested by proteins in their cohesive domain motions. The orientations between neighboring non-bonded residues in proteins substantially follow the similar geometric regularities, regardless of whether the residues are on the surface or buried - a direct result of hydrophobicity forces. These orientations are relatively fixed and correspond closely to small deformations from those of the face-centered cubic lattice, which is the way in which identical spheres pack at the highest density. Packing density also is related to the extent of conservation of residues, and we show this relationship for residue packing densities by averaging over a large sample or residue packings. There are three regimes: 1) over a broad range of packing densities the relationship between sequence entropy and inverse packing density is nearly linear, 2) over a limited range of low packing densities the sequence entropy is nearly constant, and 3) at extremely low packing densities the sequence entropy is highly variable. These packing results provide important justification for the simple elastic network models that have been shown for a large number of proteins to represent protein dynamics so successfully, even when the models are extremely coarse-grained. Elastic network models for polymeric chains are simple and could be combined with these protein elastic networks to represent partially denatured parts of proteins. Finally, we show results of applications of the elastic network model to study the functional motions of the ribosome, based on its known structure. These results indicate expected correlations among its components for the step-wise processing steps in protein synthesis, and suggest ways to use these elastic network models to develop more detailed mechanisms - an important possibility, since most experiments yield only static structures.
Design and Implementation of Impeller Coal Feeder Control System

To solve the problem that communication cables in impeller coal feeder control system are often pulled off,this paper proposes a solution with a positioning system based on carrier communication.This new solution ensures a reliable communication,accurate positioning and stable system operation.It provides effective protection for the coal supply of power plants.
The role of dose rate in radiation cancer risk: evaluating the effect of dose rate at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels using key events in critical pathways following exposure to low LET radiation

AbstractPurpose: This review evaluates the role of dose rate on cell and molecular responses. It focuses on the influence of dose rate on key events in critical pathways in the development of cancer. This approach is similar to that used by the U.S. EPA and others to evaluate risk from chemicals. It provides a mechanistic method to account for the influence of the dose rate from low-LET radiation, especially in the low-dose region on cancer risk assessment. Molecular, cellular, and tissues changes are observed in many key events and change as a function of dose rate. The magnitude and direction of change can be used to help establish an appropriate dose rate effectiveness factor (DREF).Conclusions: Extensive data on key events suggest that exposure to low dose-rates are less effective in producing changes than high dose rates. Most of these data at the molecular and cellular level support a large (2–30) DREF. In addition, some evidence suggests that doses delivered at a low dose rate decrease damage to le...
Information Technology Adoption: Do Performance Objectives and Incentive Structures Make a Difference?

User adoption of information technology (IT) is important to organizations to maximize their return on investment. However, if appropriate support is not structured to encourage this endeavor, subsequent IT usage may be problematic. Of the various types of organizational support, performance objectives may be structured to influence user IT learning and adoption efforts. Although previous research has addressed adopting IT and deciding when to learn IT, research has not looked at the impact that performance objectives, along with the appropriate incentives, can have on this endeavor. This research study proposes to explore this issue to lend insights into the influence that performance objectives and incentive structures can have on a user’s decision to learn and adopt IT, as well as subsequent performance outcomes. The potential contribution includes suggestions for appropriate support structures to establish that contribute to IT adoption and proficient IT usage.
Back to the basics: Handwashing

Handwashing remains the single most effective means of controlling infection, yet research shows this simple procedure often is not performed by health care providers. This article reviews three studies: one examines the failure of health care personnel to wash their hands between patient contacts, and two deal with alternatives to traditional hand cleansers, such as waterless soaps. Recommendations are included.
Simulation and modeling for soft recovery of p-i-n rectifiers

Soft recovery of fast-switching p-i-n rectifiers is studied using experimental data and a novel coupled device and circuit simulator. An analytical model for determining lifetimes is presented and verified by numerical simulations. The softness factor is difficult to model analytically; hence simulations are necessary. Coupled device and circuit simulations also allow a determination of the magnitude of the inductive voltage spike that appears across the rectifier during an unclamped reverse recovery. >
Rivaraoxaban dosing is based on more than just pharmacokinetic properties

We at Bayer think that Moore’s letter on rivaroxaban is misleading.1 Pharmacokinetic properties are not the sole determinants of the appropriate dosing regimen, and the pharmacodynamic effect of rivaroxaban once daily is evident for the full 24 hours after being taken.2 Furthermore, the efficacy of any intervention can only be demonstrated in large interventional clinical trials. The terminal elimination half …
Cost-effectiveness of Common Diagnostic Approaches for Evaluation of Asymptomatic Microscopic Hematuria.

Importance Asymptomatic microscopic hematuria (AMH) is highly prevalent and may signal occult genitourinary (GU) malignant abnormality. Common diagnostic approaches differ in their costs and effectiveness in detecting cancer. Given the low prevalence of GU malignant abnormality among patients with AMH, it is important to quantify the cost implications of detecting cancer for each approach. Objective To estimate the effectiveness, costs, and incremental cost per cancer detected (ICCD) for 4 common diagnostic approaches evaluating AMH. Design, Setting, and Participants A decision-analytic model-based cost-effectiveness analysis using inputs from the medical literature. PubMed searches were performed to identify relevant literature for all key model inputs, each of which was derived from the clinical study with the most robust data and greatest applicability. Analysis included adult patients with AMH on routine urinalysis with subgroups of high-risk patients (males, smokers, age ≥50 years) seen in the primary care or urologic referral setting. Interventions Four diagnostic approaches were evaluated relative to the reference case of no evaluation: (1) computed tomography (CT) alone; (2) cystoscopy alone; (3) CT and cystoscopy combined; and (4) renal ultrasound and cystoscopy combined. Main Outcomes and Measures At termination of the diagnostic period, cancers detected, costs (payer perspective), and ICCD per 10 000 patients evaluated for AMH. Results Of the 4 diagnostic approaches analyzed, CT alone was dominated by all other strategies, detecting 221 cancers at a cost of $9 300 000. Ultrasound and cystoscopy detected 245 cancers and was most cost-effective with an ICCD of $53 810. Replacing ultrasound with CT detected just 1 additional cancer at an ICCD of $6 480 484. Ultrasound and cystoscopy remained the most cost-effective approach in subgroup analysis. The model was not sensitive to any inputs within the proposed ranges. Using probabilistic sensitivity analysis, ultrasound and cystoscopy was the dominant strategy in 100% of simulations. Conclusions and Relevance The combination of renal ultrasound and cystoscopy is the most cost-effective among 4 diagnostic approaches for the initial evaluation of AMH. The use of ultrasound in lieu of CT as the first-line diagnostic strategy will optimize cancer detection and reduce costs associated with evaluation of AMH. Given our findings, we need to critically evaluate the appropriateness of our current clinical practices, and potentially alter our guidelines to reflect the most effective screening strategies for patients with AMH.
Pedagogy and Place in Science Education

Modern science includes a productive tension between investigations that are concrete and place-based, and those that are more abstract and non-place-based. Place-based pedagogies can facilitate integrative learning in science by providing local examples of global phenomena, allowing students to complete their own experiments from beginning to end, and crossing disciplinary boundaries. A student accustomed to investigating authentic problems in a place (i.e., a community or natural area) and then following those investigations back into a laboratory would be well prepared for the practice of modern science. As a case study, the establishment and educational use of Elon University Forest is described. Pedagogies utilizing the forest allow large numbers of students to experience authentic scientific investigations in an interdisciplinary context, leading to meaningful and transferrable learning.
Does Black Socioeconomic Mobility Explain Recent Progress Toward Black-White Residential Integration?

Studies of racial residential segregation have found that black-white segregation in U.S. metropolitan areas has declined slowly but steadily since the early 1970s. As of this writing, black-white residential segregation in the United States is approximately 25 % lower than it was in 1970. To identify the sources of this decline, we used individual-level, geocoded data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) to compare the residential attainment of different cohorts of blacks. We analyzed these data using Blinder-Oaxaca regression decomposition techniques that partition the decline in residential segregation among cohorts into the decline resulting from (1) changes in the social and economic characteristics of blacks and (2) changes in the association between blacks’ social and economic characteristics and the level of residential segregation they experience. Our findings show that black cohorts entering adulthood prior to the civil rights movement of the 1960s experienced consistently high levels of residential segregation at middle age, but that cohorts transitioning to adulthood during and after this period of racial progress experienced significantly lower levels of residential segregation. We find that the decline in black-white residential segregation for these later cohorts reflects both their greater social and economic attainment and a strengthening of the association between socioeconomic characteristics and residential segregation. Educational gains for the post–civil rights era cohorts and improved access to integrated neighborhoods for high school graduates and college attendees in these later cohorts were the principal source of improved residential integration over this period.
Magnetic Induction-Based Localization in Randomly Deployed Wireless Underground Sensor Networks

Wireless underground sensor networks enable many applications, such as mine and tunnel disaster prevention, oil upstream monitoring, earthquake prediction and landslide detection, and intelligent farming and irrigation among many others. Most applications are location-dependent, so they require precise sensor positions. However, classical localization solutions based on the propagation properties of electromagnetic waves do not function well in underground environments. This paper proposes a magnetic induction (MI)-based localization that accurately and efficiently locates randomly deployed sensors in underground environments by leveraging the multipath fading free nature of MI signals. Specifically, the MI-based localization framework is first proposed based on underground MI channel modeling with additive white Gaussian noise, the designated error function, and semidefinite programming relaxation. Next, this paper proposes a two-step positioning mechanism for obtaining fast and accurate localization results by: first, developing the fast-initial positioning through an alternating direction augmented Lagrangian method for rough sensor locations within a short processing time, and then proposing fine-grained positioning for performing powerful search for optimal location estimations via the conjugate gradient algorithm. Simulations confirm that our solution yields accurate sensor locations with both low and high noise and reveals the fundamental impact of underground environments on the localization performance.
Frequency and predictors of missed visits to primary care and eye care providers for annually recommended diabetes preventive care services over a two-year period among U.S. adults with diabetes.

Abstract This paper examines the patterns of visits to primary care and eye care providers for annually recommended diabetes preventive care services over a two-year period in a sample of U.S. adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes drawn from the 2008–2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey-Household Component ( n = 3982). The four-category outcome variable was defined based on the four possible combinations of whether an individual missed an annual visit to a primary care provider for preventive care services in at least one year over the two-year period and whether the individual missed an annual visit to an eye care provider in at least one year over this period. Descriptive statistics and a multinomial logistic regression model were estimated. 51.9% of the sample missed an annual visit to a primary care or eye care provider for preventive care services over a two-year period. Although 48.8% of the sample missed at least one annual visit to an eye care provider, 85.6% of these individuals did visit a primary care provider for preventive care services during the year they did not visit an eye care provider. This suggests that primary care-based screening for diabetic retinopathy could reach most individuals who do not receive regular eye care. Regression results particularly relevant for potential interventions were that missing annual visits was significantly more likely for individuals without health insurance or a usual source of healthcare and for those who were not receiving diabetes treatments and did not have or were not aware of having diabetes-related complications.
Mas-Related G-Protein Coupled Receptors and Cowhage-Induced Itch.

Cowhage is routinely used in human studies of histamine-independent itch. As such, it is of interest to understand its mechanism of action. The active component of cowhage is a cysteine protease called mucunain. As serine proteases can activate members of the protease-activated receptor (PAR) family to induce itch and pain, the mechanism of action of mucunain and cathepsin S, a human cysteine protease, were likewise thought to be through activation of PARs. The demonstration that cathepsin S activates members of the Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor family to induce itch led us to evaluate the activity of mucunain on these receptors. We find that mucunain activates the human receptors MRPGRX1 and MRGPRX2 and induces degranulation of human mast cells. These findings indicate that Mrgprs may be involved in itch induced by cowhage.
Why The Village

This book is about educating teachers to use a “village” concept to help struggling readers. The idea that “It takes a village” has been used by Hillary Clinton in her book, It Takes a Village: And Other Lessons Children Teach Us, which was published in 1996. In that book, Clinton discussed her views of the impact persons outside the immediate family can have on children’s well-being, and promotes the notion that the American society can, indeed, work to meet the needs of all its children.
Ketocarotenoids in Chlorosomes of the Acidobacterium Candidatus Chloracidobacterium Thermophilum

Candidatus Chloracidobacterium (Cab.) thermophilum is a recently discovered aerobic chlorophototroph that belongs to the phylum Acidobacteria. It grows in a highly enriched coculture with Anoxybacillus sp. and was initially isolated from Octopus Spring in Yellowstone National Park. It has unique properties in that it synthesizes type 1 reaction centers, the bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a-binding protein FMO, BChl c and chlorosomes, but it does so in the presence of oxygen. Here we report the first isolation of chlorosomes from Cab. thermophilum and an initial analysis of their carotenoid content. Unlike the chlorosomes of Chlorobi (green sulfur bacteria) and Chloroflexi, the chlorosomes of Cab. thermophilum contain large amounts of ketocarotenoids, including echinenone and cis and all-trans isomers of canthoxanthin, which are typically found in aerobic phototrophs. We hypothesize that these carotenoids play an important photoprotective role in the chlorosomes of Cab. thermophilum.
Lattice Gas Dynamics

This chapter discusses the lattice gas dynamics applicable to partial differential equations that physically arise from the motion of particles. A numerical approximation methodology is obtained. Partial differential equations are usually derived from some microscopic dynamical system. It may be possible to simulate the dynamical system directly, without first formulating differential equations. By considering the interacting particles that make up a fluid, and using continuum theory, the usual Navier–Stokes equation can be derived. This equation describes the evolution of the fluid. To numerically approximate the solution to this equation, the equation is discretized, and the resulting algebraic equations are solved on a computer. Methods have been found for constructing cellular automata that are microscopically reversible; obey exact conservation laws and model continuum phenomena.
A Qualitative Comparison of Student and Faculty Effectiveness as PBl Tutors

This paper discusses a required human physiology course taken by first year medical students and masters-level graduate students during 1995 and 1996. To preserve the integrity of the course, all students enrolled in the course were to be included in the PBL component which involved two cases. A total of 36 facilitators were needed for the 23 medical student groups and 13 graduate student groups. Twenty-three faculty served as facilitators for the medical student groups. The graduate student groups were staffed by recruiting 13 first-year medical students and graduate students who had previously taken the course either as part of the masters or Ph.D. programs in physiology. Extensive training was conducted for the student facilitators, after first discussing the apprehensions expressed by the student facilitators. In both years, all students in the course completed the same evaluation forms assessing the effectiveness of their facilitators. The form included Likert style as well as open ended items. Percent of responses from the medical students were 89% and 90% for the courses in 1995 and 1996 respectively, and 86% from the graduate student groups in both years. This was considered a very good response and sufficient to continue comparison analysis.
Spannungen und Verzerrungen in verschiedenen Ebenen an einem Punkt

Aus Erorterungen des vorigen Kapitels geht hervor, das im allgemeinen nicht ausschlieslich eine Art Spannung in einem Korper wirken kann. An irgendeinem gegebenen Punkt eines Korpers greifen in verschiedenen Ebenen, die man durch den Punkt legen kann, gewohnlich Spannungen verschiedener Art, Richtung und Grose an. Die Kenntnis der Beziehungen zwischen diesen Spannungen und den entsprechenden Verzerrungen ist von grundlegender Wichtigkeit fur den Ingenieur. In dem vorliegenden Kapitel werden diese Zusammenhange untersucht.
A Real-World Implementation of SQL Injection Attack Using Open Source Tools for Enhanced Cybersecurity Learning

SQL injection is well known a method of executing SQL queries and retrieving sensitive information from a website connected database. This process poses a threat to those applications which are poorly coded in the today's world. SQL is considered as one of the top 10 vulnerabilities even in 2018. To keep a track of the vulnerabilities that each of the websites are facing, we employ a tool called Acunetix which allows us to find the vulnerabilities of a specific website. This tool also suggests measures on how to ensure preventive measures. Using this implementation, we discover vulnerabilities in an actual website. Such a real-world implementation would be useful for instructional use in a foundational cybersecurity course.
Porphyria cutanea tarda and hepatoerythropoietic porphyria: Identification of 19 novel uroporphyrinogen III decarboxylase mutations

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) is a cutaneous porphyria that results from the hepatic inhibition of the heme biosynthetic enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD), and can occur either in the absence or presence of an inherited heterozygous UROD mutation (PCT subtypes 1 and 2, respectively). A heterozygous UROD mutation causes half-normal levels of UROD activity systemically, which is a susceptibility factor but is not sufficient alone to cause type 2 PCT. In both Types 1 and 2 PCT, the cutaneous manifestations are precipitated by additional factors that lead to generation of an inhibitor that more profoundly reduces hepatic UROD activity. PCT is an iron-related disorder, and many of its known susceptibility factors, which include infections (e.g. hepatitis C virus, HIV), high alcohol consumption, smoking, estrogens, and genetic traits (e.g. hemochromatosis mutations) can increase hepatic iron accumulation. Hepatoerythropoietic Porphyria (HEP) is a rare autosomal recessive disease that results from homozygosity or compound heterozygosity for UROD mutations and often causes infantile or childhood onset of both erythropoietic and cutaneous manifestations. During the 11-year period from 01/01/2007 through 12/31/2017, the Mount Sinai Porphyrias Diagnostic Laboratory provided molecular diagnostic testing for 387 unrelated patients with PCT and four unrelated patients with HEP. Of the 387 unrelated individuals tested for Type 2 PCT, 79 (20%) were heterozygous for UROD mutations. Among 26 family members of mutation-positive PCT patients, eight (31%) had the respective family mutation. Additionally, of the four unrelated HEP patients referred for UROD mutation analyses, all had homozygosity or compound heterozygosity for UROD mutations, and all eight asymptomatic family members were heterozygotes for UROD mutations. Of the UROD mutations identified, 19 were novel, including nine missense, two nonsense, one consensus splice-site, and seven insertions and deletions. These results expand the molecular heterogeneity of PCT and HEP by adding a total of 19 novel UROD mutations. Moreover, the results document the usefulness of molecular testing to confirm a genetic susceptibility trait in Type 2 PCT, confirm a diagnosis in HEP, and identify heterozygous family members.
Radiation therapy for patients with newly diagnosed metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND To assess the association between radiation therapy (RT) use and overall survival (OS) for patients with metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). METHODS We analyzed the National Cancer Database to identify patients with newly diagnosed metastatic HNSCC from 2004 to 2013 who were treated with up-front chemotherapy. Associations between the use of RT and OS were evaluated. RESULTS We identified 3516 patients with metastatic HNSCC who were treated with chemotherapy; 2288 (65%) were also treated with RT. The addition of RT to chemotherapy was associated with prolonged survival (median: 13.6 vs 11.3 months, log-rank P < .001). After adjusting for other prognostic factors in a multivariable Cox model, propensity score matching and landmark analyses limited to patients who survived at least 3, 6, and 12 months after diagnosis, the use of RT remained associated with prolonged survival. CONCLUSION The addition of RT to chemotherapy in the up-front management of metastatic HNSCC was associated with prolonged OS in this study.
Comparison of Cardiovascular Health Between US Army and Civilians

Background Cardiovascular conditions are common in US Army and civilian populations. The recently developed concept of ideal cardiovascular health provides a new approach to evaluating population c...
Are Patients Patient? The Role of Time to Appointment in Patient Flow

The current state of outpatient healthcare delivery is characterized by capacity shortages and long waits for appointments. Yet a substantial fraction of valuable doctors’ capacity is wasted due to no-shows. In this paper, we examine the effect of wait to appointment on patient flow, specifically on a patient’s decision to schedule an appointment, and subsequently arrive to it. These two decisions may be dependent, because appointments are more likely to be scheduled by patients who are more patient and are thereby more likely to show-up. To estimate the effect of wait on these two decisions, we introduce the willingness to wait (WTW), an unobservable variable that affects both bookings and arrivals for appointments. Using data from a large healthcare system, we estimate WTW with a state of the art non-parametric method. The WTW in turn allows us to estimate the effect of wait on no-shows. We observe that the effect of increased wait on the likelihood of no-show is disproportionately greater among patients with low WTW. Thus, although reducing the wait to appointment will enable a provider to capture more patient bookings, the effects of wait time on capacity utilization can be non-monotone. Contrary to the previously reported findings, our results suggest that increasing wait can sometimes be beneficial for reducing no-shows.
Bordering work in contemporary political discourse: The case of the US/Mexico border wall proposal:

In this article, I use a critical discourse analytic approach to investigate how President Trump’s campaign goal to build a wall along the US/Mexico border has been discussed in United States polit...