cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of ethnic diversity on leadership, group process, and performance: an examination of learning teams

Abstract As growth in business applications for teams continues, a parallel interest in learning teams has become evident. Students are required to work together to take tests, solve problems, and complete team projects, which substantially affect their individual course evaluations. With the increase in the multicultural base of our educational institutions, we must look more intensively into the effect that ethnic factors have on how students work together. In addition, research on learning teams has been lacking in longitudinal analyses and in the examination of emergent leadership trends. This research focused on the effect that ethnic diversity had on learning team leadership, group process, and team performance. Seventy-five ethnically diverse and ninety ethnically non-diverse learning teams worked together for a 4 month period. In diverse teams, emergent interpersonal leadership activities were more important for team performance, while for non-diverse teams, task leadership was the critical leadership factor. Later in teams’ lives, self-orientation was reported more by non-diverse teams indicating a more individual focus. By the end of teams’ life cycle, the ethnically diverse teams performed higher on team project tasks. Conclusions are provided along with suggestions for future research.
Dissociable effects of hippocampus lesions on expression of fear and trace fear conditioning memories in rats

The role of the hippocampus in memory is commonly investigated by comparing fear conditioning paradigms that differ in their reliance on the hippocampus. For example, the dorsal (septal) por- tion of the hippocampus is involved in trace, but not delay fear condi- tioning, two Pavlovian paradigms in which only the relative timing of stimulus presentation is varied. However, a growing literature implicates the ventral (temporal) portion of the hippocampus in the expression of fear, irrespective of prior training. The current experiments evaluated the relative contributions of the dorsal and ventral portions of the hip- pocampus to trace fear conditioning specifically vs. the expression of conditioned fear in general. Lesions restricted to the dorsal hippocam- pus blocked acquisition of trace fear conditioning. Larger lesions, also including an adjacent portion of the ventral hippocampus, were required to impair retrieval of trace fear conditioning. Delay fear condi- tioning was not disrupted in either case. In contrast, lesions that encom- passed almost the entire dorsal and ventral hippocampus disrupted expression of both trace and delay fear conditioning. The current data suggest distinct roles in fear conditioning for three regions of the hippo- campus: the septal zone is required for acquisition of trace fear condi- tioning, a larger portion of the hippocampus is critical for memory retrieval, and a region including the temporal zone is required for expression of both trace and delay fear conditioning. These findings are consistent with evidence suggesting the neuroanatomical and functional segregation of the hippocampus into three zones along its septal-tempo- ral axis. V C 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Une nouvelle approche pour la transfusion de néocytes : le système Néocel

Young red cells (neocytes) were prepared in a double transfer pack having a long, narrow separation bag that allows for a density gradient column to be established during centrifugation. The lighter fraction of red cells (neocyte fraction) was then expressed into a second delivery bag. Phthalate ester density distribution curves showed that 87.1% of the neocyte units had greater than 85% enrichment, i.e. more than 85% of the cells had densities lower than the midpoint density of the original red cell unit, thalassemic patients receiving neocytes had an average decrease of 21.1% in red cells per kg/yr as compared to their frozen red cell requirement, and an average of 6.9% fewer transfusions.
Co-located collaborative web search: understanding status quo practices

Co-located collaborative Web search is a surprisingly common activity, despite the fact that Web browsers and search engines are not designed to support collaboration. We report the findings of two studies (a diary study and an observational study) that provide insights regarding the frequency of co-located collaborative searching, the strategies participants use, and the pros and cons of these strategies. We then articulate design implications for next-generation tools that could enhance the experience of co-located collaborative search.
A dispersal-aggregation model for mountain pine beetle in lodgepole pine stands

In this paper a dispersal-attack theory for bark beetle attacking trees is developed from a set of simple assumptions, and the resulting theoretical model is fit to data from four epidemic studies. Implications of the theory are discussed in relation to the dynamics of lodgepole pine-mountain pine beetle interactions.
Copper intrauterine device use by nulliparous women: review of side effects

Abstract Background Nulliparity was once a relative contraindication to using the copper IUD. However, new research and changes in product labeling have eased safety concerns. Side effects remain a major problem with copper IUD use in this population. Methods A review of published articles was undertaken to find information on expulsion rates and removals for bleeding and pain among nulliparous women using a copper IUD; approximately 500 articles and abstracts were found. Results In 15 studies comparing IUD performance in parous vs. nulliparous women, nulliparous women had higher rates of expulsion and removals due to bleeding and pain. Among 8 studies examining different types of copper IUDs in nulliparous women, some evidence suggests IUD size and shape play a role in performance. Conclusion All existing copper IUDs are suitable for use by nulliparous women. However, more research is needed to determine whether expulsions and removals due to bleeding and pain can be reduced with improved copper devices.
Development of body-part vocabulary in toddlers in relation to self-understanding

To better understand young children's ability to communicate about their bodies, toddlers' comprehension and production of 27 common body part words was assessed using parental report at 20 and 30 months (n = 64), and self-awareness was assessed using mirror self-recognition. Children at both ages comprehended more body part words that referred to themselves than to others' bodies, and more words referring to locations that they could see on themselves than to those they could not see. Children with more advanced mirror self-recognition comprehended and produced more body part words. These findings suggest that with age and better understanding of the self, children also possess a better understanding of the body, and they provide new information about factors that affect how young children begin to talk about their own and others' bodies. They should be useful for practitioners who need to ask children about their bodies and body parts.
Chronic ethanol treatment differentially regulates NMDA receptor subunit mRNA expression in rat brain.

Previous studies have implicated the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) complex in the physical dependence and withdrawal effects of chronic ethanol administration. In this study, we examined the effect of chronic ethanol administration and ethanol withdrawal on the NMDAR subunit R1, R2A, R2B, and R2C mRNA levels in rat hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum. Using the RNase protection assay, we compared the levels of the NMDAR subunits mRNAs in ethanol-treated and control rats. Our results indicate that chronic ethanol administration and ethanol withdrawal do not change the NMDAR R1 subunit mRNA levels in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, or cerebellum at any time point. In contrast, 9 h after the last ethanol administration the R2A and R2B mRNA subunits were elevated by ≈ 40% in cerebral cortex, and ≈ 30% in hippocampus with respect to the levels in control animals. At 48 h the mRNA levels returned to the control levels. The chronic ethanol treatment did not alter R1, R2A, and R2C subunit mRNA levels in cerebellum. Our results demonstrate that chronic ethanol administration produces a differential regulation of the genes encoding the various subunits of the NMDAR.
Meeting the Clean Energy Demand: Nanostructure Architectures for Solar Energy Conversion

The increasing energy demand in the near future will force us to seek environmentally clean alternative energy resources. The emergence of nanomaterials as the new building blocks to construct light energy harvesting assemblies has opened up new ways to utilize renewable energy sources. This article discusses three major ways to utilize nanostructures for the design of solar energy conversion devices: (i) Mimicking photosynthesis with donor−acceptor molecular assemblies or clusters, (ii) semiconductor assisted photocatalysis to produce fuels such as hydrogen, and (iii) nanostructure semiconductor based solar cells. This account further highlights some of the recent developments in these areas and points out the factors that limit the efficiency optimization. Strategies to employ ordered assemblies of semiconductor and metal nanoparticles, inorganic-organic hybrid assemblies, and carbon nanostructures in the energy conversion schemes are also discussed. Directing the future research efforts toward utiliza...
Fundamentals of Cash Management Theory and Practice

(1984). Fundamentals of Cash Management Theory and Practice. The Journal of Cost Analysis: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 75-99.
Effect of cycloheximide on IAA‐induced proton excretion and IAA‐induced growth in abraded Avena coleoptiles

IAA-induced proton excretion in peeled or abraded oat (Avena saliva L. cv. Victory) coleoptiles is closely associated with IAA-induced growth. It was attempted to separate these two processes by using cycloheximide to inhibit them differentially. Growth of abraded coleoptile segments was measured by a shadow graphic method, and their IAA-induced acidification of the external solution was monitored with a pH meter. IAA stimulated proton excretion in abraded Avena coleoptile segments after a 13 min lag. IAA-induced proton excretion was inhibited within 5 min by cycloheximide at concentrations of 1.8 × 10−6, 3.6 × 10 or 3.6 × 10−5 M. Cycloheximide at these concentrations, added within 4 min of IAA, prevented IAA-induced acidification of the medium for at least 60 min. However, it did not prevent IAA-induced growth during this time. It is concluded that some of the initial IAA-induced growth seen in Avena coleoptiles is independent of detectable IAA-induced proton excretion.
Did the Molecules of Adaptive Immunity Evolve from the Innate Immune System

SYNOPSIS. The antigen receptors on cells of innate immune systems recognize broadly expressed markers on non-host cells while the receptors on lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system display a higher level of specificity. Adaptive immunity, with its exquisite specificity and immunological memory, has only been found in the jawed vertebrates, which also display innate immunity. Jawless fishes and invertebrates only have innate immunity. In the adaptive immune response, T and B-lymphocytes detect foreign agents or antigens using T cell receptors (TCR) or immunoglobulins (Ig), respectively. While Ig can bind free intact antigens, TCR only binds processed antigenic fragments that are presented on molecules encoded in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). MHC molecules display variation through allelic polymorphism. A diverse repertoire of Ig and TCR molecules is generated by gene rearrangement and junctional diversity, processes carried out by the recombinase activating gene (RAG) products and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT). Thus, the molecules that define adaptive immunity are TCR, Ig, MHC molecules, RAG products and TdT. No direct predecessors of these molecules have been found in the jawless fishes or invertebrates. In contrast, the complement cascade can be activated by either adaptive or innate immune systems and contains examples of molecules that gradually evolved from non-immune functions to being part of the innate and then adaptive immune system. In this paper we examine the molecules of the adaptive immune system and speculate on the existence of direct predecessors that were part of innate immunity.
Omni Furniture Company: A Systems Development Life Cycle Case

The Omni Furniture Company Case was created to help students enrolled in an accounting information systems (AIS) course further their understanding of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) by thinking through all stages of the development process. Omni is a privately held company that has found a market niche by assembling several models of simple yet durable desks, tables, and chairs for use in offices. After several years in business, Omni has recently experienced tremendous growth that has resulted in cash flow and production scheduling problems. Susan and Barry Omni, the owners of the company, realize that the information system they have been using is outdated and needs to be improved. No one in the company has the time or ability to develop such a system and so a business consulting firm has been hired to develop the new system. Each business consulting team is required to (1) design a system that will solve Omni's cash flow and production scheduling information needs and (2) use an appropriate ...
Impaired Nitric Oxide Release by Glomeruli From Diabetic Rats

Abstract Basal nitric oxide (NO) production and NO responses to carbamylcholine (CCh) and the Ca 2+ ionophore A23187 were measured with a NO electrode in glomeruli isolated from 2 to 3-month-diabetic versus age-matched control rats. In the presence of CCh or A23187, NO production was markedly reduced in glomeruli from diabetic versus control rats. Spontaneous generation of NO by s -nitrosopenicillamine (SNAP) was also reduced in the presence of glomeruli from diabetic rats as compared with values either in control glomeruli or in buffer alone. The results demonstrate an impairment of NO generation and/or stability in glomeruli from 2 to 3-month-diabetic rats, which correlates with the previously observed suppression of NO-dependent glomerular cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) induced by diabetes.
Unexpected behavior between polystyrene and untreated and silane-treated glass beads in filled polymeric composites

Attempting to extend the database of work reported earlier, the practical adhesion between a glass filler, modified by various silane-coupling agents, and a polystyrene matrix is measured and compared with predictions based on a generalized thermodynamic criterion. Measurements leading to adhesion failure are carried out using the single-particle composite method, in which a rectangular polymer specimen containing a single untreated or silane-treated glass bead is subjected to increasing uniaxial tensile stress until interfacial failure, as observed using a microscope, occurs at one of the poles of the sphere. The results show no difference in adhesion strength between an untreated and a silane-treated glass bead, and the interfacial failure mechanism for the polystyrene composites is markedly different from that observed for previously studied systems. Crazes originate at the particle pole at low values of the applied stress and continue to form along the interface with continued strain. A dye test performed on filled composites confirms that the polystyrene is not wetting the untreated glass beads. More studies must be done to determine the origin of the anomalous failure and wetting behavior. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 521–526, 2003
Modeling and performance analysis for wireless mobile networks: a new analytical approach

In wireless mobile networks, quantities such as call blocking probability, call dropping probability, handoff probability, handoff rate, and the actual call holding times for both complete and incomplete calls are very important performance parameters in the network performance evaluation and design. In the past, their analytical computations are given only when the classical exponential assumptions for all involved time variables are imposed. In this paper, we relax the exponential assumptions for the involved time variables and, under independence assumption on the cell residence times, derive analytical formulae for these parameters using a novel unifying analytical approach. It turns out that the computation of many performance parameters is boiled down to computing a certain type of probability, and the obtained analytical results can be easily applied when the Laplace transform of probability density function of call holding time is a rational function. Thus, easily computable results can be obtained when the call holding time is distributed with the mixed-Erlang distribution, a distribution model having universal approximation capability. More importantly, this paper develops a new analytical approach to performance evaluation for wireless networks and mobile computing systems.
Relationships Between Weather Conditions, Agronomic Practices, and Fermentation Characteristics with Deoxynivalenol Content in Fresh and Ensiled Maize

Mansfield, M. A., De Wolf, E. D., and Kuldau, G. A. 2005. Relationships between weather conditions, agronomic practices, and fermentation characteristics with deoxynivalenol content in fresh and ensiled maize. Plant Dis. 89:1151-1157. The deoxynivalenol (DON) content of maize silage was determined in samples collected at harvest and after ensiling in 2001 and 2002 from 30 to 40 Pennsylvania dairies. Information on cultural practices, hybrid maturity, planting, and harvest date was collected from each site. Sitespecific weather data and a corn development model were used to estimate hybrid development at each site. Correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between weather data, hybrid development, cultural practices and preharvest DON. Fermentation characteristics (moisture, pH, and so on) of ensiled samples were measured to study their relationship to postharvest DON contamination. No significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) was noted between the numbers of samples containing DON in 2001 and 2002, although concentration was higher in 2002 samples. A positive correlation was observed between DON concentration of harvest samples and daily average temperature, minimum temperature, and growing degree day during tasselling, silking, and milk stages. A negative correlation was observed between daily average precipitation at blister stage and DON concentration in harvest samples. Samples from no-till or minimum-till locations had higher DON concentrations than moldboard or mixed-till locations. Harvest samples had higher DON concentration than ensiled samples, suggesting that some physical, chemical, or microbiological changes, resulting from ensiling, may reduce DON in storage.
Critique of “Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness”

The central claim that understanding quantum mechanics requires a conscious observer, which is made by B. Rosenblum and F. Kuttner in their book “Quantum Enigma: Physics encounters consciousness”, is shown to be based on various misunderstandings and distortions of the foundations of quantum mechanics.
Data compression using the deconvolution algorithm CLEAN

We describe an application of the nonlinear deconvolution algorithm CLEAN in which a priori knowledge of the point-spread function allows transmission of nonredundant information. We refer to this as CLEAN compression. The point-spread function is viewed as a redundancy function. The data set may be regarded as a convolution of the nonredundant information with the redundancy function. Since the nonredundant data is a small subset of the overall data set, images or telecommunication messages may be transmitted over narrowband channels using CLEAN. Effective analog data compression is maximized; the analog signal may be significantly compressed with CLEAN even before any additional compression or digital encoding algorithms are applied.©1994 John Wiley & Sons Inc
Localization of β-secretase memapsin 2 in the brain of Alzheimer's patients and normal aged controls

Chronic accumulation of β-amyloid in the brain has been shown to result in complex molecular and cellular changes that accompany neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we examined the expression of a newly identified β-secretase, memapsin 2 (M2) or β-site APP cleaving enzyme in deparaffinized sections from 10 AD patients and 10 aged matched controls and in frozen samples of parietal cortex from 11 AD and 8 controls. M2 is mainly expressed in neurons, with high levels in CA4 to CA2 regions and transentorhinal cortex and low or intermediate levels in CA1, subiculum, and granule cells of the dentate gyrus. The majority of AD brains showed an increase of M2 expression in the CA1, but a decrease in the transentorhinal cortex. A subset of controls and AD patients had high M2 expression in parietal neocortex. Double-staining revealed that senile plaques are not directly associated with the soma of M2-expressing neurons. Neurofibrillary tangles were associated with lower M2 expression in AD. These data indicate that β-secretase M2 may not be straightforwardly involved in amyloid plaque formation in AD brain.
Explaining adult age differences in decision‐making competence.

Studies on aging-related changes in decision making report mixed results. Some decision-making skills decline with age, while others remain unchanged or improve. Because fluid cognitive ability (e.g., reasoning, problem solving) deteriorates with age, older adults should perform worse on decision-making tasks that tap fluid cognitive ability. However, performance on some decision-making tasks may require experience, which increases with age. On those tasks, older adults should perform at least as well as younger adults. These two patterns emerged in correlations between age and component tasks of Adult Decision-Making Competence (A-DMC), controlling for demographic variables. First, we found negative relationships between age and performance on two tasks (Resistance to Framing, Applying Decision Rules), which were mediated by fluid cognitive ability. Second, performance on other tasks did not decrease with age (Consistency in Risk Perception, Recognizing Age-group Social Norms) or improved (Under/Overconfidence, Resistance to Sunk Costs). In multivariate analyses, performance on these tasks showed independent positive relationships to both age and fluid cognitive ability. Because, after controlling for fluid cognitive ability, age becomes a proxy for experience, these results suggest that experience plays no role in performing the first set of tasks, and some role in performing the second set of tasks. Although not all decision-making tasks showed age-related declines in performance, older adults perceived themselves as worse decision makers. Self-ratings of decision-making competence were related to fluid cognitive ability and to decision-making skills that decreased with age—but not to decision-making skills that increased with age. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A single-chip narrow-band frequency-domain excisor for a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver

In recent gears, we have witnessed the rapid adoption of the Department of Defense's Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation in a number of military and civilian applications. Unfortunately, the low-power GPS signal is susceptible to interference. This paper presents a novel VLSI architecture that removes narrow-band signals from the wide-bandwidth GPS spectrum. The interference suppression technique employed is frequency-domain excision. The single-chip frequency-domain excisor transforms the received signal (GPS signal+noise+interference) to the frequency domain, computes signal statistics to determine an excision threshold, removes all spectral energy exceeding that threshold, and restores the remaining signal (GPS signal+noise) to the temporal domain. The heart of this VLSI implementation is an on-chip 256-point fast Fourier transform processor that operates at 40 million complex samples per second. It processes 12-bit (for each I and Q) sampled complex data. The 1.57 million-transistor chip was fabricated in 0.5-/spl mu/m CMOS triple metal technology and is fully functional.
Palliative Care and Oncology: Growing Better Together

palliative care physicians (37.3%), social work (29.3%), physical or occupational therapy (12%), and psychology or psychiatry (10%). The report does not delineate the extent of care planning and patient and caregiver counseling offered during these visits. In addition to managing symptoms, palliative care teams commonly assist patients and families with clarifying goals of care; support decision makingregardingtreatmentoptions;andcreatetailoredcrisispreven
Baltimore's Aid to Railroads: A Study in the Municipal Planning of Internal Improvements

Local governments played a notable and somewhat neglected part in the American movement for internal improvements. Their activities in aid of canals and railroads varied greatly in scale and method and in the scope of planning involved. They ran the gamut from the far-flung projects of great commercial cities striving for the dominance of the trade of vast areas to the donations of obscure rural townships trying only to make sure that the promised railroad should pass through their village rather than the adjacent crossroads. Among the greater cities, none played a more notable role than Baltimore in the promotion of internal improvements. Its total of railroad subscriptions, loans, and bond endorsements was about twenty million dollars—a figure of municipal contribution only exceeded by Cincinnati's investment in a city-owned railroad. Baltimore was in the field of internal improvements well before Cincinnati and remained in it long after such early rivals as Philadelphia had withdrawn. Baltimore's first investment in the Baltimore and Ohio was audaorized in 1827, and its last loan to the Western Maryland was made in 1886. It continued to vote stock and to appoint public directors to the board of railroad corporations until it sold its interest in the Baltimore and Ohio in 1890 and in the Western Maryland in 1902.
Theoretical and kinetic assessment of the mechanism of ethane hydrogenolysis on metal surfaces saturated with chemisorbed hydrogen

Ethane hydrogenolysis involves C–C bond rupture in unsaturated species in quasi-equilibrium with gaseous reactants and H2 on metal clusters, because C–C bonds weaken as C-atoms replace hydrogen with exposed metal atoms from catalyst surfaces. The nature and reactivity of such adsorbed species are probed here using kinetic data and density functional theory (DFT) for the case of Ir surfaces, but with conclusions that appear to be general to hydrogenolysis on noble metals. On surfaces saturated with chemisorbed H-atoms (H � ), theory and experiments indicate that C–C cleavage occurs predominantly
On the Use and Misuse of Downside Risk

94132). W hen the first article on downside risk , was published (see Sortino and " '" '" Hopelain [1980]), there were no applications of downside risk in the investment community. .Now, "a"growing number of practitioners are using downside risk in various portfolio management"applications. We want to ,support this movement, but we would like to call attention to some critical problems that we find in our continued research on the subject. Balzer [1994] and Harlow [1991] have examined various ways to conceptualize 'downside risk. Both conclude that deviations below some set value that must be ,'.. . earned at a minimumIn order to prevent bad outcomes are preferred to.downside probability or shortfall risk. We concur with this finding and will focus here on the problems atteA4an~ to estimating and calculating downside deviation'(DD)':m: asset allocation and performance measurement applic~tions. For the remainder of the article, downsiderisk Will be synonymous with DO.
Authoritarianism, Selective Exposure, and Political Intolerance

The present study examines to what extent the link between authoritarianism, threat, and political intolerance is conditioned by selective exposure to political information. I argue and provide experimental evidence that authoritarianism shapes contemporary U.S. public opinion due to the rising tide of easy to access, ideologically slanted news on the internet and elsewhere. That is, contrary to much extant research, individuals with an authoritarian disposition who consume news about non-conformist groups will become politically intolerant, even in the absence of a prior situational threat. When a unique situational threat is present – such as a terror attack or other event that prompts consideration of one’s own mortality – authoritarians cope with this anxiety by increasing their consumption of non-political news and, hence, dilute the effects of political information. By contrast, non-authoritarians who react to a situational threat with intolerance can be reassured by consuming pro-tolerance viewpoints, thereby returning their attitudes to their pre-threat baseline.
Glaucoma and Other Optic Neuropathies

Optic neuropathies are characterized by specific patterns of damage to the ganglion cells and retinal nerve fiber layer. The reproducibility of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) has allowed for objective measurement and tracking of these patterns of damage. This chapter reviews major types of optic neuropathies including glaucoma, optic neuritis, disc edema, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, disc drusen, diabetic papillitis, and Lyme papillitis.
Trends and Factors Related to Smokeless Tobacco Use in the United States

Background While declines in smoking prevalence in the United States have been well documented, trends in smokeless tobacco (SLT) use are less clear. This study updates previous analyses of US SLT use prevalence to better understand trends and factors related to SLT use. Methods We used the Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) to examine trends and factors related to SLT use using joinpoint and logistic regression models. SLT consumption from 1985 to 2011 was obtained from the 2011 Federal Trade Commission Smokeless Tobacco Report. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for assessing the impact of varying frequency definitions of SLT use. Results Decreasing trends in smoking and SLT prevalence overall were observed from 1992 to 2003 independently of use definition. SLT prevalence in the total adult population significantly decreased at an annual percent change (APC) of 4.5% per year from 1992 to 2003, but has been approximately constant ever since. Similar patterns were also found in adult males (APC = -4.4%) and young males (APC = -9.5%). SLT per capita consumption decreased significantly from 1991 to 1999 (APC = -2.2%), but has since decreased at only 0.35% per year (1999-2011). SLT use was found to be associated with former smoker status, younger age, white race, living in rural areas, residence in the South, lower education and unemployment, adjusting for other factors. Conclusions Declines in SLT use were found in the United States, suggesting tobacco control has had positive impacts, but these have slowed since 2003. Targeting tobacco control policies to at-risk demographic groups is needed to further reduce SLT use in the United States. Implications This study confirms that the declines in SLT use prevalence stopped in 2003 across different demographic groups, consistent with trends in SLT consumption. In addition, the longer period of analysis in comparison with earlier studies allows for quantitative characterization of SLT use trends using joinpoint regression. The study also shows the impact of different SLT use definitions in determining tobacco product use prevalence and trends.
Simulator Sickness: the Problem Remains

This paper is aimed at providing the reader with some background on simulator sickness, an overview of the state of current research and some ideas on future research. In most simulator applications, the level of immersion is considered low. However, in some "virtual environment" (VE) based systems the level is characterized as high. There is an evolving tendency to employ these higher levels of immersion in ground - based simulators. Some of these devices such as the CAVE, C -6 or helmet mo unted displays proved to be much more provocative of simulator sickness. Doctors Frank and Kennedy, in their 1983 paper reported that the phenomenon of simulator sickness was first mentioned by that name in reports by Havron and Butler in their 1957 articl e and subsequently by Miller and Goodson in 1958. A number of theories explaining this malady have been developed since that time; these include the sensory conflict theory and the postural instability theory. The sensory conflict theory seems to prevail a mong researchers; however, postural instability theory has a large number of supporters, primarily among ecological psychologists. The sensory conflict theory proposes that symptoms occur as a result of conflict among signals received by three major spatia l senses: the visual system, the vestibular system, and the non -vestibular proprioceptors. As stated by Frank and Kennedy the evidence which has accumulated, suggests that simulator sickness symptomology resembles motion sickness and other forms of distres s which occur following exposure to altered and rearranged sensory information, and perceptions. The essence of postural instability theory, developed by Stoffregen and Riccio, infers that prolonged instability in the control of posture leads to motion sic kness. A major part of the research on simulator sickness has based on data provided by US Navy. However, a few independent research teams have set up a number of experiments to obtain data on frequency and intensity of side effects of full immersion into virtual environments.
On the Enumeration of Cryptograms

(1980). On the Enumeration of Cryptograms. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 53, No. 4, pp. 219-221.
The effect of instructional method on teaching assistants' classroom discourse

There has been increased interest in the transformation of post-secondary level instructional practices in STEM from more traditional to evidence-based practices that are more aligned with how learning occurs. Research has shown that instructional practices are linked to student learning outcomes even when content is unchanged; therefore, incorporating evidence-based practices into the classroom represents an area worthy of focus and resources. Problem-based learning (PBL) is an inquiry-oriented instructional strategy wherein students answer ill-structured real world problems through collaboration, research, experimentation, and trial and error. The success or failure of an inquiry-oriented laboratory session depends in large part on the practices of the instructor. The work presented here focuses on the instructional practices of chemistry graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), who over the course of a semester, taught both expository/demonstration and inquiry laboratory sessions. Upon comparing GTA discourse across inquiry and expository/demonstration settings, three assertions were generated: (a) there was an apparent relationship between the instructional mode (expository/demonstration versus inquiry) and the structure of the classroom discourse employed by GTAs, (b) patterns in classroom discourse repeated within given instructional modes, even when the nature of content being covered varied widely, and (c) patterns in classroom discourse observed in inquiry labs exemplified a constructivist learning environment and were achieved with minimal intervention.
Emerging targeted therapies for melanoma.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Melanoma is an aggressive cutaneous malignancy associated with poor response to traditional therapies. Recent regulatory approval for immune checkpoint inhibitors and agents targeting mutated BRAF has led to a tremendous expansion of effective treatment options for patients with advanced melanoma. Unfortunately, primary or acquired resistance develops in most patients, highlighting the need for additional therapies. Numerous genetic and other molecular features of this disease may provide effective targets for therapy development.Areas covered: This article reviews available melanoma treatments, including immune and molecularly-targeted therapies. We then discuss agents in development, with a focus on targeted (rather than immune) therapies. In particular, we discuss agents that block mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, as well as other emerging approaches such as antibody-drug conjugates, cell-cycle targeting, and novel genetically-informed clinical trials.Expert opin...
Effects of the Small Amount of Ferrite in Bainite Laths on the Strength and Toughness of High Strength Steels

A low cost high strength steel was studied by TMCP processing under different cooling modes,the microstructures and mechanical properties w ere investigated by the optical microscope, tensile testing machine and shock testing machine respectively. The results show ed that the transformation strengthen and insulation treatment in tw o phase region can bring a small amount of ferrite into the tested steel,in w hich the original microstructure is mainly lath bainite,that leads to high strength and high shock toughness of the tested steel. Under the similar conditions,the tensile strength,yield strength and yield ratio increase w hile the elongation and reduction of area decrease w ith the decrease of the final cooling temperature.
"But what does it mean for me?" Primary care patients' communication preferences for test results notification.

Article-at-a-Glance Background The best ways to communicate test results in primary care to achieve patient satisfaction and assist patients to incorporate results into their personal health decision making are unknown. A study was conducted to determine the factors that patients believe are important in achieving those goals. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 12 adults, at least half with a chronic disease requiring regular testing, who shared experiences about receiving test results from physicians' offices and how they used them in their health decision making. In addition, "think aloud" interviewing techniques were used to assess participants' satisfaction and stated understanding with six different formats for receiving a hypothetical test result (a mildly elevated lipid profile). The interviews were analyzed using the editing technique to determine important factors in test results notification. Findings Three themes were found to be important in satisfaction with and stated understanding and use of test results: (1) the information shared (test result, clinician interpretation and guidance), (2) significance of the results (testing purpose, abnormal or normal result) and (3) personal preferences for communication (timeliness, interpersonal connection, and hard copy). Participants' stated understanding was highest, among several potential formats, for actual values with desired/normal values, a low-literacy description of the test's purpose, and a simple graph. Conclusions A results notification algorithm includes (1) communication elements (the purpose of the test, the actual results with desired values, clinician guidance, and a graphical representation) and (2) appropriate choice of notification technique (phone/visit for diagnostic tests and all significantly abnormal results and mail/e-mail/Web for all others).
Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency

This chapter explores the Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) digital processing system built in the LabVIEW graphical programming environment. For creating a keypad or cluster control as shown in block diagram (BD) of a DTMF system, the buttons are grouped into a cluster so that their outputs are wired via a cluster wire. This is achieved by placing a cluster shell on the front panel (FP), and then by locating the text buttons in the cluster area. The keypad cluster control is shown as an icon on the BD of DTMF system. The virtual instrument (VI) generates a tone depending on the number pressed on the keypad in the FP. The DTMF decoder based on the Goertzel algorithm is present in the lower half of the BD. In order to build the BD, the output value of the cluster is wired to an array by using the cluster to array function.
The spatio-temporal relationship between alcohol outlets and violence before and after privatization: A natural experiment, Seattle, Wa 2010-2013.

Abstract Alcohol-related violence is a well-documented public health concern, where various individual and community-level factors contribute to this relationship. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a significant policy change at the local level, which privatized liquor sales and distribution. Specifically, we explored the relationship between alcohol and violence in Seattle, WA, 2010–2013, via hierarchical spatio-temporal disease mapping models. To measure and map this complex spatio-temporal relationship at the census block group level ( n = 567 ), we examined a variety of models using integrated nested Laplace approximations and used the deviance information criterion to gauge model complexity and fit. For each additional off-premises and on-premises alcohol outlet in a given census block group, we found a significant increase of 8% and 5% for aggravated assaults and 6% and 5% for non-aggravated assaults, respectively. Lastly, our maps showed variation in the estimated relative risks across the city of Seattle.
Comparison of plasma ammonia results from seven different automated platforms in use throughout Central Australia.

Abstract Introduction The clinical catchment area for the Metabolic service at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide, South Australia, covers nearly 2.5 million km2. Care of children with metabolic disorders in these remote areas is assisted from Adelaide, and at times, using plasma ammonia results from laboratories up to 3000 km away. There are seven different platforms measuring plasma ammonia within this vast clinical catchment area. Hence, a correlation study was conducted to examine the relationship between plasma ammonia results from the seven different platforms in use throughout central Australia. Design & method Multiple aliquots of plasma from remainder EDTA samples for haematological investigations were frozen. Samples were then dispatched on dry ice to the laboratories being correlated. At an agreed date and time correlation samples were thawed and plasma ammonia measured. Results Passing-Bablok regression analysis showed slopes ranging from 1.00 to 1.10 and y-intercepts ranging from − 10 μmol/L to 1 μmol/L. Conclusions Despite the absence of a reference method or reference material and troublesome pre-analytical effects in ammonia measurement, plasma ammonia results from the different platforms in general compare well. The study also demonstrates that samples for ammonia measurement can be transported over great distances and still correlate well. Furthermore, a common reference interval for plasma ammonia may be a possibility.
Symptom Domain Groups of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Tools Independently Predict Hospitalizations and Re-hospitalizations in Cirrhosis.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) tools can identify health-related quality of life (HRQOL) domains that could differentially affect disease progression. Cirrhotics are highly prone to hospitalizations and re-hospitalizations, but the current clinical prognostic models may be insufficient, and thus studying the contribution of individual HRQOL domains could improve prognostication. Analyze the impact of individual HRQOL PROMIS domains in predicting time to all non-elective hospitalizations and re-hospitalizations in cirrhosis. Outpatient cirrhotics were administered PROMIS computerized tools. The first non-elective hospitalization and subsequent re-hospitalizations after enrollment were recorded. Individual PROMIS domains significantly contributing toward these outcomes were generated using principal component analysis. Factor analysis revealed three major PROMIS domain groups: daily function (fatigue, physical function, social roles/activities and sleep issues), mood (anxiety, anger, and depression), and pain (pain behavior/impact) accounted for 77% of the variability. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used for these groups to evaluate time to first hospitalization and re-hospitalization. A total of 286 patients [57 years, MELD 13, 67% men, 40% hepatic encephalopathy (HE)] were enrolled. Patients were followed at 6-month (mth) intervals for a median of 38 mths (IQR 22–47), during which 31% were hospitalized [median IQR mths 12.5 (3–27)] and 12% were re-hospitalized [10.5 mths (3–28)]. Time to first hospitalization was predicted by HE, HR 1.5 (CI 1.01–2.5, p = 0.04) and daily function PROMIS group HR 1.4 (CI 1.1–1.8, p = 0.01), independently. In contrast, the pain PROMIS group were predictive of the time to re-hospitalization HR 1.6 (CI 1.1–2.3, p = 0.03) as was HE, HR 2.1 (CI 1.1–4.3, p = 0.03). Daily function and pain HRQOL domain groups using PROMIS tools independently predict hospitalizations and re-hospitalizations in cirrhotic patients.
The Dementia Care Coordination Program: Engaging Health Systems in Caregiver Supports.

This paper reports on a process evaluation using mixed methods to assess a Dementia Care Coordination Program, which is distinctive in using the medical system, rather than direct outreach, to identify and refer families to supports provided by an Alzheimer’s Association chapter via dedicated care consultants. One care consultant received referrals from individual physicians, while the other, employed by a health plan, received referrals from health plan case managers. Through key informant interviews, focus groups, and physician and caregiver surveys, we identified key issues, finding high rates of stakeholder satisfaction, but some practical issues around information sharing and data tracking. We further found the health plan model of collaboration to offer significant potential for the systematic and early detection of potential clients, provided investments in minor systems change. The Dementia Care Coordination Program, therefore, represents a minimalist model of dementia-specific support, which coul...
CONVEXITY, PSEUDO-CONVEXITY AND QUASI-CONVEXITY OF COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS

ABSTRACT A number of recent results which establish the convexity, pseudo-convexity or quasi-convexity of certain functions are shown to be special cases of the fact that under suitable conditions a composite function is convex, pseudo-convex or quasi-convex.