cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An efficient decoding algorithm for concatenated RS-convolutional codes

In this paper an efficient decoding algorithm is proposed for concatenated coding schemes that use a Reed-Solomon (RS) code as the outer code and a convolutional code as the inner code. We compare the proposed decoding algorithm with Pyndiah's algorithm in terms of both computational complexity and performance. The proposed decoding algorithm reduces the decoding complexity by adopting Kaneko's decoding algorithm without suffering a performance loss. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed decoding algorithm.
Preparing IAS graduates to recognize and manage complexity

Graduates entering the field of Information Assurance and Security (IAS) will be faced with many complex, ill-defined challenges. To be successful, IAS professionals will need to be able to solve complex, ill-defined problems that reflect the nature of the security risks, threats, and vulnerabilities that await them. Hence, a significant challenge facing educators is how to prepare professionals to recognize and manage complexity. Frequently, class assignments and problem activities are selected without complete understanding regarding the efficacy of the activities to increase students' understanding of the principles being taught. This paper will examine attributes of complex problems in the context of information assurance and security and proceed to analysis of how to teach complexity in IAS.
Natural bile acids and synthetic analogues modulate large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel activity in smooth muscle cells.

Bile acids have been reported to produce relaxation of smooth muscle both in vitro and in vivo. The cellular mechanisms underlying bile acid–induced relaxation are largely unknown. Here we demonstrate, using patch-clamp techniques, that natural bile acids and synthetic analogues reversibly increase BKCa channel activity in rabbit mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells. In excised inside-out patches bile acid–induced increases in channel activity are characterized by a parallel leftward shift in the activity-voltage relationship. This increase in BKCa channel activity is not due to Ca2+-dependent mechanism(s) or changes in freely diffusible messengers, but to a direct action of the bile acid on the channel protein itself or some closely associated component in the cell membrane. For naturally occurring bile acids, the magnitude of bile acid–induced increase in BKCa channel activity is inversely related to the number of hydroxyl groups in the bile acid molecule. By using synthetic analogues, we demonstrate that such increase in activity is not affected by several chemical modifications in the lateral chain of the molecule, but is markedly favored by polar groups in the side of the steroid rings opposite to the side where the methyl groups are located, which stresses the importance of the planar polarity of the molecule. Bile acid–induced increases in BKCa channel activity are also observed in smooth muscle cells freshly dissociated from rabbit main pulmonary artery and gallbladder, raising the possibility that a direct activation of BKCa channels by these planar steroids is a widespread phenomenon in many smooth muscle cell types. Bile acid concentrations that increase BKCa channel activity in mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells are found in the systemic circulation under a variety of human pathophysiological conditions, and their ability to enhance BKCa channel activity may explain their relaxing effect on smooth muscle.
The Long-Term Results of Glue-on Shoes on Dorsal Hoof Wall Distortion

Abstract Every equine hoof has a certain amount of distortion. This presents in various forms: flares, dished toes, under-run heels, and cracks. Several farrier texts anecdotally suggest a correlation between hoof capsule distortion and lameness. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Sigafoos Series I glue-on shoe on hoof capsule distortion, and specifically, the effect on dorsal wall deviation. Measurements of the hoof were made using the Metron hoof evaluating system by Eponatech. Comparisons were made of the following values: dorsal length, hoof angle, dorsal wall deviation, hairline angle, hairline deviation, heel/toe height, heel height, heel angle, and support length. The study group consisted of front feet of horses shod exclusively in the Sigafoos glue-on shoe for a period of 1 year, and the control group consisted of 133 front feet from horses using nailed on shoes for a similar period and with a musculoskeletal complaint. The results indicate a 48% reduction in dorsal wall deviation for the study group. This finding supports the use of this glue-on shoe as beneficial with the goal to reduce capsular distortion of the dorsal wall.
Invariance principles and applications to distributed parameter identification

A nonlinear least squares parameter estimation procedure is discussed. The main objective is to extend previous results in order to obtain certain functional invariance theorems. In particular, weak convergence methods are used to prove an asymptotic normality result and Strassen's invariance principle is applied to establish a law of the iterated logarithm. Some examples are presented. >
A theory on the biology of lateral dominance.

The literature and results of studies on the subject of lateral dominance have been reviewed and discussed, and pertinent hypotheses advanced. The various known facts need not be considered contradictory if multiple genetic factors are hypothesized, interacting with an ontogenetic predisposition to left cerebral (and right somatic) dominance, and with various psychological-social factors.
Wetting Dynamics of Eutectic and Lead-Free Solders with Various Reflow Conditions and Surface Finish Metallizations

Demands on solder bump interconnects have increased in modern electronics this is characterized by high density, small size and fine pitch devices. In solder bump interconnects, solder wetting onto bond pads is the key factor that determines the interconnect process yield and the solder joint reliability. Solder wetting involves various physical phenomena such as a surface tension imbalance, viscous dissipation, molecular kinetic motion, chemical reactions and diffusion. In this paper, an experimental study on solder wetting dynamics will be presented along with an analytical predicting solder ball wetting. The effects of solder reflow process parameters and bonding materials is discussed, as they relate to the physics of solder wetting and ultimately the interconnect process yield and solder joint reliability. The experimental setup consists of a high-speed image acquisition system and a temperature chamber which were used to measure the time dependent behavior of molten solder spheres onto bond pads under an isothermal condition. The solder materials investigated are eutectic tin-lead solder and lead-free 95.5Sn-4.0Ag-0.5Cu solder. The wetting dynamics of the solder materials were investigated on Cu, Cu/OSP, and Cu/Ni/Au bond pads, with several different flux systems, at different environmental temperatures and with various solder sphere sizes. The experimental observations indicate that the wetting dynamics clearly depend on temperature, solder materials and substrate metallization but do not depend significantly on the flux system or the solder sphere size. Moreover, this research develops an analytic methodology based on solder wetting dynamics, that can be used to predict solder interconnect formation during electronics assembly. The major benefit of such an advanced process model is that it enables process design and process parameter optimization through simulation. The model also reveals the cause of wetting problems that may occur during the assembly process and provides a solution. Low cost assembly process will be achieved via optimizing an assembly process time and reducing a interconnect failure rate. This work will lead to a fundamental basis for better understanding the complex phenomenon of solder wetting during electronics assembly
Effects of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami on Sea Turtle Populations in Sri Lanka

Abstract Little is known about the impact of the Indian Ocean tsunami on wildlife populations. Five species of sea turtle nest on the beaches of southern Sri Lanka; initial reports after the tsunami revealed damage to nesting beaches, hatcheries, and adult foraging habitat. We show that, in the year after the tsunami, the number of adult females returning to nesting beaches at Bundala National Park remained almost unchanged from previous years.
"We Are Bradley Manning": Information Policy, the Legal Subject, and the WikiLeaks Complex

The headline was more empirically accurate than signatories might have supposed. A profound challenge to the very concept of the nature of the legal subject is among the ways in which the suite of investigations and legal challenges of the WikiLeaks complex affect information policy and, in turn, lawstate-society relations. U.S. government arguments used during Manning’s seminal trial introduced a number of innovations in this area that could play critical roles going forward. Where these arguments are accepted, all those who signed the advertisement—indeed, all those who just followed news about WikiLeaks—might be considered liable.
Special Article: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia—an Accumulative Disease of Immunologically Incompetent Lymphocytes

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, far from being simply a very chronic, very dull disease, has many facets which may help to illuminate the pathogenesis of a variety of immunologic aberrations. It appears likely that this is an accumulative disease of lymphocytes rather than one which is due to rapid proliferation, as was originally thought. The abnormal lymphocytes of the disease—with their various indications of metabolic but, more particularly, immunologic incompetency and their reduced ability to transform with both PNA and antigenic stimulation—eventually accumulate in large masses throughout the body. In the course of time, a host of disorders develop, including reduced immunity of both humoral and cellular varieties, autoimmunity, and extreme reactions to viruses and insects, numerous infections and wasting, finally leading to death. A striking response to corticosteroids is characteristic of the disease. On the other hand, large doses of x-ray or alkylating agents may result in violent and often fatal autoimmune reactions. Many future studies are indicated to demonstrate the nature of the metabolic defect in the lymphocyte and its pathogenesis, whether genetic or on some other basis. The possibility of modifying the tendency of the abnormal lymphocyte to accumulate, perhaps with the judicious use of corticosteroids, in association with other methods deserves intensive study.
Chemical Synthesis Accelerated by Paper Spray: The Haloform Reaction

In this laboratory, students perform a synthetic reaction in two ways: (i) by traditional bulk-phase reaction and (ii) in the course of reactive paper spray ionization. Mass spectrometry (MS) is used both as an analytical method and a means of accelerating organic syntheses. The main focus of this laboratory exercise is that the same ionization source can be operated to perform chemical analysis or to accelerate synthesis. More specifically, students explore the effect on reaction progress of operating in one of two modes of paper spray ionization. The modes relate to droplet size that changes as the solvent is depleted from the paper over time. The online mass spectral data for the two modes allow students to see the differences that small changes to spray conditions can have on the MS of a reaction mixture, allowing transition from traditional analysis to accelerated chemical synthesis by simply allowing the paper to partially dry. Chemical analysis and accelerated synthesis can be performed sequentiall...
Prompt photon A N with the PHENIX MPC-EX detector

The PHENIX MPC-EX detector is a Si-W preshower extension to the existing Muon Piston Calorimeters (MPC). The combined detectors will make possible a measurement of the prompt photon single spin asymmetry AN in 200 GeV transversely polarized p + p collisions, which will help elucidate the correlation of the transverse motion of valence partons in the proton with the proton spin.
Factors influencing incorporation of mevalonic acid into cholesterol by rat liver homogenates.

SummaryIncorporation of mevalonic acid into cholesterol by rat liver homogenates is favored by (a) use of tissues from very young rats, (b) use of a “loose'”homogenizer, and (c) saturation of the homogenate with straight oxygen and stoppering. Incorporation of mevalonic acid is less in the presence of compounds that may be intermediates or antimetabolites of cholesterol biosynthesis. With whole homogenates biosynthesis is not markedly influenced by the method of killing the rats or by additions of ATP.
Analysis on Curative Effect of Low Molecular Heparin in Treatment of 62 Cases Acute Coronary Artery Syndrome

Objective To explore the basis of routine therapy and with low molecular heparin in treatment of acute coronary artery syndrome of the curative effect. Methods Select from April 2010 to March 2012 patients of acute coronary syndrome patients 62 cases were randomly divided into two groups, the observation group 32 cases the basis of routine therapy and with low molecular heparin group, 30 patients were only given conventional treatment. The two groups were observed during treatment angina pectoris attack condition and electrocardiogram (ecg) changes, compared with two groups of treatment effect. Results By comparison to observe the therapeutic effect of group was better than that of control group(P0.05). Conclusion Low molecular heparin combined conventional drug in the treatment of acute coronary artery syndrome curative effect is distinct.
Learning OOV through semantic relatedness in spoken dialog systems.

• Speech recognition and language understanding performance can be improved through an OOV expectand-learn procedure. • A limited domain vocabulary can be utilized to effectively acquire OOVs by the word relatedness theory through web knowledge bases. • With data-driven semantic relatedness, both the global and local learning procedures are able to successfully harvest more than 50% of OOVs, leading to better recognition and understanding performance. • This work demonstrates that o OOV learning may benefit dialog system o the proposed expect-and-learn strategy outperforms the traditional detect-and-learn in both higher effectiveness and no human involvement. 1. Linguistically semantic relatedness o Defined by linguistics, e.g., WordNet (WN), Paraphrase Database (PPDB) (Ganitkevitch et al., 2013) 2. Data-driven semantic relatedness o Distributional semantics, e.g., continuous bag-ofword embeddings (CBOW) (Mikolov et al., 2013)  Detect-and-Learn (Qin et al., 2011; 2012): o Discover OOV words during the conversation o Example: S: “I heard something like SELF, can you repeat it?” U: “It’s SELFIE.” o Drawbacks • Limited number of new words • Required human efforts to correct spellings and pronunciations  Expect-and-Learn (proposed): o Use semantic relatedness to automatically enrich the vocabulary and language model beforehand
BRICS| The Global as the Postcolonial: Desire, Identity, and Liminality in Indian Rock

This essay uses the concept of desire to reinfuse existing conversations about the postcolonial condition and its relationship with globalization. The essay uses the Indian uptake of the seemingly alien cultural practice of rock music to understand the confluence of vestigial structures of colonialism and a globalizing subjectivity that challenge unified notions of a national identity in India. By exploring media coverage of rock and testimony from musicians, the essay unravels the liminal spaces of destabilized identities and fragmented subjectivities that mark the global postcolonial condition. In doing so, it illuminates the role of structures, past and present, in shaping cultural desire and determining affective responses to global culture.
Circulating cytokines as determinants of weight loss-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity.

Dietary calorie restriction and exercise promote weight loss and may have additive effects for improving insulin sensitivity, independent of weight loss. It is not known if these effects are attributable to changes in circulating cytokines. We evaluated the hypothesis that modest, matched weight loss induced by calorie restriction and exercise have additive effects on circulating cytokines and these changes correlate with improvements in insulin sensitivity. Overweight and sedentary women and men (n = 52, 45–65 years) were randomized to undergo 7 % weight loss by using 3–6 months of calorie restriction, exercise, or a combination of both calorie restriction and exercise. Concentrations of cytokines and hormones were measured in fasting and oral glucose tolerance test blood samples. Insulin sensitivity was estimated based on oral glucose tolerance test for glucose and insulin. With all groups combined, fasting leptin (p < 0.0001) and high molecular weight adiponectin (p = 0.04) decreased and pentraxin-3 increased (p < 0.0001), in a manner that correlated with improvements in insulin sensitivity (all p ≤ 0.0002). These changes, combined with decreases in glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide from the oral glucose tolerance test, explained 63 % of the variance (p < 0.0001) in insulin sensitivity improvements. Exercise and calorie restriction had additive effects on leptin, with a similar trend for high molecular weight adiponectin. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and C-reactive protein concentrations did not change. Calorie restriction and exercise had opposite effects on soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1. Modest weight loss in overweight adults decreases serum leptin and high molecular weight adiponectin, and increases pentraxin-3 concentrations in a manner that correlates with increased insulin sensitivity. Exercise has additive effects to those induced by calorie restriction for reductions in leptin and possibly adiponectin. These changes may contribute to the additive effects of calorie restriction and exercise for improving insulin sensitivity.
What Prevents Central Asian Migrant Workers from Accessing HIV Testing? Implications for Increasing HIV Testing Uptake in Kazakhstan

Several barriers prevent key populations, such as migrant workers, from accessing HIV testing. Using data from a cross-sectional study among Central Asian migrant workers (n = 623) in Kazakhstan, we examined factors associated with HIV testing. Overall, 48% of participants had ever received an HIV test. Having temporary registration (AOR 1.69; (95% CI [1.12–2.56]), having an employment contract (AOR 2.59; (95% CI [1.58–4.23]), being able to afford health care services (AOR 3.61; (95% CI [1.86–7.03]) having a medical check-up in the past 12 months (AOR 1.85; 95% CI [1.18–2.89]), and having a regular doctor (AOR 2.37; 95% CI [1.20–4.70]) were associated with having an HIV test. HIV testing uptake among migrants in Kazakhstan falls far short of UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals. Intervention strategies to increase HIV testing among this population may include initiatives that focus on improving outreach to undocumented migrants, making health care services more affordable, and linking migrants to health care.
Selenium Ecotoxicology in Freshwater Lakes Receiving Coal Combustion Residual Effluents: A North Carolina Example

Anthropogenic activities resulting in releases of selenium-laden waste streams threaten freshwater ecosystems. Lake ecosystems demand special consideration because they are characterized by prolonged retention of selenium and continuous cycling of the element through the food chain, through which it becomes available to toxicologically susceptible egg-laying vertebrates. This study documents the current selenium burden of lakes in North Carolina (NC) with historic selenium inputs from nearby coal-fired power plants. We measured selenium concentrations in surface waters, sediment pore waters, and resident fish species from coal combustion residual (CCR)-impacted lakes and paired reference lakes. The data are related to levels of recent selenium inputs and analyzed in the context of recently updated federal criteria for the protection of aquatic life. We show that the Se content of fish from lakes with the highest selenium inputs regularly exceed these criteria and are comparable to those measured during hi...
Borylenes: An Emerging Class of Compounds.

Free borylenes (R-B:) have only been spectroscopically characterized in the gas phase or in matrices at very low temperatures. However, in recent years, a few mono- and bis(Lewis base)-stabilized borylenes have been isolated. In both of these compounds the boron atom is in the formal oxidation state +1 which contrasts with classical organoboron derivatives wherein the element is in the +3 oxidation state. Mono(Lewis base)-stabilized borylenes are isoelectronic with singlet carbenes, and their reactivity mimics to some extent that of transition metals. They can activate small molecules, such as H2, and coordinate an additional ligand; in other words, they are boron metallomimics. Bis(Lewis base)borylene adducts are isoelectronic with amines and phosphines. In contrast to boranes, which act as electron acceptors and thus Lewis acids, they are electron-rich and act as L ligands for transition metals. This mini-review highlights significant developments in this emerging field of chemistry.
Michigan Journal of Medicine as a Learning Tool: Establishing a Student-Run Journal and Editorial Team

Abstract The Michigan Journal of Medicine (MJM) was launched at the University of Michigan Medical School as a learning tool for students. To create a student-run journal that would become an important part of our medical school training, a team that could complete this task had to be established. The success of the first year of MJM was due to the extraordinary team of students, faculty, staff, and collaborators who brought enthusiasm, expertise, and commitment to this unique endeavor. This chapter introduces some of the team members who each played a key role in creating the journal, how team members were recruited, and the qualities that made them successful as part of the MJM team. In addition, this chapter presents how the journal itself was established, including finding a gap in the curriculum that needed to be filled; securing engagement and support from the medical school, faculty, and students; and lessons learned from our first year.
Omnivorous Masculinity: Gender Capital and Cultural Legitimacy in Craft Beer Culture

Peterson’s “omnivore-univore” hypothesis has stimulated a lively debate among cultural sociologists, but the effect of omnivorousness upon gender inequality remains underexplored. By analyzing the gendered valuation of beer types in craft beer blogs and in open-ended surveys with 93 craft beer bar patrons, this article demonstrates that a shift toward omnivorousness does not necessarily reflect a shift toward progressive gender ideology. These findings indicate that the same ideological conflation between femininity and illegitimacy that dominates the univorous American mainstream beer culture has been reproduced—albeit repackaged—within the American craft beer culture. Men are free to consume a range of beer types without consequence within the confines of the omnivorous craft beer culture, but women remain subjected to gendered judgment depending upon their beer preference. This imbalance signifies the emergence of a “hybrid masculinity” within the omnivorous craft beer scene that superficially signifie...
Autism spectrum disorder and genetic testing: Parental perceptions and decision-making.

Purpose Advances in genomic technology and research have led to genetic testing being recognized as an essential component of the etiological workup for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) is a first-tier diagnostic test for patients with ASD, as recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and other professional societies. An accurate underlying medical diagnosis for ASD has many potential benefits, including appropriate medical management, detailed therapeutic recommendations, and accurate recurrence risk. Genetic testing is relatively complicated, expensive, and, currently, in the majority of the cases, does not provide any organic improvement in the management of symptoms. Design and Methods We conducted semistructured interviews with 20 parents to explore the decision-making process of genetic testing from the perspectives and experiences of parents of children with ASD. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Parents had limited knowledge of genetic testing for ASD prior to a genetics clinic visit. The majority of the participants thought genetic testing would be beneficial for their child, their reproductive choices, and potential future generations. Practice Implications Various stakeholders (geneticists, primary care providers, nurses, and families) would benefit from future establishment of educational strategies to inform parental decision-making regarding genetic testing for children with ASD.
Analysis of novel caudal hindbrain genes reveals different regulatory logic for gene expression in rhombomere 4 versus 5/6 in embryonic zebrafish

Previous work aimed at understanding the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) governing caudal hindbrain formation identified morphogens such as Retinoic Acid (RA) and Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), as well as transcription factors like hoxb1b, hoxb1a, hnf1ba, and valentino as being required for rhombomere (r) r4-r6 formation in zebrafish. Considering that the caudal hindbrain is relatively complex – for instance, unique sets of neurons are formed in each rhombomere segment – it is likely that additional essential genes remain to be identified and integrated into the caudal hindbrain GRN. By taking advantage of gene expression data available in the Zebrafish Information Network (ZFIN), we identified 84 uncharacterized genes that are expressed in r4-r6. We selected a representative set of 22 genes and assayed their expression patterns in hoxb1b, hoxb1a, hnf1b, and valentino mutants with the goal of positioning them in the caudal hindbrain GRN. We also investigated the effects of RA and FGF on the expression of this gene set. To examine whether these genes are necessary for r4-r6 development, we analyzed germline mutants for six of the genes (gas6, gbx1, sall4, eglf6, celf2, and greb1l) for defects in hindbrain development. Our results reveal that r4 gene expression is unaffected by the individual loss of hoxb1b, hoxb1a or RA, but is under the combinatorial regulation of RA together with hoxb1b. In contrast, r5/r6 gene expression is dependent on RA, FGF, hnf1ba and valentino – as individual loss of these factors abolishes r5/r6 gene expression. Our analysis of six mutant lines did not reveal rhombomere or neuronal defects, but transcriptome analysis of one line (gas6 mutant) identified expression changes for genes involved in several developmental processes – suggesting that these genes may have subtle roles in hindbrain development. We conclude that r4-r6 formation is relatively robust, such that very few genes are absolutely required for this process. However, there are mechanistic differences in r4 versus r5/r6, such that no single factor is required for r4 development while several genes are individually required for r5/r6 formation.
Inpatient mobility to predict hospital-onset Clostridium difficile: a network approach

With hospital-onset Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI) still a common occurrence in the U.S., this paper examines the relationship between unit-wide CDI susceptibility and inpatient mobility and creates a predictive measure of CDI called "Contagion Centrality". A mobility network was constructed using two years of patient electronic health record (EHR) data within a 739-bed hospital (Jan. 2013 - Dec. 2014; n=72,636 admissions). Network centrality measures were calculated for each hospital unit (node) providing clinical context for each in terms and patient transfers between units (edges). Daily unit-wide CDI susceptibility scores were calculated using logistic regression and compared to network centrality measures to determine the relationship between unit CDI susceptibility and patient mobility. Closeness centrality was a statistically significant measure associated with unit susceptibility (p-value
Foreign-born and native-born migration in the U.S.: evidence from linked IRS administrative and census survey records

This paper details efforts to link administrative records from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to American Community Survey (ACS) and 2010 Census microdata for the study of migration among foreign-born and native-born populations in the United States. Specifically, we (1) document our linkage strategy and methodology for inferring migration in IRS records; (2) model selection into and survival across IRS records to determine suitability for research applications; and (3) gauge the efficacy of the IRS records by demonstrating how they can be used to validate and potentially improve migration responses for native-born and foreign-born respondents in ACS microdata. Our results show little evidence of selection or survival bias in the IRS records, suggesting broad generalizability to the nation as a whole. Moreover, we find that the combined IRS 1040, 1099, and W2 records may provide important information on populations, such as the foreign-born, that may be difficult to reach with traditional Census Bureau surveys. Finally, the results of our comparison of IRS and ACS migration responses show that IRS records may be useful in improving ACS migration measurement for respondents whose migration response is proxy, allocated, or imputed. Taking these results together, we discuss the potential application of our longitudinal IRS dataset to innovations in migration research on both the native-born and foreign-born populations of the United States.
Physician Burnout – Part 1

Until recently, the term physician burnout was not one with which I was very familiar. However, over the past several years the problem of physician burnout and depression has been increasingly rec...
Substance Use Stigma and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among a Drug-Using Population Living with HIV.

Abstract Among people living with HIV (PLWH), HIV-related stigma predicts nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART); however, the role of stigma associated with drug use is largely unknown. We e...
Strategic planning of dedicated autonomous vehicle lanes and autonomous vehicle/toll lanes in transportation networks

Abstract Employing vehicle communication and automated control technologies, autonomous vehicles (AVs) can safely drive closer together than human-driven vehicles (HVs), thereby potentially improving traffic efficiency. Separation between AV and HV traffic through the deployment of dedicated AV lanes is foreseen as an effective method of amplifying the benefits of AVs and promoting their adoption. However, it is important to consider mixed AV and HV traffic in a transportation network. On the one hand, it may be impractical to deploy dedicated AV lanes throughout the network, while on the other hand, dedicated AV lanes may even reduce the total traffic efficiency of a road segment when the AV flow rate is low. In this study, we considered a new form of managed lanes for AVs, designated as autonomous vehicle/toll (AVT) lanes, which grant free access to AVs while allowing HVs to access the lanes by paying a toll. We investigated the optimal deployment of dedicated AV lanes and AVT lanes in transportation networks with mixed AV and HV flows. The user equilibrium (UE) problem in a transportation network with mixed flows of AVs and HVs is first explored. We formulated the UE problem as a link-based variational inequality (VI) and identified that, with different impacts of AVs on road capacity, the UE problem can have unique or non-unique flow patterns. Considering that the UE problem may have non-unique flow distributions, we proposed a robust optimal deployment model, which is a generalized semi-infinite min-max program, to deploy the dedicated AV lanes and AVT lanes so that the system performance under the worst-case flow distributions is optimized. We proposed effective solution algorithms to solve these models and presented numerical studies to demonstrate the models and the solution algorithms. The results show that the system performance can be significantly improved through the deployment of dedicated AV lanes and AVT lanes.
Optimizing the Planning of Pedestrian Facilities Upgrade Projects to Maximize Accessibility for People with Disabilities

AbstractFederal and state laws require governments to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities on their pedestrian facilities. State and local governments are required to develop transitio...
Women in Childbearing Years: Sleep Disordered Breathing

Premenopausal women have a much lower prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as compared with postmenopausal women. These differences are likely due to hormonal status. Premenopausal women with OSA are more likely to be obese or have structural abnormalities of the upper airway than men or postmenopausal women. Other contributing factors in this population may include endocrinological variations such as those in polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypothyroidism, and metabolic syndrome. Recent research focuses on the incidence of OSA in pregnancy and developing recommendations for its management. Airway management of OSA with positive airway pressure (PAP) continues to be the most effective and safest recommendation in this population of women, however we also discuss behavioral and lifestyle changes as well as alternative interventions.
Real-time decision-making in chronic illness branching simulation

The United States (US) is facing a rapidly aging population that suffers from multiple chronic illnesses. To prepare nursing students to care for this increasingly complex, aging population nurse educators must develop curricula that incorporate both current technology and cutting-edge teaching pedagogies that facilitate development of real-time decision-making skills. Branching scenarios are simulations that mimic real-life; rapidly changing patient conditions unfold based on actual student decision-making. This challenges learners to adapt the nursing process based on subjective and objective assessments and utilize current technology to analyze multiple sources of patient data. As nursing students make decisions and act, the scenario branches, presenting them with immediate feedback on the outcomes. Branching simulation scenario designs incorporate multiple different mobile technologies with decision-support software that nursing students may access, such as real-time decision-support algorithms, evidence-based guidelines, telehealth, medication information resources, and electronic medical records (EMRs). Faculty at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing (NYU) have successfully incorporated mobile technology with decision-support software into branching simulations as a strategy to develop real-time clinical decision-making in the care of older adults with multiple chronic illnesses.
The Neighborhood Attainment of Mixed-Race Couples across the Black/White Spectrum:

With the removal of legal barriers to mixed-race marriage, there has been a consistent increase in the number of Black-White couples. This has coincided with growth in the number of Black-White ind...
The impacts of caregiving intensity on informal caregivers in Malaysia: findings from a national survey

Provision of informal care may adversely affect health, daily and social activities of the informal caregivers, but few studies have examined these effects in relation to caregiving intensity. This study examined the predictive factors associated with the effects of caregiving roles on health, daily and social activities of informal caregivers, accounting for caregiving intensity. Data of adults aged 18 years and over from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 were used. Respondent’s demographic, socioeconomic, health, and caregiving-related characteristics were described using complex samples analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors affecting health, daily and social activities of caregivers, accounting for caregiving intensity. Five point one percent of adults in Malaysia provided informal care. High intensity caregivers were more likely to be actively employed and provided longer duration of care compared with low intensity caregivers. For low intensity caregiving, females, those aged 35–59 years, and those with long-term condition were more likely to have negative effects on health. Daily activities of non-Malays were more likely to be affected, while no factor was found significantly associated with effect on social activities. For high intensity caregiving, caregivers aged 60 and over, those received training and those without assistance were more likely to have negative effects on health. Daily activities of those without assistance were more likely to be affected. Social activities of non-Malays, those received training and those providing care for 2 years or more were more likely to be affected. Our study indicates that both low- and high-intensity caregivers have common features, with the exception of employment status and care duration. Caregiving, regardless of intensity, has a significant impact on caregivers. In order to reduce the negative consequences of caregiving responsibilities, all caregivers need assistance from the community and government, that is customised to their needs. By addressing the factors contributing to the negative effects of caregiving, a continuation of informal caregiving can be sustained through policies supporting the growing demand for informal care necessitated by an ageing population and higher life expectancy in Malaysia.
What, If Anything, Most Memorable Personal Moral Dilemmas Can Tell Us About Women’s and Men’s Moral Competence?

Most all popular moral reasoning or moral judgment tests are based on presenting subjects with two or more hypothetical moral dilemmas and asking them to make judgments on the moral quality of arguments supporting and questioning a protagonist’s decision (e.g., the Moral Competence Test by G. Lind). Although these tests have been insightful by tapping some aspect of individuals’ moral-cognitive schemas, moral maturity, or moral development, they also have limitations. Hypothetical moral dilemmas may be too abstract and impersonal, thus failing to create enough emotional salience. Learning more about real-life personally recalled moral dilemmas may reveal more about the individual’s moral mind and experiences. Objective. The current study was conducted to learn more about the personally experienced moral dilemmas, and how they relate to subjects’ level of moral competence and gender. Method. Subjects were asked to recall the most challenging personal moral dilemma; subjects completed the MCT test to measure moral competence. Results. Among some of the findings was that for both, men and women, higher moral competence scores were positively correlated with recalling personal moral dilemmas where the choice had to be made between some altruistic (care for others) and selfish actions. For men, it was the risk of compromising one’s status, whereas for women it was the risk of personal safety.
Peptides stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis in human retinal pigment epithelium

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of peptides on inositol lipid turnover and intracellular calcium (Ca2+) levels in cultured human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). METHODS: Cultured human RPE were stimulated with bradykinin, arginine vasopressin (AVP), or bombesin. Accumulation of 3H-inositol phosphates in the presence of 10 mmol/l lithium reflected phosphoinositide (PPI) hydrolysis. Peptide-coupled changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels were determined by fura-2 fluorescence. RESULTS: Bradykinin increased PPI hydrolysis to greater than 300% of basal with an EC50 of 300 nM. Bradykinin-coupled PPI turnover was linear up to 60 min and was blocked by > 90% by the B2 antagonist [Thi5,8,D-Phe7]-bradykinin. AVP stimulated PPI turnover in a linear manner by 260% with an EC50 of 800 nM. The V1 receptor antagonist [beta-mercapto-beta,beta-cyclopentamethylenepropionyl1,-O-Me-Tyr2, A rg8]- vasopressin completely inhibited AVP-induced PPI hydrolysis. Bombesin enhanced PPI hydrolysis by 185% with an EC50 of 1 nM. Stimulation was linear up to 60 min and was blocked by > 90% by the bombesin antagonist [Leu13-psi(CH2NH)-Leu14] bombesin. In fura-2-loaded human RPE cells, the resting intracellular Ca2+ concentration was 105 +/- 32 nM (n = 29). Bradykinin increased peak intracellular Ca2+ to 764 +/- 71 nM, AVP to 310 +/- 42 nM, and bombesin to 234 +/- 20.4 nM. CONCLUSIONS: Peptide-stimulated inositol lipid turnover is coupled to cytosolic Ca2+ flux in cultured human RPE.
Work, Sociology of

The nature of work, central to human existence, is discussed from the twin perspectives of sociology and sociocultural anthropology. The article examines the value-laden meanings and the dimensions of ‘work.’ A brief history and salient conceptual issues of the West's sociology of work are reviewed. ‘Work’ is a culture-bound scholarly concept and folk idea regarding both a process and its accomplished state. Among Europeans, as etymologically rooted and in folk views, ‘work’ is conceived as all endeavors. Many scholars analytically narrow work's definition to the creating of goods and services valued in a society. This valuing of work necessarily depends upon an observer's socialized view, varying even within a specific society. Work has a personal dimension. It helps define the self and obtain positive affect from community and other reference groups. Psycho-culturally, work greatly affects the integration of personality. Work has a social dimension. It concerns interpersonal relationship as well as productive output. Each society structures work with its native, cultural conception of time. Without timing, a society's work becomes dysfunctionally independent instead of functionally interdependent. Work could be defined as gainful, a livelihood. Such gain is either an increment or a saving of something valued, either incorporeal or material.
Studying visual cues in fish behavior: a review of ethological techniques

This paper reviews the variety of approaches available to fish ethologists to study the role of visual cues in fish behavior. Examples of studies that have used live fish, mirror images, dummies (i.e. models), or video playback as stimuli to investigate fish behavior are described and discussed. These examples represent a diversity of functional categories of behavior exhibited by fishes, including aggression, courtship, aggregation, or schooling behavior, parent–offspring, predator–prey, and cleaner–host interactions. The specific techniques that fish biologists have used to control or manipulate body shape, size, posture, morphological structures, color, marking patterns, or movement are systematically discussed, and the importance of each of these visual features to fish behavior is documented through examples. Studies that have used these techniques to investigate the interaction between visual and nonvisual cues are also considered. Each section encompassing a general experimental approach ends with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of that approach for studying fish behavior.
A simplified method of analysis of cell-conditioned medium forInsulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) activity

To facilitate further investigation of the relationship between IGF-I and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) and their effect on myogenic satellite cells, we developed a procedure for rapid screening of cell-conditioned medium for free IGF-I. This method involves the adaptation and implementation of a DNA vacuum blotting manifold, which allows detection of a broad range of IGF-I and is rather sensitive (detection < 10 ng) when compared to western immunoblots. Additionally, this dot-blot method requires less than 40 minutes prior to the addition of the blotto-antibody mixture. Application of the dot-blot method for analysis of free IGF-I levels in conditioned medium samples offers an alternative to the use of western immunoblots, and may be used in initial screening of large numbers of conditioned medium samples.
Adam Krims, Music and Urban Geography

In Music and Urban Geography Adam Krims revisits, reconsiders, and recycles ideas that have captured his imagination for well over a decade. Here he presents his ruminations in a series of loosely ...
Not Just a Leg Show: Gayness and Male Homoeroticism in Burlesque, 1868 to 1877

While contemporaries and historians alike construct the theatrical genre of burlesque as a "leg show," a commercialised spectacle of female nudity for masculine visual pleasure, evidence from burlesque performances during the years 1868 to 1877 demonstrate that the forms of sexuality represented are much more diverse, complicated, and fluid than these writers suggest. While burlesque may have been a leg show for many Victorians, burlesque representations in the post-bellum era also helped to create and disseminate social types related to subcultures of men who love men - the gay dandy and the fairy - and utilised coded narratives to represent and legitimise sexual relations between men.
Bicriticality and Partial Differential Approximants

The question of understanding multicriticality is explained with emphasis on bicriticality and the anticipated scaling behavior. The problem Is posed of checking theoretical ideas and obtaining reliable estimates for model properties on the basis of series expansions In two variables of restricted length. Inhomogeneous partial differential approximants are defined and shown to be capable of meeting the challenge. Their principal properties are explained and techniques for their use are illustrated by application to bicritical behavior where both a crucial amplitude ratio and the full scaling function can be estimated with good precision.
Back in the Saddle Again: Ethics, Visibility, and Aging on Screen

This paper engages with filmic portrayals of older adults in the U.S. in order to ask questions about the impacts of mass media on reproducing, critiquing, or interrogating mainstream values and assumptions about aging. The study considers the recent Hollywood works The Expendables (2010) and R.E.D. (2010), as well as the independent documentary Young@Heart (2007). We forefront questions of visibility, invisibility, and recognition both in terms of what experiences and realities are rendered visible or invisible by mass media, but also in terms of the subjective experiences of many older adults in the United States.
Microcomputer History and Prehistory - An Archaeological Beginning

Calculators, computers, and video games are all high-tech tools of the mind. Teachers find students fascinated by early examples and willing to engage in high-tech archaeological searches in their local community. The cost is usually low - sometimes nothing - since companies are willing often to give away or donate surplus equipment, and old video games are common garage sale items. These artifacts, combined with their disks and cartridges, may be disassembled and analyzed, restored and displayed or operated as functioning units-an archaeological challenge that motivates students and gives them a historical perspective about the computer revolution, both its software and hardware.