cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Second-order adaptive Volterra system identification based on discrete nonlinear Wiener model

The authors present the nonlinear LMS adaptive filtering algorithm based on the discrete nonlinear Wiener model for second-order Volterra system identification application. The main approach is to perform a complete orthogonalisation procedure on the truncated Volterra series. This allows the use of the LMS adaptive linear filtering algorithm for calculating all the coefficients with efficiency. This orthogonalisation method is based on the nonlinear discrete Wiener model. It contains three sections: a single-input multi-output linear with memory section, a multi-input, multi-output nonlinear no-memory section and a multi-input, single-output amplification and summary section. For a white Gaussian noise input signal, the autocorrelation matrix of the adaptive filter input vector can be diagonalised unlike when using the Volterra model. This dramatically reduces the eigenvalue spread and results in more rapid convergence. Also, the discrete nonlinear Wiener model adaptive system allows us to represent a complicated Volterra system with only few coefficient terms. In general, it can also identify the nonlinear system without over-parameterisation. A theoretical performance analysis of steady-state behaviour is presented. Computer simulations are also included to verify the theory.
The Cultural/Racial Dimension of Psychotic Disorders in African American Patients:

Studies of race differences in psychotic disorders frequently show greater severity among African Americans. An intraracial or cultural analysis of psychotic symptoms was conducted to better unders...
Trip-Based Optimal Power Management of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have demonstrated the capability to improve fuel economy and emissions. The plug-in HEV (PHEV), utilizing more battery power, has become a more attractive upgrade of the HEV. The charge-depletion mode is more appropriate for the power management of PHEVs, i.e., the state of charge (SOC) is expected to drop to a low threshold when the vehicle reaches the trip destination. Trip information has so far been considered as future information for vehicle operation and is thus not available a priori. This situation can be changed by the recent advancement in intelligent transportation systems (ITSs) based on the use of on-board global positioning systems (GPSs), geographical information systems (GISs), and advanced traffic flow modeling techniques. In this paper, a new approach to optimal power management of PHEVs in the charge-depletion mode is proposed with driving cycle modeling based on the historic traffic information. A dynamic programming (DP) algorithm is applied to reinforce the charge-depletion control such that the SOC drops to a specific terminal value at the end of the driving cycle. The vehicle model was based on a hybrid electric sport utility vehicle (SUV). Only fuel consumption is considered for the current stage of the study. A simulation study was conducted for several standard driving cycles and two trip models using the proposed method, and the results showed significant improvement in fuel economy compared with a rule-based control and a depletion sustenance control for most cases. Furthermore, the results showed much better consistency in fuel economy compared with rule-based and depletion sustenance control.
The effects of theaflavin-enriched black tea extract on muscle soreness, oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine responses to acute anaerobic interval training: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.

Muscle soreness and decreased performance often follow a bout of high-intensity exercise. By reducing these effects, an athlete can train more frequently and increase long-term performance. The purpose of this study is to examine whether a high-potency, black tea extract (BTE) alters the delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), oxidative stress, inflammation, and cortisol (CORT) responses to high-intensity anaerobic exercise. College-age males (N = 18) with 1+ yrs of weight training experience completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Subjects consumed the BTE (1,760 mg BTE·d-1) or placebo (PLA) for 9 days. Each subject completed two testing sessions (T1 & T2), which occurred on day 7 of the intervention. T1 & T2 consisted of a 30 s Wingate Test plus eight 10 s intervals. Blood samples were obtained before, 0, 30 & 60 min following the interval sessions and were used to analyze the total to oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH:GSSG), 8-isoprostane (8-iso), CORT, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) secretion. DOMS was recorded at 24 & 48 h post-test using a visual analog scale while BTE or PLA continued to be administered. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Compared to PLA, BTE produced significantly higher average peak power (P = 0.013) and higher average mean power (P = 0.067) across nine WAnT intervals. BTE produced significantly lower DOMS compared to PLA at 24 h post test (P < 0.001) and 48 h post test (P < 0.001). Compared to PLA, BTE had a slightly higher GSH:GSSG ratio at baseline which became significantly higher at 30 and 60 min post test (P < 0.002). AUC analysis revealed BTE to elicit significantly lower GSSG secretion (P = 0.009), significantly higher GSH:GSSG ratio (P = 0.001), and lower CORT secretion (P = 0.078) than PLA. AUC analysis did not reveal a significant difference in total IL-6 response (P = 0.145) between conditions. Consumption of theaflavin-enriched black tea extract led to improved recovery and a reduction in oxidative stress and DOMS responses to acute anaerobic intervals. An improved rate of recovery can benefit all individuals engaging in high intensity, anaerobic exercise as it facilitates increased frequency of exercise.
Work in progress - the undergraduate general chemistry laboratory as an informal learning environment: a phenomenographical study

Goals and characteristics of the undergraduate general chemistry laboratory and the science museum have many similarities, yet studies show that poor attitudes are associated with the laboratory and positive attitudes are associated with informal learning environments such as the science museum. Using phenomenography, this study defines the possible attitudes of undergraduate students relating to both environments, and categorizes the components of the environments that affect these attitudes. Comparing attitude-affecting components of the laboratory to the science museum yields information on areas of the laboratory that could benefit from the incorporation of informal characteristics, improving student attitudes. This work in progress describes preliminary results on student attitudes in the museum and what components have an effect on their attitudes
Ligand Requirements for glmS Ribozyme Self-Cleavage

Natural RNA catalysts (ribozymes) perform essential reactions in biological RNA processing and protein synthesis, whereby catalysis is intrinsic to RNA structure alone or in combination with metal ion cofactors. The recently discovered glmS ribozyme is unique in that it functions as a glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN6P)-dependent catalyst believed to enable "riboswitch" regulation of amino-sugar biosynthesis in certain prokaryotes. However, it is unclear whether GlcN6P functions as an effector or coenzyme to promote ribozyme self-cleavage. Herein, we demonstrate that ligand is absolutely requisite for glmS ribozyme self-cleavage activity. Furthermore, catalysis both requires and is dependent upon the acid dissociation constant (pKa) of the amine functionality of GlcN6P and related compounds. The data demonstrate that ligand is integral to catalysis, consistent with a coenzyme role for GlcN6P and illustrating an expanded capacity for biological RNA catalysis.
Direct and maternal genetic effects on body weight maturing patterns in mice

Direct and maternal genetic effects were evaluated for maturing patterns of body weight in mice using a crossfostering design. Crossfostering was performed in one group using dams from populations selected for rapid growth rate (M16 and H6) and their reciprocal F1. crosses. A second crossfostering group consisted of dams from the respective control populations (ICR and C2) and their reciprocal F1. 's. Population differences were partitioned into direct and maternal effects due to genetic origin, correlated selection responses, heterosis and cytoplasmic or sex-linked effects. Degree of maturity was calculated at birth, 12, 21, 31 and 42 days of age by dividing body weight at each age by 63-day weight. Absolute and relative maturing rates were calculated in adjacent age intervals between birth and 63 days. Genetic origin effects (ICR vs. C2; M16 vs. H6) were significant for many maturity traits, with average direct being more important than average maternal genetic effects. In general, correlated responses to selection for maturity traits were larger in the M16 population (M16 vs. ICR) than in the H6 population (H6 vs. C2) and correlated responses in average direct effects were larger than average maternal effects. Positive correlated responses in average direct effects were found for relative maturing rates at all ages and for absolute maturing rates from 31 to 63 days. Apparent correlated responses in degree of maturity were negative for M16 and H6. However, further analysis suggested that the correlated response for degree of maturity in H6 may be positive at later ages and negative at earlier ages. Direct and maternal heterosis for degree of maturity was positive in the selected and control crosses. Absolute and relative maturing rates showed positive heterosis initially, followed by negative heterosis. Reciprocal differences due to the cytoplasm or sex-linkage were not important for patterns of maturity.
Observational Evidence That Enhanced Subsidence Reduces Subtropical Marine Boundary Layer Cloudiness

Conventional wisdom suggests that subsidence favors the presence of marine stratus and stratocumulus because regions of enhanced boundary layer cloudiness are observed to climatologically co-occur with regions of enhanced subsidence. Here it is argued that the climatological positive correlation between subsidence and cloudinessisnottheresultofadirectphysicalmechanismconnectingthetwo.Instead,itarisesbecauseenhanced subsidence is typically associated with stronger temperature inversions capping the marine boundary layer, and stronger temperature inversions favor greater cloudiness. Through statistical analysis of satellite cloud data and meteorological reanalyses for thesubsidenceregime over tropical (308S‐308N) oceans, itisshown that enhanced subsidence promotes reduced cloudiness for the same value of inversion strength and that a stronger inversion favors greater cloudiness for the same value of subsidence. Using a simple conceptual model, it is argued that
Self-Organizing Neural Networks for Multitarget Track Initiation

This paper describes our work with self-organizing neural networks which are dominated by competitive inhibition. Our research has shown that such networks will eventually cluster their internal states about the modes of a stimulating probability density function and therefore can be used in parameter estimation problems characterized by nonGaussian or multimodal densities. In particular, we present simulation results demonstrating the application of these neural networks to multitarget track initiation problems.
An agent-based simulation of a tuberculosis epidemic: understanding the timing of transmission

Tuberculosis (TB) transmission is a key factor for disease-control policy, but the timing and distribution of transmission and the role of social contacts remain obscure. We develop an agent-based simulation of a TB epidemic in a single population, and consider a hierarchically structured contact network in three levels, typical of airborne diseases. The parameters are adopted from the literature, and the model is calibrated to a setting of high TB incidence. We model the dynamics of transmission at the individual level, and study the timing of secondary infections from a single source throughout the duration of the disease. We compare the patterns of transmission among different networks and discuss implications. Sensitivity analysis of outputs indicates the robustness of the results to variations in the parameter values.
Lateral Transfer in Natural Populations of Eukaryotes

Although there are several likely instances of trans-kingdom lateral transfer of genomic sequences involving eukaryotes and prokaryotes, almost all well-documented cases of eukaryote to eukaryote transfer seem to involve mobile elements or other parasitic sequences. Consistent with general observations of phylogenetic regularity, the limited molecular evidence suggests that lateral transfer of eukaryotic genomic sequences is at best very rare. However, due to limited data, the possibility of rare transfers that could have considerable evolutionary significance cannot be ruled out. A possible propensity for lateral transfer by mobile elements may reflect their innate capacity for genomic wandering. In addition, occasional cross-species mobility may play a critical role in the long-term evolutionary survival of these elements and have been subject to natural selection. Much work is needed to fully understand the dynamics of TEs and other multigene families. Problems of paralogy, recombination, and variation in evolutionary rates currently present important difficulties in distinguishing conclusively between occasional lateral transfer and strictly vertical transfer. The importance of lateral transfers for host organisms must await answers to more general questions about the long-term evolutionary significance of mobile elements and the extent to which they can act as vectors for host genomic sequences.
The Incredible Years Program for Children from Infancy to Pre-adolescence: Prevention and Treatment of Behavior Problems

The incidence of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD) in children is alarmingly high, with reported cases of early-onset conduct problems occurring in 4–6% of young children (Egger & Angold, 2006), and as high as 35% of young children in low-income families (Webster-Stratton & Hammond, 1998). Developmental theorists have suggested that “early starter” delinquents who first exhibit ODD symptoms in the preschool years have a twofold to threefold risk of becoming chronic juvenile offenders (Loeber et al., 1993; Patterson, Capaldi, & Bank, 1991) compared to typically developing children (Snyder, 2001). Children with early-onset CD also account for a disproportionate share of delinquent acts in adolescence and adulthood, including interpersonal violence, substance abuse, and property crimes. In fact, the primary developmental pathway for serious CDs in adolescence and adulthood appears to be established during the preschool period. Early onset conduct problems represent one of the most costly mental disorders to society because such a large proportion of antisocial children remain involved with mental health agencies or criminal justice systems throughout the course of their lives.
A unique case of penetrating neck and cervical spine trauma resulting in vertebral artery transection and internal carotid artery laceration.

Abstract Objectives Describe the presentation and treatment of a patient who suffered a penetrating cervical trauma resulting in occlusion of the vertebral and internal carotid arteries. Methods The electronic medical record was used to collect information pertaining to the patient's clinical history. Results A 20-year-old male suffered a unique penetrating neck injury resulting in simultaneous injuries to the internal carotid and vertebral arteries as demonstrated by pre-operative angiography. Combined endovascular and open surgical approaches were utilized to successfully manage the vascular injuries prior to foreign body extraction. Conclusion Complex penetrating cervical trauma is best managed with a multidisciplinary and multimodality approach. In appropriately selected patients, pre-operative angiography is a critical diagnostic modality that can prevent life-threatening hemorrhage following foreign body extraction.
Macrocycle-Based Hydroxamate Ligands for Complexation and Immunoconjugation of 89Zirconium for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging

Four novel chelators (L1-L4) and their 89zirconium complexes were prepared and compared with the 89zirconium desferrioxamine B (DFO) complex. The new chelates are based on 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen) and 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) scaffolds and present either three or four hydroxamate arms for coordination with Zr4+ ions with coordination numbers between six and eight. The 89Zr-L4 complex showed similar stability to that of 89Zr-DFO when incubated in either rat blood plasma or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid challenge experiments. Positron imaging and biodistribution studies in mice showed that 89Zr-L4 had similar pharmacokinetic behavior to that of 89Zr-DFO, with rapid renal elimination and low residual activity in background tissues. A bifunctional version of L4 (L5) was synthesized and conjugated to trastuzumab; an anti-HER2/neu antibody. Immunopositron emission tomography imaging and biodistribution with 89Zr-L5-trastuzumab revealed high tumor to background ratios (tumor/blood ratio: 14.2 ± 2.25) and a high tumor specificity that was comparable to the performance of 89Zr-DFO-trastuzumab.
Exploitation by Wrap Contracts -- Click 'Agree'

A spate of news articles involving online agreements has made headlines recently. They provide cautionary tales of the brave new world of wrap contracts where unwitting users can be exploited simply by clicking "agree." Wrap contracts — particularly digital ones such as clickwraps and browsewraps — govern most online activity, setting rules and giving companies broad enforcement discretion. Despite their ubiquity on the Internet and their increasing importance in online interactions, consumers discount or ignore how wrap contracts affect their rights and leave them vulnerable. This essay explains why these recent examples mark a turning point in the role of wrap contracts in Internet governance — and why consumers should be very wary of clicking "agree."
Calculations of optical conductivity in a two-band superconductor: Pb

We demonstrate the effect of band structure on the superconducting properties of Pb by calculating the strong-coupling features in the optical conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ due to the electron-phonon interaction. The importance of momentum dependence in the calculation of the properties of superconductors has previously been raised for $\mathrm{Mg}{\mathrm{B}}_{2}$ [H. J. Choi et al., Phys. Rev. B 66, 020513(R) (2002); Nature (London) 418, 758 (2002)]. Pb resembles $\mathrm{Mg}{\mathrm{B}}_{2}$ in that it is a two-band superconductor in which the bands' contributions to the Fermi surface have very different topologies. We calculate $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ by calculating a memory function [W. G\"otze and P. W\"olfle, Phys. Rev. B 6, 1226 (1972)], which has been recently used to analyze $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ of ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}\mathrm{Ca}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{8+\ensuremath{\delta}}$. [J. Hwang et al., Nature (London) 427, 714 (2004)]. In our calculations, the two components of the Fermi surface are described by parametrizations of de Haas\char21{}van Alphen data. We use a phonon spectrum that is a fit to neutron scattering data. By including the momentum dependence of the Fermi surface, a good agreement is found with the experimentally determined strong-coupling features, which can be described by a broad peak at around $4.5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{meV}$ and a narrower higher peak at around $8\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{meV}$ of equal height. The calculated features are found to be dominated by scattering between states within the third band. By contrast, scattering between states in the second band leads to strong-coupling features in which the height of the high energy peak is reduced by $\ensuremath{\sim}50%$ compared to that of the low energy peak. This result is similar to that in the conventional isotropic (momentum independent) treatment of superconductivity. Our results show that it is important to use realistic models of the band structure and phonons and to avoid using momentum averaged quantities in calculations in order to get quantitatively accurate results.
External Ear Sarcoma: A Review of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Result (SEER 17) Database:

Soft-tissue sarcomas arising in the skin of the external ear have a better prognosis than might be expected based on the behavior of other sarcomas. Currently there are a few major case series analyzing soft-tissue sarcomas and the factors related to their prognosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the behavior of these tumors and attempt to define factors affecting prognosis. We extracted data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Result (SEER) 17 Registry and identified a total of 297 patients with sarcoma of the external ear who were included in the registry from 1973 to 2004. Of these, 176 (59.3%) patients were diagnosed with malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Dermatofibrosarcoma was the second most prevalent soft-tissue sarcoma (56 patients; 18.9%), followed by leiomyosarcoma (27 patients; 9.1%). The overall 5-year survival rate of patients with all histologic types of STS of the external ear was 78.5%.
Flight Testing of a Subscale Aeroservoelastic Aircraft

The interaction of an aircraft's structure and the ight dynamics is an increasing concern in modern aircraft. These interactions can cause instabilities such as body-freedom utter or can degrade the performance of a controller designed only considering the rigid body ight dynamics. Subscale vehicles could be used to understand the problem and validate the solutions, but current scaling methods are inadequate for these complex systems. To validate earlier theoretical scaling work, a subscale vehicle has been designed which shows signi cant coupling between the ight dynamics and structural dynamics. Output error system identi cation was used to identify a model from the ight test data. As expected, the new exible aircraft showed that if the dynamics are restricted to the short-period mode and the structural dynamics, then the Froude number has little e ect on the dynamics.
Nanocontact Electrification: Patterned Surface Charges Affecting Adhesion, Transfer, and Printing

Contact electrification creates an invisible mark, overlooked and often undetected by conventional surface spectroscopic measurements. It impacts our daily lives macroscopically during electrostatic discharge and is equally relevant on the nanoscale in areas such as soft lithography, transfer, and printing. This report describes a new conceptual approach to studying and utilizing contact electrification beyond prior surface force apparatus and point-contact implementations. Instead of a single point contact, our process studies nanocontact electrification that occurs between multiple nanocontacts of different sizes and shapes that can be formed using flexible materials, in particular, surface-functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) stamps and other common dielectrics (PMMA, SU-8, PS, PAA, and SiO(2)). Upon the formation of conformal contacts and forced delamination, contacted regions become charged, which is directly observed using Kelvin probe force microscopy revealing images of charge with sub-100-nm lateral resolution. The experiments reveal chemically driven interfacial proton exchange as the dominant charging mechanism for the materials that have been investigated so far. The recorded levels of uncompensated charges approach the theoretical limit that is set by the dielectric breakdown strength of the air gap that forms as the surfaces are delaminated. The macroscopic presence of the charges is recorded using force-distance curve measurements involving a balance and a micromanipulator to control the distance between the delaminated objects. Coulomb attraction between the delaminated surfaces reaches 150 N/m(2). At such a magnitude, the force finds many applications. We demonstrate the utility of printed charges in the fields of (i) nanoxerography and (ii) nanotransfer printing whereby the smallest objects are ∼10 nm in diameter and the largest objects are in the millimeter to centimeter range. The printed charges are also shown to affect the electronic properties of contacted surfaces. For example, in the case of a silicon-on-insulator field effect transistors are in contact with PDMS and subsequent delamination leads to threshold voltage shifts that exceed 500 mV.
Transient core level spectroscopy at M-edges of 3d metals

We are developing a high harmonic generation-based IR-UV pump-extreme ultraviolet probe beamline to perform transient grating spectroscopy.
The generalist health care workforce - Issues and goals

The generalist health care workforce in the United States is best characterized as those practitioners who deliver primary care services. These include most family physicians, general internists, general pediatricians, nurse practitioners, osteopathic family physicians, and physician assistants. Based on a variety of factors, including health care needs, managed care/HMO hiring practices, international comparisons, and health care costs, the case for increasing the amount and proportion of generalist providers is compelling. Projections strongly suggest a worsening shortfall of generalists if no change is made. Changing the career choices of medical students to promote generalism, even significantly, will take 20 years or more to have a meaningful impact. Therefore, retraining specialist physicians in oversupply to practice as generalists is an important option to consider. To best meet the nation’s health care needs, three issues need to be addressed in the context of health care reform: the creation of a “system” of generalist care that integrates into a coherent and collaborative framework the scopes of practice of the various generalist disciplines; the pursuit of a workable short-term model to convert specialist physicians into generalist physicians, led jointly by family medicine, general internal medicine, and general pediatrics; and a significant change in the medical education process to produce an ample supply of well-trained generalists.
Progress in Fiber Optic Acoustic and Seismic Sensing

A review of the progress in fiber optic acoustic and seismic sensor systems is presented. Common advancements in areas such as multiplexing are covered as well as specific progress in transducers and application areas.
Implementation of a Modular Hands-on Learning Pedagogy: Student Attitudes in a Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer Course.

This study used a within-subjects experimental design to compare the effects of learning with lecture and hands-on desktop learning modules in a fluid mechanics and heat transfer class. The hands-on DLM implementation included the use of worksheets and one of two heat exchangers: an evaporative cooling device and a shell and tube heat exchanger. A survey was administered at the end of the course to assess students’ attitudes and self-identified conceptual understanding for the DLMs and lecture. Results indicate that 72% of students receiving the hands-on DLM treatment thought it helped more than lecture; of those receiving lecture, 40% thought that it helped more than the DLM to learn heat transfer concepts. With respect to conceptual understanding, 72% of students agreed they understand and can apply principles related to heat exchangers well, with 28% unsure of their own conceptual understanding. Nearly a third of the free responses indicate students also want lecture in the classroom, with a corollary that the DLMs are only effective after a foundation in heat transfer has been established. Thus, one practical implication of the study is that lectures should first be used to explicate concepts and provide a good foundation that can then be developed further through the use of modular DLMs.
Genetic variance of the nucleoprotein gene of measles virus strains in Henan province of China

Objective To characterize the genetic features of wild type measles viruses isolated in Henan province of China from 2010 to 2011.Methods Measles viruses were isolated from the specimens collected from measles suspected cases using the Vero/Slam cell culture system.A 676-nucleotide(nt)long fragment of the carboxyl end of the nucleoprotein gene was amplified by reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR).The PCR products were sequenced and analyzed.Phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the 450 nucleotides of the carboxyl end of the nucleoprotein gene.The distance between the isolated virus and the reference virus was further analyzed and the amino acid(aa)sequence was deducted accordingly.Results Fourty-nine strains of wild type measles viruses were isolated in Henan province from 2010 to 2011 and all were identified as H1a genotype.Comparing to the reference sequence,most of the strains in our study showed nucleotide variances in 4 positions that lead to the changes in the deducted amino acid sequence.The positions of nucleotide(nt)and the corresponding amino acid(aa)were 139 nt(G to A)/422 aa(G to S),244 nt(A to G)/457 aa(S to G),298 nt(C to A)/475 aa(L to I),365 nt(G to A)/497 aa(R to K).Conclusions The genotype of measles virus circulating in Henan province from 2010 to 2011 is H1a with amino acid variations at 4 locations in the nucleoptorein gene.
How arousal influences neural competition: What dual competition does not explain

We argue that although the "dual competition" model is useful when considering interactions between emotional and neutral stimuli, it fails to account for the influence of emotional arousal on perceptual or goal-directed behavior involving neutral stimuli. We present the "arousal-biased competition" framework as an alternative that accounts for both scenarios.
The Community-engaged Scholars Program: Designing a professional development program to enhance individual capacity, community benefit and institutional support

The University of Minnesota Extension’s Community-engaged Scholars Program is a competency-based, multidisciplinary, cohort-based faculty development program offering a “Learning Circle” grounded in adult learning theory paired with funding for community-engaged research. It aims to build capacity for community-engaged scholarship, catalyze institutional support, and benefit community partners. This special issue introduction describes the theoretical underpinnings, development, and implementation of the program and provides context for papers that follow describing the Learning Circle, participating scholars’ insights, and evaluation results.
Classification of modulation of signals of interest

In this paper, we present a novel algorithm to automatically characterize and classify the modulation of signals of interest (SOI). To uniquely characterize SOIs that are closely related, we have derived a set of robust features that are based on information theoretic measures such as Renyi entropy and relative entropy and high order statistics. Two measures based on mutual information and relative entropy are also developed to assess the value of a feature - a mutual-information based measure is used to select non-redundant features and a relative entropy based measure is used to select a feature that would improve the classification accuracy. We have developed a multi-class classifier that is constructed by combining a set of binary support vector machines (SVMs). Our experimental results show that the features that we have considered can characterize the modulation of different closely related SOIs very well, and that our modulation classifier is efficient and effective in classifying the modulation of a signal with an average accuracy of 99.5% at SNR of 10 dB. The techniques developed in this paper can be used to classify the modulation of communication signals.
Evolution and structure of the growth hormone gene cluster

Within the past 10 years, molecular genetic techniques have yielded a wealth of new information about growth hormones (GHs), prolactins, and placental lactogens (Pls). Cloned cDNA copies of messenger RNAs permit sequence comparisons of related peptide hormones within and between species. Genomic clones reveal details of gene structure and, in some cases, disclose clusters of duplicated genes. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings about this large family of hormone genes, with special emphasis upon evolution of the human GH and chorionic somatomammotropin (CS) gene cluster.
Expression of Terminal Effector Genes in Mammalian Neurons Is Maintained by a Dynamic Relay of Transient Enhancers.

Generic spinal motor neuron identity is established by cooperative binding of programming transcription factors (TFs), Isl1 and Lhx3, to motor-neuron-specific enhancers. How expression of effector genes is maintained following downregulation of programming TFs in maturing neurons remains unknown. High-resolution exonuclease (ChIP-exo) mapping revealed that the majority of enhancers established by programming TFs are rapidly deactivated following Lhx3 downregulation in stem-cell-derived hypaxial motor neurons. Isl1 is released from nascent motor neuron enhancers and recruited to new enhancers bound by clusters of Onecut1 in maturing neurons. Synthetic enhancer reporter assays revealed that Isl1 operates as an integrator factor, translating the density of Lhx3 or Onecut1 binding sites into transient enhancer activity. Importantly, independent Isl1/Lhx3- and Isl1/Onecut1-bound enhancers contribute to sustained expression of motor neuron effector genes, demonstrating that outwardly stable expression of terminal effector genes in postmitotic neurons is controlled by a dynamic relay of stage-specific enhancers.
Pilot randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness-based group intervention in adolescent girls at risk for type 2 diabetes with depressive symptoms.

Objective (1) Evaluate feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based group in adolescent girls at-risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) with depressive symptoms, and (2) compare efficacy of a mindfulness-based versus cognitive-behavioral group for decreasing depressive symptoms and improving insulin resistance.
Therapy for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Asian Americans constitute a highly diverse group of people who populate most of the planet Earth. To be asked to discuss the therapy of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and to respond to such a request as if this were a feasible and think-able undertaking, requires a bit of grandiosity. Thus, from the very beginning I have to begin with a caveat. I must acknowledge the diversity and complexity of the peoples of Asia and the Pacific Islands, and for that reason this chapter cannot pretend to outline therapy for each and every cultural subgroup. The task becomes even more monumental when one considers the generational differences, the special cases, and the individual differences that are important among all human beings regardless of ethnicity.
Benchmarking Against the Performance of High Profile 'Scandal' Firms

In recent years, several high profile firms engaged in accounting fraud that resulted in severe investor losses and erosion of trust in the capital markets. We examine high profile accounting "scandals" prosecuted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Unlike most prior literature, we focus on the negative consequences that these "scandal firms" caused on competing firms. We find preliminary evidence that the compensation earned by executives in competing firms decreased as scandal firms performed better via inflated results. We also find that competing firms managed earnings more when their performance was lagging behind the performance of the "scandal firm".
Engineered Sialylation of Pathogenic Antibodies In Vivo Attenuates Autoimmune Disease

Self-reactive IgGs contribute to the pathology of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Paradoxically, IgGs are used to treat inflammatory diseases in the form of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Distinct glycoforms on the IgG crystallizable fragment (Fc) dictate these divergent functions. IgG anti-inflammatory activity is attributed to sialylation of the Fc glycan. We therefore sought to convert endogenous IgG to anti-inflammatory mediators in vivo by engineering solubilized glycosyltransferases that attach galactose or sialic acid. When both enzymes were administered in a prophylactic or therapeutic fashion, autoimmune inflammation was markedly attenuated in vivo. The enzymes worked through a similar pathway to IVIG, requiring DC-SIGN, STAT6 signaling, and FcγRIIB. Importantly, sialylation was highly specific to pathogenic IgG at the site of inflammation, driven by local platelet release of nucleotide-sugar donors. These results underscore the therapeutic potential of glycoengineering in vivo.
South Asian monsoon precipitation in CMIP5: a link between inter-model spread and the representations of tropical convection

CMIP5 models exhibit a mean dry bias and a large inter-model spread in simulating South Asian monsoon precipitation but the origins of the bias and spread are not well understood. Using moisture and energy budget analysis that exploits the weak temperature gradients in the tropics, we derived a non-linear relationship between the normalized precipitation and normalized precipitable water that is similar to the non-linear relationship between precipitation and precipitable water found in previous observational studies. About half of the 21 models analyzed fall in the steep gradient of the non-linear relationship where small differences in the normalized precipitable water in the equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO) manifest in large differences in normalized precipitation in the region. Models with larger normalized precipitable water in the EIO during spring contribute disproportionately to the large inter-model spread and multi-model mean dry bias in monsoon precipitation through perturbations of the large-scale winds. Thus the intermodel spread in precipitable water over EIO leads to the dry bias in the multi-model mean South Asian monsoon precipitation. The models with high normalized precipitable water over EIO also project larger response to warming and dominate the inter-model spread in the multi-model projections of monsoon rainfall. Conversely, models on the flat side of the relationship between normalized precipitation and precipitable water are in better agreement with each other and with observations. On average these models project a smaller increase in the projected monsoon precipitation than that from multi-model mean. This study identified the normalized precipitable water over EIO, which is determined by the relationship between the profiles of convergence and moisture and therefore is an essential outcome of the treatment of convection, as a key metric for understanding model biases and differentiating model skill in simulating South Asian monsoon precipitation.
Does Religiosity Affect Liquidity in Financial Markets

Abstract A growing body of research shows that religious culture can influence both macroeconomic and firm-specific outcomes. In this study, we examine how religiosity influences the liquidity of cross-listed stocks. These tests are important given the literature that shows that firms choose (in part) to cross-list their securities in order to access greater liquidity, which can reduce firms’ costs of capital. Using an instrumental variable approach, results show that religiosity directly influences the liquidity of cross-listed securities. This link might best be explained by a growing body of research that suggests that religiosity is directly associated with the ethical behavior of firm managers. To the extent that this association exists, the liquidity provider’s cost of holding a risky inventory of shares might be lower, thus resulting in an overall improvement in liquidity.
Sequential Circuit Test Generation

In general, digital circuits with storage capability, or “memory”, are called sequential circuits, while digital circuits without storage capability are called combinational circuits. The outputs of a sequential circuit not only depend on the current inputs, but also depend on the past conditions, or “history”, of the inputs. Sequential circuits are also called finite state machines (FSM’s).
Effects of Aggregate Packing on Concrete Strength and Consistency

Designing concrete based on aggregate packing and optimized gradations can result in 25 % less cement content to reach a targeted compressive strength and less water-reducing admixture to obtain a required consistency. In this research, two studies were conducted: (1) an experimental analysis to determine the effects of aggregate packing on concrete strength and consistency; and (2) an investigation of the relationship between the traditional dry-rodded and the vibrated aggregate packing. Excellent correlation was found between 240 packing results, which can be applied to the modified mixture design method presented. Also, 40 slump and 120 compressive strength standard tests were performed to evaluate the effects of reducing cement content by 7.5, 15, 20, and 25 % to slump and compressive strength of concrete mixtures. The compressive strength of the optimized mixture demonstrated less susceptibility to variations due to cement content reductions when compared to nonoptimized mixtures. The Modified Coarse Factor Chart can be used to design an optimized concrete mixture efficiently in conjunction with aggregate gradation and packing, cement content, and concrete consistency.
Strategies for Enhancing Ib Leadership Skills in the Arkansas Delta Region – A Decision Science Approach

Modern business managers operate under intense performance pressures in a turbulent, globalized environment, while dealing with reduced workforces, and hyper-competition. Literature offers a preponderance of evidence to suggest that future global leadership would be founded on the tenets of sustainability and social responsibility. The Bird and Osland Pyramid Model of Global Leadership suggests a progression of knowledge and traits that are cumulative, advancing from bottom to top. At the base lies knowledge of how business is done across borders, basic concepts of international marketing, finance and human resource management. The IB program of the Arkansas State University could be developed to build global leadership capacity. A survey of students and faculty of ASU, and northeast Arkansas business professionals confirmed the need for curricula development to achieve learning in the leadership pyramid.
Antecedents and Implications of Uncertainty in Management: Critical Perspective in Historical Context

Purpose: To explain the antecedents of environmental uncertainty in management using a historical framework. Our goal of developing passion and compassion in management practice and research cannot be achieved unless a better understanding is developed of the main challenge facing researchers and practitioners – uncertainty. Findings and Value: The importance of environmental uncertainty is escalating. Our historical, philosophical and critical view helps scholars explain and interpret uncertainty within their own research and formulate new research questions. Understanding the epistemological assumptions underlying paradigms will better enable researchers and practitioners to face a future filled with uncertainty and equivocality.
The Syntheses of 4,4′-(1,n-Dioxaalkane)-bisbenzaldehydes and 4,4′-(1,n-Dioxaalkane)-bis(α-methoxy Phenylacetic Acids)

Abstract The syntheses of 4,4′-(1,n-dioxaalkane)-bis(α-methoxyphenylacetic acids) were conducted using a base-catalyzed reaction. The reactants were potassium hydroxide (or lithium hydroxide/lithium chloride), bromoform, methanol and 4,4′-(1,n-dioxaalkane)-bisbenzaldehydes. The aldehyde starting materials were prepared using the Williamson ether synthesis, by condensing p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 1,n-dibromoalkanes with lithium hydride in ethanol. The effect of varying the hydrocarbon length in the dioxaalkane bridge unit is a significant consideration (the number of CH2 units in the bridge varying from two to eight) in their acid salt formation. †Current address: D-54Z, R-13, Abbott Laboratories, 1401 Sheridan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064-4000.
Same Language, Different Histories: Developing a “Critical” English Teacher Identity

ABSTRACTOur paper contends that growing awareness of the historicity of English lies at the heart of the process by which English language teachers develop “critical” identities. We compare novice ...
Analysis of surveillance results of iodine deficiency disorders in 2014 in Anhui Province

Objective To explore the iodine nutritional status of people after adjusting iodine content in iodized salt in Anhui Province. Methods In 2014, 30 counties (cities, districts) were selected in Anhui Province according to the probability ratio sampling method (PPS), and one school was selected in each county (city, district), and 50 children aged 8 - 10 years were selected in each school. Urine and household salt samples were collected, urine and salt iodine levels were tested, and thyroid was examined using B-ultrasound. In the township where the school was located, 20 pregnant women's urine samples and household salt samples were collected for urine and salt iodine detection. The salt iodine level was measured by direct titration, Chuan salt and other fortified salt iodine levels were determined by arbitration method (GB/T 13025.7-2012). Urinary iodine was determined by arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry (WS/T 107-2006). Results A total of 1 575 children's household salt samples were collected, the median salt iodine was 23.77 mg/kg, the qualified iodized salt consumption rate was 93.65%(1 475/1 575); 600 household salt samples were collected from pregnant women, the salt iodine median was 23.50 mg/kg, the consumption rate of qualified iodine salt was 96.33% (578/600). A total of 1 575 urine samples were collected from children, the median urinary iodine was 242.20 μg/L; six hundred urine samples were collected from pregnant women, and the median urinary iodine was 158.15 μg/L, 43.33% (13/30) of the counties (cities, districts) pregnant wowen median urinary iodine < 150 μg/L. A total of 1 575 thyroid glands were examined in children aged 8 to 10 years, and the thyroid enlargement rate was 3.75% (59/1 575). Conclusion The iodine nutrition of children aged 8 - 10 years in Anhui Province is higher than the appropriate level, but the iodine is not in the excessive state, and the iodine nutrition of pregnant women in some counties (cities, districts) is insufficient. Key words: Deficiency disorders; Salts; Urine; Iodine
Poirot: private contact summary aggregation: poster abstract

Physical distancing between individuals is key to preventing the spread of a disease such as COVID-19. On the one hand, having access to information about physical interactions is critical for decision makers; on the other, this information is sensitive and can be used to track individuals. In this work, we design Poirot, a system to collect aggregate statistics about physical interactions in a privacy-preserving manner. We show a preliminary evaluation of our system that demonstrates the scalability of our approach even while maintaining strong privacy guarantees.
Theological Imagination in a Throwaway Society: Contending with Waste:

This article treats the topic of consumer waste by beginning with a contemporary story that illustrates the reality and complex dynamics of throwaway culture. Noting the dynamic quality of waste, i...
Centimeter-scale, Rigidly Held, Thermal Noise-Limited Optical Cavity for Mobile Applications

We present a rigidly held 6.3 mm-long, 6 mL-volume optical reference cavity. A laser stabilized to the cavity supports thermal noise-limited phase noise near -160 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz offset on a 10 GHz carrier.