cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Absent Aesthetic

Malcolm Sillars' 1976 statement of the central problems of rhetorical criticism was rooted in the practices of its own time. It did not anticipate the radical decentering of the text, the obsession with power and domination, or the fragmentation of the traditional rhetorical event. While Sillars' ideas are still rich and interesting, the article marks the sea change wrought by three decades in our critical enterprise.
A Completely Blind Video Integrity Oracle

Considerable progress has been made toward developing still picture perceptual quality analyzers that do not require any reference picture and that are not trained on human opinion scores of distorted images. However, there do not yet exist any such completely blind video quality assessment (VQA) models. Here, we attempt to bridge this gap by developing a new VQA model called the video intrinsic integrity and distortion evaluation oracle (VIIDEO). The new model does not require the use of any additional information other than the video being quality evaluated. VIIDEO embodies models of intrinsic statistical regularities that are observed in natural vidoes, which are used to quantify disturbances introduced due to distortions. An algorithm derived from the VIIDEO model is thereby able to predict the quality of distorted videos without any external knowledge about the pristine source, anticipated distortions, or human judgments of video quality. Even with such a paucity of information, we are able to show that the VIIDEO algorithm performs much better than the legacy full reference quality measure MSE on the LIVE VQA database and delivers performance comparable with a leading human judgment trained blind VQA model. We believe that the VIIDEO algorithm is a significant step toward making real-time monitoring of completely blind video quality possible. The software release of VIIDEO can be obtained online ( http://live.ece.utexas.edu/research/quality/VIIDEO_release.zip ).
Spectrum and Energy Levels of Five-Times Ionized Zirconium (Zr VI).

We carried out a new analysis of the spectrum of five-times-ionized zirconium Zr VI. For this we used sliding-spark discharges together with normal- and grazing-incidence spectrographs to observe the spectrum from 160 to 2000 A. These observations showed that the analysis of this spectrum by Khan Z. A. et al. 1985 Phys. Scr.31 837 contained a significant number of incorrect energy levels. We have now classified ∼420 lines as transitions between 23 even-parity levels 73 odd-parity levels. The 4s24p5, 4s4p6, 4s24p44d, 5s, 5d, 6s configurations are now complete, although a few levels of 4s24p45d are tentative. We determined Ritz-type wavelengths for ∼135 lines from the optimized energy levels. The uncertainties range from 0.0003 to 0.0020 A. Hartree-Fock calculations and least-squares fits of the energy parameters to the observed levels were used to interpret the observed configurations. Oscillator strengths for all classified lines were calculated with the fitted parameters. The results are compared with values for the level energies, percentage compositions, and transition probabilities from recent ab initio theoretical calculations. The ionization energy was revised to 777380±300 cm-1 (96.38±0.04 eV).
Subglottic Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Population-Based Study of 889 Cases

ObjectiveSubglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCCa) is a rare malignancy representing <5% of all laryngeal cancers. Patients often present with late-stage disease, and survival outcomes are reportedly worse than those for SCCa in other regions of the larynx.Study DesignAnalysis of a population-based tumor registry.SettingAcademic medical center.Subjects and MethodsThe US National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried for cases of subglottic SCCa from 1973 to 2011 (889 cases). Resulting data were analyzed, including patient demographics, therapeutic measures, and survival outcomes.ResultsSubglottic SCCa most frequently occurred in the fifth to seventh decade of life, with a mean age at diagnosis of 65.7 ± 11.3 years. There was a strong male predilection, with a male:female ratio of 3.83:1. Most patients were stage III and IV (64.4%) per the American Joint Committee on Cancer. The most common treatment modality was a combination of radiotherapy and surgery (38.8%...
The magic bullet hits many targets: Salvarsan's impact on UK health systems, 1909–1943

The development of Salvarsan had a profound impact on venereal disease (VD) care in the UK. Administratively distinct from the general health system, the new system of VD care created by the Royal Commission provided diagnosis and treatment to all regardless of means. The government supplied three-quarters of the centres’ costs and provided Salvarsan free to general practitioners.1 Beyond shaping health systems, the growing importance of Salvarsan also prompted the creation of a new medical subspecialty: venereology, which emerged with its own specialist training track focused on diagnosing, treating and eventually preventing syphilis infection. By the end of 1917, 118 new VD clinics had …
Screwworm Flies for Sterile-Male Releases: Laboratory Observations of the Quality of Newer Candidate Strains

The longevity and mating behavior of 6 Texas and Mexico strains of screwworms, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), were evaluated in the laboratory. None showed any unacceptable degree of laboratory adaptation at the time of testing. The mating behavior of the 3 strains that had the widest geographical origin (Texas, Sonora, Northern Mexico) was more desirable than that of the other strains (Victoria, Muzquiz, Durango).
The Velocity-Field Characteristic Of Indium Nitride

We determine the velocity-field characteristic of wurtzite indium nitride using an ensemble Monte Carlo approach. It is found that indium nitride exhibits an extremely high room temperature peak drift velocity, 4.2 × 10 7 cm/s, at a doping concentration of 1 × 10 17 cm −3 . This exceeds that of gallium nitride, 2.9 × 10 7 cm/s, by approximately 40 %. For our nominal parameter selections, the saturation drift velocity of indium nitride is found to be 1.8 × 10 7 cm/s. The device performance of this material, as characterized by the cut-off frequency, is found to superior to that of gallium nitride, gallium arsenide, and silicon.
Dimerization and Anion Binding of a Fluorescent Phospholipid Analogue

A diarylacetylene fluorophore featuring spatially separated urea and phosphocholine (PC) groups forms a macrocyclic “head-to-tail” dimer stabilized by NHurea···OPPC hydrogen bonds. At concentrations above ∼2 × 10–5 M in CH2Cl2, the emission intensity of the dimer is quenched by HCO3– and H2PO4– but not by Cl– and NO3–. Under more dilute conditions, all four anions are bound unselectively with association constants on the order of 105 M–1.
Approximate solutions to several visibility optimization problems

The visibility level set function introduced by Tsai et al. allows for gradient based and variational formulations of many classical visibility optimization problems. In this work we propose solutions to two such problems. The first asks where to position n-observers such that the area visible to these observers is maximized. The second problem is to determine the shortest route an observer should take through a map such that every point in the map is visible from at least one vantage point on the route. These problems are similar to the art gallery and watchman route problems, respectively. We propose a greedy iterative algorithm, formulated in the level set framework as the solution to the art gallery problem. We also propose a variational solution to the watchman route problem which achieves complete visibility coverage of the domain while attaining a local minimum of path length.
Photonic and plasmonic crystal based enhancement of solar cells- overcoming the Lambertian classical 4n2 limit

Long wavelength photons in the red and near infrared region of the spectrum are poorly absorbed in thin film silicon cells, due to their long absorption lengths. Advanced light trapping methods are necessary to harvest these photons. The basic physical mechanisms underlying the enhanced light trapping in thin film solar cells using periodic back reflectors include strong diffraction coupled with light concentration. These will be contrasted with the scattering mechanisms involved in randomly textured back reflectors, which are commonly used for light trapping. A special class of conformal solar cells with plasmonic nano-pillar back reflectors will be described, that generates absorption beyond the classical 4n2 limit (the Lambertian limit) averaged over the entire wavelength range for nc-Si:H. The absorption beyond the classical limit exists for common 1 micron thick nc-Si:H cells, and is further enhanced for non-normal light. Predicted currents exceed 31 mA/cm2 for nc-Si:H. The nano-pillars are tapered into conical protrusions that enhance plasmonic effects. Such conformal nc-Si:H solar cells with the same device architecture were grown on periodic nano-hole, periodic nano-pillar substrates and compared with randomly textured substrates, formed by annealing Ag/ZnO or etched Ag/ZnO. The periodic back reflector solar cells with nano-pillars demonstrated higher quantum efficiency and higher photo-currents that were 1 mA/cm2 higher than those for the randomly textured back reflectors. Losses within the experimental solar architectures are discussed.
Investigation on occupational hazards of 7 wooden furniture manufacturers in Haian County of Jiangsu Province

[Objective]To understand the occupational hazards in the production process of the wooden furniture manufacturers in Haian County of Jiangsu Province,to detect its concentration or intensity, and prevent and control occupational diseases.[Methods]The investigation was based on field occupational health investigation,occupational health testing,occupational health examination,etc. [Results]Occupational hazards detection results showed the qualified rate of wood dust and noise was 90. 36% and 71. 57%, respectively. Occupational health examination results showed 6 had hearing loss, 1 had leucopenia.[Conclusion]The occupational health status is not optimistic in wooden furniture manufacturers. It is necessary to improve health protection facilities in workplace,to strengthen health education and to encourage employees to wear personal protection equipment consciously and correctly in these enterprises.
Carcinomatous degeneration of pilonidal cysts: report of a case.

A case of carcinomatous degeneration of a pilonidal cyst is described. Exhaustive review of the world’s literature reveals that this is the ninth recorded case. Active pilonidal disease should be treated by radical removal of all diseased tissue and the tissue should be routinely submitted for histologic examination.
Comparison of real-time ultrasonography, hysterosalpingography, and laparoscopy/hysteroscopy in the evaluation of uterine abnormalities and tubal patency *

In a study to assess real-time ultrasonography (US) as an alternative to hysterosalpingography (HSG) in the evaluation of uterine abnormalities and tubal patency, 61 women underwent US immediately before hysteroscopy/laparoscopy. Saline was instilled into the uterus to provide contrast during US. The findings were compared with surgical and preoperative HSG findings. With surgical findings as the standard, US was as accurate (sensitivity 98%, specificity 100%) as HSG (sensitivity 98%, specificity 92%) in demonstrating uterine abnormalities and provided a more complete assessment of the abnormality. US was as accurate (sensitivity 100%, specificity 91%) as HSG (sensitivity 96%, specificity 94%) in demonstrating the presence of tubal patency but less accurate in establishing which tubes were patent. Thus real-time US with fluid instillation provides an accurate alternative to HSG in screening for uterine abnormalities and tubal patency.
Synthesis and Characterization of MoSe2 and WSe2 Nanoclusters

The synthesis, characterization, absorption, and emission spectra of MoSe2 and WSe2 nanoclusters are reported. These nanoclusters are about 3.5−6 nm (MoSe2, see graphic) and 4−7 nm (WSe2) in diameter, as measured by TEM imaging. The particles are strongly quantum confined and highly anisotropic. Electron diffraction results indicate that they are three-atoms thick, consisting of a single two-dimensional Se−Mo−Se or Se−W−Se trilayer.
Rating the Newer Marketing Journals: Familiarity and Quality Evaluations by Marketing Department Heads

There has been a proliferation of new marketing journals in recent years. Although there are more opportunities for marketing faculty to publish in refereed outlets than ever before, it is also important for prospective authors to understand faculty perceptions of the newer journals. Unfortunately, even recently published journal ranking studies (e.g. Browne and Becker 1991, Gordon and Heischmidt 1992) do not include many of the newer publications. This paper presents familiarity and quality ratings of newer marketing journals based on a survey of marketing department chairs at AACSB-accredited business schools. It also includes an examination of the relationship between the relative research emphasis at a school and department chairs’ journal evaluations.
Thermodynamics of N–H bond formation in bis(phosphine) molybdenum(II) diazenides and the influence of the trans ligand

A series of bis(phosphine) molybdenum(II) diazenides [(dppe)2Mo(NNCy)(I)], [(dppe)2(CH3CN)Mo(NNCy)][BArF24] and [(dppe)2)(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3CN)Mo(NNCy)][BArF24] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; Cy = cyclohexyl; ArF24 = (3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)4) were synthesized and structurally characterized. Treatment of the diazenido complexes with a stoichiometric amount of [H(OEt2)2][BArF24] afforded the corresponding molybdenum(IV) hydrazido species [(dppe)2Mo(NNHCy)(I)][BArF24], [(dppe)2(CH3CN)Mo(NNHCy)][BArF24]2 and [(dppe)2(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3CN)Mo(NNHCy)][BArF24]2, enabling the study of N–H bond dissociation free energies (BDFEs) in the classical Chatt-type bis(phosphine) diazenide platform as a function of ligand (L) trans to the nitrogenous fragment. Deprotonation and electrochemical experiments established that the trans nitrile 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3CN afforded the least reducing molybdenum(IV) hydrazido complex in the series ( = −1.32 V vs. Fc/Fc+) with the most acidic N–H bond (pKa < 2.6, THF), whereas the ligands CH3CN ( = −1.60 V, pKa < 5.5) and I− ( = −2.03 V, pKa = 9.3) gave more reducing complexes with less acidic N–H bonds. Computational (DFT) studies confirm weak N–H bond strengths of 32.8 (L = I−), 35.4 (L = CH3CN) and 36.2 kcal mol−1 (L = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3CN) in the hydrazido series.
Just Get Over It or Just Get On with It: Retaining Women in Undergraduate Computing

This chapter contains sections titled: Study Methods, Description of the Average Computer Science Department, Findings, Same-Sex Peer Support (BetaF.37, Significant at .001, Support from Faculty: Encouraging Students to Persist (Beta = .33, Significant at .001), Support from Faculty: Mentoring for Diversity (Beta = .30, Significant at .001), Support from Faculty: Concern about Insufficient Faculty Staffing (Beta = .26, Significant at .01), Faculty Expectations: Homework Hours (Beta = .29, Significant at .01), Faculty Expectations: Focus on Academics (Beta = .27, Significant at .01), Discussion, Summary and Conclusion, Acknowledgments, Appendix 7.1, Note
Skin and Bones

This case discusses the interplay of the physiologic derangements of starvation and the safe and appropriate administration of drugs in the perioperative period.
LB817 Immunomodulatory effects of nanoparticles in a mouse model of skin allergy

Topical treatments containing nanoparticles (NPs), also known as cosmeceuticals, is a fast growing market including products for hair damage, anti-wrinkle lotions, hyperpigmentation and photoaging and is expected to be valued at $31.84 billion by 2016. NPs incorporated in cosmeceuticals as well as drug delivery systems include liposomes, nanocapsules, lipid NPs, nanocrystals, dendrimers, nanogold, nanosilver, cubosomes, niosomes and fullerenes. The penetration of NPs through the skin is anticipated to depend on their physiochemical properties like size, shape, surface charge and composition as well as the skin barrier status. Understanding the factors that affect NP penetration through skin and their interaction with the cellular components in the epidermis and dermis are critical for the tailoring and design of NP-based topical and transdermal therapeutics. Various ex vivo and in vivo animal models have been used to quantify NP penetration, their systemic transport and immunomodulatory effects (direct immune suppression and targeted delivery). Skin is also the main route to allergen sensitization and provides innate as well as adaptive immune functions to maintain homeostasis. Skin antigen presenting cells (APCs) generate an adaptive immune response following allergen exposure as in the case of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD), a type IV hypersensitivity response. Common ACD allergens include urushiol in poison ivy and nickel in jewelry. APCs sensitize effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the lymph nodes against topical allergens at the point of first contact (sensitization phase) and a subsequent exposure can cause pruritic rash and/or swelling generated by the antigen-specific T cells (elicitation phase). Over 2800 chemicals have the potential to cause an allergic reaction in the skin and an estimated 15-20% of the population in North America suffers from contact allergy. The goal of the current treatment methods (steroids and antihistamines) is to reduce symptoms of ACD that include swelling, redness, barrier dysfunction, pruritus (itch), and induration (tissue hardening). Hence, there is an unmet need for an effective over-the-counter topical therapeutic for treating inflammatory skin conditions like ACD. In this thesis, we demonstrate through both ex vivo and in vivo skin models that several factors like application vehicles, skin processing conditions and exposure models can impact NP penetration through skin and their potential uptake by skin immune cells. We also discuss the development of a topical therapeutic containing NPs in a mouse model of ACD called Contact Hypersensitivity Response (CHS) model. We discovered that some NPs like gold NPs (AuNP), silver NPs (AgNP) and silica NPs (SiNP) have an intrinsic ability to suppress the inflammatory response in the elicitation phase of the allergic response with a common workplace sensitizer called dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). These NPs when applied within a 2 hour window of exposure to a chemical allergen (DNFB) reduce the influx of immune cells…
Continence Postcards versus Urinary Pad Logs: Simple Methods to Measure Early Pad-Free Urinary Continence after Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract Introduction We evaluated whether a simple postcard reporting the date of becoming pad-free is accurate compared to a daily log of pad use to determine time to pad-free status after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Methods Prospectively at the time of discharge home we gave 439 men treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy between April 2010 and September 2014 a self-addressed stamped postcard to mark the date they attained pad-free urinary continence. In addition, we concurrently asked the men to fill out a daily urinary log of pad use to be faxed or emailed. Results Of the 439 men 193 (44%) reported their pad-free status via postcard and pad use log. The correlation of time to pad-free status via postcard compared to daily log was R2 = 0.98 (p Conclusions Patient reported continence postcards or pad use logs are a simple, inexpensive and reliable way to determine pad-free continence after radical prostatectomy. Either method offers surgeons a low cost, dependable and easy way to track pad-free continence outcomes and their combined use resulted in a nearly 75% response rate.
SiON/Ta/sub 2/O/sub 5//TiN gate-stack transistor with 1.8 nm equivalent SiO/sub 2/ thickness

SiON/Ta/sub 2/O/sub 5/ stacked gate dielectric exhibits 3-5 orders smaller leakage current than SiO/sub 2/ at 1.8 nm, while the transistor characteristics such as mobility, I/sub d/-V/sub g/, and I/sub d/-V/sub d/, are similar to those of SiO/sub 2/ transistor. N-channel MOSFET with equivalent SiO/sub 2/ thickness down to 1.8 nm (1.4 nm equivalent due to elimination of poly-Si depletion) is demonstrated. Process effects are also studied for optimum process condition.
Simulating vibration-induced electromagnetic fields with Galerkin/least-squares finite element methods

Research on electrically-small antennas has been active for a long time, but so far it is still challenging to approach the Chu's limit that sets a constraint between the quality factor and the size of an antenna. Some researchers have made efforts to generate electromagnetic (EM) radiation by driving the magnetization of ferri-/ferro-magnetic materials, which can be efficiently realized via mechanical stress in strain-mediated multiferroics. However, very little has been done to accurately model the coupling between elastodynamics and electrodynamics. In this paper, we have derived a coupled weak formulation that utilizes Galerkin finite element method (FEM) for elasticity and least-squares FEM for electromagnetics. After a convergence study is performed, we further apply this framework to simulate the EM fields induced from a shear-mode piezomagnetic resonator.
Use of Software and Collaboration Tools to Integrate AIS and MIS Curricula

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the collaboration our university has developed between the AIS and MIS programs. We include learning objectives for the overall learning objectives of our integrated program, suggestions for collaboration, and the courses addressing the identified objectives. The authors have found that using software tools can improve collaboration across departments can add to the learning experience in both the accounting and MIS programs. AIS instructors can use software tools to demonstrate how control requirements are implemented within information systems. MIS instructors can use software tools to provide explanations and examples of program structures and data structures used in information systems. Instructors with training in ERP systems can use software tools to add valuable perspective in discussions of scalability, multiple currencies, conversion of measuring units, and automation of business processes. Tools which are used to support instruction can also be used to enable collab...
Twitter Demographic Classification Using Deep Multi-modal Multi-task Learning

Twitter should be an ideal place to get a fresh read on how different issues are playing with the public, one that’s potentially more reflective of democracy in this new media age than traditional polls. Pollsters typically ask people a fixed set of questions, while in social media people use their own voices to speak about whatever is on their minds. However, the demographic distribution of users on Twitter is not representative of the general population. In this paper, we present a demographic classifier for gender, age, political orientation and location on Twitter. We collected and curated a robust Twitter demographic dataset for this task. Our classifier uses a deep multi-modal multi-task learning architecture to reach a state-of-the-art performance, achieving an F1-score of 0.89, 0.82, 0.86, and 0.68 for gender, age, political orientation, and location respectively.
Nuances of Morphology in Myelodysplastic Diseases in the Age of Molecular Diagnostics

Morphologic dysplasia is an important factor in diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, the role of dysplasia is changing as new molecular genetic and genomic technologies take a more prominent place in diagnosis. This review discusses the role of morphology in the diagnosis of MDS and its interactions with cytogenetic and molecular testing. Recent changes in diagnostic criteria have attempted to standardize approaches to morphologic diagnosis of MDS, recognizing significant inter-observer variability in assessment of dysplasia. Definitive correlates between cytogenetic/molecular and morphologic findings have been described in only a small set of cases. However, these genetic and morphologic tools do play a complementary role in the diagnosis of both MDS and other myeloid neoplasms. Diagnosis of MDS requires a multi-factorial approach, utilizing both traditional morphologic as well as newer molecular genetic techniques. Understanding these tools, and the interplay between them, is crucial in the modern diagnosis of myeloid neoplasms.
From Monstrous to Miraculous: Violent Mothers and Daughters at Home on Stage

Taylor Porter discusses sociological research and contemporary plays about female characters who are violent within the home. Many violent women in domestic spaces suffer from some level of psychosis, but especially when their victims are children, so they are violating their most fundamental cultural norm of nurturance, judgment against them is often exceptionally harsh. Examination of these types of characters include Carson Kreitzer’s 1:23 (2007), based on Andrea Yates, Susan Smith, and Juana Leija, and Anna Reynolds and Moira Buffini’s Jordan (1992). The other section of the chapter evaluates “Hush,” (2009) drawn from interviews with victims of domestic violence, and Tracy Letts’s August: Osage County (2007). These plays depict a wide range of daughters enacting violence, from a woman who engages in relatively harmless physical confrontation when highly stressed, to a woman who uses force to protect another, to a teenager inexplicably bent on controlling her mother through emotional and physical violence.
Hospital Variations in Clinical Complications and Patient-reported Outcomes at 2 Years After Immediate Breast Reconstruction.

Objective Our objectives were to investigate case-mix adjusted hospital variations in 2-year clinical and patient-reported outcomes following immediate breast reconstruction. Background Over the past few decades, variations in medical practice have been viewed as opportunities to promote best practices and high-value care. Methods The Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium Study is an National Cancer Institute-funded longitudinal, prospective cohort study assessing clinical and patient-reported outcomes of immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy at 11 leading medical centers. Case-mix adjusted comparisons were performed using generalized linear mixed-effects models to assess variation across the centers in any complication, major complications, satisfaction with outcome, and satisfaction with breast. Results Among 2252 women in the analytic cohort, 1605 (71.3%) underwent implant-based and 647 (28.7%) underwent autologous breast reconstruction. There were significant differences in the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and distribution of procedure types at the different Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium Study centers. After case-mix adjustments, hospital variations in the rates of any and major postoperative complications were observed. Medical center odds ratios for major complication ranged from 0.58 to 2.13, compared with the average major complication rate across centers. There were also meaningful differences in satisfaction with outcome (from the lowest to highest of -2.79-2.62) and in satisfaction with breast (-2.82-2.07) compared with the average values. Conclusions Two-year postoperative complications varied widely between hospitals following post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. These variations represent an important opportunity to improve care through dissemination of best practices and highlight the limitations of extrapolating single-institution level data and the ongoing challenges of studying hospital-based outcomes for this patient population.
A SiQuENC for solving physics problems

Students often struggle in AP Physics 1 because they have not been previously trained to develop qualitative arguments. Extensive literature on multiple representations and qualitative reasoning provides strategies to address this challenge. Table I presents three examples, including SiQuENC, which I adapted from a strategy promoted by Etkina et al. To remind students that they can use qualitative reasoning (e.g., arguing from proportionalities), rather than relying only on algebra, I replaced “Solve” with “Analyze.” I added a “Communicate” step to guide planning of written responses to AP Physics 1 and 2 questions. To perform this step, draw a circled number around each key point identified in figures, equations, and sentence fragments. Then, convert numbered points into sentences.
Segmented Paths? Mexican Generational Differences in the Transition to First-Time Homeownership in the United States

Homeownership represents an important indicator of immigrant incorporation and assimilation. This study is a longitudinal analysis of the transition to first-time homeownership among a cohort of youths followed from 1979 to 2009 using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY, 1979). In particular, I examine Mexican generational group differences in the transition to first-time homeownership over an observation period that spans 30 years while evaluating theories of straight-line and segmented assimilation. I find that Mexican homeownership rates do not increase in a linear fashion across generations, relative to native, non-Hispanic whites, even after controlling for various social, demographic, and economic characteristics. Furthermore, analyses limited to Mexicans reveal that first- and second-generation respondents exhibit more success in the transition to first-time homeownership than their third-generation counterparts. Contrary to observing linear gains in homeownership across generations, I find that Mexicans are experiencing segmented paths towards homeownership and achieving upward mobility across generations.
Burning-derived vanillic acid in an Arctic ice core from Tunu, northeastern Greenland

Abstract. In this study, vanillic acid was measured in the Tunu ice core from northeastern Greenland in samples covering the past 1700 years. Vanillic acid is an aerosol-borne aromatic methoxy acid, produced by the combustion of lignin during biomass burning. Air mass trajectory analysis indicates that North American boreal forests are likely the major source region for biomass burning aerosols deposited to the ice core site. Vanillic acid levels in the Tunu ice core range from
Characterization of the total and viable bacterial and fungal communities associated with the International Space Station surfaces

The International Space Station (ISS) is a closed system inhabited by microorganisms originating from life support systems, cargo, and crew that are exposed to unique selective pressures such as microgravity. To date, mandatory microbial monitoring and observational studies of spacecraft and space stations have been conducted by traditional culture methods, although it is known that many microbes cannot be cultured with standard techniques. To fully appreciate the true number and diversity of microbes that survive in the ISS, molecular and culture-based methods were used to assess microbial communities on ISS surfaces. Samples were taken at eight pre-defined locations during three flight missions spanning 14 months and analyzed upon return to Earth. The cultivable bacterial and fungal population ranged from 104 to 109 CFU/m2 depending on location and consisted of various bacterial (Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria) and fungal (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) phyla. Amplicon sequencing detected more bacterial phyla when compared to the culture-based analyses, but both methods identified similar numbers of fungal phyla. Changes in bacterial and fungal load (by culture and qPCR) were observed over time but not across locations. Bacterial community composition changed over time, but not across locations, while fungal community remained the same between samplings and locations. There were no significant differences in community composition and richness after propidium monoazide sample treatment, suggesting that the analyzed DNA was extracted from intact/viable organisms. Moreover, approximately 46% of intact/viable bacteria and 40% of intact/viable fungi could be cultured. The results reveal a diverse population of bacteria and fungi on ISS environmental surfaces that changed over time but remained similar between locations. The dominant organisms are associated with the human microbiome and may include opportunistic pathogens. This study provides the first comprehensive catalog of both total and intact/viable bacteria and fungi found on surfaces in closed space systems and can be used to help develop safety measures that meet NASA requirements for deep space human habitation. The results of this study can have significant impact on our understanding of other confined built environments on the Earth such as clean rooms used in the pharmaceutical and medical industries.
Medicaid, motherhood, and the challenges of having a healthy pregnancy amidst changing social networks.

Abstract Background African American women with low income face various challenges to having a healthy pregnancy. Unplanned pregnancies often amplify those challenges and negatively impact women’s ability to get the care that she needs. Research has shown that social networks can improve pregnancy outcomes by helping women cope with and address the problems that they face. However, there is little research on how unintended pregnancy impacts the medical and social support that African American women receive. Aim This research explored how unintended pregnancies impact women’s social networks and the type of support that they need throughout the pregnancy. Design and sample This ethnographic study included 20 African American women who used pregnancy services at a health department in the United States. Fourteen women were enrolled in the study during their first or second trimester and were interviewed upon enrollment, in their third trimester, and within one month of giving birth. An additional six women were enrolled and interviewed within one month of giving birth. Results African American women’s needs and social support networks change throughout their pregnancy. When medical providers primarily offer pregnancy information and referrals to social service agencies during the first trimester, problems that women have later in the pregnancy are not properly addressed. Conclusion Social support needs to be accessed at multiple times during the pregnancy. Pregnancy resources should be provided throughout the pregnancy, recognizing that social support and personal struggles evolve during the pregnancy.
1:1 Co-crystal of 3-ethyl-4-methyl-3-pyrrolin-2-one and 3-ethyl-4-methyl-3-pyrroline-2,5-dione

Crystallization from a 20-year-old commercial source of 3-ethyl-4-methyl-3-pyrrolin-2-one afforded 1:1 co-crystals of this compound (C7H11NO) with its oxidized derivative, 3-ethyl-4-methyl-3-pyrroline-2,5-dione (C7H9NO2). The compound crystallizes in the space group P\overline{1}, with two mol­ecules of each species in the asymmetric unit. These four mol­ecules form a hydrogen-bonded tetra­mer with a dimer of 3-ethyl-4-methyl-3-pyrrolin-2-one as the core flanked by one mol­ecule of the dione on each side.
Benchmarking Non-Hardware Balance-of-System (Soft) Costs for U.S. Photovoltaic Systems Using a Bottom-Up Approach and Installer Survey

Benchmarking Non-Hardware Balance-of-System (Soft) Costs for U.S. Photovoltaic Systems Using a Bottom-Up Approach and Installer Survey Kristen Ardani, Robert Margolis, David Feldman, and Sean Ong National Renewable Energy Laboratory Galen Barbose and Ryan Wiser Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC. Technical Report NREL/ TP-7A20-56806 November 2012 Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308 LBNL's work was supported by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (Solar Energy Technologies Program) of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231. Technical Report LBNL/XXX November 2012
Criteria to Reevaluate Anti-drug Antibody Assay Cut Point Suitability in the Target Population

After tier 1 and 2 cut points for anti-drug antibody (ADA) assays are derived during pre-study assay validation in a population, there is a need to verify the continued appropriateness of the previously derived cut points during sample analysis in the same or different populations, per FDA guidance (US HHS, FDA, CDER, CBER, 2019). Proper sample size–dependent criteria with statistical underpinning were derived and presented in this technical note to aid in assessing the appropriateness of tier 1 and tier 2 cut points, respectively.
Robotic intraperitoneal onlay versus totally extraperitoneal (TEP) retromuscular mesh ventral hernia repair: A propensity score matching analysis of short-term outcomes

Abstract Background Short-term outcomes of robotic intraperitoneal onlay mesh(rIPOM) versus robotic totally extraperitoneal retromuscular mesh(rTEP-RM) ventral hernia repair were compared. Methods A retrospective review of prospectively collected data of patients was conducted. A one-to-one propensity score matching(PSM) analysis was performed to achieve two well-balanced groups in terms of preoperative variables. A univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to determine factors influencing post-operative outcomes. Results Of 291 rIPOM and rTEP-RM procedures, 68 patients were assigned to each group after PSM. Operative times were longer for the rTEP-RM group. Adhesiolysis was more frequently required in rIPOM. The rTEP-RM allowed for a greater mesh-to-defect ratio. The rate of overall perioperative complications, Clavien-Dindo grades, and surgical site events were higher for the rIPOM group than the rTEP-RM group. The Comprehensive Complication Index® morbidity scores were lower in favor of rTEP-RM group. Adhesiolysis, rIPOM, and craniocaudal defect size were predictors for post-operative complications. Conclusion Robotic TEP-RM repair has better early postoperative outcomes for ventral hernias, suggesting that it may be preferable over robotic IPOM repair. Further studies with longer follow-up are needed.
Urban resilience and green infrastructure systems: towards a multidimensional evaluation

Multifunctional and connected green infrastructure (GI) systems have been linked to urban resilience. Although there have been significant scholarly efforts to assess resilience and to evaluate the benefits of GI, it remains unclear the degree in which GI efforts enhance resilience. Following theoretical frameworks that study coupled infrastructure systems, this paper explores the state of the art on the contribution of GI to urban resilience from multiple dimensions: (1) policy - that promotes the adoption of GI, (2) performance - assessment of GI impacts on water infrastructure systems resilience, (3) connectivity - evaluation of human and wildlife movement through GI, and (4) social - community cohesion as a result of GI efforts. We argue that beyond their individual contributions to supporting urban resilience, the interactions across the various dimensions are key to enhancing resilience. Ultimately, participatory processes are needed to assess resilience originating from GI systems and avoid injustice.
Colostrum supplementation with n-3 fatty acids alters plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory mediators in newborn calves

Calves may experience increased oxidative stress at birth through activation of metabolic and respiratory processes. Reducing oxidative stress may enhance calf viability in early life. Our objective was to determine the dose response to fish and flaxseed oil when supplemented in colostrum on concentrations of plasma fatty acid (FA), FA metabolites, and index of oxidative stress during the critical first week of life in calves to understand how supplementing n-3 FA may decrease oxidative stress. We hypothesized that n-3 FA supplemented in colostrum in a linear dose-dependent fashion would associate with increased plasma n-3 FA concentrations and decreased oxidative stress. Twenty-four male and female Holstein calves were randomly assigned to receive 0, 30, 60, or 120 mL of a 1:1 fish to flaxseed oil supplement in colostrum. All calves received 2.8 L of previously frozen colostrum (≥22% Brix) with their respective treatment within 6 h after birth. Blood was sampled before first feeding after birth and on d 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 d of age to assess oxidant status and plasma free PUFA, phospholipid FA, and oxylipid concentrations. Health indicators were observed daily. Indicators of general health and growth were unaffected by treatment. Supplemented calves exhibited greater concentrations of n-3 FA in plasma as free and phospholipid FA and some n-3 and n-6 FA-derived oxylipids in the first week of life in a linear fashion with increasing supplemental dose. Fish and flaxseed oil treatments did not alter oxidant status but overall decreased isoprostane concentrations in plasma, indicating oxidative stress was decreased. Together, these responses indicate that the fish and flaxseed oil supplement was antiinflammatory. In conclusion, supplementing colostrum with 30, 60, and 120 mL of a 1:1 mixture of fish and flaxseed oil linearly increased plasma concentrations of n-3 FA and metabolites and decreased biomarkers of oxidative stress, but did not alter oxidant status or affect health or growth. Our findings suggest neonatal calves may benefit from n-3 FA supplementation in colostrum to encourage a greater antiinflammatory state.
Iddq testing : A review

Quiescent power supply current (IDDQ) testing of CMOS integrated circuits is a technique for production quality and reliability improvement, design validation, and failure analysis. It has been used for many years by a few companies and is now receiving wider acceptance as an industry tool. This article begins with a brief history of CMOS ICs to provide perspective on the origin of I DDQ testing. Next, the use of I DDQ testing for IC quality improvement through increased defect and fault detection is described. Then implementation issues are considered, including test pattern generation software, hardware instrumentation, limit setting, IC design guidelines, and defect diagnosis. An extended reference list is provided to help the reader obtain more information on specific aspects.
Performance Loss of Activated Carbon Electrodes in Capacitive Deionization: Mechanisms and Material Property Predictors

Understanding the material property origins of performance decay in carbon electrodes is critical to maximizing the longevity of capacitive deionization (CDI) systems. This study investigates the cycling stability of electrodes fabricated from six commercial and two post-processed activated carbons. We find that the capacity decay rate of electrodes in half cells is positively correlated with the specific surface area and total surface acidity of the activated carbons. We also demonstrate that half-cell cycling stability is consistent with full cell desalination performance durability. Additionally, our results suggest that increase in internal resistance and physical pore blockage resulting from extensive cycling may be important mechanisms for the specific capacitance decay of activated carbon electrodes in this study. Our findings provide crucial guidelines for selecting activated carbon electrodes for stable CDI performance over long-term operation and insight into appropriate parameters for electrode performance and longevity in models assessing the techno-economic viability of CDI. Finally, our half-cell cycling protocol also offers a method for evaluating the stability of new electrode materials without preparing large, freestanding electrodes.
Using Data Mining for the Early Identification of Struggling Learners in Physician Assistant Education.

PURPOSE Despite the importance of early intervention and remediation, the relatively short duration of physician assistant education programs necessitates the importance of early identification of at-risk learners. This study sought to ascertain whether machine learning was more effective than logistic regression in predicting remediation status among students, using the limited set of data available before or immediately following the first semester of study as predictor variables and academic remediation as an outcome variable. METHODS The analysis included one institution and student data from 177 graduates between 2017 and 2019. We employed one data mining model, random forest trees, and compared it to a traditional predictive analysis method, logistic regression. Due to the small sample size, we employed leave-one-out cross-validation and bootstrap aggregation. RESULTS Data provided evidence that the random forest algorithm correctly identified individuals who would later experience academic intervention with a 63.3% positive predictive value, whereas logistic regression exhibited a positive predictive value of 16.6%. CONCLUSIONS This single-institution study indicates that predictive modeling, employing machine learning, may be a more effective means than traditional statistical methods of identifying and providing assistance to learners who may experience academic challenges.
MWRRET Value-Added Product: The Retrieval of Liquid Water Path and Precipitable Water Vapor from Microwave Radiometer (MWR) Datasets

This report provides a short description of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) microwave radiometer (MWR) RETrievel (MWRRET) Value-Added Product (VAP) algorithm. This algorithm utilizes complimentary physical and statistical retrieval methods and applies brightness temperature offsets to reduce spurious liquid water path (LWP) bias in clear skies resulting in significantly improved precipitable water vapor (PWV) and LWP retrievals. We present a general overview of the technique, input parameters, output products, and describe data quality checks. A more complete discussion of the theory and results is given in Turner et al. (2007b).
Initiating the 2002 Mars Science Laboratory (Msl) Technology Program

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Project is an aggressive mission launching in 2009 to investigate the Martian environment and requires new capabilities that are currently are not available. The MSL Technology Program is developing a wide-range of technologies needed for this Mission and potentially other space missions. The MSL Technology Program reports to both the MSL Project and the Mars Technology Program (MTP). The dual reporting process creates a challenging management situation, but ensures the new technology meets both the specific MSL requirements and the broader Mars Program requirements. MTP is a NASA-wide technology development program managed by JPL and is divided into a Focused Program and a Base Program. The MSL Technology Program is under the focused program and is tightly coupled to MSL's mission milestones and deliverables. The technology budget is separate from the flight Project budget, but the technology's requirements and the development process are tightly coordinated with the Project. The MSL Technology Program combines the proven management techniques of flight projects with the commercial technology management strategies of industry and academia, to create a technology management program that meets the short-term requirements of MSL and the long-term requirements of MTP. This paper examines the initiation of 2002 MSL Technology program. Some of the areas discussed in this paper include technology definition, task selection, technology management, and technology assessment. This paper also provides an update of the 2003 MSL technology program and examines some of the drivers that changed the program from its initiation.