cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A City Built on Information Technology and Wisdom: The Roles of the Government in the Establishment of the Smart Cities, Smart Communities

In a nut shell, smart cities carry a vision of an urban space that is meticulously planned, technologically integrated, ecologically friendly, and to attract more investments in technology and physical infrastructure. It is technology business driven boasting of “smart communities.” Reinventing the government movement also boasts of its ability to give the government cost effectiveness, more professional and smarter government, and more dynamic government. The impact has been, a dysfunctional government, a bankrupt government, poor capacity government, wide spread corruption scandals, social and economic exclusion and marginalization. Employment becomes scarce and more and more labor oriented – education and knowledge expertise are considered irrelevant as services are being emphasized more on the use of technology or technology friendly without human provision or without human interaction. Greater reliance on technology causes the disappearing of human values. Though 31 cities of seven countries have adopted smart city concept, the establishment of this type of cities bring a new challenge for the government in terms of public financing, politics, social and economic policies, urban planning and provision, and its impact on human population. It also brings a new challenge for the government in terms of its roles and functions, and the impact of this establishment on the mental, attitude, and behavior of the society. Although the smart cities concept is meant for technologically the cities, but similar to the term quality of life, the term of smart cities encompasses different aspects of lives. This paper will discuss the roles and functions of the government in theory and its application, the impact of the development of the smart cities on public finance, the economic, social and welfare the humanity, and the different aspects of lives that contribute to the establishment of smart communities.
Line-graph based modeling for assessing the vulnerability of transmission lines

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the ability of the line-graph based model (LGBM) to assess the vulnerability of power systems as part of complex network theory. The nodes in the line graph are the transmission lines, thus emphasizing their vulnerability. We derive and compute line-graph corresponding to several standard IEEE test cases and well as to the Western Systems Coordinating Council (WSCC) power grid. In each case, we compute various graph-theoretic measures, and we compared to the measures corresponding to standard topologies of complex networks (random, scale-free, and small world). We also compare LGBM topological characteristics with those of the bus-based model (BBM). Moreover, we examine the vulnerability of the LGBM nodes (transmission lines) are removed randomly or targeted by a malicious opponent. In both the IEEE models and the WSCC, simulations show that when the network size is large, and the BBM behaves like a scale-free network, the pattern of LGBM node degree distribution is distinct from that of BBM. The LGBM seems to possess a higher clustering coefficient, almost double, suggesting that transmission lines are more tightly connected and interdependent than buses, at least from a topological point of view. In general, our simulations show that attacking transmission lines seem to be more detrimental to the power grid than attacking buses.
Detecting long-term occupancy changes in Californian odonates from natural history and citizen science records

In a world of rapid environmental change, effective biodiversity conservation and management relies on our ability to detect changes in species occurrence. While long-term, standardized monitoring is ideal for detecting change, such monitoring is costly and rare. An alternative approach is to use historical records from natural history collections as a baseline to compare with recent observations. Here, we combine natural history collection data with citizen science observations within a hierarchical Bayesian occupancy modeling framework to identify changes in the occupancy of Californian dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) over the past century. We model changes in the probability of occupancy of 34 odonate species across years and as a function of climate, after correcting for likely variation in detection probability using proxies for recorder effort and seasonal variation. We then examine whether biological traits can help explain variation in temporal trends. Models built using only opportunistic records identify significant changes in occupancy across years for 14 species, with eight of those showing significant declines and six showing significant increases in occupancy in the period 1900–2013. These changes are consistent with estimates obtained using more standardized resurvey data, regardless of whether resurvey data are used individually or in conjunction with the opportunistic dataset. We find that species increasing in occupancy over time are also those whose occupancy tends to increase with higher minimum temperatures, which suggests that these species may be benefiting from increasing temperatures across California. Furthermore, these species are also mostly habitat generalists, whilst a number of habitat specialists display some of the largest declines in occupancy across years. Our approach enables more robust estimates of temporal trends from opportunistic specimen and observation data, thus facilitating the use of these data in biodiversity conservation and management.
Semantic Resolution in Multi-Database Environments

This paper focuses on a portion of the design of a user interface to multiple heterogeneous databases. The design of such an interface involves independently mapping the schema of each database to a common representation or data model. These representations are then combined to form an integrated schema which provides the user with a consolidated view of the overall information space. More specifically, this paper addresses the merging of object-oriented database descriptions into a unified object model. Four tests are provided to identify relevant differences between object classes. A hypermedia interface, based on the unique class views and their relationships, is described.
A new CTGF target in renal fibrosis.

Lymphangiogenesis appears to accompany renal fibrosis, but signals that regulate the lymphangiogenic growth factor vascular endothelial growth factor C are not well understood. Kinashi et al. have shown that conditionally deleting connective tissue growth factor reduces renal fibrosis, vascular endothelial growth factor C, and lymphangiogenesis. Connective tissue growth factor has pleiotropic effects in the setting of renal fibrosis; this study adds a potentially new mechanism for the profibrotic effects of connective tissue growth factor.
Anti-Gal and Other Immune Barriers in Xenotransplantation

The anti-Gal antibody has been a major barrier for the possible use of pig organs as xenografts in humans. Studies in primates indicated that transplantation of porcine heart or kidney in anti-Gal producing monkeys results in rapid binding of the natural anti-Gal antibody to the millions of α-gal epitopes on each endothelial cell of the xenograft. This antigen/antibody interaction activates the complement system, which mediates lysis of these cells and collapse of the vascular bed, ultimately resulting in hyperacute rejection of the xenograft within 30 min to several hours. If complement activation is inhibited, anti-Gal IgG binding to the xenograft cells induces destruction of these cells by the antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity mechanism. This obstacle of anti-Gal/α-gal epitope interaction was eliminated by generation of knockout pigs for the α1,3GT gene ( GGTA1 ), designated GT-KO pigs. Generation of GT-KO pigs in which the cytidine-monophosphate-N-acetyl-neuraminic acid hydroxylase ( CMAH ) gene was knocked out, as well, avoids the detrimental effects of the human anti-non-gal antibodies to the N-glycolyl-5-neuraminic acid carbohydrate epitope, which is synthesized by wild-type pigs. Another immunological barrier, which needs to be eliminated, is the anti-non-gal antibodies produced against most porcine protein antigens. These antigens are immunogenic in humans because they contain multiple amino acid sequences that are absent in homologous human proteins. It is suggested that temporary elimination of the B cell system prior to transplantation of the xenograft may result in specific tolerance induction to porcine xenoproteins, which may be “regarded” by the tolerized immune system as self-antigens. Prevention of T cell help in the initial period post-transplantation may further help in specific tolerance induction in B cell clones reacting against porcine protein xenoantigens, while enabling regeneration of the rest of the immunoglobulin repertoire.
Digest: Unpacking fitness effects of spontaneous mutations.

New biological variation originates from mutations, so understanding their effects—and how those effects vary with environment or genetic background—is critical to evolutionary studies. Kraemer et al. (2017) sequenced and measured the fitness of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii lineages that had experienced minimal selection. They found that mutations in these lineages had a small average deleterious effect attributable to mutations in coding regions, and average mutational effects varied depending on the ancestor's genotype. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Coenzymes and Vitamins

Coenzymes are organic substances that participate like substrates in enzymatic reactions; however, unlike normal products the coenzymes are regenerated in subsequent reactions. Many, but not all coenzymes are vitamin derivatives. Vitamins are the dietary micronutrients that are required to produce these coenzymes.
Investigation of shape, position, and permeability of shielding material in quadruple butterfly coil for focused transcranial magnetic stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been gaining popularity in the therapy for several neurological disorders. A time-varying magnetic field is used to generate electric field in the brain. As the development of TMS methods takes place, emphasis on the coil design increases in order to improve focal stimulation. Ideally reduction of stimulation of neighboring regions of the target area is desired. This study, focused on the improvement of the focality of the Quadruple Butterfly Coil (QBC) with supplemental use of different passive shields. Parameters such as shape, position and permeability of the shields have been explored to improve the focus of stimulation. Results have been obtained with the help of computer modelling of a MRI derived heterogeneous head model over the vertex position and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex position using a finite element tool. Variables such as maximum electric field induced on the grey matter and scalp, volume and area of stimulation above half of the maximum value of electric field on the grey matter, and ratio of the maximum electric field in the brain versus the scalp have been investigated.Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been gaining popularity in the therapy for several neurological disorders. A time-varying magnetic field is used to generate electric field in the brain. As the development of TMS methods takes place, emphasis on the coil design increases in order to improve focal stimulation. Ideally reduction of stimulation of neighboring regions of the target area is desired. This study, focused on the improvement of the focality of the Quadruple Butterfly Coil (QBC) with supplemental use of different passive shields. Parameters such as shape, position and permeability of the shields have been explored to improve the focus of stimulation. Results have been obtained with the help of computer modelling of a MRI derived heterogeneous head model over the vertex position and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex position using a finite element tool. Variables such as maximum electric field i...
Videoconferenced Telebehavioral Health Referral Process Adherence.

Background In 2015, the Army mandated 100% digital storage of telehealth consent forms (DA4700) in the Health Artifact and Image Management Solution (HAIMS) system, and a telebehavioral health (TBH) hub clinic set an aim to accomplish this by improving adherence to referral procedures essential to expanding patient access to videoconferenced (VC) behavioral health care. Methods The Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) planned action framework underpinned development of a two-phase, PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) quality improvement project to increase the rates of TBH new intake consent form completeness and upload adherence. First, a provider education initiative addressed form uploads. Second, TBH consultants prepared (signed and sent) intake forms to referring sites for their patients to finalize during the initial VC encounter. A chart review of consecutive new intake encounters compared data extracted from CY2015 Q1 baseline records (n = 65) with data from CY2016 Q1 improvement period records (n = 40). A total of 352 forms were reviewed. Results Referrals (N = 118) that resulted in kept new VC TBH intake visits (n = 105), originated from three military behavioral health clinic referral sites. In CY2016 Q1, all DA4700 consent forms were uploaded to HAIMS. Telehealth treatment and medication consent form upload adherence increased from 94% and 68%, respectively, to 100% (p > 0.05). Form completeness increased from 36% to 95% (p < 0.001), and multiple linear regression analysis predicted an average 59% increase across the three referral sites (sr2 = 0.54). Conclusion Consultant preparation of telehealth new intake consent forms effectively improved form completeness and increased adherence to new intake referral processes essential to this hub clinic expanding patient access to TBH care.
The ICRMW and the US: Substantive Overlap, Political Gap

The United States has never seriously considered signing the UN International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (ICRMW, Migrant Workers Convention, the Convention). Despite the country’s close involvement with negotiating the Convention, the United States has shown no interest in the treaty since its promulgation in 1990. The major countries of migrant employment that initially participated in negotiating the Convention set it aside, and the treaty now has only 38 signatories and 51 state parties. The European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Organization of American States have all favorably reported on the ICRMW and called on the countries in those regions to ratify it. However, there are obstacles to immediate ratification by countries of employment, including prominently the “fear to be among the first” and domestic anti-immigrant sentiment. Even as the Convention slowly accrues country-of-origin ratifications, advocates and officials in many countries of employment are undertaking pre-ratification studies of the treaty. The United States, however, has not yet assessed the Migrant Workers Convention in a substantive way. The United States’ delay in engaging the Convention fits the country’s past human rights treaty ratification processes. When it does consider the ICRMW, the United States is likely to heavily restrict ratification of the Convention, just as it has in ratifying previous human rights treaties. This chapter describes the United States’ substantive objections during the treaty negotiations, and points out that most of the passages that were objectionable at the time were or have since become part of U.S. law.
Some new k -Riemann–Liouville fractional integral inequalities associated with the strongly η -quasiconvex functions with modulus μ ≥ 0 $\mu\geq0$

A new class of quasiconvexity called strongly η-quasiconvex function was introduced in (Awan et al. in Filomat 31(18):5783–5790, 2017). In this paper, we obtain some new k-Riemann–Liouville fractional integral inequalities associated with this class of functions. For specific values of the associated parameters, we recover results due to Dragomir and Pearce (Bull. Aust. Math. Soc. 57:377–385, 1998), Ion (Ann. Univ. Craiova, Math. Sci. Ser. 34:82–87, 2007), and Alomari et al. (RGMIA Res. Rep. Collect. 12(Supplement):Article ID 14, 2009).
Mapping the Rights Apparatus

Critical studies of human rights have hit an impasse. On the one hand, the relativist critique of rights is caught in the horns of the dilemmas that have trapped relativism more generally. When relativists declare that rights are not part of a particular cultural world, or that rights can do harm by commodifying relations or things that were once integral to people's lifeways, relativists re-institute cultures as the kind of definable, objectifiable entities that their critique of rights as objectifying "culture" sought to challenge. When relativists seek to discover "local" or "indigenous" conceptions of rights, or to find a least common denominator shared by all the world's cultures that will ground a new conception of rights (such as the lex talionis, or the eye-for-an-eye conception of justice),' they undermine their own claims of cultural incommensurability.2 Copyright Information:
Introduction: Beyond Foraging and Collecting: Evolutionary Change in Hunter-Gatherer Settlement Systems

Twenty years ago, Lewis Binford published an article that revolutionized the study of hunter-gatherer and land use. The article, Willow Smmoke and Dogs‘ Tails: Hunter-Gatherer Systems and Archeological Site Formation (Binford 1980), made the simple but elegant argument that seasonal or short-term hunter-gatherer mobility should be patterned in predictable ways with respect to spatial and temporal variation in resource availability. In the model, Binford distinguished residential mobility (the movement of all members oa a residential base from one locality to another) from logistical mobility (the movement of specially organized task groups on temporary excursions from a residential base). Based on these distinctions, Binford identified two basic subsistence-settlement systems: forager systems that are characterized by low logistical mobility and low residential mobility. According to Binford, the former systems are responses to environments where the distribution of important resources is spatially and/or temporally (seasonally) homogenous, whereas the latter systems are adapted to environments where the distributions of critical resources are spatially or temporally uneven.
Coping with the Unexpected

Abstract Sudden changes in weather, power outages, and other building malfunctions can catch a library off-guard. The Texas A&M University General Libraries found itself faced with a continuing series of departures from normal hours and services due to construction-related building problems. To better inform users of the changes, the library instituted a Rapid Response Group to develop appropriate reactions to changing building conditions, regardless of whether the interruption was due to construction, weather, network problems, or other factors. The Rapid Response Group has designed templates for signs, developed guidelines for publicizing planned disruptions, and also has planned methods of contacting user groups about unexpected changes in the library's hours or services.
Qualidade assistencial aos professores de pós-graduação na EaD

Esta pesquisa tem como tema a qualidade assistencial prestada aos professores de cursos da pos-graduacao em educacao a distância (EaD). Seu objetivo consiste em refletir sobre a importância da qualidade assistencial, ou seja, do atendimento prestado aos professores de cursos de pos-graduacao na EaD de uma universidade localizada na regiao metropolitana de Porto Alegre. Para isso, realizamos um estudo de caso, de abordagem qualitativa, o qual teve por fonte de dados a observacao e o diario de campo das autoras, alem de uma revisao de literatura sobre o tema e um questionario aplicado aos docentes da modalidade. Os resultados deste artigo apontam para: a) o bom atendimento ao professor reflete de maneira significativa sobre a qualidade do trabalho docente; b) A equipe de apoio e tutoria, com sua eficiencia, colabora para o bom andamento do curso como um todo; c) Mesmo a modalidade EaD sendo recente na instituicao em estudo, a equipe conseguiu perceber que, com a qualidade no atendimento prestado aos professores, o indice de sucesso e excelencia e muito maior. Como consideracoes finais, compreendemos que docente e peca-chave no exito dos cursos EaD e, se ele estiver recebendo um atendimento de qualidade, estara apto a oferecer o melhor ao seu aluno colaborando para o bom desenvolvimento do curso como um todo.
Predictors of Post-Discharge Suicide Attempt Among Veterans Receiving Specialized Intensive Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

OBJECTIVE There has been increasing concern about the high risk of suicide among US veterans, especially those with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among those at greatest risk are veterans recently discharged from inpatient or specialized intensive treatment programs, but little is known about clinical correlates of suicide attempts among such veterans and this information that might facilitate prevention efforts. METHODS National program evaluation data were obtained at program entry and 4 months after discharge from 30,384 veterans from 57 sites (fiscal years 1993-2011) who were discharged from specialized intensive PTSD programs nationally in the Veterans Health Administration. Rates of attempted suicide were 10.6% in the 4 months prior to admission and 3.4% in the 4 months following discharge. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify baseline characteristics, especially PTSD symptoms, associated with suicide attempts prior to admission and after discharge. Further analyses examined the association of changes in symptoms and other outcomes with reported post-discharge suicide attempts. RESULTS Suicide attempts both prior to admission and after discharge were associated with psychiatric and substance abuse comorbidity and especially suicidal ideation and violent behavior. Clinical changes independently associated with post-discharge suicide attempts included increased suicidal thoughts (β = 0.96, P < .001), violent behavior (β = 0.49, P < .001), and alcohol use (β = 0.56, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS In this longitudinal study, violent behavior assessed at admission and as a change measure after discharge, along with suicidal ideation and alcohol use, were associated with suicide attempts. Additional therapeutic attention to violent behavior and alcohol use, quite likely reflecting underlying impulsivity, may help reduce the risk of suicide attempts.
No effect of fitness on brachial or forearm vascular function during acute inflammation in young adults.

Acute inflammation is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and impaired vasodilatory capacity. Vasodilatory capacity can be measured in different segments of the arterial tree; h...
Word-final devoicing in German: effects of phonetic and sentential contexts

The present study of word-final devoicing in German investigates possible contextual effects that might influence vowel duration preceding a word-final obstruent, voicing into closure of a final stop, closure duration of a final stop, and frication duration of a final sibilant as acoustic correlates of underlying voicing. In particular, the study focuses on the effects of the phonetic environment and sentential position on the target word. The results of the study replicate previous findings that the word-final voice contrast is not completely neutralized in German. However, the results show that this is true only in some phonetic and sentential contexts. The results also show that the word-final voice contrast appears to be neutralized in other phonetic and sentential contexts. The present study suggests that the phonetic rules necessary to implement words that have undergone word-final devoicing must be sensitive to surrounding phonetic and sentential contexts, and the underlying voice contrast. To account for the implications of the overall findings, an allophonic devoicing rule is proposed that applies only to underlying voiced obstruents and results in an obstruent that is unspecified for the value of its [voice] feature.
The use of in-vitro drug resistance levels as a predictor of outcome in soft tissue sarcoma

20510 Background: We have assayed in-vitro drug resistance and immunohistochemical staining for drug resistance markers (MDR-1, MRP) in patients with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma patients. We loo...
A Secure Model to Execute Queries Over Encrypted Databases in the Cloud

Recently, database users have begun to use cloud database services to outsource their databases. This is due to the high computation speed and the huge storage capacity the cloud owners provide at low prices. Despite cloud computing being an attractive environment for database users, privacy issues are cause for concern for database owners since the data access will be out of their control. Encryption is the only way of assuaging users’ fears surrounding data privacy. However, executing Structured Query Language (SQL) queries over encrypted data is a challenging task, especially if the data are encrypted by a randomized encryption algorithm. Many researchers have addressed the privacy issues by using deterministic encryption, onion layers encryption, or homomorphic encryption to encrypt data. But, even with these systems, the encrypted data can still be subject to attack. In this research, we propose a model to execute SQL queries over encrypted data, where the data are encrypted by a single randomized encryption algorithm–namely, Advanced Encryption Standard AES-CBC. We move most of the computations to the cloud and leave users with no crypto computation. Our model intends to narrow the range of retrieved encrypted records from the cloud to a small set of records that are candidates for the user’s query. We implement and evaluate our model and find that it is both practical and efficient. Our experiments show that our model succeeds in minimizing the decryption processes to less than 30% of decryption the whole set of encrypted records in a table.
Examining the interdependence of parent-child dyads: Effects on weight loss and maintenance.

Background This study aimed to further elucidate correlated weight changes in parent-child dyads enrolled in family-based treatment (FBT) by modeling the interdependence of weight changes during treatment. Methods Parent-child dyads (n = 172) with overweight/obesity (child mean zBMI = 2.16 ± 0.39; parent mean BMI = 37.9 ± 9.4 kg/m2 ) completed 4 months of FBT and were randomized to one of three 8-month maintenance interventions (Social Facilitation Maintenance [SFM]-high dose, SFM-low dose or control). Weight/height was measured at 0, 4 and 12 months. Structural equation models simultaneously estimated the effect that an individual had on their own (actor effect) and on one another's (partner effect) weight-status across time using the actor-partner interdependence model. Results Actor paths were significant over time for parent and child. Partner paths were significant for child zBMI predicting parent BMI at 4 and 12 months. Maintenance condition moderated actor/partner paths in the model. Conclusions Child weight change may motivate parents to make environmental and behavioural changes that impact their own weight. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00759746.
Anti-Interleukin-6 Therapy Decreases Hip Synovitis and Bone Resorption and Increases Bone Formation Following Ischemic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a juvenile form of ischemic femoral head osteonecrosis, which produces chronic hip synovitis, permanent femoral head deformity, and premature osteoarthritis. Currently, there is no medical therapy for LCPD. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is significantly elevated in the synovial fluid of patients with LCPD. We hypothesize that IL-6 elevation promotes chronic hip synovitis and impairs bone healing after ischemic osteonecrosis. We set out to test if anti-IL-6 therapy using tocilizumab can decrease hip synovitis and improve bone healing in the piglet model of LCPD. Fourteen piglets were surgically induced with ischemic osteonecrosis and assigned to two groups: the no treatment group (n = 7) and the tocilizumab group (15 to 20 mg/kg, biweekly intravenous injection, n = 7). All animals were euthanized 8 weeks after the induction of osteonecrosis. Hip synovium and femoral heads were assessed for hip synovitis and bone healing using histology, micro-CT, and histomorphometry. The mean hip synovitis score and the number of synovial macrophages and vessels were significantly lower in the tocilizumab group compared with the no treatment group (p < .0001, p = .01, and p < .01, respectively). Micro-CT analysis of the femoral heads showed a significantly higher bone volume in the tocilizumab group compared with the no treatment group (p = .02). The histologic assessment revealed a significantly lower number of osteoclasts per bone surface (p < .001) in the tocilizumab group compared with the no treatment group. Moreover, fluorochrome labeling showed a significantly higher percent of mineralizing bone surface (p < .01), bone formation rate per bone surface (p < .01), and mineral apposition rate (p = .04) in the tocilizumab group. Taken together, tocilizumab therapy decreased hip synovitis and osteoclastic bone resorption and increased new bone formation after ischemic osteonecrosis. This study provides preclinical evidence that tocilizumab decreases synovitis and improves bone healing in a large animal model of LCPD. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Role Identity During the Resuscitation of Trauma Patients.

Background Full trauma team activations (TTAs) are initiated for patients meeting criteria that are indicative of life-threatening injuries. This influx of medical personnel causes crowding, as well as increased noise. Both adverse effects create an environment that is prone to medical errors, miscommunication, and physical limitations reaching the patient. Methods A perception survey was issued to all members of the trauma-resuscitation team. The survey focused on the perception of organization, role identity, communication, crowding, and noise during the resuscitation. Following the conclusions of the survey, a role identity process was initiated. The roles of each team member were preprinted on neon stickers and kept at the door of the trauma bay. Team members were required to don a sticker to be in the resuscitation room. Seven months after the initiation of this process, the original survey was reissued. Results A total of 141 team members completed the preimplementation survey, and 96 completed the postimplementation survey. A significant difference was found in the perception of less noise (p = .009) and improved communication (p =.005) during the trauma resuscitation. No significant difference was determined regarding the perception of organization (p = .175) or improvement in knowing the roles of all the team members (p = .090). Conclusion Having a mechanism to identify the members of the trauma team during a full TTA resuscitation has shown to limit overcrowding, improve communication, and decrease noise during trauma resuscitation. This mechanism ensures appropriate personnel are present during this phase of the critically injured patient.
The Life of International Medical Graduates in the USA: A Psychiatrist’s Perspective

A large number of international medical graduates (IMGs) migrate to the USA every year in hopes of joining graduate programs to further their medical careers. These foreign students face many different problems encompassing many different facets of life, including cultural, social, and emotional and financial problems to name a few. This chapter provides insight into my own journey from Pakistan to the USA as an IMG and the challenges that most of my fellow international graduates and I faced along the way. A short online survey also helped gather information about the hurdles that IMGs from all over the world had to face and the coping mechanisms they used to overcome the guilt and fear that helped maneuver them through any obstacle along their journey. While most challenges were similar, each individual had circumstances unique to their situation, and the next few pages are a recollection of my personal observations and experiences. I also reflect upon my son’s journey as a medical student in Pakistan and an IMG in the USA and the differences in our experiences; nowadays things seem to have changed quite significantly for the younger generations of IMGs, who now have access to the Internet, with social media being the new wave of information, basically acting as the vessel of knowledge, accessible to all.
Higher Medicare Expenditures Are Associated With Better Integrated Care as Perceived by Patients.

Background Integrated care that is continuous, coordinated and patient-centered is vital for Medicare beneficiaries, but its relationship to health care expenditures remains unclear. Research objective This study explores-for the first time-the relationship between integrated care, as measured from the patient's perspective, and health care expenditures. Methods Subjects include a sample of continuously eligible fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries (n=8807) in 2015. Analyses draw on 7 previously validated measures of patient-perceived integrated care from the 2015 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. These data are combined with 2015 administrative utilization data that measure health care expenditures. Relationships between patient-perceived integrated care and costs are assessed using generalized linear models with comprehensive control measures. Results Patients who perceive more integrated care have higher expenditures for many, but not all, cost categories examined. Aspects of integrated care pertaining to primary provider and specialist care are associated with higher costs in several areas (particularly inpatient costs associated with specialist knowledge of the patient). Office staff members' knowledge of the patient's medical history is associated with lower home health costs. Conclusions Patients who experience their care as more integrated may have higher expenditures on average. Thoughtful policy choices, further research, and innovations that enable patients to perceive integrated care at lower or neutral cost are needed.
Lineage Switching: How lung cancer cells change identity

Changes in MAPK signaling allow lung cancer cells to transition between lineages that respond differently to treatment.
The Mid-Atlantic Centers for AIDS Research Consortium: Promoting HIV Science Through Regional Collaboration

The Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) program was established by the National Institutes of Health in 1988 to catalyze and support high-impact HIV research and to develop the next generation of HIV investigators at academic institutions throughout the United States. In 2014, the Penn CFAR, the Johns Hopkins University CFAR and the District of Columbia CFAR developed a partnership-the Mid-Atlantic CFAR Consortium (MACC)-to promote cross-CFAR scientific collaboration, mentoring, and communication and to address the regional HIV epidemic. Over the past 6 years, the creation of the MACC has resulted in a rich web of interconnectivity, which has fostered scientific collaboration through working groups on the black men who have sex with men (MSM) and Latinx regional HIV epidemics, joint peer-reviewed publications, and successful collaborative grant applications on topics ranging from HIV prevention in young MSM, transgender women, implementation science, and clinical epidemiology; supported developmental activities through the MACC Scholars program, cross-CFAR mentoring, joint symposia, cross-CFAR seminar participation, and keynote speakers; and promoted strategic communication through advisory committees, best practices consultations, and the social and behavioral science research network. The MACC has been highly impactful by promoting HIV science through regional collaboration, supporting a diverse network of scholars across three cities and focusing on the epidemic in underrepresented and marginalized communities. Lessons learned from this consortium may have implications for scientific research centers beyond the field of HIV.
Is Robocop a Cash Cow? Motivations for Automated Traffic Enforcement

An automated enforcement system is an electronic device used by law enforcement to enforce traffic laws. An automated speed enforcement system is an increasingly common type of automated enforcement system that monitors vehicle speeds and captures images of speed limit violators. A red light camera is also a common type of automated enforcement system. Even though automated speed enforcement systems differ from red light cameras in terms of technology and application, both are often accused of being deployed for revenue generation purposes. However, these accusations appear to be exaggerated after an examination of legal, engineering, and policy issues. This paper investigates the legal background for automated enforcement systems and the legal issues related to the argument that municipalities most often deploy the devices primarily for the purpose of revenue generation.
Cross Section for the Delayed-Neutron Yield from the 17O(n,p)17N Reaction at 14.1 MeV

(1970). Cross Section for the Delayed-Neutron Yield from the 17O(n,p)17N Reaction at 14.1 MeV. Nuclear Science and Engineering: Vol. 40, No. 1, pp. 136-138.
Real-time queueing theory: A tutorial presentation with an admission control application

Real-time scheduling, or scheduling with respect to a deadline, is critical in many application areas such as telecommunications, control systems, and manufacturing. This paper presents a novel approach to real-time scheduling based on a queueing theory model. Using real-time queueing theory (RTQT), one can analytically determine the distribution of the lead-time profile (i.e., the time until the deadline is reached) of customers waiting for service. Emphasis is placed on the development of the equations used to determine the lead-time profile distribution. The development of the GI/G/1 case is presented and confirmed using simulation. Simulation results confirm prior research for the M/M/1 and GI/M/1 case. As a practical application, RTQT is used to implement a packet admission control algorithm for a telecommunications network. Using this algorithm, packet lateness was reduced by up to 31%.
Lessons from a Plague

This Article argues that we ought to examine this country’s early AIDS crisis for lessons on addressing HIV in the twenty-first century and to improve the ongoing social movement of sexual minorities in the United States. In the 1980s and early 1990s, AIDS focused sexual minorities’ advocacy efforts as both liberationists working to deregulate sexuality and integrationists seeking entrance to heterosexual privilege recognized that their agendas needed to account for this new crisis. Over time, a liberationist response to AIDS emerged and dominated the social movement because sexual minorities needed to publicly defend their differences in order to stay alive. Decades later, without the horrific, unifying force of the early AIDS crisis, elites at the helm of the social movement have taken an integrationist turn. Movement elites now favor integrationist objectives like marriage, neglecting the pressing needs of their marginalized movement counterparts. By honoring key lessons from the early AIDS crisis and using the machinery of the modern integrationist movement to advance more liberationist goals, sexual minorities have the power and the responsibility to propel society toward greater justice for all.
Grandparents as a National Asset: A Brief Note

Research suggests the unique acceptance that children find in their relationship with grandparents. Grandchildren benefit affectively and cognitively from having a close relationship with a grandparent. Grandparents are a major support during divorce and family breakdown. Moreover, children raised solely by grandparents do as well as children raised by biological parents. Older adults, volunteering as foster grandparents to children at risk, provide meaningfully to the lives of these children. This article will briefly review empirical studies suggesting the beneficial role older adults have on children.
Carrier phase synchronization of OFDM systems over frequency-selective channels via the EM algorithm

A computationally efficient algorithm is presented for maximum likelihood (ML) carrier phase estimation of OFDM systems employing M-PSK modulation scheme for transmission over frequency selective channels with additive Gaussian noise, based on the EM algorithm. A nondata-aided (NDA) carrier phase synchronizer is considered which maximizes the low SNR limit of the likelihood function averaged over the M-PSK signal constellation. For this, an EM algorithm is derived which estimates the phase rotations of each subcarriers iteratively and which converges to the true ML estimation of the unknown phases. The algorithm is applied to the QPSK modulated OFDM systems and it is demonstrated by simulation that the phase error variances of estimated subcarrier phase rotations do not depend on the number of subcarriers. It is concluded that for SNR values greater than 10 dB the convergence is achieved in first iteration and for SNR values less than 10 dB, at most in three iterations. It is also concluded that the convergence is independent of the initial starting points.
Ferroelectric Phase Transitions in a Lattice Pseudo-Jahn-Teller Model

A lattice generalization of the (b 1u ⊗b 2g )⊗b 3u pseudo-Jahn-Teller model is analyzed within mean-field theory. Ferroelectric or antiferroelectric ground states are found for sufficiently large pseudo-Jahn-Teller coupling.
Optimal VLSI architecture for vector quantization

Optimal VLSI array structure design for the implementation of vector quantization (VQ) are investigated in this paper. After a brief review of the VQ algorithms, the algorithm and architecture design issues will be discussed. This is followed by a brief survey of existing VQ implementation strategies and architecture.
Overcoming Global and Regional Collective Action Impediments

Abstract At the outset, the article traces the increased prevalence of transnational collective action to globalization, technological progress, population growth and enhanced surveillance. The article then identifies 15 factors that facilitate successful collective action at the global and regional level. Generally, collective action problems with more of these facilitators are easier to address and, in some instances, will require no explicit policy intervention. By identifying essential facilitators and inhibitors, the article indicates where collective action has either a good or bad prognosis. Thus, scarce policy resources can be directed toward those issues where the prognosis is unfavorable. Much of the article concentrates on spatial considerations, institutional engineering and aggregator technologies. For regional collective action concerns, spatial considerations are particularly important since propinquity and relative location of countries influence how actions of other countries affect social well-being. Simple institutional designs – cost sharing, thresholds and refunds – can effectively overcome impediments to collective action by making contributors view their net benefits from the viewpoint of the collective. Throughout the article, contrasts are drawn between global and regional collective action. Myriad examples and policy recommendations are offered. Policy Implications • Global collective action can differ fundamentally from regional collective action. These differences must inform policy making in addressing collective action impediments. • Spatial considerations can play an important role in the underlying incentives motivating regional collective action. • Scarce policy-making resources should be directed at those collective action problems that face the greatest impediments and/or the fewest facilitators – e.g. global warming. • The manner in which individual contributions add to the overall amount of the collective action is an essential consideration when designing policies. • Simple institutional designs – cost sharing and refunds – can effectively overcome impediments to collective action by aligning countries’ incentives.
History of the Buttonhole Technique.

The constant side method of access cannulation in hemodialysis, popularly known as the ‘buttonhole' method, has an interesting history. Dr. Zbylut J. Twardowski, a Polish nephrologist, discovered this technique by pure serendipity in 1972. A patient with a complicated vascular access history and limited options for cannulation was repeatedly ‘stuck' at the same sites by a nurse. Soon it was noticed that the cannulation at the same spot became easier with time. Since the needles were being reused, the sharpness of the needles decreased with time and the bluntness of the needle seemed to minimize the damage to the cannulation tract (another serendipity!). This method soon became popular among patients, and many patients started using this technique. This chapter traces the invention of this technique and its subsequent development following Dr. Twardowski's emigration to the USA.
Prepared Statement of Patricia A. McCoy Before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Hearing on 'Consumer Protections in Financial Services,' March 3, 2009

The testimony proposes transferring consumer protection responsibilities for consumer credit from federal banking regulators to a single, dedicated agency whose sole mission is consumer protection. During the housing bubble, the U.S. system of fragmented regulation drove lenders to shop for the easiest legal regime. The ability of lenders to switch charters put pressure on banking regulators - both state and federal - to relax credit standards. The result was regulatory failure, in which federal banking regulators sacrificed prudent lending standards and consumer protection for the short-term profitability of banks. Creating one, dedicated consumer credit regulator charged with consumer protection would establish uniform standards and enforcement for all lenders and help prevent another collapse in credit underwriting. The testimony closes by proposing vesting states with concurrent enforcement authority.
Mechanoevolution: The Possibility of Deeper Connections Between Information Theory and the Second Law

Entropy, S is an extensive physical property with dimensions of energy per Kelvin. Information, I is an extensive mathematical metric with units of bits. If we consider discrete living systems such as individual organisms as well as discrete technological systems such as hand tools, automobiles, and computers as systems that maintain both a quantifiable specific energy throughput, φ and a quantifiable information throughput, Im at the expense of entropy production, S, we can then begin to build a formal relationship among these three variables within organic, synthetic and hybrid systems. The combination of mass-specific energy and information throughput within a system results in a local partitioning of entropy: local entropy diminution causes global entropy acceleration. In general, as the symbioses between humans and machines become more tightly bound through a process termed “mechanoevolution,” the respective rates of information throughput, energy throughput, and thus entropy production accelerate towards a yet unknown limit.Copyright © 2010 by ASME