cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synopsis of remaining papers

L'A. resume le contenu de trois articles rendant hommage aux travaux de Douglas L. Zweizig : dans Breathing life into performance measures, Patricia A. Lund encourage les bibliotheques publiques a utiliser les mesures de performance pour ameliorer leurs services a travers des exemples tires de l'industrie et du gouvernement. Charles Seavey examine la litterature a partir de la fin des annees 1980 sur les mesures de resultats et les analyses quantitatives. Zoe Stavri offre un panorama de la litterature sur la recherche d'information sur la sante, en utilisant le modele ethnolinguistique developpe par C. Metoyer-Duran.
Characterizing momentum change and viscous loss of a hemodynamic endpoint in assessment of coronary lesions.

Abstract Myocardial fractional flow reserve (FFR myo ) and coronary flow reserve (CFR), measured with guidewire, and quantitative angiography (QA) are widely used in combination to distinguish ischemic from non-ischemic coronary stenoses. Recent studies have shown that simultaneous measurements of FFR myo and CFR are recommended to dissociate conduit epicardial coronary stenoses from distal resistance microvascular disease. In this study, a more comprehensive diagnostic parameter, named as lesion flow coefficient, c ˜ , is proposed. The coefficient, c ˜ , which accounts for mean pressure drop, Δ p ˜ , mean coronary flow, Q ˜ , and percentage area stenosis, can be used to assess the hemodynamic severity of a coronary artery stenoses. Importantly, the contribution of viscous loss and loss due to momentum change for several lesion sizes can be distinguished using c ˜ . FFR myo , CFR and c ˜ were calculated for pre-angioplasty, intermediate and post-angioplasty epicardial lesions, without microvascular disease. While hyperemic c ˜ decreased from 0.65 for pre-angioplasty to 0.48 for post-angioplasty lesion with guidewire of size 0.35 mm, FFR myo increased from 0.52 to 0.87, and CFR increased from 1.72 to 3.45, respectively. Thus, reduced loss produced by momentum change due to lower percentage area stenosis decreased c ˜ . For post-angioplasty lesion, c ˜ decreased from 0.55 to 0.48 with the insertion of guidewire. Hence, increased viscous loss due to the presence of guidewire decreased c ˜ compared with a lesion without guidewire. Further, c ˜ showed a linear relationship with FFR myo , CFR and percentage area stenosis for pre-angioplasty, intermediate and post-angioplasty lesion. These baseline values of c ˜ were developed from fluid dynamics fundamentals for focal lesions, and provided a single hemodynamic endpoint to evaluate coronary stenosis severity.
Effects of Upright Posture on Anterograde and Retrograde Atrioventricular Conduction in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease, Mitral Valve Prolapse or No Structural Heart Disease

Abstract To assess the effects of posture on anterograde and retrograde atrioventricular conduction, electrophysiologic testing was performed in 25 patients in both the supine and 45 ° upright positions on a tilt table. Retrograde conduction was present during ventricular pacing in 17 patients in the supine position; all 17 continued to manifest retrograde conduction in the upright position. In all patients with absent retrograde conduction while supine, retrograde conduction could not be demonstrated while upright. Upright posture significantly (p
Cognitive Decline and Literacy Among Ethnically Diverse Elders

Researchers on genetic and environmental influences on risk for Alzheimer's disease must be prepared for the growing ethnic and racial diversity of our participants. Within the investigation, years of education has typically served as a proxy for cognitive reserve, which may be one factor in influencing risk of cognitive decline among aging people. However, among ethnic minorities, years of education is a poor reflection of the value of educational experience and native ability. This study was conducted among 1002 ethnically diverse English-speaking residents of Northern Manhattan who were cognitively and functionally normal at a baseline evaluation. We found that literacy level was a better predictor of decline in memory, executive function, and language skills than was years of education. The results of this study suggest that in an ethnically diverse cohort, literacy level should be considered as a mediator of the interactions of biological and environmental factors on cognitive decline.
Delay-Independent Stability Test for Systems With Multiple Time-Delays

Delay-independent stability (DIS) of a general class of linear time-invariant (LTI) multiple time-delay system (MTDS) is investigated in the entire delay-parameter space. Stability of such systems may be lost only if their spectrum lies on the imaginary axis for some delays. We build an analytical approach that requires the inspection of the roots of finite number of single-variable polynomials in order to detect if the spectrum ever lies on the imaginary axis for some delays, excluding infinite delays. The approach enables to test the necessary and sufficient conditions of DIS of LTI-MTDS, technically known as weak DIS, as well as the robust stability of single-delay systems against all variations in delay ratios. The proposed approach, which does not require any parameter sweeping and graphical display, becomes possible by establishing a link between the infinite spectrum and algebraic geometry. Case studies are provided to show the effectiveness of the approach.
An analysis of energy use and input costs for cotton production in Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine direct input energy and indirect energy in per hectare in cotton production and compare with input costs. The study also sought to analyse the effect of farm size. Data were collected from sixty five farmers using a face to face questionnaire. The sample farms were selected through a stratified random sampling technique. The results revealed that cotton production consumed a total of 49.73 GJha−1 of which diesel energy consumption was 31.1% followed by fertilizer and machinery energy. Output–input energy ratio and energy productivity were 0.74 and 0.06 kg of cotton MJ−1, respectively. Cost analysis showed that net return per kilogram of seed cotton was insufficient to cover costs of production in the research area. The most important cost items were labour, machinery costs, land rent and pesticide costs. Large farms were more successful in energy productivity, use efficiency and economic performance. It was concluded that energy management at farm level could be improved to give more efficient and economic use of energy.
Src-homology 3 domain of protein kinase p59fyn mediates binding to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in T cells

Abstract The Src-related tyrosine kinase p59fyn(T) plays an important role in the generation of intracellular signals from the T-cell antigen receptor TCR zeta/CD3 complex. A key question concerns the nature and the binding sites of downstream components that interact with this Src-related kinase. p59fyn(T) contains Src-homology 2 and 3 domains (SH2 and SH3) with a capacity to bind to intracellular proteins. One potential downstream target is phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase). In this study, we demonstrate that anti-CD3 and anti-Fyn immunoprecipitates possess PI 3-kinase activity as assessed by TLC and HPLC. Both free and receptor-bound p59fyn(T) were found to bind to the lipid kinase. Further, our results indicate that Src-related kinases have developed a novel mechanism to interact with PI 3-kinase. Precipitation using GST fusion proteins containing Fyn SH2, SH3, and SH2/SH3 domains revealed that PI 3-kinase bound principally to the SH3 domain of Fyn. Fyn SH3 bound directly to the p85 subunit of PI 3-kinase as expressed in a baculoviral system. Anti-CD3 crosslinking induced an increase in the detection of Fyn SH3-associated PI 3-kinase activity. Thus PI 3-kinase is a target of SH3 domains and is likely to play a major role in the signals derived from the TCR zeta/CD3-p59fyn complex.
How fragile are male labor supply function estimates

We estimate male wage and nonwage income effects using linear specifications spanning three techniques (ordinary least squares, fixed effects, and random effects), two wage measures (reported hourly wages and average hourly earnings), and sample stratification by pay scheme (salaried versus hourly paid). Our regressions encompass the one-period static and perfect-foresight life-cycle models. The static model implies exogenous random person-specific effects, a negative nonwage income coefficient, and a positive labor supply substitution effect. The life-cycle model implies endogenous individual-specific effects, a positive wage coefficient, and a zero nonwage income coefficient. Neither the one-period static nor the perfect-foresight life-cycle models are implied by the data for salaried workers while the static model is consistent with the data for hourly paid workers if income taxes are ignored.
Advanced optical components for next-generation photonic networks

Future networks will require very high throughput, carrying dominantly data-centric traffic. The role of Photonic Networks employing all-optical systems will become increasingly important in providing scalable bandwidth, agile reconfigurability, and low-power consumptions in the future. In particular, the self-similar nature of data traffic indicates that packet switching and burst switching will be beneficial in the Next Generation Photonic Networks. While the natural conclusion is to pursue Photonic Packet Switching and Photonic Burst Switching systems, there are significant challenges in realizing such a system due to practical limitations in optical component technologies. Lack of a viable all-optical memory technology will continue to drive us towards exploring rapid reconfigurability in the wavelength domain. We will introduce and discuss the advanced optical component technologies behind the Photonic Packet Routing system designed and demonstrated at UC Davis. The system is capable of packet switching and burst switching, as well as circuit switching with 600 psec switching speed and scalability to 42 petabit/sec aggregated switching capacity. By utilizing a combination of rapidly tunable wavelength conversion and a uniform-loss cyclic frequency (ULCF) arrayed waveguide grating router (AWGR), the system is capable of rapidly switching the packets in wavelength, time, and space domains. The label swapping module inside the Photonic Packet Routing system containing a Mach-Zehnder wavelength converter and a narrow-band fiber Bragg-grating achieves all-optical label swapping with optical 2R (potentially 3R) regeneration while maintaining optical transparency for the data payload. By utilizing the advanced optical component technologies, the Photonic Packet Routing system successfully demonstrated error-free, cascaded, multi-hop photonic packet switching and routing with optical-label swapping. This paper will review the advanced optical component technologies and their role in the Next Generation Photonic Networks.
Collaborative visualization of simulated processes using tabletop fiducial augmented reality

In typical scenarios of construction planning, engineers communicate ideas primarily using paper based media (e.g. drawings) spread across table surfaces. Even though the traditional communication approach offers convenient interaction among participants, the media used are cumbersome to handle. Moreover, they present static information that cannot reflect the dynamic nature of a jobsite. These limitations can be somewhat overcome by computer based virtual environments. However, the convenience of interactive collaboration among participants is lost. This paper introduces tabletop fiducial Augmented Reality to bridge the gap between paper based static information and computer based graphical models. A software named ARVita is developed to validate this idea, where multiple users wearing Head-Mounted Displays and sitting across a table can observe and interact with visual simulations of planned processes. The applications of collaborative visualization using Augmented Reality are reviewed, and the technical implementation of ARVita is presented.
Cortical thickness mediates the effect of β-amyloid on episodic memory.

Objective: To investigate the associations among β-amyloid (Aβ), cortical thickness, and episodic memory in a cohort of cognitively normal to mildly impaired individuals at increased risk of vascular disease. Methods: In 67 subjects specifically recruited to span a continuum of cognitive function and vascular risk, we measured brain Aβ deposition using [ 11 C] Pittsburgh compound B–PET imaging and cortical thickness using MRI. Episodic memory was tested using a standardized composite score of verbal memory, and vascular risk was quantified using the Framingham Coronary Risk Profile index. Results: Increased Aβ was associated with cortical thinning, notably in frontoparietal regions. This relationship was strongest in persons with high Aβ deposition. Increased Aβ was also associated with lower episodic memory performance. Cortical thickness was found to mediate the relationship between Aβ and memory performance. While age had a marginal effect on these associations, the relationship between Aβ and cortical thickness was eliminated after controlling for vascular risk except when examined in only Pittsburgh compound B–positive subjects, in whom Aβ remained associated with thinner cortex in precuneus and occipital lobe. In addition, only the precuneus was found to mediate the relationship between Aβ and memory after controlling for vascular risk. Conclusion: These results suggest strong links among Aβ, cortical thickness, and memory. They highlight that, in individuals without dementia, vascular risk also contributes to cortical thickness and influences the relationships among Aβ, cortical thickness, and memory.
Long-term Follow-up of a Randomized Trial of Radiation With or Without Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer

No Abstract Editorial Comment: Since randomized data have supported use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) at external beam radiation for men with high risk prostate cancer, the use of ADT has become the standard of care for most. There has been considerable controversy regarding duration of use, risk profiles in which benefit could be achieved and timing relative to radiation therapy. Recently demonstration of substantive long-term cardiovascular, metabolic and cognitive toxicity has resulted in more caution in recommending ADT, particularly in elderly patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. In this study the authors evaluate long-term outcomes among men receiving external beam radiation therapy with or without 6 months of ADT for unfavorable risk prostate cancer. Early analysis of the data indicated that the addition of ADT resulted in improved mortality. However, at the current followup of 16.62 years no reduction in mortality was seen overall for men receiving radiation alone. When segregating men by level of comorbid conditions, improved overall and cancer specific survival was seen with the addition of ADT in men with little to no comorbidity. The opposite effect was seen in men with moderate to high comorbidity. In these men the addition of ADT reduced overall survival, increased cardiac event related mortality and had no effect on cancer specific mortality. The implications of the findings are broad and suggest, as in many other examples, that individualized application of beneficial therapies likely supersedes level I evidence derived at the population level. One could argue that the duration of ADT may influence effects on cancer specific mortality in the whole group, although the effect of ADT on cardiac mortality in the ADT treated moderate to severe comorbidity group is hard to deflate. In this group 23 of 24 men died, of whom 16 died of cardiac causes and 1 of prostate cancer. In the whole group of men with moderate to severe comorbidity 46 of 49 died, of which only 4 deaths were prostate attributed. The take home message? Prostate cancer treatment among those with high risk prostate cancer should be approached with caution, and judicious use of ADT in this setting, despite the evidence-based benefit, is warranted.
Long-Term Retention of Knowledge and Critical Thinking Skills in Developmental Biology

The primary goal of this project was to assess long-term retention of concepts and critical thinking skills in individuals who completed a Developmental Biology course. Undergraduates who had completed the course between 2006 and 2009 were recently contacted and asked to complete a professional goals survey and a multiple-choice developmental biology assessment test (DBAT) targeting four levels of learning. The DBAT was designed to assess students’ retention of knowledge and skills related to factual recall, concept application, data analysis, and experimental design. Performance of the 2006–2009 cohorts was compared to that of students enrolled in 2010 who completed the DBAT at the beginning and the end of the semester. Participants from the 2010 course showed significant learning gains based on pre- and posttest scores overall and for each of the four levels of learning. No significant difference in overall performance was observed for students grouped by year from 2006–2010. Participants from the 2006–2009 cohorts scored slightly, but significantly, higher on average if they enrolled in graduate or professional training. However, performance on individual question categories revealed no significant differences between those participants with and without postundergraduate training. Scores on exams and a primary literature critique assignment were correlated with DBAT scores and thus represent predictors of long-term retention of developmental biology knowledge and skills.
Subtherapeutic corticosteroids potentiate the ability of interleukin 10 to prevent chronic inflammation in rats

Abstract Background & Aims: Interleukin (IL)-10, which inhibits macrophages and T-helper lymphocyte type 1 (TH 1 ) lymphocytes, attenuates chronic granulomatous inflammation induced by bacterial cell wall polymers. This study determines whether corticosteroids enhance the protective effects of IL-10 in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) and in vivo when started before or after the onset of experimental chronic granulomatous inflammation. Methods: Intestines of Lewis rats were injected intramurally with streptococcal peptidoglycan-polysaccharide (PG-APS) polymers. Daily murine recombinant IL-10 and/or dexamethasone (DEX) therapy was started 12 hours before or at several intervals after PG-APS injection. Results: IL-10 plus corticosteroids additively inhibited IL-1β secretion in human PBMNCs but preserved the beneficial IL-1RA/IL-1β ratio induced by IL-10. IL-10 started before PG-APS injection significantly attenuated intestinal and extraintestinal inflammation, with even more pronounced effects in combination with subtherapeutic doses of DEX. The combination of DEX decreased the effective dose of IL-10 by at least one half. After onset of systemic inflammation using doses effective for prevention, IL-10 monotherapy had nearly no benefit and DEX plus IL-10 was similar to the mild therapeutic effect of DEX alone. Conclusions: The combination of IL-10 and corticosteroids allows lower doses of both agents in preventing chronic intestinal and systemic inflammation. However, timing of IL-10 administration is a critical variable in regulating inflammation. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1998;115:856-865
Irrigation trends among American Association of Endodontists members: a web-based survey.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine current trends in irrigation selection among endodontists. Methods An invitation to participate in a web-based survey (QuestionPro) was e-mailed to 3844 members of the American Association of Endodontists. Survey participants were asked between 10 and 14 questions based on their individual responses. Among other questions, participants were asked about their irrigant selection, irrigant concentration, smear layer removal, and use of adjuncts to irrigation. Results A total of 3707 survey invitations were successfully delivered by e-mail after accounting for several undeliverable e-mail invitations. There were 1102 participants, with an overall completion rate of 28.5% (n = 1054). Our data indicate that >90% of respondents primarily use sodium hypochlorite, with 57% of them using it at a concentration >5.0%. Seventy-seven percent of respondents aim to remove the smear layer during endodontic treatment. At least 45% of respondents reported using an adjunct to irrigation. Conclusions Most of the respondents are using full-strength sodium hypochlorite and are routinely removing the smear layer during endodontic treatment. In addition, almost half of the respondents are using an adjunct, such as ultrasonic activation, to aid in their irrigation technique.
Effects of Amlodipine on Glomerular Filtration, Growth, and Injury in Experimental Hypertension

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine whether the calcium antagonist amlodipine could slow the progression of chronic renal disease. We examined the effects of amlodipine on kidney structure and function in two experimental models of hypertension. In the first study, adult, male Munich Wistar rats underwent uninephrectomy and were given weekly injections of desoxycorticosterone and 1% saline for drinking. Rats ingested normal chow or chow containing amlodipine for 8 weeks. The drug reduced systemic blood pressure, but glomerular filtration rate, kidney weight, proteinuria, and morphological evidence of glomerular injury were not affected. In the second study, male spontaneously hypertensive rats underwent uninephrectomy at 5 weeks of age and were followed for 6 months, during which they received no therapy or amlodipine. The drug dose was determined in preliminary studies to be the highest dose not associated with marked growth retardation. Again, although systemic blood pressure was significantly reduced by amlodipine, proteinuria and the prevalence of glomerulosclerosis were similar in amlodipine-treated and control spontaneously hypertensive rats. Micropuncture studies revealed that glomerular pressure remained elevated in amlodipine-treated spontaneously hypertensive rats. Kidney weight and glomerular volume were also similar in amlodipine-treated and control rats. Amlodipine also failed to inhibit platelet aggregation. Therefore, antihypertensive therapy with amlodipine fails to reduce glomerular pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats as well as glomerular size and injury in spontaneously hypertension rats and desoxycorticosterone-salt hypertension. Although other dihydropyridine calcium antagonists have been found to reduce experimental glomerular injury, these data suggest that amlodipine may not prevent hypertensive nephrosclerosis.
Developing disaster preparedness competence: an experiential learning exercise for multiprofessional education.

Background: The hurricane disasters of 2005 and the threat of pandemic infectious diseases compel medical educators to develop emergency preparedness training for medical students and other health care professional students. Description: This article describes an experiential exercise for learning a number of the general core competencies in the 2003 AAMC report titled “Training Future Physicians about Weapons of Mass Destruction.” A modified tabletop exercise for medical and veterinary students, which was developed and implemented in 2005, is described. The exercise focused on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), an emerging infectious disease scenario that raised the possibility of biological attack. The students were assigned roles in small groups, such as community physicians, hospital personnel, public health officials, veterinarians, school nurses, and emergency managers. Fifteen faculty members were recruited from these various areas of expertise. Pre- and posttesting of medical students showe...
Antiretroviral treatment adherence and its determinants in Sub-Saharan Africa: a prospective study at Yaounde Central Hospital, Cameroon

Background With African health-care systems facing exploding demand for HIV care, reliable methods for assessing adherence and its influencing factors are needed to guide effective public-health measures. This study evaluated individual patient characteristics determining antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence and the predictive values of different measures of adherence on virological treatment failure in a cohort of patients in a routine-care setting in Cameroon.
Stocker performance and production in mixed tall fescue–bermudagrass pastures of the Southern Piedmont USA

Stocker performance and production from mixed cool- and warm-season perennial pastures are important determinants of agricultural sustainability that can be influenced by management. We evaluated the factorial combination of three sources of nutrient application (inorganic only, organic+inorganic combination, and organic only) and two forage utilization regimes [low grazing pressure (LGP) and high grazing pressure (HGP)] on steer stocking density and rate, performance and production during 7 years of pasture management {tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] overseeded into existing Coastal bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon(L.) Pers.] sod} on a Typic Kanhapludult in Georgia, USA. Nutrient source had few major impacts on responses, except for lower animal performance with organic fertilization (broiler litter) than with organic+inorganic and inorganic only fertilization, especially with LGP. Seasonal changesin stockingweightand rateoccurred,notonlyas expected dueto environmental conditions and dominant forage species present, but that also counteracted expected differences imposed by grazing pressure; signaling negative feedback of HGP on forage productivity. Steer performance was greatest in spring and summer under both grazing pressures, but wassignificantly reducedwithincreasinggrazingpressureinthe autumnandwinterduetolowforageavailability.Across years, steer gainha �1 (863kgha �1 ) was not different between grazing pressures, but gainha �1 declined with time under HGP and was stable with time under LGP. Reducing grazing pressure to a moderate level can lead to equivalent steer production as HGP, and would likely contribute to a more sustainable balance among production, socio-economic and environmental goals. These multi-year results will help cattle producers in warm, moist climates design and implement more sustainable grazing systems.
PVP-SO2 complex as a solid mild acid catalyst for efficient one pot, three component, Strecker synthesis of α−aminonitriles

Solid poly(4-vinylpyridine)-SO2 complex was prepared and used as a mild solid acid catalyst for simple and efficient three component Strecker synthesis of α-aminonitriles in high yield and purity.
The Prohibition Against Double Fusion

The second question posed at the end of Chapter 5, Section 3 was whether it is an arbitrary property of RF that it does not link the result theme, or whether there is something general that precludes it from doing so. Notice that it would not be a strike against our analysis if this property of RF had to be stipulated. Linking is not predictable purely on the basis of meaning; lexical items and lexical rules stipulate which CS constituents link to AS positions. Go links its place; enter links the thing inside it. Butter’s theme is non-linking as is bag’s place. Yet for cook and deliver, these same arguments can either link or not. Passive Formation inherits the CS of its input verb but delinks the CS constituent linked to the external argument. The rule that derives the verb [v bag] from the noun embeds the noun’s CS in a non-linking place.
White and Beautiful: An Examination of Skin Whitening Practices and Female Empowerment in China

In recent years, the prevalence of skin whitening products has increased tremendously among Asian women. The cultural desire for pale skin can be attributed to the phenomenon of colorism, the “discriminatory treatment of individuals falling within the same ‘racial’ group on the basis of skin color” (Herring, 2002). Although social stratification based on skin tone is not a novel concept in China, it has taken on a new dimension in recent decades due to the rise of commercialization and consumerism. As a result, cosmetic companies have capitalized on this opportunity to provide beauty products for women. Although the claims that these products can reduce the darkness of one’s are rather dubiousness, East Asian women have expressed increased interest in skin whiteners (Glenn, 2008). Thus, there seems to be a correlation between colorism and consumerism. The ability to purchase these products provides women the illusion of privilege, agency, and social mobility (Saraswati, 2010).This article examines the role of colorism in contemporary China and the perception of privilege that cosmetic whitening products generate for Chinese women. By analyzing the historical and sociological contexts specific to Chinese society, this article will explicate the ways in which pale skin has become a popularized social desire as well as the perceived agency of Chinese women by consuming and purchasing skin whiteners.
Structural color printing based on plasmonic metasurfaces of perfect light absorption

Subwavelength structural color filtering and printing technologies employing plasmonic nanostructures have recently been recognized as an important and beneficial complement to the traditional colorant-based pigmentation. However, the color saturation, brightness and incident angle tolerance of structural color printing need to be improved to meet the application requirement. Here we demonstrate a structural color printing method based on plasmonic metasurfaces of perfect light absorption to improve color performances such as saturation and brightness. Thin-layer perfect absorbers with periodic hole arrays are designed at visible frequencies and the absorption peaks are tuned by simply adjusting the hole size and periodicity. Near perfect light absorption with high quality factors are obtained to realize high-resolution, angle-insensitive plasmonic color printing with high color saturation and brightness. Moreover, the fabricated metasurfaces can be protected with a protective coating for ambient use without degrading performances. The demonstrated structural color printing platform offers great potential for applications ranging from security marking to information storage.
Effects of Public and Private Investments in Intelligent Transportation Systems on Freight Movement Outcomes

This paper examines the relationship between public and private investments in intelligent transportation system (ITS) technology and the effects on transportation performance through the highway system. ITS technology is an infrastructure that promotes integrated information sharing that can be used to improve system performance. ITS combines better infrastructure with information and control technologies to (a) reduce traffic congestion by maintaining traffic flow, (b) reduce transportation-generated pollution, (c) improve transport efficiency, and (d) produce economic benefits. A statistical analysis of partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test three hypothesized relationships. Primary data were collected from U.S.-based commercial vehicle transportation service providers. Respondents were parceled with a geographic information system analysis of secondary data from the U.S. Department of Transportation National ITS Deployment Tracking Survey. On the basis of their level of re...
Hetero-core fiber optic humidity sensor with layer-by-layer polymer film including TiO2 nanoparticles using UV light

We have developed a hetero-core structured fiber optic humidity sensor with a porous immobilized TiO2 nano-particles. Our research group has been proposed the hetero-core optical fiber humidity sensor due to moisture absorption of the hygroscopic polymer based on optical-intensity modulation. However, the sensor had difficulty in detecting the humidity change at lower humidity range less than 50 %RH. In this paper, we present that the hetero-core fiber humidity sensor has devised to increase the sensitivity at relatively lower humidity by means of including the TiO2 nano-particles in a porous sensitive film comparing to the conventional hetero-core fiber humidity sensor. On the other hand, a UV light has been known to make the TiO2 nano-particles indicate super-hydrophilic reaction and photo catalytic effect. Therefore, the sensitivity of the humidity sensor can be improved using the sensitive film including the TiO2 nanoparticles illuminated by the UV light. We tested the transmitted spectra of UV and visible band light of the proposed hetero-core fiber humidity sensor. As a result, the UV-LED light source could enhance the humidity sensitivity in the proposed hetero-core fiber optic sensor.
Collaborative power management: piercing abstraction barriers for fast and energy-efficient pervasive data access

A significant problem with current I/O power management is that it is device-centric: each device implements its own algorithm without considering the context in which it is operating. This dissertation puts forth the claim that devices should adapt their power management to their environment for fast and energy-efficient data access. Such adaptation can be achieved through a collaboration between users, applications and devices in a mobile computing environment. This approach is called collaborative power management. This dissertation begins by improving the power management for individual I/O devices. It describes the design and implementation of self-tuning power management (STPM) for network and storage devices. STPM provides simple interfaces that allow applications and users to share context with device drivers and power management algorithms that effectively utilize this external context. The dissertation next shows how applications can improve power management by coordinating their data, access across multiple I/O devices. It provides the design and implementation of interfaces that allow devices to share information about their current state and characteristics with adaptive applications. Adaptive applications use this context to dynamically select an I/O device to access data for better performance and energy-savings. It also extends the STPM interface to allow adaptive applications to provide passive hints about their data access intent even when they are employing another device for data access. This support allows devices to adapt better to application needs. The final part of this dissertation describes the design and implementation of PAN-on-Demand; a system that allows co-located computers to collaborate with each other for better data access. PAN-on-Demand provides an energy-efficient infrastructure that allows co-located computers to self-organize in a wireless personal-area network (PAN) and share data using multiple radios, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. When applications are actively using the network, PAN-on-Demand offers high-bandwidth, low-latency communication; when demand is light, PAN-on-Demand adapts the network structure to minimize energy usage.
Bayesian WLS/GLS Regression for Regional Skewness Analysis for Regions with Large Cross-Correlations among Flood Flows

This paper summarizes methodological advances in regional log-space skewness analyses to support flood frequency analysis with the LP3 distribution. Due to large cross-correlations among flood peaks in some areas of the United States, a new Bayesian Weighted Least Squares/ Generalized Least Squares (WLS/GLS) methodology is developed that relates observed skewness estimators to basin characteristics. It provides estimates of the precision of the models and of parameter estimators. Bayesian WLS/GLS is an extension of the quasi-analytic Bayesian analysis of the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) regional hydrologic regression framework introduced by Reis et al. [2005] and extended by Gruber et al. [2007] and Veilleux [2009]. Flood frequency analysis is performed with the Expected Moments Algorithm (EMA) when flood records contain low outliers and zero flows. This methodology is illustrated through the development of regional log-space skewness models for annual maximum 1-, 3-, 7-, 15-, and 30day rainfall flood volumes in the Central Valley and surrounding areas of California [Lamontagne et al., 2011]. For non-linear models relating skew to elevation, the average variance of prediction ranges from 0.048 to 0.056, while Pseudo R 2 values range from 60% to 85% corresponding to effective record lengths of 120 to 170 years, depending on rainfall-flood
A Widespread Pruritic Rash With Facial Swelling and Black Streaks

A healthy girl aged 4 years presented with a 5-day history of a pruritic rash on her arms, neck, axillae, and face. The rash started as small pink bumps on her arms that spread to involve the axillae, neck, and upper chest. Four days prior to arrival, she developed significant rednessandpruritusofher face.Onarrival, herparentsnotedblack streaksonher right arm,promptinganurgentemergencydepartmentevaluation. Treatmentprior topresentation includeddiphenhydramine, cetirizine, and a 20-mg dose of prednisone without improvement. The patient was otherwise healthy with normal development and growth. She had a history of mild atopic dermatitis and was not taking any medications. She had no known history of drug allergy or contact allergy. The patient livedwith her 2 siblings and both parents, whowere all asymptomatic. She had no pets and no recent travel, and her vaccinations were up to date. Onphysical examination, the patientwas actively scratching the involved skin. The bilateral arms, axillae, anterior neck, and facehadpoorlydefined, blanchingpink-redpatches andedematousplaqueswithout epidermal change (Figure, A). Jet black,well-defined, and slightly shiny linear streakswithperipheral erythemawerenotedonher right forearm,with smaller circular, black macules on the ipsilateral biceps and axilla (Figure, B). Quiz at jamapediatrics.com A
Branch Morphology of Nonnative Elaeagnus Shrubs and Potential Consequences for Avian Activity in Midwestern Habitats

ABSTRACT Invasive nonnative species of woody plants can alter landscapes in ways that are detrimental to native wildlife. We studied branch structure of invasive nonnative Elaeagnus shrubs (autumn and Russian olive E. umbellata and E. angustifolia) as a potential influence on native bird activity in Midwestern habitats. In a comparison to three common native woody plants, Elaeagnus shrubs had a finer branch and denser structure than native black cherry (Prunus serotina) but did not differ from natives in other characteristics tested. Further, the morphological characteristics of Elaeagnus branches did not appear to affect preference for perching substrate at feeders or activity of birds moving through Elaeagnus and native shrub areas monitored using mist nets. Thus, we concluded that any morphological changes that may occur when Elaeagnus shrubs invade a habitat would not negatively impact overwintering and breeding bird perching behavior or movements during the nonfruiting season.
The Durability of Parliamentary and Presidential Dictatorships

Many scholars have examined the durability of parliamentary versus presidential regimes in democracies, but the process by which authoritarian leaders are (nominally) elected is generally assumed to be irrelevant. However, even if the outcome is not in doubt, the executive selection process may affect outcomes such as regime durability.I argue that, when opposition parties are allowed to participate in the executive selection process in authoritarian regimes, a Parliamentary executive election system enhances regime durability relative to a Presidential system. The Parliamentary election process is amplifies the cooperative dynamic of party-based regimes, which is an important source of their stability relative to other regime types. Furthermore, the Parliamentary election system enables tactics such as malapportionment, the opportunity to negotiate with or pressure legislators after elections, and may also promote policies favorable to economic growth.In this paper, I identify dictatorships by executive election system and find that regimes with a Parliamentary system are less likely to fail than those with a Presidential system if the de facto power structure is party-based, while military regimes with unelected executives tend to be shorter-lived than those with an elected executive system. An analysis at the incumbent level suggests that, whereas the parliamentary system in party-based regimes enables the regime to remain in power, presidential electoral systems enable individual rulers to stay in office. Additional analysis suggests that these patterns may be caused, to some extent, by the sorting process, which results in many low-income military regimes with unelected executives and high-income party regimes with a Parliamentary system.
Power in Organizational Society: Macro, Meso and Micro

This chapter discusses the sources of modern social order by dissecting the issue of power at three levels of analysis in descending order: macro, meso, and micro. While existing theories of power either treat power as a causal force originating within macro entities, or as an exercise in leveraging and positioning within micro-level social relationships, this chapter probes power dynamics at the organizational level. It first of all describes historically how organizations became the major avenue in which power is mediated and regulated in our present social world. It contends that organizational rules, routines, differentiation, and depersonalization obscure power discretions and reduce the perception of domination. Yet, the pluralistic and generative logic of power production in organizations also create unexpected opportunities of innovation and empowerment. By drawing attention to the distinctive forms and nature of power relations at this meso-level, the chapter finally extends power analysis from the macro and micro-level to analytical interactions among all three levels of analyses. Power flows both upwards and downwards, we argue, so that the interaction and conversion of different forms of power at different levels can generate new sets of emergent and interstitial structures and relations.
Wernicke's Encephalopathy

Two cases of Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) diagnosed at autopsy are reported from the Depts of Pediatrics and Pathology, British Columbia's Children's Hospital, and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Exploring relationships between hospital patient safety culture and Consumer Reports safety scores.

A number of private and public companies calculate and publish proprietary hospital patient safety scores based on publicly available quality measures initially reported by the U.S. federal government. This study examines whether patient safety culture perceptions of U.S. hospital staff in a large national survey are related to publicly reported patient safety ratings of hospitals. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (Hospital SOPS) assesses provider and staff perceptions of hospital patient safety culture. Consumer Reports (CR), a U.S. based non-profit organization, calculates and shares with its subscribers a Hospital Safety Score calculated annually from patient experience survey data and outcomes data gathered from federal databases. Linking data collected during similar time periods, we analyzed relationships between staff perceptions of patient safety culture composites and the CR Hospital Safety Score and its five components using multiple multivariate linear regressions. We analyzed data from 164 hospitals, with patient safety culture survey responses from 140,316 providers and staff, with an average of 856 completed surveys per hospital and an average response rate per hospital of 56%. Higher overall Hospital SOPS composite average scores were significantly associated with higher overall CR Hospital Safety Scores (β = 0.24, p < 0.05). For 10 of the 12 Hospital SOPS composites, higher patient safety culture scores were associated with higher CR patient experience scores on communication about medications and discharge. This study found a relationship between hospital staff perceptions of patient safety culture and the Consumer Reports Hospital Safety Score, which is a composite of patient experience and outcomes data from federal databases. As hospital managers allocate resources to improve patient safety culture within their organizations, their efforts may also indirectly improve consumer-focused, publicly reported hospital rating scores like the Consumer Reports Hospital Safety Score.
Tsunamigenic Risks Associated with Mass Transport Complexes in Offshore Trinidad and Venezuela

The study area is situated along the obliquely converging boundary of the Caribbean and the South American plates and proximal to the Orinoco delta. Several Plio-Pleistocene-age seafloor destabilization events have been identified in the continental margin of eastern offshore Trinidad. These mass wasting processes are thought to have been of sufficient scale to produce tsunamigenic waves. This work concentrates on the modeling of mass-failure-event-generated tsunami waves in eastern offshore Trinidad. Three different models were generated on the basis of geomorphological characteristics and causal mechanisms of mass transport complexes (MTCs): (1) slope-attached, (2) shelf-attached and (3) detached MTCs. Present-day geologic conditions suggest that detached and slope-attached mass failure events (MFEs) are more likely to occur today. In addition, modeling results indicate that detached MFEs that can occur on the collapsing flanks of mud-volcano ridges represent a higher tsunamigenic risk. These modeling results are a first approach to try to establish a tsunamigenic risk assessment in the region.
Connection between encounter volume and diffusivity in geophysical flows

Abstract. Trajectory encounter volume – the volume of fluid that passes close to a reference fluid parcel over some time interval – has been recently introduced as a measure of mixing potential of a flow. Diffusivity is the most commonly used characteristic of turbulent diffusion. We derive the analytical relationship between the encounter volume and diffusivity under the assumption of an isotropic random walk, i.e., diffusive motion, in one and two dimensions. We apply the derived formulas to produce maps of encounter volume and the corresponding diffusivity in the Gulf Stream region of the North Atlantic based on satellite altimetry, and discuss the mixing properties of Gulf Stream rings. Advantages offered by the derived formula for estimating diffusivity from oceanographic data are discussed, as well as applications to other disciplines.
Why do people choose particular methods for suicide

A study of people's reasons for choosing a method for suicide indicated that females are more concerned with quickness, painfulness and disfigurement, but less concerned with the availability of the method. Those choosing guns were more concerned about the quickness of the method and less concerned about disfigurement. These results were discussed for their implications as to whether people will switch methods for suicide if one method is made less easily available. Language: en
Hegemonic Masculinity and Counter-hegemonic Feminist Discourses for Peace

Utilizing a pacifist feminist position, this paper looks at the relationship between ideas of masculinity and war, militarism and peacekeeping intervention. ...
Comprehension of Aviation Safety Pictograms: Gender and Prior Safety Card Reading Influences

The present study assessed the comprehensibility of aviation safety pictorials that compose specific pictograms. A total of 120 individuals were asked to provide detailed responses to each pictoria...
Visual Topography and Function

The functional division of labor among the large number of visual areas in the cerebral cortex in primates constitutes one of the great scientific riddles in biology. The topographic organization of many of these areas was first mapped in the owl monkey (2–7, 39). The cortical visual areas of the owl monkey are illustrated in an unfolded schema in Fig. 7.1 and as they are located in the brain in Fig.