cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Freshman design: A signal-processing approach

This paper describes development and evaluation of a freshman design course focusing on signal processing and communications, entitled “The Digital World of Multimedia.” The course covers basic concepts of sampling, frequency analysis, and filtering without calculus but with coverage of these topics in both audio and image processing. Six labs provide collaborative, experimental learning as well as design opportunities. Connections to modern technology are provided in guest lectures and reading assignments that leverage IEEE magazines, and the topics provide opportunities for discussing the societal impact of signal processing technology.
Modeling concurrency in parallel debugging

We propose a debugging language, Data Path Expressions (DPEs), for modeling the behavior of parallel programs. The debugging paradigm is for the programmer to describe the expected program behavior and for the debugger to compare the actual program behavior during execution to detect program errors. We classify DPEs into five subclasses according to syntactic criteria, and characterize their semantics in terms of a hierarchy of extended Petri Net models. The characterization demonstrates the power of DPEs for modeling parallelism. We present predecessor automata as a mechanism for implementing the third subclass of DPEs, which expresses bounded parallelism. Predecessor automata extend finite state automata to provide efficient event recognizers for parallel debugging. We briefly describe the application of DPEs to race conditions, deadlock and starvation.
Bans against corporal punishment: A systematic review of the laws, changes in attitudes and behaviours

Twenty-four countries have passed legislative bans on corporal punishment since the passage of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This systematic review briefly reviews the arguments for corporal punishment bans and the contents and context of the current legal bans. All such bans have occurred in representative governments. Following this background, the paper will examine the impacts of the laws with regard to attitudes regarding corporal punishment and parental discipline behaviours. It is clear from the findings of this systematic review that legal bans on corporal punishment are closely associated with decreases in support of and use of corporal punishment as a child discipline technique. However, it is less clear if such legislative bans always generally precede a decline in popular support for corporal punishment or result from such a decline in popular support. The known impact of such bans on child physical abuse will then be reviewed. The paper concludes with a policy analysis framework for considering new legislation to ban corporal punishment.
WSN15-6: Practical Issues in Parameter Estimation over Fading Channels with TBMA Wireless Sensor Networks

Some practical issues in parameter estimation over fading channels with type-based multiple access (TBMA) sensor networks is studied in this paper, where the parameter of interest is estimated through the empirical distribution of the observations. In the literature, the asymptotically optimal estimator requires the transmitted signal waveforms to be orthogonal to represent different observations. Meanwhile, the channels between the sensors and the fusion center need to be non zero-mean. If the channel is zero-mean, channel state information (CSI) at sensor side is required. However, in practice, imperfect CSI, or interference between the orthogonal waveform dimensions, such as synchronization error, cannot be avoided, and may be unknown at the fusion center. How these practical issues affect the asymptotic optimality of the existing estimator and its performance are discussed in this paper. A unified framework for estimation with these practical constraints is proposed, which includes the imperfect CSI and synchronization error as special cases. The conditions under which the asymptotically optimal estimator requires the knowledge of the channel or interference statistics at the fusion center are derived. Furthermore, how the interference affects the performance of the asymptotically optimal estimator is characterized. Simulation results corroborate our analysis.
Value‐free Sociology: a Doctrine of Hypocrisy and Irresponsibility

(1968). Value-free Sociology: a Doctrine of Hypocrisy and Irresponsibility. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 176-185.
RONALD REAGAN AND THE TASK FORCE ON IMMIGRATION, 11981

Immigration was not a major priority for President Ronald Reagan and his conservative agenda in 1981. Political, economic, and foreign policy considerations, however, forced the Reagan administration to create a task force and address the issues of refugees, legal immigration priorities and numbers, and escalating numbers of illegal aliens. This article evaluates the task force9s review of the issues, its recommendations to the President, and his response. Although immigration remained a secondary issue for the Reagan administration, the White House9s response to the issue in 1981 offers revealing insights on Reagan9s management style, on the disagreements within his administration over how to deal with illegal aliens, and on the ultimate contribution of the White House to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
An Introduction to Intercultural Communication: Identities in a Global Community (6th Edition)

An Introduction to Intercultural Communication: Identities in a Global Community (6th Edition) FRED E. JANDT Los Angeles, CA, Sage Publications, 2010 440 pp., ISBN: 9781412970105 (US$80.95) In the ...
Large-Scale Upwelling off Northwestern Mexico

Abstract The seasonal variation of large-scale upwelling off northwestern Mexico is investigated by means of the divergence of the Ekman transport, computed for a 1° latitude-longitude grid. It is found, by using such a close grid, that the vertical velocity is resolved in sufficient detail to bring out many important features of upwelling that agree favorably with the temperature distribution. The limitations of the method are discussed.
Physician Certification in Cardiovascular Imaging: Rationale, Process, and Benefits

Cardiologists, radiologists, and nuclear medicine physicians receive training and may be allowed to perform cardiovascular imaging by using echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, or cardiovascular computed tomography. Given the tremendous variability in training and expertise, physician certification in each of these areas has been developed as a measure of providing quality studies for accurate patient diagnosis and management. In this paper, the history, the process of examination development and administration, eligibility requirements, the results of physician testing, and board recognition will be presented for each of the 3 boards. Payers and government regulators have recognized these boards as a measure of physician quality, and they are often required for physician reimbursement and licensure. Because many physicians provide service in more than 1 specialty, discussions are ongoing to simplify the application, testing and recertification processes.
Making choices—how stochastic decisions determine disease progression

In this issue of Genes & Development, Ginart and colleagues (pp. 567-578) study a mouse model for Russell-Silver syndrome (RSS) and show that similar cells within one individual can display distinct gene expression patterns because of epigenetic marks that are established stochastically during early development. Their results provide an excellent explanation for phenotypes seen in RSS and other imprinting disorders and especially help us understand how patients with similar or even identical genetic mutations can display distinct disease profiles.
Studies of human endometrium in organ culture.

Publisher Summary The chapter focuses to gain a greater understanding of the process of chemical carcinogenesis in human endometrium by observing long-term toxic and carcinogenic effects of chemicals on this tissue. Such observations require that methods be developed for the long-term maintenance morphological and biochemical properties of the endometrium tissue in vitro as organ cultures. This chapter describes such an in vitro model designed for long-term maintenance of human endometrial explants in organ culture. One feature of the methods mentioned that contributed to the sustained vitality of our organ cultures is the use of L-glutamine at concentrations much higher than those used in earlier studies with endometrial tissue. The results of this study demonstrate that human endometrial tissue can be maintained as organ cultures in vitro for many months. The tissue in culture retains differentiated morphology, responsiveness to hormones, and capacity for macromolecular synthesis. These properties provide opportunities for a wide variety of experimental studies. Human endometrial organ cultures provide a promising system for attempting to transform human cells in organ culture.
Abstract 3072: Characterization of TCL1-Tg:p53-/- mice that resemble human chronic lymphocytic leukemia with 17p-deletion: alterations in p53→Mir30→EZH2 axis.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia in the United States and Europe. CLL patients with deletion of chromosome 17p, where the tumor suppressor p53 gene is located, often develop a more aggressive disease with poor clinical outcomes. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We have recently generated mice with Eμ-Tcl1-Tg:p53-/- genotype and showed that these mice develop aggressive leukemia that resembles human CLL with 17p deletion. In the present study, we further demonstrated that the p53 deficiency in the Tcl1 transgenic mice resulted in significant down-regulation of microRNAs miR-15a and miR16-1, associated with a substantial up-regulation of Mcl-1, suggesting that the p53-miR15a/16-Mcl-1 axis may play an important role in CLL pathogenesis. Interestingly, we also found that loss of p53 resulted in a significant decrease in expression of the miR-30 family in leukemia lymphocytes from the Eμ-Tcl1-Tg:p53-/- mice. Consistently, primary leukemia cells from CLL patients with 17p deletion also showed a decrease in the miR-30d expression. To further exam the biological significance of decrease in the miR-30 family in CLL, we investigated the potential involvement of EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2), a component of the Polycomb repressive complex known to be a downstream target of miR-30d and plays a role in disease progression in several solid cancers. RT-PCR and western blot analyses showed that both EZH2 mRNA transcript and protein levels were significantly increased in the lymphocytes of Eμ-Tcl1-Tg:p53-/- mice relative to Eμ-Tcl1-Tg:p53+/+ mice. Exposure of leukemia cells isolated from Eμ-Tcl1-Tg:p53-/- mice to the EZH2 inhibitor 3-deazaneplanocin (DZNep) led to induction of apoptosis, suggesting EZH2 may play a role in promoting CLL cell survival and this may contribute to the aggressive phenotype of CLL with loss of p53. Our study reveals that the p53-miR30-EZH2 axis may play an important role in CLL pathogenesis, and EZH2 may potentially be a target for CLL treatment. Citation Format: Jinyun Liu, Marcia A. Ogasawara, Gang Chen, Helene Pelicano, Peng Huang. Characterization of TCL1-Tg:p53-/- mice that resemble human chronic lymphocytic leukemia with 17p-deletion: alterations in p53→Mir30→EZH2 axis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3072. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3072
Quantitative applications of high‐resolution proton magnetic resonance measurements in the characterization of detergent chemicals

Quantitative hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance measurements are used for the determination of average structures of detergent chemicals. For alkylbenzenes, alkylphenols, and ethylene oxide (EO) adducts of alkylphenols, the following quantities can be measured: average lengths of alkyl chains, average molecular weights, degree and kind of branching in the alkyl chain, ortho-para distribution of aryl substituents, and average lengths of BO chains. Accuracy is of the the order of ± 2% of the total hydrogen. The method is nondestructive, and sample volumes as small as 0.007 ml have been used.
Assembly Lines with Overlapping Work Stations

Abstract Traditionally assembly line balancing problems have been examined under the assumption of serial work station design. Thus no pair of work stations could be simultaneously working on the same copy of a product. This paper presents two models for which this assumption is dropped. The algorithms developed for operational design of such assembly lines are presented along with sample problems to demonstrate the computational procedures and advantages of these models.
Living Habits of Drosicha corpulenta and Experiment on the Methods to Control in the North Region of Qinling Mountains

Drosicha corpulenta happens in a single generation each year in the north region of Qinling Mountains.Three pesticides,2.5% Gongfu,10% Fenvalerate and Jiekesha,were applied to control the pest.The test results showed that Jiekesha achieved excellent control effect,better than the other two.
Experiments on Calibrating Tilt-Shift Lenses for Close-Range Photogrammetry

Abstract. One of the strongest limiting factors in close range photogrammetry (CRP) is the depth of field (DOF), especially at very small object distance. When using standard digital cameras and lens, for a specific camera – lens combination, the only way to control the extent of the zone of sharp focus in object space is to reduce the aperture of the lens. However, this strategy is often not sufficient; moreover, in many cases it is not fully advisable. In fact, when the aperture is closed down, images lose sharpness because of diffraction. Furthermore, the exposure time must be lowered (susceptibility to vibrations) and the ISO increased (electronic noise may increase). In order to adapt the shape of the DOF to the subject of interest, the Scheimpflug rule is to be applied, requiring that the optical axis must be no longer perpendicular to the image plane. Nowadays, specific lenses exist that allow inclining the optical axis to modify the DOF: they are called tilt-shift lenses. In this paper, an investigation on the applicability of the classic photogrammetric model (pinhole camera coupled with Brown’s distortion model) to these lenses is presented. Tests were carried out in an environmentally controlled metrology laboratory at the National Research Council (NRC) Canada and the results are hereafter described in detail.
A kernelized stein discrepancy for goodness-of-fit tests

We derive a new discrepancy statistic for measuring differences between two probability distributions based on combining Stein's identity with the reproducing kernel Hilbert space theory. We apply our result to test how well a probabilistic model fits a set of observations, and derive a new class of powerful goodness-of-fit tests that are widely applicable for complex and high dimensional distributions, even for those with computationally intractable normalization constants. Both theoretical and empirical properties of our methods are studied thoroughly.
Rapid repetitive microinjection

This article describes methods to inject large numbers of echinoid eggs and zygotes with globin mRNA and label them with tritiated amino acids. The products can be quantitatively analyzed to determine the amounts of peptide synthesis. The injections can be performed quickly and require relatively simple and inexpensive equipment. Although I designed my methods to inject large numbers of echinoid eggs and zygotes, these methods should also be useful for injecting many different molecules and ions into smaller numbers of cells as well as into a variety of cell types.
Role of the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT) in the maintenance of intestinal mucosal integrity

Utilizing a conditional (intestinal-specific) knockout (cKO) mouse model, we have recently shown that the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT) (SLC5A6) is the only biotin uptake system that operates in the gut and that its deletion leads to biotin deficiency. Unexpectedly, we also observed that all SMVT-cKO mice develop chronic active inflammation, especially in the cecum. Our aim here was to examine the role of SMVT in the maintenance of intestinal mucosal integrity [permeability and expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins]. Our results showed that knocking out the mouse intestinal SMVT is associated with a significant increase in gut permeability and with changes in the level of expression of TJ proteins. To determine whether these changes are related to the state of biotin deficiency that develops in SMVT-cKO mice, we induced (by dietary means) biotin deficiency in wild-type mice and examined its effect on the above-mentioned parameters. The results showed that dietary-induced biotin deficiency leads to a similar development of chronic active inflammation in the cecum with an increase in the level of expression of proinflammatory cytokines, as well as an increase in intestinal permeability and changes in the level of expression of TJ proteins. We also examined the effect of chronic biotin deficiency on permeability and expression of TJ proteins in confluent intestinal epithelial Caco-2 monolayers but observed no changes in these parameters. These results show that the intestinal SMVT plays an important role in the maintenance of normal mucosal integrity, most likely via its role in providing biotin to different cells of the gut mucosa.
Phytoplankton-Associated Bacterial Community Composition and Succession during Toxic Diatom Bloom and Non-Bloom Events

Pseudo-nitzschia blooms often occur in coastal and open ocean environments, sometimes leading to the production of the neurotoxin domoic acid that can cause severe negative impacts to higher trophic levels. Increasing evidence suggests a close relationship between phytoplankton bloom and bacterial assemblages, however, the microbial composition and succession during a bloom process is unknown. Here, we investigate the bacterial assemblages before, during and after toxic and non-toxic Pseudo-nitzschia blooms to determine the patterns of bacterial succession in a natural bloom setting. Opportunistic sampling of bacterial community profiles were determined weekly at Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf by 454 pyrosequencing and analyzed together with domoic acid levels, phytoplankton community and biomass, nutrients and temperature. We asked if the bacterial communities are similar between bloom and non-bloom events and if domoic acid or the presence of toxic algal species acts as a driving force that can significantly structure phytoplankton-associated bacterial communities. We found that bacterial diversity generally increases when Pseudo-nitzschia numbers decline. Furthermore, bacterial diversity is higher when the low-DA producing P. fraudulenta dominates the algal bloom while bacterial diversity is lower when high-DA producing P. australis dominates the algal bloom, suggesting that the presence of algal toxin can structure bacterial community. We also found bloom-related succession patterns among associated bacterial groups; Gamma-proteobacteria, were dominant during low toxic P. fraudulenta blooms comprising mostly of Vibrio spp., which increased in relative abundance (6%-65%) as the bloom progresses. On the other hand, Firmicutes bacteria comprising mostly of Planococcus spp. (12%- 86%) dominate during high toxic P. australis blooms, with the bacterial assemblage showing the same bloom-related successional patterns in 3 independent bloom events. Other environmental variables such as nitrate and phosphate and temperature appear to influence some low abundant bacterial groups as well. Our results suggest that phytoplankton-associated bacterial communities are strongly affected not just by phytoplankton bloom in general, but also by the type of algal species that dominates in the natural bloom.
Preface to Public Administration: A Search for Themes and Direction

(2001). Preface to Public Administration: A Search for Themes and Direction. Administrative Theory & Praxis: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 115-122.
Motor-Activity Markers of Circadian Timekeeping Are Related to Ketamine's Rapid Antidepressant Properties.

Abstract Background The rapid clinical antidepressant effects of the glutamatergic modulator ketamine may be due to its ability to restore synaptic plasticity and related effects on sleep-wake and circadian systems. Preclinical studies indicate that ketamine alters expression of circadian clock–associated molecules, and clinical studies of ketamine on plasticity-related biomarkers further suggest an association with sleep slow waves and sleep homeostasis. Methods Wrist-activity monitors were used to examine the pharmacologic and rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine on markers of circadian timekeeping (amplitude and timing) in mood disorders. Circadian amplitude and timing of activity at baseline, postinfusion day 1 (D1), and day 3 (D3) were measured in 51 patients with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. Results Compared with either placebo or baseline, a mood-independent decrease of the central circadian value (mesor) was present on D1 after ketamine treatment. Mood-associated circadian effects between rapid (D1) responders and nonresponders were found at baseline, D1, and D3. At baseline, a phase-advanced activity pattern and lower mesor distinguished subsequent responders from nonresponders. On D1, ketamine nonresponders had a lower mesor and a blunted 24-hour amplitude relative to baseline. On D3, patients with a persisting clinical response exhibited a higher amplitude and mesor compared with nonresponders. Conclusions The findings are the first to demonstrate an association between ketamine’s clinical antidepressant effects and circadian timekeeping. The results suggest that traitlike circadian activity patterns indicate rapid mood response to ketamine, and that mediators of continuing ketamine-induced mood changes include altered timing and amplitude of the circadian system.
Food Regulation: Law, Science, Policy, and Practice, 2nd Edition, Table of Contents

Featuring case studies and discussion questions, this textbook – with revisions addressing significant changes to US food law – offers accessible coverage appropriate to a wide audience of students and professionals. Overviews the federal statutes, regulations, and regulatory agencies concerned with food regulation and introduces students to the case law and statutory scheme of food regulation Focuses updated content on the 2011 FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the biggest change to US food law since the 1930s Contains over 20% new material, particularly a rewritten import law chapter and revisions related to food safety regulation, health claims, and food defense Features case studies and discussion questions about application of law, policy questions, and emerging issues
The Caregiver Burden Alert: A Graphic Tool for Dementia Caregiver Burden Screening and Referral:

Annually, 5.4 million people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia (AD), most of whom are cared for by unpaid family caregivers and are medically supervised by primary care providers (PCPs). AD caregivers report feelings of satisfaction in their ability to provide care, though they often experience caregiver burden (CB) from the extensive physical and emotional effort involved in AD caregiving, especially when providing care to someone with advanced AD. Standardized measures have been developed to assess for CB among AD caregivers, and effective interventions have been developed for reducing CB. However, there currently lacks a standardized, feasible approach for CB screening. This article presents an innovative, evidence-based tool to prompt CB screening and referrals among AD caregivers receiving home care services.
A comparison of big data application programming approaches: A travel companion case study

With advances of big data technologies, there are many possible ways to program for each big data application. A challenge is to know the differences of the program approaches and decide which programming approach is the best for a particular big data application. In this paper, we use vehicle travel companion as a case study to explore four different programming approaches, including Spark RDD (with GroupBy or Join), Spark SQL with Hive and Hive on Hadoop, and tune the programmed big data applications. Our experiments show that the execution time of one programming approach could be more than 100-fold longer than that of another for the same application logic, which verifies that programming approach decision is important. We also explain the reasons for the differences. The findings could be applied to the selection of programming approach for other big data applications.
Hierarchy, Morphology, and Adaptive Radiation: a Test of Osborn's Law in the Carnivora

Henry Fairfield Osborn's law of adaptive radiation was intended to explain the early proliferation of morphological and functional variation in diversifying clades. Yet, despite much theoretical development and empirical testing, questions remain regarding the taxonomic levels at which adaptive radiation occurs, the traits involved, and its frequency across the tree of life. Here, we evaluate support for this "early burst" model of adaptive radiation in 14 ecomorphological traits plus body mass for the extant mammalian order Carnivora. Strong support for an early burst adaptive radiation is recovered for molar grinding area, a key proxy for diet. However, we find no evidence for early burst-like dynamics in body mass or multivariate trait data, suggesting a decoupling of evolutionary modes among traits driven by dietary specialization. Furthermore, the signal of an early burst is only recovered for Carnivora, and not in family-level clades. The lack of support for the early burst model of morphological adaptive radiation in previous phylogenetic studies may be a consequence of focusing on the wrong traits at the wrong taxonomic levels. Osborn's law predicted that adaptive radiation should be hierarchically structured, and the search for its signature and understanding of its prevalence will require a renewed focus on functional traits and their evolution over higher-level clades.
SYSTEMIC BETA-BLOCKERS AND RISK OF PROGRESSION TO NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

Purpose To determine whether oral beta-blockers (BBs) are associated with the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods Retrospective cohort study of patients from 2000 to 2014 using data from a large national U.S. insurer's administrative medical claims database. Patients with nonexudative AMD who initiated (index date) BB, a calcium channel blocker (CCB), an angiotensin-converting enzyme/angiotensin receptor blocker, or a diuretic. Patients were excluded for Results Eighteen thousand seven hundred and fifty-four BB patients and 12,784 CCB patients met criteria for inclusion. After controlling for covariates, patients on BB had a lower hazard for nAMD at both 90 and 180 days than patients on CCB (HRs: 0.67-0.71; P 0.06 for all comparisons). A sensitivity analysis using propensity score matching yielded similar results with patients on BB significantly less likely to develop nAMD at 90 and 180 days (HR: 0.70-0.76; P Conclusion No evidence was found that BB usage increased the hazard for nAMD relative to other antihypertensive medications.
The relationship between cancer-related worry and posttraumatic growth in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors.

Objectives To examine cancer-related worry in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors and its relationship with posttraumatic growth over time, as the relationship between these constructs has not been assessed longitudinally in this population. Methods A total of 153 AYA cancer survivors completed measures of cancer-related worry and posttraumatic growth 3 times across approximately 1 year. Descriptive statistics were calculated for cancer-related worry items, and mixed-effects modeling assessed the relationship between cancer-related worry and posttraumatic growth. Results Most participants reported at least moderate cancer-related worry in at least 1 area at each assessment (88.2-93.9% across time points). Worry about future health was the most prevalent concern (65.4%-83.7% across time points). Cancer-related worry was positively related to posttraumatic growth in the mixed-effects model. However, post hoc analyses indicated that cancer-related worry and posttraumatic growth were modestly related; there was no evidence that either construct predicted the other over time. Conclusions Cancer-related worry appears to be a common psychosocial outcome in AYA cancer survivors. However, cancer-related worry appears to be only modestly related to the development of posttraumatic growth, implying that these may be independent constructs despite theoretical literature suggesting that posttraumatic growth may stem from posttraumatic distress. Thus, it is necessary to assess AYA survivors for cancer-related worry and posttraumatic growth, and develop interventions to target cancer-related worry and foster posttraumatic growth.
Review of fundamentals and applications of polyester nanocomposites filled with carbonaceous nanofillers

Polyester is a versatile commercially significant polymer (thermoplastic/thermoset) well-known for its biodegradability and excellent thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties. Synthetic aromati...
Pressure Fluctuations Associated with Deep Moist Convection

The momentum equations can be written in a form whereby pressure is replaced by a deviation of pressure from a hydrostatic, horizontally homogeneous base state. This pressure perturbation has both hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic parts owing to density deviations from the horizontally homogeneous base state and three-dimensional wind velocity gradients, respectively. The pressure perturbation also can be decomposed into what are referred to as a dynamic pressure perturbation and a buoyancy pressure perturbation. It is shown that dynamic pressure perturbations arise when deformation or vorticity are present in the velocity field. Buoyancy pressure perturbations arise when vertical buoyancy gradients exist.
Borehole diffusive flux apparatus for characterizing diffusive mass-transfer in subsurface systems

The concept of the Borehole Diffusive Flux Apparatus (BDFA) is presented herein. The BDFA is an innovative apparatus designed to provide continuous direct access to an undisturbed column of sediment that can be monitored at multiple discrete vertical intervals to provide high-resolution characterization of local-scale mass transfer and attenuation. The conceptual basis and technical design of the device are presented, along with an example of borehole design and installation at a field site. Mathematical simulations are used to illustrate its application for two scenarios. The results of these simulations indicate that test periods of several weeks to a few months should be sufficient to obtain robust results. The device has the potential to improve our ability to characterize critical mass-transfer and attenuation processes and to quantify the associated rates. This information is key to the evaluation of remediation alternatives, for enhancing the accuracy of mathematical models, and to support more effective long-term management of large groundwater contaminant plumes present at many sites.
Is repeat head CT necessary in patients with mild traumatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Abstract Background Patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (TIH) frequently receive repeat head CT scans (RHCT) to assess for progression of TIH. The utility of this practice has been brought into question, with some studies suggesting that in the absence of progressive neurologic symptoms, the RHCT does not lead to clinical interventions. Methods This was a retrospective review of consecutive patients with CT-documented TIH and GCS ≥ 13 presenting to an academic emergency department from 2009 to 2013. Demographic, historical, and physical exam variables, number of CT scans during admission were collected with primary outcomes of: neurological decline, worsening findings on repeat CT scan, and the need for neurosurgical intervention. Results Of these 1126 patients with mild traumatic intracranial hemorrhage, 975 had RHCT. Of these, 54 (5.5% (4.2–7.2 95 CI) had neurological decline, 73 (7.5% 5.9–9.3 95 CI) had hemorrhage progression on repeat CT scan, and 58 (5.9% 4.5–7.6 95 CI) required neurosurgical intervention. Only 3 patients (0.3% 0.1–0.9% 95 CI) underwent neurosurgical intervention due to hemorrhage progression on repeat CT scan without neurological decline. In this scenario, the number of RHCT scans needed to be performed to identify this one patient is 305. Conclusions RHCT after initial findings of TIH and GCS ≥ 13 leading to a change to operative management in the absence of neurologic progression is a rare event. A protocol that includes selective RHCT including larger subdural hematomas or patients with coagulopathy (vitamin K inhibitors and anti-platelet agents) may be a topic for further study.
The Association between Caregiver Substance Abuse and Mental Health Problems and Outcomes for Trauma-Exposed Youth

Trauma-exposed youth with impaired caregivers (i.e., due to substance use and/or mental health problems) may be at particular risk for negative outcomes. This study utilized data from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network Core Data Set to examine the impact of caregiver impairment on youth outcomes. Trauma-exposed youth with an impaired caregiver due to either: substance use (n = 498), mental health problems (n = 231), or both substance use and mental health problems (n = 305) were compared to youth without a reported impaired caregiver (n = 2282) to determine if impaired caregiver status is independently associated with increased likelihood of negative behavioral and mental health outcomes and service utilization after accounting for demographics and exposure to traumatic events. Youth with impaired caregivers compared to those without were more likely to display PTSD, emotional and behavioral problems, suicidality, self-injury, and substance abuse and had higher rates of service utilization (p < 0.05). Differential patterns were observed based on the type of caregiver impairment. Findings support the importance of family-centered assessment and intervention approaches for youth affected by trauma.
Search for the Double Beta Decay of Nd 150 Using a Magnetic Spectrometer

A large-aperture low-resolution magnetic spectrometer was constructed to search for the double $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{150}$. The spectrometer was operated for approximately 750 h in the low-background environment of a salt mine, 585 m below ground level. The observed count rate is consistent with a lower limit for the half-life of 5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{18}$ yr for the decay of ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{150}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Sm}}^{150}+2{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}+2{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{e}$ and 7 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{18}$ yr for the mode ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{150}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Sm}}^{150}+2{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$.
Do songbirds in wetlands show higher mercury bioaccumulation relative to conspecifics in non-wetland habitats?

Environmental conditions in wetlands facilitate favorable biogeochemical conditions for the conversion of inorganic mercury into methylmercury. For this reason, wetlands are increasingly classified as mercury hotspots, places where biota exhibit elevated mercury concentrations. While it is clear that wetlands play an important role in methylmercury production, factors such as geographic variation in mercury deposition, wetland type, and trophic dynamics can cause variation in mercury dynamics and bioaccumulation in biota occupying wetlands or connected to wetland trophic systems. Here, we use songbirds as bioindicators in a two-pronged approach aimed at evaluating the state of our understanding of mercury bioaccumulation by songbirds in wetland ecosystems. First, we use a case study in southeast Missouri to compare blood mercury concentrations in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) occupying wetland and non-wetland habitats to test the hypothesis that songbirds in wetlands will have higher mercury bioaccumulation than those in non-wetlands. Adult tree swallows in wetlands had significantly higher blood mercury concentrations than those in non-wetlands; however, no difference between ecosystems was detected in eastern bluebirds. Second, we present a review of the current literature on mercury in songbirds in wetland ecosystems across North America. Mercury concentrations in songbirds varied among wetland types and with geographic location, often in an unpredictable manner. Mercury concentrations in songbird blood varied 3–10 fold at locations separated only by ~10 to several hundred kilometers. This magnitude of difference in blood mercury concentrations among wetlands exceeds documented differences between wetland and non-wetland ecosystems. Therefore, we caution against the automatic assumption that songbirds occupying wetlands will have higher mercury bioaccumulation than conspecifics living in other habitats.
Immigration and the Health of U.S. Natives

Immigration may put a strain on the health care system, adversely impacting the health of the native population. At the same time, recent studies have documented the role of immigration in nudging native workers from risk‐intensive, physically demanding jobs toward occupations that require more communication and interactive ability, potentially improving their health. In this article, I examine the relationship between immigration and the health of the native population in the United States. The results of the analysis fail to show that immigration adversely affects the health of U.S. natives. Instead, the findings suggest that the presence of low‐skilled immigrants may improve the health of low‐skilled U.S.‐born individuals.
Influence of total western diet on docosahexaenoic acid suppression of silica-triggered lupus flaring in NZBWF1 mice

Lupus is a debilitating multi-organ autoimmune disease clinically typified by periods of flare and remission. Exposing lupus-prone female NZBWF1 mice to crystalline silica (cSiO2), a known human autoimmune trigger, mimics flaring by inducing interferon-related gene (IRG) expression, inflammation, ectopic lymphoid structure (ELS) development, and autoantibody production in the lung that collectively accelerate glomerulonephritis. cSiO2-triggered flaring in this model can be prevented by supplementing mouse diet with the ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). A limitation of previous studies was the use of purified diet that, although optimized for rodent health, does not reflect the high American intake of saturated fatty acid (SFA), ω-6 PUFAs, and total fat. To address this, we employed here a modified Total Western Diet (mTWD) emulating the 50th percentile U.S. macronutrient distribution to discern how DHA supplementation and/or SFA and ω-6 reduction influences cSiO2-triggered lupus flaring in female NZBWF1 mice. Six-week-old mice were fed isocaloric experimental diets for 2 wks, intranasally instilled with cSiO2 or saline vehicle weekly for 4 wks, and tissues assessed for lupus endpoints 11 wks following cSiO2 instillation. In mice fed basal mTWD, cSiO2 induced robust IRG expression, proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine elevation, leukocyte infiltration, ELS neogenesis, and autoantibody production in the lung, as well as early kidney nephritis onset compared to vehicle-treated mice fed mTWD. Consumption of mTWD containing DHA at the caloric equivalent to a human dose of 5 g/day dramatically suppressed induction of all lupus-associated endpoints. While decreasing SFA and ω-6 in mTWD modestly inhibited some disease markers, DHA addition to this diet was required for maximal protection against lupus development. Taken together, DHA supplementation at a translationally relevant dose was highly effective in preventing cSiO2-triggered lupus flaring in NZBWF1 mice, even against the background of a typical Western diet.
Size-independent low voltage of InGaN micro-light-emitting diodes with epitaxial tunnel junctions using selective area growth by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition.

High performance InGaN micro-size light-emitting diodes (µLEDs) with epitaxial tunnel junctions (TJs) were successfully demonstrated using selective area growth (SAG) by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Patterned n + GaN/n-GaN layers with small holes were grown on top of standard InGaN blue LEDs to form TJs using SAG. TJ µLEDs with squared mesa ranging from 10×10 to 100×100 µm2 were fabricated. The forward voltage (Vf) in the reference TJ µLEDs without SAG is very high and decreases linearly from 4.6 to 3.7 V at 20 A/cm2 with reduction in area from 10000 to 100 µm2, which is caused by the lateral out diffusion of hydrogen through sidewall. By contrast, the Vf at 20 A/cm2 in the TJ µLEDs utilizing SAG is significantly reduced to be 3.24 to 3.31 V. Moreover, the Vf in the SAG TJ µLEDs is independent on sizes, suggesting that the hydrogen is effectively removed through the holes on top of the p-GaN surface by SAG. The output power of SAG TJ µLEDs is ∼10% higher than the common µLEDs with indium tin oxide (ITO) contact.
Output Regulation of Systems Governed by Delay Differential Equations: Approximations and Robustness

Abstract In this paper we consider a problem of robust geometric regulation for tracking and disturbance rejection of systems governed by delay differential equations. It is well known that geometric regulation can be highly sensitive to system parameters and hence such designs are not always robust. In particular, when employing numerical approximations to delay systems, the resulting finite dimensional models inherit natural approximation errors that can impact robustness. We demonstrate this lack of robustness and then show that robustness can be recovered by employing versions of robust regulation that have been developed for infinite dimensional systems. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the ideas.
Real-Time Interactive Simulation and Visualization of Organic Molecules

Three-dimensional visualization of molecular simulations in virtual reality (VR) is an emerging teaching tool in chemical education. This work describes a VR application which can generate a 3D mol...
Computer-aided gear product realization using enhanced decision-making in material selection and reliability assessment

Unmatched in its diversity of applications, gears continue to be one of the most successful components used to transfer energy throughout a mechanical system. Certain project settings can require gears to meet more than one criterion to achieve optimal performance. In this paper, we proposed the simulation-based design synthesis using virtual simulations and material selection charts. For this, a computer-generated two gear mechanism is made to create a gear material selection chart, similar to an Ashby chart, that compares the desired conditions of angular velocity and torque. By utilizing computer software to personalize specifications, a gear design material selection chart can be constructed to expedite the material selection process for project environments and needs. Using this approach, gear designers and manufactures can promote design efficiency in the early stage of product development by flexibly determining possible material choices for their gear design based on the desired performance specifications.
A 20-year latency between hysterectomy for endometrial adenocarcinoma and solitary pulmonary metastasis: a case report

We present a rare case pulmonary metastasis of an early stage endometrial cancer nearly 20 years after curative surgical resection. Our patient had a remote history of hysterectomy for endometrial cancer in 1998 and later had Stage 1B right upper lobe lung cancer treated with lobectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy in 2014. She was found to have an enlarging nodule in the left upper lobe in 2018, which was thought to be another primary lung cancer. She underwent left upper lobe segmentectomy for an intraoperative diagnosis of adenocarcinoma by diagnostic wedge resection of the lung nodule. Final pathologic examination of the resected tumor demonstrated an endometrial adenocarcinoma. It is important for thoracic surgeons to remain vigilant, keeping secondary lung cancer in the differential diagnosis for patients with complex oncologic histories.
Towards a Measure of Situation Awareness for Space Mission Schedulers.

The success of space flight missions relies on support provided to astronauts through specialist knowledge of ground-based personnel. One of the many essential tasks that ground personnel provide is the scheduling of flight crew daily activities. Future long duration exploration missions will require astronauts to assume planning and scheduling responsibilities in order to facilitate increased autonomy from ground support. Although situation awareness is critical to the scheduling task, a sufficient measure for this domain has not been developed. This paper documents the approach and process by which the authors developed a framework for measuring situation awareness in space mission schedulers and presents the measure applications’ initial results.
Enhanced Antiproliferation Potency of Electrical Pulse-Mediated Metformin and Cisplatin Combination Therapy on MDA-MB-231 Cells.

We investigated the combined potency of metformin and cisplatin on the MDA-MB-231, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells with the application of electrical pulses. There are no targeted therapies for this subset of breast cancer because of the absence of specific biomarkers. Cytotoxic chemotherapy is the mainstream mode of treatment for TNBC, and cisplatin is the most commonly used chemotherapeutic drug. While there is a good response initially, TNBC cells develop drug resistance eventually. Thus, there is a need for alternate therapies. Toward this, we studied the antiproliferation characteristics of electrical pulse-mediated combination therapy using metformin, the commonly used Type-2 diabetes drug, along with cisplatin. We used metformin, as it has various anticancer properties caused by repressing energy pathways in a cancer cell. Application of 8 pulses of 1000 V/cm, 100 µs, at 1 Hz frequency, enhanced the drug uptake leading to cell viability as low as 25.86% at 30 µM cisplatin and 5 mM metformin in a 24 h study. Also, the same studies were conducted on MCF10A, a non-cancerous human epithelial cell. It aided in comparing the result for both MDA-MB-231 and MCF10A cell lines while establishing a better understanding of the experimental outcomes. Overall, the various experimental results from colony-forming assay, reactive oxidative analysis, and the intracellular glucose metabolic assay indicate the possibility of the electrical pulses-based cisplatin and metformin drug combination as a potential alternative to TNBC treatment.
Normative Theory in International Relations: A Pragmatic Approach

Introduction Part I. Evaluating the Impasse: 1. Cosmopolitanism: Rawlsian approaches to international distributive justice 2. Communitarianism: Michael Walzer and international justice 3. Beyond the impasse? Hegelian method in the cosmopolitanism of Andrew Linklater and the communitarianism of Mervyn Frost Part II. Confronting the Impasse: 4. Poststructuralist antifoundationalism, ethics, and normative IR theory 5. Neo-pragmatist antifoundationalism, ethics, and normative IR theory Part III. International Ethics as Pragmatic Critique: 6. International ethics as pragmatic critique: a pragmatic synthesis of the work of John Dewey and Richard Rorty 7. Facilitating moral inclusion: feminism and pragmatic critique 8. From moral imagination to international public spheres: the political and institutional implications of pragmatic critique Conclusion.