cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing Land Cover Change in Hydro-Climatic Data Network Watersheds Using NALC Imagery

Land cover conversion is known to alter the hydrologic regimes of watersheds. While connections between land cover and runoff are generally known, not all land cover alterations result in detectable changes in streamflow, and the quantity of land cover change required to yield a detectable change in streamflow is unknown over a range of watersheds. The connection between land cover change and streamflow was explored for a Hydro-Climatic Data Network (HCDN) watershed. HCDN is a database of USGS gauged streams commonly used to assess the influence of climatic change on streamflow. Watersheds included in the HCDN have been screened to represent "unimpaired" streamflow. Implicit in this definition is the assumption that land cover is relatively unaltered over the streamflow time series. Imagery from the North American Landscape Characterization (NALC) project was analyzed to detect land cover change from 1972 to 1992 in an Oregon watershed selected from the HCDN. A post-classification change detection yielded...
Venus geology and tectonics - Hotspot and crustal spreading models and questions for the Magellan mission

Spacecraft and ground-based observations of Venus have revealed a geologically young and active surface - with volcanoes, rift zones, orogenic belts and evidence for hotspots and crustal spreading - yet the processes responsible for these features cannot be identified from the available data. The Magellan spacecraft will acquire an unprecedented global data set which will provide a comprehensive and well resolved view of the planet. This will permit global geological mapping, an assessment of the style and relative importance of geological processes, and will help in the understanding of links between the surface geology and mantle dynamics of this earth-like planet.
Whole Report versus Partial Report in RSVP Sentences

A sentence is readily understood and recalled when presented 1 word at a time using rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) at 10 words/s (Potter, 1984). In contrast, selecting just 2 colored letters at 10 letters/s results in easy detection of the first target but poor recall for the second when it appears 200-500 ms later. This attentional blink disappears when all letters must be reported; instead, performance drops more gradually over serial position (Nieuwenstein & Potter, 2006). Would target words in sentences escape an attentional blink? Subjects either reported 2 target words (in red or uppercase) or the whole 10-word sentence. There was a blink for Target 2 in partial report, but that target was easily remembered in whole report. With scrambled sentences whole report dropped but partial report was unaffected, again showing a blink. The attentional blink is not due to memory processing of Target 1, but to target selection, which is incompatible with sentence processing.
Demonstration of endless phase modulation for arbitrary waveform generation

We have developed a novel modulation scheme for shifting the frequency of an optical beat signal by improving a conventional serrodyne system via time division multiplexing. This novel method acts as an endless phase modulator where the phase linearly increases from zero phase to infinite phase. With this method, we have shifted a 25-GHz carrier continuously up to 1-MHz offset with 43-dB spur-free dynamic range, which is 7 dB higher than an ordinary serrodyne method.
Between Trauma and Redemption Story Form Differences in Immigrant Narratives of Successful and Nonsuccessful Immigration

Many immigrants find immigration a stressful experience. Whereas some overcome the initial feeling of being overwhelmed, others are frustrated and disappointed years after their immigration. In this study, 22 people who emigrated from the former USSR to Israel in the early 1990s were interviewed regarding their immigration experiences and the resulting narratives analyzed. The immigrants chosen represented the extreme poles of the success experience— some felt that their immigration was very successful; others found it very unsuccessful. Analysis revealed differences in the form of the immigration stories. The narratives of the successful immigrants were coherent and well structured; narratives of the nonsuccessful immigrants were fragmented and lacked coherence. The results are discussed in terms of how people construct immigration stories and what these constructions stand for.
Modeling energy output of inertial storage devices for the DIII-D tokamak

The DIII-D fusion experiment utilizes two large motor-generator sets for supplying energy to the toroidal and poloidal field coils of the tokamak. One generator has an energy capability of 2250 MJ and the other of 794 MJ. The authors document the development of a computer program which models the energy requirements of a fusion tokamak and compare them to the limitations of a large motor-generator set. The program models the energy requirements of the magnetic confinement coils and also determines the current requirements (as a function of time) imposed upon the generator, which depend on the physics parameters under study for the plasma. The program is used on a daily basis, and by optimizing for minimum energy usage, significant annual cost savings are realized. >
Multifrequency eddy current image processing techniques for nondestructive evaluation

This paper describes a new technique for processing eddy current images as used in nondestructive evaluation of materials. A simple description of the image formation physics is given followed by a description of the current state of the art in image processing. Eddy current testing in 2-D results in a sequence of complex valued images that can be linearly combined to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of features of interest. A new approach that selects weights for a linear combination of the images based on SNR maximization is presented. Results on experimental data show SNR improvements up to 1100 percent over traditional two-frequency techniques. The new algorithm presented is general to any number of frequencies, and results of four-frequency processing are given.
Laboratory Evaluation of Verbutin as a Synergist of Acaricides Against Larvae of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

Synergistic effects of verbutin, a member of aryl alkynyl derivatives, to three commonly used acaricides were evaluated with the modified Food and Agricultural Organization Larval Packet Test (FAO-LPT) against both susceptible and resistant strains of the southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini) (Acari: Ixodidae). These tick strains demonstrated various levels of resistance to coumaphos (2.5-8.2x), permethrin (57.9-711.7x), and amitraz (3.5-177.5x). Verbutin alone was more toxic to tick larvae than piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a conventional pesticide synergist. With synergism ratios (SRs) ranging from 1.5 to 6.0, verbutin was more potent than PBO (SR = 0.9-1.6) in synergizing coumaphos toxicity to resistant tick larvae. Similarly, verbutin (SR = 1.8-15) was also found to be more potent than PBO (SR = 0.9-2.5) in synergizing amitraz in resistant tick strains. Both verbutin and PBO significantly increased permethrin toxicity to larvae of all tick strains tested, and there was no significant difference between the two synergists. SRs ranged from 2.1 to 4.4 and from 2.1 to 3.6 for PBO and verbutin, respectively.
Deformation analysis of lap-shear testing of solder joints

Abstract A combined numerical and experimental study of lap-shear testing of solder joints was carried out. The primary objective was to provide a quantitative evaluation of shear deformation experienced by the solder. The numerical analysis was based on finite element modeling of deformation in the substrate–solder assembly. The calculated shear response, utilizing both the commonly adopted far-field measurements and the actual shear strain in solder, was found to differ significantly. The geometric and material parameters during lap shear were explored to provide physical insight into the problem. The nature of deformation of the substrate was seen to greatly influence the shear behavior of the solder. The “transmission” of shear strain into the solder is very ineffective when the solder is in the elastic state, resulting in smaller shear strains in the solder than the nominal values. This effect is also true even when the solder is deforming plastically. Experimental measurements of solder shear using direct optical measurements confirmed the numerical findings. Subtraction of the average deformation of the Cu substrate provides a reasonable, albeit not complete, approximation of the solder strain.
Serologic Studies of Human Genital Mycoplasmas: Distribution of Titers of Mycoplasmacidal Antibody to Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in Pregnant Women

Titers of mycoplasmacidal antibody to the human genital mycoplasmas Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis were determined using genital isolates from pregnant patients as antigens and comparing these isolates with the 11 prototypic reference strains for U. urealyticum and the seven reference strains for M. hominis. Virtually all titers that were detected with use of the patient's own isolates were detected by the 11 reference strains of U. urealyticum and by the seven reference strains of M. hominis. Serologic surveys of pregnant women who harbored either or both mycoplasmas in vaginal cultures indicated that antibody to M. hominis was found more commonly than antibody to U. urealyticum. It was demonstrated that significant postpartum rises in titers of antibody to M. hominis were correlated with the presence of these mycoplasmas in genital cultures. Postpartum rises in titer of antibody were particularly likely to occur in women with low titers of mycoplasmacidal antibody in serum at the time of delivery. Approximately 88% of the women who were colonized with M. hominis showed significant changes in titer of antibody to M. hominis throughout an apparently normal pregnancy; only 40% of the women who were colonized with U. urealyticum showed such changes in titers to U. urealyticum. Statistical analysis showed that mean log titers of antibody to both mycoplasmas at the first prenatal visit were significantly associated with the number of pregnancies experienced by these women.
A new global router using zero-one integer linear programming techniques for sea-of-gates and custom logic arrays

A global routing method is proposed for sea-of-gates (SOG) arrays and custom logic arrays based on a zero-one linear integer programming technique. This method overcomes the various difficulties due to numerous physical constraints faced by many heuristic routing algorithms. In the proposed approach, all the physical constraints are rigorously modeled in the constraint equations. Alternatives for all the nets are considered simultaneously with the routing environment, instead of being routed in a particular net-ordering. An optimal set of global paths routing all the nets is found with well established zero-one linear integer programming methods. The global router has run successfully on industrial SOG circuits, including 108,000 transistor circuits with 9400 nets, achieving 100% routing and high packing densities, which compare favorably with recently reported results. >
Eocene calibration of geomagnetic polarity time scale reevaluated: Evidence from the Green River Formation of Wyoming

We reevaluate the Eocene geomagnetic polarity time scale on the basis of single-crystal 40 Ar/ 39 Ar ages for air-fall tuffs from the Wilkins Peak Member of the Green River For- mation of Wyoming. Tuff 6 is dated as 49.1 6 0.2 Ma, and tuff 3 is dated as 50.4 6 0.3 Ma (maximum estimate). When combined with published magnetostratigraphic con- straints, these age determinations suggest that the currently accepted age of chron C22r is 1.5-2.5 m.y. too old, which supports a significantly longer duration for the early Eocene, for the early Eocene climatic optimum, and the Wasatchian North American Land Mam- mal Age.
Electrical conductivity in NH4Cl and ND4Cl single crystals

Abstract Electrical conductivity measurements are reported for normal and deuterated ammonium chloride single crystals in the temperature regions which characterize the pure and the impurity-dominated materials. We conclude from the data that conductivity in ammonium chloride is due to the formation of either cation or anion vacancies and a subsequent process controlled by a proton transfer. Our results are found to be consistent with a model proposed by Herrington and Staveley.
Figures-of-Merit to Evaluate the Significance of Switching Noise in Analog Circuits

An analysis flow is proposed to determine the significance of induced (switching) noise in analog circuits. The proposed flow is exemplified through two commonly used amplifier topologies. Specifically, input-referred switching noise is introduced as the first figure-of-merit and compared with the well-known equivalent input device noise through analytic expressions. The comparison is achieved as a function of multiple parameters that characterize switching noise in the time domain (modeled as a decaying sine wave), such as peak amplitude, period, oscillation frequency within each period, and damping coefficient. The analytic expressions used to obtain input-referred switching and device noise are verified with SPICE simulations. These expressions are utilized to develop dominance regions for both noise sources. Furthermore, time-domain switching noise amplitude (at the bulk node) at which the input device and switching noise magnitude are equal (in the frequency domain) is determined as the second figure-of-merit, providing guidelines for the signal isolation process. Reverse body biasing is also proposed to alleviate the effect of switching noise by weakening the bulk-to-input transfer function as opposed to reducing the switching noise amplitude at the bulk nodes. It is demonstrated that this method has a negligible effect on primary design objectives of the victim circuit while reducing the input-referred switching noise by up to 10 dB. As a case study, the proposed flow is applied to a potentiostat circuitry where input sensitivity is of primary importance.
Parameter extraction technique for HBT equivalent circuit using cutoff mode measurement

A parameter extraction method based on the S-parameter measurements of the heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) biased to cutoff is proposed. This method is applied to confirm the results for the RF probe pad and interconnection pattern parasitics obtained from the special test structures, and to determine some of the device capacitances of the HBT. The remaining device parameters are extracted by the S-parameter measurements of the devices biased to the active mode. The extraction technique gives good agreement between the equivalent circuit and the measured S-parameters of the HBT including probe pads and interconnections. >
ON HELMHOLTZ'S THEOREM AND THE COMPLETENESS OF THE PAPKOVICH – NEUBER STRESS FUNCTIONS FOR INFINITE DOMAINS

Abstract : EUBER STRESS FUNCTIONS FOR INFINITE DOMAINS, BY M. E. Gurtin. Aug 61, 15p. (Technical rept. no. 13) (Contract Nonr-56225, Proj. NR 064-431) Unclassified report DESCRIPTORS: (*Stresses, Materials, Solids, Elasticity, Deformation, Theory.) (Mechanical properties, *Applied mathematics, Vector analysis, Tensor analysis, Operators (Mathematics).) Open-ended Terms: Hel holtz theorem. Displacement equations of equilibrium in linear theory of homogeneous and isotropic elastic solids are discussed. Use is made of Helmholtz's theorem which is of interest in mathematical physics as applied to elastostatics. The Papkovich-Neuber solution of stress functions for infinite domains is applied.
Stress and shape analysis of a paraglider wing.

the lift-to-drag ratio. The new calculations provide a basis for design of para- gliders for hypersonic flight. INTRODUCTION The paraglider wing is under active development as a controllable lifting device for landing space vehicles. cations such as recovering rocket boosters and effecting reentry into the earth's atmosphere.
EFFECT OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ON BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY IN COASTAL WATERSHEDS

Human development along the land–seawater interface is considered to have significant environmental consequences. Development can also pose an increased human health risk. In a rapidly developing coastal region we investigated this phenomenon throughout a series of five estuarine watersheds, each of which differed in both the amount and type of anthropogenic development. Over a four-year period we analyzed the abundance and distribution of the enteric pathogen indicator microbes, fecal coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli. We also examined how these indicator microbes were related to physical and chemical water quality parameters and to demographic and land use factors throughout this system of coastal creeks. Within all creeks, there was a spatial pattern of decreasing enteric bacteria away from upstream areas, and both fecal coliform and E. coli abundance were inversely correlated with salinity. Turbidity was positively correlated with enteric bacterial abundance. Enteric bacterial abundance was strongly correlated with nitrate and weakly correlated with orthophosphate concentrations. Neither fecal coliforms nor E. coli displayed consistent temporal abundance patterns. Regardless of salinity, average estuarine fecal coliform abundance differed greatly among the five systems. An analysis of demographic and land use factors demonstrated that fecal coliform abundance was significantly correlated with watershed population, and even more strongly correlated with the percentage of developed land within the watershed. However, the most important anthropogenic factor associated with fecal coliform abundance was percentage watershed-impervious surface coverage, which consists of roofs, roads, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. These surfaces serve to concentrate and convey storm-water-borne pollutants to downstream receiving waters. Linear regression analysis indicated that percentage watershed-impervious surface area alone could explain 95% of the variability in average estuarine fecal coliform abundance. Thus, in urbanizing coastal areas waterborne health risks can likely be reduced by environmentally sound land use planning and development that minimizes the use of impervious surface area, while maximizing the passive water treatment function of natural and constructed wetlands, grassy swales, and other “green” areas. The watershed approach used in our study demonstrates that the land–water interface is not restricted to obvious shoreline areas, but is influenced by and connected with landscape factors throughout the watershed.
A practical overview of considerations for penile prosthesis placement

Penile prostheses have remained the gold-standard therapy for medically refractory erectile dysfunction (ED) since their popularization. Advances in device design and surgical techniques have yielded improved rates of infection, satisfaction, and mechanical survival of devices. Operative techniques in penile prosthesis surgery include the use of adjunctive procedures (such as ventral phalloplasty and release of the suspensory ligament), management of penile fibrosis, and manoeuvres to correct Peyronie's-disease-related curvature. Complications include urethral and corporal perforation, crossover, infection, impending erosion, and/or supersonic transporter deformity. Long-term data regarding mechanical, overall, and infection-free survival demonstrate excellent results, and, given the consistently high satisfaction rates and limited alternatives for medically refractory ED, penile prostheses are likely to remain a relevant and important treatment strategy for the foreseeable future.
Computer-Mediated Communication: Enhancing Online Group Interactions

In the context of global sourcing in, and internationalization of, the ICT sector, intercultural collaboration is for many ICT workers a daily affair. Especially in the field of software development, where the needs for communication are high, intercultural collaboration poses a particular challenge. Misunderstandings and an unproductive work atmosphere may result in hidden costs for the companies. This chapter highlights the different types of intercultural collaboration in the ICT sector, identifying the special challenges that occur and suggesting ways in which companies may minimize such challenges of intercultural collaboration.
Genetic Testing in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Implications for Prevention and Treatment

Abstract Purpose This article reviews the progress to date and future directions for investigation of germline and somatic genetic testing to inform pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treatment, screening, and prevention strategies. Methods We searched PubMed to identify recent articles regarding genetic testing in pancreatic cancer, including both germline and somatic testing, and recent genome-wide association studies. References were specifically hand searched as relevant. Guidelines for testing and screening high-risk individuals were included. We searched clinicaltrials.gov to review the current landscape of active clinical trials. Findings Approximately 10% of PDACs are associated with an identified germline mutation. Although germline mutations may inform treatment options and identify high-risk individuals for screening in other cancers, the data on PDAC are only now emerging. For example, poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are under investigation for BRCA-associated PDAC. Somatic mutations have also been identified in PDAC. However, current data are limited regarding treatment for potential PDAC somatic driver mutations. Although erlotinib is used in PDAC, its use is not targeted based on a tumor marker. Many tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeted toward potential driver mutations and critical pathways are in development, including BRAF/MEK, ALK, and CDK4/6. A consensus on screening strategies for individuals at high risk for PDAC is still evolving because of the relatively low prevalence of the disease, the relative invasiveness of endoscopic procedures often used as part of screening, and the lack of a clear survival benefit. Implications Pancreatic cancer has been slower to move toward genomic testing, partially because of a lower prevalence of mutations and partially because of a limited effect of results on treatment choices outside a clinical trial. This is an area of active investigation, and we anticipate that there will be both preventive and therapeutic implications of driver mutations in the coming decade.
The Kremlin's Professional Staff: The “Apparatus” of the Central Committee, Communist Party of the Soviet Union

Soviet leaders have long understood the need for effective administration in the modern state, despite their great interest in questions of theory and matters of policy. Joseph Stalin, in his first report as Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Russian Communist Party, warned in 1923 that “policy loses its sense and is transformed into a waving of hands,” unless an efficient system for policy-execution exists. Consequently, Stalin and his lieutenants have constructed an extensive and diversified system for this purpose, using many agencies and reaching into every corner of Soviet society. Although the paucity of essential data makes a comprehensive analysis of the entire system virtually impossible at this time, it is noteworthy that recent Soviet materials have thrown some light on the functions and operations of one important segment of that system. This is an agency attached to the highest level of the Communist Party, the “Apparatus” of the Party's Central Committee.The Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) guides and controls all governmental, economic, social and other organizations in the USSR.
Sensitivity of biogenic volatile organic compounds to land surface parameterizations and vegetation distributions in California

Abstract. Current climate models still have large uncertainties in estimating biogenic trace gases, which can significantly affect atmospheric chemistry and secondary aerosol formation that ultimately influences air quality and aerosol radiative forcing. These uncertainties result from many factors, including uncertainties in land surface processes and specification of vegetation types, both of which can affect the simulated near-surface fluxes of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). In this study, the latest version of Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN v2.1) is coupled within the land surface scheme CLM4 (Community Land Model version 4.0) in the Weather Research and Forecasting model with chemistry (WRF-Chem). In this implementation, MEGAN v2.1 shares a consistent vegetation map with CLM4 for estimating BVOC emissions. This is unlike MEGAN v2.0 in the public version of WRF-Chem that uses a stand-alone vegetation map that differs from what is used by land surface schemes. This improved modeling framework is used to investigate the impact of two land surface schemes, CLM4 and Noah, on BVOCs and examine the sensitivity of BVOCs to vegetation distributions in California. The measurements collected during the Carbonaceous Aerosol and Radiative Effects Study (CARES) and the California Nexus of Air Quality and Climate Experiment (CalNex) conducted in June of 2010 provided an opportunity to evaluate the simulated BVOCs. Sensitivity experiments show that land surface schemes do influence the simulated BVOCs, but the impact is much smaller than that of vegetation distributions. This study indicates that more effort is needed to obtain the most appropriate and accurate land cover data sets for climate and air quality models in terms of simulating BVOCs, oxidant chemistry and, consequently, secondary organic aerosol formation.
Energy exchange and localization in a modular metastructure under impulsive excitation

Recent investigations on the concept of modular metastructures have demonstrated remarkable adaptivity of properties as a synergistic product of assembling together metastable modules, modules that exhibit coexisting states for the same topology. It has been found that such modularity provides an accessible pathway for unprecedented massive property adaptation. Despite the extensive report on the static or quasistatic characteristics of modular metastructures, much remains to be explored regarding their dynamic characteristics. This research initiates the study on transient response of a modular metastructure under impulsive excitation. Numerical studies characterize the adaptability of energy exchange and localization characteristics afforded by metastable states. It is found that responses of internal bistable masses of the metastable modules play an important role in determining energy distribution of the overall system. It is discovered that low internal bistable mass and high impulsive energy level are beneficial for energy to be localized and dissipated internally. Additionally, mechanism behind effective energy absorption is disclosed. Overall, this investigation provides opportunities to tailor dynamical responses using modular metastructures and opens potential avenues for designing transient vibration absorbers.
Study of Organochlorine Pesticides in Tea with Capillary Column of Gas Chromatography

Objective To explore the best condition for detecting organochlorine pesticides in tea with PTGC. Methods The electron capture detector-gas chromatograph(ECD-GC)was applied. The programming temperatures were as follow: initial temperature was 185℃, then the temperature was raised to 230℃ at speed of 5℃/min, keeping 230℃ for 15min. Temperature of injector was 220℃. Temperature of detector was 260℃. Results The linear range and coefficient of liner correlation was 0.002~0.02ug/ml. The correlation coefficients of four isomers (HCH) (α-HCH、γ-HCH、β-HCH、δ-HCH)was 0.9993、0.9999、0.9998、0.9999; The correlation coefficients of four isomers (DDT) (P,P'-DDE、O,P'-DDT、P,P'-DDD、P,P'-DDT)was 0.9990、0.9993、0.9991、0.9974. The relative standard deviation was 1.4%~3.0%. The recovery rate of the method was 94.8%~108.0%.Conclusions The result showed that the method was accurate and credibility. It could be applied for determination of HCH and DDT residues in foods.
Study on self-excitation judgment method for small hydrogenerator in local grid

Theoretical research and simulation analysis are combined to study the rationality of self-excitation judgment method for small hydrogenerator in local grid. Research reveals how the electro-mechanical process of generator's load shedding influences the self-excitation and finds that the releasing power during rotor deceleration process may cause a extremely high transient self-excitation over voltage; and reveals how active load in local grid affects the self-excitation criterion of generator and finds the local active load will reduce the equivalent series capacitive reactance c x, making the system easier to meet the self-excitation conditions. At last, a simulation example is put forward as an evidence of the views of this paper. These conclusions are meaningful for accurate judgment of self-excitation in load grid containing small hydrogenerators.
Family studies of Alzheimer's dementia: results and prospects.

Studies of families located through a proband with dementia of the Alzheimer type have demonstrated transmission of the disorder within families, probably through shared genes. Increasing closeness of genetic relationship and increasing severity of illness are both associated with increasing risk to relatives. Families a.t high risk are especially valuable for studies of the biology of dementing illness including, in particular, their molecular genetics. Associations at several levels between Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's dementia provide important clues for molecular hypotheses.
Magnesium and magnesium adenosine triphosphate activation of human propionyl CoA carboxylase and β-methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase

Free magnesium and MgATP2- are required for activation of the mitochondrial enzymes pyruvate carboxylase, propionyl CoA carboxylase and beta-methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase. Previous studies have demonstrated that free Mg2+ interacts with either a Mg2+- binding site or one of the two MgATP2- sites that are required for the allosteric activation of pyruvate carboxylase. We have shown that similar Mg2+ and MgATP2- interactions occur to activate propionyl CoA carboxylase and beta-methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase. Thus, Mg2+ and MgATP2- activation, because it is common to structurally similar carboxylases, may constitute a general mode of carboxylase activation.
Development of a new mobile application to predict theme park waiting time

With the rapid development of information and communication systems, mobile applications have emerged as a valuable resource. Recently, tourism has become a potential area for development and use of mobile technology. Many theme parks have launched applications (i.e., apps) to enhance customers’ travel plans. Theme park Wait Time Apps (WTA) are designed to help park visitors save time while waiting in lines, which help make park visits more efficient and fun. Therefore, the acceptance of WTA by customers is essential to the successful implementation of WTA. The purpose of this study was to examine the adoption of WTAs based on user’s perceptions by including both gain and loss factors influencing customers’ perceived value on behavioral intention to use WTA. Six variables: (1) perceived information quality; (2) perceived wait time; (3) enjoyment; (4) perceived risk; (5) perceived fee; and (6) perceived difficulty) were proposed to influence the relationship between perceived value and intention to use WTAs. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the research model. Findings of the study revealed that perceived risk and perceived fee had a significant impact on intention to use, and significant differences were also found between WTA users and WTA non-users on their behavioral intention to use any WTAs in the future. From a theoretical perspective, this study serves to fill a gap in the literature by providing an initial empirical prediction of the influence of theme park WTA adoption. From a practical perspective, this study may be helpful to theme park executives to understand user perceptions regarding: (a) utilizing WTAs to determine perceived value (perceived risk and perceived fee); and (b) implementing WTAs to attract more visitors. The finding of this study
Anti-Angiogenesis Agents

Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab is an off-label use of the drug. We do not yet have results of the randomized clinical trial of its use for AMD at the time of the writing of this book but it is widely used for this indication. It is also widely used for macular edema of various etiologies and retinal and iris neovascularization
Family presence and participation during medical visits of heart failure patients: An analysis of survey and audiotaped communication data.

Abstract Objective To describe the frequency, roles, and utility of family companion involvement in the care of patients with Heart Failure (HF) care and to examine the association between audiotaped patient, companion, and provider communication behaviors. Methods We collected survey data and audiotaped a single medical visit for 93 HF patients (36 brought a companion into the examination room) and their cardiology provider. Communication data was analyzed using the Roter Interaction Analysis System. Results There were 32% more positive rapport-building statements (p Conclusions Our findings are mixed regarding the benefits of accompaniment for facilitating patient-provider communication based on survey and audiotaped data. Practice implications Strategies to enhance engagement during visits, such as pre-visit question prompt lists, may be beneficial.
The Role of ROS in COPD Progression and Therapeutic Strategies

The atmosphere is replete with a mixture of toxic substances. Inhalation of toxic substances produces a variety of insults on the pulmonary system. Lung poisons include industrial materials and a large number of environmental contaminants. This review will give an in-depth knowledge of how the development and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with increased oxidative stress or reduced antioxidant resources. It has been documented that several indicators of oxidative stress, such as hydrogen peroxide exhalation, lipid peroxidation products, and degraded proteins, are indeed elevated in COPD patients, and as a result, the antioxidant capacity decreases. The fall in antioxidant capacity of blood from COPD patients should not only be regarded as a reflection of the occurrence of oxidative stress but also as evidence that oxidative stress spreads out to the circulation and can therefore generate a systemic effect. An effective wide-spectrum antioxidant therapy that has good bioavailability and potency is a good approach to redressing the lungs antioxidant capacity to control the localized oxidative and inflammatory processes that occur in the pathogenesis of COPD.
Sample size determination for a matched-pairs study with incomplete data using exact approach

This research was motivated by a clinical trial design for a cognitive study. The pilot study was a matched-pairs design where some data are missing, specifically the missing data coming at the end of the study. Existing approaches to determine sample size are all based on asymptotic approaches (e.g., the generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach). When the sample size in a clinical trial is small to medium, these asymptotic approaches may not be appropriate for use due to the unsatisfactory Type I and II error rates. For this reason, we consider the exact unconditional approach to compute the sample size for a matched-pairs study with incomplete data. Recommendations are made for each possible missingness pattern by comparing the exact sample sizes based on three commonly used test statistics, with the existing sample size calculation based on the GEE approach. An example from a real surgeon-reviewers study is used to illustrate the application of the exact sample size calculation in study designs.
Use of a Standardized Patient in Teaching Medical Students to Assess for PTSD in Military Veteran Patients.

Introduction The purpose of this resource is to introduce first- and second-year medical students to the psychiatric concerns of military veterans. The number of veterans receiving care outside of ...
CLAMP/Spef1 regulates planar cell polarity signaling and asymmetric microtubule accumulation in the Xenopus ciliated epithelia

Most epithelial cells polarize along the axis of the tissue, a feature known as planar cell polarity (PCP). The initiation of PCP requires cell–cell signaling via the noncanonical Wnt/PCP pathway. Additionally, changes in the cytoskeleton both facilitate and reflect this polarity. We have identified CLAMP/Spef1 as a novel regulator of PCP signaling. In addition to decorating microtubules (MTs) and the ciliary rootlet, a pool of CLAMP localizes at the apical cell cortex. Depletion of CLAMP leads to the loss of PCP protein asymmetry, defects in cilia polarity, and defects in the angle of cell division. Additionally, depletion of CLAMP leads to a loss of the atypical cadherin-like molecule Celrs2, suggesting that CLAMP facilitates the stabilization of junctional interactions responsible for proper PCP protein localization. Depletion of CLAMP also affects the polarized organization of MTs. We hypothesize that CLAMP facilitates the establishment of cell polarity and promotes the asymmetric accumulation of MTs downstream of the establishment of proper PCP.
Effects of Supercapacitor Physics on Its Charge Capacity

This paper investigates the effects of three aspects of the supercapacitor physics on its charge capacity: porous electrode structure, charge redistribution, and self-discharge. The relationship between the delivered charge and the discharge current is examined for both the upper and lower bounds of the utilized charge capacity, which refers to the amount of charge delivered during a constant-current discharge process. In the upper bound case, Peukert's law applies when the discharge current is above a certain threshold and does not apply anymore if the discharge current is below the threshold. In the lower bound case, if the discharge current is above a specific threshold, the delivered charge increases when the discharge current decreases although the increase rate is lower compared to that in the upper bound case. The individual and combined effects of the three supercapacitor mechanisms are studied. The porous electrode structure and the charge redistribution process result in an increase in the delivered charge when a smaller discharge current is applied. The impact of self-discharge is negligible when the discharge current is relatively large. If the discharge current is sufficiently small, self-discharge results in a significant energy loss and consequently a drop in the delivered charge.
Quality Coordinated Health Care for the High-Risk Infant: The Evolving Concept of the Medical Home

Sick neonates that are treated in the neonatal intensive care unit are at high risk of health, developmental, and social problems. The complexities of managing such high-risk infants can be overwhelming for a single primary care provider. These infants require input from multiple specialties and agencies. Delivering quality care includes coordination of these multiple agencies and professionals that is best provided by means of a patient-centered medical home. There is growing evidence that such a model improves patient outcomes and reduces readmissions to the hospital. Team communication and coordination is at the heart of the medical home model. In an ideal setting, patient interaction and provider communication with the child’s medical home should begin before discharge from the NICU and should be a part of the NICU discharge process. This is especially important as survival of extremely sick and fragile infants is improving and a number of infants are reliant on medical technologies for a prolonged period of time following discharge for their survival. A medical home should not only deal with the medical problems of the individual child but should also address the psychosocial impact of caring for a sick child and should keep the child and the family at the center of its care. The child’s medical home can maintain close coordination with the high-risk infant follow-up clinic and can help the primary care provider in navigating subspecialty services. There are numerous barriers to the medical home model. Key among these are logistic difficulties and a lack of resources in coordinating services. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has set out a number of guidelines to overcome these issues. The medical home model is expected to be more efficient while at the same time decreasing health-care costs by reducing unnecessary duplication of services. Medical homes should function as a team with each member having formal responsibilities. Such a model will not only improve patient care but will also result in greater satisfaction among patients and their families. Increasingly, funding sources are recognizing the benefits of the medical home model through payments given specifically for care coordination services.
Protozoan Bacterivory in Pelagic Marine Waters

The significance of bacteria and bacterial-grazing protozoa in the decomposition of detritus and mineral cycling in the benthic environment has been excellently reviewed by Fenchel and Harrison (1976) and Fenchel and Jorgensen (1977) and demonstrated in a series of experiments by Fenchel (1977). In reviewing the role of protozoa in nutrient cycling and energy flow, Stout (1980) correctly states that there is little information on the nutrients and the nutrient cycling of planktonic protozoa in pelagic waters. Although the role in the pelagic food chain of the protozooplankton and their grazing of bacteria was recognized by Lohmann (1911), only recently is it receiving renewed attention (Pomeroy 1974; Sieburth 1976; 1979; Sieburth et al. 1978; Williams 1981). Such studies require a sound taxonomie basis. Contemporary studies still rely heavily upon late 19th century (e.g., Kent 1880-81; Stokes 1888) and early 20th century (e.g.. Calkins 1901; Griessman 1914) monographs, although this area of enquiry has recently been reopened (Fenchel 1982a; Davis and Sieburth, unpublished). Before discussing the recent developments, it is first necessary to draw upon the older literature and build a foundation of what is known about the grazing of bacteria by rhizopods, flagellates and ciliates in general, before looking at the nature of in situ pelagic populations of bacterial prey and their protozoan predators.
The Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984: A Balancing Act on the Coaxial Wires

After three decades of what Chief Justice Burger termed ‘the almost explosive development’ of cable television, Congress updated the Communications Act of 1934 with the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984. The Act represents the culmination of a ‘decade long effort to update the Communications Act of 1934 . . . and bring our outdated communications laws into the information age.’ The 1984 Cable Act was a complicated piece of legislation, the result of countless compromises and political deals. This Article explains how Congress attempted to balance the competing, and sometimes mutually exclusive, interests of the cable operators, cities, video programmers, and the viewing public.
Evaluating mobility vs. latency in unmanned ground vehicles

Abstract As the penetration levels of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in military applications increase, there is a growing need to evaluate their mobility across different latencies and various modes of operation ranging from pure teleoperation to full autonomy. State-of-the-art tools to evaluate mobility of ground vehicles do not address this need due to their not accounting for UGV technologies and the associated latencies. Although the trade-off between latency and performance has been thoroughly studied in the telerobotics literature and the results may qualitatively shed light onto the UGV domain, as well, a quantitative generalization is not possible due to the differences in context. Recognizing this gap, this paper presents a functional relationship between mobility and latency in high-speed, teleoperated UGVs under the context of path following. Specifically, data from human-in-the-loop simulations performed in this paper are combined with data from prior studies to span three vehicle types, three courses, and teleoperation latencies ranging from 0 s to 1 s. This combination yields for the first time a diverse data set for the context of path following in high speed, teleoperated UGVs. Based on this data set, empirical relationships are derived to quantify the trade-off between latency versus average speed and lane keeping error. These relationships can be used to establish a benchmark to evaluate the performance of autonomy-enabled UGV systems.
What Is the Driving Force behind the Adsorption of Hydrophobic Molecules on Hydrophilic Surfaces

The adsorption of limonene, a common organic compound found in indoor air, on hydrophilic surfaces such as glass (SiO2), a prevalent surface in the indoor environment, is poorly understood. In this study, we have investigated the interaction of limonene and three other cyclic hydrocarbons (cyclohexane, cyclohexene, and benzene) on hydroxylated SiO2 using infrared spectroscopy and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. Experimental results show that there is an interaction between these cyclic hydrocarbons and surface hydroxyl groups. AIMD simulations demonstrate that all of the cyclic molecules, except for cyclohexane, π-hydrogen bond with surface hydroxyl groups while cyclohexane interacts with the surface OH groups through dispersion forces. According to experiments and simulations, the intermolecular interaction between limonene and SiO2 is significantly stronger than those of other compounds explored. This study provides an understanding of some of the driving forces behind the formation of organic coatings on glass surfaces important in indoor environments.
Comparable patient-reported outcomes in females with or without joint hypermobility after hip arthroscopy and capsular plication for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

Hip arthroscopy is widely utilized to treat femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). In order to evaluate the postoperative clinical and functional outcomes at 2-year follow up in patients with and without benign joint hypermobility syndrome following hip arthroscopy with capsular plication for FAIS, consecutive female patients with generalized ligamentous laxity undergoing primary hip arthroscopy with complete T-capsulotomy closure via plication for FAIS were prospectively identified. Patients were matched in a 4:1 ratio based on Beighton-Horan joint mobility index (BHJMI) then classified into no generalized joint laxity (NGJL, Score<4) or generalized joint laxity cohort (GJL, Score=4). Patient and surgical-related factors were analyzed using univariate and paired analysis with statistical significance set at a = 0.05. A total of 125 female patients were included in the study: 25 generalized joint laxity (GJL) patients and 100 matched to age, sex and BMI (NGJL cohort). The results demonstrated that there were no significant differences between demographics, preoperative range of motion, or radiographic analysis on univariate analysis. There was no statistical difference in postoperative range of motion between groups, though both groups demonstrated significant increases in postoperative flexion and postoperative internal rotation following hip arthroscopy. Paired analysis demonstrated no significant difference in HOS-SS, HOS-ADL, mHHS or VAS-pain, while GJL patients reported significantly greater patient satisfaction score at 2-years follow-up (p=0.007). In summary, hip arthroscopy with capsular plication is a highly effective treatment for FAIS in patients with and without generalized joint laxity. In our analysis, patients with and without generalized joint laxity demonstrated statistically similar and significant improvement in outcomes.