cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
REPRODUCTION IN THE HERMIT CRAB PAGURUS LONGICARPUS (DECAPODA: ANOMURA) FROM THE COAST OF NEW JERSEY

Trends in reproductive activity of an intertidal population of Pagurus longicarpus from coastal New Jersey were studied from 1985-1990. Brooding occurred from late March-October, with a sharp peak in ovigerous crabs in April (70.6-96.4% of yearly total). Mean water temperatures at the commencement of breeding in March and April were <10?C. A rapid decline in ovigerous crabs occurred in May and June and throughout the summer; ovigers were rare in September and October (4 among 849 crabs). The smallest oviger was 1.85 mm in carapace shield length (SL), although minimum length was generally 2.2-2.3 mm. The number of embryos in a brood was positively correlated with SL, but there was considerable variability in this relationship. The maximum number of embryos in a brood among 474 counted, was 1,426 (from a 3.70-mm crab). Embryos were attached to pleopods 2, 3, and 4, with most attaching to the third. Mature oocytes observed and counted in nonovigerous and postovigerous crabs suggest that some crabs may produce more than 1 brood in a season. Recruitment of benthic juveniles to the population began in May and continued throughout the summer and fall.
Seasonal activity of immature Ixodes dammini (Acari: Ixodidae).

To define the seasonal activity of immature Ixodes dammini ticks, the vector of human babesiosis and Lyme disease pathogens, we estimated tick abundance on small mammals at 1 location in Massachusetts, USA, throughout a 2-year period. Small mammals were live-trapped monthly on each of five 0.4-ha (7 × 7 trap) grids. Larval and nymphal ticks attached to White-footed Mice and Meadow Voles were each present in a unimodal seasonal pattern; larvae were most abundant during late summer and early fall, and nymphs during late spring and early summer. Changes in host density did not affect tick seasonality. Appropriate methods for estimating tick abundance are reviewed.
Research and think on the construction of laboratory staffs

This paper starts from the functions of lab staffs on science research,students cultivation and large equipment management,then gives some principium based on establishing the planning of lab staffs' construction,combining with the spirit of nation's personnel system reform.Finally,this paper draws out some ideas and measures on improving the whole status of lab staffs.
Immunization of young adult females with the Cendehill strain of rubella vaccine

Rubella HI antibodies were observed in 54 of 56 susceptible young adult females vaccinated with the Cendehill strain of rubella vaccine. Twenty-nine of 56 (51.8 per cent) vaccinated reported no side effects. Arthralgia occurred in 5 of the 56 (8.9 per cent). Arthritis was not observed. Adenopathy was the most frequently observed side effect (23.2 per cent). There was no correlation between symptomatology and the degree of antibody response.
US Power: Past and Prologue

Evidence for US primacy used to be less contestable. Financial and strategic support from the US notwithstanding, Europe and Japan required decades to rebound from the devastation of World War II. Their later economic “challenge” eventually would succumb to the US revolution in information and communication technology (ICT), in the one case, and a protracted economic stagnation in the other. While sleeping giants India and China had self-selected out of global capitalism, US-headquartered transnational corporations roamed the world uncontested even as US manufacturing exports boomed. Systemic defects spelled, first, implosion, then dissolution, for the US’s main strategic rival, the former Soviet Union. As long as a looming threat from Islamist extremism remained beneath the radar, the Western state-centered international system appeared unassailable. The US seemed to straddle this world like a colossus — militarily, economically, politically and culturally. Yet the world, and the US’s position within it, looks rather different today compared to 1950, 1991 and 2001. Do recent shifts in the global system’s tectonic plates augur secular decline for the world’s preeminent power?
An image reconstruction framework for arbitrary positron emission tomography geometries

We are investigating a variety of custom system geometries for different PET applications. These geometries have detectors of varying sizes, and detection efficiency, placed at different locations in 3D space. To evaluate the performance of these unconventional geometries require the development of a general purpose reconstruction framework that is easy to adapt to any geometry. This enables investigation of optimal application-specific PET systems.
Offering pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention to pregnant and postpartum women: a clinical approach.

Introduction : HIV prevention during pregnancy and lactation is critical for both maternal and child health. Pregnancy provides a critical opportunity for clinicians to elicit women ’ s vulnerabilities to HIV and offer HIV testing, treatment and referral and/or comprehensive HIV prevention options for the current pregnancy, the postpartum period and safer conception options for future pregnancies. In this commentary, we review the safety of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis with tenofovir/emtricitabine in pregnant and lactating women and suggest opportunities to identify pregnant and postpartum women at substantial risk of HIV. We then describe a clinical approach to caring for women who both choose and decline pre-exposure prophylaxis during pregnancy and postpartum, highlighting areas for future research. Discussion : Evidence suggests that pre-exposure prophylaxis with tenofovir/emtricitabine is safe in pregnancy and lactation. Identifying women vulnerable to HIV and eligible for pre-exposure prophylaxis is challenging in light of the myriad of individual, community, and structural forces impacting HIV acquisition. Validated risk calculators exist for specific populations but have not been used to screen and offer HIV prevention methods. Partner testing and engagement of men living with HIV are additional means of reaching at-risk women. However, women ’ s vulnerabilities to HIV change over time. Combining screening for HIV vulnerability with HIV and/or STI testing at standard intervals during pregnancy is a practical way to prompt providers to incorporate HIV screening and prevention counselling. We suggest using shared decision-making to offer women pre-exposure prophylaxis as one of multiple HIV prevention strategies during pregnancy and postpartum, facilitating open conversations about HIV vulnerabilities, preferences about HIV prevention strategies, and choosing a method that best meets the needs of each woman. Conclusion : Growing evidence suggests that pre-exposure prophylaxis with tenofovir/emtricitabine during pregnancy and lactation is safe and effective. Shared decision-making provides one approach to identify at-risk women and offers pre-exposure prophylaxis but requires implementation research in diverse clinical settings. Including pregnant and breastfeeding women in future HIV prevention research is critical for the creation of evidence-driven public health policies and clinical guidelines. Keywords: pre-exposure prophylaxis; pregnancy; lactation; postpartum; HIV prevention; perinatal HIV transmission (Published: 8 March 2017) Citation: Seidman DL et al. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2017, 20(Suppl 1) :21295 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/21295 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.20.2.21295
Blood transfusion in children with sickle cell disease undergoing tonsillectomy.

Abstract Introduction Tonsillectomy is the second most common surgery in children with sickle cell disease. These children are at an increased risk of perioperative complications due to vaso-occlusive events. Although controversial, preoperative blood transfusions are sometimes given in an effort to prevent such complications. The purpose of this study is to analyze trends in the use of blood transfusion for management of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) undergoing tonsillectomy in a national database. Methods Patients in the 1997–2012 KID with a primary procedure matching the ICD-9 procedure code for tonsillectomy (28.2–28.3) and diagnosis code for SCD (282.60–282.69) were examined. Patients were split into groups by blood transfusion status and compared across variables including complication rate, length of stay (LOS), and hospital charges. Statistical analysis included chi-square test for trend, Mann-Whitney U test, and independent t-test. Results 1133 patients with SCD underwent tonsillectomy. There was a strong positive correlation between increasing chronologic year and the proportion of patients receiving blood transfusions, 47 (30.1%) in 1997 to 78 (42.5%) in 2012 (r = 0.94, p = 0.005). During this period, there was no significant change in the rate of complications (r = −0.1, p = 0.87). Overall, patients receiving blood transfusion had a longer mean LOS (3.1 ± 2.4 days vs. 2.5 ± 2.2 days, p Conclusions From 1997 to 2012, there was a significant increase in the proportion of patients with SCD receiving perioperative blood transfusions for tonsillectomy. While the frequency of transfusion rose, those who received a transfusion had similar complication rates with increased charges and length of hospital stays compared to those who did not receive a transfusion.
Persistence of social jetlag and sleep disruption in healthy young adults

Sleep disruption has been associated with increased risks for several major chronic diseases that develop over decades. Differences in sleep/wake timing between work and free days can result in the development of social jetlag (SJL), a chronic misalignment between a person's preferred sleep/wake schedule and sleep/wake timing imposed by his/her work schedule. Only a few studies have examined the persistence of SJL or sleep disruption over time. This prospective investigation examined SJL and sleep characteristics over a 2-year period to evaluate whether SJL or poor sleep were chronic conditions during the study period. SJL and sleep measures (total sleep time [TST], sleep onset latency [SOL], wake after sleep onset [WASO]), and sleep efficiency [SE]), were derived from armband monitoring among 390 healthy men and women 21-35 years old. Participants wore the armband for periods of 4-10 days at 6-month intervals during the follow-up period (N = 1431 repeated observations). The consistency of SJL or sleep disruption over time was analyzed using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) for repeated measures. Repeated measures latent class analysis (RMLCA) was then used to identify subgroups among the study participants with different sleep trajectories over time. Individuals in each latent group were compared using GLMMs to identify personal characteristics that differed among the latent groups. Minor changes in mean SJL, chronotype, or TST were observed over time, whereas no statistically significant changes in SOL, WASO, or SE were observed during the study period. The RMLCA identified two groups of SJL that remained consistent throughout the study (low SJL, mean ± SE: 0.4 ± 0.04 h, 42% of the study population; and high SJL, 1.4 ± 0.03 h, 58%). Those in the SJL group with higher values tended to be employed and have an evening chronotype. Similarly, two distinct subgroups were observed for SOL, WASO, and SE; one group with a pattern suggesting disrupted sleep over time, and another with a consistently normal sleep pattern. Analyses of TST identified three latent groups with relatively short (5.6 ± 1.0 h, 21%), intermediate (6.5 ± 1.0 h, 44%), and long (7.3 ± 1.0 h, 36%) sleep durations, all with temporally stable, linear trajectories. The results from this study suggest that sleep disturbances among young adults can persist over a 2 year period. Latent groups with poor sleep tended to be male, African American, lower income, and have an evening chronotype relative to those with more normal sleep characteristics. Characterizing the persistence of sleep disruption over time and its contributing factors could be important for understanding the role of poor sleep as a chronic disease risk factor.
Understanding epidemiologists who serve as preceptors.

Abstract Purpose This study describes factors associated with epidemiologists from state health departments (HDs) who served as preceptors. Methods We used the 2014 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey, a national survey of state health agency workers, and selected those who identify their role in the organization as an epidemiologist and a state HD employee for analysis. Variables related to recruitment and retention were studied, and predictor variables were assessed. We applied statistical analysis of complex sampling design based on weights generated by the distribution of the epidemiologists. Logistic regression was used to determine factors that are significant predictors of preceptorship. Results Significant factors of increased preceptorship included being black (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 3.98, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.01–7.88), being a team leader (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI, 1.07–4.05), a supervisor (AOR = 2.75, 95% CI, 1.25–6.08), or a manager (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI, 1.15–6.34), and collaborating with academia (AOR = 3.11, 95% CI, 1.82–5.34). Conclusions State HDs and academic institutions should collaborate to offer applied epidemiology practicum opportunities to (1) increase job satisfaction among applied epidemiologists and (2) prepare the incoming workforce to work in applied epidemiology.
Hospitalization Rates, Prevalence of Cardiovascular Manifestations, and Outcomes Associated With Sarcoidosis in the United States.

BackgroundRecent trends of hospitalizations and in‐hospital mortality are not well defined in sarcoidosis. We examined aforementioned trends and prevalence of cardiovascular manifestations and expl...
Treatment of Acquired Esotropia: For Augmented Surgery

Undercorrection remains a common occurrence when acquired esotropia, particularly with convergence excess or accommodative component, is treated using standard surgical management. Prism adaptation...
Sensors, thin films, electrodes

Over the last ten years, a spectacular breakthrough has been observed in the microprocessor industry. This development was initially aimed to achieve better control of industrial processes and is now being applied on a large scale in the fields of domestic appliances, safety systems, automobiles. Therefore, it looks attractive to make a survey of existing technologies which are used in sensor manufacture and to identify the R & D efforts which have to be made in order to satisfy the future market demand.
Flap amputation with phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and adjuvant mitomycin C for severe post-LASIK epithelial ingrowth.

PURPOSE. To report a patient with severe post–laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) epithelial ingrowth and keratolysis treated with flap amputation and phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) with adjuvant intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC). METHODS. Case report. RESULTS. A 55-year-old woman was referred to our department due to severe post-LASIK epithelial ingrowth with corneal melting 2 years after primary LASIK. The patient had had two previous attempts for epithelial ingrowth treatment (flap lift and epithelial ingrowth manual removal) that were unsuccessful. Slit lamp biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed extensive epithelial ingrowth and keratolysis (thinning of the LASIK flap) while the patient had photophobia and could not tolerate contact lenses. Flap amputation with subsequent PTK (in order to smooth out the corneal irregularities caused by the keratolysis and/or variations in flap thickness) and adjuvant intraoperative MMC application for 2 minutes was performed. There were no intra- or postoperative adverse events seen during the follow-up period. Six months after the procedure, uncorrected visual acuity improved to 20/40 compared with 20/50 preoperatively, while best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/40 to 20/32. The topographic astigmatism was decreased from 3.24 diopters (D) to 1.00 D. CONCLUSIONS. Flap amputation with PTK and adjuvant intraoperative MMC is an option for the management of severe post-LASIK epithelial ingrowth with keratolysis. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2009; 19: 301-3)
Debunking some Common Misconceptions on E-Learning

The recent explosion in distance learning programs on the world-wide web has spawned a lively debate on the future and the potential of these programs. While distance learning will clearly play a growing role in higher education and professional training in the years ahead, it is unclear how prominent that role will be. Here we outline the main advantages and disadvantages of distance learning programs over traditional instruction. We also identify some common beliefs on distance learning and question the validity of those beliefs.
Nuclear Cardiology and CMR for the Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease

The purpose of this chapter is not to produce a list of comparative studies between nuclear-based techniques and the cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) exam. These will change with time. It is rather to look at the two modalities in terms of physical principles and methods to determine where they differ, their degree of difference, where they are similar, and how they may be correlative. Nuclear imaging has had a long life within cardiology, and there is much magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has to learn from it. It is a waste of resources to repeat the mistakes of the past. Consequently, practitioners of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging should have a foundation of the nuclear imaging past and present. The two modalities will certainly compete for the molecular imaging of the future.
A simple criterion for controlling selection bias

Controlling selection bias, a statistical error caused by preferential sampling of data, is a fundamental problem in machine learning and statistical inference. This paper presents a simple criterion for controlling selection bias in the odds ratio, a widely used measure for association between variables, that connects the nature of selection bias with the graph modeling the selection mechanism. If the graph contains certain paths, we show that the odds ratio cannot be expressed using data with selection bias. Otherwise, we show that a d-separability test can determine whether the odds ratio can be recovered, and when the answer is affirmative, output an unbiased estimand of the odds ratio. The criterion can be test in linear time and enhances the power of the estimand.
Enhanced supercapacitor performance with binder-free helically coiled carbon nanotube electrodes

Abstract Despite their low specific surface area ( 2 g −1 ) relative to that of activated carbon (1500–2000 m 2 g −1 ), carbon nanotubes are attractive as effective electrode materials for supercapacitors. Electrodes comprised of arrays of helically coiled carbon nanotubes (HCNTs) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared and evaluated as novel electrode materials for electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs). While both types of electrodes exhibited a linear dependence on array height and a diffusion limited behavior below the 1 V s −1 scan rate, the electrodes comprised of HCNT arrays exhibited better performance. Freestanding HCNT and MWCNT buckypapers were also prepared and used as electrodes, and the former showed a higher energy density relative to the latter with no loss in its power density and capacity fade. Collectively, this study concludes that HCNTs are well suited as binder-free electrodes that can be augmented with electroactive polymers for improved EDLC performance.
Pancreatic mixed acinar-neuroendocrine carcinoma, a unique diagnostic challenge on FNA cytology: A small series of two cases with literature review.

Mixed acinar-neuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) of the pancreas is a rare tumor. We present two cases of MANEC diagnosed on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA). The first patient is a 33-year-old male who had a 3.6 cm mass in the uncinate process and liver metastasis. The second patient is a 66-year-old male with a 10 cm mass in the pancreatic tail. The FNA smears from both cases were hypercellular with neoplastic cells in loosely cohesive clusters and many naked nuclei. In both cases, the tumor cells were positive for CKAE1/3, synaptophysin, chromogranin, and trypsin by immunohistochemistry. Final diagnoses of MANEC were rendered based on cytological features and immunohistochemical profiles. To date, 44 cases of MANEC have been reported in the English literature, only three of which were diagnosed on cytopathology specimens before surgical resection. Our report adds two more cases diagnosed on cytopathology alone. Herein, we discuss the various cytomorphologic and clinical features of MANEC and present a brief review of the literature. Diagn. Cytopathol.
Association Between Time-in-Therapeutic Tacrolimus Range and Early Rejection After Heart Transplant.

Background Historically, there is perceived pressure to achieve therapeutic levels of tacrolimus quickly after heart transplant (HT). We evaluated the association between time within therapeutic tacrolimus range and time to therapeutic trough and rejection in the 30 days following HT. Methods This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of consecutive adult HT patients receiving immunosuppression. Goal trough tacrolimus levels were 10-15 ng/ml. Surveillance endomyocardial biopsies were performed weekly for 4 weeks. Outcomes included the effect of time to and time-in-therapeutic tacrolimus range (Rosendaal method) on 30-day clinical rejection, 1R/1B, and 2R or higher histologic occurrences. Results We reviewed 67 HT patients (median age 58.8 yrs). For clinical rejection versus no-rejection groups, the median (25th, 75th percentile) time to therapeutic tacrolimus levels was 9.5 (8, 12.3) days versus 9.0 (7, 13) days (p=0.623). The median time-in-therapeutic tacrolimus range was 34.1% (23.2, 42.2) versus 36.2% (19.9, 51.2), respectively (p=0.512). Similarly, we observed no significant differences in time to and time-in-therapeutic tacrolimus range in patients who developed grade 1R/1B (p=0.650 and p=0.725) or grade 2R or higher histology (p=0.632 and p=0.933). Conclusions Our small single-center analysis suggests that neither time to nor time in therapeutic tacrolimus range predicted acute rejection within 30 days of HT.
FeCl 2-Mediated Rearrangement of Allylic Alcohols

A mild, one-pot procedure to produce 3-substituted allylic alcohols from α,β-unsaturated ketones is described. The addition of an organolithium nucleophile produces a tertiary allylic alcohol as an intermediate, which undergoes a 1,3-OH-migration assisted by FeCl2. The proposed mechanism indicates that a syn-facial migration occurs for the major product. Yields as high as 98% for the one-pot reaction are reported.
Accelerated gastric emptying is associated with improved aspiration efficiency in obesity.

Background The overall effectiveness of aspiration therapy (AT) for obesity relies on optimal aspiration timing after a meal, which can vary depending on a patient’s rate of gastric emptying (GE). Our aim was to identify if baseline GE rates were associated with differences in aspiration efficiency (AE). Methods Subjects from an ongoing AT clinical trial were enrolled in this study. AE was calculated as the absolute gastric residual and calories aspirated at 20 and 40 min. Participants were then divided by baseline GE rate into two groups (slow vs fast). Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare AE at 20 and 40 min between the groups. Exploratory linear regression was used to assess relationship between GE and AE. Results 7 patients (85% female) were coenrolled in the study. Mean age and body mass index were 39.8±9.44 and 43±5, respectively. AE did not significantly differ between the 20 and 40 min time points for the group as a whole (34.3% vs 36.9%; p>0.5). However, those with fast GE aspirated more calories than those with slow GE (20 min: 200 kcal vs 72.5 kcal; 40 min: 154 kcal vs 63 kcal) (p=0.05). On linear regression, delayed GE was associated with poorer aspiration (20 min: β=−107 calories; p=0.019; R2=0.7). 4/7 patients had significant differences in residual/caloric aspiration across the two time points. Conclusion Patients undergoing AT may benefit from a GE test to optimise their AE. Paradoxically faster GE times saw better aspiration. Prospective studies are revealing a personalised approach to obesity.
Evaluation and Improvement of Bottlenecking in a Multidisciplinary Oncology Clinic: An Electronic Medical Record Intervention.

Purpose: Clinic members reported slower patient flow in the mornings at a multidisciplinary oncology clinic. This study identified the causes of clinic bottlenecking via analysis of patient schedules and transit times, then corrected discrepancies through a quality improvement program. Methods: Transit times were measured using tracking cards handed out at check-in, marked by each clinic member throughout the encounter, and collected upon discharge. Data were analyzed for differences between morning and afternoon patients, and a Pareto chart was formulated to assess for discrepancies in distribution. Repeat plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles were conducted, implementing two changes to redistribute appointments to optimize clinic workflow. Results: A total of 2951 patient appointments were analyzed: 589 at baseline, 277 following an initial intervention, and 2085 following a subsequent intervention. Analysis of patient transit times revealed no significant differences between morning and afternoon patient groups (t-test, p=.13-.99), with no transit interval markedly longer than others (t-test, p=.32-.83). However, upon evaluation of appointment times, a maldistribution was noted with 57% of patients concentrated between 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, accounting for the perception of bottlenecking. An initial intervention offering patients afternoon appointments on a voluntary basis was insufficient for rebalancing distribution (chi-square test, p=.299); however, an electronic medical record (EMR) intervention with rigid appointment templates was successful (chi-square test, p<.001). Conclusion: An imbalance of appointment times contributed to the perception of slow clinic throughput. This study emphasizes the importance of systematically investigating even consensus observations for validity prior to costly interventions. Furthermore, these results support the utility of information technology in optimizing clinic workflow.
Patients insured by Medicare and Medicaid undergo lower rates of bariatric surgery.

Abstract Background Although the number of weight loss procedures is increasing, bariatric surgery is not used equitably in the United States. As obesity is more prevalent in minorities, higher priorities are placed toward improvement of access to care for these groups. Objectives To evaluate whether patient insurance status has any effect on use of bariatric surgery for patients in New York State. Setting Administrative statewide database. Methods The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System administrative database was used to identify all patients undergoing primary bariatric procedures between 2005 and 2016. Revision procedures were excluded from analysis. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare outcomes among patients with different payor status after controlling for confounding factors. Results After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, there were 125,666 bariatric records from 2005 to 2016. Most patients had commercial insurance (n = 106,148, 84.5%), followed by Medicare (n = 9355, 7.4%), Medicaid (n = 7939, 6.3%), and other/unknown (n = 2224, 1.8%). The percentage of Medicaid was estimated to be increase by 12%/yr and the percentage of Medicare was estimated to be increase by 5%/yr during 2005 to 2016. Univariate analysis showed that patients with different insurance types were significantly different in terms of age, sex, race, region, subtype of surgeries, most co-morbidities, overall complication, 30-day readmission/emergency department visits, and length of stay (P values Conclusions The majority of patients undergoing bariatric surgery are insured by private insurance, whereas only 13.7% of bariatric surgeries are performed on patients with public insurance.
Elucidation of the role of chemical admixtures in hydrating cements by DTA technique

Abstract Many types of admixtures are being used in concrete for obtaining better work-ability, retardation or acceleration of setting, improved mechanical properties, etc. There is no doubt that for more judicial and efficient use and also for the development of new types of admixtures, a basic understanding of their action in cement is essential. The mechanism is involved and complex and hence attempts are being made to explore new methods of approach. The technique of differential thermal analysis (DTA) has largely been used as an adjunct or a subsidiary technique to investigate the role of admixtures. It is possible, by a systematic approach, to use DTA as the main source of information in many cases. Thermograms may be used to study the kinetics of hydration, the mechanism of action of admixtures, and for the identification and estimation of new products that may form in the presence of admixtures. In some instances thermograms provide information not easily obtainable by other techniques. By means of typical examples this paper attempts to examine the application of DTA to a study of the different aspects of the action of various types of admixtures on the hydration of cement.
Destination Morocco: A Study of Trans-Saharan Migration

Trans-Saharan migration has existed for millennia, but with increased desperation in Africa and increased prosperity in Europe, migratory pressures on North Africa are reaching critical levels. Morocco is so close to Spain that on a clear day one can look across the Strait and see a different continent. This proximity has made Morocco a portal between Europe and Africa for centuries. As Europe grows richer, it seems that Africa gets left behind economically, greatly increasing the impetus for South-to-North migration. As a result, Morocco plays an important role in the development of migration trends between these two continents. Although much is known about the journey between Morocco and Spain, very little research has been done regarding would-be migrants’ journey across Africa to Morocco.
Asian MCR: Urban-Rural Interface and Multidimensionality of the Spread Region

The profound socioeconomic and environmental repercussions of the growing Asian megacities on the rural, semi-urban, and urbanizing territories around them have stoked academic, political, planning, public, and other interests to pursue sustainable development strategies for the megacity regions of Asia. However, as yet, we do not know whether there are some principal characteristics unique to the Asian MCR, and strategy formulation is made difficult by non-standardized definitions of ‘urban’, a lingering city-centric outlook, and complex rural-urban dynamics involving flows, linkages, and interfaces in the hybrid, changing, and spatially uneven ‘spread region’ within the MCRs. Additionally, conceptual contrasts and differing approaches to sustainability, such as green and brown agendas, have also impeded the success of such pursuits. Here, I present the first two prongs of my tri-pronged approach to sustainable development issues in context of the Asian MCR: (1) the urban-rural interface (URI) as place, process, and concept manifests in the spread region, and (2) the multidimensional lens. I discuss some of the conceptual shifts evident in the literature, from the rural-urban divide to rural-urban and peri-urban interfaces (PUI), and from primarily economistic to multidimensional approaches to sustainable development. I offer a working definition of the ‘spread region’ of the MCR from the standpoint of the urban-rural interface that characterizes this space. And finally, I advocate the implementation of a coherent, ‘color-coordinated’ and multidimensional approach to examining the uneven spaces of the URI within the spread region at disaggregated scales for effective planning and research purposes.
Barter Credit: Warehouses as a Contracting Technology

A large Brazilian agribusiness lender introduces a new contracting technology: grain warehouses. Using runner-up warehouse locations as a control group, I find that lenders' access to these warehouses permits a new debt contract, i.e. a barter credit repayable in grain, increases borrowers' debt capacity and lowers borrowing costs. The effects are stronger when price insurance is important, for municipalities with weaker courts, and for financially-constrained borrowers. Overall, evidence suggests that creditors alter their organizational design to mitigate credit market imperfections.
Movement, Encounter Rate, and Collective Behavior in Ant Colonies

Spatial patterns of movement regulate many aspects of social insect behavior, because how workers move around, and how many are there, determines how often they meet and interact. Interactions are usually olfactory; for example, in ants, by means of antennal contact in which one worker assesses the cuticular hydrocarbons of another. Encounter rates may be a simple outcome of local density: a worker experiences more encounters, the more other workers there are around it. This means that encounter rate can be used as a cue for overall density even though no individual can assess global density. Encounter rate as a cue for local density regulates many aspects of social insect behavior, including collective search, task allocation, nest choice, and traffic flow. As colonies grow older and larger, encounter rates change, which leads to changes in task allocation. Nest size affects local density and movement patterns, which influences encounter rate, so that nest size and connectivity influence colony behavior. However, encounter rate is not a simple function of local density when individuals change their movement in response to encounters, thus influencing further encounter rates. Natural selection on the regulation of collective behavior can draw on variation within and among colonies in the relation of movement patterns, encounter rate, and response to encounters.
Judging Photojournalism: The Metajournalistic Discourse of Judges at the Best of Photojournalism and Pictures of the Year Contests

This study promotes how discussions during photojournalism award judging can be used as metajournalistic discourse to gain insight about the definition, boundaries, and legitimization of the field....
Artificial intelligence in China’s revolution in military affairs

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) seeks not only to equal but also to overtake the US military through seizing the initiative in the ongoing Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA). Chinese military ...
Dancing doctors: exploring the potential of cultural dance education to improve cultural competency and clinical communication.

Abstract Objective One of the largest barriers towards the utilization and overall success of health interventions for minority communities is the difference between the cultures of healthcare services and service users. Medical students, physicians, and healthcare systems are taught to be culturally competent, yet multiple studies demonstrate the persistence of differences in perception of care and disparities in outcomes for communities of colour. This article aims to offer a patient-centred, culturally nuanced medium for teaching cultural competency. Study design This is a brief report based on experiential learning, observations, and a short literature review on understanding culture through traditional dances. Methods To address cultural disconnect between clinical medicine and diverse patients, we recommend encouraging patients from diverse backgrounds to teach physicians how to perform cultural dances. Results Traditional dance appears to be a culturally rich source for holistically educating physicians on cultural competency. Conclusion This process of learning a cultural dance can improve cultural humility and cultural competency, and clinical communication between the provider and public.
Validation of AML-Score in older adults receiving daunorubicin/cytarabine liposome intensive induction chemotherapy for treatment of secondary acute myeloid leukemia.

e19000Background: The AML-Score has been validated to predict complete remission (CR) and early mortality (EM) in patients receiving traditional induction chemotherapies but not daunorubicin/cytara...
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) transmissions for Alternative Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT): Concept & practice

The vulnerability of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services derived from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) makes having a resilient and accurate Alternative PNT (APNT) based on high-power terrestrial radio sources necessary. The L-band is very crowded spectral real estate with GNSS, Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) and Air Traffic Control Beacon System (ATCRBS) signals occupying the band from 900–1600 MHz. Thus, as getting new signal and spectrum for APNT would be difficult, we must leverage existing transmissions and infrastructure. The ~660 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) ground stations in the United States represent significant infrastructure that can be leveraged for APNT. However, as ADS-B was designed for surveillance, it does not inherently possess features necessary to support APNT goals. This paper describes and demonstrates techniques for using ADSB Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) signals for PNT. We develop methods to use all ground UAT signals to provide robust, multi-frequency pseudoranges. We examine the ranging and positioning performance of the UAT signal on the ground and in flight, to demonstrate its ranging accuracy, and hence the timing and synchronization of the station. We demonstrate and analyze navigation using UAT signals, as well as the intra-system interference challenges of using multiple UAT stations.
Role-Play Assessment of Therapist Adherence and Skill in Implementation of Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Numerous efforts are underway to train clinicians in evidence-based practices. Unfortunately, the field has few practical measures of therapist adherence and skill with which to judge the success of these training and implementation efforts. One possible assessment method is using behavioral rehearsal, or role-play, as an analogue for therapist in-session behavior. The current study describes aspects of reliability, validity and utility of a behavioral role-play assessment developed to evaluate therapist adherence and skill in implementing Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). TF-CBT role-play assessments were conducted with a sample of 43 therapists as part of a larger training study. The TF-CBT role-play assessments were independently coded for TF-CBT adherence and skill by a certified TF-CBT trainer and three clinical psychology doctoral students. Findings indicated good interrater reliability for the individual items (ICC: M = .71, SD = .15). Regarding utility, 67.19% (n = 43/64) of contacted therapists completed the role-play assessment, which took an average of 30 min (M = 31.42, SD = 5.65) to complete and 60 min (M = 62.84, SD = 11.31) to code. Therapists with a master’s degree were more likely to complete the role-play assessment than those with other degrees but no other differences in demographic variables, practice characteristics, or TF-CBT knowledge or training were found between participants and nonparticipants. Role-play assessments may offer an alternative to observational coding for assessing therapist adherence and skill, particularly in contexts where session recordings are not feasible.
Thought-suppression in the Pātañjalayogaśāstra: against Ian Whicher’s interpretation of Patañjali’s yoga

The Pātanjalayogaśāstra (PYŚ) is typically understood to define yoga as thought-suppression. In several publications, Ian Whicher has sought to avoid the conclusion that the PYŚ endorses thought-su...
Myelinated Nerve Fibers

Myelination proceeds in an orderly fashion. The last elements to receive a myelin sheath are the chiasm and optic nerve. Myelinated nerve fibers in the retina most often occur in men and are seen in 0.3–1.0% of individuals. The eyes are otherwise normal.
Chapter 17 Computationally Intensive Analyses in Economics

Abstract Computer technology presents economists with new tools, but also raises novel methodological issues. This essay discusses the challenges faced by computational researchers, and proposes some solutions.
HMGB1 Develops Enhanced Proinflammatory Activity by Binding to Cytokines

High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), originally characterized as a nuclear DNA-binding protein, has also been described to have an extracellular role when it is involved in cellular activation and proinflammatory responses. In this study, FLAG-tagged HMGB1 was inducibly expressed in the presence of culture media with or without added IL-1beta, IFN-gamma, or TNF-alpha. HMGB1 purified from cells grown in culture media alone only minimally increased cytokine production by MH-S macrophages and had no effect on murine neutrophils. In contrast, HMGB1 isolated from cells cultured in the presence of IL-1beta, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha had enhanced proinflammatory activity, resulting in increased production of MIP-2 and TNF-alpha by exposed cells. IL-1beta was bound to HMGB1 isolated from cells cultured with this cytokine, and purified HMGB1 incubated with recombinant IL-1beta acquired proinflammatory activity. Addition of anti-IL-1beta Abs or the IL-1 receptor antagonist to cell cultures blocked the proinflammatory activity of HMGB1 purified from IL-1beta-exposed cells, indicating that such activity was dependent on interaction with the IL-1 receptor. These results demonstrate that HMGB1 acquires proinflammatory activity through binding to proinflammatory mediators, such as IL-1beta.
Recursive non-linear estimation of discontinuous flow fields

This paper defines a temporal continuity constraint that expresses assumptions about the evolution of 2D image velocity, or optical flow, over a sequence of images. Temporal continuity is exploited to develop an incremental minimization framework that extends the minimization of a non-convex objective function over time. Within this framework this paper describes an incremental continuation method for recursive non-linear estimation that robustly and adaptively recovers optical flow with motion discontinuities over an image sequence.
Semi-classical wormholes are unstable

Abstract We show that Lorentzian (traversable) wormholes with semi-classical spacetimes are unstable. Semi-classicality of the energy–momentum tensor of the exotic matter used to stabilize the wormhole implies localization of its wavefunction in phase space, leading to evolution according to the classical equations of motion. Previous results related to violation of the NEC then require that the matter is unstable to small perturbations.
Analysis of comparative advantage in the textile complex: A study of Eastern European and former Soviet Union nations

Purpose – This paper aims to present an exploratory investigation into ten‐year (1995‐2004) patterns of trade specialization among Eastern European and former Soviet Union Nations, assessing patterns of comparative advantage across the textile machinery, man‐made fiber, textile, and apparel sectors of the textile complex to determine whether these conform with both trade specialization and industry evolution theories.Design/methodology/approach – A revealed symmetric comparative advantage index is employed to evaluate international competitiveness for 27 Eastern European and former Soviet Union Nations over a ten‐year period. Repeated measures ANOVA is used to determine the significance of the observed patterns across four income‐defined groups of nations.Findings – Overall, the pattern of export development and RSCA generally reflects expectations regarding factor proportions theory and industry evolution models. The RMANOVA partially confirms the observations. The analysis indicates that income group do...
Computational Model for Insensible Water Loss From the Newborn

A mathematical model for predicting insensible water loss from the newborn infant has been developed, and its adjustable parameters have been evaluated using existing data for respiratory and transepidermal water loss components. Subsequently, the model was verified by using an independent set of available data on total insensible loss from naked infants who were not mechanically ventilated and who did not sweat. Under these conditions, the model was capable of correctly predicting the influence of ambient humidity, gestational age, and postnatal age, and in general, the predictions had a precision of +/- 14%, but they tended to underestimate insensible water loss by -16%. The straightforward algebraic form of the model makes it suitable for computerized calculations, which can be readily available at the bedside and quickly updated to account for changes in infant or environmental variables. The model is useful both for anticipating the abnormally large insensible water loss of the premature infant early in life and for computing expected changes in insensible water loss as a result of intentional manipulation of environmental factors, such as incubator temperature or supplemental humidification.
The heated halo for space-based blackbody emissivity measurement

Reliable calibration of high-accuracy spaceborne infrared spectrometers requires knowledge of both blackbody temperature and emissivity on-orbit, as well as their uncertainties. The Heated Halo is a broadband thermal source that provides a robust and compact method to measure emissivity. We present the results from the Heated Halo methodology implemented with a new Absolute Radiance Interferometer (ARI), which is a prototype space-based infrared spectrometer designed for climate benchmarking. We show the evolution of the technical readiness level of this technology and we compare our findings to models and other experimental methods of emissivity determination.
Research Note Hipparcos photometry: The least variable stars

The data known as the Hipparcos Photometry obtained with the Hipparcos satellite have been investigated to find those stars which are least variable. Such stars are excellent candidates to serve as standards for photometric systems. Their spectral types suggest in which parts of the HR diagrams stars are most constant. In some cases these values strongly indicate that previous ground based studies claiming photometric variability are incorrect or that the level of stellar activity has changed.
Oscillations in a simple air-water system driven by a stabilizing heat flux

Abstract An air-water system coupled by heat and stress is modelled by two interacting fluid loops. When heated from above and cooled from below the system can become unstable and self-sustained oscillations develop, whereas a single fluid system is stable in the same situation. The oscillations are explained by thermal lag between the loops. The water loop oscillates stably under its restoring buoyancy torque but the coresponding air oscillations, generated by heat conduction from the water loop, lag by roughly half a period, and the air stress therefore acts to amplify rather than damp oscillations in the water loop.
Agency Status for the Cooperative Farm Credit System

The Cooperative Farm Credit System (FCS) is a system of federally chartered, privately owned banks and associations organized as cooperatives wholly owned by the financial institutions and agricultural borrowers to whom they lend. The system's basic entities include Federal Land Banks (FLBs) and Federal Land Bank Associations (FLBAs), Federal Intermediate Credit Banks (FICBs) and Production Credit Associations (PCAs), and Banks for Cooperatives (BCs). These units were formed and capitalized during the 1916 to 1933 period by the federal government with most of the loan funds to be provided by sales of securities (originally on a tax-exempt basis) in the financial markets. As is well docu-