cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estradiol levels predict bone mineral density in male collegiate athletes: a pilot study

Summary Objective Strenuous training commonly results in amenorrhoea, which contributes to bone loss in some female collegiate athletes. However, the impact of athletic training on endocrine function and bone mineral density (BMD) in male collegiate athletes is less well understood. The objective of the study was to investigate the specific endocrine determinants of BMD in male collegiate runners and wrestlers, including the potential impact of gonadal steroid levels. Design Cross-sectional study. Patients Twenty-six division I collegiate male athletes (wrestlers, runners and golfers). Measurements Main outcome measures included (i) BMD endpoints measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA); (ii) endocrine end-points: total and free oestradiol, total and free testosterone; (iii) body composition end-points: lean and fat mass, measured by DXA; and (iv) exercise end-points: maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), number of miles run weekly and grip strength. Results Free and total oestradiol levels were important positive determinants of BMD. In contrast, total and free testosterone levels were not significant predictors of BMD at any skeletal site (except for free testosterone at the radius). In addition, lean body mass, % ideal body weight, total body weight, body mass index (BMI) and hours per week of resistance training were positive predictors of BMD. VO2 max was a negative predictor of BMD. Mean BMD was higher at all skeletal sites in the wrestlers compared with the runners and a comparison group (golfers). Conclusions Our data suggest that oestradiol levels, BMI, and resistance training are more important determinants of BMD in male collegiate athletes than testosterone.
On Route to the Chiral Imprinting of Bulk Silica

Abstract : Shape-selective pores have been synthesized in bulk silica via imprinting. The synthetic approach relies on a sol-gel process to immobilize the imprint within a hybrid organic/inorganic material. Cleavage of the carbamate linkage from this material generates a primary amine within a microporous binding site. Characterization studies, including potentiometric titration and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, indicate that most imprinted amine sites are accessible during binding with small molecule probes. However, larger probes are unable to adsorb to the same material, indicating significant shape-selectivity in binding. Additionally, an investigation of framework pore size effects in a catalytic system shows that shape-selectivity can be solely a result of the imprinted active site and not the framework structure.
Effect of Stent Design Parameters on Fluid and Structural Mechanics in Coronary Arteries

As undergraduates at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, our senior design team has been developing new arterial stent designs using computational, experimental and flow characterizations. Coronary artery stenting has become a popular alternative to bypass surgery due to its relatively low cost and short recovery time. There are approximately one million of these procedures performed each year. At the beginning of 2006, drug eluting stents (DES) accounted for 90% of stenting procedures; this number dropped below 75% by the end of 2006. The initial popularity of DES was due to their effective reduction in restenosis compared to the first generation of stents, bare-metal stents. Recently, the makers of DES have agreed that, compared with bare-metal stents, there is a small, but significant increase in the rate of stent thrombosis for both the Cypher (Johnson & Johnson) and Taxus (Boston Scientific) stents, beginning about 12 months after implantation [1].© 2007 ASME
Single large-balloon percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty

Successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty was performed in six patients utilizing single large (up to 30 mm diameter) balloons. Mitral valve area increased from 1.1 +/- 0.1 to 2.5 +/- 0.3 cm2 (P less than 0.01), and there were no complications or significant increases in mitral regurgitation. Single large-balloon mitral valvuloplasty may be as effective as the currently used double-balloon technique and may allow the procedure to be performed more easily and quickly.
Activity of Retapamulin against Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus Evaluated by Agar Dilution, Microdilution, E-Test, and Disk Diffusion Methodologies

The in vitro activity of retapamulin against 106 Staphylococcus aureus isolates and 109 Streptococcus pyogenes isolates was evaluated by the agar dilution, broth microdilution, E-test, and disk diffusion methodologies. Where possible, the tests were performed by using the CLSI methodology. The results of agar dilution, broth microdilution, and E-test (all with incubation in ambient air) for S. aureus yielded similar MICs, in the range of 0.03 to 0.25 μg/ml. These values corresponded to zone diameters between 25 and 33 mm by the use of a 2-μg retapamulin disk. Overall, 99% of the agar dilution results and 95% of E-test results for S. aureus were within ±1 dilution of the microdilution results. For S. pyogenes , the MICs obtained by the agar and broth microdilution methods (both after incubation in ambient air) were in the range of 0.008 to 0.03 μg/ml, and E-test MICs (with incubation in ambient air) were 0.016 to 0.06 μg/ml. For S. pyogenes , 100% of the agar dilution MIC results were within ±1 dilution of the broth microdilution results. E-test MICs (after incubation in ambient air) were within ±1 and ±2 dilutions of the broth microdilution results for 76% and 99% of the isolates, respectively. E-test MICs for S. pyogenes strains in CO 2 were up to 4 dilutions higher than those in ambient air. Therefore, it is recommended that when retapamulin MICs are determined by E-test, incubation be done in ambient air and not in CO 2 , due to the adverse effect of CO 2 on the activity of this compound. Diffusion zones (with incubation in CO 2 ) for S. pyogenes were 18 to 24 mm. Retapamulin MICs for all strains by all methods (with incubation in ambient air) were ≤0.25 μg/ml. These results demonstrate that S. pyogenes (including macrolide-resistant strains) and S. aureus (including methicillin-resistant and vancomycin-nonsusceptible strains) are inhibited by very low concentrations of retapamulin and that all four testing methods are satisfactory for use for susceptibility testing.
Organizational Credibility: The Role of Issue Involvement, Value-Relevant Involvement, Elaboration, Author Credibility, Message Quality, and Message Effectiveness in Persuasive Messages from Public Health Advocacy Organizations

The relationship between receiver characteristics (including issue involvement, value-relevant involvement, and elaboration) and message features (including language intensity, author credibility, message quality, and message effectiveness) on perceptions of organizational credibility were examined in this investigation within the context of public health advocacy messages about the U.S. Farm Bill and various food and food production topics. Undergraduate students (N = 218) completed an online survey that employed a 3 × 2 experimental message design. Results indicated that receiver variables and message features (excluding language intensity) were positively correlated with organizational credibility; message quality, message effectiveness, and author credibility accounted for 30.9% of the variability in perceptions of organizational credibility. The utility of examining organizational credibility in persuasive messages, particularly in the context of public health advocacy messages, is discussed, as well...
In-Season Irrigation And Nutrient Decision Support System For Citrus Production

The sandy soils of central and southern Florida have low water and nutrient retention capacities. Excessive irrigation may greatly increase nutrients leaching thereby contribute to contamination of the aquifer under-lying citrus production system. These systems can be managed in such a manner that the excessive downward drainage through the soil is minimized via use of improved irrigation management and/or scheduling strategies which are also critical to maximize water use efficiency. To aid growers in water management decision making, a computer-based decision support system was developed to facilitate more efficient use of water by making use of specific site characteristics and local weather data. System requirements include information on tree age, spacing, soil water holding characteristics, and monthly irrigation set-points for specific production blocks. The user inputs irrigation duration, and/or rainfall depths by block on a daily basis. The soil profile is divided into 40 five cm layers and both irrigated and non-irrigated zones are identified. Horizontal water movement is assumed to be confined within each vertical zone due to lack of lateral movement in the sandy Entisols that prevail in the citrus production region of central Florida. To estimate crop evapotranspiration (ET), daily reference ET values from the Florida Automated Weather Network station nearest the production area are downloaded automatically. Monthly and yearly water use reports are also provided by the decision support system. Appropriate use of this system should not only reduce statewide agricultural water requirements but also nitrogen-loading of groundwater resources associated with citrus production thereby enhancing the profitability and sustainability of Florida citrus production systems.
Administrative Law and Agency Policymaking: Rethinking the Positive Theory of Political Control

Positive political theory (PPT) models of agency policymaking contend that politicians use the tools of ex post and ex ante control to overcome some of the agency problems associated with delegation (such as the inability to foresee the issues the agency will face), in part by enlisting interest groups in the battle to control agencies. PPT models of political control have done a good job of illustrating how and why politicians try to influence agency policymaking; but they overstate politicians' ability to do so, for two reasons. First, commonly-employed methodological assumptions in positive models tend to obscure the most important impediments to political control. Second, the antecedents to the current PPT literature posed a false dichotomy between agency autonomy and good government, one which some positive theorists seem to continue to accept, at least implicitly. This article examines these positive and normative biases in the PPT literature, and suggests that PPT models can do a better job of analyzing the agency policymaking process by abandoning these restrictive assumptions.
Development of a Set of Equations for Incorporating Disk Flexibility Effects in Rotordynamical Analyses

Rotordynamical equations that account for disk flexibility are developed. These equations employ free-free rotor modes to model the rotor system. Only transverse vibrations of the disks are considered, with the shaft/disk system considered to be torsionally rigid. Second order elastic foreshortening effects that couple with the rotor speed to produce first order terms in the equations of motion are included. The approach developed in this study is readily adaptable for usage in many of the codes that are current used in rotordynamical simulations. The equations are similar to those used in standard rigid disk analyses but with additional terms that include the effects of disk flexibility. An example case is presented to demonstrate the use of the equations and to show the influence of disk flexibility on the rotordynamical behavior of a sample system.
Hyperglobulinaemic thrombo-haemorrhagic diathesis.

IN reviewing the literature of the hyperglobulinaemias one is struck by the frequency of the reports of a concomitant haemorrhagic diathesis. In a survey by us of more than a thousand cases of macroglobulinaemia, cryoglobulinaemia, visceral leishmaniasis and miscellaneous hyperglobulinaemias, a haemorrhagic diathesis was reported in 63–94 per cent of the cases in each category. These observations suggest that purpura is a general phenomenon in the presence of increased plasma globulins.
Kaposi'S Sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) presents with variable severity in the context of HIV infection. Various therapeutic approaches can be taken, and these are determined by the extent and location of KS lesions and the severity of tumor-related symptoms. New insights into the pathogenesis of KS lesions may provide innovative treatment strategies and a more rational basis for the control of this neoplasm.
Keynote presentation at the sixth International congress of behavioral Medicine, Brisbane, Australia, November 15-18, 2000 : Women and Heart Disease: New Evidence for Psychosocial, Behavioral, and Biological Mediators Of Risk and Prognosis ()

Since more than a decade, women–s cardiovascular health and disease have attracted increasing attention. In 1991, Bernardine Healy, the first woman director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, compared the situation of women patients in cardiac care to that of a young Jewish girl, Yentl, who had to disguise herself as a boy to enjoy the benefits of religious education (Healy, 1991). Not until a woman showed that she was just like a man, by having severe coronary artery disease, Healy argued, was she then treated as a man would be. Whether women were really underdiagnosed, undertreated, and poorly rehabilitated in cardiac care, has ever since been under debate (Orth-Gomer, 2000).
OPTICAL DIAGNOSTICS FOR THE RADIATIVELY DRIVEN WIND TUNNEL

The development and application of optical diagnostics to the radiatively driven wind tunnel test program is presented, with particular emphasis on the measurement of flow properties in the 10 kW laser and 30 kW electron beam energy addition experiments. Diagnostic measurements in preparation for the test are presented, including the development of a new temperature measurement technique based on laser induced grating spectroscopy.
Left in the Dust: Employee Constructions of Mission and Vision Ownership:

Research on organizational mission and vision primarily has approached the concepts from managerial perspectives. This study employed a communicative constitution of organizations perspective to pr...
Safety aspects of radiofrequency power deposition in magnetic resonance

Radio frequency fields used in MR imaging may result in patient heating. This article reviews the physics, physiology, and safety considerations of radio frequency heating of patients during MR examinations. Frequently, monitoring equipment, implants, braces, surface coils, or other devices are introduced into the patient vicinity. A section investigates safety aspects of such devices. Appropriate limits for radio frequency power deposition during MR examinations are explored.
Health issues facing the state's American Indian populations.

108,000 North Carolina residents identify themselves as American Indians/Alaska Natives, representing about 1.2% of the state’s population. The state’s American Indian population is largely represented by eight recognized tribal groups (Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee, Haliwa Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of Saponi Nation, Sappony, Waccamaw Siouan) and four American Indian Urban Centers (Cumberland County Association for Indian People, Guilford Native American Association, Metrolina Native American Association, Triangle Native American Society). North Carolina represents the largest state concentration of American Indians east of the Mississippi River. Limited information available from research studies and publicly available data sources indicate that significant disparities exist for many health conditions in American Indian communities. For example, the prevalence of diabetes and other cardiovascular disease risk factors are substantially higher for North Carolina American Indians compared to whites. Diabetes-related complications, such as lower-extremity amputation and end-stage renal disease, have been reported to be three and six times higher, respectively, among the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians compared to the rate for United State whites. The diabetes death rate for North Carolina American Indians is three times higher, and the death rates for stroke and heart disease are at least 25% higher, than the rates for nonHispanic whites. Other health concerns, such as unintentional injuries and homicides, are dramatically higher for American Indians compared to whites. These conditions lead to higher rates of premature mortality; the average years of potential life lost per death (YPLL) in North Carolina is 22.2 for American Indians, compared to 15.2 for whites and 20.5 for African Americans.
A proposed common decision-exchange protocol for representing, managing, and sharing organizational decisions

Motivation - Share information; make better decisions. Research approach - Explore the use of XML code to document and transmit characteristics of decisions. Findings/Design - The paper recommends a CDEP. Research limitations/Implications - This work implies that we need an open-standard body similar to OMG in the object-oriented world. This would help to make decisions and their explanations more interoperable across a wide variety of organizations. Originality/value - The value of this work will be realized in military and other types of command and intelligence centers where decision tracking serves training and analysis purposes to preserve lessons learned. Take-away message - The authors welcome comments on this proposed decision-exchange protocol and suggestions and want to collaborate with others on this effort, which supports a global-interoperability test bed.
Culture and Society

This chapter elaborates the concepts of culture, society, and various culture-related terms, which loosely describe matters related to sociocultural issues. The term "culture" was coined by a German scholar in the late 18th century to indicate the achievements of civilization. The British scholar E.B. Tylor, in his pioneer work, Primitive Culture, used the English word "culture," defining it as a complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society. In the past, scholars and laymen have used the term "race" to refer to a group of people characterized by certain physical features, such as color of skin, eyes, and hair, facial or body features, or physical size, that distinguish it from other groups. However, presently races are considered as socially and culturally constructed categories that may have little to do with actual biological differences. Ethnicity refers to social groups that distinguish themselves from other groups by a common historical path, behavior norms, and their own group identities. The members of an ethnic group are affiliated and may share a common language, religion, culture, racial background, or other characteristics that make them identifiable within their own group. A society is a social institution characterized by a particular, visible, organizational structure. It is composed of a collective group of members, organized by an administrative structure and is regulated by certain rules or systems. It performs an institutional function, including production, economic, and social functions, and self-protection of the group. Within each society, people may live a certain style of life.
Abstract 6: A 15-Year Spectrum of Resuscitation Outcomes: A Story of Success or Failure?

Background: Care strategies including automated defibrillators, improved emergency response systems, hypothermia and early revascularization have individually been shown to improve non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival. We examined a national database to assess the cumulative impact of care change on outcomes in OHCA over a period of 15 years. Methods: We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest nationally representative inpatient database, to calculate outcomes every 5 years from 1995 to 2010. Patients with an ICD-9 CM code for a principle diagnosis of cardiac arrest were included. Patients with any diagnosis of trauma were excluded. Admission rate was calculated using the July 1 population census estimate for each year. In-hospital mortality rate was adjusted for age, sex and Charlson comorbidity index taking year 2010 as a reference. All charges were adjusted for inflation using the consumer price index. Results: From 1995 to 2010, adjusted in-hospital mortality for OHCA has worsened. On subgroup analysis, mortality has improved when the coded presenting rhythm was Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and worsened when it was non-VF. The rate of poor neurologic outcome has increased with time. These changes have occurred despite the increasing use of hypothermia, coronary catheterization and stenting in all patients. Both the adjusted median hospitalization charges and the total OHCA economic burden have increased, especially after the year 2000. Conclusions: Comorbidity, age and gender adjusted in-hospital mortality from non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has increased over the past 15 years. Escalating resource utilization has yielded no improvement in survival for the majority of patients but has resulted in increased hospitalization costs, reaching a staggering annual economic burden of ~$1 billion in 2010. More in-depth review of care strategies is needed to improve survival and healthcare expenditure. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Developmental Dyslexia as a Cognitive Style

In this chapter, the following cognitive skills are examined as potential contributors to developmental dyslexia: visual memory for orthography, visual memory for non-verbal materials, and processing skills of phonological and semantic features of the written word. Available evidence suggests that developmental dyslexia is the result of the utilization of an uncommon information processing strategy. No solid evidence emerged in the present studies to link dyslexia to weak visual memory or deficient semantic skills. It is suggested that it may be advantageous to view developmental dyslexia as the manifestation of a unique cognitive style rather than as a defect.
Natriuretic Peptide Receptor-C is Up-Regulated in the Intima of Advanced Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis.

Objective: Natriuretic peptide receptor-C (NPR-C/NPR-3) is a cell surface protein involved in vascular remodelling that is up-regulated in atherosclerosis. NPR-C expression has not been well characterized in human carotid artery occlusive lesions. We hypothesized that NPR-C expression correlates with intimal features of vulnerable atherosclerotic carotid artery plaque. Methods: To test this hypothesis, we evaluated NPR-C expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) specimens isolated from 18 patients. The grade, location, and co-localization of NPR-C in CEA specimens were evaluated using two tissue analysis techniques. Results: Relative to minimally diseased CEA specimens, we observed avid NPR-C tissue staining in the intima of maximally diseased CEA specimens (65%; p=0.06). Specifically, maximally diseased CEA specimens demonstrated increased NPR-C expression in the superficial intima (61%, p=0.17), and deep intima (138% increase; p=0.05). In the superficial intima, NPR-C expression significantly co-localized with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and macrophages. The intensity of NPR-C expression was also higher in the superficial intima plaque shoulder and cap regions, and significantly correlated with atheroma and fibroatheroma vulnerable plaque regions (β=1.04, 95% CI=0.46, 1.64). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate significant NPR-C expression in the intima of advanced carotid artery plaques. Furthermore, NPR-C expression was higher in vulnerable carotid plaque intimal regions, and correlate with features of advanced disease. Our findings suggest that NPR-C may serve as a potential biomarker for carotid plaque vulnerability and progression, in patients with advanced carotid artery occlusive disease.
Self-aligned open-loop local quadrature phase generator

A circuit architecture to generate differential CMOS quadrature (I/Q) local oscillator (LO) signals from a differential input at the same frequency is presented. The phase accuracy of the proposed architecture relies on the matching of two delays and linear phase interpolation. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated by implementing an I/Q generator covering the operating frequency range from 1GHz to 2.6GHz, manufactured in a 28 nm Bulk-CMOS process. The phase accuracy is better than ±3° up to 2.5GHz and better than ±5° among the entire operating frequency region achieving a phase noise performance of −163.2 dBc/Hz at 100MHz offset at 2GHz with a power consumption of only 4.4mWwith a 1.1V supply.
The Rochester River School: Humane Education to Confront Educational Injustice and the School-to-Prison Pipeline in Rochester, New York

Rochester, New York: America’s first boom town, cuttingly nicknamed Smugtown, can be understood as being comprised of a toxic soup of socio-economic and educational data regarding its urban school district and youth that ought to shock anyone who hears it. In 2014, the Rochester City School District (RCSD) graduated 43.4 % of its students overall within four years (Gorbman (New H.S. graduation rates: RCSD lowest percentage in NYS, 2014)). With the addition of Summer School, the number reached 51 %. Although the overall high school graduation rates in Rochester are routinely the worst in New York State, the graduation rates for Black and Latino/a students stand out when examined in comparison to all students in the state.
Viable Counts Versus the Incidence of Machinery Mold ( Geotrichum ) On Processed Fruits and Vegetables.

Aerobic plate counts on peas, green beans, corn, and beets collected at different processing stages were commonly 106-107 per g while counts on tart cherries were 103-104 per g. Bacteria made up 99% of the mesophilic microflora on the vegetables while yeasts predominated on the fruit. Many of the organisms appeared to be introduced with the raw product. Geotrichum was a common contaminant only of green beans; 49% of the samples from five canneries were positive with the average count being 130 fragments per 500 g. Geotrichum -positive samples did not yield higher viable counts than did those that were negative for this mold.
Assessing Undergraduate Student Learning in Political Science: Development and Implementation of the “PACKS” Survey

This article describes the creation and implementation of a new online assessment program (“PACKS”) for the department of politics at the University of Virginia. It discusses the benefits of online assessments, including the ease of administration, minimal faculty involvement, ability to link assessment data to existing student data (e.g., GPA and courses completed), and ability to track student progress over time. The assessment can be easily adapted for use by other departments in the social sciences and by other colleges and universities. The authors discuss the drawbacks to this type of assessment, including the challenge of obtaining the highest number of respondents. They recommend using a strong incentive to ensure full participation, such as an advising hold that prevents students from registering until they complete the assessment. The authors contend that implementing survey-based assessment tools is an ideal way for departments to meet their accrediting institutions’ assessment requirements.
A Test of Interactive Narrative as a Tool Against Prejudice

ABSTRACTInteractive narratives allow audience members control over characters and unfolding plots. The present study tested exposure effects of an interactive narrative in which audience members adopt the perspective of an immigrant illegally crossing into the United States from Mexico. Results suggested that exposure to the interactive narrative engendered positive affect toward Mexicans in the U.S., which predicted support for social services that would benefit Mexican immigrants. Participants' enjoyment also positively predicted affect and support for social services benefiting Mexican immigrants. Results suggest interactive narratives may be effective tools in helping reduce prejudice toward marginalized social groups.
Using Enteric Pathogens to Assess Sources of Fecal Contamination in the Silurian Dolomite Aquifer: Preliminary Results

The fractured Silurian dolomite aquifer is an important, but vulnerable, source of drinking water in northeast Wisconsin (Sherrill in Geology and ground water in Door County, Wisconsin, with emphasis on contamination potential in the Silurian dolomite, 1978; Bradbury and Muldoon in Hydrogeology and groundwater monitoring of fractured dolomite in the Upper Door Priority Watershed, Door County, Wisconsin, 1992; Muldoon and Bradbury in Assessing seasonal variations in recharge and water quality in the Silurian aquifer in areas with thicker soil cover. p 45, 2010). Areas underlain by the Silurian dolomite aquifer are extremely vulnerable to groundwater contamination from various land-use activities, especially the disposal of human wastewater and dairy manure. Currently there is no consensus as to which source of wastewater generates the greater impact to the aquifer.
A survey on the industrial readiness for Internet of Things

Internet of Things (IoT) can be viewed from three system perspectives. It is called IoT when it is viewed from the inter-networking of things, Cloud of things from computing on the data gathered by things and Web of Things (WoT) from representation of things. This paper surveyed industrial readiness for IoT from these three perspectives. For each perspective, related companies and their solutions are studied. Through this survey, we find that IoT begins its permeation into our daily lives, from consumer to industry, from academia to government, from counties to the globe with great impetus. Almost all major semiconductor companies and software companies provide their solutions to IoT.
MPPT for photovoltaic system using nonlinear backstepping controller with integral action

Abstract The energy generating capability of a Photovoltaic (PV) system depends on the environmental conditions and the variations in the load connected to it. The performance of controller used for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) can improve the efficiency of the PV system. PV array is a nonlinear system, so a nonlinear controller is more suitable for MPPT applications. However, the performance of nonlinear controllers completely depend upon the nonlinear model of the system under consideration. Since all the real world systems are subjected to vary with time, it is not feasible to dynamically remodel the system as well as the controller all the time. These variations introduce steady state error in the output which degrades the efficiency of the controller. To reduce this error, a nonlinear Backstepping controller with integral action has been proposed to improve the performance of recently proposed Backstepping controller for MPPT. The study uses a regression plane to generate the reference peak power voltage for MPPT using non inverting DC – DC Buckboost converter. Global Asymptotic stability of the whole system has been proved using Lyapunov stability criteria. MATLAB/Simulink is used to test the performance of the proposed controller under varying irradiance and temperature conditions. To further validate its performance, we have compared it with modified Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm, nonlinear Backstepping controller and Fuzzy Logic Based nonlinear controller under rapidly varying environmental conditions.
Human Machine Interactions: Velocity Considerations

Measuring change is increasingly a computational task, but understanding change and its implications are fundamentally human challenges. Successful human/machine teams for streaming data analysis effectively balance data velocity with people’s capacity to ingest, reason about, and act upon the data. Computational support is critical to aiding humans with finding what is needed when it is needed. This is particularly evident in supporting complex sensemaking, situation awareness, and decision making in streaming contexts. Herein, we conceptualize human/machine teams as interacting streams of data, generated from the interactions that are core to the human/machine team activity. These streams capture the relative velocities of the human and machine activities, which allows the machine to balance the capabilities of the two halves of the system. We review the known challenges in handling interacting streams that have been distilled in computational systems. And we use this perspective to understand some of the open challenges to designing effective human/machine systems that support the disparate velocities of humans and machines.
Capture-site characteristics for eastern spotted skunks in mature forests during summer

Spilogale putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk) is an increasingly rare species undergoing population declines throughout many portions of its range. We incidentally captured Eastern Spotted Skunks in snake traps during a study examining effects of woodland restoration on herpetofauna in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. We used extensive habitat data collected at each trap site to determine potential characteristics of sites where Eastern Spotted Skunks were more likely to occur during summer. We recorded 18 Eastern Spotted Skunk captures in 10 of our 36 drift-fence traps. Capture rates of Eastern Spotted Skunks were 6 times greater and occupancy rates were 9 times greater in unmanaged, mature forests with a well-developed midstory than in frequently burned woodlands that lacked a midstory. Higher-occupancy rates were associated with greater total cover, greater cover of woody-understory vegetation, and sparse forb cover. Our data support those of previous studies that suggest Eastern Spotted Skunks occur in areas with dense cover, which may include mature forests with well-developed midstories.
Impunity and Electoral Challenges from Below: The Killing Fields of Guerrero

Previous comparative cross-national empirical studies of political assassination have found that high rates of political assassination are not randomly distributed geographically but related directly to a host of variables. These include “systemic frustration, external aggression, minority tensions, and homicide rates, as well as political instability and violence (Kirkham et al. 1970:202).” While valuable, such research has only been able to correlate these various factors with higher political assassination rates. Scholars have not yet pinpointed the precise causal influence of each associated factor on predicting higher rates of political assassination.
Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) in the Lived Experience of Students

The purpose of this study was to examine teacher knowledge in classrooms where teachers use the Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) Model, and examine the ways in which CMP facilitates student learning in the ensemble setting. Participants in this collective case study included two teachers, one middle school and one high school, and six students-three from each school. Data collection included observations, interviews, writing prompts, email correspondence, teaching plans, and teacher journals. Analysis of teacher data revealed three themes: (1) teachers made extensive use of the Model to guide students' musical experience (intense planfulness); (2) separate components of the Model merged during instruction (intersections of the CMP Model); and (3) teachers valued transfer of knowledge from one piece to another, but this was not always realized (transfer). Cross-case analysis of student data revealed four themes: (1) students' descriptions of the music go beyond technical considerations (insights into the music); (2) students make connections between the pieces they are performing and other contexts (transfer);(3) students may be aware, unsure, or indifferent to teachers' intentions (alignment); and (4) students describe multiple dimensions of learning music (understanding). This study found differences between teachers' intentions and the students' experience of those intentions, which are described as alignment, fuzzy alignment, and misalignment. "When you understand the music, you can play it better, just because you understand what is going on. . ." (Interview with Melissa, Grade 8 band student from Mount Hammond Middle School, November 19, 2004).
Costs associated with the primary prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the diabetes prevention program.

Objective To describe the costs of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) interventions to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Research design and methods We describe the direct medical costs, direct nonmedical costs, and indirect costs of the placebo, metformin, and intensive lifestyle interventions over the 3-year study period of the DPP. Resource use and cost are summarized from the perspective of a large health system and society. Research costs are excluded. Results The direct medical cost of laboratory tests to identify one subject with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was $139. Over 3 years, the direct medical costs of the interventions were $79 per participant in the placebo group, $2,542 in the metformin group, and $2,780 in the lifestyle group. The direct medical costs of care outside the DPP were $272 less per participant in the metformin group and $432 less in the lifestyle group compared with the placebo group. Direct nonmedical costs were $9 less per participant in the metformin group and $1,445 greater in the lifestyle group compared with the placebo group. Indirect costs were $230 greater per participant in the metformin group and $174 less in the lifestyle group compared with the placebo group. From the perspective of a health system, the cost of the metformin intervention relative to the placebo intervention was $2,191 per participant and the cost of the lifestyle intervention was $2,269 per participant over 3 years. From the perspective of society, the cost of the metformin intervention relative to the placebo intervention was $2,412 per participant and the cost of the lifestyle intervention was $3,540 per participant over 3 years. Conclusions The metformin and lifestyle interventions are associated with modest incremental costs compared with the placebo intervention. The evaluation of costs relative to health benefits will determine the value of these interventions to health systems and society.
Relationship Distress as a Mediator of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health: Implications for Clinical Practice with Economically Vulnerable Racial and Ethnic Minorities

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are interpersonal sources of distress negatively correlated with physical and mental health, as well as maladaptive intimate partner conflict strategies in adulthood. Economically vulnerable racial and ethnic minorities report the greatest disparities in exposure to ACE, as well as relationship distress and health. Yet, little is known about the connections between ACE, relationship distress, and health. We therefore tested a theoretical model for the mediating role of relationship distress to explain the ACE-health connection with a sample (N = 96) predominantly racial/ethnic minorities (87%) with low income. We applied partial least squares structural equation modeling with bootstrapping (N = 500). Relationship distress strengthened the predictive relationship between ACE and health, and accounted for 42% of the variance in health. The results provide preliminary support for relationship distress as a social determinant of health disparities with implications for interdisciplinary health intervention.
Accuracy and Precision of Acetabular Component Placement With Imageless Navigation in Obese Patients.

Abstract Background Obesity is a risk factor for acetabular component malposition when total hip arthroplasty is performed with manual techniques. The utility of imageless navigation in obese patients remains unknown. This study compared the accuracy and precision of imageless navigation for component orientation between obese and nonobese patients. Methods A total of 459 total hip arthroplasties performed for osteoarthritis using imageless navigation were reviewed from a single surgeon’s institutional review board–approved database. Einzel-Bild-Roentgen Analyse determined component orientation on 6-week postoperative anteroposterior radiographs. Mean orientation error (accuracy) and precision were compared between obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) and nonobese patients. Regression analysis evaluated the influence of obesity on component position. Results The difference in mean inclination and anteversion between obese and nonobese groups was 1.1° (43.0° ± 3.5°; range, 35.8°-57.8° vs 41.9° ± 4.4°; range, 33.0°-57.1° and 24.9° ± 6.3°; range, 14.2°-44.3° vs 23.8° ± 6.6°; range, 7.0°-38.6°, respectively). Inclination precision was better for nonobese patients. No difference in inclination accuracy or anteversion accuracy or precision was detected between groups. And 83% of components were placed within the target range. There was no relationship between obesity (dichotomized) and component placement outside the target ranges for inclination, anteversion, or both. As a continuous variable, increased body mass index correlated with higher odds of inclination outside the target zone (odds ratio, 1.06; P = .001). Conclusion Using imageless navigation, inclination orientation was less precise for obese patients, but the observed difference is likely not clinically relevant. Accurate superficial registration of landmarks in obese patients is achievable, and the use of imageless navigation similarly improves acetabular component positioning in obese and nonobese patients. Level of Evidence Therapeutic Level IV.
Mathematical modelling in accounting information systems

The aim of this paper is to introduce continuous mathematical models for calculating planned cash-flow, based on the calculation of planned accounting data obtained from ERP systems of business entities. Using mathematical models defined in this way, it is possible to predict the values of required statements, or key performance indicators (KPIs), needed to assess the near future of an enterprise. The advantage compared to a discrete model is the possibility of finding the value of a quantity at any (non-integer) moment. This article should be considered as a contribution to the application of mathematical methods in business information systems in a general context.
Community-Based Participatory Research as a Tool for Improved Understanding and Practice of Newcomer Integration

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is used as a community-engaged research practice because of its inclusion of community perspectives. The participatory approach enhances validity of community-engaged research, facilitates effective work with communities, and acknowledges accurate understanding of community characteristics. We sought to understand CBPR within the field of immigrant integration. For this study, we conducted three focus groups with immigration researchers and practitioners at two international conferences held in the United States in 2016. These venues were selected for their inclusion of both practitioners and researchers interested in or actively working on immigrant integration policies and practices. They also provided a sample inclusive of researchers from academic, public, nonprofit, and private institutions and practitioners from nonprofit and public sectors. The findings yielded information on challenges, opportunities, and best practices for university–community partnerships to utilize CBPR in improving immigrant integration.
Active Learning Spaces: Matching Science Classrooms with Pedagogy

Active learning is a powerful pedagogical tool in science classes. The physical classroom space is, however, often overlooked as a key component of pedagogical design. We present two mini-case studies of science faculty at the Pennsylvania State University who are using active learning techniques in the Bluebox, an experimental learning space designed for maximum flexibility and active learning pedagogy. These vignettes are exemplars of how a thoughtfully designed learning space can support and even enhance active learning in science classes. We conclude by making three design recommendations to consider when creating new classrooms or enhancing existing ones.
Organizational Support for Nurse Manager Role Transition and Onboarding: Strategies for Success.

Objective The aim of this study was to provide guidance on supportive nurse manager role transition practices. Background The nurse manager role is increasingly more complex and the workforce is increasingly less experienced. Wide variation in nurse manager role transition exists among organizations. Nurse managers are commonly hired without requisite knowledge and are expected to learn through experience. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used to identify current and ideal organizational practices supporting the role transition of novice nurse managers. Results Effective role transition of new nurse managers begins with human resource policies that encourage graduate preparation for nurse managers. A supportive transition program includes didactic education for knowledge development and coaching of novice nurse managers in the application of new knowledge to clinical practice experiences. Rigorous program evaluation is recommended for sustainability. Conclusion Nurse managers are the linchpins of organizations. Organizational leaders need to support their role transition for the success of the organization.
The Role of Feedback Control Design in Developing Anemia Management Protocols

The optimal use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents to treat anemia of end-stage renal disease remains difficult due to reported associations with adverse events. A patient's hemoglobin response to these agents cannot be accurately described using population-level models due to many individual factors including chronic inflammation, red blood cell lifespan, and acute blood loss. As a consequence, it is generally understood that current one-size-fits-all anemia management protocols result in suboptimal outcomes. In this paper, we report on our collaboration with the medical community in designing anemia management protocols. In clinical implementation, these new dosing protocols have led to improved outcomes due to their use of control-relevant modelling, model parameter identification, and principles of feedback control. This is an example of medical professionals and control engineers working together to positively affect the performance of anemia management protocols in end-stage renal disease.
From Etest to Vitek 2: Impact of Enterococcal Linezolid Susceptibility Testing Methodology on Time to Active Therapy.

Different linezolid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methodologies yield various results. In 2018, we transitioned our linezolid AST methodology from the Etest to Vitek 2. We sought to evaluate the impact of this change on antibiotic use among 181 inpatients with vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infections. The transition from Etest to Vitek 2 resulted in an increase in linezolid susceptibility (38% versus 96%; P < 0.001) and a reduction in time to active antibiotic therapy (3 versus 2.6 days; P = 0.007).
Soils of the Lake Michigan Coastal Zone

Lake Michigan is the third-largest Great Lake by area and the second-largest by volume. It is the only Great Lake with its axis oriented roughly north-to-south. Lake Michigan is joins Lake Huron via the Straits of Mackinac, leading some to consider the two lakes as one large lake, with an elevation of 176 m.