cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integration of Repellents, Attractants, and Insecticides in a "Push-Pull" Strategy for Managing German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) Populations

"Push-pull" is a behavior manipulation strategy in which behavior-modifying stimuli are integrated with a pest control agent. We evaluated the efficacy of an insecticide bait in combination with attractants ("pull"), repellents ("push"), or both ("push-pull") using a hydramethylnon-based bait, feces-contaminated surfaces as an attractant, and methyl neodecanamide-treated surfaces to repel cockroaches. Both adult males and first-instar German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.), chose shelters nearest the attractant-treated surfaces and farthest from the repellent-treated surfaces. Food consumption was highest from food nearest the preferred shelters, and mortality was highest when the insecticide bait was near the preferred shelter. These patterns were more apparent in first instars than in adults. Our results from large arena studies in the laboratory show that the push-pull strategy can be used to displace pests from resources or commodities that are to be protected, and simultaneously lure the pest to an attractant source coupled with a pest control agent. Concentrating cockroaches into a limited area should facilitate the precision-targeting of the pest population and promises to reduce insecticide use.
FISHERMAN CHOICE AND INCIDENTAL CATCH: SIZE FREQUENCY OF OYSTER LANDINGS IN THE NEW JERSEY OYSTER FISHERY

Abstract We randomly sampled the landings of oyster boats fishing on the New Jersey oyster beds of Delaware Bay during the 2004 fishing season (April to mid November) to determine (a) the viability of a simple conversion between the numbers-based stock assessment and the bushel-based quota-setting process and (b) the degree to which undersized oysters are taken during the fishing process because of imperfect culling. Rarely were more than 3% of the chosen (unattached) animals less than 2.5″ in length: fisherman choice is a knife-edge process. Most smaller oysters were attached to chosen oysters. Incidental catch caused by imperfect culling contributed 9.9% to fishing mortality. Season influenced landings size frequency more than did bed of harvest. Oysters chosen for market were larger in the Fall; consequently the number per bushel was lower in the Fall. Attached oysters were more numerous in the Fall, so that the total number of oysters per bushel did not differ significantly over the year. Trends in th...
Techniques of Open and Hybrid Mesenteric Revascularization for Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

Despite many advances in technology and treatment of vascular disease over the last decade, acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) continues to carry significant morbidity and mortality (Kougias P, Lau D, El Sayed HF, et al. Determinants of mortality and treatment outcome following surgical interventions for acute mesenteric ischemia. J Vasc Surg. 2007;46:467–74). While the use of endovascular therapy in the treatment of AMI has increased, open surgical revascularization remains the predominant treatment of AMI across the United States (Schermerhorn ML, Giles KA, Hamdan AD, et al. Mesenteric revascularization: management and outcomes in the United States, 1988–2006. J Vasc Surg. 2009;50:341–8). The procedure chosen to revascularize the bowel depends on the etiology of the mesenteric ischemia: embolectomy for arterial embolism or thromboendarterectomy, retrograde open mesenteric stenting, mesenteric bypass, or SMA reimplantation for thrombotic occlusion. In this chapter we will discuss the various techniques, open and hybrid (open and endovascular), utilized in the treatment of AMI.
Cardiovascular-Specific Mortality and Kidney Disease in Patients Undergoing Vascular Surgery.

Importance Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects as many as 40% of patients undergoing surgery and is associated with increased all-cause mortality. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. Objective To determine the association between kidney disease and long-term cardiovascular-specific mortality after vascular surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants A single-center cohort of 3646 patients underwent inpatient vascular surgery from January 1, 2000, to November 30, 2010, at a tertiary care teaching hospital. To determine cause-specific mortality for patients undergoing vascular surgery, a proportional subdistribution hazards regression analysis was used to model long-term cardiovascular-specific mortality while treating any other cause of death as a competing risk. Kidney disease constituted the main covariate after adjusting for baseline patient characteristics, surgery type, and admission hemoglobin level. Final follow-up was completed July 2014 to assess survival through January 31, 2014, and data were analyzed from June 1, 2014, to September 7, 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures Perioperative AKI, presence of CKD, and overall and cause-specific mortality. Results Among the 3646 patients undergoing vascular surgery, perioperative AKI occurred in 1801 (49.4%) and CKD was present in 496 (13.6%). The top 2 causes among the 1577 deaths in our cohort were cardiovascular disease (845 of 1577 [53.6%]) and cancer (173 of 1577 [11.0%]). Adjusted cardiovascular mortality estimates at 10 years were 17%, 31%, 30%, and 41%, respectively, for patients with no kidney disease, AKI without CKD, CKD without AKI, and AKI with CKD. Adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for cardiovascular mortality were significantly elevated among patients with AKI without CKD (2.07 [1.74-2.45]), CKD without AKI (2.01 [1.46-2.78]), and AKI with CKD (2.99 [2.37-3.78]) and were higher than those for other risk factors, including increasing age (1.03 per 1-year increase; 1.02-1.04), emergent surgery (1.47; 1.27-1.71), and admission hemoglobin levels lower than 10 g/dL (1.39; 1.14-1.69) compared with a hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL or higher. Conclusions and Relevance Perioperative AKI is common in patients undergoing vascular surgery and is associated with a high risk for cardiovascular-specific mortality comparable to that seen with CKD. These findings reinforce the importance of preoperative and postoperative risk stratification for kidney disease and the implementation of strategies now available to help prevent perioperative AKI.
PSA and beyond: alternative prostate cancer biomarkers

Background The use of biomarkers for prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and prognosis has the potential to improve the clinical management of the patients. Owing to inherent limitations of the biomarker prostate-specific antigen (PSA), intensive efforts are currently directed towards a search for alternative prostate cancer biomarkers, particularly those that can predict disease aggressiveness and drive better treatment decisions.
Retroperitoneal cyst hemorrhage in polycystic kidney disease.

Polycystic kidney disease is relatively common, and fewer than half of cases are diagnosed. The cysts often bleed.
Palynofacies Patterns in Channel Deposits of the Rajang River and Delta, Sarawak, East Malaysia

The Rajang River and its delta accumulate siliciclastic sediments and dispersed organic matter within river and tidal channels as rhythmically stratified sand, silt, and organic drapes. These deposits were vibracored and subsampled, resulting in a data set composed of 84 samples taken from 45 cores. Palynofacies preparations of this sediment facies were examined from throughout the alluvial valley and delta to determine if a single organic matter assemblage characterized these deposits. An underlying assumption of palynofacies analyses in ancient transitional settings is that each lithofacies or depositional environment is characterized by a specific organic matter (OM) assemblage. This specific hypothesis is not supported by the present investigation. However, the present investigation has demonstrated that the resultant dispersed OM assemblages within a single sediment facies is heavily influenced by the geochemistry of the system. Three distinct palynofacies assemblages in this data set have been identified using nonparametric and multivariate statistical analyses. One assemblage, characterized by high amounts of Heterogenous and Homogenous (mainly dammar) Unstructured OM, moderate amounts of Structured OM and Finely Dispersed Unstructured OM, and low amounts of Black Indeterminate OM, is restricted to depositional sites that are principally found in freshwater settings. The second assemblage, characterized by the highest quantities of Heterogenous Unstructured OM and Indeterminate Black and the least amount of Finely Dispersed Unstructured OM, is found in channels of the lower delta plain. The distribution of this palynofacies assemblage conforms to the limit of saline influence during the wet season. The third group, characterized by the highest quantitative amount of Finely Dispersed Unstructured OM, is found either in barforms or in black-water tidal channels that are sediment starved. These results indicate that OM assemblages preserved in a single sediment facies characteristic of transitional zones vary in response to the abiotic processes operating within the system.
Geometric Aspects of Diophantine Equations Involving Equal Sums of Like Powers

(1968). Geometric Aspects of Diophantine Equations Involving Equal Sums of Like Powers. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 75, No. 10, pp. 1061-1073.
Hyperpolarization-activated currents, IH and IKIR, in rat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus neurons in vitro.

1. The patch-clamp technique applied to the in vitro thin brain slice preparation was used to record voltage and current traces from visually identified neurons of the rat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). 2. The majority of DMV neurons (102 of 159, i.e., 64%) showed a slowly developing hyperpolarization-activated current that had its threshold generally positive to resting potential and that exhibited a half-maximal activation at -90 mV and full saturation at -127 mV. The activation time constant was strongly voltage dependent, decreasing with hyperpolarization. 3. Ion substitution experiments identified the hyperpolarization-activated current as IH. In fact, the current was potassium- and sodium-sensitive. Raising the extracellular potassium concentration from 3.75 to 20 mM increased the current peak amplitude in a voltage-dependent manner, whereas lowering extracellular sodium concentration from 146 to 26 mM decreased the current peak amplitude with a shift of the activation threshold toward more hyperpolarized potentials. The IH was significantly reduced during perfusion with either external cesium or rubidium but was insensitive to barium and tetraethylammonium (TEA). 4. A subset of DMV neurons (44 of 159, i.e., 28%) showed the presence of fast inward rectification but no IH. The current was activated at potentials close to the potassium equilibrium potential and reached steady state within 10 ms from the onset of the hyperpolarizing step. 5. Ion substitution experiments identified this hyperpolarization-activated current as IKIR. In fact, the current was potassium sensitive; its activation curve shifted toward less negative potentials with increasing potassium concentrations. IKIR was sodium insensitive, being unaffected by the lowering of the external sodium concentration. IKIR was significantly reduced during perfusion with cesium, barium, and TEA. 6. In the DMV neuronal subpopulation expressing IH, the IH contribution to the total cell conductance was approximately 30% at -87 to -97 mV. Furthermore, the same subpopulation of neurons was hyperpolarized in a voltage-related manner on perfusion with 5 mM cesium: at -57 mV, cesium induced a hyperpolarization of 5.6 +/- 1.3 (SE) mV, whereas at -72 mV the cesium-induced hyperpolarization was 26 +/- 4.4 mV. 7. Perfusion with 5 mM cesium reduced the spontaneous firing rate of a subset of neurons exhibiting IH but cesium never decreased the firing rate of neurons exhibiting IKIR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Paired associative transspinal and transcortical stimulation produces plasticity in human cortical and spinal neuronal circuits.

We examined changes on human neuronal circuits by pairing transspinal and transcortical stimulation. Transspinal-transcortical paired associative stimulation (PAS) decreased intracortical inhibitio...
A new technique for creation of a cavernoglandular shunt in the treatment of priapism.

AbstractA new cavernoglandular shunt technique for the treatment of priapism is described. The shunt is created by use of a skin biopsy punch, which establishes a large and effective communication between the glans and corpus cavernosum, and provides efficient means of venous drainage from the corpora cavernosa. Since free communication exists between the corpora cavernosa through the median septum, the shunt is performed only on 1 side. However, if this method fails to resolve the problem the procedure is performed on the other side as well. This technique was performed successfully in 4 patients with satisfactory results.
OWLS: Observational Wireless Life-enhancing System (Extended Abstract)

Socially assistive robotics technologies for individuals, who have been affected by age-related disabilities and similar types of disorders, have become popular options for facilitating natural independence and uninterrupted mobility. Wireless wearable sensor systems enable proactive personal health management and the ubiquitous monitoring of vital signs to keep an active watch on immediate health conditions. In this paper, we develop a system, called OWLS, where multiple wearable sensors, software agents, robots and health analysis technology, have been integrated into a single personal therapy solution (SPTS). Our system uses a reinforcement learning algorithm to make decisions about the user's current health conditions, and to take appropriate actions, as necessary (i.e, contacting outside parties). We show that the approach of non-invasive monitoring, when combined with an alert system, makes this a desirable SPTS in future health care.
Hearing Loss in Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder that is known for its effects on bone fragility. Less is known regarding its significant impact on hearing. Fifty percent of people with OI over 50 years of age have a significant hearing loss. All types of hearing loss are found in patients with OI but conductive hearing loss is commonly reported in younger patients with OI and mixed hearing loss with increasing age. However, the presence of sensorineural hearing loss has also been reported. Changes in type I collagen lead to changes in the inner ear structures. Abnormal bony formation leads to ossicular changes that cause a conductive hearing loss. Changes in the inner ear bone lead to local environmental changes that likely cause progressive sensorineural hearing loss. This chapter will review the otologic changes seen in OI, the nature of the hearing loss in OI, and outline the treatment options available to overcome these hearing loss deficits.
Cellular Automaton-Based Shading System Prototypes

The research on Cellular Automata (CA) has already commenced in the first half of the twentieth century. However, since then only a few devices have been built based or inspired by them. Nearly a decade ago the concept of Cellular Automaton-based Shading System (CASS) for dynamic control of a Building Envelope has been introduced. This chapter presents two alternative approaches for the physical implementation of CASS based on 1. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology; 2. Relative rotation of elements made of polarized film, so-called Polarized Film Shading System (PFSS).
Managing millennials: Embracing generational differences

Abstract The topic of the Millennial Generation in the workplace drives much business conversation, as members of this generation form a growing percentage of the employee base. Both popular media and scholarly literature have painted the population of younger workers in an uncharitable light. The goals of this article are to contextualize the results of a large, empirical study in a more favorable manner and to suggest that embracing generational differences provides an opportunity as well as a challenge. This article examines traits of the different generations, in addition to the relationship between organizational commitment and workplace culture. We present findings that show millennials (also known as Generation Y, or Gen Y) as the only generational group that does not conceptually link organizational commitment with workplace culture. This group also thinks of work differently than members of the other generations, yet these differences can be understood through a managerial lens focusing on qualities such as duty, drive, and reward. We argue that by changing performance evaluation metrics to encompass a greater variety of measures, managers can provide a more detailed picture of the employee's work, and thus impact the worker's sense of duty. Additionally, by providing a more transparent workplace, employers can increase the employee's drive and clearly demonstrate the reward that workers will receive. Finally, changes that help newer employees adjust to the workplace can also allow the organization to operate more efficiently, benefiting employees of all generations.
Evaluation of ZnO:Al as a contact material to CdZnTe for radiation detector applications(Conference Presentation)

Aluminum (Al) doped ZnO with very high Al concentration acts as metal regarding its electrical conductivity. ZnO offers many advantages over the commonly-known metals being used today as electrode materials for nuclear detector fabrication. Often, the common metals show poor adhesion to CdZnTe or CdTe surfaces and have a tendency to peel off. In addition, there is a large mismatch of the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) between the metals and underlying CdZnTe, which is one of the reasons for mechanical degradation of the contact. In contrast ZnO has a close match of the CTE with CdZnTe and possesses 8-20 times higher hardness than the commonly-used metals. In this presentation, we will explore and discuss the properties of CdZnTe detectors with ZnO:Al contacts.
Colorectal cancer: An emergency room diagnosis in African American patients.

A93 BACKGROUND: Colon and rectal cancers are the second leading causes of cancer related deaths in the United States. Survival following a diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer is highly dependent on the stage of initial diagnosis. Current screening guidelines recommend colonoscopy beginning at age 50 years. Numerous factors contribute to disparities in incidence and mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients of different races and ethnicities. Regardless of well published guidelines for CRC screening, a significant number of African American (AA) patients have their initial diagnosis and subsequent care coordinated through the hospital emergency rooms (ER). This suggests that there are disparate differences among the different races and ethnic groups in how they presently access the healthcare system with regard to their initial diagnosis of CRC. METHODS: A retrospective database review was performed utilizing the State of Tennessee Hospital Discharge Data System (HDDS) for the years 1998-2002. This information was extracted with International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for patient diagnoses and for procedures performed, detailed charges with associated revenue codes, information on the payer or insurer, physician ID number, and demographic data on the patient. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Zip codes were utilized as a surrogate for economic status. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated that a statistically significant proportion of AA received their initial diagnosis of CRC through ER visits compared to their white non-Hispanic counterparts (42.6% vs. 23.4%, p-value
Effect of Prophylactic, Low Dose Cephalexin on Fecal and Vaginal Bacteria

Effective prophylactic antimicrobial therapy for recurrent urinary tract infections depends upon the creation of minimal antimicrobial resistance in the fecal and vaginal flora. Cephalexin is known to be useful for prophylaxis clinically but substantial resistance has been reported in vaginal and rectal Escherichia coli at doses of 2 gm. per day. The effect of 250 mg. cephalexin nightly was studied in 23 women with recurrent bacteriuria who were treated for 6 months. Of the 23 patients 22 remained free of infection for 132 months of observation. Despite heavy carriage of Escherichia coli in the rectal and vaginal reservoirs during therapy, Escherichia coli resistant to 32 micrograms per ml. cephalexin did not occur. These observations explain the prophylactic effectiveness of cephalexin when used in small amounts of single nightly dosages.
Sequential Extradural Release of the V3 Vertebral Artery to Facilitate Intradural V4 Vertebral Artery Reanastomosis: Feasibility of a Novel Revascularization Technique.

Background Revascularization of the intradural vertebral artery (VA) usually involves V3-V4 bypass using an interposition graft. The interposition of a graft increases surgical time, adds risks, and requires 2 suture lines. Objective To assess the feasibility of an excision-reanastomosis of V4 by sequentially releasing V3. Methods Twenty specimens were prepared for surgical simulation of a far-lateral approach. The third and fourth segments of the VA were exposed through the far-lateral approach bilaterally. The V3 segment was divided into three subsegments: (1) V3 f : from entry to C1 transverse foramen to the point of exit from C1 transverse foramen; (2) V3 s : from V3 f to the distal point of V3 within the sulcus arteriosus; and (3) V3 d : from point V3 leaves the sulcus arteriosus to its dural entrance. After transecting the VA 2 mm proximal to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery origin, each subsegment was released sequentially. We measured the lengths obtained before and after releasing each segment by pulling the VA along its main axis to recreate a V3-V4 excision-reanastomosis. Results The V3 could not be effectively mobilized without release. When totally released, an average length of 13.15 mm was available for completing V3-V4 reanastomosis. Conclusion Complete release of V3 from all its adhesions in its extracranial course can provide an average length of 13.15 mm for excision-reanastomosis. The present study shows the anatomic feasibility of the use of V3 segment in primary anastomosis after excision of a diseased segment of the intradural VA, laying the basis for future clinical application.
Unfolded risk-return trade-offs and links to Macroeconomic Dynamics

Abstract A general partial risk-return relation is derived based on return decomposition to allowing for the effect of time-varying skewness and kurtosis on the risk-return trade-off. Empirically estimated for 12 international financial markets, the proposed risk-return trade-off is significantly positive even after controlling for time-varying higher moments. Moreover, the stochastic dominance test reveals that modeling time-varying skewness significantly lowers the level of the risk-return trade-off. More importantly, the empirical evidence shows that the risk-return trade-off is countercyclical in the U.S. markets, consistent with the theoretical habit-formation model of Campbell and Cochrane (1999), whereas the risk-return trade-offs in European and emerging markets appear to be procyclical over a 12-month horizon, but countercyclical for a shorter horizon of 3 months. Finally, common macroeconomic variables can significantly explain risk-return trade-off dynamics.
Constraining climate sensitivity and continental versus seafloor weathering using an inverse geological carbon cycle model.

The relative influences of tectonics, continental weathering and seafloor weathering in controlling the geological carbon cycle are unknown. Here we develop a new carbon cycle model that explicitly captures the kinetics of seafloor weathering to investigate carbon fluxes and the evolution of atmospheric CO2 and ocean pH since 100 Myr ago. We compare model outputs to proxy data, and rigorously constrain model parameters using Bayesian inverse methods. Assuming our forward model is an accurate representation of the carbon cycle, to fit proxies the temperature dependence of continental weathering must be weaker than commonly assumed. We find that 15–31 °C (1σ) surface warming is required to double the continental weathering flux, versus 3–10 °C in previous work. In addition, continental weatherability has increased 1.7–3.3 times since 100 Myr ago, demanding explanation by uplift and sea-level changes. The average Earth system climate sensitivity is K (1σ) per CO2 doubling, which is notably higher than fast-feedback estimates. These conclusions are robust to assumptions about outgassing, modern fluxes and seafloor weathering kinetics. The influence of tectonics, continental weathering, and seafloor weathering in the geological carbon cycle remain unclear. Here, the authors develop a new carbon cycle model and, through comparison with proxy data, critically evaluate the influence of these components on carbon fluxes since 100 Ma.
Impact statement: To avoid repeating past mistakes, sometimes you have to jump to conclusions

Not surprisingly, early disease identification and intervention often yields improved clinical outcomes. Because social determinants greatly impact disease burden and resource utilization, insuffic...
Long-term Outcomes of Natural-process Riparian Restoration on a Regulated River Site: The Rio Grande Albuquerque Overbank Project after 16 Years

In 1998, a riparian restoration demonstration project was initiated with a target of efficiently establishing a dynamic patch mosaic of vegetation communities along a regulated river using available water and sediment and remaining natural hydrological processes. A point bar along the Middle Rio Grande, Albuquerque, New Mexico, dominated by the non-native shrub Elaeagnus angustifolia (Russian olive), was mechanically treated by removing all vegetation and lowering a portion of the bar to allow overbank flooding during typical spring releases from an upstream dam (Cochiti Dam). Side channels and small islands were engineered in the lowered bar to slow flood waters, aid sediment deposition, and add site complexity. After treatment, a high-resolution monitoring grid was installed to track vegetation changes. Following an initial flood in the spring of 1998, over 10,000 cottonwoods per ha naturally established, but densities varied based on the fluvial landforms. Zones that were sufficiently wetted or naturally formed behind large woody debris were the most successful, while the artificial fill zone and the portion of the bar not lowered had the least native riparian tree recruitment. Over 15 years, cottonwood numbers declined through intraspecific competition and beaver browsing at all sites, but they continued to dominate. Natives also dominated a species-rich herbaceous layer, particularly on the lowered sites. The incursion of a new herbaceous invader, Saccharum ravennae (ravennagrass), was an unexpected outcome revealed by the long-term monitoring record. Yet, based on several criteria, the site reflects a successful application of a natural-process approach to restoration that can lead to increased ecosystem complexity and resilience.
Editor Introduction: Reflections about Family Communication

ABSTRACTThis essay examines the current state of theorizing and scholarship in family communication practices. It lays out a vision for the future of family communication research and scholarship along with exploring some of the issues advanced by previous editors of the journal. Finally, the essay identifies what authors can expect from the new editor of the Journal of Family Communication when submitting research manuscripts for publication consideration.
Paedophagic cannibalism, resource partitioning, and ontogenetic habitat use in an invasive lizard

Various aspects of social structure can be important drivers of basic behavioral patterns, including dispersal, intraspecific niche partitioning, and resource utilization. Juvenile–adult interactio...
Roadmap to prepare distribution grid-tied photovoltaic site data for performance monitoring

One of the key analytics conducted on a gridtied Photovoltaic (PV) system is the periodic monitoring of its performance. It is expected that with increased PV penetration into the distribution smart grid in the future, quality and integrity of the data required to conduct such analytics will be crucial. While data processing and management tools for smart grid in the literature use cloud, distributed file management and parallel processing, the latency and computation requirements specific to performance monitoring need more lightweight, descriptive methods. This paper provides a systematic roadmap to analyze data collected from a real distribution grid-tied 1.4MW PV power plant for completeness, consistency and integrity, with the objective of using it for performance monitoring. To ensure the data's integrity is not compromised, the distribution of processed data is compared with that of the raw data. This paper makes one of the first few attempts to provide a comprehensive approach for data scientists to clean and prepare grid-tied PV data for site-level performance monitoring.
Active power decoupling method based on dual buck circuit with model predictive control

Single phase inverter and rectifier systems have double line frequency ripple power which is inherent to the ac-side of the circuit but adversely affects the dc-side performance. Typically, an aluminum electrolytic capacitors is placed at the dc side to absorb this power ripple, but reduces the power density and reliability of the converter. Therefore, active decoupling methods have been proposed in the literature to transfer the ripple power to smaller storage components by extra switches to the converter. However, the existing active power circuits are mostly composed of half bridge circuit, which has inherent shoot-through potential problem and could degrade the system reliability. Moreover, the existing active power decoupling methods are normally implemented through predetermined voltage of storage component using conventional PI control method, which limits the decoupling dynamic performance of the system. In this paper, a novel active power decoupling method based on dual buck circuit and model predictive control is proposed. The dual buck circuit is composed of two separate buck converters operating in each half cycle and two split small dc-link capacitors to eliminate the dc-link voltage ripple. The topology is free of shoot-through and deadtime concern and the control is independent with that of the main power stage circuit, which makes the design simpler and more reliable. By applying model predictive control, the proposed control strategy is proved to have good dynamic performance by both simulation and experimental results.
Methods for Evaluating the Effects of Environmental Chemicals on Human Spermatogenesis

Sperm tests provide a direct and effective way of identifying chemical agents that induce spermatogenic damage in man. Four human sperm tests are available: sperm count, motility, morphology (seminal cytology), and the F-body test. These sperm tests have numerous advantages over other approaches for assessing spermatogenic damage, and they have already been used to assess the effects of at least 85 different occupational, environmental, and drug- related chemical exposures. When carefully controlled, seminal cytology appears to be statistically more sensitive than the other human sperm tests and should be considered an integral part of semen analysis when assessing induced spermatogenic damage.
Coupling of natural convection flow across a vertical density inversion interface

Natural convection and heat transfer characteristics in water across a vertical density inversion plane is studied numerically. The coupling and interaction of the convective flows, which are generated in two vertical liquid layers of opposite density gradient, are presented in detail for Rayleigh numbers ranging from 103 to 106. The distance between θ=0 and Ψ=0 planes is used as quantitative description of the variations of the temperature and flow fields across the density inversion interface. The numerical results reveal that the dominant convection is determined by the horizontal location of the maximum density plane, i.e., the temperatures applied at the vertical isothermal walls. The cavity aspect ratio has a strong influence on the convective flow.
The Market and the Net: Personal Boundaries and the Future of Market Institutions

Neoclassical economics and the prevailing public discourse on the Internet both imagine a world in which human relationships are constantly being reconfigured. This article explores the view of human beings and their lives that is found, on the one hand, in such authors on the institutional aspects of economics as Posner and North, and, on the other hand, in concepts such as cyberspace and disintermediation. Both discourses have often been accused of insensitivity to privacy concerns, and the root of the problem is traced to their lack of any substantive conception of personal boundaries. These tensions can be resolved in large part through the application of privacy-enhancing technologies, but that will only happen if incentives are established to improve market efficiency while respecting individuals' control over their personal information.
The effect of delay in viral production in within-host models during early infection.

ABSTRACTDelay in viral production may have a significant impact on the early stages of infection. During the eclipse phase, the time from viral entry until active production of viral particles, no viruses are produced. This delay affects the probability that a viral infection becomes established and timing of the peak viral load. Deterministic and stochastic models are formulated with either multiple latent stages or a fixed delay for the eclipse phase. The deterministic model with multiple latent stages approaches in the limit the model with a fixed delay as the number of stages approaches infinity. The deterministic model framework is used to formulate continuous-time Markov chain and stochastic differential equation models. The probability of a minor infection with rapid viral clearance as opposed to a major full-blown infection with a high viral load is estimated from a branching process approximation of the Markov chain model and the results are confirmed through numerical simulations. In addition, p...
Does FDI Attract Immigrants? An Empirical Gravity Model Approach:

This study tests whether foreign direct investment (FDI) and migration are substitutes or complements using data on bilateral FDI flows from countries that are members of the Organisation for Econo...
Research Techniques Made Simple: Animal Models of Wound Healing

Animal models have been developed to study the complex cellular and biochemical processes of wound repair and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential therapeutic agents. Several factors can influence wound healing. These include aging, infection, medications, nutrition, obesity, diabetes, venous insufficiency, and peripheral arterial disease. Lack of optimal preclinical models that are capable of properly recapitulating human wounds remains a significant translational challenge. Animal models should strive for reproducibility, quantitative interpretation, clinical relevance, and successful translation into clinical use. In this concise review, we discuss animal models used in wound experiments including mouse, rat, rabbit, pig, and zebrafish, with a special emphasis on impaired wound healing models.
Sex Differences in Melanoma

The goal of this review has been to elucidate the sex differences in cancer incidence and mortality in cutaneous melanoma. We have evaluated biological and behavioral research to determine where the critical questions exist. The most recent findings, through 2015, are exploratory in nature but seem to indicate that the differences are more likely due to biological variations rather than behavioral. While behavioral studies do show that women are more likely than men to seek health care and practice healthy behaviors, these differences are not sufficiently strong to explain the variation in incidence and mortality in cutaneous melanoma. Evolved differences in the immune systems of females and the role of sex steroid hormones in immunomodulation are two promising avenues for research. Studies in mice demonstrate that the newer immunotherapies are more effective in females, and sex steroid hormones, such as estrogen receptor beta, are inversely associated with tumor aggressiveness while testosterone increases it. Our analysis indicates that biological factors need to be investigated more thoroughly to understand the variation in incidence and mortality in cutaneous melanoma. Such understanding could lead to reducing incidence and mortality for both males and females (male incidence is 27.4 per 100,000; female 16.8 per 100,000; male mortality is 3.9 per 100,000; female mortality 1.6 per 100,000). It is most likely that behavioral differences between the sexes cannot account for the preponderance of male mortality. In addition to the important role of genetic factors, it is critical to evaluate further additional biological factors and their interactions with genetics and behavior.
Observation of the GZK Cutoff Using the HiRes Detector

The High Resolution Fly's Eye (HiRes) experiment has observed the GZK cutoff. HiRes observes two features in the ultra-high energy cosmic ray (UHECR) flux spectrum: the Ankle at an energy of 4 × 10 18 eV and a high energy suppression at 6 × 10 19 eV . The later feature is at exactly the right energy for the GZK cutoff according to the E 1 / 2 criterion. HiRes cannot claim to observe a third feature at lower energies, the Second Knee. The HiRes monocular spectra are presented, along with data demonstrating our control and understanding of systematic uncertainties affecting the energy and flux measurements.
The utility and impact of the addiction comprehensive health enhancement support system (ACHESS) on substance abuse treatment adherence among youth in an intensive outpatient program.

Abstract Youth experiencing substance use disorders often are susceptible to relapse because traditional support systems can be expensive, geographically dispersed, operated on limited schedules and lacking in peer support. The continuity of care offered via the digital Addiction Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (ACHESS) system holds promise in preventing relapse because of its portability and capability to foster virtually anytime/anywhere, cost-effective access to supportive interventions. The aim of this mixed-methods study was to evaluate the utility and impact of ACHESS on treatment adherence among youth with substance use disorders in an intensive outpatient program in the US Midwest. Data on 28 clients using ACHESS during 2016–17 were compared to retrospective data on 28 carefully-matched others treated without ACHESS during 2014–16. Fifty-four percent of the study group successfully completed treatment as opposed to 42.9% of those in the comparison group. Staff focus group findings highlighted how some features of ACHESS were effectively integrated into the care model and appeared to positively impact outcomes, while other elements of the application offered little utility. We suggest further study of ACHESS among larger samples of youth with substance use disorders in intensive outpatient programs to assess its efficacy in supporting adherence to treatment.
Etiology and Clinical Presentation of Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a clinical syndrome characterized by delayed emptying of solid food from the stomach in the absence of a mechanical obstruction, which results in symptoms of nausea, early satiety, postprandial fullness, gastroesophageal reflux, abdominal pain, and often vomiting. Gastroparesis represents a disorder of neuromuscular dysfunction and is typically described to encompass three broad categories: diabetic, postsurgical, and idiopathic. The neuromuscular dysfunction of gastroparesis arises from derangements in extrinsic neuronal control, dysfunction of the elaborate interconnections of intrinsic nerves and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), dysfunction of smooth muscle, or some combination thereof. While gastroparesis is most commonly thought to be secondary to diabetes, idiopathic gastroparesis is in fact the most common etiology of gastroparesis and includes individuals with underlying immune, neurologic, or metabolic disorders. Furthermore, gastroparesis disproportionality affects females 4:1 and, based on a recent study, may be dramatically underrecognized in clinical practice (Jung et al., Gastroenterology 136:1225–1233, 2009).
What Causes the AMOC to Weaken in CMIP5

AbstractIn a transient warming scenario, the North Atlantic is influenced by a complex pattern of surface buoyancy flux changes that ultimately weaken the Atlantic meridional overturning circulatio...
Demographic Trends in Paddle Lead Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement: Private Insurance and Medicare Beneficiaries.

OBJECTIVE Although spinal cord stimulators (SCS) continue to gain acceptance as a viable nonpharmacologic option for the treatment of chronic back pain, recent trends are not well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate recent overall demographic and regional trends in paddle lead SCS placement and to determine if differences in trends exist between private-payer and Medicare beneficiaries. METHODS A retrospective review of Medicare and private-payer insurance records from 2007-2014 was performed to identify patients who underwent a primary paddle lead SCS placement via a laminectomy (CPT-63655). Each study cohort was queried to determine the annual rate of SCS placements and demographic characteristics. Yearly SCS implantation rates within the study cohorts were adjusted per 100,000 beneficiaries. A chi-square analysis was used to compare changes in annual rates. RESULTS A total of 31,352 Medicare and 2,935 private-payer patients were identified from 2007 to 2014. Paddle lead SCS placements ranged from 5.9 to 17.5 (p<0.001), 1.9 to 5.9 (p<0.001), and 5.2 to 14.5 (p<0.001) placements per 100,000 Medicare, private-payer, and overall beneficiaries respectively from 2007 to 2014. SCS placements peaked in 2013 with 19.6, 7.1, and 16.8 placements per 100,000 Medicare, private-payer, and overall patients. CONCLUSION There was an overall increase in the annual rate of SCS placements from 2007 to 2014. Paddle lead SCS placements peaked in 2013 for Medicare, private-payer, and overall beneficiaries. The highest incidence of implantation was in the Southern region of the United States and among females. Yearly adjusted rates of SCSs were higher among Medicare patients at all time points.
Concluding Reflections and Engaged Group Work Practice with African American Children and Adolescents

During the writing of this final editorial for Part III of the Special Issue on Group Counseling for African American Children and Adolescents, we are literally in the midst of two pandemics. First...
Measuring the Influence of Internship Participation on Black Business Majors’ Academic Performance at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The relationship between college grades and internship participation for Black business majors at HBCUs was examined in this study. Participants were 376 Black business majors (65% female, 26% non-traditional age, 66% first-generation) at 40 HBCUs across the nation who responded to the 2016–2017 national administration of the National Survey of Student Engagement. Group mean difference and hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed no statistically significant differences by internship status, although several personal and academic factors predicted Black business majors’ grades controlling for confounding factors. Though statistically insignificant, the key finding holds practical significance for business educators and others at HBCUs. Key implications of policy, practice, and future research are delineated for business educators and related fields.
What Helps and Hinders Students' Intervening in Incidents of Dating Violence On Campus? an Exploratory Study Using Focus Groups.

Dating violence is a problem occurring on college campuses that requires unique prevention and intervention needs. Despite the widespread prevalence and pervasive impact of dating violence victimiz...
The Knowledge Value Chain: An Operational Perspective

The successful launch of an innovative product or service is driven by an unexplored market opportunity or a technological breakthrough. Oftentimes, however, firms lack the necessary resource capabilities to exploit new market opportunities; alternately, markets may not exist for firms to successfully profit from technological breakthroughs. In other words, firms suffer from performance gaps between their market opportunities and their resource capabilities. In this study, we organize the growing literature on knowledge management to develop the concept of a knowledge value chain, which we characterize as the transformative engine by which a firm can close such performance gaps. In addition to motivating the framework through case studies and placing the existing research literature in knowledge management within this framework, we also identify several directions of future research.
Geologic CO2 Sequestration: Who Owns the Pore Space?

As scientific findings supporting global warming are increasingly embraced by society, government officials and carbon-producing industries face the challenge of how to lessen greenhouse-gas emissions. The energy industry, which is often blamed for global warming, offers an innovative potential remedy: geologic carbon-dioxide (CO2) sequestration—“the injection of CO2 into deep ... geologic formations for the explicit purpose of avoiding atmospheric emission of CO2.” [FN1]
Library Support for Online Graduate Students in the Summer Session

Summer sessions are an excellent opportunity for graduate students, and have been increasing in popularity in recent years. However, many of these sessions are moving online. Online library databases can be challenging to navigate, and there is a lack of student-librarian interaction. This paper discusses the research on the problems that arise for online graduate students during summer sessions and presents best practices for digital library support for those students. These best practices include • online citation and reference management workshops, • online subject-specific library navigation and user guides, and • collaboration between library and teaching faculty. These practices will help eliminate students’ use of unreliable research resources and provide them with proper support. Library support for online graduate students during summer sessions is imperative and that it must be designed to meet specific student needs.
Organizing a Technical Assistance System

Although there are many ways to organize and deliver expert services to individual projects, some techniques seem to be more effective than others in identifying and matching project needs with the available expertise. Without appropriate planning and organization, technical assistance systems seldom achieve their potential. This chapter discusses the various ways in which a technical assistance system might be organized and provides guidelines for setting up such a system.