cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feature transform for ATR image decomposition

We have developed an approach to image decomposition for ATR applications called the `feature transform.' There are two aspects to the feature transform: (1) A collection of rich, sophisticated feature extraction routines, and (2) the orchestration of a hierarchical decomposition of the scene into an image description based on the features. We have expanded the approach into two directions, one considering local features and the other considering global features. When studying local features, we have developed for (1) corner, T-junctions, edge, line, endstopping, and blob detectors as local features. A unified approach is used for all these detectors. For (2), we make use of the theory of matching pursuits and extend it to robust measures, using results involving Lp norms, in order to build an iterative procedure in which local features are removed from the image successively, in a hierarchical manner. We have also considered for (1) global shape features or modal features, i.e., features representing the various modes of the models to be detected. For (2) a multiscale strategy is used for moving from the principal modes to secondary ones. The common aspect of both directions, local and global feature detection, is that the resulting transformations of the scene decomposes the image into a collection of features, in much the same way that a discrete Fourier transform decomposes an image into a sum of sinusoidal bar patterns. With the feature transform, however, the decomposition uses redundant basis functions that are related to spatially localized features or modal features that support the recognition process.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Evaluation of Novel Biomarkers and the Multiple Biomarker Approach in the Prediction of Cardiovascular Disease

Since the release of the Framingham Risk Score in 1998 Wilson et al. (Circulation 97:1837–47, 1998), the search for blood-based biomarkers to better predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its associated outcomes has intensified. Multiple cardiac biomarkers have been tested over the past 2 decades, and some have been discovered to be successful in predicting such events. However, these individual biomarkers have not significantly added to existing risk algorithms (ie, the Framingham Risk Score). The hypothesis that biomarkers with small amounts of individual benefit used collectively would provide better overall prediction led to the development of aggregate biomarker models. Herein, we discuss the qualities of an ideal biomarker, statistical methods used to interrogate biomarker risk prediction algorithms, the multiple biomarker approach to cardiovascular disease, and potential strategies to use in selecting the right biomarker for aggregate biomarker models.
Effect of chemical additives on the performance of Na/NiCl2 cells

The effect of chemical additives on the performance of sodium/nickel chloride cells was investigated in quasi-sealed laboratory research cells. The performance of these cells was measured by galvanostatic and galvanodynamic methods. It was observed that the use of sodium bromide, sulfur, sodium iodide, and a combination of these additives enhance the performance of the Na/NiCl2 cells by reducing the area-specific impedance of the nickel chloride electrode. Improved morphology by the use of the poreformer further improves the nickel utilization and the electrode impedance. The performance enhancement is attributed to the chemical and morphological modifications of the nickel chloride electrode in the Na/NiCl2 cells.
Studies of directionally solidified eutectic Bi/MnBi at low growth velocities

A deviation from the interrod spacing (λ) and growth velocity (V) relation λ2V = constant, anticipated for diffusion-only rod eutectic growth, has been observed at growth velocities ≺5 cm/h (14 µm/s) in directionally solidified eutectic Bi-Mn (Bi/MnBi). At lower growth velocities,V≺ 0.5 cm/h, a breakdown in the aligned rod eutectic, cooperative growth mechanism, has also been noted. The λ2V relation has been experimentally determined over a range of furnace (growth) velocities (0.5 ≤V ≤ 50 cm/h), thermal gradients in the liquid (40 ≤ GL ≤ 120 °C/cm) and solidification orientation with respect to the direction of gravity (parallel, antiparallel, and perpendicular). Naturally induced, convective instabilities are suggested as a possible, lower growth velocity limit for cooperative growth in this system.
Astronomy: Clearing up the dust.

Constructing the history of star formation over cosmic time requires an understanding of how starlight is absorbed by dust in galaxies. It now seems that there is less universality in such absorption across galaxies than expected.
A composite Runge-Kutta method for the spectral solution of semilinear PDEs

A new composite Runge-Kutta (RK) method is proposed for semilinear partial differential equations such as Korteweg-de Vries, nonlinear Schrodinger, Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP), Kuramoto-Sivashinsky (KS), Cahn-Hilliard, and others having high-order derivatives in the linear term. The method uses Fourier collocation and the classical fourth-order RK method, except for the stiff linear modes, which are treated with a linearly implicit RK method. The composite RK method is simple to implement, indifferent to the distinction between dispersive and dissipative problems, and as efficient on test problems for KS and KP as any other generally applicable method.
Structural analysis of the Lombard thrust sheet and adjacent areas in the Helena salient, southwest Montana, USA

Abstract The Helena salient is a prominent craton–convex curve in the Cordillera thrust belt of Montana, USA. The Lombard thrust sheet is the primary sheet in the salient. Structural analysis of fold trends, cleavage attitudes, and movement on minor faults is used to better understand both the geometry of the Lombard thrust and the kinematic development of the salient. Early W–E to WNW–ENE shortening directions in the Lombard sheet are indicated by fold trends in the center of the thrust sheet. The same narrow range of shortening directions is inferred from kinematic analysis of movement on minor faults and the orientations of unrotated cleavage planes along the southern lateral ramp boundary of the salient. As the salient developed, the amount and direction of shortening were locally modified as listric detachment faults rotated some tight folds to the NW, and as right-lateral simple shear, caused by lock-up and folding of the Jefferson Canyon fault above the lateral ramp, rotated other folds northeastward. Where the lateral ramp and frontal-oblique ramp intersect, folds were rotated back to the NW. Our interpretation of dominant W–E to WNW–ESE shortening in the Lombard sheet, later altered by local rotations, supports a model of salient formation by primary parallel transport modified by interactions with a lateral ramp.
SSTAR: The US lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR)

Abstract It is widely recognized that the developing world is the next area for major energy demand growth, including demand for new and advanced nuclear energy systems. With limited existing industrial and grid infrastructures, there will be an important need for future nuclear energy systems that can provide small or moderate increments of electric power (10–700 MWe) on small or immature grids in developing nations. Most recently, the global nuclear energy partnership (GNEP) has identified, as one of its key objectives, the development and demonstration of concepts for small and medium-sized reactors (SMRs) that can be globally deployed while assuring a high level of proliferation resistance. Lead-cooled systems offer several key advantages in meeting these goals. The small lead-cooled fast reactor concept known as the small secure transportable autonomous reactor (SSTAR) has been under ongoing development as part of the US advanced nuclear energy systems programs. It is a system designed to provide energy security to developing nations while incorporating features to achieve nonproliferation goals, anticipating GNEP objectives. This paper presents the motivation for development of internationally deployable nuclear energy systems as well as a summary of one such system, SSTAR, which is the US Generation IV lead-cooled fast reactor system.
Control of nonlinear distributed process systems : Recent developments and challenges

hile most deal with vv processes undergraduate process control courses still dynamics and control of lumped chemical using linear transfer function models, key technological needs in growth areas such as semiconductor manufacturing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and unmanned aerial vehicles have motivated extensive research on analysis and control of complex nonlinear distributed systems across all engineering disciplines. From a control point of view, the distinguishing feature of complex distributed systems is that they give rise to nonlinear control problems that involve the regulation of highly distributed control variables by using spatially-distributed control actuators and measurement sensors. Thus, complex distributed systems cannot be effectively controlled with control methods which assume that the state, manipulated and tobe-controlled variables exhibit lumped behavior or with linear control algorithms derived on the basis of IinearAinearized distributed models. icant nonuniformity of the wafer temperature profile. This, in turn, may lead to film deposition uniformity that does not meet the tight requirements set by the industry (SIA, 1997). This technological need and the complex character (nonlinearities, spatial variations, batch nature) of the RTCVD process motivate the need to control the wafer temperature profile using a nonlinear feedback controller based on a distributed process model. A typical example of this class of problems is the control of titania aerosol reactors to achieve a nearly monodisperse particle-size distribution (Kalani and Christofides, 2000); this is required for titania pigments to obtain the maximum hiding powder per unit mass. Titania aerosol Control of Particle-Size Distributions.
LEARNING WITH DETERMINISTIC DECISION RULES

While many problems of uncertainty are commonly analyzed by means of stochastic models, under certain circumstances this may not be an appropriate approach. The latter situation arises when the decision maker knows that the uncertain variables are not generated by a stochastic process, or when he is unwilling, or unable, to compute subjective probabilities. One of the nonstochastic approaches to uncertainty is the expectational approach in which the decision maker forms deterministic expectations about the uncertain aspects of his environment. This paper is concerned with some criteria for selecting among available expectations, or anticipations functions, and the possibility of ordering them according to these criteria. This study focuses especially on the learning criterion. The discussion brings out conceptual problems in connection with the definition of learning, as well as some technical difficulties that one encounters when attempting to compare different anticipations functions from the point of view of the learning criterion. As an illustration of the issues discussed, the paper reports on the results of some simulated decision rules. These show that decision rules in which no learning takes place, and in which some information is ignored, may perform better than more sophisticated rules.
Adaptive blind channel estimation by least-squares smoothing for CDMA

A least square smoothing (LSS) approach is presented for the blind estimation of multi-input multiple-output finite impulse response system. By exploiting the isomorphic relation between the input and output subspaces and the code sequences, this geometrical approach identifies the channel from a specially formed least squares smoothing error of the channel output. LSS has the finite sample convergence property, i.e., in the absence of noise, the channel is perfectly estimated with only a finite number of data samples. Referred to as the adaptive least squares smoothing algorithm, the adaptive implementation has a fast convergence rate. A-LSS is order recursive, and can be implemented using lattice filter and systolic array. It has the advantage that, when the channel order varies, channel estimates can be obtained without structural change of the implementation. For uncorrelated input sequence, the proposed algorithm performs direct deconvolution as a byproduct.
The management of hypospadias.

Abstract The surgical repair of 46 cases of hypospadias using the buried strip principle advocated by Denis Browne and the modification proposed by Crawford are described. The cases were equally divided. The Crawford modification employing early advancement of the prepuce and a double continuous suture line for watertight closure seems advantageous.
Intussusception of a Meckel's Diverticulum Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma

longitudinal axis (arrow). A 17-year-old male involved in a high-speed motor vehicle collision presented to the emergency department. An abdominal pelvic computed tomography (CT) performed as part of the initial trauma evaluation revealed a grade 5 liver laceration with hemoperitoneum. The patient was managed conservatively in the intensive care unit. The following day the patient’s hematocrit decreased and he subsequently underwent angioembolization of the right hepatic artery. On the fourth hospital day, the patient had worsening abdominal distention and pain, hypotension, and hypoxemia. A second abdominal pelvic CT was obtained, which demonstrated the liver laceration with hemoperitoneum, and an intussusception involving the distal ileum (Fig 1). The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy that confirmed the CT findings of a terminal ileum intussusception. During manual reduction intraoperatively, a 6-inch Meckel’s diverticulum was found as the lead point. The patient’s postoperative course was complicated by abdominal compartment syndrome, requiring multiple surgeries for abdominal washout and delayed closure. Eventually, the patient recovered and was discharged home with appropriate follow-up. An intussusception occurs when a proximal segment of bowel, the intussusceptum, telescopes into a distal segment of bowel, the intussuscepiens. As the proximal bowel moves further into the distal bowel, the mesentery is pulled along with it, impairing venous and lymphatic drainage. If the intussusception is not reduced, bowel
Modeling and simulation of resistivity of nanometer scale copper

Abstract A highly versatile simulation program was developed and used to examine how the resistivity of thin metal films and lines is increased as their dimensions approach and become smaller than the mean free path of electrons in metals such as copper and aluminum. The simulation program is flexible in that it can include the effects of surface and grain-boundary scattering on resistivity either separately or together, and it can simulate the effect on resistivity where each surface of a film or line has a different value for the scattering parameter. The simulation program (1) provides a more accurate calculation of surface scattering effects than that obtained from the usual formulation of Fuchs’ theory, (2) calculates grain-boundary effects that are consistent with the theory of Mayadas and Shatzkes, (3) shows that surface and grain-boundary scattering effects are interdependent, and (4) shows that the change in resistivity with temperature begins to increase as dimensions approach the bulk mean free path of the electrons in the metal.
Footpad dermatitis in poultry

Footpad dermatitis (FPD) is a condition that causes necrotic lesions on the plantar surface of the footpads in growing broilers and turkeys. This condition not only causes downgrades and condemnations of saleable chicken paws, the portion of the leg below the spur, but is also an animal welfare concern in both the United States and in Europe.. Revenue from chicken paws in 2008 alone was worth $280 million. Harvesting large, unblemished paws has become a priority to poultry companies all over the world. Research on this subject has been ongoing since the 1940s and has looked into many different areas including nutrition, environment, and genetics. Early research looked at nutritional deficiencies such as riboflavin and biotin mainly in turkey poults. This early research was most likely looking at a separate form of dermatitis than what is being investigated now. Recent findings have suggested that there is a myriad of interacting factors that lead to FPD. Litter moisture appears to be the most likely culprit in the onset of this condition. Research has also shown a possible genetic link in the susceptibility to development of FPD lesions. Current chicken paw prices have skyrocketed due to a large export market in Asia. To produce unblemished paws for both increased profit and comply with current animal welfare recommendations, further research is needed to understand how the condition develops and what strategies can be used to prevent it.
Experimental evidence that oral secretions of northwestern ring-necked snakes (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis) are toxic to their prey

Ring-necked snakes (Diadophis punctatus) are suspected of being venomous because their Duvernoy’s gland secretions have high levels of phospholipase activity, which is characteristic of many viperid and elapid venoms, and because anecdotal reports of feeding behavior are consistent with the use of a venom. We tested the toxicity of northwestern ringnecked snake oral secretions to a natural prey species, northwestern garter snakes (Thamnophis ordinoides), by injecting 2–35ml of oral secretions intraperitoneally. All doses were 100% lethal within 180 min. The dose significantly affected the time to loss of a righting response. Neither injection of saline nor denatured oral secretions resulted in loss of a righting response or any visible detrimental effects. We suggest that northwestern ring-necked snakes may have evolved venom to subdue larger prey items than the snake would otherwise be capable of taking. r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A conserved two-component regulatory system, PidS/PidR, globally regulates pigmentation and virulence-related phenotypes of Burkholderia glumae

Burkholderia glumae is a rice pathogenic bacterium that causes bacterial panicle blight. Some strains of this pathogen produce dark brown pigments when grown on casamino-acid peptone glucose (CPG) agar medium. A pigment-positive and highly virulent strain of B. glumae, 411gr-6, was randomly mutagenized with mini-Tn5gus, and the resulting mini-Tn5gus derivatives showing altered pigmentation phenotypes were screened on CPG agar plates to identify the genetic elements governing the pigmentation of B. glumae. In this study, a novel two-component regulatory system (TCRS) composed of the PidS sensor histidine kinase and the PidR response regulator was identified as an essential regulatory factor for pigmentation. Notably, the PidS/PidR TCRS was also required for the elicitation of the hypersensitive response on tobacco leaves, indicating the dependence of the hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (Hrp) type III secretion system of B. glumae on this regulatory factor. In addition, B. glumae mutants defective in the PidS/PidR TCRS showed less production of the phytotoxin, toxoflavin, and less virulence on rice panicles and onion bulbs relative to the parental strain, 411gr-6. The presence of highly homologous PidS and PidR orthologues in other Burkholderia species suggests that PidS/PidR-family TCRSs may exert the same or similar functions in different Burkholderia species, including both plant and animal pathogens.
A parallel algorithm for scheduling problem based on Hopfield model for the automated synthesis of digital systems

Summary form only given. A novel scheduling approach has been developed based on the deterministic Hopfield model for high-level synthesis. The model uses a four-dimensional neural network architecture to schedule the operations of a dataflow graph and maps them to specific functional units. Neural network-based scheduling is achieved by formulating the scheduling problem in terms of an energy function and by using the motion equation corresponding to the variation of energy. The algorithm searches the scheduling space in parallel and finds the optimal schedule. The main contribution of the work presented is an efficient scheduling algorithm under time and resource constraints. The algorithm is based on moves in the scheduling space, which correspond to moves towards the equilibrium point (lowest energy state) in the dynamic system space. The neuron's motion equation is the heart of this guided movement mechanism and guarantees that the state of the system always converges to the lowest energy state. >
Enhanced activation is the mechanism of negative cross-resistance to Chlorpyrifos in the Dicofol-IR strain of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The mechanism responsible for negative cross-resistance to chlorpyrifos was examined in isogenic dicofol susceptible (Orchard-12) and resistant (Dicofol-IR) two-spotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch. The acetylcholinesterase of both strains was equally sensitive to inhibition by chlorpyrifos oxon. However, the Dicofol-IR strain showed increased oxidative activation of chlorpyrifos to chlorpyrifos oxon relative to the Orchard-12 strain, suggesting this mechanism is responsible for the observed negative cross-resistance.
Robust Stabilization of Nonlinear Time Delay Systems Using Convex Optimization

We address the problem of robust, global, delay-dependent and delay-independent stabilization of nonlinear time-delay systems with memory state feedback. The methodology we use is based on a linear-like representation of the time-delay system for which we construct appropriate Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals. The resulting conditions take the form of infinite-dimensional state-dependent Linear Matrix Inequalities which can be treated as sum of squares matrices. The sum of squares program that emerges can then be solved using semidefinite programming and SOSTOOLS, which results in an algorithmic construction of the control law and the Lyapunov-Krasovksii functional. An example is presented that shows the effectiveness of the methodology.
Relative Efficiency of AD Valorem and Unit Taxes: The Case of Endogenous Quality

This article studies the relative efficiency of unit and ad valorem taxes in a competitive market in which the quality of product is endogenous. The author finds that the relative efficiency of these two taxes depends on exactly how individuals value the quality of a product. Specifically, the unit tax welfare dominates the ad valorem tax in the “casket” case and the “full-price” case, whereas the ad valorem tax welfare dominates the unit tax in the “lightbulb” case.
Hypoxic synchronization of Tetrahymena cell division with an automatic apparatus.

Abstract Described is an apparatus which automatically subjects a suspension cell culture to a series of low oxygen shocks. Seven 45 min 0.15% oxygen hypoxic shocks alternated with 45 min exposures to air were found to induce a degree of division synchrony in Tetrahymena comparable to that obtained with 5 hyperthermic shocks
Prevalence of Rickettsiales in ticks removed from the skin of outdoor workers in North Carolina.

Background Tick-transmitted rickettsial diseases, such as ehrlichiosis and spotted fever rickettsiosis, are significant sources of morbidity and mortality in the southern United States. Because of their exposure in tick-infested woodlands, outdoor workers experience an increased risk of infection with tick-borne pathogens. As part of a double blind randomized-controlled field trial of the effectiveness of permethrin-treated clothing in preventing tick bites, we identified tick species removed from the skin of outdoor workers in North Carolina and tested the ticks for Rickettsiales pathogens.
Performance analysis of a generalized class of m-level hierarchical multiprocessor systems

The performance of the m-level hierarchical multiprocessor system is analyzed in terms of the system bandwidth for both hierarchically nonuniform reference and uniform reference models. The results show that for a higher rate of local requests (requests to memory modules within the same cluster) the m-level system performs fairly close to the crossbar system and outperforms a typical multiple-bus system (with the number of buses equal to half the number of processors). The bandwidth of the m-level system is evaluated for different numbers of levels, and the results are compared with those of a crossbar system (m=1). >
Roles of integrin activation in eosinophil function and the eosinophilic inflammation of asthma.

Eosinophilic inflammation is a characteristic feature of asthma. Integrins are highly versatile cellular receptors that regulate extravasation of eosinophils from the postcapillary segment of the bronchial circulation to the airway wall and airspace. Such movement into the asthmatic lung is described as a sequential, multistep paradigm, whereby integrins on circulating eosinophils become activated, eosinophils tether in flow and roll on bronchial endothelial cells, integrins on rolling eosinophils become further activated as a result of exposure to cytokines, eosinophils arrest firmly to adhesive ligands on activated endothelium, and eosinophils transmigrate to the airway in response to chemoattractants. Eosinophils express seven integrin heterodimeric adhesion molecules: alpha4beta1 (CD49d/29), alpha6beta1 (CD49f/29), alphaMbeta2 (CD11b/18), alphaLbeta2 (CD11a/18), alphaXbeta2 (CD11c/18), alphaDbeta2 (CD11d/18), and alpha4beta7 (CD49d/beta7). The role of these integrins in eosinophil recruitment has been elucidated by major advances in the understanding of integrin structure, integrin function, and modulators of integrins. Such findings have been facilitated by cellular experiments of eosinophils in vitro, studies of allergic asthma in humans and animal models in vivo, and crystal structures of integrins. Here, we elaborate on how integrins cooperate to mediate eosinophil movement to the asthmatic airway. Antagonists that target integrins or the effectors that regulate integrins of eosinophils represent potentially promising therapies in the treatment of asthma.
Efficient multimode optical fiber-to-waveguide coupling for passive alignment applications in multichip modules

An efficient optical fiber-to-waveguide coupling technique is described, using a novel transcision cut, alignment ways, and D-shaped fibers. Fiber-to-waveguide coupling efficiencies as high as 96% have been achieved with multimode graded-index fibers and ridge polymer optical waveguides. Advantages of using this new coupling technique include ease of fiber-to-waveguide alignment interior to the substrate edge, passive coupling, and high coupling efficiency. >
Lyngbya wollei in Western Lake Erie

We report on the emergence of the potentially toxic filamentous cyanobacterium, Lyngbya wollei as a nuisance species in western Lake Erie. The first indication of heavy L. wollei growth along the lake bottom occurred in September 2006, when a storm deposited large mats of L. wollei in coves along the south shore of Maumee Bay. These mats remained intact over winter and new growth was observed along the margins in April 2007. Mats ranged in thickness from 0.2 to 1.2 m and we estimated that one 100-m stretch of shoreline along the southern shore of Maumee Bay was covered with approximately 200 metric tons of L. wollei. Nearshore surveys conducted in July 2008 revealed greatest benthic L. wollei biomass (591 g/m2 ± 361 g/m2 fresh weight) in Maumee Bay at depth contours between 1.5 and 3.5 m corresponding to benthic irradiance of approximately 4.0–0.05% of surface irradiance and sand/crushed dreissenid mussel shell-type substrate. A shoreline survey indicated a generally decreasing prevalence of shoreline L. wollei mats with distance from Maumee Bay. Surveys of nearshore benthic areas outside of Maumee Bay revealed substantial L. wollei beds north along the Michigan shoreline, but very little L wollei growth to the east along the Ohio shoreline.
The Abuse of Prescription Medications and Employment History

Objective:The relationship between prescription medication abuse and employment history is rarely studied and is the focus of the present study.Method:Using a cross-sectional consecutive sample of 325 internal medicine outpatients and a self-report survey methodology, we examined prescription medication abuse (“Have you ever intentionally, or on purpose, abused prescription medications?”) and four employment variables.Results:We found statistically significant relationships between the abuse of prescription medications and all four employment variables—i.e., number of different jobs held since age 18 (5.05 in nonabusers versus 7.81 in past abusers), estimated percentage of time employed since age 18 (79.0% in nonabusers versus 63.3% in past abusers), being paid “under the table” (24.9% in nonabusers versus 77.4% in past abusers), and being fired (37.2% in nonabusers versus 64.5% in past abusers)—all indicating less employment viability in participants with past histories of prescription medication abuse.C...
A Quasi-Experimental Investigation of How the Gates Millennium Scholars Program Is Related to College Students’ Time Use and Activities:

A national scholarship program provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is designed to improve access to and success in higher education for low-income high-achieving minority students by pr...
An evaluation of hepatic enzyme elevations among HIV-infected released prisoners enrolled in two randomized placebo-controlled trials of extended release naltrexone

Abstract Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX), an approved treatment for opioid or alcohol dependence, is a once-monthly injectable formulation of naltrexone. Hepatotoxicity concerns have limited its use, necessitating further investigation. This study aims to examine hepatic enzyme levels in participants of 2 randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) of XR-NTX. Hepatic transaminases were measured in 85 patients enrolled in RCTs of XR-NTX among HIV-infected prisoners, transitioning to the community and receiving treatment for either dependence on alcohol (52.9%), opioids (44.7%) or both (16.5%). Baseline characteristics included HCV co-infection (55.7%), antiretroviral therapy (81%), mental illness (39%) and receiving psychiatric medications (34.1%). Levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were not statistically different between persons randomized to placebo ( N =24) and XR-NTX ( N =61) arms. These results confirm that XR-NTX is safe to use among opioid and alcohol dependent HIV-infected released prisoners receiving ART with high rates of co-morbid HCV infection and mental illness.
Expatriate Selection: The Key To International Success

The types of criteria used to evaluate individuals' success in expatriate assignments and variables, which could represent expatriates' knowledge skills and abilities (KSAs), were investigated in this study. The four most common criteria are (a) technical competencies; (b) human relational skills; (c) spouse and family adaptability; and (d) desirability to serve overseas. Another attempt was made to understand the relationships between firm's selection strategies and expatriate success. Success was viewed from a multidimensional perspective. In addition, the tasks and responsibilities of expatriates vary by company, by industry, and by country. A contingency approach for selection was discussed briefly.
Viable but nonculturable and persister cells coexist stochastically and are induced by human serum

Dormancy holds a vital role in the ecological dynamics of microorganisms. Specifically, entry into dormancy allows cells to withstand times of stress while maintaining the potential for reentry into an active existence. The viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state and antibiotic persistence are two well-recognized conditions of dormancy demonstrated to contribute to bacterial stress tolerance and, as a consequence, yield populations that are tolerant to high-dose antibiotics. Aside from this commonality, more evidence is being presented that indicates the relatedness of these two states. Here, we demonstrate that VBNC cells are present during persister isolation experiments, further indicating that these cells coexist and are induced by the same conditions. Interestingly, we reveal that VBNC cells can exist stochastically in unstressed growing cultures, a finding that is characteristic of persisters. Furthermore, human serum induces the formation of both VBNC cells and persisters, a finding not previously described for either dormancy state. Lastly, we describe the role of toxin-antitoxin systems (TAS) in the induction of the VBNC state and report that these TAS, which are classically implicated in persister cell formation, are also induced during incubation in human serum. This study provides evidence for the recently proposed "dormancy continuum hypothesis" and substantiates the physical and molecular relatedness of VBNC and persister cells in a standardized model organism. Notably, these results provide new evidence for the clinical significance of VBNC and persister cells.
Application of tree-based solutions: a case study with INEEL

This case is a study of the application of tree-based solutions to Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) challenges in the development of a computerized system to meet complex, yet exacting compliance requirements extended to thousands of employees in a large-scale organization. We rehearse the history of the project and include information on the theoretical structure of the tree-based solution used. Usingprimary research documentation, we use a constructivist approach to the issue of subject matter expert empowerment, a major theme of the case. Of particular interest is how the engineer in question was able to modify his work paradigm to incorporate a new role as digital content designer and overseer of the project. Additionally, the study concentrates on the overall effects of the project on other INEEL systems and working environments at the INEEL. Implications of management-and subject matter expert-directed system design projects using tree-based tools are considered with respect to all aspects of enterprise systems development.
Inclusion of Adolescents in Clinical Trials for Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Review of Existing Registered Studies

Abstract Purpose Despite their heightened risk of sexually transmitted infections, minor adolescents ( Methods Two public clinical trial registries were first searched using microbicide or PrEP with STD, STI, HIV, or HSV and with gel, ring, or film , and then searched using prevention/sexually transmitted diseases with gel. Studies were classified based on the information provided in the registry. Results The searches yielded 111 unique studies. Only 9.0% (n = 10) included minors. They were under-represented in Phase 0–II studies and over-represented in studies of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Conclusions Minor adolescents should be included during all stages of development and before they have acquired an infection. Future studies should examine the challenges of including minor adolescents in trials and how to overcome these barriers.
The Effect of Sustained Inflammation on Hepatic Mevalonate Pathway Results in Hyperglycemia

Control of plasma glucose level is essential to organismal survival. Sustained inflammation has been implicated in control of glucose homeostasis in cases of infection, obesity, and type 2 diabetes; however, the precise role of inflammation in these complex disease states remains poorly understood. Here, we find that sustained inflammation results in elevated plasma glucose due to increased hepatic glucose production. We find that sustained inflammation suppresses CYP7A1, leading to accumulation of intermediate metabolites at the branch point of the mevalonate pathway. This results in prenylation of RHOC, which is concomitantly induced by inflammatory cytokines. Subsequent activation of RHO-associated protein kinase results in elevated plasma glucose. These findings uncover an unexpected mechanism by which sustained inflammation alters glucose homeostasis.
An Analytic Framework for Evaluating the Validity of Concept Inventory Claims

Background Concept inventories (CIs) are commonly used in engineering disciplines to assess students' conceptual understanding and to evaluate instruction, but educators often use CIs without sufficient evidence that a structured approach has been applied to validate inferences about student thinking. Purpose We propose an analytic framework for evaluating the validity arguments of CIs. We focus on three types of claims: that CI scores enable one to infer (1) students' overall understanding of all concepts identified in the CI, (2) students' understanding of specific concepts, and (3) students' propensity for misconceptions or common errors. Method We applied our analytic framework to three CIs: the Concept Assessment Tool for Statics (CATS), the Statistics Concept Inventory (SCI), and the Dynamics Concept Inventory (DCI). Results Using our analytic framework, we found varying degrees of support for each type of claim. CATS and DCI analyses indicated that the CIs could reliably measure students' overall understanding of all concepts identified in the CI, whereas SCI analyses provided limited evidence for this claim. Analyses revealed that the CATS could accurately measure students' understanding of specific concepts; analyses for the other two CIs did not support this claim. None of the CI analyses provided evidence that the instruments could reliably measure students' misconceptions and common errors. Conclusions Our analytic framework provides a structure for evaluating CI validity. Engineering educators can apply this framework to evaluate aspects of CI validity and make more warranted uses and interpretations of CI outcome scores.
The Influence of Teacher Power on English Language Learners' Self-Perceptions of Learner Empowerment

AbstractEnglish language learners (ELL) are students with a primary language spoken other than English enrolled in U.S. educational settings. As ELL students take on the challenges of learning English and U.S. culture, they must also learn academic content. The expectation to succeed academically in a foreign culture and language, while learning to speak and comprehend the language itself, would be a stressful and challenging task for almost anyone. In comparison with non-ELL students, ELL students tend to demonstrate lower levels of academic achievement. The current study examined ELL students' perceptions on teacher power and its' influences on self-perceptions of learner empowerment. Quantitative data was collected measuring perceptions of teacher power use and self-perceptions of learner empowerment. Qualitative data consisted of twenty in-depth interviews with ELL students illuminating their perceptions of teacher power and its relationship to their perceptions of learner empowerment. Differences wer...
Vehicle Autonomy and Network Topology Trades in Conceptual Design Exploration of UAV Based System-of-Systems

This paper describes the development of a modular object oriented analysis tool that allows the simulation of transportation network architectures. An existing tool is modified and extended to allow a more sophisticated analysis. Lending to its object-oriented design philosophy such extension was possible without a complete overhaul of the analysis tool. Specifically, it allows the comparison of dissimilar network topologies, centralized or distributed optimization and decision-making, and obstacle avoidance. This is illustrated in an example application for a commercial UAV based logistics operation. In this case, interactions of vehicle and network operational variables are examined, as well as comparing different choices for network operational topologies.
Empowering Change Agents in Hierarchical Organizations: Participatory Action Research in Prisons

Participatory action research (PAR) approaches harness collaborative partnerships to stimulate change in defined communities. The purpose of this article is to illustrate key methodological strategies used in the application of PAR methods in the particularly challenging environment of a hierarchical organization. A study designed to promote sustainable, insider-generated system-level changes in the provision of end-of-life (EOL) care in the restrictive setting of six state prisons is used as an exemplar of the application of three cardinal principles of PAR. First, development of a collaborative network with active partnership between outsider academic researchers and insider co-researchers began with careful attention to understanding the culture and processes of prisons and gaining the support of organizational leadership, using qualitative data gathering and trust-building. During the implementation phase, promoting co-ownership of change in EOL care through the co-construction of knowledge and systems to enhance sustainable change required carefully-orchestrated strategies to maximize the collaborative spirit of the project. Co-researchers were empowered to examine their worlds and capture opportunities for change using new leadership skills role-modeled by the research team. Third, their local knowledge of the barriers inherent in the contextual reality of prisons was translated into achievable system change by production of a toolkit of formalized and well-rehearsed change strategies that collaborative teams were empowered to enact within their hierarchical prison environment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra of Activated Carbons

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was applied to the study of the chemical surface structures of activated carbons and the carbons oxidized with air (400°C, 3hr) and nitric acid (3N HNO3, 100°C, 2hr).A FT-IR instrument used in this study is Digilab FTS-20C/D.KBr pellets of the carbons were prepared at a concentration of about 0.1 wt% and dried at 65°C for 3hr in vacuo.IR spectra were obtained by accumulating 800 scans (interferograms) at a resolution of 4 cm-1.The activated carbon prepared from wood by ZnCl2 activation method gave the aliphatic (alicyclic) C-H bands at 2960, 2920, 2860, 1450 and 1380 cm-1, the aromatic C-H bands at 3060, 870, 820 and 760 cm-1, the aromatic nucleus band at 1590 cm-1, and the carboxyl group bands at 1710 and 1260 cm-1.When the carbon was treated with KOH or Ca (OH) 2 aqueous solution, the band at 1710 cm-1 disappeared and the new band at 1400 cm-1 appeared, demonstrating that a carboxyl group (COOH) was converted into an ionized carboxyl group (COO-).It is, therefore, clear that carboxyl groups are present on activated carbon as surface acidic oxides.The activated carbons prepared from wood, coconut shell and coal by a steam activation method gave the aromatic nucleus band at 1590 cm-1 and the carboxyl group band at 1710 cm-1.The hydrogen contents of these carbons are so small that the absorption bands due to C-H bonds scarcely appeared.The band intensity at 1710 cm-1 was increased by oxidation of the carbon with air or nitric acid, indicating that the carboxyl groups were formed on the carbon by oxidation.It was very difficult in the past to obtain the IR spectra of activated carbons.The high resolution IR spectra of activated carbons were obtained by the use of FT-IR as shown in this paper.FT-IR is considered to be a very useful technique in the studies of chemical structures of carbons.
Intracranial Hypertension and Cerebral Hypoperfusion in Children With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Thresholds and Burden in Accidental and Abusive Insults.

OBJECTIVES: The evidence to guide therapy in pediatric traumatic brain injury is lacking, including insight into the intracranial pressure/cerebral perfusion pressure thresholds in abusive head trauma. We examined intracranial pressure/cerebral perfusion pressure thresholds and indices of intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure burden in relationship with outcome in severe traumatic brain injury and in accidental and abusive head trauma cohorts. DESIGN: A prospective observational study. SETTING: PICU in a tertiary children's hospital. PATIENTS: Children less than18 years old admitted to a PICU with severe traumatic brain injury and who had intracranial pressure monitoring. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A pediatric traumatic brain injury database was interrogated with 85 patients (18 abusive head trauma) enrolled. Hourly intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure (in mm Hg) were collated and compared with various thresholds. C-statistics for intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure data in the entire population were determined. Intracranial hypertension and cerebral hypoperfusion indices were formulated based on the number of hours with intracranial pressure more than 20 mm Hg and cerebral perfusion pressure less than 50 mm Hg, respectively. A secondary analysis was performed on accidental and abusive head trauma cohorts. All of these were compared with dichotomized 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale scores. The models with the number of hours with intracranial pressure more than 20 mm Hg (C = 0.641; 95% CI, 0.523-0.762) and cerebral perfusion pressure less than 45 mm Hg (C = 0.702; 95% CI, 0.586-0.805) had the best fits to discriminate outcome. Two factors were independently associated with a poor outcome, the number of hours with intracranial pressure more than 20 mm Hg and abusive head trauma (odds ratio = 5.101; 95% CI, 1.571-16.563). As the number of hours with intracranial pressure more than 20 mm Hg increases by 1, the odds of a poor outcome increased by 4.6% (odds ratio = 1.046; 95% CI, 1.012-1.082). Thresholds did not differ between accidental versus abusive head trauma. The intracranial hypertension and cerebral hypoperfusion indices were both associated with outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The duration of hours of intracranial pressure more than 20 mm Hg and cerebral perfusion pressure less than 45 mm Hg best discriminated poor outcome. As the number of hours with intracranial pressure more than 20 mm Hg increases by 1, the odds of a poor outcome increased by 4.6%. Although abusive head trauma was strongly associated with unfavorable outcome, intracranial pressure/cerebral perfusion pressure thresholds did not differ between accidental and abusive head trauma. Language: en
Quality Insights: Learning, forgetting, and relearning quality: a half-life learning curve modelling approach

Learning curves are used extensively in business, science, technology, engineering, and industry to predict system performance over time. Although most of the early developments and applications were in the area of production engineering, general applications can be found in all areas of applications. Quality engineering and technology, in particular, offer a fertile area for the application of learning curves. This paper applies the concept of half-life of learning curves to quality management. This is useful for predictive measures of quality system performance. Half-life is the amount of time it takes for a quantity to diminish to half of its original size through natural processes. The approach of half-life computation provides additional decision tool for researchers and practitioners in quality engineering and technology. Derivation of the half-life equations of learning curves can reveal more about the properties of the various curves, with respect to the unique life-cycle property of product quality.