cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intermodulation distortion and power handling in RF MEMS switches, varactors, and tunable filters

This paper presents a theoretical and experimental study of the nonlinear effects generated RF-microelectromechanical system (MEMS) varactors and capacitive switches. The theoretical part includes an analytic derivation, as well as an electromechanical model suitable for computer-aided design (CAD) simulation. The simulations agree very well with measurements performed on a 24-GHz three-pole MEMS tunable filter. It is shown that MEMS capacitive components with a spring constant k>10 N/m generate very low intermodulation, as compared to semiconductor devices, and lead to a two-tone third-order intermodulation intercept point (IIP3) greater than +40 dBm for /spl Delta/f>3-5f/sub 0/, where f/sub 0/ is the mechanical resonant frequency. In fact, the IIP3 increases to +80 dBm for a difference signal (/spl Delta/f) of 5 MHz. The CAD model also allows the evaluation of the power-handling capabilities of the tunable filter and, it is seen that, for the case presented here, distortions become significant for an input power greater than +20 dBm. Noise generation due to thermal effects on a movable membrane (Brownian noise) is also modeled and it is shown that the tunable filter results in a very low phase-noise level close to the carrier.
The future battlefield: a blast of gigawatts? [microwave-based weapons]

The growing interest in the military potential of high-power microwaves is discussed. The effect of such radiation on hardware is examined. Limits on beam intensity are identified, and methods for generating the beam are described. Biological effects of microwaves and the potential use against troops are discussed. The practicality of microwave-based weapons is assessed with regard to cost and military effectiveness. >
Metamaterial antennas for dual-band and dual-mode applications

Composite right/left-handed metamaterial antennas for dual-band and dual-mode applications are presented. In particular, the fundamental backward wave of an anisotropic composite right/left-handed metamaterial is used to realize a dual-band antenna. By using the infinite wavelength and backward wave of the composite right/left-handed metamaterial, a dual-mode antenna for radiation selectivity is realized.
Parallel Coupled Cavity Structure

A parallel coupled RF cavity structure which provides favorable solutions to all of the requirements for use in an e+ e-storage ring is described. Properties of this structure have been determined mathematically and through measurements on S-band models. An L-band prototype is being constructed and will be tested at high power.
Measurement of Left Ventricular Volume in the Canine Heart by Biplane Angiocardiography: Accuracy of the Method Using Different Model Analogies

Casts of the left ventricular cavity were made in 21 canine hearts. Fifty observations were made by means of biplane X-ray films. Left ventricular volume was measured by water displacement and calculated according to six different model analogies. There was good statistical correlation and small error for each of the methods. Method 1, based on the use of the ellipsoid as the reference figure, and using the projected area and the long axis to calculate the transverse diameter, was more accurate than the others. The standard error of estimate with this method was 2.5 ml or approximately 8% at a volume of 30 ml, an average end diastolic volume for a dog weighing 15 kg.
Analysis is necessary, but far from sufficient (abstract only): Experiences building and deploying successful tools for developers and testers

Why are there so few successful "real-world" programming and testing tools based on academic research? This talk focuses on program analysis tools, and proposes a surprisingly simple explanation with interesting ramifications.For a tool aimed at developers or testers to be successful, people must use it - and must use it to help accomplish their existing tasks, rather than as an end in itself. If the tool does not help them get their job done, or the effort to learn and/or use the tool is too great, users will not perceive enough value; the tool will not get significant usage, even if it is free.This talk focuses on the often-overlooked consequences of this seemingly basic statement in two major areas: program analysis, and the work beyond core analysis that must be done to make a successful tool. Examples will be drawn from tools that have been successfully used in industry (sold commercially, and developed for internal use).
myPyramid: increasing nutritional awareness

A major challenge that new college students face is the establishment of healthy habits that will affect their long-term health. Focusing on this difficult task is myPyramid: a dining hall service to support the development of healthy eating habits for busy and impressionable students. It offers an integrated student environment that builds basic nutrition and cooking skills in a fun and social manner while addressing unique student needs. In the myPyramid dining hall, students customize and cook meals that are tailored with the advice and recommendations of an "intelligent shopping basket". This intelligent basket offers personalized advice based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines to ensure proper nutrition based on students' eating history. By teaching students basic cooking skills and educating them about how foods affect their dietary balance, myPyramid empowers students with knowledge and skills to establish long-term healthy nutritional habits [10].
Effect of Propranolol on Systemic and Coronary Hemodynamics at Rest and during Simulated Exercise

The systemic and coronary hemodynamic effects of relatively large doses of propranolol have been studied following its infusion into intact anesthetized dogs at rest and during simulated exercise. At rest, the administration of propranolol was associated with decreased cardiac output and ventricular work and increased peripheral, pulmonary, and coronary vascular resistances. Coronary blood flow and coronary sinus oxygen content decreased while myocardial oxygen consumption and the index of cardiac efficiency were unchanged. The usual hemodynamic response to mild exercise was obtained, with increased cardiac output, cardiac work, body oxygen consumption, and a modest but insignificant increase in coronary blood flow. When propranolol was given and the same exercise continued, body oxygen consumption, cardiac output, and left ventricular work significantly decreased. Insignificant decreases occurred in coronary blood flow, left ventricular oxygen usage, and coronary sinus oxygen content. The present observations are consistent with the thesis that beta-adrenergic blockade induced by propranolol decreases cardiac work at rest and reduces the cardiovascular response to exercise.
Self-consistent-field calculations using Chebyshev-filtered subspace iteration

The power of density functional theory is often limited by the high computational demand in solving an eigenvalue problem at each self-consistent-field (SCF) iteration. The method presented in this paper replaces the explicit eigenvalue calculations by an approximation of the wanted invariant subspace, obtained with the help of well-selected Chebyshev polynomial filters. In this approach, only the initial SCF iteration requires solving an eigenvalue problem, in order to provide a good initial subspace. In the remaining SCF iterations, no iterative eigensolvers are involved. Instead, Chebyshev polynomials are used to refine the subspace. The subspace iteration at each step is easily five to ten times faster than solving a corresponding eigenproblem by the most efficient eigen-algorithms. Moreover, the subspace iteration reaches self-consistency within roughly the same number of steps as an eigensolver-based approach. This results in a significantly faster SCF iteration.
Microsatellite instability predicts improved response to adjuvant therapy with irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin in stage III colon cancer: Cancer and Leukemia Group B Protocol 89803.

Purpose Colon cancers exhibiting DNA mismatch repair (MMR) defects demonstrate distinct clinical and pathologic features, including better prognosis and reduced response to fluorouracil (FU) –based chemotherapy. This prospective study investigated adjuvant chemotherapy containing FU and irinotecan in patients with MMR deficient (MMR-D) colon cancers. Patients and Methods Cancer and Leukemia Group B 89803 randomly assigned 1,264 patients with stage III colon cancer to postoperative weekly bolus FU/leucovorin (LV) or weekly bolus irinotecan, FU, and LV (IFL). The primary end point was overall survival; disease-free survival (DFS) was a secondary end point. Tumor expression of the MMR proteins, MLH1 and MSH2, was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). DNA microsatellite instability was also assessed using a panel of mono- and dinucleotide markers. Tumors with MMR defects were those demonstrating loss of MMR protein expression (MMR-D) and/or microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) genotype. Results Of 723 ...
Structure-Property Correlation in Low K Dielectric Materials

In recent years there have been widespread efforts to identify low dielectric constant materials that can satisfy a number of diverse performance requirements necessary for successful integration into IC devices. This has led to extensive efforts to develop low k materials and the associated process integration. A particularly difficult challenge for material development has been to find the combination of low dielectric constant and good thermal and mechanical stability. In this paper recent characterization results for low k materials performed at the University of Texas will be reviewed, with an emphasis on the relationship of chemical structure to the aforementioned key material properties. For example, measurements showing the effect of film porosity on dielectric constant and thermal and mechanical properties is presented. This data, as well as that for other material types, demonstrates the tradeoffs between dielectric constant and thermomechanical properties that are often made during the course of material development.
Influence of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation on Arizona Winter Precipitation during Years of Neutral ENSO

Abstract Recent studies indicate that correlations between ENSO and winter precipitation in the southwestern United States may vary with the phase of the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO). In-phase relationships between ENSO and the PDO strengthen the impact of ENSO on winter precipitation, while out-of-phase relationships weaken this impact. It has been suggested that this knowledge of PDO phase can improve long lead winter forecasts. However, all of these studies have focused on the impact of the PDO on both El Nino and La Nina only. Years of neutral ENSO have been neglected even though neutral years occur roughly half the time and coincide with highly variable winter precipitation. It is expected that some of this variability may be caused by the phase of the PDO, although the extent of its relationship with ENSO is not well understood. When years of neutral ENSO from 1925 to 1998 are split by PDO phase, it is found that Arizona winter precipitation and its predictability are strongly influenced. Years...
Modified Automated Saccharogenic Determination of Serum and Urinary Amylase Activity

The automated method of O’Neal and Gochman [ Clin. Chem. 16, 985 (1970)] for determination of serum and urine amylase activity has been modified to increase its accuracy, precision, and efficiency. Sampling rate is 50 specimens per hour. The analysis depends on α-amylase hydrolyzing glycogen to maltose-like subunits, which are measured with the copper neocuproine reaction. Results obtained by this method are compared to those for a manual reference method [ Clin. Chem. 6, 434 (1960)].
Contributions of Ethnoarchaeology

By means of two case studies in Africa—one on the manufacture of alabaster vases, the other on the use of obsidian hide scrapers—this chapter illustrates the process of modeling recipes employing behavioral data from ethnoarchaeological reports. It is also argued that controlled comparisons are another avenue for creative ethnoarchaeological research. Supporting this claim is the case of form–function relationships in pottery, which shows how we can model the knowledge people use when designing artifacts. The second case, on the adoption of lightning conductors in the eighteenth century, indicates how we can model the generalizations that contributed to the adoption patterns of a science-generated technology. Finally, a template is presented that can guide data collection when studying an ongoing laboratory project.
Architecting Robotics and Automation Societies over Reusable Software Frameworks: the Case of the G++ Agent Platform

This work presents a software framework that allows the implementation of societies made-up by autonomous collaborative devices. The framework is structured as a multi-layer reusable architecture, adopting the software agent as the design paradigm. In this paper, an overview of its main features is offered, and an example of its adoption in the design of a robot colony is provided.
Empirical Insights on Indexing: How Capitalization, Stratification and Weighting Can Affect Tracking Error

The focus of this study is the effect that portfolio composition has on the tracking performance of indexed portfolios. Indexed portfolios from high-capitalization indices are shown to have a lower tracking error and standard deviation of tracking error than indexed portfolios from low-capitalization indices. Additionally, the results indicate that value-weighted indices can be indexed more accurately than equally-weighted indices. Moreover, stratification across industry groups does not appear to be as important for forming a low-capitalization indexed portfolio as it is for forming a high-capitalization indexed portfolio. Finally, the rebalancing frequency of solving for the optimal portfolio weights for the stocks in the indexed portfolios does not appear to be critical factor affecting tracking performance.
Management of the Liver Transplant Recipient: Approach to Allograft Dysfunction

Liver transplant (LT) recipients are living longer than ever today and many will experience some form of allograft dysfunction. The common causes of allograft dysfunction vary significantly depending on the timing since LT. Most allograft abnormalities are manageable with minimally invasive procedures, medications, and lifestyle modification. The most common differential diagnoses by time period after LT, and diagnostic and management considerations, are highlighted. Collaboration and comanagement of LT recipients between primary care and the transplant hepatologist is essential for optimizing recipient and allograft outcomes.
Commentary on: Rhinoplasty: surface aesthetics and surgical techniques.

Contour of the nose is determined by a series of shadows and highlights that emphasize the shape of the nose.1 The desired contours are curvilinear with smooth transitions from dorsum to mid-vault to nasal tip. Control of nasal contour requires precise management of the underlying nasal structures. The structure approach to rhinoplasty employs conservative reduction of the cartilage structures and reshaping using cartilage grafting.2 Cartilage grafts such as spreader grafts and lateral crural strut grafts help to control the shape of the middle nasal vault and lower third of the nose, respectively.3,4 Such grafts have helped surgeons improve their long-term outcomes as well as link nasal aesthetics and surgical technique. In the article entitled, “Rhinoplasty: Surface Aesthetics and Surgical Technique,” Dr Cakir and his coauthors have described how the nasal contour is composed of a series of polygons as aesthetic units and linked these concepts to their own techniques. The ideal contour on frontal view is typically described as having bilateral divergent concave lines that create symmetric “brow tip aesthetic lines.”5–7 In contrast, the authors describe the frontal view as a series of polygons, with a superior polygon that is narrow at the radix and widens toward the middle nasal vault and an inferior polygon that narrows at the supratip. This series of shapes more closely represents the shape of the underlying nasal structures (nasion, nasal bones, and upper lateral cartilages) rather than the superficial nasal contour. Transitions in skin thickness—from thick in the radix region, to …
Abstract SY01-01: Regulation of growth by the mTOR pathway.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC mTOR is the target of the immunosuppressive drug rapamycin and the central component of a nutrient-and hormone-sensitive signaling pathway that regulates cell growth and proliferation. We now appreciate that this pathway becomes deregulated in many human cancers and has an important role in the control of metabolism and aging. We have identified two distinct mTOR-containing proteins complexes, one of which regulates growth through S6K and another that regulates cell survival through Akt. These complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, define both rapamycin-sensitive and insensitive branches of the mTOR pathway. I will discuss new results from our lab on the regulation and functions of the mTORC1 and mTORC2 pathways. Citation Format: David M. Sabatini. Regulation of growth by the mTOR pathway. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY01-01. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-SY01-01
Enhancing the convex analysis of mixtures technique for estimating DCE-MRI pharmacokinetic parameters

Dynamic-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is a useful noninvasive tool for monitoring tumor angiogenesis and assessing therapeutic response. One major problem that prevents an accurate estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters is partial-volume effect (PVE). A multi-tissue compartmental modeling (CM) technique supported by convex analysis of mixtures (CAM) is used to overcome the PVE by clustering pixels and constructing a simplex whose vertices are of a single compartment type. CAM uses the identified pure-volume pixels to estimate the kinetics of the tissues under investigation. This paper reports an enhanced version of CAM-CM to identify pure-volume pixels more accurately. This includes the consideration of the neighborhood effect on each pixel and the use of a barycentric coordinate system to identify more pure-volume pixels and to test those identified by CAM. The enhanced CAM achieved root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.00348 ± 0.000019, lower than the RMSE of 0.05409 ± 0.00496 achieved by CAM.
Both/and: researcher as participant in qualitative inquiry

Purpose – Within the conversation about insider/outsider positioning, little has been written about qualitative research when the researcher is also a participant. This paper describes a unique situation in which co-researchers (doctoral interns) were also interviewees, inhabiting dual roles within a single study. The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential benefits of this experience for the professional development of new qualitative researchers. Design/methodology/approach – Reflections of the two co-researchers (doctoral interns) – taken from journals, memos, and team debriefing meetings – are analyzed thematically thematically by the lead researcher. Data extracts are used to illustrate key themes and illuminate cross-cultural comparisons. Findings – The paper presents three core themes relating to vulnerability, and disclosure. The interns’ participant/researcher experience sensitized them to the experience of those whose stories they sought to represent, suggesting that participation may ...
Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage in pregnancy; a case report.

Abstract The case reported is added to the literature in order to show that vaginal delivery with adequate sedation, regional anesthesia, and low forceps delivery is probably a safe method of delivery under these circumstances.
Evaluation of the chromogenic anti-factor IIa assay to assess dabigatran exposure in geriatric patients with atrial fibrillation in an outpatient setting

Dabigatran etexilate may be underutilized in geriatric patients because of inadequate clinical experience in individuals with severe renal impairment and post-marketing reports of bleeding events. Assessing the degree of anticoagulation may improve the risk:benefit ratio for dabigatran. The aim of this prospective study was to identify whether therapeutic drug monitoring of dabigatran anticoagulant activity using a chromogenic anti-factor IIa assay is a viable option for therapy individualization. Plasma dabigatran concentration was assessed in nine patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation aged 75 years or older currently receiving dabigatran etexilate for prevention of stroke, using an anti-factor IIa chromogenic assay and HPLC-MS/MS. Trough concentrations were evaluated on two separate occasions to determine intrapatient variation. Blood was collected at 13.1 ± 2.3 h (mean ± SD) post dose from patients prescribed dabigatran etexilate 150 mg twice daily (5/9 patients) or dabigatran etexilate 75 mg twice daily (4/9 patients). Results from the anti-factor IIa chromogenic assay correlated with dabigatran concentrations as assessed by HPLC-MS/MS (r 2 = 0.81, n = 16). There was no correlation between dabigatran trough values taken at separate visits (r 2 = 0.002, n = 7). Furthermore, there was no correlation found between the drug concentrations and patients’ renal function determined by both creatinine and cystatin-C based equations. None of the patients enrolled in the study were in the proposed on-therapy trough range during at least one visit. The chromogenic anti-factor IIa assay demonstrated similar performance in quantifying dabigatran plasma trough concentrations to HPLC-MS/MS. Single measurement of dabigatran concentration by either of two methods during routine visits may not be reliable in identifying patients at consistently low or high dabigatran concentrations.
Parsimonious covariate selection for a multicategory ordered response.

We propose a flexible continuation ratio (CR) model for an ordinal categorical response with potentially ultrahigh dimensional data that characterizes the unique covariate effects at each response level. The CR model is the logit of the conditional discrete hazard function for each response level given covariates. We propose two modeling strategies, one that keeps the same covariate set for each hazard function but allows regression coefficients to arbitrarily change with response level, and one that allows both the set of covariates and their regression coefficients to arbitrarily change with response. Evaluating a covariate set is accomplished by using the nonparametric bootstrap to estimate prediction error and their robust standard errors that do not rely on proper model specification. To help with interpretation of the selected covariate set, we flexibly estimate the conditional cumulative distribution function given the covariates using the separate hazard function models. The goodness-of-fit of our...
Neoliberalism and Education: The Disfiguration of Students

The story of neoliberalism is quite familiar to the millions across the USA whose lives have been ravaged by the “financial crisis of 2007–2008,” which led to countless families losing their life savings, homes, and businesses. Commercial media attempted to neutralize the nastiness of neoliberal policies that led directly to this unseemly situation by calling the global emergency “a financial crisis” or “economic downturn,” as if these events were unfolding as part of a historical movement or a cyclical part of economic laws. Yet, it was clear that this situation was a direct and logical outcome of the corporate wilding of America, where years of unchecked neoliberal policies have resulted in the greatest wealth gap to date in this country. The resulting scenario is violence—but not necessarily the type of violence that media outlets typically portray. I am not talking about muggings, robberies, or even shootings. I am pointing to a much deeper and sinister type of violence: the type of violence that can be prevented easily, such as the violence of forcing people, especially children, to go perpetually hungry in a society of great abundance; the violence of having people sleep on the streets unprotected from the harsh elements when millions of homes are vacant across the country (in 2014, there were about 1.75 million homeless persons and 18 million vacant homes in the USA (roughly 10 homes for every homeless); please see National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty); and the violence of paying people such low wages that they are unable to secure basic human needs such as clean water, healthy food, dental and medical care, a decent home, affordable transportation, and quality education.
MDCT venographic patterns of dural venous sinus compromise after acute skull fracture

OBJECTIVE. Prior studies have shown that skull fractures overlying the dural venous sinuses predispose the patient to an increased risk of dural venous sinus thrombosis (DVST). However, extrinsic compression may also cause sinus compromise and simulate thrombosis. This study set out to evaluate the prevalence and discernibility of DVST versus direct sinus compression in the setting of an overlying skull fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS. All initial head MDCT venography examinations performed at a level 1 trauma center over an 8-year period were reviewed (n = 347 patients). The examinations that showed an acute fracture overlying a dural sinus were included for review (n = 107 patients). Three neuroradiologists classified the MDCT venography findings as category 0 (normal), 1 (solely sinus compression), 2 (solely intraluminal thrombus), 3 (mixed sinus compression and DVST), or 4 (indeterminate). Clinical outcomes were assessed at 30–45 days after hospital discharge. RESULTS. The percentage of patients in ea...
Hilbert manifolds and perturbations

In finite-dimensional Morse theory, the reconstruction of the ordinary homology of a manifold from a suitable Morse function relies on the familiar notions of transversality in differential topology. Finite-dimensional results such as Sard's theorem have their analogs for infinite-dimensional manifolds modelled on Banach or Hilbert spaces. This chapter introduces suitable Hilbert manifolds, to replace our configuration spaces of smooth pairs ( A , Ф). We then examine with care how to introduce perturbations of the Seiberg–Witten equations. In the next chapter, this framework will allow us to carry over the transversality results, from finite-dimensional Morse theory, to the Morse theory of the Chern–Simons–Dirac functional and its perturbations. Completions and Hilbert manifolds Completions of the configuration spaces Although Sobolev norms were introduced in the proof of the compactness theorems, we have so far considered only smooth configurations. We now introduce the Sobolev completions of C ( X , s X ) and C ( Y , s), and of the corresponding gauge groups. In order to be able to deal with X and Y side by side, we will temporarily introduce M to stand for either one. Thus M will be a compact Riemannian manifold (whose dimension will be 3 or 4) with a spin c structure. The boundary ∂ M may be non-empty.
Pretreatment and fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass for production of biofuel and value-added products

73 Introduction 74 Materials and Methods 76 Results and Discussion 85 Conclusions 97 Acknowledgements 97
Single-site laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure of the internal ring using an epidural and spinal needle: excellent results in 1464 children with inguinal hernia/hydrocele

Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) of the internal ring is a well-developed procedure for pediatric inguinal hernia and hydrocele. To reduce the skin incisions and improve the cosmesis, single-site LPEC (SLPEC) has been developed with numerous techniques and instruments. In this study, we described our modifications of SLPEC using an epidural and spinal needle in a large pediatric population. From February 2013 to February 2016, 1464 pediatric patients who underwent SLPEC in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. A 5-mm laparoscope was introduced at the subumbilicus. An 18-gauge epidural needle with a silk suture loop was introduced into the corresponding skin of the internal ring. The needle was advanced extraperitoneally on the medial side of the ring. The suture loop was pushed into peritoneal cavity by the spinal needle. The epidural needle was withdrawn to the roof of the internal ring and then kept advancing along the lateral side. Aided by the spinal needle and laparoscope, a long suture loop was sent into the first loop in peritoneal cavity. The long suture loop was pulled out of the abdominal wall by picking up the first loop, and the internal ring was closed by knotting the suture extracorporeally. The contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) was simultaneously repaired if present. In total, 981 patients presented with inguinal hernia and 483 with hydrocele. A CPPV was present in 483 patients with unilateral pathology and thus simultaneously repaired. The hydrodissection technique and grasping forceps were used in 290 and 113 patients, respectively. The median operation time was 11 min (7–18 min) and 18 min (10–30 min) for unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernias/hydroceles, respectively. There was no development of intra- or postoperative complications. SLPEC using an epidural and spinal needle can be performed with excellent results in pediatric inguinal hernias and hydroceles.
Low temperature thermal expansion behavior in the Kondo system La1−x Ce x Al2

The thermal expansion coefficient for La1−x Ce x Al2 has been measured from 4 to 50 K and compared to recent calculations based on a valence fluctuation model. The experimental results were found to be inconsistent with the predictions assuming valence fluctuations, even though the predictions of this model for the specific heat and magnetic susceptibility are in striking agreement with the measured quantities. The thermal expansion coefficient was not determined with sufficient precision to allow a quantitative comparison with prediction assuming resonant scattering-Kondo behavior.
Segregation as a Source of Contextual Advantage: A Formal Theory with Application to American Cities

A frequently cited model of why segregation contributes to inequality is that segregation increases the level of contextual advantage of advantaged segregated groups and the level of contextual disadvantage of disadvantaged segregated groups. This paper provides a formal demographic model of this process. The model begins with two groups that differ along a dimension of average advantage and disadvantage, for instance, two racial groups that differ in their poverty rates. The model illustrates how the contextual advantages and disadvantages from segregation are affected by a series of demographic conditions: group relative size, group advantage-disadvantage rates, group effects on advantage-disadvantage rates of nongroup neighbors, and advantage-disadvantage effects on group contact. The paper outlines a series of eleven conclusions from the theoretical model and applies the theoretical model to understanding racial segregation effects on racial group neighborhood poverty contact in American cities.
Assessing Multi-aspects and Integral Sustainability of Bulgarian Farms

Abstract. The issue of assessment sustainability of agricultural farms as a whole and of different type is among the most topical for researchers, farmers, investors, administrators, politicians, interests groups and public at large. Despite that practically there are no assessments on sustainability level of Bulgarian farms in conditions of European Union Common Agricultural Policy implementation. This article applies a holistic framework and assesses sustainability of Bulgarian farms as a whole and of different juridical type, size, production specialization, and ecological and geographical location. Initially the method of the study is outlined, and overall characteristics of surveyed holdings presented. After that an assessment is made of integral, governance, economic, social, environmental sustainability of farms in general and of different type and location. Next, structure of farms with different sustainability levels is analyzed. Finally, factors for improving sustainability of Bulgarian farms are identified, and directions for further research and amelioration of farm management and public intervention in the sector suggested.Our study has found out that overall sustainability of Bulgarian farms is at a good level, with superior levels for environmental and social sustainability, and inferior level for governance and economic sustainability. There are great variations in sustainability levels of farms of different type and location as well as in shares of holdings with unlike level of sustainability. Factors which stimulate to the greatest extent the actions of Bulgarian farms for improving individual aspects of sustainability are Access to Advisory Services, Professional Training of Manager and Hired Labor, Personal Conviction and Satisfaction, Positive Experience of Other Farms, Available Innovations, Financial Capability, Private Contracts and Agreements, and Registration and Certification of Products, Services, etc. National and European mechanisms of regulation and support, which affect to the greatest extent economic sustainability of Bulgarian farms are: Direct Area Based Payments, National Tops Ups for Products, Livestock, etc., Modernization of Agricultural Holdings, Green Payments, Support to Semi-market Farms. Keywords. Farm sustainability, Governance, Ecological aspects, Factors of sustainability, EU CAP impact, Bulgaria. JEL. Q10, Q56, R33.
Night-Break Experiments Shed Light on the Photoperiod1-Mediated Flowering

Plants utilize variation in day length (photoperiod) to anticipate seasonal changes. They respond by modulating their growth and development to maximize seed production, which in cereal crops is directly related to yield. In wheat (Triticum aestivum), the acceleration of flowering under long days (LD) is dependent on the light induction of PHOTOPERIOD1 (PPD1) by phytochromes. Under LD, PPD1 activates FLOWERING LOCUS T1 (FT1), a mobile signaling protein that travels from the leaves to the shoot apical meristem to promote flowering. Here, we show that the interruption of long nights by short pulses of light ("night-break" [NB]) accelerates wheat flowering, suggesting that the duration of the night is critical for wheat photoperiodic response. PPD1 transcription was rapidly upregulated by NBs, and the magnitude of this induction increased with the length of darkness preceding the NB Cycloheximide abolished the NB up-regulation of PPD1, suggesting that this process is dependent on active protein synthesis during darkness. While one NB was sufficient to induce PPD1, more than 15 NBs were required to induce high levels of FT1 expression and a strong acceleration of flowering. Multiple NBs did not affect the expression of core circadian clock genes. The acceleration of flowering by NB disappeared in ppd1-null mutants, demonstrating that this response is mediated by PPD1 The acceleration of flowering was strongest when NBs were applied in the middle of the night, suggesting that in addition to PPD1, other circadian-controlled factors are required for the up-regulation of FT1 expression and the acceleration of flowering.
Strain Rate Dependent Tensile Behavior of Ultra-High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concretes (UHP-FRC) can be designed to resist increasing tensile loading after first matrix cracking, which results from strain hardening tensile characteristics accompanied by multiple cracking. Previous investigations carried out under static loading conditions have clearly shown that matrix composition, fiber material and geometry as well as fiber volume fraction and fiber orientation influence the strain hardening tensile behavior. This paper describes research that was conducted to study the direct tensile behavior of UHP-FRC loaded at various speeds. A hydraulic test machine was used to apply load up to 103 times faster than static loading, i.e. up to a strain rate of \(\dot{\varepsilon}\) = 0.1 s− 1. The test setup was designed to permit reliable measurement of direct tension test results at the different loading speeds considered, taking into consideration a reasonable gage length for multiple crack development while minimizing the inertial effects associated with the specimen and attached measurement equipment. The strain rate dependent tensile behavior is analyzed in terms of peak strength, strain at peak strength, hardening modulus and energy absorption capacity prior to softening. The results show the strain rate sensitivity of each of these parameters at fiber volume fractions of 2, 2.5 and 3%.
Universal quantum computing using (Z d ) 3 symmetry-protected topologically ordered states

Measurement-based quantum computation describes a scheme where entanglement of resource states is utilized to simulate arbitrary quantum gates via local measurements. Recent works suggest that symmetry-protected topologically nontrivial, short-ranged entangled states are promising candidates for such a resource. Miller and Miyake [npj Quantum Inf. 2, 16036 (2016)] recently constructed a particular ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathbb{Z}}_{2}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ symmetry-protected topological state on the Union Jack lattice and established its quantum-computational universality. However, they suggested that the same construction on the triangular lattice might not lead to a universal resource. Instead of qubits, we generalize the construction to qudits and show that the resulting $(d\ensuremath{-}1)$ qudit nontrivial ${\mathbb{Z}}_{d}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathbb{Z}}_{d}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathbb{Z}}_{d}$ symmetry-protected topological states are universal on the triangular lattice, for $d$ being a prime number greater than 2. The same construction also holds for other 3-colorable lattices, including the Union Jack lattice.
The allocation of rental assistance resources: the paradox of high housing costs and high vacancy rates

The United States follows a dual strategy to address housing affordability problems among low-income renter households. The dual strategy is premised on a demand-side programme for soft markets and...
Psychological Factors Affecting Pharmacologic Compliance

Characteristic psychological factors affecting compliance with medication are discussed in this article in reference to three childhood psychiatric disorders. In attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, issues often center on attribution of change. In bulimia nervosa, primitive dynamics involving loss of identity, dependency, and idealization are triggered by ingestion. In anxiety and depressive disorders, cure may lead to a denial of the disorder in younger children, and questions of identity content in older children. In all situations, noncompliance provides an opportunity to understand a patient’s emotional life.
Uniform Differentiability and Approximations; Mappings

This chapter treats certain approximations to derivatives and increments of functions. The proofs of most of the results in the chapter depend in the last analysis on the mean-value theorem for functions f: [a, b]→ℝ. The following notation was introduced in the first chapter. $$x = \left[ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}{{x_1}} \\{{x_0}}\end{array}} \right],\Delta (x) = \left| {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}{{x_1}} \\{{x_0}}\end{array}\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}1 \\1\end{array}} \right|,{\Delta _1}f(x) = \left| {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}{f({x_1})} \\{f({x_0})}\end{array}\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}1 \\1\end{array}} \right|,{D_1}f(x) = {f^,}(x).$$ (1)
Applications of Terrestrial Remote Sensing to Climate Modeling

Terrestrial processes are an important component of climate. Climate can be viewed as a nonlinear dynamical system which generates statistics to be com- pared with observational statistics. The surface is forced by net radiation balanced by sensible and latent fluxes, and by precipitation balanced by evapotranspiration, soil moisture storage, and runoff. These balances depend on detailed geographic de- scriptions of parameters required by the modeling. These details are constrained by satellite remote sensing (as demonstrated by various recent studies) with consequent substantial improvement in climate models. Some of these parameters, especially those involving vegetation, may be evolved with the climate system. When climate models characterize their radiative processes consistent with the remote sensing algorithms useful for their detection, they become physically more realistic and provide a suitable modeling framework for forward modeling data as- similation. In particular, the 3D nature of canopy radiation needs to be represented in climate models and how this connects trees and bushes to various underlying surfaces.
A comparison of residual nitrite and nitrate, lipid oxidation, cut-surface color, and sensory and visual characteristics for nitrite-added and no-nitrite- or - nitrate-added Canadian-style bacon

iii CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 Thesis Organization 2 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 3 I. Conventional Curing 3 a. Salt 3 b. Phosphate 4 c. Sodium Lactate 6 d. Nitrate and Nitrite 7 e. Reductants 11 II. Natural Curing 13 a. Celery Powder 14 b. Sea Salt 15 c. Starter Cultures 16 d. Cherry Powder 17 e. Lemon Powder 18 f. Raw Sugar 19 g. Natural and Organic Markets 20 References 23 CHAPTER 3. A COMPARISON OF RESIDUAL NITRITE AND NITRATE, LIPID OXIDATION, CUT-SURFACE COLOR, SENSORY AND VISUAL CHARACTERISTICS FOR NITRITE-ADDED AND NO-NITRITEOR -NITRATEADDED CANADIAN-STYLE BACON 31 Abstract 3
Gender: Shifting from “Evading” to “Engaging”––Gender Issues and Jewish Adolescents

In recent years, “gender” has emerged as a prism through which North American Jewish educators discuss adolescents and Jewish identity, communal participation, and programming. Jewish organizations have developed a range of youth and professional development initiatives that foster open discussion with adolescents on intimate relationships, sexuality, gender identity, and body image. The initiatives utilize Jewish texts, themes, and values as frames for exploration of gender issues within formal and informal Jewish educational programming. This chapter highlights recently developed curricula, professional development, educator training, and Participatory Action Research, suggesting a shift from “evasion” to “engagement” of gender issues within Jewish education.
Extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid in high-risk and normal-risk children with autism aged 2-4 years: a case-control study.

Summary Background We previously showed, in two separate cohorts, that high-risk infants who were later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder had abnormally high extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume from age 6–24 months. The presence of increased extra-axial CSF volume preceded the onset of behavioural symptoms of autism and was predictive of a later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. In this study, we aimed to establish whether increased extra-axial CSF volume is found in a large, independent sample of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, whether extra-axial CSF remains abnormally increased beyond infancy, and whether it is present in both normal-risk and high-risk children with autism. Methods In this case-control MRI study, children with autism spectrum disorder or with typical development aged 2–4 years were recruited from the community to the UC Davis MIND Institute Autism Phenome Project, based in Sacramento, CA, USA. The autism spectrum disorder group comprised children with autism spectrum disorder who were either normal risk (ie, from simplex families) or high risk (ie, from multiplex families). Measurements of extra-axial CSF volume, brain volume, head circumference, sleep problems, and familial risk status were derived from MRI and behavioural assessments. We applied a previously validated machine learning algorithm based on extra-axial CSF volume, brain volume, age, and sex to the current dataset. Findings Between July 20, 2007, and Dec 13, 2012, 159 children with autism spectrum disorder (132 male, 27 female) and 77 with typical development (49 male, 28 female) underwent MRI scans. The autism spectrum disorder group had an average of 15·1% more extra-axial CSF than controls after accounting for differences in brain volume, weight, age, and sex (least-squares mean 116·74 cm3 [SE 3·33] in autism group vs 101·40 cm3 [3·93] in typical development group; p=0·007; Cohen's d = 0·39). Subgroups of normal-risk (n=132) and high-risk (n=27) children with autism spectrum disorder had nearly identical extra-axial CSF volumes (p=0·78), and both subgroups had significantly greater volumes than controls. Both extra-axial CSF volume (p=0·004) and brain volume (p Interpretation Increased extra-axial CSF volume is a reliable brain anomaly that has now been found in three independent cohorts, comprising both high-risk and normal-risk children with autism spectrum disorder. Increased extra-axial CSF volume is detectable using conventional structural MRI scans from infancy through to age 3 years. These results suggest that increased extra-axial CSF volume could be an early stratification biomarker of a biologically based subtype of autism that might share a common underlying pathophysiology. Funding US National Institutes of Health.
Yoga led by a physical therapist for individuals with Essential Tremor: An explorative pilot study.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the outcomes for individuals with Essential Tremor (ET) who participate in a community-based yoga class, led by a neurologic physical therapist. Methods Six subjects with ET completed an 8-week intervention consisting of weekly 1-h yoga classes (in the Vinyasa style) guided by an instructor (200-h registered yoga teacher, physical therapist, and neurological resident). Results Five subjects demonstrated improvements on the Tremor Research Group Essential Tremor Rating Scale (mean 15.3%, range 8.3–34.7%). The mean improvement on the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale was 10.8% (range 2.5–20%). Five subjects maintained pre-intervention anxiety levels (“very low”) while one reported increased anxiety secondary to a non-study related factor. Minimal improvements were noted in the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire. Conclusion This pilot study offers support for further examining the benefits of integration of yoga into an exercise program for individuals with ET and specific suggestions for future research are offered. There were no adverse events with participation in yoga.