cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Dependent Service Times on Large-Scale Service Systems

This paper investigates the impact of dependence among successive service times on the transient and steady-state performance of a large-scale service system. This is done by studying an infinite-server queueing model with time-varying arrival rate, exploiting a recently established heavy-traffic limit, allowing dependence among the service times. This limit shows that the number of customers in the system at any time is approximately Gaussian, where the time-varying mean is unaffected by the dependence, but the time-varying variance is affected by the dependence. As a consequence, required staffing to meet customary quality-of-service targets in a large-scale service system with finitely many servers based on a normal approximation is primarily affected by dependence among the service times through this time-varying variance. This paper develops formulas and algorithms to quantify the impact of the dependence among the service times on that variance. The approximation applies directly to infinite-server models but also indirectly to associated finite-server models, exploiting approximations based on the peakedness (the ratio of the variance to the mean in the infinite-server model). Comparisons with simulations confirm that the approximations can be useful to assess the impact of the dependence.
Effects of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase inhibitors on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from the isolated perfused rat pancreas

Some of the metabolites of arachidonic acid formed in the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways stimulate insulin release. We studied the relative importance of each of these pathways in the modulation of glucose-induced insulin release by using inhibitors of arachidonate metabolism. Perfusion of the isolated rat pancreas with two chemically different inhibitors of cyclooxygenase, flurbiprofen and sodium salicylate, markedly inhibited prostaglandin E2 release, but had little effect on glucose-induced insulin release or on potentiation of insulin release caused by prior exposure to glucose. On the other hand, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a lipoxygenase inhibitor, not only inhibited both phases of glucose-induced insulin release but also abolished the potentiation effect. These effects of NDGA prevailed, when it was administered together with flurbiprofen, which caused profound inhibition of prostaglandin E2 release. We conclude that 1) lipoxygenase pathways play a dominant role in glucose-stimulated insulin release, and 2) endogenous lipoxygenase metabolites influence the potentiating effect of glucose on the release of insulin in response to a subsequent stimulation.
WITHIN-SEASON PREVALENCE OF EXTRAPAIR YOUNG IN BROODS OF DOUBLE-BROODED AND MATE-FAITHFUL EASTERN PHOEBES (SAYORNIS PHOEBE) IN INDIANA

Abstract We examined prevalence of extrapair young (EPY) between first and second broods of a multibrooded passerine, Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe). During the 1998–2000 field seasons, we conducted behavioral observations to assign social parentage to offspring in nests and then conducted paternity analysis on a subset of social families where (1) the male and female maintained their pair bond for all broods within the breeding season, and (2) adults successfully fledged their first brood and subsequently attempted a second brood within the same breeding season. We used three hypervariable microsatellite loci to document the presence and frequency of EPY in first and second brood offspring from 87 social family units where all individuals had been sampled (n = 174 broods, n = 81 social males, n = 82 social females, n = 769 offspring). Although the majority of pairs were both socially and genetically monogamous within a breeding season, 17.2% (15 of 87 families) of all families had EPY in at least one b...
SAR studies on a novel series of human cytomegalovirus primase inhibitors.

Abstract A novel series of imidazolylpyrimidines were found to possess inhibitory activity against the human CMV UL70 primase. Extensive SAR studies on an HTS lead led to potent, orally bioavailable compounds with anti-CMV IC 50 values of 150 nM in both viral yield and viral DNA replication assays and with a much reduced cytotoxicity compared to marketed treatments ganciclovir and cidofovir.
The J-Curve Hypothesis And Currency Devaluation: Cases Of Egypt And Ghana

The paper reviews effects of devaluation on balance of trade by using Marshall Lerner condition, J-Curve hypothesis. It extends the hypothesis further to consider a case of continuous devaluations of exchange rates. After initially contributing to conventional theory of J-Curve hypothesis, and the paper then tests the theory for cases of Ghana and Egypt. In both cases it is found that theoretical arguments are consistent with empirical evidence. Paper consists of four sections including introduction.
Analysis of Treatment Organizations

Sociological study of the formal organizalarger category of "people-changing" or tion has successively included such diverse ganizations and the two major types that types as the government bureau, business compose this category: socialization and corporation, law firm, and military organitreatment agencies. We will then examine zation. Extension of organizational analysis the distinctive features of treatment organi into the health and welfare field has been zations. Finally, we will address certain extremely limited; it has just begun with problems that confront treatment and other respect to the mental hospital and the complex organizations, namely, use of prison. Within this framework there are human relations technologies, reliance on as yet no adequate studies of the public professionals, consequences for clients, and welfare agency, child guidance clinic, youthevaluation of performance, serving recreation agency, probation office, juvenile court, or family service or adoption PEOPLE-CHANGING ORGANIZATIONS agency. This mode of analysis proceeds by . , comparing different types of organizations Treatment agencies are part of a larger to gain better understanding of each, and class of organizations responsible for chang then examines the interrelations among mg people. The university and military their major operational features. Gradually academy, guidance clinic and mental hos tile knowledge thus available will permit pital, probation office and correctional in deliberate redesign of organizational constltuuUon are a11 fxamP es of organizations ditions to achieve more effective services. m ^is general class. Viewed broadly, the This preliminary statement is limited to major functions of people-changing orgam direct-service health and welfare organizaf tions are socialization and social control, tions, which are given the general term n each instance a specific population is "treatment" agencies. dealt Wlth m calculated/° insuf the We will be§n with consideration of the P^ervation of dominant values and pat 6 t rns.
Current Analysis and Future Research Agenda on “Gold Farming”: Real-World Production in Developing Countries for the Virtual Economies of Online Games

From the start of the 21st century, a new form of employment has emerged in developing countries. It employs hundreds of thousands of people and earns hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Yet it has been almost invisible to both the academic and development communities. It is the phenomenon of "gold farming": the production of virtual goods and services for players of online games. China is the employment epicentre but the sub-sector has spread to other Asian nations and will spread further as online games-playing grows. It is the first example of a likely future development trend in online employment. It is also one of a few emerging examples in developing countries of "liminal ICT work"; jobs associated with digital technologies that are around or just below the threshold of what is deemed socially-acceptable and/or formally-legal.This paper reviews what we know so far about gold farming, seeking to provide the first systematic analysis of the sub-sector. It assembles available data at the sectoral, enterprise and worker level. Five main analytical lenses are then applied. Economic analysis shows how exchange rate variations and scale economies do and do not impact gold farming; and the strong influence of information failure in the purchase of virtual items: known as "real-money trading". Analysis from the perspective of industrial sociology charts the commoditisation and globalisation of the sub-sector, while value chain models identify resource dependencies and power inequities. Enterprise analysis investigates enterprise entry, existence and progression, and outlines the competitive forces shaping the sub-sector's development; particularly threats. Developmental analysis investigates the impact of this sub-sector in macro and micro terms. Finally, there is a sociological analysis of the role played by perceptions and other social forces.In using a broad base of analytical perspectives, the paper aims to encourage, and provide a stepping stone for, further research on this growing phenomenon. It concludes by outlining and justifying a future research agenda.
The So-Called Occipital Suture in the Trichopterous Larvæ and in Other Orders.

The larvae of the Leptoceridae present a pair of sutures found in no other family of the Trichoptera. These sutures pass from the dorsal margin of the occipital foramen, laterad and cephalad to a position between the eyes and the antennae where they meet the ends of the epicranial arms by a sharp bend upwards, (Figs. 1–4). The presence of these sutures in this single family of Trichoptera, correlated with the hypothesis that the Leptoceridae represent the stem form in this order, (Krafka, '23) would indicate them to be of considerable phyletic importance.
A Brief Introduction to Equine Influenza and Equine Influenza Viruses

Equine influenza virus (EIV) is a common respiratory pathogen of horses and other equids in most parts of the world. EIV are Type A influenza viruses and two subtypes are known: H3N8 and H7N7. Both are believed to have evolved from avian influenza virus ancestors. The H3N8 subtype circulates widely, but the H7N7 subtype is thought to be extinct. The clinical disease in horses, caused by either subtype, is an upper respiratory infection of varying severity depending upon the immune status of the individual animal. It is not normally life-threatening in itself except in very young foals; however it predisposes infected equids to secondary infections capable of producing life-threatening pneumonias. Vaccines are available and widely used in some horse populations, but their effectiveness is limited by antigenic drift and other factors, and vaccinated animals with subclinical infections have been responsible for introduction of EIV into susceptible populations. EIV has spread into canines.
I will Help You Pass the Puzzle Piece to Your Partner if This is What You Want Me to: The Design of Collaborative Puzzle Games to Train Chinese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Joint Attention Skills

Children with ASD are usually facing social and communication challenges, for example avoiding face-to-face conversation or being reluctant to socialize and share with others. Previous collaborative games had implemented Enforced Collaboration (EC) pattern for players to share a single work space with highly coupled collaborative tasks, which thus could result in forced collaboration and reduce game playability. In addition, it is unclear whether the improved social attention and joint attention skills learned from playing these games are transferrable to real-life situations. We approach these issues by designing tablet and tabletop-enabled games to support sharing in player's individual work space instead of a single workspace. In particular, giving/sharing virtual items to other players based on each other's joint attention skills. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in mainland China. We report a pilot study involving young children at a private local autism educational center.
Endogenous Performance Smoothing

A model of endogenous performance smoothing is presented and analyzed. A manager, or agent, labors across two periods, where output in each period is a Bernoulli process with an evident revenue recognition interpretation. Smoothing may be possible, and this possibility may be linked to the manager's supply of inputs subject to moral hazard. If so, the efficient contract design motivates smoothing. Less information is conveyed to the principal for valuation purposes, simply because doing so lessens the moral hazard problem.
Improving network parameter error detection via multiple measurement scans

It was previously shown that normalized Lagrange multipliers in state estimation could be effectively used for network parameter error detection and identification. However, it was also observed that there could exist a number of “insensitive” normalized Lagrange multipliers corresponding to certain parameters which might lead to detection failure. This paper derives the relationship between Lagrange multipliers and parameter errors and explains the reasons behind detection failures. Furthermore, it facilitates the identification of insensitive normalized Lagrange multipliers. These results are then used to clarify the significance of incorporating multiple measurement scans as a way of avoiding detection failure and to derive a new approach for estimating the necessary number of scans to guarantee parameter error detection. Simulation results using the IEEE 14-bus system are presented to verify the proposed solution.
Framing Your Business Issue for Others

Appropriate for individuals interested in framing a situation in order to facilitate conversations with colleagues and others not familiar with the situation. To engage others in these conversations, this note outlines specific statements to guide students in framing challenges as stories that can be delivered in eight minutes. Using these guidance statements will help participants prepare a visual presentation of a situation and facilitate conversations with others interested in contributing. Presentation guidance is also provided for preparation of flip charts that are to be provided in a Gallery Walk event. Excerpt UVA-OM-1413 July 23, 2010 FRAMING YOUR BUSINESS ISSUE FOR OTHERS In executive development programs, participants often apply learning themes to one or two “back-home” situations. Such real-world sharing provides opportunities for analysis, action, and deliberation that participants can later apply to their own businesses. Experience has shown that managers and professional staff alike realize there is considerable value in framing opportunities in ways that facilitate conversation with other participants. In order to engage others quickly in these conversations, we have prepared several guidance statements to help frame challenges as stories. Using these guidance statements will help participants deliver a stimulating and visual description of a situation and show others how they might contribute. The target is for participants to tell their story in eight minutes using a flip chart or set of PowerPoint slides and then be ready to listen to other participants who offer personal experiences, ideas, and even advice as framing considerations. . . .
Effectiveness of continuing nicotine replacement after a lapse: A randomized trial.

Abstract Introduction Four post-hoc analyses of prior trials found smokers using nicotine patch following a lapse were less likely to progress to relapse compared to those using a placebo patch following a lapse. We attempted a conceptual replication test of these results via a randomized trial of instructions to continue vs. stop nicotine patch after a lapse. Methods Smokers trying to quit ( n = 701) received nicotine patch (21/14/7 mg) and brief phone counseling (six 15-min sessions). We randomized smokers to receive instructions for and rationale for stopping vs. continuing patch after a lapse. The messages were repeated before and after cessation and following lapses via counseling, phone and written instructions. Results Among those who lapsed, those told to Continue Patch did not have a greater incidence of 7-day abstinence at 4 months (primary outcome) than those told to Discontinue Patch (51% vs. 46%). Most (81%) participants in the Discontinue condition stopped patch for only 1–2 days and then resumed abstinence and patch use. Analyses based on all participants randomized were similar. Adverse events were as expected and did not differ between conditions. Conclusion Instructions to continue nicotine patch after a lapse did not increase return to abstinence. These negative results may have occurred because actual use of patch after a lapse was similar in the two conditions. Also, allowing patch use while smoking may have reduced motivation to stay abstinent.
Influence of multi-species solute transport on modeling of hydrated Portland cement leaching in strong nitrate solutions

Abstract The differences between the predictions of Fickian diffusion and Nernst-Planck electro-diffusion based reactive transport models are investigated in the context of an important practical problem – leaching of Portland cement in strong nitrate porewater solutions under saturated conditions. Numerical results are presented for three distinct porewater solutions: deionized water, ammonium nitrate solution, and diluted porewater from a cementitious low-activity nuclear waste form. Solute concentrations predicted by the two transport models show significant differences: as much as a factor of two for ammonium nitrate leaching and as much as a factor of four for waste form leaching; whereas, negligible differences are observed for deionized water leaching. The major conclusion is that Fickian diffusion may be accurate enough for deionized water leaching, but electro-diffusion should be considered in the reactive solute transport modeling of ammonium nitrate decalcification and in the degradation modeling of cementitious materials exposed to nuclear waste form solutions.
The J-curve and bilateral trade balances of Indonesia with its major partners: are there asymmetric effects?

ABSTRACTWith advances in econometric methodologies, old concepts are now receiving a renewed attention and the J-curve is no exception. Previous research that tested the phenomenon assumed that the effects of exchange rate changes on the trade balance are symmetric. Asymmetry analysis and asymmetry cointegration is the new direction that is currently being considered. We add to this later literature by considering the asymmetric effects of exchange rate changes on the bilateral trade balances of Indonesia with each of her major trading partners after accounting for Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 and Global Financial Crisis of 2008. We find support for short-run asymmetric effects in almost all the cases, short-run cumulative or impact asymmetric effects in the trade with five partners and long-run significant asymmetric effects in five bilateral models.
The RCA 3-gun shadow-mask color kinescope

IT HAS long been apparent that the ideal reproducer for color television should consist of a single kinescope capable of displaying the color picture directly. Considerable interest in the problem has resulted in quite a number of proposals for single-tube color kinescopes, and much time and effort has been expended in experimental work. No systematic review of the literature will be given nor will a description of the operating principles of the various kinds of proposed tubes be undertaken, for an article covering these subjects has recently been published.1 Rather, it is the purpose of this paper to give an over-all description of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) 3-gun shadow-mask color tube including its construction and operating characteristics.
The impacts of limited transportation access on persons with disabilities' social participation

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine individuals with disabilities’ social and community participation in relation to their access to transportation. A self-administered online questionnaire was disseminated to individuals with disabilities throughout the United States. Individuals were found to use private vehicles less often and public transportation more often than previous studies have shown. Individuals with increasingly significant disabilities were more likely to face transportation-related exclusion. Almost half of the participants had to cancel an appointment because of a transportation-related conflict. The majority of participants felt that the level of access to transportation hindered their social life.
Risperidone Treatment for Irritability in Fragile X Syndrome.

Abstract Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of risperidone monoantipsychotic therapy targeting irritability in patients with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) in a naturalistic outpatient clinical setting. Methods: We examined the use of risperidone, predominantly in combination with other nonantipsychotic psychotropic agents, targeting irritability in 21 male patients with FXS with a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected large developmental disabilities-specific treatment database. Mean age at start of treatment, treatment duration, final dose, body mass index (BMI), and Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) Scale score at final visit were determined, and changes with treatment were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results: Mean age at start of treatment was 14.0 years. The final mean dose of risperidone was 2.5 mg/day. The mean duration of treatment was 22 months. Seven (33.33%) participants were considered treatment responders based on the CGI-I. Change in BM...
Global Higher Education and the Production of Global Citizenships

This chapter traces the sustained presence of discourses of global economy and militarization from the signing of the National Defense Education Act of 1958 and the International Education Act of 1966 to the coming of post-Cold War and post-9/11 iterations of international and global higher education. These periods illustrate how developments in global higher education reflect not a single historical trajectory but rather a site of political conflict between sometimes overlapping and sometimes conflicting discourses of national security, cosmopolitan ethics, global economics, and global disciplinarity. The chapter illustrates the consistent presence of these discourses through an analysis of their continued impact on current programs of global higher education. In addition, this chapter analyzes populist backlashes to global higher education and their role in obscuring these discourses.
Continuous infusion fluorouracil (5FU) in heavily pre-treated mCRPC patients.

257Background: Pts with mCRPC resistant to novel hormones (abi/enza), and taxane chemotherapy are challenging. Extensive pre-treatment typically poses an issue for clinical trials, and there is no consensus regarding how to manage patients who no longer respond to conventional therapies but maintain a good performance status. Methods: 13 mCRPC pts were treated with 5FU at 200mg/m2 continuous infusion as a novel treatment option for those with heavily pretreated mCRPC. Data was retrospectively collected at Tulane Cancer Center for patient treatment history, and laboratory parameters. Results: All treated patients had prior exposure to an average of 8.7 lines of treatment. 5FU was used as median 8th line therapy. All pts had extensive bony disease and 6 had liver involvement. Median PSA at start of treatment was 356 ng/dL. 5 pts progressed within a month of initiation of therapy, and 2 pts did not respond. 8 (61%) patients had treatment for >1 month with 6 having >30% PSA reduction, 4 with a >50% PSA reduct...
Gender Differences in the Perceptions of Social Workers

A survey of clinical social workers regarding their perceptions of their clients indicated that they do not view their clients negatively and there were no gender differences in perceptions. Female...
All standard theories and models of glass transition appear to be inadequate: missing some essential physics

Many-molecule relaxation dynamics manifest themselves as general properties of the structural α-relaxation of glass-forming liquids independent of chemical composition and physical structure. An example is the Kohlrausch stretched exponential correlation function, ɸ(t) = exp[−(t/τ a )1−n ], where 0≤n<1 is a convenient measure of the dispersion of the α-relaxation and the extent of the many-molecule relaxation dynamics. Plenty of the other general properties are shown to be either governed by n or correlated with n, and these empirical facts collectively indicate the importance of many-molecule relaxation dynamics. Practically, all standard theories and models of glass transition have not taken many-molecule relaxation dynamics adequately into consideration and it is unsurprising that they cannot explain some of the general properties. Furthermore, they only address the structural α-relaxation without considering the universal Johari-Goldstein secondary relaxation and the role it plays as the precursor of the many-molecule relaxation dynamics. Experiments have shown that the Johari-Goldstein relaxation has properties that mimic the Its relaxation time τ JG bears a general relation to τ α , which is governed by n. These general properties of the Johari-Goldstein relaxation indicate its fundamental importance, which is not recognized or considered in all standard theories and models. Thus, we conclude that all standard theories and models of glass transition are inadequate.
A spectral nodal method for one-group X,Y-geometry discrete ordinates problems

This paper reports on a nodal method that is developed for the solution of one-group discrete ordinates (S{sub N}) problems with linearly anisotropic scattering in x, y-geometry. In this method, the spectral Green's function (SGF) scheme, originally developed for solving S{sub N} problems in slab geometry with no spatial truncation error, is generalized to solve the one-dimensional transverse-integrated S{sub N} nodal equations with the constant approximation for the transverse leakage terms. The resulting SGF-constant nodal (SGF-CN) method is more accurate than conventional coarse-mesh methods for deep penetration problems because it treats the scattering source terms implicitly and exactly; the only approximation involves the transverse leakage terms. In conventional S{sub N} nodal methods, the transverse leakage terms and scattering source are both approximated. The authors solve the SGF-CN equations using the one-node block inversion iterative scheme, which uses the best available estimates for the node-entering fluxes to evaluate the node-exiting fluxes in the directions that constitute the incoming fluxes for the adjacent nodes as the equations are swept across the system. Finally, the authors give numerical results that illustrate the accuracy of the SGF-CN method for coarse-mesh calculations.
Some General Theory of Operator Algebras and Their Modules

In what follows all vector spaces are over the complex field ℂ, H will be a Hilbert space, and elements of H will usually be denoted in lower case Greek letters: ζ, η, …. We shall also write K. for the compact operators on l2. By a concrete operator algebra we mean a subalgebra A of B(H). We shall assume A is norm closed (although this is not usually necessary), but we shall not assume A is selfadjoint (that is, a C*-algebra). In most of the later sections we shall assume the operator algebras have identity of norm 1 or a contractive approximate identity (c.a.i.). This article is a very brief survey of some of our efforts to study the class of all operator algebras1. In other words, what is the “general theory of operator algebras”? There does not appear to be a text in existence which addresses this topic. A few related questions come to mind: What properties does an operator algebra have? What are the good examples of operator algebras? (Good examples might include those of classical interest, or those which illustrate typical behaviour, or which are a good source of counterexamples). Given an algebra, when is it an operator algebra? What are the ‘basic constructions’ with operator algebras? (Such as direct sums, tensor produsts, …) What are interesting classes of modules over operator algebras? For instance what should a “projective module” be? It is fairly clear from talk at this conference that there are several quite diffrent notions of “projective”modules over operator algebras, depending on our context and needs. What is the good notion/notions of isomorphism of operator algebras?
Assessment of Minority and Culturally Diverse Children

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the importance of relationship between ethnicity and race along with the three Wechsler scales for assessing children's intelligence, especially the older versions of this test where most of the research on this issue is found. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing central issues of the role of ethnicity, race, and related variables on testing. The chapter reconfigures reported racial differences usually based on culture and not on biological variables. The studies of Scarr also suggest that culture is of greater importance than race in determining differences in tests. It also outlines the definition of culture, race, and ethnicity because it pertains to the issue of childrens' formation of a non majority group fit into a majority group. The Wechsler intelligence scale for children-third edition (WISC-III) is a basic measure of “g,” which is accepted as a universal description of intelligence by many psychologists.
Nonlinear Rayleigh and Love Surface Waves in Elastic Materials

This chapter is devoted to analysis of nonlinear elastic Rayleigh and Love surface waves, which corresponds to the Murnaghan model. The analysis is divided into two parts. In the first part, the Rayleigh wave is analyzed. In the first subsection, elastic surface waves are described, and then the basic moments in the theory of elastic linear Rayleigh surface waves are shown. Further, nonlinear elastic Rayleigh surface waves are discussed, which includes general information (new variants of quadratically nonlinear equations describing the two-dimensional motion in dependence on two spatial coordinates x 1, x 3 and time t), basic equations, procedures of solving the nonlinear wave equations, and, finally, the first two approximations are obtained and commented on. The main nonlinear effect is that the second harmonic appears in the description of the wave propagation. An analysis of nonlinear boundary conditions is carried out separately. Here the boundary conditions for cases of small and large deformations are given and then an analysis of boundary conditions is carried out. Finally, a new nonlinear Rayleigh equation is derived and discussed. The main nonlinear effect is that the phase velocity depends nonlinearly on the initial amplitude. In the second part, the problem of elastic Love waves is considered in a classical statement with additional assumption of a presence of nonlinearity in the description of deformation. The nonlinear Murnaghan model is used. A new nonlinear wave equation in displacements is derived that includes a linear part and a part with summands of the third and fifth orders of nonlinearity, only. Where the physical nonlinearity is allowed, the solution of a new nonlinear equation with nonlinear boundary conditions is obtained by the method of successive approximations within the framework of the first two approximations. A new nonlinear equation for determining the wave number is derived, which shows a new factor in an initial wave profile distortion—distortion owing to the wavelength changes with unchanging frequency. This information can be found in scientific publications on the elastic Rayleigh and Love waves, list of which is given in the reference list (48 titles) of the chapter [1–48].
Prey Abundance and Urbanization Influence the Establishment of Avian Predators in a Metropolitan Landscape

Urbanization causes the simplification of natural habitats, resulting in animal communities dominated by exotic species with few top predators. In recent years, however, many predators such as hawks, and in the US coyotes and cougars, have become increasingly common in urban environments. Hawks in the Accipiter genus, especially, are recovering from widespread population declines and are increasingly common in urbanizing landscapes. Our goal was to identify factors that determine the occupancy, colonization and persistence of Accipiter hawks in a major metropolitan area. Through a novel combination of citizen science and advanced remote sensing, we quantified how urban features facilitate the dynamics and long-term establishment of Accipiter hawks. Based on data from Project FeederWatch, we quantified 21 years (1996-2016) of changes in the spatio-temporal dynamics of Accipiter hawks in Chicago, IL, USA. Using a multi-season occupancy model, we estimated Cooper's (Accipiter cooperii) and sharp-shinned (A. striatus) hawk occupancy dynamics as a function of tree canopy cover, impervious surface cover and prey availability. In the late 1990s, hawks occupied 26% of sites around Chicago, but after two decades, their occupancy fluctuated close to 67% of sites and they colonized increasingly urbanized areas. Once established, hawks persisted in areas with high levels of impervious surfaces as long as those areas supported high abundances of prey birds. Urban areas represent increasingly habitable environments for recovering predators, and understanding the precise urban features that drive colonization and persistence is important for wildlife conservation in an urbanizing world.
DOM composition alters ecosystem function during microbial processing of isolated sources

Dynamics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in ecosystems are controlled by a suite of interacting physical, chemical, and biological factors. Growing recognition of the associations between microbial communities and metabolism and intrinsic DOM characteristics, highlight the potential importance of microbe-DOM relationships to modulate the role and fate of DOM, yet these relationships are difficult to isolate because they often operate across confounding environmental gradients. In a controlled laboratory incubation (44 days), we integrated DOM bulk and molecular characterization, bacterial abundances, microbial assemblage composition, nutrient concentrations, and cellular respiration to discern the structural dynamics of biological processing among DOM sources from different allochthonous litters (grass, deciduous leaves, and evergreen needles). We identified two periods, consistent among DOM sources, where processing dynamics differed. Further, bulk fluorescent analyses showed shifts from low to high excitation and emission wavelengths, indicating the biological production of more complex/degraded materials over time. Molecular level analyses revealed similar temporal patterns among DOM sources in the production and consumption of individual chemical components varying in reactivity and heteroatomic content. Despite these similarities, total carbon (C) removed and carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation differed by ~ 20% and 25% among DOM sources. This range in C processing was apparently tied to key chemical properties of the DOM (e.g., initial DOM composition, N content, and labile nature) as well as differential reorganization of the microbial populations that decomposed the DOM. We conclude that the production, transformation, and consumption of C in aquatic ecosystems is strongly dependent on the source and character of DOM as well as the structure of the microbial communities present, both of which change as DOM is processed over time. It is crucial that stream C processing models represent this complexity accurately.
(Z)-α-Boryl-crotylboron reagents via Z-selective alkene isomerization and application to stereoselective syntheses of (E)-δ-boryl-syn-homoallylic alcohols.

Stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-α-boryl-crotylboronate is developed. Ni-catalyzed Z-selective alkene isomerization of α-boryl substituted homoallylboronate provided the targeted (Z)-crotylboronate with high selectivity. Stereoselective addition of the novel crotylboron reagent to aldehydes gave (E)-δ-boryl-substituted syn-homoallylic alcohols with excellent diastereoselectivities. The vinyl boronate unit in the products can be directly used for a subsequent C–C bond-forming transformation as illustrated in the synthesis of the C1–7 fragment of the natural products nannocystin A and nannocystin Ax.
Nanoscale Wetting and De-Wetting of Lubricants with Scanning Polarization Force Microscopy

We present the technique of scanning polarization force microscopy (SPFM), which is based on the use of electrostatic forces in an atomic force microscope. Although, traditionally, electrostatic forces have been used only for imaging of electrically conductive substrates (metal and doped semiconductors), it can be used on insulating materials as well. This is because the electric field at the sharp tip of a conductive AFM cantilever (biased relative to a remote ground) is strong and polarizes the substrate to create an image charge that depends on the local dielectric properties. We will show applications of SPFM to studies of wetting and spreading of various liquids, in particular, the lubricants used in computer hard disks.
Qigong and Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal pain is a widespread symptom that commonly produces considerable disability, particularly in later life. This brief review strove to summarize and critically review the recent research base concerning the use of Qigong as a possible strategy for alleviating longstanding or chronic musculoskeletal pain states. Research reports and literature reviews specifically focusing on Qigong and its impact on various forms of musculoskeletal pain between 2015 and 2019 were sought and analyzed, along with related data. Collectively, these data reveal that while more research is indicated, Qigong practice may help to attenuate pain in varying degrees among adults with different forms of chronic pain with few side-effects. More research is needed to ensure health professionals working with adults who have chronic unrelenting musculoskeletal pain may safely recommend these exercises as one possible remedy for reducing intractable musculoskeletal pain.
Improving organic crop cultivation

Proponents of organic farming in the U.S. and throughout the Americas must remember that many of the roots of this alternative approach to food production have European heritage, as well as ideas f...
Analysis of atypical imaging of tuberculosis

Objective To explore the atypical imaging features of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis,in order to improve the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis with atypical imaging.Methods The imaging findings of 30 cases with atypical pulmonary tuberculosis,confirmed by sputum tubercle bacillus check and antituberculous therapy tracking in our hospital from January 2010 to August 2012,were retrospectively analyzed.Results After comparative analysis of antituberculous treatment results and symptoms,the correct rate of right posterior basal segment of lower lobe and the right anterior basal segment of lower lobe lesion site was 80％.The total correct rate of imaging findings was 80％,the imaging findings and diagnosis results had positive correlation,0 ＜ r ＜ 1.Conclusion Radiographic examination of pulmonary tuberculosis with atypical lesion,the differential diagnosis of lesions in dynamic changes play an important role,master of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with atypical imaging features,and in combination with the clinical manifestations,can effectively reduce the misdiagnosis,significantly improve the accuracy rate of imaging for atypical pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis. Key words: Pulmonary tuberculosis; Atypical radiological appearances; Analysis
Morphologic Factors Associated With Open Conversion During Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate

Abstract OBJECTIVE To determine if there is an association between patient body habitus as measured by body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), preoperative prostate volume, postoperative specimen weight, and open conversion with cystotomy or perineal urethrotomy (PU) during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). We attempt to provide meaningful criteria to assist in preoperative patient counseling. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three hundred consecutive patients underwent HoLEP between August 3, 2018 and February 20, 2020 by a single surgeon. Patient metrics were recorded in a database including age, height, weight, preoperative prostate volume, postoperative specimen weight, catheter dependence, and transfusion requirement. Nine patients were identified who had cystotomy (8) or PU (1) performed during HoLEP secondary to inability to complete the procedure using standard endoscopic technique. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was performed. RESULT Younger age, higher BMI, higher BSA, and higher estimated prostate volume were associated with increased risk of open conversion during HoLEP. No patient with a BMI under 30 required open conversion. CONCLUSION Men with BMI >30 kg/m2 or preoperative prostate volume >125 mL should be counseled on the possibility of open conversion with cystotomy or PU. Although the overall risk of conversion is low (3%), the risk may be as high as 10% for patients in the highest quartile of BMI (>30.5 kg/m2) and BSA (>2.2m2).
Serial Casting for Early Onset Scoliosis: Comparison of Three Casting Materials

Purpose: Plaster of Paris (POP) is the historic gold standard material for derotational cast application in children with early onset scoliosis (EOS). At our institution, fiberglass has supplanted POP for spinal casting of EOS utilizing two different fiberglass techniques. The first method is done on a Risser-type traction table to facilitate rolling of the traditional fiberglass tape. The second method is done with manual traction on a standard flat-top table using a tubular fiberglass hybrid …
Iterative Design and Pilot Implementation of a Tiered Coaching Model to Support Socio-Emotional Teaching Practices:

We used an iterative process to design the Tiered Coaching Model (TCM) to support preschool teachers’ implementation of the Pyramid Model. In the TCM, teachers are matched to one of three coaching ...
Turbulence in Helically Corrugated Pipe Flow

Results are reported of experimental measurements of friction factor, mean and turbulent velocities, and Reynolds stresses in fully developed flow through a helically corrugated pipe. Helical corrugations induce a strong rotational component in the mean flow near the wall but this decreases rapidly toward the pipe axis. Turbulence intensities and axial shear are generally smaller in this flow than in nonrotating pipe flow and the reduction is attributed to rotation. Reynolds stress measurements extrapolated to the wall are in agreement with pressure drop measurements. Both show that pipe friction factor is less in helically corrugated pipe than in normally corrugated pipe, other factors being the same. The axial component of the mean flow is well fitted by the two-dimensional semilogarithmic law-of-the-wall for rough pipes. It is also fitted by the defect law but the numerical parameters of the latter behave as in an adverse pressure gradient boundary layer, indicating less shear stress than in nonrotating pipe flows. This is consistent with reduced friction factor.
Bringing PGE2 in from the cold

Prostaglandins (PGs) are evanescent, locally acting lipids. They are not stored within cells, but are generated when their precursor, arachidonic acid, is mobilized from cellular membranes by rather nonspecific activation of phospholipases. Most cells generate one or two dominant PGs, each with a remarkable diversity of effects. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a vasodilator that acts with other PGs and metabolic products of arachidonic acid to promote pain and inflammation. The development and clinical use of drugs that suppress the production of these PGs has been ongoing for decades, but PGE2 also has been long recognized to have a role in tissue maintenance and regeneration. Its stable analog, dimethyl PGE2, is currently being evaluated for use as an adjunct to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. On page 1223 of this issue, Zhang et al. ( 1 ) report that elevating the capacity of tissues to form PGE2 by inhibiting 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), its major inactivating enzyme, augments the capacity for tissue regeneration in mouse models. So, is it time to bring PGE2, which we are so used to suppressing, in from the cold?
Free energy of imperfect nucleic acid helices: III. Small internal loops resulting from mismatches☆☆☆

Abstract Physical studies of enzymioally synthesized oligoribonucleotides of defined sequence are used to evaluate quantitatively the destabilizing influence of mismatched bases in a double helix. The series (A-)4G(-C)n(-U)4, N = 1 to 6, exist as imperfect dimer helices when N is equal to or less than 4, and as monomolecular hairpin helices when N is 5 and 6. Internal loops become progressively more destabilizing as their size increases from 2 to 4 to 6 nucleotides resulting from 1, 2 and 3 consecutive mismatched base pairs. However, the stability of a helix will generally be greater if a given number of mismatched pairs occur consecutively rather than in isolation from one another. These data may be used for improved calculations of stability of RNA secondary structure, to estimate the frequency of structural fluctuations in a double helix and to assess the stability of modified polynucleotide helices. An unmodified double helix of one million randomly arranged base pairs should contain on the time average approximately 10 G.C and 500 A.U pairs in non-hydrogen bonded, unstacked conformations at 25 °C. Our estimate of the effect of mismatching on Tm values of high polymers is less precise because of the long temperature extrapolation required. However, we estimate that DNA or RNA treated with mutagens which interrupt up to 20% of the nucleotide pairs will show a drop of about 1.2 deg. C in melting temperature with each unit per cent of modification.
A point process model for tornado report climatology

We propose a point process model with multiplicative risk for the study of tornado reports in the United States. In particular, we implement a rigorous statistical procedure to evaluate whether tornado report counts are significantly related to topographic variability. The model we propose also includes flexible nonparametric components for spatial and seasonality effects. We apply the proposed model and methodology to the analysis of tornado report data from 1953 to 2010 in the United States. Our analysis shows that in addition to the spatial and seasonal effects, the topographic variability is an important component of tornado risk. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Energy Cost of Pull-Ups and Push-Ups as Related to Arm Strength Formulas

Abstract Using 35 students from the required physical education program, a comparison of the validity of the Rogers and McCloy arm strength formulas was made. The energy cost for the pull-ups and push-ups was used as the criterion measure. Findings revealed: (1) energy cost of the activity was not significantly related to bicep girth or total number of pull-ups plus push-ups, and (2) using energy cost as the criterion measure, McCloy's arm strength formula was slightly more discriminating than the Rogers formula for prediction of arm strength. However, because of the low correlations neither of the formulas could be employed to any significant extent as a predictive measure.