cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Method to Use Ranked Timber Observations to Perform Forest Composition Reconstructions from Land Survey Data

ABSTRACT The goal of this research was to develop a novel method to make use of ranked timber observation descriptions, which have been underutilized in survey reconstruction research. The new method involves assuming that ranking position reflects relative importance and thereby produces four separate measures that can be used to describe the geographic distribution, relative abundance and dominance of taxa recorded in historical surveys. We believe the method allows researchers to describe the composition of the forest from the line description data in a manner that would be impossible working only with witness tree data. The method is demonstrated using the Twenty Townships survey (central New York) as a case study, an area not previously discussed in the literature. We found that beech (Fagus grandifolia), maple (Acer spp.), basswood (Tilia americana) and hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) were the most widely distributed taxa and that these four taxa were more or less abundant in this same order. Where they ...
APERTURE AVERAGING FACTOR OF A FLUCTUATING LIGHT SIGNAL

Abstract : The aperture averaging factor, which gives the effect of a finite diameter receiving aperture in reducing the variance of a fluctuating light signal is studied. (Author)
Electron transfer dissociation of dipositive uranyl and plutonyl coordination complexes

Reported here is a comparison of electron transfer dissociation (ETD) and collision-induced dissociation (CID) of solvent-coordinated dipositive uranyl and plutonyl ions generated by electrospray ionization. Fundamental differences between the ETD and CID processes are apparent, as are differences between the intrinsic chemistries of uranyl and plutonyl. Reduction of both charge and oxidation state, which is inherent in ETD activation of [An(VI) O(2) (CH(3) COCH(3) )(4) ](2+) , [An(VI) O(2) (CH(3) CN)(4) ](2) , [U(VI) O(2) (CH(3) COCH(3) )(5) ](2+) and [U(VI) O(2) (CH(3) CN)(5) ](2+) (An = U or Pu), is accompanied by ligand loss. Resulting low-coordinate uranyl(V) complexes add O(2) , whereas plutonyl(V) complexes do not. In contrast, CID of the same complexes generates predominantly doubly-charged products through loss of coordinating ligands. Singly-charged CID products of [U(VI) O(2) (CH(3) COCH(3) )(4,5) ](2+) , [U(VI) O(2) (CH(3) CN)(4,5) ](2+) and [Pu(VI) O(2) (CH(3) CN)(4) ](2+) retain the hexavalent metal oxidation state with the addition of hydroxide or acetone enolate anion ligands. However, CID of [Pu(VI) O(2) (CH(3) COCH(3) )(4) ](2+) generates monopositive plutonyl(V) complexes, reflecting relatively more facile reduction of Pu(VI) to Pu(V).
News for Educational Workers

An epidemic of school closings in Chicago, New York, Detroit, Washington, Sacramento, Baltimore, Birmingham, and St. Louis reported this spring has been answered with protests throughout the country. Students, teachers, parents and activists are making the point that the savings from closed schools is minimal and the transfer of money to charter schools rarely leads to improved academics. Since most students affected by these closures are students of color, protesters see these closings as a civil rights violation (The Nation May 5, 2013).
A preliminary analysis of the Soar architecture as a basis for general intelligence

Abstract In this article we take a step towards providing an analysis of the Soar architecture as a basis for general intelligence. Included are discussions of the basic assumptions underlying the development of Soar, a description of Soar cast in terms of the theoretical idea of multiple levels of description, an example of Soar performing multi-column subtraction, and three analyses of Soar: its natural tasks, the sources of its power, and its scope and limits
Looking back and looking ahead: local empowerment and governance in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal.

Diversifying governance models for protected areas serves as one strategy to address some of the challenges they are facing. This paper explores the potential of local communities to be the primary actor in the governance of the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) following its planned handover to them in 2012. In doing so, the paper serves as an important baseline from which to monitor a new experiment in protected area governance. During the summer of 2007, the executive members and implementing staff of the Conservation Area Management Committees (CAMCs) were interviewed and local villagers surveyed. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess the CAMCs’ capacities to manage ACA without outside support. All CAMCs had more than a decade of managerial experience and considerable local support. Villagers largely considered the CAMCs as legitimate institutions, and their executive members as trustworthy. CAMC members were confident about assuming management responsibility of the area. The devolution of power to an overarching local council to govern ACA will present some challenges, especially with regard to lower-performing CAMCs. However, key factors identified in the literature as critical to good governance portend positive prospects for the transition.
Cocaine causes increased type I interferon secretion by both L929 cells and murine macrophages.

Cocaine has been demonstrated to have a number of different effects on immune cell functions. We have reported alterations of cellular functions by macrophages (Mφ) exposed to cocaine in vitro, including the inhibition of mouse hepatitis virus replication. Here, we present evidence that cocaine stimulates the secretion of an antiviral product that is neutralized by anti-interferon (anti-IFN). A dose-dependent increase in the secretion of IFN by both Mφ and L929 cells incubated with cocaine, with a concomitant decrease in virus replication, is also reported. The increase in IFN secretion was most pronounced when cells were cultured in the presence of the IFN inducer poly(I·C). The effect of cocaine on IFN production was found to be primarily at the transcript level in both Mφ and L929 cells. These findings further support our previous research demonstrating an antiviral activity of cocaine in vitro. The relevance of this activity to viral infections in general remains to be determined.
Race and Ethnicity in Empirical Research: An 18-Year Review.

Extending previous research (E. A. Delgado-Romero, N. Galvan, P. Maschino, & M. Rowland, 2005) regarding race and ethnicity in counseling and counseling psychology, this article examined how race and ethnicity were reported and used in empirical studies published in diversity-focused journals from 1990 to 2007. The results are discussed and compared with previous findings. Ampliando investigaciones anteriores (E. A. Delgado-Romero, N. Galvan, P. Maschino, & M. Rowland, 2005) sobre raza y etnicidad en la consejeria y psicologia terapeutica, este articulo examina como la raza y etnicidad fueron presentadas y utilizadas en los estudios empiricos aparecidos en publicaciones centradas en la diversidad desde 1990 hasta 2007. Los resultados se analizan y comparan con los de hallazgos anteriores.
SELECTION AND INBREEDING DEPRESSION: EFFECTS OF INBREEDING RATE AND INBREEDING ENVIRONMENT

The magnitude of inbreeding depression in small populations may depend on the effectiveness with which natural selection purges deleterious recessive alleles from populations during inbreeding. The effectiveness of this purging process, however, may be influenced by the rate of inbreeding and the environment in which inbreeding occurs. Although some experimental studies have examined these factors individually, no study has examined their joint effect or potential interaction. In the present study, therefore, we performed an experiment in which 180 lineages of Drosophila melanogaster were inbred at slow and fast inbreeding rates within each of three inbreeding environments (benign, high temperature, and competitive). The fitness of all lineages was then measured in a common benign environment. Although slow inbreeding reduced inbreeding depression in lineages inbred under high temperature stress, a similar reduction was not observed with respect to the benign or competitive treatments. Overall, therefore, the effect of inbreeding rate was nonsignificant. The inbreeding environment, in contrast, had a larger and more consistent effect on inbreeding depression. Under both slow and fast rates of inbreeding, inbreeding depression was significantly reduced in lineages inbred in the presence of a competitor D. melanogaster strain. A similar reduction of inbreeding depression occurred in lineages inbred under high temperature stress at a slow inbreeding rate. Overall, our findings show that inbreeding depression is reduced when inbreeding takes place in a stressful environment, possibly due to more effective purging under such conditions.
On the accurate description of social and genetic mating systems

Mating systems are critical determinants of the intensity of sexual selection and sexual conict, but understanding how variation in reproductive behavior inuences these phenomena requires consistent, accurate descriptions of the array of mating arrangements observed in nature. As understanding of animal mating systems has evolved, behavioral ecologists have shifted from using behavioral information to an increasing reliance on genetic data to characterize patterns of reproductive behavior and success. Although genetic data are critical for an accurate accounting of parentage and reproductive success, they exclude critical information regarding the nature of behavioral relationships among reproductive partners, thereby potentially confounding fundamentally dierent types of mating systems. I contend that the ability to identify common evolutionary trends and their underlying selective pressures is signicantly
Thermochemistry and Kinetics

Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS), also called combustion synthesis, is a novel and simple method for making certain advanced ceramic and intermetallic materials (Merzhanov, 1993; Pampuch, Stobierski and Lis, 1994). This method has received considerable attention as an alternative to conventional furnace technology. The principal concept of this technique is that, once initiated, a highly exothermic reaction can become self-sustaining and will propagate through the reactant mixture in the form of a combustion wave. For this to happen, a chemical reaction must have a relatively high activation energy and must also generate a sufficient amount of heat. Synthesis of refractory high-temperature materials (e.g. borides, carbides, nitrides and silicides) from elemental constituents exhibits both of the characteristics mentioned above.
A Nudge in the Right Direction with a Stick the Size of CMS: Physician-Patient Communication at the End of Life

This paper examines the physician-patient relationship at the end of life and recommends a change to the hospital Medicare Conditions of Participation to remedy many palliative care failures. Most individuals will rely on palliative care at some point in their lives, likely in the form of hospice at the end of life. However, the promise palliative care provides to patients and caregivers has been broken. Perverse Medicare hospice benefits have led to a rise in a for-profit hospice industry, questionable quality, and either very long or very short stays. Additional end-of-life breakdowns occur in the areas of physician-patient communication and pain management.Two states, California and New York, have passed right-to-know statutes requiring physicians to speak with patients about end of life treatment. Other states are considering following suit and the Uniform Law Commission has considered, and rejected, a right-to-know uniform act proposal. However, questions remain about the enforceability of the acts and after which state’s statue the uniform act might be modeled. This paper suggests that a federal solution would provide a sweeping and uniform solution to the problem of physician-patient communication. A federal legislative solution seems unlikely given the burden of passing a bill in Congress. Instead, CMS should consider revising the hospital Conditions of Participation to encourage physicians to speak with their patients about end-of-life treatment.
Virtual Graduate School Mentoring Using Embodied Conversational Agents

It has been a major goal of the United States government to increase the participation of Americans in the fields of Science & Engineering (S&E), especially in under-represented groups. This research examines the use of an embodied conversational agent (ECA) as a virtual mentor to African American undergraduates who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in computing. Mentoring advice was collected from a group of experts and programed within the ECA. A between-group, mixed method experiment was conducted with 37 African American male undergraduate computer science majors where one group used the ECA mentor while the other group pursued mentoring advice from a human mentor. Results showed no significant difference between the ECA and human mentor when dealing with career mentoring functions. However, the human mentor was significantly better than the ECA mentor when addressing psychosocial mentoring functions.
Uncertainty Characterization of the CrCOD Circumferential Crack Opening Displacement Module for xLPR

The US NRC/EPRI xLPR (eXtremely Low Probability of Rupture) probabilistic pipe fracture analysis program uses deterministic modules as the foundation for the calculation of the probability of pipe leak or rupture as a consequence of active degradation mechanisms, vibration or seismic loading. The circumferential crack opening displacement module, CrCOD, estimates crack opening displacement (COD) at the inside pipe surface, at the mid-wall thickness location, and at the outside pipe surface using a combined tension/crack face pressure/bending GE/EPRI-like solution. Each module has an uncertainty beyond the uncertainty of the xLPR data inputs. This paper documents the uncertainty for CrCOD.Using 36 pipe fracture experiments, including: base metal, similar metal weld, and dissimilar metal weld experiments; bend only and pressure and bend loading; static and dynamic load histories; cracks that range from short to long, the uncertainty of the CrCOD methodology is characterized. Module uncertainty is presented in terms mean fit and standard deviation between prediction and experimental values.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Reuters Health: A Product Review

For organizations involved even peripherally with medicine and the health care industry, any tool to help keep abreast of breaking medical news is a valuable one. Reuters Health (RH) is one such tool that has achieved global recognition for being a top-of-the-line medical and health newswire service designed to bring daily health news to professionals and consumers. Medical librarians in particular can utilize one or all of RH's content categories to stay informed and to help library patrons keep up with critical, late-breaking medical news.
Light-driven hydrogen production from aqueous protons using molybdenum catalysts.

Homogeneous light-driven systems employing molecular molybdenum catalysts for hydrogen production are described. The specific Mo complexes studied are six-coordinate bis(benzenedithiolate) derivatives having two additional isocyanide or phosphine ligands to complete the coordination sphere. Each of the complexes possesses a trigonal prismatic coordination geometry. The complexes were investigated as proton reduction catalysts in the presence of [Ru(bpy)3]2+, ascorbic acid, and visible light. Over 500 TON are obtained over 24 h. Electrocatalysis occurs between the MoIV/MoIII and MoIII/MoII redox couples, around 1.0 V vs SCE. Mechanistic studies by 1H NMR spectroscopy show that upon two-electron reduction the Mo(CNR)2(bdt)2 complex dissociates the isocyanide ligands, followed by addition of acid to result in the formation of molecular hydrogen and the Mo(bdt)2 complex.
Ultrafast proton radiography of the magnetic fields generated by a laser-driven coil current

Magnetic fields generated by a current flowing through a U-shaped coil connecting two copper foils were measured using ultrafast proton radiography. Two ∼1.25 kJ, 1-ns laser pulses propagated through laser entrance holes in the front foil and were focused to the back foil with an intensity of ∼3 × 1016 W/cm2. The intense laser-solid interaction induced a high voltage between the copper foils and generated a large current in the connecting coil. The proton data show ∼40–50 T magnetic fields at the center of the coil ∼3–4 ns after laser irradiation. The experiments provide significant insight for future target designs that aim to develop a powerful source of external magnetic fields for various applications in high-energy-density science.
Measuring Retirement Income Adequacy, Part One: Traditional Replacement Ratios and Results for Workers at Large Companies

This paper is the first of a two-part series intended to sort through some of the issues and variations in determining whether the post-World War II baby boom generation is likely to achieve an "acceptable" standard of living in retirement. A recent study by Hewitt Associates shows that the typical 401(k) participant is well-positioned to replace 85-95 percent of preretirement income when current Social Security, existing profit-sharing, and defined benefit plans are taken into account. The study examined the projected preretirement income replacement levels across 62 large companies of the 960,000 employees who were actively participating in their 401(k) plans as of January 1, 2003. The overall average replacement ratio for the Hewitt analysis drops from 95 percent under the high medical coverage assumption to 83 percent under the medium assumption and 80 percent under the low medical coverage assumption. This is true for employees retiring at a "normal" retirement age of 65, and who are relying primarily on Medicare for their health care benefits. Employees retiring at an earlier age will experience an even larger financial setback.
Use of activity-based costing method in cost accounting of hospital medical service

The feasibility of the use of activity-based costing method was assessed and the operating steps of the method was explained based on the characteristic of high indirect cost and complex process in hospital financial management.This article focused on the allocation of indirect cost which fully embodied the fundamental guiding ideology o"factivities consume resources and products consume activities".Activity-based costing method can provide the administrative departments more accurate recommendations based on meticulous accounting.
Novel, Long-axis In-plane Ultrasound-Guided Pericardiocentesis for Postoperative Pericardial Effusion Drainage

Pericardial effusion can be a life-threatening complication in children after cardiac surgery. Percutaneous pericardiocentesis is associated with rare, but serious complications. This retrospective study describes our experience with a novel, long-axis in-plane real-time ultrasound (US)-guided technique for postoperative pericardial effusion drainage in small children. Ten out of sixteen procedures were performed within 14 days of cardiac surgery at a median postoperative day 12 (IQR 2, 99). Median age was 2.7 months (IQR 0.4124) and weight 4.5 kg (IQR 2.5, 41.6). All but one procedure required a single attempt. Fourteen out of sixteen procedures had subxiphoid approach, and two were apical. Median initial drainage was 9 mL/kg (IQR 4.5, 27). Fifty percent of effusions were serous, 25 % chylous, and the remainder bloody. There were no reported complications. This study demonstrates a novel, long-axis pericardiocentesis technique that allows for an easy and safe needle entry into the pericardial space for small children in the early postoperative period.
Oligomerization of Light Olefins to Gasoline: An Advanced NMR Characterization of Liquid Products

Using multiple 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques, we have investigated the C8 cut from samples of liquid products obtained by the oligomerization of light olefins over solid phosphoric acid (SPA) and MTW zeolite. The carbon species present, CHn (n = 0–3), were identified by DEPT NMR and quantified using inverse-gated decoupled 13C NMR spectra. The olefinic protons and carbons as well as the types of olefins were quantified. 13C NMR shows that the amount of methyl carbons is similar for both catalysts but that methylene and methyne carbon distributions are different. The product obtained over MTW catalyst showed higher quantities of quaternary olefins, likely from type V tetrasubstituted olefins, compared to that over SPA catalyst. In addition, 2D NMR has also been attempted to understand the proton and carbon connectivities and confirmed the presence of type I and II olefins.
The Effects of Diabetic Retinopathy Stage and Light Flicker on Inner Retinal Oxygen Extraction Fraction.

Purpose We determined the effects of light flicker and diabetic retinopathy (DR) stage on retinal vascular diameter (D), oxygen saturation (SO2), and inner retinal oxygen extraction fraction (OEF). Methods Subjects were categorized as nondiabetic control (NC, n = 42), diabetic with no clinical DR (NDR; n = 32), nonproliferative DR (NPDR; n = 42), or proliferative DR (PDR; n = 14). Our customized optical imaging system simultaneously measured arterial and venous D (DA, DV) and SO2 (SO2A, SO2V) before and during light flicker. Inner retinal OEF was derived from SO2 values. Light flicker-induced ratios of metrics (DAR, DVR, SO2AR, SO2VR, OEFR) were calculated. Results Arterial D was larger in NPDR compared to NC (P = 0.01) and PDR (P = 0.002), whereas DV was similar among groups (P ≥ 0.16). Light flicker increased DA and DV (P ≤ 0.004), but DAR and DVR were similar among groups (P ≥ 0.09). Arterial SO2 was higher in all groups compared to NC (P ≤ 0.02) and higher in PDR compared to NDR and NPDR (P<0.001). Arterial SO2 did not change with light flicker (P ≥ 0.1). Venous SO2 was higher in NPDR and PDR compared to NC and NDR (P ≤ 0.02). Light flicker increased SO2V in NC, NDR, and PDR (P ≤ 0.003), and SO2VR was lower in NPDR compared to NC and NDR (P ≤ 0.05). Inner retinal OEF was lower in NPDR compared to NDR and PDR (P ≤ 0.02). Light flicker decreased OEF (P ≤ 0.03), but OEFR was greater in NPDR compared to NC and NDR (P ≤ 0.03). Conclusions The findings of alterations in retinal D, SO2, OEF, and their light flicker-induced responses at stages of DR may be useful to elucidate the pathophysiology of DR.
Ethnic Tensions in the Successor Republics in 1993 and Early 1994

A distinguished specialist on the human geography of the former USSR examines the process whereby the Russian Federation increased its influence over most of the successor states during 1993 and early 1994. Particular attention is devoted to the interplay between (a) the status of Russian minorities, political instability, and ethnic conflict in the successor states and (b) military, economic, and political pressures exerted by the Russian Federation. In addition, the paper surveys the status of interethnic relations among Russians and eponymous populations in Russia's republics and other ethnic-territorial formations. 1 map, 44 references.
Convergence of a Class of Weak Solutions to the Strong Solution of a Linear Constrained Quadratic Minimization Problem: A Direct Proof Using Matrix Identities

In this note we provide a direct proof of convergence of the sequence of penalty function based weak solutions to the strong solution of a quadratic minimization problem with linear constraints using two well-known matrix identities.
Cell Motility, Control and Function of Convergence and Extension during Gastrulation in Xenopus

In this paper we will discuss some recent work on the cell motility underlying the convergence and extension movements during gastrulation and neurulation of Xenopus laevis. We will also discuss some of the tissue interactions controlling this motility, and we will refine our previous ideas on how convergence and extension functions in gastrulation of Xenopus.
Inferring leadership in zebrafish pairs: An information-theoretic approach

The transfer of information between individuals is central to decision-making in animal groups on the move, especially when certain influential leaders in the group anticipate the movement of the rest. Identifying leaders using classical signal processing methods such as cross-correlation depends on a linear relationship between the actions of the leader and follower, which may not always be the case in real datasets. In this tutorial we will introduce concepts from information theory that are amenable to nonlinear dependence between actions of interacting individuals, and can therefore be implemented free of behavior models. To validate these concepts, we will focus on the zebrafish model organism, whose motion can be faithfully reconstructed by adopting stochastic modeling techniques from financial engineering. We will work with pairs of zebrafish, and discuss challenges in extending our approach to larger groups. Finally, we will show how these information-theoretic tools can be used to design and control robots in animal behavior studies.
Laparoscopic versus open umbilical hernia repair.

BACKGROUND The use of prosthetic material for open umbilical hernia repair has been reported to reduce recurrence rates. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after laparoscopic versus open umbilical hernia repair. METHODS We reviewed all umbilical hernia repairs performed from November 1995 to October 2000. Demographic data, hernia characteristics, and outcomes were compared. RESULTS Of the 76 patients identified, 32 underwent laparoscopic repair (LR), 24 primary suture repairs (PSR), and 20 open repairs with mesh (ORWM). Preoperative characteristics were similar between groups. Hernia size was similar between LR and ORWM groups, and both were larger than that in the PSR group. ORWM compared with the other techniques resulted in longer operating time, more frequent use of drains, higher complication rates, and prolonged return to normal activities (RTNA). The length of stay (LOS) was longer in the ORWM than in the PSR group. When compared with ORWM, LR resulted in lower recurrence rates. LR resulted in fewer recurrences in patients with previous repairs and hernias larger than 3 cm than in both open techniques. CONCLUSIONS LR results in faster RTNA, and lower complication and recurrence rates compared with those in ORWM. Patients with larger hernias and previous repairs benefit from LR.
Photo-induced toxicity in early life stage fiddler crab ( Uca longisignalis ) following exposure to Deepwater Horizon oil

The 2010 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil rig led to the release of millions of barrels of oil in the Gulf of Mexico. Oil in aquatic ecosystems exerts toxicity through multiple mechanisms, including photo-induced toxicity following co-exposure with UV radiation. The timing and location of the spill coincided with both fiddler crab reproduction and peak yearly UV intensities, putting early life stage fiddler crabs at risk of injury due to photo-induced toxicity. The present study assessed sensitivity of fiddler crab larvae to photo-induced toxicity during co-exposure to a range of environmentally relevant dilutions of high-energy water accommodated fractions of DWH oil, and either 10% UV and relatively low concentrations of oil. Results of the present study indicate fiddler crab larvae are sensitive to photo-induced toxicity in the presence of DWH oil. These results are of concern, as fiddler crabs play an important role as ecosystem engineers, modulating sediment biogeochemical processes via burrowing action. Furthermore, they occupy an important place in the food web in the Gulf of Mexico.
A novel de novo CAPN5 mutation in a patient with inflammatory vitreoretinopathy, hearing loss, and developmental delay

Mutations that activate the protease calpain-5 (CAPN5) cause a nonsyndromic adult-onset autoinflammatory eye disease characterized by uveitis, altered synaptic signaling, retinal degeneration, neovascularization, and intraocular fibrosis. We describe a pediatric patient with severe inflammatory vitreoretinopathy accompanied by hearing loss and developmental delay associated with a novel, de novo CAPN5 missense mutation (c.865C>T, p.Arg289Trp) that shows greater hyperactivation of the calpain protease, indicating a genotype-phenotype correlation that links mutation severity to proteolytic activity and the possibility of earlier onset syndromic disease with auditory and neurological abnormalities.
Conditional aggression: Perceptions of male violence in response to threat and provocation

Abstract Masculine honor ideology refers to beliefs dictating men should defend against threats, often through violent responses. Research has shown masculine honor beliefs are associated with more positive perceptions of men who defend against threat and less positive perceptions of men who do not defend against threat. Across four studies, we extended these findings by examining whether, as a function of masculine honor beliefs, men are perceived more positively simply for being violent, or if their reputations are only enhanced when they respond violently to real threats. Further, we examined whether situational factors (size of the opponent, outcome of the fight, and whether their goal was achieved) affected perceptions of men as a function of masculine honor beliefs. Our results showed that as perceivers' masculine honor beliefs increase, they perceive men more positively when they confront threats, and when they win their fight, but not when they behave violently in general.
Playing, Talking, Co-constructing: Exemplary Teaching for Young Dual Language Learners Across Program Types

An increase in the Dual Language Learner (DLL) population has led to a critical need for early childhood educators to understand how to best serve DLL children and their families. This article describes a qualitative multiple-case study that investigated specific teaching practices for DLLs in six community-nominated exemplary preschool classrooms across three program types (Head Start, public Pre-K, and private university-affiliated preschool programs). The aim of this study was to learn from exemplary teachers about their beliefs and practices for teaching young DLL children. Data collection sources included interviews with teachers, classroom observations, video recordings, and classroom artifacts. Findings demonstrate that exemplary teachers hold asset-oriented beliefs about bilingualism and diversity, viewing DLL children and families as knowledgeable resources to the community. With these beliefs as a foundation, teachers enact a wide repertoire of practices tailored for DLL children, including: fostering relationships and belonging through embedding home languages and cultural practices in the classroom; emphasizing guided play, co-constructed curriculum, and ongoing observational assessment; and scaffolding and teaching the English language. Implications for teaching and teacher education are discussed.
Random Variables and Measurable Functions

In statistical work, the basic variables of interest are random variables. Despite the terminology, random variables have no inherent relationship to any intuitive concept of randomness or chance. Instead, random variables are functions on which parameters of interest are readily defined. In consonance with practice since Kolmogorov (1933), random variables are defined as special cases of measurable functions. In turn, definitions of measurable functions used in this chapter are based on the definition of real measurable functions in Daniell (1920). In Section 3.1, Daniell’s definition of33 real measurable functions is used to define real random variables and random vectors, and basic properties of measurable functions are developed. In Section 3.2, the relationship between regular Daniell integrals and continuous transformations is developed, and applications of real Baire functions are considered. In Section 3.3, summary measures based on intervals are used to describe measurable functions. Basic properties of these measures are discussed, and applications to description of data are presented. These measures are shown to provide basic characterizations of distributions.
Correlating News Media Agenda-Setting to Public Opinion in Kenya’s 2007 General Election

A Thesis by Kioko Ireri, Submitted to the Faculty of Miami University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts Department of Communication.
IL-10 is a critical negative regulator of macrophage activation syndrome

Purpose Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS, alternatively known as secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)) is a potentially life-threatening complication of many rheumatologic, infectious, and malignant diseases. It is characterized by the acute onset of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and multi-system organ dysfunction in the setting of overwhelming inflammation. As a result of the poor understanding of disease pathogenesis, no consensus exists regarding how best to diagnose and treat this condition. Preliminary evidence in genetic forms of this disease (known collectively as primary HLH) suggests a critical role for IFNg and CD8+ T-lymphocytes.
Duvalier regime in haiti and immigrant health in the United States

Background: Haitians immigrate to the United States for many reasons, including the opportunity to escape political violence. The extant literature on Haitian immigrant health focuses on post-migration, rather than pre-migration, environments and experiences. Objective: In this study, we analyze health outcomes data from a nationally representative sample of Haitian immigrants in the United States from 1996 to 2015. We estimate age-adjusted associations between pre-migration residence in Haiti during the repressive regimes and generalized terror of Francois and Jean-Claude Duvalier, who ran Haiti from 1957 to 1986. Methods: We used ordered probit regression models to quantify age-adjusted associations between the duration of pre-migration residence in Haiti during the Duvalier regime, and the distribution of post-migration health status among Haitian immigrants in the United States. Findings: Our study sample included 2,438 males and 2,800 females ages 15 and above. The mean age of males was 43.5 (standard deviation, 15.5) and the mean age of females was 44.7 (standard deviation, 16.6). Each additional decade of pre-migration residence in Haiti during the Duvalier regime is associated with a 2.9 percentage point decrease (95% confidence interval 0.6 to 5.3) in excellent post-migration health for males, and a 2.8 percentage point decrease (95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 4.8) for females. Within the subsample of Haitian immigrants with any pre-migration residence in Haiti during the Duvalier regime, each additional decade since the regime is associated with a 3.3 percentage point increase (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 5.5) in excellent post-migration health for males, and a 2.3 percentage point increase (95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 4.1) for females. Conclusions: Overall, we found statistically significant and negative associations between the Duvalier regime and the post-migration distribution of health status 10 to 57 years later. We found statistically significant and positive associations between the length of time since the Duvalier regime and post-migration health.
Development of Gleevec Analogues for Reducing Production of β-Amyloid Peptides through Shifting β-Cleavage of Amyloid Precursor Proteins

Imatinib mesylate, 1a, inhibits production of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides both in cells and in animal models. It reduces both the β-secretase and γ-secretase cleavages of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and mediates a synergistic effect, when combined with a β-secretase inhibitor, BACE IV. Toward developing more potent brain-permeable leads, we have synthesized and evaluated over 75 1a-analogues. Several compounds, including 2a–b and 3a–c, inhibited production of Aβ peptides with improved activity in cells. These compounds affected β-secretase cleavage of APP similarly to 1a. Compound 2a significantly reduced production of the Aβ42 peptide, when administered (100 mg/kg, twice daily by oral gavage) to 5 months old female mice for 5 days. A combination of compound 2a with BACE IV also reduced Aβ levels in cells, more than the additive effect of the two compounds. These results open a new avenue for developing treatments for Alzheimer’s disease using 1a-analogues.
‘Mixt marriages’: Ethnic and Religious Intermarriage among German-Speakers in Eighteenth-Century Pennsylvania

Civil and religious authorities in eighteenth-century America grew increasingly concerned over the freedom with which young people chose their marriage partners. Correlating racial, religious and c...
Timing tweaks exercise.

Exercise is the elixir of health. However, timing can boost or blunt exercise performance and health benefits. Two complementary studies used transcriptomic and metabolomic tools to dissect how time of day affects the impact of exercise. The findings open new avenues for optimizing timing of physical activity to boost its benefits further.
Accelerated Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Learned Representations: A New Frontier in Biomedical Imaging

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to scan a wide range of dynamic processes within the body, including the motion of internal organs, tissue-level nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation, and dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) of dye agents. The ability of MRI to safely provide unique soft-tissue contrast and comprehensive functional information has made dynamic MRI central to a number of imaging exams for cardiac, interventional, vocal tract, cancer, and gastrointestinal applications, among others. Unfortunately, MRI is a notoriously slow imaging modality due to fundamental physical and physiological limitations. These limitations result in tradeoffs between spatial and temporal resolutions, spatial coverage, and the signal-to-noise ratio and have made dynamic MRI a challenging technical goal.
Investigation of the emergency situation for agency of disease prevention and control in Xi'an

Objective To Evaluate the status of health emergency situation of disease prevention and control, and to provide the basis for scientific decision-making. Methods Using the method of cross-section investigation, the present situation of public health emergency in 14 public health organizations in Xi'an was investigated, the data were analyzed by Spss18.0 and Microsoft Excel 2003. Results The emergency response system was constructed basically in Xi'an. The status of health emergency control situation was not optimistic,up to standard rate of emergency equipments was low. The emergency disposal system of public health emergencies was only 14.29%in perfect.Emergency team received professional training accounted for 55.63%.100% of the investigation agency made the department plans according to the higher plan,but only 64.29% of the agency can do the plan for a regular exercise and maintenance.88.32%of the team members received professional training to deal with the sudden departure time from receiving an average of 0.88 hours.28.57% counties agency had no pathogenic detection equipment,14.29%county agency waswithout physical and chemical testing equipment, and 7.14%county agency had no universal equipment. The training of epidemiology, inspection and emergency management were trained on average 1.38times a year, 1.2 times and 0.63 times respectively. Conclusion The emergency disposal system of the disease control institution in Xi'an has been preliminarily formed, but in the personnel configuration and other aspects exist many deficiencies. Effective measures should be adopted to strengthen construction of health emergency situation. Key words: Agency of disease prevention and control; Emergency; Investigation
Evictions & Inequality in North Minneapolis: Centering Community in the Creation of Public Policy

Single Black mothers face the highest risk of eviction in the United States. In North Minneapolis, a community manufactured to contain undesirable populations through housing discrimination, decades of urban disinvestment, and unfair lending practices, the situation has become further exacerbated by the rise in distressed-property investment and disproportionate rates of eviction. This community-engaged action research project engages with tenants and landlords to illuminate how and why evictions occur in North Minneapolis, MN. The approach disrupts the power imbalance that exists between researchers, local power brokers, and community-based organizations to produce research findings that both value people’s lived experiences and utilize those experiences to produce community-centered public policy solutions. Community-centered policy solutions include lengthening the formal eviction process, creating a more human-centered process for financial support, and disrupting a cycle of dependency that is often reinforced by the state.
Classification of 12-lead ECGs Using Intra-Heartbeat Discrete-time Fourier Transform and Inter-Heartbeat Attention

In this work, we built a model to classify 12-lead ECGs using attention for the PhysioNet/Computing in Cardiology Challenge 2020. Since information about different classification outcomes might be present only in specific segments, we tune our feature representation to show the frequency distribution shift as we move through time. This is done by first representing the original signal as a spectrogram, which shows the signal's frequency spectrum during different time windows (heartbeats). The frequency spectrum at each heartbeat is extracted using discrete-time Fourier transform. The spectrogram is then inputted to a bidirectional LSTM network where each heartbeat vector represents a time step. The outputs of the bidirectional LSTM network at each stage are then used as attention vectors. The attention vectors are then multiplied with the original signal window embeddings, which are used to generate the final output. Our approach achieved a challenge validation score of 0.416 and a test score of 0.024 but were not ranked due to omissions in the submission (team name: SBU_AI).
Outcomes of Intravenous Chemotherapy (Chemoreduction) for Retinoblastoma Based on Patient Age in 964 Eyes of 554 Patients.

PURPOSE To evaluate retinoblastoma control after intravenous chemotherapy (chemoreduction) by patient age at presentation. DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS This study included 964 eyes of 554 patients treated with chemoreduction at Ocular Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital. Patients received 6 monthly cycles of standard chemoreduction. Additional therapies for tumor control were performed as needed. RESULTS Of 964 eyes, a comparison by age group ( 24 months) revealed more advanced age group with higher frequency of group E tumor (15% vs. 25% vs. 32% vs. 39%, P < 0.001). By treatment outcomes, complete tumor control was achieved with chemoreduction alone more often in less advanced age group (46% vs. 30% vs. 17% vs. 8%, P < 0.001). Additional treatment after chemoreduction was needed more often in more advanced age group with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT; 9% vs. 16% vs. 20% vs. 15%, P = 0.006) or enucleation (12% vs. 18% vs. 26% vs. 37%, P < 0.001). Over time (1994-1998 vs. 1999-2003 vs. 2004-2008 vs. 2009-2013 vs. 2014-2019), the paradigm for additional required treatment after chemoreduction shifted toward less EBRT (27% vs. 24% vs. 14% vs. 7% vs. 2%, P < 0.001) and more intra-arterial (0% vs. 0% vs. 1% vs. 25% vs. 48%, P < 0.001) and intravitreal (0% vs. 0% vs. 3% vs. 10% vs. 20%, P < 0.001) chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Chemoreduction is a safe and effective treatment method for patients with retinoblastoma, demonstrating the best tumor control in the younger age groups.
Female Deacons and the Unity of the Sacrament of Order: Responding to the German Skeptics:

Over the last several decades, a group of German-speaking theologians has proposed an argument against the possibility of the ordination of women as deacons. They argue both that the unity of the s...
Do I Look Gawky? The Association between Pubertal Asynchrony and Peer Victimization

Pubertal synchrony is defined as the degree of coherence to which puberty-related body changes (e.g., breast development, growth spurt, voice change, underarm hair growth) are coordinated. During the pubertal transition, youth’s body parts grow asynchronously, making each youth’s physical appearance unique. Physical appearance is a known correlate of youth’s psychosocial functioning during adolescence, but we know little about how pubertal asynchrony plays a role in their peer relationships. Using data from an adoption study (the Early Growth and Development Study; n = 413; 237 boys, 176 girls), this study examined the effect of pubertal asynchrony on peer victimization. Results revealed sex-specific effects of pubertal asynchrony; pubertal asynchrony was associated with a higher risk of peer victimization for girls but a lower risk for boys. Findings highlight the intersection of physical development and social context in understanding youth’s experiences of puberty.
Generalized Resubstitution for Classification Error Estimation

We propose the family of generalized resubstitution classifier error estimators based on empirical measures. These error estimators are computationally efficient and do not require re-training of classifiers. The plain resubstitution error estimator corresponds to choosing the standard empirical measure. Other choices of empirical measure lead to bolstered, posterior-probability, Gaussian-process, and Bayesian error estimators; in addition, we propose bolstered posterior-probability error estimators as a new family of generalized resubstitution estimators. In the two-class case, we show that a generalized resubstitution estimator is consistent and asymptotically unbiased, regardless of the distribution of the features and label, if the corresponding generalized empirical measure converges uniformly to the standard empirical measure and the classification rule has a finite VC dimension. A generalized resubstitution estimator typically has hyperparameters that can be tuned to control its bias and variance, which adds flexibility. Numerical experiments with various classification rules trained on synthetic data assess the thefinite-sample performance of several representative generalized resubstitution error estimators. In addition, results of an image classification experiment using the LeNet-5 convolutional neural network and the MNIST data set demonstrate the potential of this class of error estimators in deep learning for computer vision.
Parallel functional subnetworks embedded in the macaque face patch system

During normal vision, our eyes provide the brain with a continuous stream of useful information about the world. How visually specialized areas of the cortex, such as face-selective patches, operate under natural modes of behavior is poorly understood. Here we report that, during the free viewing of videos, cohorts of face-selective neurons in the macaque cortex fractionate into distributed and parallel subnetworks that carry distinct information. We classified neurons into functional groups based on their video-driven coupling with fMRI time courses across the brain. Neurons from each group were distributed across multiple face patches but intermixed locally with other groups at each recording site. These findings challenge prevailing views about functional segregation in the cortex and underscore the importance of naturalistic paradigms for cognitive neuroscience.