cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
State Entrepreneurship, Foreign Investment, Export Expansion, and Economic Growth Granger Causality in Taiwan's Development

We employ vector autoregression to test for direct Granger causality among state entrepreneurship, foreign investment, export expansion, and economic growth in Taiwan. We infer hypotheses about the relationships among these variables from the developmentalist, dependency, and statist perspectives, which suggest varied and often contradictory expectations about the presence or absence, and about the sign and direction of causality among these variables. We found that Taiwan is a unique case and differs from the findings reported in previous research on Brazil and Ireland. The island's state entrepreneurship has been “Granger caused” by its own recent history as well as the recent history of GNP performance. In turn, state entrepreneurship has had a causal impact on export expansion. But state entrepreneurship has not been influenced by and has not influenced either economic growth or foreign investment. In addition to state entrepreneurship, foreign investment and economic growth have affected Taiwan's exp...
Plantae Colombianae, VIII: De distributione Herraniae ,purpureae notae

Herrania purpurea (Pittier) R. E. Schultes in Caldasia 9 (1944) 333 / Hevea viridis Huber var. toxicodendroides R. E. Schultes & E. L. Vinton, var. nov.
EFFECTS OF ADDITIVES ON QUALITY OF MECHANICALLY EXTRACTED JONAH CRAB (CANCER BOREALIS) MINCE DURING REFRIGERATED STORAGE

Research was conducted to determine yield and composition of mechanically separated Jonah crab mince prepared from processing discards and to evaluate effects of different additives on the chemical and microbiological quality of the mince. The following additives were used: 2% or 5% dried rosemary (with or without 2% lactic acid), 400 ppm and 800 ppm diacetyl (with or without 2% lactic acid), 2% sodium lactate, and a control (with or without 2% lactic acid). The eleven treatments were stored at 5C for 8 days, and periodically subjected to total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), pH, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and microbial analyses. Lactic acid, 400 ppm and 880 ppm diacetyl, and sodium lactate were effective in inhibiting TVBN and TBA production. Sodium lactate, 5% rosemary and 800 ppm diacetyl had the highest antimicrobial activity. Combinations of additives are recommended to improve different aspects of crab mince quality during refrigerated storage.
Using latent semantic indexing to filter spam

Past research has explored the effectiveness of a Naive Bayesian classifier when filtering unsolicited bulk email (spam). Results have shown that the degree of precision of this approach is generally superior to the degree of recall. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a classifier incorporating Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) to filter spam email on corpus used in previous studies. Results show that email classifiers using LSI to filter spam enjoy a very high degree of both recall and precision, no matter if the corpus is treated using a stop list or a lemmatizer. While using LSI leads to precision roughly equal to that of using a Naive Bayesian approach, the LSI technique has a substantially higher recall and is more effective under certain conditions.Results show that incorporating LSI into an anti-spam filter is viable, particularly in implementations when misclassified legitimate messages are not arbitrarily deleted. Other inferences are drawn to the applicability of this method to other text mining tasks.
Optimizing the reliable distribution of large files within CDNs

Content delivery networks (CDNs) provide an efficient support for serving http and streaming media content white minimizing the network impact of content delivery as well as overcoming the server overload problem. For serving the large documents and media files, there is an additional problem of the original content distribution across the CDN edge servers. We propose an algorithm, called ALM-fastreplica, for optimizing replication of large files across the edge servers in CDNs. The original file is partitioned into k subfiles, and each subfile is replicated via a correspondingly constructed multicast tree. Nodes from the different multicast trees use additional cross-nodes connections to exchange their corresponding subfiles such that each node eventually receives an entire file. This new replication method significantly reduces file replication time, up to 5-15 times compared to the traditional unicast (or point-to-point) schema. Since a single node failure in the multicast tree during the file distribution may impact the file delivery to a significant number of nodes, it is important to design an algorithm which is able to deal with node failures. We augment ALM-FastReplica with an efficient reliability mechanism, that can deal with node failures by making local repair decisions within a particular replication group of nodes. Under the proposed algorithm, the load of the failed node is shared among the nodes of the corresponding replication group, making the performance degradation gradual.
Fibrin matrices with affinity‐based delivery systems and neurotrophic factors promote functional nerve regeneration

Glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) have both been shown to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration following injury and target different neuronal populations. The delivery of either growth factor at the site of injury may, therefore, result in quantitative differences in motor nerve regeneration and functional recovery. In this study we evaluated the effect of affinity-based delivery of GDNF or NGF from fibrin-filled nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) on motor nerve regeneration and functional recovery in a 13 mm rat sciatic nerve defect. Seven experimental groups were evaluated consisting of GDNF or NGF and the affinity-based delivery system (DS) within NGCs, control groups excluding the DS and/or growth factor, and nerve isografts. Groups with growth factor in the conduit demonstrated equivalent or superior performance in behavioral tests and relative muscle mass measurements compared to isografts at 12 weeks. Additionally, groups with GDNF demonstrated greater specific twitch and tetanic force production in extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle than the isograft control, while groups with NGF produced demonstrated similar force production compared to the isograft control. Assessment of motor axon regeneration by retrograde labeling further revealed that the number of ventral horn neurons regenerating across NGCs containing GDNF and NGF DS was similar to the isograft group and these counts were greater than the groups without growth factor. Overall, the GDNF DS group demonstrated superior functional recovery and equivalent motor nerve regeneration compared to the isograft control, suggesting it has potential as a treatment for motor nerve injury.
Emerging personalized approaches for the management of advanced urothelial carcinoma

Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder comprises a spectrum of illnesses ranging from nonmuscle-invasive to muscle-invasive to advanced/metastatic disease. Each of these clinical states is characterized by a unique pathogenesis, prognosis and approach to treatment. However, given the heterogeneity of urothelial carcinoma, differences in biology and outcomes exist not only among these clinical states but also within each state. Personalized medicine, also commonly referred to as individualized or stratified medicine, offers the potential to optimize treatment for a given patient, based on the ability to accurately predict prognosis, response to treatment and tolerability of treatment. This review will discuss recent efforts, current challenges and future opportunities, for the personalized management of urothelial carcinoma.
Influence of preparative procedures on assay of platelet function and apparent effects of antiplatelet agents.

Previous studies have shown that anticoagulants alter platelet reactivity and the apparent effects of antiplatelet agents. This study was conducted to identify the impact of methods of preparation of blood samples on an assay of platelet function and the effects of antiplatelet agents. The activation of platelets was identified with the use of flow cytometry in response to thrombin (1 and 10 nmol/L), adenosine diphosphate (0.2 and 1 μmol/L), platelet activating factor (1 nmol/L), and convulxin (1 and 10 ng/ml). Antiplatelet effects were assessed after the addition in vitro of tirofiban (50 ng/ml) and cangrelor (10 nmol/L). Results were compared in whole blood and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) anticoagulated with corn trypsin inhibitor (32 μg/ml, a specific inhibitor of factor XIIa). The fraction of young platelets was quantified with thiazole orange, which identifies ribonucleic acid. The activation of platelets was consistently less in PRP compared with whole blood. Activation in PRP was 23 ± 15% that in whole blood for thrombin, 65 ± 26% for adenosine diphosphate, 40 ± 20% for platelet activating factor, and 49 ± 25% for convulxin (p
New perspectives on Beringian Quaternary paleogeography, stratigraphy, and glacial history

Abstract Aspects of the paleogeography, stratigraphy, and glacial history of Beringia have been greatly revised over the past 15–20 yr. Access to North East Russia, in particular, has provided the opportunity to evaluate the Beringia landscape as a contiguous subcontinent during the Quaternary. For the first time, new research has made clearer the connection between tectonic forces and the submergence of the Bering Strait during the middle Pliocene. Revisions in the regional stratigraphy of glacial and interglacial deposits in northwest Alaska and northeast Russia provide a new foundation for assessing the causes for differences in glacial ice extent through time. The consensus of all field workers verifies that glacial ice throughout most of Beringia was of very limited extent during the last glacial maximum. The onset of regional glaciation during the waning stages of the last interglaciation is clearly out of phase with glaciation at lower latitudes. Despite the lack of much glacial activity during the early Holocene, Alaska contains a rich record of late Holocene glacial response to Neoglacial cooling. Changes in the Holocene environment of Beringia likely had a profound affect on early inhabitants. The curiosity-driven vision and spirit of both David Hopkins and the late Troy Pewe have had a profound influence on Arctic paleoenvironmental research.
False positive and false negative rates in self-reported intentions to offend: A replication and extension

Abstract Purpose Studies of criminal decision making commonly rely on college students’ self-reported intentions to commit a hypothetical offense. The current study evaluates the predictive validity of these intentions to offend. Methods Undergraduate students (n = 726) read a fictitious but seemingly realistic newspaper article describing an illegal opportunity for acquiring digital music files, and then reported their intentions to act upon the opportunity. Afterward, participants’ real world attempts to follow-through on the opportunity were monitored covertly. Results Findings reveal that participants who reported weak intentions to offend typically refrained from the act, resulting in a low false negative rate. However, those who reported strong intentions to offend also typically refrained from the act, thereby resulting in a high false positive rate. Conclusions These findings suggest that while participants’ predictions of criminal abstention are generally accurate, their predictions of criminal involvement are more problematic. Such faulty intentions have important implications for research on criminal decision making.
A novel high‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method for improved selective and sensitive measurement of methotrexate polyglutamation status in human red blood cells

The folate antagonist methotrexate is commonly used in low dose for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Therapeutic effects are attributed to intracellular levels of various methotrexate polyglutamates. The present methodology, combining a simple preparation step with ion-pairing reversed-phase liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, is suitable for the measurement of methotrexate and its polyglutamates(2-7), in human red blood cells. Sample preparation consists of perchloric acid protein precipitation followed by solid-phase extraction. Baseline separation of all analytes was achieved within 10 min using a Phenomenex Synergy C18 column together with a gradient solvent program obtained from blending acetonitrile with pH 7.5, 5 mM aqueous dimethylhexylamine. Seven methotrexate polyglutamates were detected using multiple reaction monitoring, with the mass spectrometer operating in positive ion mode. Using 20 microL injection volumes, limits of detection were 2.5 nM for individual methotrexate polyglutamates, while large volume (100 microL) injections led to detection limits of 0.5 nM and linear calibration from 0.5 to 100 nM for individual analytes. Finally, the presented methodology was applied for the analysis of methotrexate and its polyglutamates in red blood cells obtained from patients being treated for juvenile idiopathic arthritis with methotrexate. Significantly, the methodology proved suitable for determination of long-chain methotrexate polyglutamates(5-7) and further, appears to be superior with respect to sensitivity, selectivity and speed as compared to all previously described approaches.
Electrophysiologic effects of atropine on atrioventricular conduction studied by his bundle electrogram

The electrophysiologic effects of atropine were studied with His bundle recordings in 14 patients. Administration of atropine, 0.5 mg intravenously, produced a moderate degree of sinus acceleration in all patients (average increase 20 percent over control rate). Atrioventricular (A-V) nodal conduction was enhanced during both sinus rhythm and at various paced atrial rates after administration of atropine. The paced atrial rates at which the A-V nodal Wenckebach phenomenon occurred were significantly higher after administration of the drug than before. Similar effects on retrograde conduction were observed during ventricular pacing. Atropine shortened both the functional and effective refractory periods of the A-V node but appeared to have no direct effect on either His-Purkinje conduction time or refractoriness. However, aberrant ventricular conduction and block within the His-Purkinje system increased during premature atrial stimulation after atropine administration. This was the result of shortening of the functional refractory period of the A-V node by atropine, which produced significantly shorter H1–H2 intervals. The effect of atropine on the electrophysiologic properties of the A-V conducting system was important in interpreting the conversion of a type I gap in A-V conduction to a type II gap.
Physical, Thermal, and Barrier Characterization of Casein‐Wax‐Based Edible Films

Lactic acid casein-wax-based edible films were prepared to study the effect of carnauba and candelilla waxes. Water and oxygen permeability, thermal properties, and microstructure were determined as a function of relative humidity. Scanning electron microscopy showed a partial phase separation of wax and protein. Water permeability decreased as wax content increased and as relative humidity decreased from 70 to 50%. Despite containing wax, films overall showed low decrease in water permeability. However, films with candelilla wax had lower water permeability values than those with carnauba wax. Films were able to be heat-sealed. There was no difference in oxygen permeability compared to films without wax. Des films comestibles a base de cire et de caseine sont prepares pour etudier l'effet des cires carnauba et candelilla. La permeabilite a l'eau et a l'oxygene, les proprietes thermiques et la microstructure sont determinees en fonction de l'humidite relative. Les films a base de cire candellila ont des valeurs de permeabilite a l'eau plus faibles que celles avec la cire carnauba. Ils peuvent etre scelles par la chaleur.
Enhancing Infection Control for Elderly and Medically Compromised Patients

Some patients may be at risk for complications from relatively common infectious diseases. Influenza, tuberculosis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection can lead to illness and even death in elderly, medically compromised and institutionalized individuals. Dental personnel caring for these individuals should adopt preventive strategies that are simple and inexpensive in addition to standard infection control guidelines.
The Chemistry and Toxicology of Depleted Uranium

Natural uranium is comprised of three radioactive isotopes: 238U, 235U, and 234U. Depleted uranium (DU) is a byproduct of the processes for the enrichment of the naturally occurring 235U isotope. The world wide stock pile contains some 1½ million tons of depleted uranium. Some of it has been used to dilute weapons grade uranium (~90% 235U) down to reactor grade uranium (~5% 235U), and some of it has been used for heavy tank armor and for the fabrication of armor-piercing bullets and missiles. Such weapons were used by the military in the Persian Gulf, the Balkans and elsewhere. The testing of depleted uranium weapons and their use in combat has resulted in environmental contamination and human exposure. Although the chemical and the toxicological behaviors of depleted uranium are essentially the same as those of natural uranium, the respective chemical forms and isotopic compositions in which they usually occur are different. The chemical and radiological toxicity of depleted uranium can injure biological systems. Normal functioning of the kidney, liver, lung, and heart can be adversely affected by depleted uranium intoxication. The focus of this review is on the chemical and toxicological properties of depleted and natural uranium and some of the possible consequences from long term, low dose exposure to depleted uranium in the environment.
Comparative studies of the maxi-K (K(Ca)) channel in freshly isolated myocytes of human and rat corpora.

Patch clamp techniques in freshly isolated myocytes from human corpora have documented that the large conductance calcium-sensitive K channel (KCa) subtype represents an important convergence point for the modulation of corporal smooth muscle tone, and therefore, erectile capacity. Other recent studies indicate a similar role for the KCa channel in the modulation of smooth muscle tone in the rat penis. Therefore, the explicit aim of this investigation was to evaluate and compare the characteristics of the KCa channel subtype present in freshly isolated myocytes from rat and human corpora. In short, myocytes isolated from rat and human corpora retain their characteristic morphology and contractility in vitro, as evidenced by light microscopic studies of their respective responses to activation of the a1-adrenergic receptor subtype by phenylephrine (PE). Large conductance K a currents commensurate with the presence of the KCa channel were readily apparent in myocytes from both preparations. I ‐ V curves constructed from cell-attached patches utilizing symmetric KCl solutions revealed the presence of a single channel slope conductance of 200 pS for both rat and human myocytes. 1 mM TEA applied in the bath solution reversibly diminished whole cell outward K a currents by 50%, and also blocked the unitary KCa channel activity observed in the outside-out patch mode. Addition of 2 mM 8-bromocAMP elicited a TEA-sensitive (1 mM) 2 ‐ 3 fold increase in the magnitude of the whole cell outward K a currents in rat myocytes. Taken together, these data confirm and extend previous observations and provide strong evidence that the rat corporal smooth muscle KCa channel has many similarities to its counterpart in the human penis. International Journal of Impotence Research (2000) 12, 9‐18.
Electric properties of macromolecules. XIII. Transient electric birefringence of sodium polyethylenesulfonate solutions

The electric birefringence of sodium polyethylenesulfonate in water has been studied. For a low molecular weight fraction, the electric field dependence followed the Kerr law quite closely. For a higher molecular weight fraction, the specific Kerr constant was much larger, and pronounced saturation of the electric birefringence was observed in fields of 15 kv./cm. The specific Kerr constant increased with decreasing polyelectrolyte concentration in pure water. On the other hand, it decreased on isoionic dilution. The saturation effect was the more marked, the lower the polyelectrolyte concentration. The saturation behavior resembled that of permanent dipole orientation, but this mechanism was not supported by the build-up of the birefringence. The magnitudes of specific Kerr constants of various types of macromolecules in solution are tabulated and discussed.
A sampling monitor for applications programs

Periodic location counter sampling is a well-known technique for conducting performance measurements on operating systems. It is also extremely useful for applications programs. This paper describes a set of interface conventions for such a monitor. SPY, a monitor obeying these conventions, has been implemented on three different computers. © 1973 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monitoring Platelet GP IIb/IIIa Antagonist Therapy

Platelet GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist therapy with abciximab (ReoPro), the Fab fragment of a mouse/human chimeric version of the murine 7E3 antibody, is currently used to prevent ischemic complications of percutaneous coronary interventions in select cases, and the efficacy and safety of abciximab for other related indications are under study.1 2 3 4 A number of low-molecular-weight GP IIb/IIIa antagonists patterned on the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) cell recognition sequence have also shown benefit in the prevention and treatment of ischemic thrombotic coronary artery disease and currently are in advanced stages of development and approval.1 2 3 4 The ease with which samples of blood platelets can be obtained, the availability of well-characterized methods for assessing platelet function, and the development of a radiolabeled antibody assay to assess the percentage of GP IIb/IIIa receptors blocked by 7E3 permitted the incorporation into the preclinical and early clinical trials of 7E3 extensive correlative studies of the antithrombotic effects of 7E3 compared with its effects on bleeding time, platelet aggregation, and GP IIb/IIIa receptor blockade.5 6 7 8 These studies provided a framework for deciding on a dosing schedule for the first phase III study (EPIC).9 Similar studies have been reported with some of the other GP IIb/IIIa antagonists.10 11 12 The more rapid GP IIb/IIIa off-rates of many of the low-molecular-weight compounds compared with 7E3 have made it technically more difficult to directly assess GP IIb/IIIa receptor blockade with these agents, but binding studies have been reported that used fluorescent compounds in conjunction with flow cytometry, radiolabeled compounds, or the expression of ligand-induced binding sites on GP IIb/IIIa induced by the binding of the compounds.13 14 15 16 The introduction of GP IIb/IIIa antagonists as a new class of therapeutic agents raises several important questions, especially because …
Pubovaginal sling using cadaveric fascia and bone anchors: disappointing early results.

Purpose: Pubovaginal sling procedures offer highly effective treatment for patients with female stress urinary incontinence. A recent modification of this technique is the use of cadaveric fascia lata as a sling material supported with titanium anchors placed bilaterally in the pubic bone. We reviewed our experience with this procedure and assessed our outcome.Materials and Methods: A total of 154 consecutive patients underwent a bone anchored, cadaveric fascia pubovaginal sling procedure by a single surgeon from July 1998 to June 1999. All patients were evaluated preoperatively with a detailed history, pelvic examination and radiographic or multichannel video urodynamic studies to diagnose stress urinary incontinence. Our technique begins with the nonincision placement of titanium bone anchors transvaginally into the pubic bone bilaterally. A 2 cm. wide tunnel is created bluntly beneath the vaginal epithelium between the 2 puncture sites with a right angle clamp. A 2 × 7 cm. strip of cadaveric fascia is ...
Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma in the Setting of Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension

We present a case of a 65-year-old Hispanic man with a history of disseminated cutaneous coccidioidomycosis who presented to the emergency room for progressively worsening abdominal pain associated with shortness of breath. The patient was found to have pleural effusion and moderate ascites on physical examination. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography scan were consistent with moderate ascites and portal hypertension but negative for both liver cirrhosis and for venous or arterial thrombosis. Cytology of ascitic fluid was suggestive of portal hypertension and was negative for infection. Subsequent, thoracentesis was suggestive of exudative effusion and also negative for infection. Liver biopsy confirmed the absence of cirrhosis. Complete blood count indicated pancytopenia, whereas bone marrow biopsy and flow cytometry were suggestive of marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). Clinically, the patient's shortness of breath was resolved by thoracentesis and paracentesis; however, his abdominal pain persisted. A diagnosis of idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension in the setting of splenic MZL was made. The patient was transferred to a higher level of care for splenectomy; however, he missed multiple appointments. Since discharge, the patient has been seen in the outpatient setting and states that he is controlling his disease with diet and exercise; however, he continues to complain of intermittent shortness of breath with exertion.
AN OUTBREAK OF NOSOCOMIAL PROTEUS RETTGERI URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Between December 1, 1971, and November 30, 1972, 11 patients on a single physical rehabilitation ward in a large St. Louis, Missouri, community hospital developed Proteus rettgeri urinary tract infections; P. rettgeri isolates from each patient were indole-negative and resistant in vitro to all antibiotics tested. Infected patients were more likely to have indwelling urinary tract catheters than were matched control patients, and all had previously received systemic antibiotic therapy. Retrospective epidemiologic investigation and microbiologic samplig at the time of the investigation failed to detect a common source of infection. Infected patients appeared to be the major reservoir of the epidemic strain, and indirect-contact transmission of the organism via nursing personnel probably occurred. Data collected from a prospective study suggested that placing catheterized patients in rooms that did not contain other catheterized patients may be an effective control measure.
Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Adolescent Alcohol Use: The Mediating Role of Youth Depressive Symptoms

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of maternal depressive symptoms on adolescent alcohol use among a sample of Latino/Latina youth aged 10 to 16 years from a high-risk community. Direct and mediating effects of youth depressive symptoms, controlling for levels of concurrent emotion dysregulation, on alcohol use were examined. Participants consisted of 525 children and their mothers randomly sampled from low-income schools with high rates of substance use. The panel design included four waves, and we used structural equation modeling with a longitudinal mediational framework. Results indicated that the relationship between maternal depressive symptoms and adolescent alcohol use was mediated by adolescents’ symptoms of depression for girls only. Findings are discussed in the context of the development of skills to cope with negative affect and the influence parental depressive symptoms may have on this process.
A consumer-led intervention to improve pharmacists' attitudes toward mental illness.

Abstract Introduction: Individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness often manage complex medication regimens and would benefit from support and education from their pharmacist. Past rese...
Oxygen Anion Solubility as a Factor in Molten Flux Crystal Growth, Synthesis, and Characterization of Four New Reduced Lanthanide Molybdenum Oxides: Ce4.918(3)Mo3O16, Pr4.880(3)Mo3O16, Nd4.910(3)Mo3O16, and Sm4.952(3)Mo3O16

Four new reduced lanthanide molybdenum oxides containing mixed valent Mo(V/VI)O4 tetrahedra were prepared in single crystal form by utilizing a high temperature molten salt flux synthesis involving an in situ reduction step. Calculations support the experimentally observed result that large alkali metal cations such as cesium are superior compared to the smaller alkali metal cations such as sodium in solvating O2– to facilitate oxide crystal growth in halide melts. All four compounds were structurally characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods and were found to crystallize in the cubic space group Pn3n. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility of these compounds was measured, and all were found to exhibit simple paramagnetism.
Long-term changes in composition of bird communities at an “undisturbed” site in eastern Ecuador

ABSTRACT Bird populations vary both spatially and temporally with consequences for patterns of species richness and community composition. Many species of birds have declined in abundance over the last 14 years at a site in lowland Ecuador. Here, we examine impacts of those declines on composition of bird assemblages on two 100-ha plots in lowland forest at Tiputini Biodiversity Station, eastern Ecuador. Birds were sampled with mist nets (2001–2014) and by direct observations (2003–2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2014). Species accumulation curves were similar on both plots but varied among years; rates of accumulation were particularly low in 2013, following declines in abundance of many species. Community composition differed between the two study plots based on species and guild composition; annual changes at the community level reflected changes in abundance of many species, particularly insectivores. Overall, assemblages of birds at this site in lowland Ecuador showed substantial variation over time and,...
A Numerical Evaluation of the Effects of Matrix Cracking in a Viscoelastic Composite

The authors have recently presented [1] an analytical investigation of the effects of matrix cracking in a viscoelastic laminate. The analysis in reference 1 was based on the extension of work previously presented by Lee and coworkers [2–4] regarding matrix cracking in an elastic laminate. This extension was accomplished through the application of a viscoelastic correspondence principle. In the present work, the authors present a numerical thermoviscoelastic stress analysis of the same matrix-cracked laminate that was evaluated in reference 1. Results from the two analyses are compared.
An optical receiver for science measurements and data detection

In the era of optical communications, the currently available optical system does not provide the required observations to extract the proper measurements for optical science experiments. Science investigations should utilize the optical telecommunication links between spacecraft and Earth to examine changes in the phase, frequency, amplitude, and polarization of radio signals to investigate planetary atmospheres, planetary rings, planetary surfaces, planetary interiors, solar corona and wind, comet mass flux, and fundamental physics. The proposed system in this paper provides an architectural improvement to the present state of the art optical communication systems utilized by NASA. In this paper we develop an optical receiver to provide amplitude, phase, and Doppler frequency for optical Science measurements in addition to detecting Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) signals. Currently available direct detection PPM does not provide these features. First we propose how to construct an optical receiver with mirrors, splitters, and photon counting detectors that produce in-phase and quadrature components. We analyze the performance of proposed optical system for PPM. The paper provides derivations, and analysis of proposed optical receiver. The innovations are methods to extract phase, Doppler frequency from PPM intensity modulated optical signal. We demonstrate how the receiver can detect the PPM data and at the same time provide phase information for science measurements. Numerical results are provided for the proposed optical receiver.
Collective Sensemaking via Social Sensors: Extracting, Profiling, Analyzing, and Predicting Real-world Events

Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook have emerged as some of the most important platforms for people to discover, report, share, and communicate with others about various public events, be they of global or local interest (some high profile examples include the U.S Presidential debates, the Boston bombings, the hurricane Sandy, etc). The burst of social media reaction can be seen as a valuable real-time reflection of events as they happen, and can be used for a variety of applications such as computational journalism. Until now, such analysis has been mostly done manually or through primitive tools. Scalable and automated approaches are needed given the massive amounts of both event and reaction information. These approaches must also be able to conduct in-depth analysis of complex interactions between an event and its audience. Supporting such automation and examination however poses several computational challenges. In recent years, research communities have witnessed a growing interest in tackling these challenges. Furthermore, much recent research has begun to focus on solving more complex event analytics tasks such as post-event effect quantification and event progress prediction. This tutorial aims to review and examine current state of the research progress on this emerging topic.
Securitization, racial cleansing, and disaster capitalism: Neoliberal disaster governance in the US Gulf Coast and Haiti:

Through a critical discourse analysis of news media after the US Gulf Coast hurricane Katrina and the Haiti earthquake disasters, we draw from Soss et al.’s (2011) ideas about US poverty governance...
Using spectrums and dependency graphs to model progressions from introductory to capstone courses

In industry, professionals often work with a variety of stakeholders and collaborators from multiple disciplines. This ability to work collaboratively can be as important to a project's success as their technical skills. Traditionally in STEM education, these collaborative skills are developed in a capstone course which mimics an industry experience. These experiences are invaluable in preparing students for the collaborative real-world nature of industry; however, these experiences can also be very stressful for students in dysfunctional teams with members who haven't developed necessary social, technical or teamwork skills. Although students may be exposed to some team-based activities in previous courses, it is not clear that this piecemeal exposure teaches students to work in teams effectively. Flipped classroom and active learning attempt to fill this gap by exposing students to peer learning earlier in the curriculum. However, these techniques are peppered throughout the curriculum and may not target all the skills necessary for teamwork. Design patterns in education formalize pedagogical approaches. But, applying design patterns without an intended progression or overarching goal may not lead students to successfully adopt these skills. Design patterns have the potential to scaffold students' development throughout the curriculum, but only if staged effectively and systematically. In this paper, we propose Spectrums and Dependency Graphs to ensure that students are prepared for each new design pattern as they experience it. Spectrums can plot design patterns along a continuum between introductory and capstone courses. Dependency graphs recursively specify patterns that prepare students for subsequent patterns. Each pattern will contain prerequisite skills or experiences that students have demonstrated in a previous pattern. In this way, students are systematically progressed from introductory to capstone courses. Through these two models, we attempt to get a better overview of the curriculum and create progressions through that curriculum that ensure students are prepared at each level, building on previous skills.
A Comparison of Collaborative Care Outcomes in Two Health Care Systems: VA Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Objective:Collaborative care for depression results in symptom reduction when compared with usual care. No studies have systematically compared collaborative care outcomes between veterans treated ...
The Petroleum Revolution III: What About Technology?

A main concern of this book has been that—given the extreme dependence of most contemporary societies and economies on energy and the finite nature of fossil fuels—what kind of a future can the young readers of this book expect if our economic needs and expectations face severe constraints in the future availability of fossil fuels. As we have developed previously in this book (► Chap. 8) and frequently elsewhere, the two principle concerns we have about future availability and affordability of fossil fuels have been absolute supplies (e.g., «peak oil,» the idea that oil will reach a peak in production and then inevitably decline) and declining EROI. But what if these issues were not to occur or to do so only so far in the future that they would have no meaning to anyone alive today? Certainly there have been economists who have argued that technology and substitutions will indefinitely hold off the effects of depletion [e.g., ► 1]. Could they be right?
Anesthesia Issues in Patients with VADs Presenting for Noncardiac Surgery

You are the anesthesiologist on call; it is around midnight, and things are winding down. You thought you could go to your on-call room and relax. Minutes later, you receive a call from surgeon Dr. Smith telling you he is booking a patient for an open appendectomy. You think that shouldn’t be that bad. He adds this patient is being transferred from another hospital and, by the way, the patient has a device. You ask what type of device? He replies one of these devices! Oh yeah ..a ventricular assist device! Then he asks how soon can we go to the operating room and start. Now you wonder what should you do? Should you call the cardiac anesthesiologist? Do we need a cardiac surgeon? What if the device malfunctions? Then what? What are the important considerations and preoperative evaluation for a patient with a ventricular assist device? What should you use for anesthetic agents, and what kinds of techniques are appropriate? If the patient is anticoagulated, do we need to reverse the anticoagulation for surgery? Is antibiotic coverage necessary, and what kind of drugs should we use? If the patient develops cardiac arrest, can we do chest compressions? One needs to have a plan and management strategy to address these questions before proceeding to surgery. Anesthesiologists should be acquainted with the unique issues associated with these patients and their mechanically assisted devices. As it is crucial for noncardiac anesthesiologists to familiarize themselves with the management of these patients, we have put together a roadmap that provides a stepwise approach to managing such challenging patients. This chapter highlights the most important points for the noncardiac anesthesiologist to consider when caring for patients with a ventricular assist device including the important features of the commonly used devices, the major perioperative considerations, and the anesthetic management.
Factors associated with unintended pregnancy.

This research was designed to identify determinants of unintendedpregnancy among women attending family practice or family planning clinics.Survey data were collected from 95 women who were categorized according towhether or not they had experienced an unintended pregnancy. Women reportingunintended pregnancy were younger, reported earlier sexual debut and agreater number of sexual partners than those not having experienced anunintended pregnancy. Those who had avoided unintended pregnancy displayedhigher levels of preventive sexual self-efficacy, had more confidence intheir ability to use contraceptive methods, perceived more negativeconsequences associated with having children in the near future, andbelieved pregnancy among unmarried women to be less acceptable than didwomen who had had unintended pregnancies.
THE VECTOR ANALYZING POWER IN ELASTIC DEUTERON-DEUTERON SCATTERING BETWEEN 20 AND 40 MeV*

The subject of d-d elastic scattering has not received very much attention in the past. The cross sections are quite smooth functions of energy in the region up to 20 MeV where there are the most data available. However, the complexity of the spin structure and the low threshold for inelastic processes has made any meaningful phase-shift analysis impossible because of the large number of parameters involved even with the restrictive assumption of channel-spin conservation1). A resonating-group calculation2) has obtained good agreement with the cross-section data between 5 and 20 MeV, but the use of a purely central nucleon-nucleon potential precludes the prediction of any spin-polarization observables.
Young adult smoking behavior: a national survey.

Background Young adults have the highest smoking rate of any age group in the U.S., and new strategies to decrease young adult smoking are needed. The objective of the current study was to identify psychographic and demographic factors associated with current smoking and quitting behaviors among young adults. Methods Attitudes, social groups, and self-descriptors, including supporting action against the tobacco industry, advertising receptivity, depression, alcohol use, and other factors associated with smoking were tested for associations with smoking behaviors in a 2005 cross-sectional survey of 1528 young adults (aged 18–25 years) from a web-enabled panel. Analyses were conducted in 2007. Results Being older was associated with current smoking, whereas having some higher education and being African American or Hispanic were negatively associated with smoking. Supporting action against the tobacco industry was negatively associated with smoking (AOR=0.34 [95% CI=0.22, 0.52]). Perceived usefulness of smoking, exposure to smokers, increased perceived smoking prevalence, receptivity to tobacco advertising, binge drinking, and exposure to tobacco advertising in bars and clubs were associated with smoking. Supporting action against the tobacco industry was associated with intentions to quit smoking (AOR=4.43 [95% CI=2.18, 8.60]). Conclusions Young adults are vulnerable to tobacco-industry advertising. Media campaigns that denormalize the tobacco industry and appeal to young adults appear to be a powerful intervention to decrease young adult smoking.
FIT More Acceptable with Better Detection Rate Than gFOBT for Colorectal Cancer Screening.

FIT is more sensitive and specific than the older guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests (gFOBTs) when screening for colorectal cancer. We now know that it is also more acceptable to patients and increases uptake in a centrally administered screening program.
Flowback verses first-flush: new information on the geochemistry of produced water from mandatory reporting

Unconventional oil and gas development uses the subsurface injection of large amounts of a variety of industrial chemicals, and there are concerns about the return of these chemical to the surface with water produced with oil and gas from stimulated wells. Produced water, including any flowback of injected fluids, must be managed so as to protect human health and the environment, and understanding the chemistry of produced water from stimulated wells is necessary to ensure the safe management of produced water. In 2014, California instituted mandatory reporting for all well stimulations, including sampling produced water two times and comprehensive chemical characterization of fluids injected and fluids recovered from stimulated wells. In this study, we analyzed data from mandatory reporting with the objective of closing previously identified data gaps concerning oil-field chemical practices and the nature of flowback and produced water from stimulated wells. It was found that the plug-flow conceptual model of flowback developed in shale formations, where salinity increases over time as produced water is extracted, was not appropriate for characterizing produced water from unconventional wells in these oil reservoirs, which are predominately diatomite and sandstones. In these formations stimulation caused a "first-flush" phenomena, where salts and metals were initially high and then decreased in concentration over time, as more produced water was extracted. Although widely applied to meet regulatory requirements, total carbohydrate measurement was not found to be a good chemical indicator of hydraulic fracturing flowback. Mandatory reporting closed data-gaps concerning chemical use, provided new information on acid treatments, and allowed more detailed analysis of hydraulic fracturing practices, including comparison of water use by geological formation.
Organic Monolayers as Nucleation Sites for Epitaxial Growth: II. Synthesis of ω-N-Pyrrolo-Functionalized n-Dialkyl Disulfide

Abstract Pyrrole terminated dialkyl disulfides were synthesized. The molecules self assemble on gold and can be used for the electrochemical epitaxial growth of poly(n-alkyl)pyrrole.
Nanoplastics impact the zebrafish (Danio rerio) transcriptome: Associated developmental and neurobehavioral consequences.

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are a ubiquitous pollutant detected not only in marine and freshwater bodies, but also in tap and bottled water worldwide. While MPs have been extensively studied, the toxicity of their smaller counterpart, nanoplastics (NPs), is not well documented. Despite likely large-scale human and animal exposure to NPs, the associated health risks remain unclear, especially during early developmental stages. To address this, we investigated the health impacts of exposures to both 50 and 200 nm polystyrene NPs in larval zebrafish. From 6 to 120 h post-fertilization (hpf), developing zebrafish were exposed to a range of fluorescent NPs (10-10,000 parts per billion). Dose-dependent increases in accumulation were identified in exposed larval fish, potentially coinciding with an altered behavioral response as evidenced through swimming hyperactivity. Notably, exposures did not impact mortality, hatching rate, or deformities; however, transcriptomic analysis suggests neurodegeneration and motor dysfunction at both high and low concentrations. Furthermore, results of this study suggest that NPs can accumulate in the tissues of larval zebrafish, alter their transcriptome, and affect behavior and physiology, potentially decreasing organismal fitness in contaminated ecosystems. The uniquely broad scale of this study during a critical window of development provides crucial multidimensional characterization of NP impacts on human and animal health.