cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do Race-Specific Definitions of Short Long Bones Improve the Detection of Down Syndrome on Second-Trimester Genetic Sonograms?

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of race-specific definitions of short femur and humerus lengths improves Down syndrome detection. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study over 16 years. For each self-reported maternal race (white, African American, Hispanic, and Asian), we evaluated the efficiency of Down syndrome detection using published racespecific formulas compared with a standard formula for short femur and humerus lengths (observed versus expected lengths ≤0.91 and ≤0.89, respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, and 95% confidence intervals for each parameter were compared. Screening performance was compared by areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves. Results. Of 58,710 women, 209 (0.3%) had a diagnosis of a fetus with Down syndrome. Although the race-based formula increased sensitivity in each population, the increase was statistically significant only in the white population, whereas a decrease in specificity was statistically significant in all 4 populations, as denoted by nonoverlapping confidence intervals. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the model using the racespecific definition of short femur length was 0.67 versus 0.65 compared with the standard definition, and for humerus length it was 0.70 versus 0.71. Conclusions. The use of race-based formulas for the determination of short femur and humerus lengths did not significantly improve the detection rates for Down syndrome. Key words: Down syndrome; femur length; genetic sonogram; humerus length.
Polysilicon thin-film transistors with channel length and width comparable to or smaller than the grain size of the thin film

Poly-Si thin-film transistors (TFTs) with channel dimensions (width W, and length L) comparable to or smaller than the grain size of the poly-Si film were fabricated and characterized. The grain size of the poly-Si film was enhanced by Si ion implantation followed by a low-temperature anneal and was typically 1 to 3 mu m in diameter. A remarkable improvement was observed in the device characteristics as the channel dimensions decreased to W=L=2 mu m. On the other hand, TFTs with submicrometer channel dimensions were characterized by an extremely abrupt switching in their I/sub D/ versus V/sub GS/ characteristics. The improvement was attributed to a reduction in the effect of the grain boundaries and to the effect of the device's floating body. >
Acceleration of slow-light in a Brillouin fiber laser: Pump power dependence of cavity modes

Acceleration of slow-light in a Brillouin fiber laser is reported. The resonant modes of the fiber cavity, due to nonuniform group index, shift to higher frequencies as the pump power is increased.
Mainstream computer display serves the visually impaired

A description of an electronic magnifier frequently used by the partially sighted to enlarge documents is given along with a historical perspective of video adaptors. Because of the incompatibilities between the enlarging unit and the video adaptors, two different monitors must be used. One display is used to enlarge hardcopy materials, while the other is needed to view computer video. To overcome this problem, this paper provides a solution for interfacing the enlarging unit with multiple computer video adaptors by use of a single monitor. >
Calcium oxide from Pomacea sp. shell as a catalyst for biodiesel production

Heterogeneous catalysts are promising catalyst for the transesterification reaction of vegetable oils to produce biodiesel. In this study, the Pomacea sp. shell was used as the raw material for CaO catalyst. The calcination of Pomacea sp. shell was conducted at 900°C for 2 h. The raw material and the resulting CaO catalyst were characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescense spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. From the experimental results, it was found that the maximum yield of fatty acid methyl esters was 95.61% at the following reaction conditions: reaction temperature of 60°C, a reaction period of 4 h, a ratio of methanol-oil at 7:1, and amount of catalyst at 4% w/w. The physical and chemical properties of biodiesel were determined based on ASTM standard, and the values obtained were confirmed with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI-04-7182-2006) and (B100)-ASTM D6751-07b.
Pediatric Pay-for-performance in Asthma: Who Pays?

Pay-for-performance is a term referring to a system that uses incentives to reward health care providers for producing an improvement in performance based on quality measures. It has become part of a growing movement to improve the quality of the health care system. The purpose of this article is to review and discuss pay-for-performance and how it relates to pediatrics and asthma.
Distribution of ultra-stable reference frequency signals over fiber optic cable (for radiotelescopes)

Radiotelescope systems, which operate primarily at microwave frequencies, are used for radio and radar astronomy, very large baseline interferometry (VLBI), geodynamic measurements, and spacecraft navigation. Experimenters have struggled for years to overcome the deficiencies of metallic coaxial cables and waveguides which have limited the stability and accuracy of measurements made with radiotelescope systems. Advances in fiber optic technology are on the verge of eliminating transmission lines as the major source of error in these systems. A description is given of high-stability fiber optic links which are used to distribute reference frequencies over distances as far as 29 km. Reference signals generated by hydrogen masers are distributed over these links and maintain a stability of 1 part in 10/sup 15/ for 1000-s averaging times. >
A Structured Data Least Squares Algorithm and its Application in Digital Filtering

Numerical methods for the solution of the structured data least squares problem with special application in digital filtering are investigated. While the minimum mean-square error, i.e. ordinary least squares formulation, solves the linear system of equations for the case of noise in the right hand side, data least squares is formulated for the problem with noise in the coecient matrix. For the solution of the channel equalization problem of a linear time invariant channel, the coecient matrix, and hence the error in the coecient matrix, possesses Hankel structure. Experimental verification demonstrates that the imposition of the structure of the error in the formulation, structured data least squares, generates more accurate solutions than are achieved by either standard ordinary least squares or data least squares, for signals with high signal to noise ratios.
Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE polar loop transmitter

An enhanced data-rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) transmitter using a nonlinear GSM-type PA is presented. It is based on a novel polar loop architecture that employs separate feedback control of the amplitude and the phase of the output signal. With this approach, the problems with AM-to-PM as well as AM-to-AM of the nonlinear PA are essentially eliminated. In addition, this architecture allows for a large dynamic output power control range, as required by the GSM specification. The transmitter uses a standard I/Q interface and does not require the extraction of amplitude and phase modulation in the digital domain. The dual feedback loop ensures robust performance even under voltage-standing wave ratio variations without using an isolator. No external PA filtering is required to meet the transmitter noise in the receive band. The EDGE spectral mask is met with an rms error vector magnitude of <3% at 29 dBm at the antenna, corresponding to 2 dB above nominal maximum output power. There is no mode change between GMSK and EDGE, and the transmitter operates seamlessly in multislot Enhanced General Packet Radio Service. The polar modulation transmitter meets or exceeds the GSM-type approval requirements for both EDGE and GMSK in quad band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz).
Single channel hybrid FES gait system using an energy storing orthosis: Preliminary design

A new system for paraplegic gait by electrical stimulation is presented. The system combines electrical stimulation of the paralyzed quadriceps muscle with a hip-knee orthosis. The orthosis is spring-loaded and contains pneumatic components that store and transfer the energy from knee extension caused by quadriceps stimulation to a pneumatic actuator that drives hip motion. In this manner, cyclic hip and knee motion with arbitrary timing can be achieved using a single channel of surface stimulation. Previous work developed a dynamic model and bench top prototype of the energy storing system. Simulation and design prototypes are presented with the eventual goal of developing a wearable version of the complete gait system.
Department of Athletics: policies and procedures manual

In today's world efficient operation through the use of technology has become a must for organizations large and small. The University of Virginia Department of Athletics felt the need for a single comprehensive Web-based policies and procedures manual, something they previously lacked, to increase efficiency in their operations. To accomplish this our team created an information management system that allows authorized members of the department to easily browse and search the department's policies and procedures, view and print relevant forms, and access links to outside resources. The system also allows users to review and comment on policies and procedures that have yet to receive final approval. We describe the design and implementation of the Department of Athletics Web-based policies and procedures manual. Results, conclusions, and recommendations are presented
Implications of Solar Wind Composition for Cometary X-Rays

Solar wind composition provides a strong source of variability for cometary X-rays. Using recently constrained composition observations from the Solar Wind Ion Composition Spectrometer on the Ulysses spacecraft (SWICS/Ulysses) and information on ion-neutral charge-transfer collisions, we model cometary X-ray emission and its variability. Fast and slow solar wind cases are adopted and compared to observations of X-ray spectra from the Rontgen-Satellit (ROSAT) for comet Levy. The predicted and observed spectra compare most favorably for fast solar wind in optically thin conditions. Solar wind composition can be predicted as a function of the coronal temperature near its source and, consequently, cometary X-ray spectra may be predicted as a function of the solar wind's coronal temperature. Implications and additional developments necessary to unravel the compositional information contained in X-ray spectra are explored.
Resurrection, revision and molecular phylogenetics of Eragenia Banks with implications for Ageniellini systematics (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

Priocnemella Banks is a small Neotropical genus within Ageniellini with remarkable morphological variation between species. Some species are small and variable in colour, whereas others are large with black integument and yellow wings. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis of Priocnemella based on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I and the nuclear marker long-wavelength rhodopsin. Our results indicated that Priocnemella is a paraphyletic genus. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses, we discuss the taxonomic validity of Priocnemella, its implications and a new circumscription of genera of Ageniellini. Eragenia Banks is revalidated (stat. rev.) and applied to 16 species, eight of which are newly described: Eragenia bella Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. carinata Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. dentata Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. oliva Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. pseudomicans Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. setosa Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. rotunda Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. villosa Waichert & Pitts sp.n., E. abdominalis (Smith), E. amabilis (Taschenberg), E. aureicornis (Smith), E. coerulipes (Smith), E. congrua (Fox), E. isolata (Banks), E. micans (Fabricius), and E. tabascoensis (Cameron). Priocnemella fairchildi (Banks), P. insignis (Banks), P. eurytheme Banks, P. hexagona (Fox) and P. hexagona omissa Banks maintain their generic status. Phanochilus Banks is considered a junior synonym of Priocnemella and the following species are newly placed within Priocnemella: P. fuscomarginata (Fox), P. gloriosa (Smith), P. nobilitata (Smith) and P. ornata (Banks). The following nomenclatural changes are proposed: Priocnemella rufothorax (Banks) is synonymized under Eragenia micans (Fabricius) (syn. n.); Priocnemella delila (Banks), Priocnemella bequaerti (Banks) and Priocnemella infelix (Banks) are junior synonyms of Eragenia aureicornis (Smith) (syn.n.) (comb.n). New combinations are proposed for Eragenia aureicornis (Smith) comb.n., Eragenia abdominalis (Smith) comb.n. and Eragenia coerulipes (Smith) comb.n. from Agenia; and Eragenia congrua (Fox) comb.n. from Salius. A neotype is designated for E. coerulipes and for E. tabascoensis. Divergence dates between species of Eragenia, ancestral areas and pattern of dispersal that shaped the current geographic distribution are discussed. The genus is about 9.8 Ma old, originating in Mesoamerica during the Miocene. Finally, newly described male genitalic characters are discussed and illustrated, and illustrated keys for males and females species of Eragenia are provided. This work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8308D00F-E25E-4019-A94B-DCAEDED67D4C.
An Introduction to Kalman Filtering with MATLAB Examples

The Kalman filter is the Bayesian optimum solution to the problem of sequentially estimating the states of a dynamical system in which the state evolution and measurement processes are both linear and Gaussian. Given the ubiquity of such systems, the Kalman filter finds use in a variety of applications, e.g., target tracking, guidance and navigation, and communications systems. The purpose of this book is to present a brief introduction to Kalman filtering. The theoretical framework of the Kalman filter is first presented, followed by examples showing its use in practical applications. Extensions of the method to nonlinear problems and distributed applications are discussed. A software implementation of the algorithm in the MATLAB programming language is provided, as well as MATLAB code for several example applications discussed in the manuscript.
Toy model studies of tuning and typicality with an eye toward cosmology

We investigate a number of simple toy models to explore interesting relationships between dynamics and typicality. We start with an infinite model that has been proposed as an illustration of how nonergodic dynamics can produce interesting features that are suggestive for cosmological applications. We consider various attempts to define the infinite model more rigorously as a limit of a finite system. None of our attempts at such rigor were able to preserve the attractive properties. We hope our work will challenge others to find more successful toy models. The difficulty of finding such models suggests that connections between dynamics and typicality, which we hope for in cosmological theories such as eternal inflation, may not be so easy to achieve.
Good Bye Traditional Budgeting, Hello Rolling Forecast: Has The Time Come?

This paper argues for a new approach to accounting textbook budgeting material. The business environment is not stable. Change is continuous, for large and small business alike. A business must act and react to generate shareholder value. The rolling forecast provides the necessary navigational insight. The traditional annual static budget does not. Managing a business, looking inwards and backwards and making decisions to hit the annual budget target no longer serves management in generating shareholder value. In most situations this approach to company management only leads to compromised performance. Leadership may not reach long-term shareholder wealth potential in using the traditional annual budget as a command and control device. Our research shows companies are moving to a rolling forecast as a management navigational tool. Leadership uses the forecast to navigate continuous change in creating shareholder value. This paper demonstrates how to build leadership concepts that go along with the rolling forecast, as well as the rolling forecast process itself into the classroom and accounting textbook material. Accounting and graduate business students need this type of education to help lead and increase a business’ chances of success.
Radiation exposure in rheumatology practice.

BACKGROUND Patients encountered in rheumatology practice often have concerns about radiation exposure from the imaging procedures used to diagnose and monitor their diseases. However, such imaging procedures normally deliver radiation doses that are associated with only a low level of risk. OBJECTIVES To review and quantify the radiation doses delivered by the various imaging procedures commonly ordered in a rheumatology practice and to compare those doses with background radiation exposure in the United States. METHODS The authors reviewed and compiled literature on radiation exposure from background radiation and diagnostic imaging procedures. The review included a Medline search through December 2003. RESULTS Radiation doses from medical imaging procedures are so low that they do not have a clinically significant effect on mortality rates. In comparison to our normal daily exposures from naturally occurring background radiation and daily activities, the exposures from medical procedures are quite small. Moreover, the International Commission for Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommends that dose limits should not be applied to medical exposures in nonpregnant patients. Rather, the ICRP recommends that the medical exposure be justified and the protection be optimized so that the dose to the patient is as low as is compatible with the medical purpose. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Appropriate care of patients within the rheumatology practice frequently necessitates the use of imaging procedures that utilize ionizing radiation, such as radiographs, computed tomography scans, and bone densitometry. If ordered prudently, the benefits of these imaging procedures supersede the risks imposed by their radiation exposures.
In Their Own Voices: The Reproductive Health Care Experiences of Detained Adolescent Girls

Abstract Background Adolescent girls involved with the juvenile justice system have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy than their nondetained peers. Although they may receive reproductive health care while detained, following clinician recommendations and accessing services in the community can be challenging. Objectives This study aimed to determine the barriers this population faces 1) accessing reproductive health care and 2) following the recommendations they receive when they are in the community. Methods Adolescent girls at a juvenile detention facility completed online surveys about their demographics and sexual health behaviors. A subsequent semistructured interview assessed their experiences with reproductive health care services. Results Twenty-seven girls aged 14 to 19 were interviewed. The majority (86%) self-reported as Latina or Hispanic. The average age of sexual debut was 13.8 years. The major interview themes were 1) personal priorities and motivations affect decision making, 2) powerful external voices influence reproductive health choices, 3) accessing services “on the run” is particularly challenging, and 4) detention represents an opportunity for intervention and change. Conclusion Adolescent girls who are detained within the juvenile justice system face reproductive health challenges that vary with their life circumstances. They frequently have priorities, external voices, and situations that influence their decisions. Clinicians who care for these young women are in a unique position to address their health needs. Eliciting girls' goals, beliefs, and influences through motivational interviewing, as well as developing targeted interventions based on their unique experiences, may be particularly helpful for this population.
Mixed-Configuration Shell-Model Calculations for Nuclei with N = 28 , 20 Z ≤ 28

Level energies, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transition rates, and proton spectroscopic factors are calculated for the nuclei with $N=28$ and $20lZ\ensuremath{\le}28$ from simple mixed-configuration shell models. First, the effective-interaction method is used to calculate wave functions in which the pure ($1{{f}_{\frac{7}{2}}}^{n}$) configuration and the ($1{{f}_{\frac{7}{2}}}^{n\ensuremath{-}1}2{p}_{\frac{3}{2}}$) configuration are included. The results are compared with experimental values for 43 levels. The calculated and measured energies and spectroscopic factors agree well, but $M1$ transition rates are too slow. The model is then extended to include the configuration ($1{{f}_{\frac{7}{2}}}^{n\ensuremath{-}1}1{f}_{\frac{5}{2}}$). The wave functions are recalculated using additional two-body matrix elements calculated with a modified surface $\ensuremath{\delta}$ interaction (MSDI) fitted to the effective interactions of the first calculation. The expanded model provides a good fit to energies, spectroscopic factors, and transition rates. For comparison, the calculation is repeated using the reaction matrix elements of Kuo and Brown. The results are less satisfactory than those with the MSDI.
Ptolemy Coding Style

Abstract : Collaborative software projects benefit when participants read code created by other participants. The objective of a coding style is to reduce the fatigue induced by unimportant formatting differences and differences in naming conventions. Although individual programmers will undoubtedly have preferences and habits that differ from the recommendations here, the benefits that flow from following these recommendations far outweigh the inconveniences. Published papers in journals are subject to sim lar stylistic and layout constraints, so such constraints are not new to the academic community. This document describes the coding style used in Ptolemy II, a package with 550K lines of Java and 160 contributing programmers that has been under development since 1996.
Role of interferon‐γ and cytotoxic T lymphocytes in intraocular tumor rejection

The eye is normally an immunosuppressive environment. This condition is better known as immune privilege and protects the eye from immune-mediated inflammation of tissues that cannot regenerate. However, immune privilege creates a dilemma for the eye when intraocular neoplasms arise. In some cases, immune privilege is suspended, resulting in the immune rejection of intraocular tumors. This study employed a mouse model in which interferon-g–dependent intraocular tumor rejection occurs. We tested the hypothesis that this rejection requires interferon-g for the generation and functional capacity of cytotoxic T lymphocyte–mediated rejection of intraocular tumors. Tumors grew progressively in the eyes of interferon-g knockout mice, even though the mice generated tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses in the periphery. However, interferon-g knockout mice rejected tumors that were introduced into extraocular sites. Subcutaneous tumor immunization before intraocular challenge led to tumor rejection and preservation of the eye in wild-type mice. By contrast, tumors grew progressively in the eyes of interferon-g knockout mice despite their ability to generate peripheral tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes as well as the capacity of CD8 + T cells to enter the eye as shown by the presence of CD8 and perforin message and CD3 + CD8 + leukocytes within the tumor-bearing eye. We found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes generated in wild-type mice and adoptively transferred into interferon-g knockout mice mediated the rejection of intraocular tumors in interferon-g knockout hosts. The results indicate that interferon-g is critical for the initial priming and differentiation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes residing in the periphery to produce the most effect antitumor function within the eye. J. Leukoc. Biol. 99: 000–000; 2016.
HLA Class I Gene Typing with an HLA-B-Specific DNA Probe

HLA class I antigens and genes are of interest as markers of disease susceptibility and targets of cytolytic T lymphocytes [1, 2]. In addition to the HLA-A, B, and C loci, human analogs of the murine class I Qa and T1 loci also probably exist [3, 4]. The well-known serological polymorphism of the class I antigens forms the basis of a substantial part of this workshop; however, early studies using recombinant DNA techniques such as Southern blotting to detect restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) suggest that even greater complexity may be found at the level of the genes themselves, with estimates of more than 20 class I loci [3]. Identification of differences at the gene level has been difficult because their great homology results in strong cross-reactivity of cloned class I gene probes with all members of this multigene family. A strategy was therefore devised to prepare a DNA probe that would be HLA-B locus specific and thus permit clear-cut characterization for RFLP of that locus. We report here the preparation and use of such a probe with preliminary results demonstrating the first intragenic DNA restriction endonuclease site specific for an HLA allele.
The Constants 2C1 and 2C2 in Phenomeno-Logical Elasticity Theory and Their Dependence on Experimental Variables

Abstract There has been a very large number of experimental studies of the elastic properties of amorphous polymer networks in uniaxial deformation, particularly elongation, over the past few decades. In spite of these efforts, and related theoretical investigations, major questions remain unanswered with regard to stress-strain isotherms over the range of moderate deformations. The major question in this area is the molecular basis or interpretation of the phenomenological constants 2C1 and 2C2 used to represent the experimentally observed isotherms. It is hoped that the present survey of the results of the most important of these experimental studies, particularly in regard to the effect of experimental variables on 2C1 and 2C2 will encourage additional work, leading to an unambiguous solution to this important unsolved problem in the area of rubberlike elasticity.
More on the Thinned-Out Harmonic Series

(1997). More on the Thinned-Out Harmonic Series. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 70, No. 1, pp. 43-45.
111. Darmplastiken nach Oesophagus-, Magenund Dickdarm-Resektion mittels mechanischer Nahtgeräte

Fur die Ersetzung des Osophagus haben wir eine rechte oder linke Coloplastik und neuerdings die Magentube nach Gavriliu benutzt. Nach totaler Gastrektomie hat sich der Dunndarmbeutel nach Hunt-Lawrence oder nach Paulinogutbewahrt. Die Darmplastiknach Kockhatgute Resultate ergeben nach totaler Colektomie. Oesophagus-, Magen- und Dickdarm-Resektion sowie die respektive Magen- oder Darm-Plastik nehmen wir immer in derselben Operationszeit vor, in primaren, elektiven Fallen. Der chirurgische Eingriff, besonders die Plastik, wird sehr erleichtert durch den Gebrauch mechanischer Nahtgerate.
Successful fertilization, pregnancy, and birth using epididymal sperm frozen 24 hours after conventional oocyte insemination.

Objective To assess if epididymal sperm cryopreserved 24hours after exposure to oocytes in conventional IVF can be successfully used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in a subsequent cycle. Design Case report. Setting University of California, Irvine, Center for Reproductive Health. Patients Two men with obstructive azoospermia requiring microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration, IVF, and ICSI. Interventions Freezing of epididymal sperm 24hours after egg exposure in conventional IVF and subsequent use for assisted fertilization in a new cycle. Main Outcome Measure Frozen-thawed epididymal sperm survivability and maintenance of fertilization and pregnancy capacity. Results At the time of sperm aspiration procedure (cycle I) a total of 30 oocytes were available for insemination. Of these, 15 were used for conventional IVF resulting in 2 embryos (13%) and 15 were used for ICSI, resulting in 3 embryos (20%). Sperm was cryopreserved 24hours after conventional IVF and thawed 6months later in a new cycle. Upon thawing, sperm were still found to be motile and at this time (cycle II) only assisted fertilization was used. Of 27 oocytes injected, 12 (44%) produced normal, cleaving embryos. One singleton pregnancy with the birth of a healthy infant girl was achieved after the tubal transfer of 5 embryos. Conclusion The birth of a normal, healthy infant girl with epididymal sperm frozen 24hours after exposure to oocytes in conventional IVF emphasizes the value of freezing any aliquot of epididymal sperm, even if the motility is very low, to avoid additional surgery in the male. From a basic science standpoint, this observation may renew interest in the study of sperm cryopreservation after occurrence of acrosome reaction and hyperactivation.
Imagery: A Powerful Tool in the Behavioral Process of Anxiety Reduction

“Imagination governs the world,” said Disraeli. And to a large extent, it can even govern our personal lives. And so, we delve into an old, yet relatively neglected and unexplored horizon: the many facets of our imagination in our conscious state, used as a powerful tool in the behavioral process of anxiety reduction, as well as creative development.
The Impact of the European Monetary Union on the Continuity of International Contracts

This paper discusses the intersection of the European Monetary Union with the contractual doctrines of Frustration of Purpose, Impracticability and Impossibility.
The Optic of Cruelty

The issue is not culture but a degrading human tradition, from Ming Lee to KFC, that ... needs to be changed. – United Poultry Concerns Animal advocates in San Francisco have challenged the way Chinatown’s live animal vendors keep and kill animals, arguing that cruelty is something “you know when you see it.” Positing the prohibition against cruelty as a universal value and appealing to a least common denominator of public belief are strategies that date back at least to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in the 1830s, the first organized animal advocacy group to emerge in the United States. What becomes clear in the course of struggle in San Francisco is the difficulty of reaching a legally and politically actionable consensus on what constitutes cruelty toward animals, in large part because there is little formal institutional acknowledgment of the notion that animals are morally considerable at all. The argument from the universal, in any case, promptly triggered a counterargument from the particular, as Chinese American business advocates and community leaders claimed that they were being targeted because they are racially different. The optic of cruelty foregrounds animal suffering and backgrounds questions of racism, and the optic of racism (discussed in the next chapter) does the reverse. In this chapter, I begin with a brief discussion of what Americans make of animals, animal usage, and animal activists at the turn of the millennium. I then turn to the Chinatown live animal market campaign and trace its development from approximately 1995 to 2006, paying particular attention to how the optic of cruelty was articulated and deployed and to what effect. By looking closely at the origins of the campaign, we can evaluate the charge made by many Chinese American activists that the campaign was racially motivated. The overall narrative of the campaign also speaks to the complications involved in advocating for “lesser” animals like birds, fish, turtles, and frogs; the dynamics of cooperation and conflict among animal advocacy groups; and the challenges of negotiating the institutional terrain of San Francisco politics. Unlikely and hard-fought victories are won again and again by animal advocates in different venues, but a confluence of political and institutional factors ensures that little changes in the actual lives of animals as a result.
Historical Reflections on Teaching the Fundamental Theorem of Integral Calculus

This article explores the history of the Fundamental Theorem of Integral Calculus, from its origins in the 17th century through its formalization in the 19th century to its presentation in 20th cen...
Synthesis and stability of the austenite phase in mechanically alloyed Fe–Cr–Ni alloys

Abstract Fe–18Cr–xNi (x=8, 12, and 20) elemental powder blends were mechanically alloyed to synthesize and establish the stability of the austenite phase in Fe–Cr–Ni alloys. For the powders with 8 and 12Ni, the resulting structure after milling was austenite which had eventually transformed to martensite. But, for the powder with 20Ni, the powder was fully austenitic. The time to start for the formation of the austenite phase decreased with an increase in the Ni content. The phase formation was confirmed by XRD and high-resolution microscopy techniques and a new phase diagram was proposed outlining the stability region of the austenite phase in the ternary Fe–Cr–Ni alloys.
A Research Agenda for Online Linguistic Surveillance of Threatening Messages

Threats are by definition a communicative act, and as such, it becomes an essential obligation of the field of communication to ascertain what they communicate, and when they communicate imminent credible risk. This paper proposes a research- and theory-based set of over 20 potential linguistic risk indicators through which corpora of actual online threat messages may discriminate credible from non-credible threats. Some of these are obviously easier to code automatically than others, but all can be rated, and used as potential construct validation criteria. Rating scales are proposed, existing threat corpora are identified, and some prospective computational linguistic procedures are identified. Implications for ongoing threat surveillance and its applications are explored.
Analyzing Social Media Texts and Images to Assess the Impact of Flash Floods in Cities

Computer Vision and Image Processing are emerging research paradigms. The increasing popularity of social media, micro- blogging services and ubiquitous availability of high-resolution smartphone cameras with pervasive connectivity are propelling our digital footprints and cyber activities. Such online human footprints related with an event-of-interest, if mined appropriately, can provide meaningful information to analyze the current course and pre- and post- impact leading to the organizational planning of various real-time smart city applications. In this paper, we investigate the narrative (texts) and visual (images) components of Twitter feeds to improve the results of queries by exploiting the deep contexts of each data modality. We employ Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA)-based techniques to analyze the texts and Discrete Cosine Transformation (DCT) to analyze the images which help establish the cross-correlations between the textual and image dimensions of a query. While each of the data dimensions helps improve the results of a specific query on its own, the contributions from the dual modalities can potentially provide insights that are greater than what can be obtained from the individual modalities. We validate our proposed approach using real Twitter feeds from a recent devastating flash flood in Ellicott City near the University of Maryland campus. Our results show that the images and texts can be classified with 67\% and 94\% accuracies respectively
Anti-VLA4-Mediated Inhibition of Humeral Autoimmunity in EAE: Dependence on Epithelial V-Like Antigen Expression (P05.165)

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the effects of epithelial V-like antigen (EVA) on anti-VLA4 efficacy. BACKGROUND: Natalizumab inhibits the transmigration of activated T lymphocytes into the brain and is highly efficacious in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, from a pharmacogenomic perspective, its efficacy and safety in specific patients remain unclear. DESIGN/METHODS: Here we analyzed the therapeutic effect of anti-VLA4 treatment on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice that lack expression of EVA. This molecule has been previously characterized in human lymphocytes and animal models, and it is expressed in activated immune cells and at the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. EVA-knockout mice demonstrate normal development and lifespan. RESULTS: Following active induction of EAE using MOG35-55, these mice developed more severe EAE and white matter tissue injury as compared to wild type controls. This severe EAE phenotype did not respond to anti-VLA4 treatment. In both the control antibody and anti-VLA4 conditions, these mice demonstrated enhanced serum autoantibody levels, CNS invasion of mature B lymphocyte (CD19+, CD21+, sIgG+), and extensive complement deposition within lesions. Wild type mice treated with control antibody also demonstrated CNS invasion of CD19+CD21+sIgG+ cells and serum autoantibody. In contrast, wild type mice treated with anti-VLA4 demonstrated reduced serum autoantibody levels as compared to wild type controls and EVA-knockout mice. As expected, anti-VLA4 treatment in wild type mice reduced the total numbers of all CNS mononuclear cells, markedly decreased CD4 T lymphocyte invasion, and also reduced the frequency of CD19+CD21+sIgG+ cells in the CNS. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that anti-VLA4 treatment can reduce B lymphocyte-mediated autoimmunity in some individuals and that EVA expression is necessary for an optimal therapeutic response. We postulate that these findings could optimize the selection of treatment responders. Supported by: Biogen-Idec/Elan. Disclosure: Dr. Carrithers has received research support from Biogen Idec. Dr. Wright has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rahgozar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hallworth has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen-Idec as an employee. Dr. Hallworth holds stock options in Biogen-Idec. Dr. Lanker is an employee of Biogen Idec. Dr. Lanker as an employee of Biogen-Idec, may hold stock options.
The art of being a colonial letrado: Late humanism, learned sociability and urban life in eighteenth-century Mexico City

This study treats the social and specifically urban context of late humanism in eighteenth-century Mexico City and New Spain. Through the careful reconstruction of the lives of particular scholars, it argues that the specific configuration of urban space (including colleges, libraries, print shops and personal dwellings) should be taken into account when understanding important monuments in the cultural history of Mexico, like the Bibliotheca Mexicana of Juan Jose de Eguiara y Eguren. This distinct urban culture, in turn, was influenced by larger patterns of circulation in books, ideas and people that gave the late humanist culture of Mexico City both an internal coherence and made it an integral part of a larger cultural sphere.
Tu Salud ¡Sí Cuenta! Your Health Matters! A Community-wide Campaign in a Hispanic Border Community in Texas.

Abstract Objective To evaluate a community-wide campaign, Tu Salud iSi Cuenta! (TSSC), in improving eating behaviors and anthropometric outcomes in Hispanic border communities. Design A quasi-experimental study with matched intervention and comparison communities. Cross-sectional assessments with randomly sampled adults, examined by actual exposure and site (unexposed intervention, exposed intervention, and unexposed comparison). Setting and Participants Predominately Mexican Americans located in Brownsville, TX (intervention) and Laredo, TX (control). Intervention The TSSC campaign included television and radio segments, community health worker discussions, and newsletters delivered in Brownsville from 2005 to 2010. Main Outcome Measures Healthy and unhealthy eating indices and average hip and waist circumferences. Analysis Univariable and multivariable regression models. Results The sample (n = 799; 400 comparison and 399 intervention) was 98% of Mexican origin; 54% had completed grade 9 or higher. Exposure to any TSSC component was associated with a lower rate of unhealthy food consumption. Compared with the unexposed intervention group, the exposed intervention for the newsletter had a higher rate of healthy eating (adjusted rate ratio = 1.18; P Conclusions and Implications This study provides evidence for the use of community-wide campaigns for nutrition and obesity-related outcomes in Hispanic communities.
A Behavioral Approach to Behavior Therapy Training

This paper describes a behaviorally oriented approach to training in behavior therapy. Instead of either lectures or individual case supervision, the seminar combined group and individual training that employed behavioral techniques as the main instructional modalities. The seminar was divided into four modules which covered operant and respondent conditioning principles, assertive training, behavior therapy with adult outpatient problems, and systematic parent training. The trainees’ evaluation of the practicum and their treatment results were positive.
The gut microbiome correlates with conspecific aggression in a small population of rescued dogs (Canis familiaris)

Aggression is a serious behavioral disorder in domestic dogs that endangers both dogs and humans. The underlying causes of canine aggression are poorly resolved and require illumination to ensure effective therapy. Recent research links the compositional diversity of the gut microbiome to behavioral and psychological regulation in other mammals, such as mice and humans. Given these observations, we hypothesized that the composition of the canine gut microbiome could associate with aggression. We analyzed fecal microbiome samples collected from a small population of pit bull type dogs seized from a dogfighting organization. This population included 21 dogs that displayed conspecific aggressive behaviors and 10 that did not. Beta-diversity analyses support an association between gut microbiome structure and dog aggression. Additionally, we used a phylogenetic approach to resolve specific clades of gut bacteria that stratify aggressive and non-aggressive dogs, including clades within Lactobacillus, Dorea, Blautia, Turicibacter, and Bacteroides. Several of these taxa have been implicated in modulating mammalian behavior as well as gastrointestinal disease states. Although sample size limits this study, our findings indicate that gut microorganisms are linked to dog aggression and point to an aggression-associated physiological state that interacts with the gut microbiome. These results also indicate that the gut microbiome may be useful for diagnosing aggressive behaviors prior to their manifestation and potentially discerning cryptic etiologies of aggression.
The Flames of Louvain: Total War and the Destruction of European High Culture in Belgium by German Occupying Forces in August 1914

This chapter identifies the motives of German occupying forces in destroying the culturally rich university town of Leuven/Louvain during the first weeks of the war. It discusses reactions to the sacking from “Beyond Flanders Fields” on the part not only of the Entente but also of German academics, politicians and the general public. In this sense it lays some of the foundations for Sebastian Bischoff’s account in Chap. 4 of German stereotypes of the Belgians.
The Theory of Interatomic Potentials in Solids

The use of interatomic potentials in studying lattice vibrations is reviewed, with the conclusion that long-range interactions are required in all systems, and the suggestion that empirical models can succeed only if they include the appropriate long-range form for the system in question. In simple metals, pseudopotentials provide a theory of the interactions, which to lowest order appear as two-body, central-force interactions. The long-range part corresponds to Friedel oscillations. While the reliability of the method in defect studies remains in question, current results are encouraging. The theory has been extended to noble and transition metals by direct addition of d-band and hybrid s-d contributions. This approach is promising, but the corresponding interatomic interactions have not been tested. In valence crystals, the low-order perturbation theory fails and, as a consequence, noncentral forces become essential to a representation of the interactions. The effects of higher-order terms are considered for ionic as well as valence crystals utilizing the concept of ionicity as formulated by Phillips. This suggests appropriate models for interatomic interactions in nonconductors and these are discussed.
Gurwitsch’s Interpretation of Kant: Reflections of a Former Student

In Kants Theorie des Verstandes, we finally have the long awaited, definitive expression of Aron Gurwitsch’s interpretation of Kant’s theoretical philosophy.1 The broad outlines of this interpretation were presented in many seminars and lecture courses at the New School for Social Research, and important aspects of it are contained in his seminal study of Leibniz, as well as in the various versions of his article comparing the conceptions of consciousness of Kant and Husserl.2 But prior to the publication of this monograph, it was not available in toto and in detail. Thus, although the work contains few surprises for those of us fortunate enough to have been students of Professor Gurwitsch, its publication is none the less welcome, since it should facilitate the dissemination of this highly original and provocative reading of Kant to a wider philosophical public, including the world of Kant scholarship. It is as both a former student and a member of this latter world that I shall attempt to provide an account of this reading, assess its significance, and, as is only proper, offer some criticisms.
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF A MINIATURE RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR DRIVEN BY A COMB DRIVE

The design and working principle of a miniature reciprocating compressor driven by an electrostatic comb drive is presented and its basic parameters are discussed. The compressor, which is 6 mm in diameter and less than 0.5 mm in thickness, has a simple structure consisting of a compressor chamber, a corrugation diaphragm driven by a vertical comb-drive, and two active micro-valves. Using air as working medium, the simple mechanical system enables a compression ratio of 1.5. With a working voltage of 320V, the device gives flow rates of 2.7 ml/ min. The three-dimensional flow field in the chamber is also simulated using a commercial computational fluid dynamics software.
Roper Resonances as Vibrating Flux Tubes Between Quarks

The Roper resonances of the nucleon are described as transverse vibrations of astretched flux tube between the three quarks. The proton is modeled using currentmass quarks interacting with a confining linear flux tube potential plus thespin-dependent parts of a one-gluon exchange potential. The proton ground state hasno vibrations and the confining flux tube has the minimum length required toconnect the three quarks. The flux tube has a V or Y shape of two or threesegments, depending on the locations of the quarks. The vibrations of the fluxtube have nodes at the quarks and at the apex of the Y-shaped configuration andprovide the vibrational excitation energy to describe the proton excitations. Theamplitude of the transverse vibrations is found from a geometric analysis, anddepends on the string constant of the flux tube potential. The Roper 1. 440-GeVresonance energy is very nearly reproduced by the vibration with mode number1 acting in only one segment of the flux tube. The vibration with mode number2 in one segment of the flux tube closely reproduces the second proton excitationat 1.710 GeV. The δD excited states are also well reproduced by these modes ofa vibrating flux tube.