cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A class-specific ensemble feature selection approach for classification problems

Due to substantial increases in data acquisition and storage, data pre-processing techniques such as feature selection have become increasingly popular in classification tasks. This research proposes a new feature selection algorithm, Class-specific Ensemble Feature Selection (CEFS), which finds class-specific subsets of features optimal to each available classification in the dataset. Each subset is then combined with a classifier to create an ensemble feature selection model which is further used to predict unseen instances. CEFS attempts to provide the diversity and base classifier disagreement sought after in effective ensemble models by providing highly useful, yet highly exclusive feature subsets. Also, the use of a wrapper method gives each subset the chance to perform optimally under the respective base classifier. Preliminary experiments implementing this innovative approach suggest potential improvements of more than 10% over existing methods.
WHAT I BELIEVE: REFLECTIONS ON HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL ECOLOGY AS RESEARCH FRAMEWORKS IN SOUTHEASTERN ARCHAEOLOGY

Research themes centering on human-environment interaction have a long history in the writings of Southeastern archaeologists. However, many of the past theoretical frameworks that center on the environment do not articulate well with concepts such as agency and history as mechanisms for understanding the past. Two exceptions to this are research agendas that incorporate concepts derived from both historical and political ecology. In this paper, I explore the overlap and complementarity of various concepts from both of these frameworks. I suggest that the melding of these concepts offers a more robust avenue to consider the environment in archaeological research, which also explicitly takes into consideration both agency and history. In closing, I consider why such a perspective might benefit archaeological research in the Southeast.
Assessing Support for High School Foreign Language Programs: The Tennessee Model.

In their efforts to promote the study of foreign languages, teachers require various types of supporting documentation, including statistical information, as a base for presentations to administrators, legislators, and civic groups. This article describes a comprehensive report on Tennessee secondary schools and uses a simple formula to determine the support for foreign languages in individual schools, school systems, counties, and congressional districts. It also describes the use of some of the linguistic maps and statistical tables contained in the report and the possible applications for teachers in other states.
Epidermolysis Bullosa: Prospects for Cell-Based Therapies

Heritable forms of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) are characterized by chronic, lifelong blistering and erosions due to mutations in 10 distinct genes expressed at the cutaneous basement membrane zone. No specific treatment for this group of intractable diseases is currently available. Recent progress in molecular therapies has indicated that cell-based approaches may potentially offer amelioration—and perhaps even cure—for afflicted individuals. In this issue, Wong et al. (2008) demonstrate the feasibility of direct intradermal injection of allogeneic fibroblasts to the lesional skin of patients with recessive dystrophic EB, with improvement in skin fragility.
Evolution of proteolytic enzymes

Proteolytic enzymes have many physiological functions, ranging from generalized protein digestion to more specific regulated processes such as the activation of zymogens, blood coagulation and the lysis of fibrin clots, the release of hormones and pharmacologically active peptides from precursor proteins, and the transport of secretory proteins across membranes. They are present in all forms of living organisms. Comparisons of amino acid sequences, three-dimensional structures, and enzymatic reaction mechanisms of proteases indicate that there are distinct families of these proteins. Changes in molecular structure and function have accompanied the evolution of proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors, each having relatively simple roles in primitive organisms and more diverse and more complex functions in higher organisms.
Release, Dispersal, and Reproduction of Fallow Deer in Nebraska

Because of the fine sporting qualities of the fallow deer, Dama dama Linnaeus, it has been introduced in many parts of the world. In the United States this deer has been released in several places, but little has been published as to the success of these introductions. It seems desirable therefore to note that fallow deer have been released in the state of Nebraska (Fig. 1). Fig. 1 —Locality records of fallow deer in Nebraska: 1. Where fallow deer were released. 2. Where fallow deer were observed to mate. 3. Where Sather obtained his information (also at point 1.). 4. and 5. Author's observations in 1954. 6. Agar's report of occurrence. The exact date of the release of the fallow deer in Nebraska is unknown; however, Mr. James H. Agar, Superintendent of the Lincoln, Nebraska, Park Department ( in litt. , October, 1953) writes, “In the late 1930's, the City Park Department took approximately sixty white fallow deer to the Hall Ranch ten miles northwest of Petersburg, Nebraska”. This point of release was in the middle of the Beaver River Valley, which is on the southeastern edge of the Nebraska sandhills in Boone County. In this valley there are extensive hay fields, good willow growths, and some corn fields. Dr. J. Henry Sather, Leader, Pitt-man-Robinson Surveys and Investigations for the State of Nebraska Game Forestation and Parks Commission, also reported ( in litt. , June, 1954) that in 1946 he found fallow deer in Boone and Wheeler counties. He interviewed six residents in Wheeler County and one in Boone …
The physical environment of street crime: Defensible space, territoriality and incivilities.

Abstract This study systematically examines the physical context of crime on urban residential blocks. A conceptual framework for understanding the relationship of the objective permanent (defensible space) and transient (territorial markers and incivilities) physical environment and the subjective environment to crime is presented. Forty-eight blocks were selected from three working-class urban neighborhoods. Data were obtained from four sources: a telephone survey of 1081 randomly sampled residents, a 15-month follow-up survey ( n = 471), block-level police records of 1190 crime complaints, and the Block Booster Environmental Inventory-a new procedure for objectively measuring physical signs of disorder, territoriality and the built environment of 576 homes on all 48 blocks. Five different indicators of block crime were used: perceived crime and delinquency, reported serious and ‘quality-of-life’ crimes, and surveyed victimization rate. All data were aggregated to the block level. Although the various measures of crime were not consistently intercorrelated, objective environmental items correlated more strongly and consistently with the crime indicators than did the subjective environment, even after controlling for the demographic profile of the block. Defensible space features of the built environment, demographics and, to a lesser extent, the transient environment (disorder and territoriality) contributed significant variance to a series of regression equations explaining up to 60% of the variance in block crime. Implications for environmental criminology and for community policing and crime prevention are discussed.
The association between mental health and acute infectious illness among a national sample of 18- to 24-year-old college students.

Poor mental health is associated with physical illness, but this association is poorly characterized among college students. Objective and Participants: Using American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment data, the authors characterized poor mental health (depression, anxiety, negative affect) and examined the relationship between poor mental health and acute infectious illnesses (bronchitis, ear infection, sinusitis, strep throat) among 47,202 US college students. Methods: The authors used frequency and cross-tabulation analyses to characterize mental health and determine univariate associations among variables. They used binary logistic regression to determine the association between poor mental health and acute infectious illness, controlling for research-derived covariates. Results: The prevalence of acute infectious illness ranged from 8% to 29%. The prevalence of anxiety and depression ranged from 12% to 20%, respectively. Depression, anxiety, and exhaustion were associated ...
Binocular rivalry waves in a directionally selective neural field model

a b s t r a c t We extend a neural field model of binocular rivalry waves in the visual cortex to incorporate direction selectivity of moving stimuli. For each eye, we consider a one-dimensional network of neurons that respond maximally to a fixed orientation and speed of a grating stimulus. Recurrent connections within each one-dimensional network are taken to be excitatory and asymmetric, where the asymmetry captures the direction and speed of the moving stimuli. Connections between the two networks are taken to be inhibitory (cross-inhibition). As per previous studies, we incorporate slow adaption as a symmetry breaking mechanism that allows waves to propagate. We derive an analytical expression for traveling wave solutions of the neural field equations, as well as an implicit equation for the wave speed as a function of neurophysiological parameters, and analyze their stability. Most importantly, we show that propagation of traveling waves is faster in the direction of stimulus motion than against it, which is in agreement with previous experimental and computational studies.
Observations on the systolic I-J stroke acceleration-force values of 49 male subjects from a roller ball-bearing ballistocardiographic bed.

Abstract 1. 1. The systolic I-J stroke acceleration-force values from a ball-bearing ballistic platform have been determined for 49 normal males. 2. 2. The wide range and overlap of expiratory and inspiratory acceleration-force values preclude the establishment of a too rigid range of quantitative values, and indicate the need for qualitative (Grade I–IV) evaluation of the ballistocardiogram. 3. 3. The force value obtained with the ball-bearing system is nearly equal to the result from the Starr high-frequency system, but is only 82 per cent of the force value from a differential pendulum.
The application of automated image analysis to dense heterogeneities in partially sintered alumina

This study used quantitative image analysis to examine the effect of powder forming method on a population of dense heterogeneities that could be imaged in partially sintered alumina using optical microscopy. Powder pressing resulted in a higher area fraction of dense heterogeneities than slip casting. Extreme value analysis was used to predict the size of the largest heterogeneity in the populations and assess the processing methods. Powder pressing resulted in the largest extreme value estimate. The results are interpreted in terms of the effect of the forming method on particle packing and the possible effect of the dense heterogeneities on mechanical strength.
On the description of the collision terms in three-valley hydrodynamic models for GaAs device modeling

A reduced set of transport parameters is proposed for the collision terms of the three-valley hydrodynamic model which is a faster alternative to ensemble Monte Carlo simulations. The predictions of the proposed model have been found to be in excellent agreement with transient ensemble Monte Carlo data. The reduction in the number of the transport parameters makes the model relatively easy to implement with substantial accuracy. The transport parameters which are of interest in semiclassical device modeling are presented as a function of electron energy. >
Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in gastrointestinal tissues of chronically SIV-infected rhesus monkeys.

Although systemic virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses are of critical importance in controlling virus replication in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), little is known about this immune response in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This study investigated the GI tract CTL response in a nonhuman primate model for HIV-1 infection, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)–infected rhesus monkeys. Lymphocytes from duodenal pinch biopsy specimens were obtained from 9 chronically SIVmac-infected rhesus monkeys and GI tract lymphocytes were harvested from the jejunum and ileum of 4 euthanized SIVmac-infected rhesus monkeys. Lymphocytes were also assessed in GI mucosal tissues by in situ staining in histologic specimens. SIVmac Gag-specific CTLs were assessed in the monkeys using the tetramer technology. These GI mucosal tissues of chronically SIVmac-infected rhesus monkeys contained levels of CTLs comparable to those found in the peripheral blood and lymph nodes. The present studies suggest that the CD8+ CTL response in GI mucosal sites is comparable to that seen systemically in SIVmac-infected rhesus monkeys.
Brain Tumors Presenting as a Seizure Disorder in Infants

Seizures occur in 25% to 40% of children with supratentorial tumors and are the presenting complaint in 10% to 15%. However, when divided by age, only 2% of children with seizures as the presenting complaint of brain tumors were less than 1 year of age. Three children, ranging in age from 20 days to 7 months and seen within the past 2 years, form the basis of this report. The presenting complaint in all children was seizures. Computed tomographic (CT) scan was indicated in all children because of intractability to anticonvulsant drug therapy (one patient) and focal electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormality with clinical evidence of complex partial seizure activity (two patients). CT scan showed a contrast-enhancing mass in the medial temporal lobe in all patients. At surgery, a temporal lobe tumor was found and resected in all children. Histopathologic examination revealed a ganglioglioma, a fibrillary astrocytoma, and an anaplastic astrocytoma. All children did well postoperatively and are seizure free t...
Activity variation in alcohol dehydrogenase paralogs is associated with adaptation to cactus host use in cactophilic Drosophila.

Drosophila mojavensis and Drosophila arizonae are species of cactophilic flies that share a recent duplication of the alcohol dehydrogenase ( Adh ) locus. One paralog ( Adh-2 ) is expressed in adult tissues and the other ( Adh-1 ) in larvae and ovaries. Enzyme activity measurements of the ADH-2 amino acid polymorphism in D. mojavensis suggest that the Fast allozyme allele has a higher activity on 2-propanol than 1-propanol. The Fast allele was found at highest frequency in populations that utilize hosts with high proportions of 2- propanol, while the Slow allele is most frequent in populations that utilize hosts with high proportions of 1-propanol. This suggests that selection for ADH-2 allozyme alleles with higher activity on the most abundant alcohols is occurring in each D. mojavensis population. In the other paralog, ADH-1, significant differences between D. mojavensis and D. arizonae are associated with a previously shown pattern of adaptive protein evolution in D. mojavensis . Examination of protein sequences showed that a large number of amino acid fixations between the paralogs have occurred in catalytic residues. These changes are potentially responsible for the significant difference in substrate specificity between the paralogs. Both functional and sequence variation within and between paralogs suggests that Adh has played an important role in the adaptation of D. mojavensis and D. arizonae to their cactophilic life.
Social, behavioral and driving characteristics of injured pedestrians: A comparison with other unintentional trauma patients

Pedestrian injuries represent 11% of all motor vehicle related injuries in the USA. This study attempts to define the epidemiology of the pedestrian victim. Patients admitted to a regional adult trauma center were interviewed and evaluated for substance abuse. Pedestrians were compared with the remaining unintentional trauma patients with regard to demographics, socioeconomics, possession of a driver’s license, injury prone behaviors, risk taking dispositions, and BAC levels using the Student’s t-test and Pearson’s χ 2 statistic (α = 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression models were built with pedestrian mechanism as the outcome. When compared to the remaining unintentional trauma population (N = 661), pedestrians (N = 113) were significantly more likely to be black, not married, unemployed, binge drinkers, alcohol dependent, drug dependent, BAC+, to have a low income, low educational achievement, younger age, and to not have a driver license. Black race, unemployment of 1 year or more, never licensed, lapsed license, revoked license and BAC > 200 mg/dl showed statistical significance in the multiple logistic regression. Pedestrians represent a sub-population with a low socioeconomic status and high incidence of substance abuse. Unemployment, not having a driver’s license, black race, and a BAC > 200 mg/dl were strongly linked to being an injured pedestrian.
Health Behavior Change Models and Their Socio-Cultural Relevance for Breast Cancer Screening in African American Women

Models of health behavior provide the conceptual bases for most of the breast cancer screening intervention studies. These models were not designed for and have not been adequately tested with African American women. The models discussed in this paper are: The Health Belief Model, the Theory of Reasoned Action/Theory of Planned Behavior, and the Transtheoretical Model. This paper will examine the socio-cultural relevance of these health behavior models, and discuss specific socio-cultural dimensions that are not accounted for by these paradigms. It is critical that researchers include socio-cultural dimensions, such as interconnectedness, health socialization, ecological factors and health care system factors into their intervention models with African American women. Comprehensive and socio-culturally based investigations are necessary to guide the scientific and policy challenge for reducing breast cancer mortality in African American women.
Mind Your p’s and Alphas:

In the educational research literature, alpha and p are often conflated. Paradoxically, alpha retains a prominent place in textbook discussions of such topics as statistical hypothesis testing, multivariate analysis, power, and multiple comparisons, whereas it seems to have been supplanted by p in the results sections of journal articles. The unique contributions of both alpha and p are discussed and a plea is made for using both conventions in summarizing the outcomes of tests of significance.
Alleviating blood shortages in a resource-constrained environment

BACKGROUND: The nation devotes considerable resources to the collection, processing, and distribution of blood products. Nonetheless, shortages of virtually every blood component persist. Economic theory suggests that the national blood supply can be increased either by increasing the level of resources used in the collection and production of blood components or by utilizing existing resources more efficiently. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study uses data envelopment analysis to analyze the efficiency of 70 blood centers to determine the extent to which operational efficiency can be improved, the increase in the nation's blood supply that would result, and management strategies that would lead to such improvements. Data were collected from the AABB 2002-2003 Directory of Community Blood Centers. RESULTS: The study found that roughly half of the 70 blood centers studied are efficient. The remaining blood centers collectively can both increase outputs and decrease some inputs. If the inefficient blood centers were to eliminate half of their inefficiency, then systemwide output of platelets would be increased by 17 percent, cryoprecipitate by 12 percent, plasma by 10 percent, and red blood cells by 7 percent. Inefficient blood centers have little opportunity to reduce full-time employees or reduce expenditures; however, they can decrease their use of part-time employees by 10 percent and volunteers by 9 percent. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that efficiency improvements would help to alleviate the nation's persistent blood shortages. These findings can be used by blood center managers to identify management interventions that can improve operational efficiency, resulting in greater output with existing levels of resources.
Developing a corporeal cyberfeminism: beyond cyberutopia:

This article discusses — and rejects — cyberutopia, an idealized theory of internet use that requires users to leave their bodies behind when online. The author instead calls for a cyberfeminist perspective in relation to studying the internet and other new media, centrally locating corporeality and embodiment. The underutilized concept of intra-agency is then employed to develop liminality in relation to the experience of going online. The author then outlines different versions of cyberfeminism and endorses that which addresses the relationships between the lived experiences of users and the technology itself. The article concludes with a call for theorists to expand and enrich the concepts used to study new media.
Phototherapy of Human Tumors

This paper presents a brief review and the current status of the use of phototherapy in malignancy.
Human glycerol kinase deficiency: An inborn error of compartmental metabolism

Abstract Twelve individuals have been described with glycerol kinase deficiency. Five of these individuals are adults who were noted incidentally to have pseudohypertriglyceridemia. Six of these individuals are children who manifest a clinical complex which includes adrenal hypoplasia/insufficiency and developmental delay. Another child has intermittent coma, a normal IQ, and no evidence of adrenal insufficiency. Genetic and biochemical hypotheses are proposed to explain this clinical variability. Glycerol kinase binds specifically and reversibly to the porin, the poreforming protein of the outer mitochondrial membrane, which also binds hexokinase. Mutations affecting any component of this kinase-binding system will alter the properties of this system. Glycerol kinase deficiency, as an inborn error of this compartmented metabolic system, offers an investigational opportunity for studying this microenvironment.
Perceived risk, resources, and perceptions concerning driving and epilepsy: A patient perspective

Previous research on driving and epilepsy has focused primarily on determining predictors of who will continue to drive when told not to. An analysis of health behavior attitudes and beliefs in persons with epilepsy may provide insight into effective patient counseling. A three-page, 46-item questionnaire was adapted and completed by 213 respondents with epilepsy. Nineteen percent indicated that in order to drive, they were not completely honest about their seizure frequency. Twenty-six percent reported having had a car accident because of a seizure. On Safety Concern, Attitudes toward Driving, Perceived Severity/Susceptibility, Perceived Barriers, Helping Relationships, and Self-Efficacy, there were no significant differences with respect to gender or place of residence. Respondents indicated that being in good health and taking precautions were important to them. Predictors of driving behavior included race/ethnicity, employment status, dishonesty about seizure frequency with the doctor, Attitudes toward Driving, Perceived Severity/Susceptibility, Perceived Barriers to changing driving behavior, and Self-Efficacy. Recommendations for communication strategies are discussed.
Analysis of 6,515 exomes reveals the recent origin of most human protein-coding variants

Establishing the age of each mutation segregating in contemporary human populations is important to fully understand our evolutionary history and will help to facilitate the development of new approaches for disease-gene discovery. Large-scale surveys of human genetic variation have reported signatures of recent explosive population growth, notable for an excess of rare genetic variants, suggesting that many mutations arose recently. To more quantitatively assess the distribution of mutation ages, we resequenced 15,336 genes in 6,515 individuals of European American and African American ancestry and inferred the age of 1,146,401 autosomal single nucleotide variants (SNVs). We estimate that approximately 73% of all protein-coding SNVs and approximately 86% of SNVs predicted to be deleterious arose in the past 5,000-10,000 years. The average age of deleterious SNVs varied significantly across molecular pathways, and disease genes contained a significantly higher proportion of recently arisen deleterious SNVs than other genes. Furthermore, European Americans had an excess of deleterious variants in essential and Mendelian disease genes compared to African Americans, consistent with weaker purifying selection due to the Out-of-Africa dispersal. Our results better delimit the historical details of human protein-coding variation, show the profound effect of recent human history on the burden of deleterious SNVs segregating in contemporary populations, and provide important practical information that can be used to prioritize variants in disease-gene discovery.
Falsifying Priority of Species Names: A Fraud of 1892

In 1891-92, N. H. Winchell and Charles Schuchert were preparing a chapter on Minnesota brachiopods for the Winchell Survey's Final Report on the geology of Minnesota. At the same time, C. W. Hall's Masters degree candidate. F. W. Sardeson, was finishing his thesis, which included some new names of brachiopods. Sardeson had told Schuchert that he would not publish first, but Hall required him to attempt to do so because some of Sardeson's species were from biozones described in a forthcoming paper of which Hall was senior author.In order to beat Sardeson, Winchell had E. O. Ulrich prepare a short article on new brachiopod names for The American Geologist. A dummy preprint, dated 1 April 1892, was given to Sardeson on that date by Ulrich, who said that they had been mailed out. The article suppressed six of Sardeson's brachiopod names. At Hall's instigation, Sardeson's publication was mailed out on 6 April. Although the 1 April preprint had not been mailed out, a "corrected" preprint of the same, dated 21 A...
CAN FINANCING CONSTRAINTS EXPLAIN THE ASSET PRICING PUZZLES IN PRODUCTION ECONOMIES

General Equilibrium asset pricing models have a difficult time simultaneously delivering a sizable equity premium, a low and counter cyclical real risk free rate, and cyclical variation in return volatility. To explain these stylized facts, this article introduces occasionally binding financing constraints that impede producers’ ability to invest. The financial frictions drive a wedge between the marginal rate of substitution and firms’ internal stochastic discount factors so that the shadow value of capital is not tied to the average price of capital. The model delivers higher and more volatile asset returns during recessions as well as a counter cyclical equity premium.
Toleration of a high water intake by patients with high-grade mitral stenosis in the last trimester of pregnancy

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of a high fluid intake on patients with hearts failing under the combined disadvantages of mitral stenosis and late pregnancy, as observed in 21 periods of observation in 18 pregnancies in 16 patients, are reported. 2. 2. Examples are presented of patients receiving large amounts of water by mouth or vein, and of those receiving simultaneously necessary minimal amounts of sodium and/or chloride for replacement of electrolyte losses. 3. 3. It is emphasized that simple administration of “fluids” is not enough. Proper selection of water alone or water plus electrolytes according to the true needs of the individual patient is discussed. 4. 4. The observations suggest that a true water balance can be maintained in such patients without the production of heart failure or pulmonary edema.
Assignment games and permutation games

Vladimir, Wanda, and Xavier each has a house that he/she wants to sell. Yolanda and Zarik each wants to buy a house. Vladimir values his house at $100,000, Wanda values her house at $150,000, and Xavier values his house at $200,000. Vladimir’s house is worth $80,000 to Yolanda and $150,000 to Zarik, Wanda’s house is worth $200,000 to Yolanda and $120,000 to Zarik, and Xavier’s house is worth $220,000 to Yolanda and $230,000 to Zarik. For the sake of notational shortness, we will divide all numbers by 100,000 in the following discussion. If Vladimir and Yolanda get together they will not be able to reach an agreement since Vladimir values his house at more than it is worth to Yolanda. If Vladimir and Zarik get together they can generate a profit of 1.5−1=0.5. If Wanda and Yolanda get together they can generate a profit of 2−1.5=0.5. If Wanda and Zarik get together they will not be able to reach an agreement since Wanda values her house at more than it is worth to Zarik. If Xavier and Yolanda get together then they can generate a profit of 2.2−2=0.2. If Xavier and Zarik get together then they can generate a profit of 2.3−2=0.3. If they cooperate in coalitions of more than two persons then the matching(s) between the owner of a house and a buyer that generate the most profit has to be found for each coalition. It is clear that coalitions that contain only sellers or only buyers will not generate any profit. In table 3.1, where the cooperative game arising from this situation is given, these coalitions have been left out.
Radiofrequency Spectroscopy of Stored Ions II: Spectroscopy

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on manipulation and investigation of stored ions using radiofrequency spectroscopy (rf). When a charge moves between arbitrarily shaped grounded electrodes, the distribution of field lines originates at the charge and ends on various electrodes changes. This must be accompanied by a change in the surface charges on a given electrode at which these field lines end, and consequently result in currents to and from the electrode. The high-inductance coil connecting the cap electrodes to form the tuned detection circuit acts as a choke to the trapping frequency and because of the finite capacity between the caps and the ring, the electrode usually held at a high rf voltage causes undesirable voltages at Ω to appear at the cap. The trapping rf voltages at Ω and the dc bias are applied to the ring electrode. The capacity of the other cap electrode in this configuration to ground is about 36 pF for the major trap. At the expense of an increase of this capacity by one-third, a low impedance path to ground for the trapping frequency is provided.
Slowing Down the Conversation: The Use of Letter Writing with Adolescents and Young Adults in Residential Settings

For some time therapeutic letter writing has been used to promote change within the client and family system. The use of specific letter writing assignments with an adolescent in residential care allows the therapist to work systemically on specific patterns of interaction within the family. This article describes letters writing techniques that provide opportunities for adolescents to be confronted with their behaviors, while also giving them space to accept responsibility and embrace the need to change. Methods are also outlined for holding parents accountable for their behaviors and helping them to change their approach to working with their child. Some possible outcomes from using such assignments include moving individuals and families through the stages of change, promoting a systemic view, slowing down the conversation, teaching communication skills, increasing nurturance, and repairing attachment injuries.
Social Security Actuarial Balance and the Labor Force Participation Rate

An investigation of the impact of the assumed value of the labor force participation rate on the Old-Age, Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASDI) trust funds' actuarial balance finds that further changes to the Social Security program - beyond increased participation - will be needed to achieve a sustainable funding level. The PDF for the above title, published in the May 2003 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the fulltext of another May 2003 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: "Making Coverage Decisions."
Enzymatic Proteolysis of Rat Sponge Biopsy Collagen Tissue

Comments and summaryPretreatment of rats with estrogen and relaxin does not appear to alter the susceptibility of sponge-biopsy connective tissue to digestion by proteolytic enzymes at near physiologic pH. No difference was noted in the proteolysis of collagen obtained from either sex or from castrate rats. Trypsin, Chymotrypsin and Papain all have a slight proteolytic activity on pretreated or untreated tissue, while pure Elastase and Hy-aluronidase effect little, if any, liberation of collagen. Impure Elastase dissolves 2 to 6 times the amount of collagen digested by the proteolytic enzymes or a combination of pure Elastase and Trypsin. It is postulated that the impure Elastase, prepared from pancreas, contains a collagenolytic enzyme distinct from the proteolytic enzymes of the pancreas. The removal of a portion of the scleroprotein of connective tissue by enzyme action results in a residue richer in hydroxyproline (per unit protein) than in the enzyme-free controls. This may occur either through the r...
Ice Particle Size and Temperature Dependence of the Kinetics of Propane Clathrate Hydrate Formation

The effects of ice particle size and temperature on the conversion rate of ice to propane clathrate hydrate are presented in this work. Results from this study are interpreted in terms of the three-stage shrinking core model: stage I, initiation of the water and propane enclathration reaction at the surface of the ice particles; stage II, mass transfer through pores on the outer clathrate hydrate shell; and stage III, diffusion of propane molecules through the hydrate layer surrounding the inner core of ice. For the smaller ice particles studied, the initial growth rate and total percent conversion are both higher than for larger particles due to a higher surface to volume ratio. Surprisingly, the peak conversion rate of propane clathrate hydrate increases with decreasing temperatures over the temperature range studied in this work, while the total percent conversion increases for higher temperatures, most likely due to improved mass transfer and diffusion in the later stages of the reaction. For the smal...
NI-04IMMEDIATE POST OPERATIVE VOLUME OF ABNORMAL FLAIR SIGNAL PREDICTS PATIENT SURVIVAL IN GLIOBLASTOMA PATIENTS

BACKGROUND: Several studies have investigated the prognostic value of pre-operative volumes of abnormal FLAIR signal, tumor enhancement and necrosis in the prediction of patient survival. We seek to explore the role of abnormal FLAIR signal as a prognostic biomarker in immediate post-resection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We obtained pre-operative and immediate post-operative MRI of 60 GBM patients available on The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) and in our institution's imaging archive. We used 3D Slicer 4.3.1 software for volumetric quantification of tumor compartments. Two trained neuroradiologists delineated peritumoral edema/invasion using T2 FLAIR sequence. Pre-operative tumor enhancement and necrosis were segmented using post-contrast T1 Weighted Images (T1WI). Post-operatively, we used immediate post-operative T2 FLAIR sequence (24-72 hours post-resection) for volume quantification of pericavitarian edema/invasion. We used Kaplan-Meier curves for survival analysis. We included the volumes of pre-operative and post-operative scans independently and in groups and subgroups. The association between the quantitative variables and patient survival were performed using multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Post-operative absolute volumes and ratios of pre-operative to post-operative volumes are correlated with patient overall survival and progression-free survival. CONCLUSION: Immediate post-operative volume of abnormal FLAIR signal can be used as a prognostic imaging biomarker.
Experimental research on mechanical property size effects of AISI D2 steel

Quasi-static and dynamic shear deformation of hat shaped specimen with three different widths of shear zone(800,400,50 μm respectively)were performed by electronic universal testing machine and Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar(SHPB)at room temperature.The size effects of AISI D2 steel mechanical property were studied.The experimental results show that the flow stress and failure strain of material increase with the decrease of shear zone widths,however the shear zone widths which induce the size effect of flow stress and failure strain are different.Based on the Johnson-Cook constitutive model,the constitutive relation of material with different shear zone widths was fitted by the experiment results.The item of strain rate sensitivity is modified,and the modified Johnson-Cook constitutive model agrees well with the experimental results.
Catalytic co-pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass with polymers: a critical review

The increasing demand for renewable chemicals and fuels requires the exploitation of alternative feedstock to replace petroleum-derived chemicals and fuels. Lignocellulosic biomass has been considered as the most promising feedstock for the production of sustainable biofuels. Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) is more amenable to directly converting biomass into high quality biofuel. However, even in the presence of a highly efficient catalyst, the CFP of biomass can solely manufacture a low yield of aromatic hydrocarbon but a high formation of coke. The addition of a hydrogen-rich co-reactant (e.g. waste plastics) in CFP can significantly improve the yield of aromatics and lower the coke formation. Catalytic co-pyrolysis can also reduce the disposal of waste polymers (plastics and waste tires) in landfills, solve some environmental issues, and further increase energy security. In this regard, this article reviews the catalytic co-pyrolysis process from several points of view, starting from feedstock characteristics and availability, current understanding of the chemistry in non-catalytic co-pyrolysis, and focusing on the chemistry in the catalytic co-pyrolysis of biomass with various categories of polymers. Recent progress in the experimental studies on both the non-catalytic pyrolysis and catalytic co-pyrolysis of biomass with polymers is also summarized with the emphasis on the liquid yield and quality. In addition, reaction kinetics and several outlooks in the light of current studies are also presented in the review. Consequently, this review demonstrates both highlights of the remarkable achievement of catalytic co-pyrolysis and the milestones that are necessary to be garnered in the future.
Combatting the Joy of Destruction with Pro-Social Behavior

In this experiment we examine the impact of hugs (a pro-social behavior) upon behavior in the Joy of Destruction (JoD) game. Previous research on JoD indicates that up to 40% of experimental participants will choose to lower another participant's earnings even in the absence of any incentive to do so. Building upon previous work indicating that hugs cause oxytocin to be released in the human brain, and that oxytocin can increase “moral” behavior, we hypothesize that hugging will reduce the spiteful behavior typically exhibited in the JoD. We find evidence to support this hypothesis. We also examine the role of personality, and find no correlation between scores on either the Big Five Inventory or the Mach-IV Inventory and behavior in the JoD.
Ethics Initiatives: The Problem of Ethical Subgroups

Ethics initiatives are commonly used by organizations to influence members’ behavior with the expressed goal of aligning the behavior exhibited in the organization with the organization's stated rules and values (Laufer & Robertson, 1997; Schwartz, 2002; Tenbrunsel, Smith-Crowe, & Umphress, 2003; Trevino, Weaver, Gibson, & Toffler, 1999; Weaver, Trevino, & Cochran, 1999a, 1999b, 1999c). It is hoped that by emphasizing the organization's values and rules, organization members will be more thoughtful about their work behavior and consider these values and rules when making decisions at work.
Thrombolytic Therapy: tPA-Induced Bleeding

Tissue plasminogen activator is used in the management of acute arterial ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and massive pulmonary embolism. tPA has been shown to improve outcomes in these conditions, but its use is not without risk. Significant bleeding tends to happen at a fairly low rate overall; however, it can have serious complications necessitating prompt recognition and urgent intervention. The most concerning complication is massive intracerebral hemorrhage which carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality. There is limited data available to support best practice in the management of tPA-related hemorrhage and there is wide variation in current practice. Expert opinion supports correction of coagulopathy with cryoprecipitate. Additionally, tranexamic acid or e-aminocaproic acid may be considered for acute treatment. Surgical options exist although current studies examining surgery in this setting are inconclusive. Future research is necessary to establish most effective treatment for the management of bleeding associated with tPA in order to minimize consequences and improve functional outcome of surviving patients.
Pulsed dye laser treatment of primary cryptococcal laryngitis: A novel approach to an uncommon disease ☆ ☆☆

An 82-year-old supplemental oxygen dependent woman with severe COPD presented with an eight month history of worsening hoarseness and stridor. Office laryngoscopy revealed laryngeal edema and ulcerative masses throughout the larynx. In-office biopsies were positive for Cryptococcus neoformans. This report details a novel approach to the treatment of cryptococcal laryngitis, a combination of in-office pulsed-dye laser (PDL) ablation and medical therapy. Despite treatment with oral fluconazole, the recommended treatment for cryptococcal laryngitis the patient continued to be symptomatic with dysphonia and throat discomfort. Repeated laryngeal exam demonstrated persistent cryptococcal nodules. The patient was subsequently effectively treated with an in-office PDL laser. This case demonstrates the efficacy of in-office laser treatment for residual laryngeal Cryptococcus. For patients like this one, who have failed medical therapy and are unfit for general anesthetic, the in-office laser provides an excellent alternative treatment approach.
Durability of silicon pin-joints for microrobotics

This work presents the initial characterization of planar silicon pin-joints for use in linkages for walking microrobot legs. A major goal in walking microrobotics is the creation of robust leg structures driven by low-power motors capable of lifting a 20mg mass and propelling it forward. Hinged joint structures, rather than stiff flexures, are ideal for this task. However, since joints are not fully rigid structures, the possibility of pull-out failure is important to take into account. The joints we use are fabricated in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) process. They have demonstrated pull-out forces ranging from 1mN to 29mN, well over the strength of our motor designs and capable of handling the intended mass of the robot. Additionally, the frictional coefficient during pull-out was found to be dependent on the load from the joint holder.
Dracula or Frankenstein? The role of the international community in the 2014 Afghan presidential elections

AbstractThe 2014 presidential elections in Afghanistan were a major test of internationally led democratisation efforts in that country since 2001. They took place at a time of uncertainty, when the international community was withdrawing from Afghanistan, and in the shadow of the fraud-ridden 2009 elections that had required international intervention to resolve. The author situates the international attempt to ensure successful 2014 elections within the wider global paradigm shift over the past decade from elections as a means of self-determination to elections as a means of generating and ensuring international security. The focus on security meant that when the 2014 election did generate a political crisis in Afghanistan that threatened to destabilise the country, the international community intervened heavily in a way that undermined the future prospects of democratisation in Afghanistan. As well as questioning this intervention, the author describes a general pattern of international involvement in ...
Neighborhood Social Cohesion as a Mediator of Neighborhood Conditions on Mothers' Engagement in Physical Activity: Results From the Geographic Research on Wellbeing Study.

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine if social cohesion mediates the effects of neighborhood and household-level socioeconomic status (SES), perceptions of neighborhood safety, and access to parks on mothers’ engagement in physical activity (PA). Method. Secondary analyses were conducted on cross-sectional data from The Geographic Research on Wellbeing (GROW) study. GROW includes survey data from a diverse sample of 2,750 California mothers. Structural equation modeling was used to test a conceptual multilevel mediation model, proposing social cohesion as a mediator of known predictors of PA. Results. Social cohesion fully mediated the pathway from perceived neighborhood safety to mothers’ PA. Social cohesion also mediated the significant relationship between neighborhood SES and PA; however, this mediation finding was not practically significant when considered in the context of the full model. Household SES was significantly positively related to both social cohesion and PA. Park acces...
Differences in outcome due to bevacizumab (BEV) discontinuation versus BEV failure in adults with glioblastoma.

2030 Background: BEV is approved for use in recurrent glioblastoma. Patients (pts) who benefit from BEV therapy are often treated until tumor progression but fail to respond to salvage therapy sugg...
When Executives and Middle Managers Collide: Strengthening the Core, Engaging for Success

While often overlooked, middle managers play important leadership roles for organizations. Whether through communication linkages or simply by greasing the wheel of productivity, organizations with properly motivated middle managers typically have a stronger core culture and more profitable outcomes. This study seeks to identify key motivational factors for middle managers as well as the disconnect that many organizations have in properly utilizing middle management. We examine the problems stemming from the Pygmalion Effect and hypereffectivity. Our conclusions are supported with survey data and top line BLS demographic data. Using regression analysis, we show that what middle managers say motivates themselves is not always what executives believe motivates middle managers. Implications for leadership development and directions for future research are also provided.
Military Ethics: A Future-Oriented Retrospective

Societal concern regarding military ethics predates modern history, with writings on the topic dating at least as far back as the Peloponnesian War. Although the origins of concerns involving ethic...
A DG Least-Squares Finite Element Method for Nagumo’s Nerve Equation with Fast Reaction: A Numerical Study

The Nagumo equation is a simple nonlinear reaction-diffusion equation, which has important applications in neuroscience and biological electricity. If the equation is reaction-dominated, numerical oscillations may appear near the traveling wave front, which makes it challenging to find stable solutions. In the present study, a new method is developed on uniform meshes to solve the Nagumo equation. Numerical results are given to demonstrate the performance of the algorithm. Convergence rates with respect to spatial and temporal discretization are obtained experimentally. Some properties of the nerve model are confirmed numerically.