cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forest Fragmentation in the Humid Tropics: A Cross–National Analysis

While habitat destruction always causes species extinctions, the rate of extinction may be highest in those habitats which become the most fragmented as they decline in size. For this reason, knowledge about the patterns and origins of rain forest fragmentation in the tropics may prove useful in efforts to preserve biodiversity. This paper calculates the degree of fragmentation in the tropical rain forests of 51 nations containing 83 per cent of the world’s tropical forests. By these measures, West Africa and Central America have the most fragmented tropical rain forests in the world. Not surprisingly, rain forests in the Amazon basin are the world’s least fragmented. Some patterns of tropical deforestation appear to produce more fragmentation than others. A two-stage least squares analysis of these data suggest that deforestation driven by smallholders is most likely to produce highly fragmented forest habitats. The implications of these findings for policy and for further research are briefly discussed.
Sexually Dimorphic GTP Cyclohydrolase I Gene Expression is Independent of Sex Hormones

Genetic mutations mapped to the GTPCH locus on chromosome 14q result in hereditary progressive dystonia with marked diurnal fluctuation (HPD), also known as DOPA responsive dystonia or Segawa’s disease (1,2). HPD is characterized by decreased BH4, dopamine (DA) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein levels within the DA neurons innervating the basal ganglia (3). HPD is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion with incomplete penetrance; a 4 to 1 ratio of females to males are affected (4). We have reported previously that GTPCH mRNA expression within DA, norepinephrine and serotonin neurons is lower in female than in male mice (5). Basal GTPCH gene expression within monoaminergic neurons would thus appear to be sexually dimorphic and the lower levels of GTPCH expressed in females may help explain the female prevalence of HPD. The current studies investigated whether GTPCH expression in rats is also sexually dimorphic and dependent upon sex-steroids. Our results indicate that levels of BH4, GTPCH enzyme activity, GTPCH protein and GTPCH mRNA in the liver are lower in female than in male rats and that elimination of male and female sex hormones by gonadectomy does not modify these parameters. These results suggest that sexually dimorphic GTPCH gene expression is common to mammals and in adult animals is independent of male and female sex hormones.
Convergence of stress maxima in finite element computations

The convergence of stress maxima, computed directly from finite element solutions, is investigated with respect to a family of exact solutions characterized by varying degrees of smoothness. The performances of h- and p-extensions and the product and trunk spaces are evaluated and documented with respect to a family of benchmark problems. In uniform p-extensions a characteristic pattern in the convergence of stress maxima was observed. There does not appear to be a clear-cut advantage of the product space over the trunk space in this respect. The much faster convergence of stress maxima in the case of p-extensions, as compared with h-extensions, is evident from the results.
A Bayesian approach to high resolution 3D surface reconstruction from multiple images

We present a radically different approach to the recovery of the three dimensional geometric and reflectance properties of a surface from image data. We pose the problem in a Bayesian framework, and proceed to infer the parameters of the model describing the surface. This allows great flexibility in the specification of the model, in terms of how both the geometrical properties and surface reflectance are specified. In the usual manner for Bayesian approaches it requires that we can simulate the data that would have been recorded for any state of the model in order to infer the model. The theoretical aspects are thus very general. We present rules for one type of surface geometry (the triangular mesh) and for the Lambertian model of light scattering. Our framework also allows the easy incorporation of data from multiple sensing modalities.
Detecting encrypted botnet traffic

Bot detection methods that rely on deep packet inspection (DPI) can be foiled by encryption. Encryption, however, increases entropy. This paper investigates whether adding high-entropy detectors to an existing bot detection tool that uses DPI can restore some of the bot visibility. We present two high-entropy classifiers, and use one of them to enhance BotHunter. Our results show that while BotHunter misses about 50% of the bots when they employ encryption, our high-entropy classifier restores most of its ability to detect bots, even when they use encryption.
Meanings of Sisterhood and Developmental Disability Narratives From White Nondisabled Sisters

Integrating thought from critical feminist and disability theorists via a strategic social constructionist perspective, the authors analyzed 10 in-depth qualitative interviews to begin to understand the dialogue between (a) how nondisabled sisters understand themselves and their siblings with developmental disabilities and (b) wider systems of power or discourse. The women in this exploratory study described themselves as good sisters by portraying their siblings with disabilities as normal, emphasizing opportunities for moral enhancement, minimizing personal sacrifices, and accepting the gendered nature of family care. This study suggests that nondisabled sisters co-opt ideology that holds women accountable for moral conduct in families to oppose discourse that devalues people with disabilities. This ideology does not, however, help them transcend a gender system that requires mothers and sisters but not fathers and brothers to engage in family care.
A simplified method for measuring infant temperament.

A questionnaire has been developed for assessing temperamental characteristics of babies in the 4 to 8 month range and has been initially standardized on 101 babies in a single private practice. It is based directly on the research interview technique of Thomas and associates 1 and yields similar results, but it can be completed by the mother in about 20 minutes and scored in less than 10. Its principal value is in determining the presence of the characteristics of the difficult baby syndrome, which may be inadequately differentiated in the mother's general description. There are other possible applications in practice, teaching, and research.
Permeability of pure and mixed gases in silicone rubber at elevated pressures

The transport properties of silicone rubber are reported at 35°C for a series of pure gases (He, N2, CH4, CO2, and C2H4) and gas mixtures (CO2/CH4 and N2/CO2) for pressures up to 60 atm. The effects of pressure and concentration on the permeability of various gases have been analyzed to consider plasticization and hydrostatic compression effects. Over an extended pressure and concentration range, both compression of free volume and eventual plasticization phenomena were observed for the various penetrants. In pure component studies, plasticization effects tended to dominate hydrostatic compression effects for the more condensible penetrants (C2H4 and CO2) while the reverse was true for the low sorbing N2 and He. These issues are discussed in terms of penetrant diffusion coefficients versus pressure to clarify the interplay between the opposing effects for the penetrants of markedly different solubilities. Additional insight into the somewhat complex interplay of the plasticization and hydrostatic compression effects are given by mixed gas permeation results. It was found that the permeability of nitrogen in a 10/90 CO2/N2 and a 50/50 CO2/N2 mixture was increased by the presence of CO2 because the plasticizing nature of CO2 is able to overcome nitrogen's compression effect.
Multivariate empirical test of the Leopold and Miller stream order–hydraulic geometry hypothesis

The relationship between stream order and hydraulic geometry was tested using multivariate discriminant analysis. Data on the hydraulic geometry variables were collected for 103 streams of order 3 through 6 in the Pecatonica River drainage network in southwestern Wisconsin. The results indicate that the relationship is not as strong as suggested by L. R. Leopold and J. P. Miller. Channel width, depth, and gradient appear to account for the existing strength, whereas velocity and roughness make only a negligible contribution.
Integration of human papillomavirus type 16 DNA into the human genome leads to increased stability of E6 and E7 mRNAs: implications for cervical carcinogenesis.

Abstract In many cervical cancers, human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) DNA genomes are found to be integrated into the host chromosome. In this study, we demonstrate that integration of HPV-16 DNA leads to increased steady-state levels of mRNAs encoding the viral oncogenes E6 and E7. This increase is shown to result, at least in part, from an increased stability of E6 and E7 mRNAs that arise specifically from those integrated viral genomes disrupted in the 3' untranslated region of the viral early region. Further, we demonstrate that the A+U-rich element within this viral early 3' untranslated region confers instability on a heterologous mRNA. We conclude that integration of HPV-16 DNA, as occurs in cervical cancers, can result in the increased expression of the viral E6 and E7 oncogenes through altered mRNA stability.
Radiative impacts from biomass burning in the presence of clouds during boreal spring in southeast Asia

[1] The impact of smoke aerosols generated from biomass burning activities in Southeast Asia on the total (i.e., direct and indirect effects) reflected solar and emitted thermal radiation from clouds was investigated using satellite data. We combine narrowband radiance measurements, from ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths (e.g., SeaWiFS and TOMS), with broadband irradiance measurements (e.g., CERES) to quantify how smoke aerosols modulate the cloud radiative forcing. In Southeast Asia, our results reveal that smoke is frequently present over large areas of cloud-covered regions during boreal spring. The reflected solar (emitted thermal) radiation from clouds due to smoke aerosols can be reduced (enhanced) by as much as 100 (20) W m−2 over the month of March 2000. We also found that the reduction in cloud spectral reflectance at 670 nm is large enough to lead to significant errors in retrieving cloud properties (e.g., optical thickness and effective radius) from current satellite measurements, such as AVHRR and MODIS.
Real-Time Radar Rainfall Estimation. Part II: Case Study

Abstract The performance of a real-time radar rainfall estimation algorithm is examined based on an extensive dataset of volume scan reflectivity and rain gauge rainfall measurements from the WSR-88D site in Melbourne, Florida. Radar rainfall estimates are evaluated based on the following radar–rain gauge statistics: mean difference (bias), normalized root-mean-square difference, and correlation coefficient. The spatiotemporal scales of interest are hourly accumulations over 4 km × 4 km grids. First, the authors demonstrate the convergence properties of the algorithm’s adaptive parameter estimation procedure and conduct sensitivity tests of the system with respect to changes in the parameter values. Second, the major components of the algorithm are compared with the operational WSR-88D Precipitation Processing Subsystem. The authors show reduction in the radar–rain gauge root-mean-square difference up to 40%, resulting from the new parameterization schemes and the real-time calibration procedure. When rai...
Vintners and vasodilators: are French red wines more cardioprotective?

Alcoholic beverages have been consumed by numerous societies for thousands of years, their use often intertwined with religion and culture. Alcohol has both beneficial and detrimental effects on health. A beneficial effect of alcohol was first reported in 1786 by Heberden, who noted relief of angina
Causal reasoning on biological networks: interpreting transcriptional changes

Over the past decade gene expression data sets have been generated at an increasing pace. In addition to ever increasing data generation, the biomedical literature is growing exponentially. The PubMed database (Sayers et al., 2010) comprises more than 20 million citations as of October 2010. The goal of our method is the prediction of putative upstream regulators of observed expression changes based on a set of over 400,000 causal relationships. The resulting putative regulators constitute directly testable hypotheses for follow-up.
Blood mercury levels and the stopover refueling performance of a long-distance migratory songbird

I examined the relationship between total mercury (THg) and plasma triglyceride (TRIG; an indicator of body mass change) levels in the blood of migrating Northern Waterthrushes (Parkesia noveboracensis (Gmelin, 1789)) to test the hypothesis that mercury has a negative influence on the stopover refueling rates of migratory birds. THg levels averaged 0.42 ppm and ranged 0.09–2.08 ppm. Model selection indicated that THg was not important for explaining variation in TRIG relative to capture time, body mass, and year. Summed model weights also indicated that THg had low relative importance. Capture time appeared alone in the global best model and had the greatest relative importance. Subsets of birds in the 25th and 75th percentiles of THg level did not have different levels of TRIG. THg in most birds was higher than mean blood levels reported for several other long-distance migrants from the same geographic region, but below the lowest blood level recently determined to cause adverse effects (reduced reproduc...
Highly Bactericidal Polyurethane Effective Against Both Normal and Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Potential Use as an Air Filter Coating

The battle against the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections has underscored the importance of identifying and maintaining the cleanliness of possible infection transmission sources in the patient's environment. One of the most crucial lines of defense for mitigating the spread of pathogens in a healthcare facility is the removal of microorganisms from the environment by air filtration systems. After removing the pathogenic microorganisms, the filters used in these systems can serve as reservoirs for the pathogens and pose a risk for secondary infection. This threat, combined with the ever-growing prevalence of drug-resistant bacterial strains, substantiates the need for an effective bactericidal air filter. To this end, a broad-spectrum bactericidal polyurethane incorporating immobilized quaternary ammonium groups was developed for use as an air filter coating. In this study, the bactericidal activity of the polymer coating on high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter samples was quantified against eight bacterial strains commonly responsible for nosocomial infection-including drug-resistant strains, and confirmed when applied as a filter coating in conditions mimicking those of its intended application. The coated HEPA filter samples exhibited high bactericidal activity against all eight strains, and the polyurethane was concluded to be an effective coating in rendering HEPA filters bactericidal.
Aqueous systems at high temperature—IX: Investigations on the system Li2SO4H2SO4H2O and its D2O analogue, 200–470°C: Solubilities and critical phenomena

Abstract The solubilities of Li 2 SO 4 in H 2 SO 4 H 2 O and in D 2 SO 4 D 2 O solutions in equilibrium with vapour were determined at temperatures between 200 and 350°C, and at concentrations of free acid from 0 to 1·5 molal. Solubilities in H 2 O media at 200° varied from 2·75 m in H 2 O to 2·83 m in 0·85 m H 2 SO 4 , and at 350° from 0118 m in H 2 O to 2·38 m in 1·46 m H 2 SO 4 . Corresponding solubilities in D 2 O media were from 10 to 40 percent lower. The solubilities of stoicheiometric Li 2 SO 4 in H 2 O were in good agreement with those published recently by Elenevskaya and Ravich . Temperatures of critical phenomena (where liquid  vapour) varying between 374° and 470° were determined visually for solutions of Li 2 SO 4 , D 2 SO 4 , and D 2 O at concentrations of SO 3 from 0·02 to 2·5 molal and at molal ratios, MLi20: MS03, varying from 0 to approximately 0·5. At higher molal ratios than about 0·5 and at concentrations of SO3 of approximately 0·05 m and above, Li 2 SO 4 crystallized from the liquid phases. The formation of DSO4- ions can be responsible both for the high solubility of lithium in the supercritical fluid and, except at low SO3 molalities, the limit of the critical curves to a maximum molal ratio near 0·5.
Physical meaning of zeros and transmission zeros from bond graph models

Abstract The power flow within a physical system determines its dynamic behaviour, of which zeros are an important characteristic. For this, the bond graph representation is used to visualize the paths of power flow and the energy interaction between the elements. In this graphical notation, the zeros disturb the power flow by introducing energy blocking nodes. As a consequence, some parts of the system are energetically isolated. Zeros are shown to be the eigenvalues of such isolated subsystems. The nodes also create constraints between some variables of the system. Rules are presented for identifying the zero-providing subsystems from bond graph models. The knowledge about these subsystems enable the designer to accurately devise the system structural configuration to obtain the most appropriate zeros.
Influence of emulsifier structure on lipid bioaccessibility in oil-water nanoemulsions.

The influence of several nonionic surfactants (Tween-20, Tween-40, Tween-60, Span-20, Span-60, or Span-80) and anionic surfactants (sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, and sodium stearyl fumarate) showed drastic differences in the rank order of lipase activity/lipid bioaccessibility. The biophysical composition of the oil and water interface has a clear impact on the bioaccessibility of fatty acids (FA) by altering the interactions of lipase at the oil–water interface. It was found that the bioaccessibility was positively correlated with the hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) of the surfactant and inversely correlated to the surfactant aliphatic chain length. Furthermore, the induction time in the jejunum increased as the HLB value increased and decreased with increasing aliphatic chain length. The rate of lipolysis slowed in the jejunum with increasing HLB and with increasing aliphatic chain length.
Predictors of Survival in Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Treatment Modality.

Background/Aim: Evaluations of efficacy of treatment modality in analyses on patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) often combine chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation (SCT). To account for the effect of SCT and determine the impact of chemotherapy alone, the National Cancer Data Base from 1998-2011 was analyzed. Patients and Methods: Patients with AML from 1998-2011 aged 18-64 years were included. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the association between treatment and factors investigated. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to assess overall survival. Log-rank methods were used to determine factors significant for survival. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to determine the effect of chemotherapy alone, and both chemotherapy and SCT on survival while adjusting for other variables. Results: A total of 34,816 patients from the National Cancer Database were eligible for this study. Eighty-four percent of patients received chemotherapy alone, 8.3% no chemotherapy or SCT, and 7.5 % received both chemotherapy and SCT. Five-year survival for patients without chemotherapy without SCT was 12%, survival for the group treated with chemotherapy alone was 37.8% and for those receiving both chemotherapy and SCT was 44.1%. Treatment with chemotherapy only and chemotherapy plus SCT had a hazard ratio for death of 0.42 and 0.35 compared to no chemotherapy or SCT. Advanced age, male sex, Black race, diagnosis prior to 2004, multiple comorbidities, Medicare insurance, Medicaid insurance, no insurance, lower income and low education level, distance less than 30 miles from treatment Center, diagnosis and treatment at same facility, were independently associated with worse survival. Conclusion: Survival analysis of AML in the National Cancer Database showed multiple factors to be independently associated with survival. Outcomes based on treatment suggest an improved survival when utilizing chemotherapy and SCT as the primary treatment modality.
A Study of Domain Adaptation Classifiers Derived From Logistic Regression for the Task of Splice Site Prediction

Supervised classifiers are highly dependent on abundant labeled training data. Alternatives for addressing the lack of labeled data include: labeling data (but this is costly and time consuming); training classifiers with abundant data from another domain (however, the classification accuracy usually decreases as the distance between domains increases); or complementing the limited labeled data with abundant unlabeled data from the same domain and learning semi-supervised classifiers (but the unlabeled data can mislead the classifier). A better alternative is to use both the abundant labeled data from a source domain, the limited labeled data and optionally the unlabeled data from the target domain to train classifiers in a domain adaptation setting. We propose two such classifiers, based on logistic regression, and evaluate them for the task of splice site prediction—a difficult and essential step in gene prediction. Our classifiers achieved high accuracy, with highest areas under the precision-recall curve between 50.83% and 82.61%.
A comparison of the ocular tolerability of a single dose of timolol and levobunolol in healthy normotensive volunteers.

Abstract Subject acceptance of a single dose of timolol and levobunolol was compared in a three-center, double-masked, randomized, crossover study in healthy normal subjects. We tested 115 subjects who received the medications OU, in a random order, separated by a washout period of three to seven days. At the end of the administration, the subjects were asked to report any symptoms and were monitored by ophthalmologic examination. Those receiving levobunolol reported a two- to threefold higher frequency of symptoms than did those receiving timolol (P = .0002, by Mainland-Gart chi-square test). Thirty-five subjects (30.4%) treated with levobunolol complained of burning versus 14 (12.2%) receiving timolol (P = .0021). Similar results were obtained in regard to stinging (31 versus 10 subjects; P = .0011). The duration of these symptoms did not differ between the two groups (P > .05). Timolol induced considerably less burning and stinging on day 1 compared with levobunolol, using a visual analog scale over time (P = .0004). Seventy-nine percent of those stating a preference chose timolol (P < 3 x 10(-9).
Diversity of juvenile Chinook salmon life history pathways

Life history variability includes phenotypic variation in morphology, age, and size at key stage transitions and arises from genotypic, environmental, and genotype-by-environment effects. Life history variation contributes to population abundance, productivity, and resilience, and management units often reflect life history classes. Recent evidence suggests that past Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) classifications (e.g., ‘stream’ and ‘ocean’ types) are not distinct evolutionary lineages, do not capture the phenotypic variation present within or among populations, and are poorly aligned with underlying ecological and developmental processes. Here we review recently reported variation in juvenile Chinook salmon life history traits and provide a refined conceptual framework for understanding the causes and consequences of the observed variability. The review reveals a broad continuum of individual juvenile life history pathways, defined primarily by transitions among developmental stages and habitat types used during freshwater rearing and emigration. Life history types emerge from discontinuities in expressed pathways when viewed at the population scale. We synthesize recent research that examines how genetic, conditional, and environmental mechanisms likely influence Chinook salmon life history pathways. We suggest that threshold models hold promise for understanding how genetic and environmental factors influence juvenile salmon life history transitions. Operational life history classifications will likely differ regionally, but should benefit from an expanded lexicon that captures the temporally variable, multi-stage life history pathways that occur in many Chinook salmon populations. An increased mechanistic awareness of life history diversity, and how it affects population fitness and resilience, should improve management, conservation, and restoration of this iconic species.
Verification column

Verification can be described as a process applying logical reasoning to mathematical models of computation. Often these models represent software and hardware systems or their components, however, various other application domains, for example, systems biology, can also benefit from verification techniques.
Optimal Control of Switching/Hybrid Systems with Applications to Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Dc-Dc Converters, and Autonomous Mobile Robots

This workshop will present recently developed results on the solution of the hybrid/switched optimal control problem using the embedding method developed by Bengea and DeCarlo (Automatica, January 2005). Using a variation of the collocation method, a numerical solution of the problem via sequential quadratic programming is outlined. Using these tools and a model predictive control approach, application of the techniques to the switching control of a boost converter using a sliding mode observer is then presented followed by the model predictive control of mobile robots and groups of autonomous aerial vehicles (AUVs). Finally, a solution to the power management problem in a hybrid electric vehicle is presented with simulation studies for a variety of driving profiles including the new EPA driving profile. The examples will not only describe appropriate models, MPC control methodologies, and simulation studies, but also highlight the broader appeal of these newly developed techniques for modeling, analysis, and design of hybrid/switched systems. SCHEDULE: SEPTEMBER 2, 2008
Microbial toxicity of ionic species leached from the II-VI semiconductor materials, cadmium telluride (CdTe) and cadmium selenide (CdSe).

Abstract This work investigated the microbial toxicity of soluble species that can potentially be leached from the II-VI semiconductor materials, cadmium telluride and cadmium selenide. The soluble ions tested included: cadmium, selenite, selenate, tellurite, and tellurate. Their toxicity towards the acetoclastic and hydrogen-consuming trophic groups in a methanogenic consortium as well as towards a bioluminescent marine bacterium, Aliivibrio fischeri (Microtox ® test), was assessed. The acetoclastic methanogenic activity was the most affected as evidenced by the low 50% inhibiting concentrations (IC 50 ) values obtained of 8.6 mg L −1 for both cadmium and tellurite, 10.2 mg L −1 for tellurate, and 24.1 mg L −1 for selenite. Both tellurium oxyanions caused a strong inhibition of acetoclastic methanogenesis at low concentrations, each additional increment in concentration provided progressively less inhibition increase. In the case of the hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, cadmium followed by selenite caused the greatest inhibition with IC 50 values of 2.9 and 18.0 mg L −1 , respectively. Tellurite caused a moderate effect as evidenced by a 36.8% inhibition of the methanogenic activity at the highest concentration tested, and a very mild effect of tellurate was observed. Microtox ® analyses showed a noteworthy inhibition of cadmium, selenite, and tellurite with 50% loss in bioluminescence after 30 min of exposure of 5.5, 171.1, and 458.6 mg L −1 , respectively. These results suggest that the leaching of cadmium, tellurium and selenium ions from semiconductor materials can potentially cause microbial toxicity.
The Demand for Aggressive Behavior in American Stock Car Racing

Aggressive driving is an inherent feature of auto racing, and nowhere more so than in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series. This chapter explores the role that aggressive driving plays in the demand for NASCAR racing in the USA. We ­examine a set of models that estimate the impact of aggressive driving, including the accidents that often are its result, on the size of the Sprint Cup television audience. Our results indicate that aggressive driving is a very important determinant of fan demand. After controlling for the availability of substitutes, the anticipated speed and closeness of competition, a variety of institutional parameters, and other variables that are likely to affect viewers’ choices, we find evidence that the degree of aggressive driving is positively related to the number of people watching Sprint Cup broadcasts in the pre-chase era, and that the effects are both quantitatively large and statistically significant.
Discrepancy between Laws and their Implementation

This article investigates the regulations on grain storage and the ration system during the Qin and Han periods of China (221 BCE -220 CE ), using the Shuihudi Qin legal texts and the Zhangjiashan Han legal manuscripts. The “Statutes on Granaries” (“Cang lu”) and the “Statutes on Rations at Conveyance Stations” (“Zhuan shi lu”) are compared to administrative documents from Liye and Xuanquan to demonstrate that there were significant discrepancies between these statutes and the actual distribution of food. This research on the process and the amounts of rations issued by local granaries reveals that the highly detailed regulations were designed not to guarantee a certain amount of rations to the recipients but to prevent the abuse of government property.
Cornelis A. ‘Neil’ Gehrels

Neil Gehrels passed away on 6 February 2017. A pioneer of observational high-energy astrophysics, he was an exceptional leader, scholar, colleague and friend.
General Causes of Terrorism: High Population Growth in Problematic Society

A fundamental problem in social and political sciences is how to explain the root causes of terrorism. The vast literature has analyzed several determinants of terrorism. However, the precise role of demographic factors for the origin and evolution of terrorism in specific geoeconomic areas is hardly known. Results here show that population growth of the Middle East seems to be basic for the source and evolution of terrorism. This study found that terrorism thrives in specific cultural zones with high growth rates of population combined with collective identity factors and low socioeconomic development. In particular, the finding here shows that the high growth rates of population in the Middle East, combined with acute environmental and socioeconomic stressors, can lead to cultural deviance, frustration and anger of individuals, and terrorism as a result. Overall, then, the main aim of this study is to clarify and generalize whenever possible, the demographic source of the terrorism and suggest appropriate socioeconomic policies of conflict resolution directed to preempt this critical problem in society over the long run.
Iron-bearing Pollucite and Tourmaline Replacement of Garnet in the Garnet Line in the Mt. Mica and Havey Pegmatites, Western Maine

The garnet line is a planar fabric occurring within the footwall wall zone just beneath the core zone in many of the western Maine pegmatites. This study focuses on the mineralogical, textural, and chemical characteristics of the garnet line within the Mt. Mica pegmatite, Oxford Co., Maine and a similar, but less pronounced, garnet line feature at the Havey pegmatite, Androscoggin Co., Maine. Within garnet lines of both pegmatites there is evidence of multiple stages of crystallization. The first stage resulted in formation of the garnet layer, which hosts an abundance of high field strength element (HFSE)-bearing micro-inclusions (uraninite, zircon, and columbite group and microlite supergroup species) and rare earth element (REE)-bearing phosphate minerals [monazite-(Ce) and xenotime-(Y)]. Field relations suggest that this is a large-scale oscillatory nucleation feature that is similar to the line rock in San Diego Co., California pegmatites described by [Webber et al . (1997)][1]. The second stage of crystallization is inferred to be post-magmatic, related to a late-stage hydrothermal fluid which metasomatically altered the garnets and produced black and blue tourmaline rims. These late-stage fluids are inferred to have originated and migrated from adjacent highly evolved miarolitic cavities. The fluids are also responsible for presence of Cs-rich micas and Fe-rich pollucite in the fractured portions of garnets in the garnet line. [1]: #ref-29
Cytokine Signaling in the Development and Homeostasis of Regulatory T cells

Cytokine signaling is indispensable for regulatory T-cell (Treg) development in the thymus, and also influences the homeostasis, phenotypic diversity, and function of Tregs in the periphery. Because Tregs are required for establishment and maintenance of immunological self-tolerance, investigating the role of cytokines in Treg biology carries therapeutic potential in the context of autoimmune disease. This review discusses the potent and diverse influences of interleukin (IL)-2 signaling on the Treg compartment, an area of knowledge that has led to the use of low-dose IL-2 as a therapy to reregulate autoaggressive immune responses. Evidence suggesting Treg-specific impacts of the cytokines transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), IL-7, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IL-15, and IL-33 is also presented. Finally, we consider the technical challenges and knowledge limitations that must be overcome to bring other cytokine-based, Treg-targeted therapies into clinical use.
Behavioral differences within and among populations of an African cichlid found in divergent and extreme environments

Animals are increasingly faced with human-induced stressors that vary in space and time, thus we can expect population-level divergence in behaviors that help animals to cope with environmental change. However, empirical evidence of behavioral trait divergence across environmental extremes is lacking. We tested for variation in behavioral traits among 2 populations of an African cichlid fish (Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae Seegers, 1990) that experience extremes of dissolved oxygen (DO) and turbidity and are known to vary in a number of physiological and life history traits associated with these stressors. Using a common garden rearing experiment, F1 progeny from wild-caught parents originating from a swamp (low DO, clear) and a river (high DO, turbid) were reared in high DO, clear water. Predator simulation assays were conducted to test for (1) variation in boldness, general activity, and foraging activity between populations, (2) differences in correlations between behaviors within and across populations, and (3) repeatability of behaviors. There was strong evidence for divergence between populations, with swamp fish being more bold (i.e., leaving refuge sooner after a simulated predator attack) and active (i.e., spent more time out of refuge) than river fish. Across populations there were positive correlations between foraging activity and both boldness and general activity; however, within populations, there was only a strong positive relationship between foraging activity and boldness in the river population. Here, we have demonstrated that populations that originate from drastically different environments can produce progeny that exhibit measurable differences in behaviors and their correlated relationships even when reared under common conditions.
Three-dimensional multicomponent vesicles: dynamics and influence of material properties

In this work, the nonlinear hydrodynamics of a three-dimensional multicomponent vesicle in shear flow are explored. Using a volume- and area-conserving projection method coupled to a gradient-augmented level set and surface phase field method, the dynamics are systematically studied as a function of the membrane bending rigidity difference between the components, the speed of diffusion compared to the underlying shear flow, and the strength of the phase domain energy compared to the bending energy. Using a pre-segregated vesicle, three dynamics are observed: stationary phase, phase-treading, and a new dynamic called vertical banding. These regimes are very sensitive to the strength of the domain line energy, as the vertical banding regime is not observed when the line energy is larger than the bending energy. The findings demonstrate that a complete understanding of multicomponent vesicle dynamics requires that the full three-dimensional system be modeled, and show the complexity obtained when considering heterogeneous material properties.
Clinical Intervention for Aphasia in the United States of America

This chapter provides an American perspective regarding the clinical management of aphasia. Similar to the charge given to all contributors to this volume, the editors have sought a practical overview of clinical aphasiology in the United States by asking me to provide a summary of my approach to aphasia rehabilitation. It should be stressed, therefore, that mine is not the American perspective on aphasia treatment, but simply one which has developed from the many influences that have been prominent in this country over approximately the past two decades and the personal experiences that have shaped my own philosophies with regard to clinical practice with this population.
Renal Handling of Divalent Cations and Phosphate During Water Immersion in the Awake Dog

Previous studies in the human have failed to show any effects of head-out water immersion on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration, serum ionized calcium concentration (Ca++) or urinary phosphate excretion (UPO4V) (2). No studies have been reported on the effects of water immersion on the renal handling of phosphate and divalent cations in animals. Thus, the present experiments were designed to characterize the effects of head-out water immersion on the urinary excretion of phosphate (UPO4V), calcium (UCaV), and magnesium (UMgv) in the awake dog.
The Activation of Oxygen by Metal Phosphorus Oxides — The Vanadium Phosphorus Oxide Catalyst

The oxidation of C4 hydrocarbons has been studied over the active phase for butane oxidation to maleic anhydride, (V0)2P2O7 The activation of oxygen by (VO)2P2O7 and the reactivity of the various oxygen surface species was examined by thermogravimetric techniques and transient reaction studies, A new transient reactor system, TAP for Temporal Analysis of Products, was utilized to identify the sources of active oxygen for selective and non-selective reaction pathways. Double pulsed TAP experiments provided unique information on product formation as a function of the surface lifetime of oxygen species. Spectroscopic studies were conducted to determine the nature of surface hydrocarbon species. The results from this study illustrate the multiple oxygen activation methods employed by this catalyst in selective alkane oxidation.
Predictors of 30-day mortality after endovascular mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke.

Abstract Objective The aims of this single-center, retrospective cohort study are to assess the outcomes of endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and determine predictors of 30-day mortality at an academic comprehensive stroke center (CSC). Methods We retrospectively collected data from consecutive patients who underwent EMT for AIS at our institution between April 2016 and January 2018. Primary outcome was defined as mortality within 30 days from EMT. Successful revascularization was defined as a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade 2b-3. Statistical analyses were performed to identify predictors of 30-day mortality. Results The study cohort was comprised 57 patients (51% male) with mean age of 72 years. Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator was administered in 51%. The median Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score were 8 and 20, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was 39%. Univariate analyses found that older age (mean 77 vs. 68 years, p = 0.022), higher baseline NIHSS score (median 23 vs. 19, p = 0.032), NIHSS score at 24 h after EMT (median 14.5 vs. 7.5, p Conclusion We observed a moderate rate of 30-day mortality after EMT at an academic CSC. Older age, higher baseline NIHSS score, higher NIHSS score at 24 h after thrombectomy, and lower rates of successful revascularization were predictive of 30-day mortality in univariate analysis. Further efforts to identify modifiable risk factors of mortality are warranted.
An improved method for testing invertebrate encapsulation response as shown in the honey bee

In 1882, Metchnikoff documented the encapsulation response (ER) of the invertebrate immune system. Since then, researchers have used Metchnikoff’s method to quantify immune function—and examine its relationship with ecological and behavioral factors—across various insect taxa. While scientists continue to uncover information regarding invertebrate immunity, behavioral ecology, and ecological immunology, the basics of Metchnikoff’s method have remained unchanged. All but two previous studies investigating insect immunity have used sterile or PBS-coated inducers, although we know that the immune system recognizes specific pathogens. To account for the specificity of the immune system, we modified Metchnikoff’s method and coated nylon monofilaments with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Using honey bees (Apis mellifera), we examined ER using implants coated with PAMPs (“PAMPlants”) found on known honey bee parasites and pathogens. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN), and β-1, 3-glucan (B13G) PAMPlants mimicked an infection with Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and fungi, respectively. Our PAMPlants induced stronger responses than the control implants in both singly- (one PBS-coated or PAMP-coated implant) and doubly- (internal control; one PBS-coated and one PAMP-coated implant) implanted animals. In doubly-implanted individuals, there was a significant increase in response to B13G and LPS when compared with internal controls. The PGN and BSA did not differ from the internal controls in the doubly implanted individuals. These methods provide an improvement when exploring responses to specific pathogens and exploring topics within the field of invertebrate ecological immunity. When applied to social systems, these methods can be used to examine the evolution of disease resistance in societies.
Alcohol abuse in adolescents

Alcohol abuse among teenagers is an increasing problem with serious physical and social consequences. Early diagnosis of adolescent alcoholism may be delayed for two reasons: the physical indicators of alcohol abuse seen in adults are often not identifiable in teenagers, and alcoholism is generally believed to be an adult problem. If the history is taken carefully, with respect and confidentiality, it can help the family physician determine the extent of a young person's alcohol abuse and begin the process of treatment for both the adolescent patient and the family.
The function of metallothionein in cell metabolism.

Rat hepatocytes were obtained and cultured in media containing 65Zn in the presence or absence of insulin and hepatocyte growth factors. Cells were also grown in a pulse-chase type of experiment. After varying periods of incubation the cells were harvested and assayed for zinc, protein and metallothionein. Although the amount of intracellular zinc (Zn/cell protein) was constant, the amount of metallothionein (MT/cell protein) in the cells exposed to zinc alone increased to a level approximately five times higher than the cells cultured in the presence of the growth factors. Chromatographs established that for cell cultured in the absence of hepatocyte growth factors all the 65Zn coeluted with metallothionein whereas for cultures maintained in the presence of these factors the zinc was associated with higher molecular weight components in addition to being present in the 10000 dalton peak.
Taking the Liturgical Turn in Comparative Theology: Monastic Interreligious Dialogue as a Supporting Case

What would it mean to take a liturgical turn in comparative theology? The author considers this enterprise as one in which learning across religious borders would occur through ‘interrituality’ or an encounter with the ritual practices of the religious other. Some clarification of terminology and a brief review of the history of monastic interreligious encounters are followed by a selective account of the Buddhist-Christian dialogues that have occurred at the Abbey of our Lady of Gethsemane, along with a reflection in that light on the relationship between ritual and the lifeworld it enacts. One prominent Buddhist’s report on the significant impact of observing Christian ritual illustrates this relationship. This impact is illuminative of the way ritual functions in interreligious engagement, even if it comes up short of a comparative liturgical theology as such which, as direct exposition of practice, may only be possible for those involved in dual religious practice or belonging.
A modular waveform-sampling data acquisition system for time-of-flight PET

Paper presents design and initial performance of ROCSTAR – a waveform data acquisition board that is being developed to instrument a dedicated high spatial resolution time-of-flight capable breast PET scanner. The PET detector is PMT-based, uses LYSO scintillation crystals with a cross-section of 1.5 x 1.5 mm2 & has an average coincidence timing resolution of ~350 ps. The data acquisition design relies on our previous experience in developing a waveform-sampling DAQ based on the Domino Ring Sampler (DRS) integrated circuit. While the core architecture is generalizable, the ROCSTAR board has been customized for the breast scanner detector that has a single dynode and 64 anode signals. To maximize data throughput, the board uses a combination of waveform sampling and traditional flash ADCs. Anode sums are used for event positioning and digitized by flash ADCs, while the dynode signal is used to calculate the energy & timing information and is digitized by the DRS4 chip. Data from both the signal digitization paths are collected by an FPGA which packages & transfers it to a DAQ computer over a Gigabit link. The ROCSTAR board has been designed, and the first boards have been fabricated and assembled. Initial tests indicate the ability to successfully communicate with all the analog & digital portions of the board, simultaneously digitize anode and dynode signals, trigger readout, package, and transmit waveform data to the acquisition computer over Ethernet.