cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aqueous gradient by balancing diffusive and convective mass transport(Conference Presentation)

In wounds, cells secret biomolecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that controls many processes in healing. VEGF protein is expressed in a gradient in tissue, and its shape will be affected by the tissue injury sustained during wounding. In order to study the responses of keratinocyte cell migration to VEGF gradients and the geometric factors on wound healing, we designed a microfluidic gradient device that can generate large area gradients (1.5 cm in diameter) capable of mimicking arbitrary wound shapes. Microfluidic devices offer novel techniques to address biological and biomedical issues. Different from other gradient microfluidics, our device balances diffusion of biomolecules versus the convective clearance by a buffer flow on the opposite ends of the gradient. This allows us to create a large area gradient within shorter time scales by actively driving mass transport. In addition, the microfluidic device makes use of a porous filter membrane to create this balance as well as to deliver the resulting gradient to a culture of cells. The culture of cells are seeded above the gradient in a gasket chamber. However, Keratinocytes do not migrate effectively on filter paper. Therefore, in order to improve the motility of cells on the surface, we coated the filter paper with a 30m thick layer of gelatin type B. after observation under the microscope we found that the gelatin coated sample showed cells with more spread out morphology, with 97% viability, suggesting better adhesion than the non-coated sample.
Analysis of monitoring results of environmental sanitation in rural areas of Quanzhou in 2012

Objective To know the level of health hazards in environmental in rural areas of Quanzhou City and objectively evaluate rural environmental sanitation. Methods The monitoring was carried out according to the "technical solutions of rural environmental sanitation monitoring of Fujian Province in 2012". Results(1) For the monitored villages, the roads of 65%(26/40) monitored villages were hardened. 93%(35 499/38 191) of the farmers used sanitary toilets. 75%(30/40) of the villages carried out the control of biological vector. 100%(40/40) of the villages had environmental sanitation funds and sanitation workers. Garbage collection and disposal were generally good, except the lower rate of sewage collection and treatment.(2) For the monitored farmers, 99.5%(199/200) of the farmers used sanitary toilets, 86.5%(173/200) of the farmers members washed their hands before meals and after going to the toilet. The indoor sanitation of 61%(122/200) courtyards was clean, but there were 100% existed breeding sites of biological vector around the houses.(3) For the soil, contents of lead and cadmium in the soil were within the limits of national standards,except one sample detected live Ascaris.(4) For the monitored schools, 100%(20/20) of the schools used sanitary toilets,which were administered. 80%(16/20) of the schools provided self-supplied water, of which 75%(15/20) didn't have any treatment.100% of the garbages were was stacked in the assigned places of schools. Conclusion Sanitation of monitored villages were overall good, but drinking water supply, water quality, sewage collection and disposal were still relatively weak in the rural area. Strengthening the project of centralized water supply and the construction of sewage pipe network, further improving the quality of rural drinking water and the rate of sewage collection and disposal should be the core work for relatively departments in the future.
A Trialkylphosphine-Derived Palladacycle as a Catalyst in the Selective Cross-Dimerization of Terminal Arylacetylenes with Terminal Propargyl Alcohols and Amides

A method for the selective cross-dimerization of terminal aryl alkynes with propargyl alcohols to afford linear (E)-enynol products is reported. The complex [Pd(μ-κ2-O,O-OAc)(κ2-C,P-(t-Bu)2PCH2C(Me)2CH2)]2 selectively affords (E)-5-aryl-2-en-4-yn-1-ol products in good yields under mild conditions with high chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity. In contrast, previously reported examples of this reaction afford the branched 4-aryl-2-hydroxymethanol-1-buten-3-yne. Propargyl amides are also selectively cross-dimerized, but with lower regioselectivity for the linear enyne. The method has been applied to the synthesis of (E)-5-phenyl-2-penten-4-yn-1ol, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes drug candidate NNC 61-4655, in 72% yield from phenylacetylene and propargyl alcohol. The palladacycle precatalyst reacts with aryl alkynes to afford the first example of a dimeric palladacycle complex with a μ-κ2-C1,C1-bound acetylide ligand. This complex is observed during the catalytic reaction and is a competent precatalyst.
Non-oriented Double Opponent Colour Cells are Concentrated in Two Subdivisions of Cortical Layer IV

Microelectrode studies of single cells in the monkey’s visual pathway have revealed that visual information is processed by opponent mechanisms. In the case of luminance contrast, individual neurons receive signals from two sets of identical receptors, one group occupying a circular area and the other surrounding it in an annular fashion. Because of the specific excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections, illuminating the center of the cell’s receptive field either increases or decreases its firing rate while stimulating the surround has the opposite effect. Illumination of the entire receptive field leads to mutual antagonism and thus this opponent spatial organization discriminates against diffuse light in favor of contrast.
Uncertainty forecasting in the perturbed two-body problem via tensor decomposition

Uncertainty forecasting of Earth-orbiting targets is an essential but difficult task, because the underlying Fokker-Planck equation (FPE) is defined on a relatively high dimensional state-space, and is driven by the nonlinear perturbed Keplerian dynamics. In addition, an enormously large solution domain is required, of which the time-varying state probability density function (pdf) only occupies a tiny fraction at any given time. This has caused the FPE for orbital uncertainty propagation to remain an unsolved problem. This paper presents a direct solution of the FPE for perturbed Keplerian mechanics by using a tensor decomposition method. Numerical results obtained on a regular personal computer are compared with Monte Carlo simulations.
The Human Ligase IIIα-XRCC1 Protein Complex Performs DNA Nick Repair after Transient Unwrapping of Nucleosomal DNA *

Reactive oxygen species generate potentially cytotoxic and mutagenic lesions in DNA, both between and within the nucleosomes that package DNA in chromatin. The vast majority of these lesions are subject to base excision repair (BER). Enzymes that catalyze the first three steps in BER can act at many sites in nucleosomes without the aid of chromatin-remodeling agents and without irreversibly disrupting the host nucleosome. Here we show that the same is true for a protein complex comprising DNA ligase IIIα and the scaffolding protein X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1 (XRCC1), which completes the fourth and final step in (short-patch) BER. Using in vitro assembled nucleosomes containing discretely positioned DNA nicks, our evidence indicates that the ligase IIIα-XRCC1 complex binds to DNA nicks in nucleosomes only when they are exposed by periodic, spontaneous partial unwrapping of DNA from the histone octamer; that the scaffolding protein XRCC1 enhances the ligation; that the ligation occurs within a complex that ligase IIIα-XRCC1 forms with the host nucleosome; and that the ligase IIIα-XRCC1-nucleosome complex decays when ligation is complete, allowing the host nucleosome to return to its native configuration. Taken together, our results illustrate ways in which dynamic properties intrinsic to nucleosomes may contribute to the discovery and efficient repair of base damage in chromatin.
Does Hip Arthroscopy Provide Meaningful Outcome Improvement for Adolescent Femoroacetabular Impingement

Objectives:Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) produces meaningful outcome improvement in adults. Hip arthroscopy for pediatric FAI is now established as a safe procedure h...
A mathematical model of a recombinant humanized anti-cocaine monoclonal antibody's effects on cocaine pharmacokinetics in mice

Aims A recombinant humanized anti-cocaine monoclonal antibody (mAb), h2E2, is at an advanced stage of pre-clinical development as an immunotherapy for cocaine abuse. It is hypothesized that h2E2 binds to and sequesters cocaine in the blood.
Planning and control for dynamic, nonprehensile, and hybrid manipulation tasks

In this paper we propose a method for motion planning and feedback control of hybrid, dynamic, and non-prehensile manipulation tasks. We outline five subproblems to address this: determining a set of manipulation primitives, choosing a sequence of tasks, picking transition states, motion planning for each individual primitive, and stabilizing each mode using feedback control. We apply the framework to plan a sequence of motions for manipulating a block with a planar 3R manipulator. We demonstrate preliminary experimental results for a block resting on the manipulator with a desired goal state on a ledge outside of the robot's workspace. The planned primitives reorient the block using a series of fixed, rolling, and sliding contact modes, and throw it to the goal state.
Assessing the Feasibility of a Social Media to Promote Weight Management Engagement in Adolescents with Severe Obesity: Pilot Study

Background: Severe obesity in adolescents has deleterious physical and psychological complications necessitating frequent multi-disciplinary clinic visits. Greater treatment engagement has been equated with weight-loss. However, traditional medical weight-loss programs for adolescents have high attrition rates. Social media is widely used by adolescents and may enhance medical weight management engagement and success. Objective: The first objective was to examine the acceptability and feasibility of using a private social media group as an adjunct to medical weight management in youth ages 14 to 20 years with severe obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2]. The second objective was to pilot test the use of social media to improve treatment engagement and decrease attrition rates. Methods: In this single arm, 12 week pre-post study, participants attended individual clinic visits and participated in a moderated private social media group that received nutrition, exercise, and behavior change social media communications or “posts” 3 to 4 times/week. Youth commented and/or liked posts from the moderator and each other. Social media engagement was measured with the number of likes and comments on social media. Clinic attrition was compared, measuring clinic visit attendance 12 weeks prior, during, and after the intervention with mixed linear regression models. Correlations of social media engagement with changes from baseline for BMI, BMI-z score, and psychosocial measures were fit. Results: All 13 enrolled youth completed the study and reported that the group was enjoyable, helpful, reinforced their weight management program, and would recommend using social media to support other youth. The pilot trial was acceptable and feasible. Youth mean weekly engagement (likes + comments) in social media was greater than once a day (8.6 ±3.6). Compared to 12 weeks prior to the intervention, there was no significant decrease in clinic visit attendance at the end of the intervention (M=.231, P=.69) or 12 weeks at the conclusion of the intervention (M=.589, P=.28). Increased social media comments correlated with weight change (r=–.633, P=.04). Conclusions: This pilot trial demonstrated that the use of social media as an adjunct to medical weight management was feasible and acceptable to adolescents with severe obesity. Based upon these preliminary findings, social media may be an effective way to mitigate attrition from obesity treatment programs, and improve health outcomes in this high-risk population. [JMIR Res Protoc 2018;7(3):e52]
The Jewish Place in America’s Religious Landscape

All major religious groups in the United States face the challenge of rapidly rising numbers of Americans disaffiliating from religion. The American Jewish community, however, is relatively healthy. Drawing on analyses using the 2007 and 2014 Pew Research Center Religious Landscape Studies, we find that, compared with many other religious groups, Jewish retention rates are high. Moreover, the percentage of U.S. adults who say their religion is Jewish has remained relatively stable in recent years. This paper further explores key similarities and differences between Jews and other U.S. religious groups, comparing rates of switching and retention, rates of intermarriage and other demographic characteristics (including fertility, age, education, income and race); religious beliefs and practices; and, finally, a few comparative political measures.
A Construction Morphology Approach to Sign Language Analysis

In this chapter, we extend a usage-based theory of Construction Morphology to the analysis of sign language structure, to address two long-standing categorization problems in sign language linguistics. Sign language linguistics traditionally distinguishes monomorphemic core lexical signs from multimorphemic classifier construction signs, based on whether or not a sign form exhibits analyzable morphological structure (“the Core vs. Classifier problem”). In this tradition, core signs are retrieved from the lexicon, while classifier signs are derived productively via grammatical rules. Sign linguists are also accustomed to classifying discrete and listable aspects of sign structure as language, while aspects of signing that exhibit more holism or gradience are considered to be gesture (“the Language vs. Gesture problem”). These categories of core vs. classifier on the one hand and language vs. gesture on the other derive from a shared source: the assumption that linguistic forms are built up from discrete building blocks. Instead, we analyze multimodal usage events in terms of constructions, conventional patterns of meaning and form containing both fixed elements and variable slots and organized in a structured network. We argue that the Construction Morphology approach leads to a uniform analysis of core and classifier signs alike, without resorting to an a priori distinction between language and gesture.
Professor at the Zurich Polytechnic: 1874–1892

By the time the 26-year-old Frobenius arrived at the Zurich Polytechnic Institute, a tradition had already been established whereby a professorship there served as a springboard for promising young German mathematicians en route to a professorship back in Germany. This tradition was unwittingly initiated by Richard Dedekind (1831–1916) in 1858, not long after the polytechnic was founded. As we shall see in Chapters 8 and 9 and in Chapters 12 and 13, Dedekind ranks with Frobenius’ teachers, Weierstrass and Kronecker, as having had a major influence on the directions taken by his mathematics. Some more information about Dedekind is thus in order.
Object Lessons: A Theoretical and Empirical Study of Objectified Body Consciousness in Women

Theorists have increasingly emphasized the importance of the sociocultural context in the development of women's body experience. As a result, mental health professionals working with individuals suffering from negative body experiences should be apprised of culturally relevant theories. One such theory, objectified body consciousness theory, proposes that cultural constructions of the female body as an object and expectations of physical and sexual appeal lead to a myriad of negative mental health outcomes for women. This study investigated the relationship among objectification experiences, sociocultural attitudes toward appearance, and objectified body consciousness. Findings provide strong support for a feminist and sociocultural understanding of the development of objectified body consciousness. Implications for mental health counselors and for research are presented.
Concepts of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder in the 1950s and 1960s

A history of the differential diagnoses of psychotic disorders from BCE through the anticipated publication of the DSM-V in 2013 is revealing with regard to how the concept of a dichotomy between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder developed, a concept that is now losing support. This chapter focuses on relevant events that occurred in the 1950s and 1960s. The evolution of the concepts of schizophrenia, the major mood disorders and their interrelationships is reviewed from the DSM-I (1952) through the DSM-II (1968) in this chapter. The emphasis is on data that show similarities and overlap between the diagnoses of schizophrenia and psychotic mood disorders.
Airbag-Associated Bilateral Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury

We report a case of simultaneous bilateral thumb metacarpophalangeal ulnar collateral ligament avulsions resulting from airbag deployment during a motor vehicle crash. Upper-extremity airbag injuries are common, but it is rare to sustain bilateral thumb metacarpophalangeal joint ulnar collateral ligament avulsions. In addition, the location of the avulsions was unusual because they occurred proximally rather than the more common distal ulnar collateral ligament injuries. It is possible that injury caused by airbag deployment favors symmetrical proximal injury of the ulnar collateral ligament.
Effects of Outcome Expectancies and Personality on Young Adults' Illicit Drug Use, Heavy Drinking, and Risky Sexual Behavior

To explain risk-taking behavior, personality theorists typically focus on biologically based predispositions, whereas cognitive psychologists often focus on beliefs and environmental contingencies. The current longitudinal study examined both personality traits and outcome expectancies as explanations for heavy drinking, drug use, and unsafe sexual behavior among 162 college students. Results indicated that (1) personality and past experience contribute to outcome expectancies, (2) outcome expectancies and personality independently predict substance use at 6-month follow-up, and (3) only past experience predicts subsequent risky sexual behavior. The approach taken in this research offers a bridge between personality theorists and cognitive psychologists who seek to understand why people endanger their lives in pursuit of risky activities.
Impact of housing conditions on social behavior, neuroimmune markers, and oxytocin receptor expression in aged male and female Fischer 344 rats.

Abstract Aging is associated with a substantial decline in social behavior, whereas positive social interaction can improve overall health in aged individuals. In laboratory rodents, manipulations of the social environment across the lifespan have been shown to affect social behavior. Therefore, we examined the effects of long-term (5–6 weeks) housing conditions (alone, with one adult, or with two adults) on social behavior and the expression of neuroinflammation-related genes as well as oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene expression in brain areas associated with social behavior regulation in aged male and female Fischer (F) 344 rats. Single-housed males and females exhibited increased social investigation, relative to pair-housed rats (one aged and one adult). Triple-housed (one aged and two adults) aged males exhibited lower levels of social investigation, relative to triple-housed aged females. Aged females were more socially active that their male counterparts. Although social housing condition significantly affected social behavior in males, it had no impact on cytokine gene expression in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) or medial amygdala (MeA). However, in triple-housed aged females, who exhibited social behavior comparable to their single- and pair-housed counterparts, there was a significant increase in the expression of IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA in the MeA. No changes in cytokine gene expression were observed in the PVN or BNST, indicating that the increased expression of cytokines in the MeA was not a result of a generalized increase in neuroinflammation. Single-housed males and females exhibited elevated OXTR gene expression in the BNST. Taken together, these data indicate that manipulations of the social environment in late aging significantly influenced social interactions with a novel partner and gene expression in social behavior circuits and that these effects are sex-specific.
Acute Myocardial Infarction During Laparoscopic Surgery

A 67-year-old man with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus presented for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During surgery, the patient developed intraoperative ST segment elevation and then underwent emergent percutaneous coronary angioplasty. Lessons discussed in this chapter include cardiopulmonary effects of laparoscopy, interpretation of intraoperative ST segment changes, perioperative myocardial infarction, and myocardial oxygen supply-demand relationships.
Dynamics of Social Interactions, in the Flow of Information and Disease Spreading in Social Insects Colonies: Effects of Environmental Events and Spatial Heterogeneity

Abstract The relationship between division of labor and individuals’ spatial behavior in social insect colonies provides a useful context to study how social interactions influence the spreading of elements (which could be information, virus or food) across distributed agent systems. In social insect colonies, spatial heterogeneity associated with variations of individual task roles, affects social contacts, and thus the way in which agent moves through social contact networks. We used an Agent Based Model (ABM) to mimic three realistic scenarios of elements’ transmission, such as information, food or pathogens, via physical contact in social insect colonies. Our model suggests that individuals within a specific task interact more with consequences that elements could potentially spread rapidly within that group, while elements spread slower between task groups. Our simulations show a strong linear relationship between the degree of spatial heterogeneity and social contact rates, and that the spreading dynamics of elements follow a modified nonlinear logistic growth model with varied transmission rates for different scenarios. Our work provides important insights on the dual-functionality of physical contacts. This dual-functionality is often driven via variations of individual spatial behavior, and can have both inhibiting and facilitating effects on elements’ transmission rates depending on environment. The results from our proposed model not only provide important insights on mechanisms that generate spatial heterogeneity, but also deepen our understanding of how social insect colonies balance the benefit and cost of physical contacts on the elements’ transmission under varied environmental conditions.
Health Insurance and Competition in Health Care Markets

I study duopolistic market for differentiated medical products. Medical providers decide whether to sell on the spot market to sick consumers or to sell through competitive insurance market to healthy consumers. While shopping for insurance consumers know only the distribution of possible medical needs they may have if they get sick. Only when getting sick their actual medical need reveals and diagnosed. Hence consumers on the insurance market have lower taste differentiation than the sick consumers who are shopping on the spot market. I find that in equilibrium providers sell only on the insurance market, even though this intensifies competition because of lower taste differentiation. Competition between providers under insurance sales brings premiums low enough to motivate consumers buying insurance for both products. Insurance sales generate efficient horizontal product differentiation, lower prices, and efficiently higher quality.
Grassroots Efforts To Quantify and Improve the Academic Climate of an R1 STEM Department: Using Evidence-Based Discussions To Foster Community

Women and some racial and ethnic groups remain underrepresented in chemistry departments across the United States, and generally, efforts to improve representation have resulted in minimal or no improvements in the last 10 years. Here, we present the outcomes of a graduate-student-led initiative that sought to assess the issues affecting inclusivity, diversity, and wellness within the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley. We report how the results of a department-tailored academic climate survey were used to develop a method to foster open, productive discussion among graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty. This event format led to an improved understanding of the challenges facing our community members, as well as the identification of strategies that can be used to make the Department of Chemistry more welcoming for all members. We report the success of this student-led effort to highlight the value of assessing diversity and inclusion at the department-level, as well as the benefits of using community data to stimulate productive, evidence-based discussions. Furthermore, we envision that these methods can be implemented within any research-focused academic community to promote positive cultural change.
Thermodynamic and transport properties of cryogenic propellants and related fluids

Significant advances have been made in recent years in the quality and range of thermophysical data for the cryogenic propellants, pressurants, and inertants. A review of recently completed and current data compilation projects for helium, hydrogen, argon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, and methane is given together with recommended references for thermodynamic and transport property data tables for these fluids. Modern techniques in the plotting of thermodynamic charts from tabular data (or from functions such as the equation of state) have greatly improved their precision and value. A list of such charts is included.
Treadmill walking alters stride time dynamics in Parkinson's disease.

Abstract Background Treadmill training may be used to improve gait rhythmicity in people with Parkinson’s disease. Treadmills, however, alter dynamical stride time fluctuations in healthy adults in a manner that mimics pathologic states, indicating the stride-to-stride fluctuations that characterize healthy gait are constrained. It is unclear if treadmills similarly alter dynamic gait properties in Parkinson’s disease. Research question Do stride time fractal dynamics in individuals with Parkinson’s disease differ between treadmill and overground walking? Methods Fifteen participants with Parkinson’s disease and 15 healthy age-similar adults walked for 6 min in a conventional overground condition and on a treadmill while wearing inertial measurement units. Gait speed, stride times and stride time variability were measured. Fractal exponents (α) were computed with adaptive fractal analysis. Inferential statistics were analyzed with mixed model analyses of variance and post hoc simple effects tests. Results Mean gait speeds decreased and stride times increased on the treadmill but did not differ between the Parkinson’s and control groups. Stride time variability was greater in the Parkinson’s than control group in both conditions. Most relevant to our research question, stride time fractal exponents were greater on the treadmill (mean α = .910) than overground (mean α = .797) in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, but not in healthy controls. Significance The fractal scaling exponent α emanating from stride time fluctuations during treadmill walking increased toward a 1/f signal of α = 1.0 that has been interpreted as an optimal structural variability for gait. The clinical implication is that treadmill training may promote more efficient walking dynamics in people with Parkinson’s disease than conventional overground training.
Anabolic response to essential amino acid plus whey protein composition is greater than whey protein alone in young healthy adults

We have determined the acute response of protein kinetics to one or two servings (6.3 g and 12.6 g) of a proprietary composition containing free-form essential amino acids (EAA) (3.2 g EAA per serving) and whey protein (2.4 g per serving), as well as the response to consumption of a popular whey-based protein supplement (Gatorade Recover) (17 g; 12.6 g protein). Whole-body rates of protein synthesis, breakdown and net balance (taken to be the anabolic response) were determined using primed-constant infusions of 2H5-phenylalnine and 2H2-tyrosine. Muscle protein fractional synthetic rate (FSR) was also determined with the 2H5-phenylalanine tracer. Plasma EAA levels increased following consumption of all beverages, with the greatest response in the high-dose EAA/protein composition. Similarly, the increase in net balance between whole-body protein synthesis and breakdown was greatest following consumption of the high-dose EAA/protein composition, while the low-dose EAA/protein composition and Gatorade Recover induced similar increases in net balance. When the net balance response was normalized for the total amount of product given, the high- and low-dose EAA/protein beverages were approximately 6- and 3-fold more anabolic than the Gatorade Recover, respectively. The greater anabolic response to the EAA/protein composition was due to greater increases in whole-body protein synthesis with both doses, and a markedly greater suppression of whole-body protein breakdown in the high-dose group. Muscle protein FSR after beverage consumption reflected changes in whole-body protein synthesis, with the larger EAA/protein dose significantly increasing FSR. We conclude that a composition of a balanced EAA formulation combined with whey protein is highly anabolic as compared to a whey protein-based recovery product, and that the response is dose-dependent. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03502941. This trial was registered on April 19, 2018.
Clinical Work with Children and Adolescents Growing Up with LGBTQ Parents

Children of LGBTQ parents present for therapy for a variety of reasons. This chapter uses clinical vignettes and up-to-date theoretical and clinical information to deepen the clinical understanding of the strengths and vulnerabilities of LGBTQ parents and their children. Developing a comprehensive formulation of a case involving the child of LGBTQ parents can help to guide appropriate therapeutic interventions. An intersectional life course perspective as well as minority stress theory are used in this chapter to illustrate how each family member’s development and life experience can impact their personal well-being as well as their relationships within the family. Case vignettes are shared to demonstrate how these theoretical concepts can play out in clinical situations. Finally, the chapter concludes with clinical suggestions for working with children of LGBTQ parents.
Political Globalization in an African Perspective: Continuity and Change

Ever since colonization started, African countries have been the subject of external efforts to shape their future. When European powers occupied the continent, these efforts were initially brutal, later still hard for those who had to live with enforced change. After political independence in the 1960s, reform efforts have been more benign, yet leaving Africans at the receiving end. This chapter traces the various turns of this narrative, showing how Western donors in the last six decades have largely failed in producing the kind of societal transformation that they have had in mind. The main reason is that they have not taken into consideration African context and agency. Most notably, they have not realized that African countries are not nation-states like those in Europe but state-nations which face totally different governance challenges. How these state-nations are best governed is still an open question, but it is increasingly evident that only Africans themselves will be able to find the right formulas. This would entail a more meaningful change than those that have been attempted by outsiders. It would give Africans the sense of self-confidence to act in their own interest that has been held back to date.
Linked Lives and Childhood Experience of Family Death on Educational Attainment

Sociological theory and research suggest that experiencing family members’ deaths during childhood and adolescence is an important event subject to significant disparities. Previous research links ...
Coastal ocean acidification and nitrogen loading facilitate invasions of the non-indigenous red macroalga, Dasysiphonia japonica

Coastal ecosystems are prone to multiple anthropogenic and natural stressors including eutrophication, acidification, and invasive species. While the growth of some macroalgae can be promoted by excessive nutrient loading and/or elevated pCO2, responses differ among species and ecosystems. Native to the western Pacific Ocean, the filamentous, turf-forming rhodophyte, Dasysiphonia japonica, appeared in estuaries of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean during the 1980s and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean during the late 2000s. Here, we report on the southernmost expansion of the D. japonica in North America and the effects of elevated nutrients and elevated pCO2 on the growth of D. japonica over an annual cycle in Long Island, New York, USA. Growth limitation of the macroalga varied seasonally. During winter and spring, when water temperatures were < 15 °C, growth was significantly enhanced by elevated pCO2 (p < 0.05). During summer and fall, when the water temperature was 15–24 °C, growth was significantly higher under elevated nutrient treatments (p < 0.05). When temperatures reached 28 °C, the macroalga grew poorly and was unaffected by nutrients or pCO2. The δ13C content of regional populations of D. japonica was −30‰, indicating the macroalga is an obligate CO2-user. This result, coupled with significantly increased growth under elevated pCO2 when temperatures were < 15 °C, indicates this macroalga is carbon-limited during colder months, when in situ pCO2 was significantly lower in Long Island estuaries compared to warmer months when estuaries are enriched in metabolically derived CO2. The δ15N content of this macroalga (9‰) indicated it utilized wastewater-derived N and its N limitation during warmer months coincided with lower concentrations of dissolved inorganic N in the water column. Given the stimulatory effect of nutrients on this macroalga and that eutrophication can promote seasonally elevated pCO2, this study suggests that eutrophic estuaries subject to peak annual temperatures < 28 °C may be particularly vulnerable to future invasions of D. japonica as ocean acidification intensifies. Conversely, nutrient reductions would serve as a management approach that would make coastal regions more resilient to invasions by this macroalga.
Assessment of within-herd seroprevalence of Anaplasma marginale antibodies and associated decreased milk production in an Iowa dairy herd

ABSTRACT Objective Bovine anaplasmosis, caused by the hemobacteria Anaplasma marginale (Am) is the most prevalent tick-transmitted disease of cattle worldwide and is associated with significant production losses in cattle. The objective of this survey was to investigate the within-herd seroprevalence of antibodies to Am and the relationship between disease status and milk production after anaplasmosis outbreak in a northern Iowa dairy herd. Materials and Methods In 2010 anaplasmosis was diagnosed in an Iowa dairy herd composed of 680 lactating Holstein cows. Samples for serological testing by competitive ELISA were gathered from 799 animals throughout 2011 in 24 separate accessions. Information on milk production, obtained from the DHIA, was gathered from 2010 to 2013. Monthly DHIA milk production was then statistically compared with 2011 anaplasmosis serostatus. Results and Discussion Analysis of competitive ELISA data found that 38% of the animals tested positive for bovine anaplasmosis. The DHIA milk data showed seropositive cows produced significantly less milk during 2012 (P = 0.0041) and 2013 (P = 0.0351) than did seronegative animals. This resulted in a mean (±SEM) difference of 1,677 ± 579 kg and 2,175 ± 1,022 kg of milk per cow during 2012 and 2013, respectively. Implications and Applications Cows found to be seropositive for Am antibodies produced significantly less milk in subsequent lactations than seronegative cows. Therefore, subclinical anaplasmosis may represent a potential loss of income for dairy producers. Results also suggest that animals should not be assumed free of infection based on geographic location.
Overlap Between Sagebrush Habitat Specialists Differs Among Seasons: Implications for Umbrella Species Conservation

Abstract Conservation strategies that rely on umbrella species depend on spatial overlap with target species of concern, yet the temporal and spatial scale at which co-occurrence is assessed is rarely considered. In seasonal environments, shifts in space use across seasons could alter patterns of co-occurrence, especially at regional and local scales that are relevant to land management. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), which currently serve as an umbrella species for sagebrush ecosystems across the western United States, move between seasonal habitats. Our goal was to evaluate the degree to which sage-grouse general and seasonal habitats overlap with habitat for another sagebrush-dependent species of conservation concern, the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis). We created inductive species distribution models for both species in east-central Idaho. We used maximum entropy methods to build models incorporating environmental factors representing topography, vegetation, climate, and soil characteristics. Despite both species being sagebrush obligates, we documented a relatively modest degree of spatial overlap between these species across the region; only 49% of highly suitable habitat for pygmy rabbits overlapped with areas mapped as highly suitable for sage-grouse when considering general habitat, and overlap was lower (18−31%) when we evaluated seasonal sage-grouse distributions. Our models predicted that pygmy rabbits would also occur in narrow (1−2 km) sagebrush corridors between steep terrain features where sage-grouse are typically absent. This work suggests that additional habitat conservation for pygmy rabbits will be needed to support their long-term persistence, especially where their habitat falls outside of areas designated as primary habitat for sage-grouse. Our models provide useful information for land management and habitat restoration within the study region and also offer a cautionary tale for application of simplified conservation strategies like the designation of umbrella species. Incorporating spatial and temporal scales into assessments of co-occurrence may increase effectiveness of conservation strategies involving surrogate species.
Probabilistic Methods: Maximum Likelihood

Probabilistic methods for phylogeny aim at ranking trees according to the likelihood of observing the data (i.e. the multiple sequence alignment) given the topology of the tree. In order to compute the probability, the probabilistic tree construction methods estimate P(x |T,t). Here the data is the set of n sequences (taxa), T is the tree and t denotes the specific edge lengths of the branches of the tree. To quantitatively define this probability, an underlying model of evolution is assumed.
OVERLAY THICKNESS DESIGN FOR FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT

An overlay design method for flexible pavement is presented in which both functional and structural types of performance are considered. The method relates the overlay thickness to various types of failure of the overlaid pavement, such as fatigue and lowtemperature cracking, rutting, and roughness. The viscoelastic, plastic, and fatigue properties of the pavement materials are considered. The computer program OVERLAY is developed by modifying the FHWA program VESYS-3-A in order to determine the optimum overlay thickness. The method provides a probabilistic solution and allows for the use of different material properties for different seasons. The use of the method is verified by determining the required overlay thicknesses for two typical pavement conditions under typical traffic volumes, material properties, and environmental conditions. The use of the method is justified in view of the rising cost of pavement rehabilitation.
Arteriovenous Hemodialysis Access

Hemodialysis access is the lifeline for patients with dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease. The goal of this chapter is to provide the surgeon with a practical guide to arteriovenous (AV) access placement. The preoperative evaluation and planning of AV access for hemodialysis are described. In addition, a detailed description of vessel exposure and the common access procedures are provided. Some of the more frequently used alternative procedures are also described. Expectations of outcome are reviewed as well.
Prediction of the Inert Strength Distribution of Si3N4 Diesel Valves

Censored Weibull strength distributions were generated with NT551 silicon nitride four-point flexure data using the ASTM C1161-B and 5.0 mm diameter cylindrical specimens. Utilizing finite element models and AlliedSignal's life prediction codes, the inert or fast fracture strength failure probability of a ceramic diesel valve was estimated from these data sets. The failure probability prediction derived from each data set were found to be more conservative than valve strength data. Fractographic analysis of the test specimens and valves showed that the cylindrical specimens failed from a different flaw population than the prismatic flexure bars and the valves. The study emphasizes the prerequisite of having coincident flaw populations homogeneously distributed in both the test specimen and the ceramic component. Lastly, it suggests that unless material homogeneity exists, that any meaningful life prediction or reliability analysis of a component may not be possible.
The Complexity of Cooperation: Agent-Based Models of Competition and Collaboration

A collection of seven essays that serves as an introductory text on complexity theory and computer modelling in the social sciences, and as an overview of the current state of the art in this field. The articles move beyond the basic paradigm of the "Prisoner's Dilemma" to study a rich set of issues, including how to cope with errors in perception or implementation, how norms emerge, and how political actors and regions of shared culture can develop. They use the shared methodology of agent-based modelling, a technique that specifies the rules of interaction between individuals and uses computer simulation to discover emergent properties of the social system.
Multiprocessor methods for computer graphics rendering

This comprehensive work merges two of the hottest topics in computer science: parallel computing and computer graphics. Selected Topics from the Table of Contents: -Overview of Accelerated Rendering Techniques -Overview of Parallel Methods for Image Generation -Issues in Parallel Algorithm Development -Overview of Base Level Implementation -Comparison of Task Partitioning Schemes -Characterization of Other Parameters on Performance
Declared Choice: Citizen Strategies and Dual Commitment Problems in Clientelism

Scholars tend to view clientelism exclusively from the elite perspective, and thus fail to recognize the extent to which citizens act strategically. The elite-centric perspective also leads scholars to underestimate how opportunistic defection threatens citizens in clientelist linkages, when elite promises are not credible. A sharp distinction should be made between (1) prospective clientelist strategies, involving promises of post-election benefits, and (2) retrospective clientelist strategies, involving only pre-election benefits. Retrospective clientelism involves only a citizen commitment problem. By contrast, prospective clientelism involves a dual commitment problem - involving both citizens and elites - that is frequently overlooked. This paper introduces a form of prospective clientelism observed in Northeast Brazil, which I term “declared choice”. Even with ballot secrecy, a voter may choose to declare her support publicly before an election. If her declared choice wins, the voter may be favored. But if her declared choice loses, the voter may be disfavored. The voter may also choose to remain undeclared, a less risky strategy. This paper explores declared choice, focusing on voter strategies and dual commitment problems.
Melanin-associated pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa: presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment

Intraoral pigmentation is quite common and has numerous etiologies, ranging from exogenous to physiological to neoplastic. Many pigmented lesions of the oral cavity are associated with melanin pigment. The differential diagnosis of mucosal pigmented lesions includes hematomas, varices, and petechiae which may appear to be pigmented. Unlike cutaneous melanomas, oral melanomas are diagnosed late and have a poor prognosis regardless of depth of invasion. As such, the clinical presentation and treatment of intraoral melanoma will be discussed. Developing a differential diagnosis is imperative for a clinician faced with these lesions in order to appropriately treat the patient. This article will focus on the most common oral melanocytic lesions, along with mimics.
Evidence-Based Parenting Programs for Maltreating Parents: Views of Child Protective Services Caseworkers

Evidence based programs (EBPs) show great promise in reducing rates of recidivism in parents who have maltreated their child. Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers play a critical role in routing parents to such interventions, when available. However, caseworkers are often unfamiliar with EBPs, potentially impacting their likelihood of referring parents to these services. Focus groups were conducted to explore caseworker views of an EBP. Results suggested that caseworkers generally saw the program as a poor fit to the needs of maltreating families, particularly with respect to case complexities and cultural sensitivity, and when caseworkers were less familiar with the EBP.
Problems and controversies in the histopathology of thyroid carcinomas of follicular cell origin.

Abstract Context.—Despite past and recent efforts, many problems and controversies remain in the classification of thyroid carcinomas of follicular cell origin. These controversies have an impact on the prognosis and therapy of patients with thyroid carcinoma as well as on the development of robust cutting-edge research aimed at better outcome and quality of life. Objective.—To focus on 3 contentious areas with significant clinical value: the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma, the extent of invasion in follicular carcinoma, and the poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas. Data Sources.—The published English language literature was reviewed. Conclusions.—Recent data show that prognosis and therapy for many disease entities can be better delineated if a meticulous microscopic examination is performed. An accurate assessment of the extent of invasion (especially vascular) is crucial. Proliferative grading (ie, mitosis and necrosis) is of high prognostic value and should be looked for in ever...