cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the accuracy of some domain‐by‐domain algorithms for parallel processing of transient structural dynamics

Two domain-by-domain algorithms, suitable for coarse-grained parallel processing analysis of the transient structural dynamics equation, are investigated for accuracy. The application under specific consideration is the analysis of three-dimensional framed structures subjected to time-varying loading. The domain-by-domain approaches attempt to include the advantageous aspects of both conditionally stable explicit algorithms, which require no simultaneous solution of equations and employ simple communication, and unconditionally stable implicit algorithms, which permit large time steps. The alternating group explicit algorithm is developed for finite element analysis, and its accuracy is investigated for a linear formulation. The group implicit algorithm is extended to non-linear finite element analysis, and its accuracy is investigated for the frame dynamics application. Both algorithms are shown to provide inadequate accuracy for practical time step sizes.
RNA as a Source of Transposase for Sleeping Beauty-Mediated Gene Insertion and Expression in Somatic Cells and Tissues

Sleeping Beauty (SB) is a DNA transposon capable of mediating gene insertion and long-term expression in vertebrate cells when co-delivered with a source of transposase. In all previous reports of SB-mediated gene insertion in somatic cells, the transposase component has been provided by expression of a co-delivered DNA molecule that has the potential for integration into the host cell genome. Integration and continued expression of a gene encoding SB transposase could be problematic if it led to transposon re-mobilization and reintegration. We addressed this potential problem by supplying the transposase-encoding molecule in the form of mRNA. We show that transposase-encoding mRNA can effectively mediate transposition in vitro in HT1080 cells and in vivo in mouse liver following co-delivery with a recoverable transposon or with a luciferase transposon. We conclude that in vitro-transcribed mRNA can be used as an effective source of transposase for SB-mediated transposition in mammalian cells and tissues.
The tyrosinase activity of melanosomes from the Harding-Passey melanoma: the absence of a peroxidase component in vitro.

Abstract Melanosomes were isolated from the Harding-Passey melanoma with a density gradient technique. Using the Pomerantz radioassay for tyrosinase activity it was found that these isolated melanosomes could hydroxylate tyrosine in the presence of catalase sufficient to deny the enzyme any hydrogen peroxide. It was further found that the rate of hydroxylation was unaffected by the presence of exogenous hydrogen peroxide. Tyrosinase activity could be suppressed by preincubation in diethyldithiocarbamate followed by removal of this inhibitor before enzyme assay. Attempts to regain enzymatic activity, however, by addition of copper II ions were unsuccessful. No peroxidase activity could be detected on the isolated granules, and indeed evidence for a peroxidase inhibitor on the granules was found. It was also found that the peroxidase activity present in a 20% homogenate of mouse muscle did not demonstrate any tyrosinase activity with the Pomerantz assay even in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. It is concluded from these studies that there is tyrosinase on these melanosomes which is capable in vitro of hydroxylating tyrosine without any contribution from an active peroxidase.
Design tradeoffs in partial order (plan space) planning

Despite the long history of classical planning, there has been very link comparative analysis of the performance tradeoffs offered by the multitude of existing planning algorithms. This is partly due to the many different vocabularies within which planning algorithms are usually expressed. In this paper I provide a generalized algorithm for refinement planning, and show that planners that search in the space of (partial) plans are specific instantiations of this algorithm. The different design choices in partial order planning correspond to the different ways of instantiating the generalized algorithm. I will analyze how these choices affect the search-space size and refinement cost of the resultant planner. Finally, I will concentrate on two specific design choices, viz., protection strategies and tractability refinements, and develop some hypotheses regarding the effect of these choices on the performance on practical problems. I will support these hypotheses with a focussed empirical study.
A Tutorial on MM Algorithms

Most problems in frequentist statistics involve optimization of a function such as a likelihood or a sum of squares. EM algorithms are among the most effective algorithms for maximum likelihood estimation because they consistently drive the likelihood uphill by maximizing a simple surrogate function for the log-likelihood. Iterative optimization of a surrogate function as exemplified by an EM algorithm does not necessarily require missing data. Indeed, every EM algorithm is a special case of the more general class of MM optimization algorithms, which typically exploit convexity rather than missing data in majorizing or minorizing an objective function. In our opinion, MM algorithms deserve to be part of the standard toolkit of professional statisticians. This article explains the principle behind MM algorithms, suggests some methods for constructing them, and discusses some of their attractive features. We include numerous examples throughout the article to illustrate the concepts described. In addition t...
Parental detection of youth's self-harm behavior.

The rate and predictors of parental detection of youth self-harm behavior and relationship with help-seeking were examined in 7,036 parent-child dyads from the 1999 and 2004 surveys of Mental Health of Children and Young People in Great Britain. Youth self-harm behavior was reported by 463 (6.6%) children and adolescents but only 190 (2.7%) of the parents (kappa=0.30). Reports were more accurate if parents were from majority White ethnicity, were mothers of girls, experienced psychological distress themselves, or if children were older or had emotional/behavioral problems. Parental detection of youth self-harm was associated with increased likelihood of professional help-seeking. Language: en
Sexual addiction, sexual compulsivity, sexual impulsivity, or what? Toward a theoretical model

We critically review the concepts of sexual addiction, sexual compulsivity, and sexual impulsivity and discuss their theoretical bases. A sample of 31 self-defined sex addicts were assessed by means of interview and questionnaires and compared with a large age-matched control group. A tendency to experience increased sexual interest in states of depression or anxiety was strongly characteristic of the sex addict group. Dissociative experiences were described by 45% of sex addicts and may have some explanatory relevance. Obsessive-compulsive mechanisms may be relevant in some cases, and the addiction concept may prove to be relevant with further research. Overall, results suggested that out of control sexual behavior results from a variety of mechanisms. We propose an alternative theoretical approach to investigating these mechanisms based on the dual control model and recent research on the relation between mood and sexuality.
Management of complex breast cysts.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the various strategies currently in use to manage complex cysts and specifically address the need for intervention.A review of 4562 breast sonograms obtained during an 18-month period revealed 308 complex cysts in 252 women. Data collected from review of patient records included the patient's age and risk factors for breast cancer, aspiration or biopsy results (or both), follow-up imaging studies, and management recommendations.Management recommendations for complex cysts were 1-year follow-up in 13 patients, 6-month follow-up in 148, sonographically guided aspiration in 82, aspiration with possible core biopsy in 62, and excisional biopsy in three. No malignancies were diagnosed in the group treated with follow-up imaging, sonographically guided aspiration, or excisional biopsy. One malignancy, a papilloma with a 3-mm focus of ductal carcinoma in situ, was diagnosed in one of the patients who underwent core biopsy.Of the lesions classified as complex cysts, the malig...
A genetic image segmentation algorithm with a fuzzy-based evaluation function

In this paper, a genetic-based image segmentation method is proposed which optimizes a fuzzy-set-based evaluation function. A K-Means clustering method is used to generate the initial finely segmented image and to reduce the search space of the image segmentation. A genetic algorithm is then employed to control region splitting and merging to optimize the evaluation function. A critical factor affecting the performance of the segmentation is the choice of the evaluation function in the design of genetic algorithm. Here an evaluation function is defined that incorporates both edge and region information. Considering the edge ambiguity in the image, a novel fuzzy-set-based edge-boundary-coincidence measure is defined and combined with a region heterogeneity measure to guide the genetic algorithm to tune the segmentation. Experimental results on test images show that the genetic segmentation algorithm with the fuzzy-set-based evaluation function performs very well.
Calculating wetland easement payments using alternative land value data: A case study of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Small Wetland Acquisition Program in the Prairie Pothole Region

ABSTRACT: Estimates of average values for land surrounding wetland easements were higher when published county-level land value data was used in place of comparable sales-based appraisals—by 11% in North Dakota and South Dakota, and by 22% in Minnesota. The differences were smallest for tracts dominated by cropland rather than pastureland in North Dakota but the reverse was true in South Dakota. Using county land value data as a basis for easement payment offers would have increased overall expenditures for the Fish and Wildlife Service Small Wetland Acquisition Program by 9% in North Dakota, 11% in South Dakota, and 22% in Minnesota. These increases would have been at least partially offset by associated reductions in the cost of conducting site-specific appraisals.
eHealth on the Horizon

The Visualizing Electronic Health Record Data (EHRVis) Workshop coincides with the alignment of (at least) three events: (1) the historic 25th annual IEEE VIS Conference–in Europe for the first time, (2) the call for funding bids to Horizon 2020–The EU framework program for research and innovation, and (3) the rapid rise and advancement of research in eHealth with particular emphasis on electronic health records (EHRs). This is a clear sign for the visualization community to synergize by working together to secure funding in eHealth. Here we aim to initialize this effort by discussing a range of collaboration levels and soliciting those that are interested.
Transformation and Mineralization of Aroclor 1254

Aroclor 1254 was transformed by actively growing cells of Acinetobacter P6 to a greater extent than by resting cell suspensions. This was commensurate with the exponential loss of biphenyl-oxidizing activity with whole cells to 5% of the original after 28 hours. Acinetobacter P6 growing on biphenyl was able to transform 34% of Aroclor 1254 (10 ppm). P6 was also grown in co-culture together with three strains that show prospects of transforming metabolites produced by Acinetobacter P6 during co-metabolism of Aroclor. P6, strains HBP1, TCC1, and 4ClBz1 were grown on different combinations of the following substrates: biphenyl, 2,2′-dihydroxybiphenyl, trans-3-chlorocrotonic acid, 4-chlorobenzoic acid, and 10 ppm of Aroclor 1254 spiked with 14C-Aroclor 1254. In the case of Acinetobacter P6 growing solely on biphenyl, 0.6% of the original radioactivity could be found as 14C-CO2. Although up to 45% of the radioactive Aroclor 1254 was transformed in co-cultures of Acinetobacter P6 together with the three additional strains, no more than 2.6% could be recovered as 14C-CO2. Degradation of metabolites formed by Acinetobacter P6, rather than the initial oxidation of Aroclor 1254, might be the rate-limiting step in the overall mineralization of these polychlorinated biphenyls.
Flash Crash Phenomena and a Taxonomy of Extreme Behaviors

Rare but potentially catastrophic real-world phenomena such as stock market crashes, are often referred to as rare or extreme ‘events’ on the assumption that they have a well-defined change (e.g. price-change) in some macroscopically measurable quantity (e.g. stock price) occurring at a particular point in space (e.g. Dow Jones) and time (e.g. at 10am), over a specific time-interval (e.g. 1 hour). If this idealization is indeed the case, then histograms can be obtained using historical data and, assuming the system is stationary, approximate point probabilities deduced to quantify the likelihood of future occurrence -- albeit subject to the usual inaccuracies associated with performing sparse number statistics. However, as emphasized by Sornette, extreme 'behaviors' such as the mysterious 2010 flash crash in stock prices shown in Fig. 1 in principle invoke an entirely different layer of difficulty, because (1) they do not have a well-defined duration, and hence may be missed when evaluating histograms of changes for a particular fixed, pre-defined time increment (e.g. 1 minute, 1 hour or 1 day); and (2) even if their duration and maximum size are well defined, they can take on an effectively infinite number of possible temporal profiles during that period, i.e. has its own characteristic time-dependence during. Hence for a given maximum drop size and duration, there are a priori myriad possible temporal forms of versus. This chapter takes a step toward examining whether these temporal profiles (i.e. vs. during) exhibit particular classes of behavior – and shows, for the case of a nontrivial toy model of a complex system, that there is indeed a taxonomy of such rare and extreme behaviors.
Abstract 2404: A DNA vaccine encoding the androgen receptor ligand binding domain elicits anti-tumor immune responses in vivo

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC The androgen receptor (AR) is a nuclear receptor that plays a critical role in both androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancer, and remains the primary target of therapy for metastatic prostate cancer. We have shown that the AR may be a potential immunological target antigen, identifying some prostate cancer patients that have concurrent antibody and cellular immune responses specific for the AR ligand-binding domain (LBD). We have also identified that some patients have cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) that are specific for ARLBD-derived HLA-A2 epitopes, some of which can lyse prostate tumor cell lines. Moreover, we demonstrated that these epitope-specific CTL could be elicited in HLA-A2 transgenic mice by means of a DNA vaccine encoding the ARLBD (pTVG-AR). In this report, we sought to evaluate whether this DNA vaccine could elicit anti-prostate tumor responses in relevant rodent models in which the ARLBD is expressed as a “self” antigen. First, Copenhagen rats immunized with the pTVG-AR vaccine four to six times at 14-day intervals were challenged with a syngeneic prostate tumor cell line subcutaneously implanted. These animals were found to develop T-cell responses specific for the ARLBD and have a significant delay in tumor growth compared with control vaccinated animals (p=0.018). In a separate autochthonous model, HLA-A2 transgenic mice were crossed with TRAMP mice and the resulting transgenic hybrid (A2/TRAMP) expressed HLA-A2 and developed prostate tumors driven by the SV40 large T antigen under a prostate-specific promoter. A2/TRAMP mice were similarly immunized with pTVG-AR, or control vector, at 14-day intervals and evaluated at 16 weeks of age. Mice immunized with pTVG-AR were found to develop HLA-A2 epitope-specific CD8+ T cell responses, and had fewer well-differentiated adenocarcinomas compared with control immunized mice. Finally, A2/TRAMP mice were immunized repetitively over time and followed for survival. Mice immunized with pTVG-AR (n=8) had a median survival of 218 days, compared with a median survival of 198 days for control (n=7) immunized animals (p=0.040, log-rank test). These combined data show that not only can the ARLBD be safely targeted in vivo (none of the immunized animals had any sign of autoimmunity or overt toxicity), but more significantly that vaccines targeting the ARLBD can elicit an anti-prostate tumor responses in separate animal models. These findings suggest that the ARLBD is a potentially attractive immunological target antigen for the treatment of human prostate cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2404.
Kinetics and Mechanisms of Radical-Based Branching/Cross-Linking Reactions in Preformed Polymers Induced by Benzophenone and Bis-Benzophenone Photoinitiators

The general mechanism for photo-cross-linking of preformed polymers is studied by comparing the efficacy of monofunctional benzophenone (BP) and bifunctional bis-benzophenone (BP-BP) photoinitiators for inducing radical chain branching reactions in glassy polystyrene (PS) and rubbery poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PnBA). Upon UV irradiation, macroradicals form and initiate a variety of cross-linking and scission reactions. The kinetics and mechanisms of these macroradical reactions were monitored by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements of changes in the polymer molecular weight distributions. Molecular weight increases are associated with chain branching while decreases in molecular weight are indicative of chain scission. We study the early stages of radical recombination where branching is manifest as the formation of three- and four-arm star polymers that are soluble and can be detected/differentiated by GPC. Branching is observed even in glassy PS; however, the reactions are much faster in rubber...
The Anaerobic Dissimilation of Glucose by Fusarium Lini

(1956). The Anaerobic Dissimilation of Glucose by Fusarium Lini. Mycologia: Vol. 48, No. 1, pp. 1-12.
Hypophysectomy and the tail darkening reaction in Xenopus.

It has long been known that if the hypophyseal placode is removed from amphibian embryos, the resulting larvae will be very pale in appearance and vary in color in different species from white or silver, to golden yellow (1,2). Pallor generally results from persistent contraction of epidermal melanophores and expansion of both dermal and epidermal guanophores (2). It is therefore surprising to observe that in hypophysioprivic Xenopus larvae, melanophores of the tail are capable of considerable expansion or contraction under appropriate conditions. The experiments reported here were designed to study the influence of the hypophysis on the behavior of some of the chromatophores of Xenopus larvae, and to gain some insight into the peculiar activity of melanophores in the tail.Methods. All tadpoles were raised from naturally spawned eggs of Xenopus laevis Daudin. At an early tailbud stage, the hypophyseal placode was removed from 378 embryos. Judging from the number of pale larvae resulting, removal of the hy...
The Concept of a Perpetual Union

HE American Civil War, whatever else it may have been, was unquestionably America's most acute constitutional crisis. Viewed from this perspective, the fundamental issue of the war was the locus of sovereignty in the political structure that the Constitution of 1787 had formed. Did this document create a union of sovereign states, each of which retained the right to secede at its own discretion? Or did it create a union from which no state, once having joined, could escape except by an extra-constitutional act of revolution? In a Constitution remarkable for its ambiguity on many substantive matters, none was more fateful than its silence on this crucial question. Even the Articles of Confederation, which the nationalists despised, were unequivocal in defining the Union of the states. Their title was "Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union," and Article XIII stipulated that their provisions "shall be inviolably observed by every state, and the Union shall be perpetual. . . ." Whether the incorporation of these words in the Constitution of 1787 would have been sufficient to prevent the crisis of 1861-1865 is problematic, but at the very least we would have been spared the prolix and convoluted debate over the legality of secession. In returning to the old controversy about the nature of the Union, I am not, of course, exploring one of the neglected problems of American history. The evolution of the doctrine of state sovereignty, from the protests against Alexander Hamilton's economic program to the southern movement for secession, has been thoroughly examined.' The growth of American nationalism in the nineteenth century has also been the subject of numerous studies.2 However, one aspect of nationalist
[11C]TMP: A small molecule radiotracer for PET reporter gene imaging

615 Objectives There is an unmet clinical need for improved methods to track engineered cells, including immune cells used for cell-based therapy and adoptive immunotherapy.1 To date, there is no single agent that provides a facile and repeatable imaging tool for long term tracking of engineered cells, an increasingly important mode of therapy for cancer and other diseases.23 We describe a strategy for PET reporter gene imaging based on the binding of trimethoprim (TMP) with its protein binding partner, E. coli dihydrofolate redcutase (Ec DHFR). Methods [11C]TMP was synthesized from phenol precursor using [11C]methyl iodide and the precursor was prepared via a known method.4Ec DHFR dot blot assays were performed to show specific binding of [11C]TMP. HEK 293 cells were virally transduced with YFP-Ec -DHFR fusion gene and cell uptake studies were performed in triplicate with and without competing cold TMP compound. To show in vivo activity, Nu/Nu mice were subcutaneously xenografted with HCT 116 cells carrying a DHFR fusion transgene and control. Tumors were grown for 3 weeks prior to injection of 1.2 mCi of [11C]TMP. PET/CT imaging, time activity curves and biodistribution studies were performed. Results [11C]TMP binds in a dose dependent manner to Ec DHFR using a dot blot assay and can be inhibited with excess of cold TMP. HEK 293 cell uptake studies show over a 10-fold signal increase from cells carrying Ec DHFR compared to control, even after 5 half-lives of decay, and cold TMP completely inhibits uptake. In a mouse xenograft model, we show over 2-fold uptake in the tumors at 90 minutes and prompt renal excretion of the parent radiotracer. Conclusions [11C]TMP is a radiotracer specific for Ec DHFR that yields over two-fold signal induction in xenografted tumors. The signal to noise ratio appears to be limited by clearance of the radiotracer and derivatives labeled with longer half-life radionuclides may improve specific signal. More broadly, this work presents a strategy for imaging engineered cells that may have important advantages over existing techniques.
Study on the Preparation Process for CeO_2 Superfine Powder

Compared with traditional precipitation process,a short process for preparation of Ce O2 superfine powder was investigated by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis using Ce Cl3 solution as rawmaterials. The thermal decomposition process of Ce Cl3·7H2O was examined by TG-DTA experiments. Ce O2 was prepared by the precipitation and spray pyrolysis method respectively at600 ℃,which was characterized by XRD,SEMand TEM. The two methods were compared in terms of products,processes and the resource comprehensive utilization. The results showed that the reaction of Ce Cl3·7H2O at 25 ~ 233 ℃ was a dehydration reaction,the thermal decomposition start temperature was 500 ℃ and end temperature was 583 ℃. The product synthesized via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis has good dispersion, regular morphology and the particle size distribution between 0. 11 ~ 0. 80 μm, while the morphologies of the products obtained by precipitation process was not regular and agglomerate was also observed. Obviously,ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method is a clean technology with short process, high level resource comprehensive utilization and controllable product morphologies.
The Logic of Ideological Campaigns Under Authoritarianism: Evidence from China

Authoritarian regimes usually have the most democratic-sounding names and concede spaces in the constitution to articles on human rights. Though scholars have offered important insights on the motivations of authoritarian leaders to promote liberal norms, most empirical analyses are limited to cross-national analysis and other actors in domestic politics, especially local elites, receive less notice. The paper attempts to fill the gap and examines the Core Socialist Values Campaign started by Xi Jinping since October 2012, in which democracy, justice, freedom, equality and rule of law, generally viewed as principles of liberal democracies, were officially pronounced as the essential components of the “Core Socialist Values.” The paper reveals that the responsiveness of local elites to the Campaign is contingent on multiple economic and political incentives based on a data set of provincial newspapers from 2010 to 2015. Local elites who govern more economically advanced and modernized regions, or have tighter linkage with the central leadership are more responsive to the Campaign.
Mediating the giants: Yao Ming, NBA and the cultural politics of Sino-American relations

In this study, a qualitative approach is employed to examine former NBA player Yao Ming’s flexible and transnational identity, his role in the global expansion of the NBA into China, and his cultur...
A Study of Branch-and-Bound on the Asymmetric Traveling Salesman Problem

One of the approaches for optimally solving the asymmetric Traveling Salesman Problem (ATSP) is branch-and-bound subtour elimination using the assignment problem as a lower-bound cost function [10, 7]. This chapter studies the complexity of branch-and-bound subtour elimination on the asymmetric Traveling Salesman Problem. In Section 6.1, we first examine two-decade old arguments about the expected complexity of branch-and-bound subtour elimination, and shows that the branch-and-bound subtour elimination cannot find an optimal solution to the asymmetric Traveling Salesman Problem in polynomial time on average. This partially settles this long-standing debate on the expected complexity of branch-and-bound on the asymmetric Traveling Salesman Problem. Section 6.4 then compares depth-first branch-and-bound against local search, and shows that depth-first branch-and-bound significantly outperforms a local search algorithm.
Timing of single balloon enteroscopy: significant or not?

Background: The development of balloon assisted enteroscopy (BAE) has revolutionized diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for small-bowel disorders. Although the role of emergent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy for upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding is well defined, there is scarce data with regard to emergent BAE for gastrointestinal bleeding. Study: We performed a retrospective cohort study including 110 hospitalized patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding who underwent single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) between January 2010 and August 2013. Patients were divided into two groups based on procedures performed emergently (within 24 hours) versus non-emergently (greater than 24 hours). Data on patient demographics, hemodynamic characteristics, type of obscure bleed, lesions identified, location of lesions, endoscopic intervention performed, need for further surgical or radiological intervention, diagnostic and therapeutic yield, and adverse events were compared between groups. Independent samples t test and Fisher’s exact test were used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. For continuous data, the results were summarized as mean difference and 95 % confidence intervals (CI), and for binary as odds ratio and 95 %CI. Results: Although patients in the group where enteroscopy was performed within 24 hours had a significantly higher incidence of radiological intervention (10.0 % vs. 0.0 %, P = 0.019), the diagnostic and therapeutic yields between the two groups were not significantly different. Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups for overt and occult bleeding, transfusion requirements, type and location of lesions, endoscopic intervention performed, or adverse events. Hospital stay was shorter in the patients who had SBE within 24 hours of admission (6.2 vs. 11.3 days, P Conclusions: Although the diagnostic and therapeutic yields of SBE were not significantly different between patients having the procedure within 24 hours and those having it later, the early SBE group required more interventional radiology procedures. While endoscopists may not necessarily have to perform emergent assessment within 24 hours in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) for greater diagnostic or therapeutic yield, early intervention may allow for earlier stabilization and thus shorter hospital stays. Prospective studies further evaluating these findings are indicated.
Relationship between zebra mussel biomass and total phosphorus in European and North American lakes

We developed a regression model for predicting zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) biomass from summer epilimnetic total phosphorus (TP) using published data from Polish lakes: dry tissue biomass = -10.8 + 11.0log 10 TP, R 2 = 0.19, P<0.04, N = 24. This model was used to predict Dreissena biomass in six recently-invaded North American lakes. All of the North American observations fit within the 95 % confidence limits of the Polish lake relationship. The predictive relationship for the combined Polish and North American data, dry tissue biomass = -7.1 + 9.0log 10 TP, R 2 = 0.24, P = 0.007, N = 30, should be useful as a necessary first step for predicting zebra mussel impacts, as well as for estimating reasonable stocking densities of zebra mussels for in situ experiments.
New York Radical Women

The demonstration at the 1968 Miss America pageant made the women’s liberation movement visible nationally through a flurry of media coverage, nyrw organizers set up a “Freedom Trash Can” outside the hall and threw away objects representing the objectification of women’s bodies. Inside, activists disrupted the pageant. It is important, given how this protest led to the myth of feminists as “bra burners,” to understand its goals. The women involved had grown up with rigidly enforced gender conformity in which even leftist men dismissed their concerns as “chick lib. “Like activists in other movements, they planned a highly visual confrontation with a symbolic representation of their oppression. Experience had taught them that this was the only kind of protest that would attract attention. Though criticized by other feminists for insulting the contestants, they sought to show that pageants of semi-naked young white women were linked to military patriotism and the war, as well as to institutionalized racism. And just like the Black Panthers, their leaflet had “Ten Points. “
Solder Injected through Via for Multi Stacked Wafers

Low cost through silicon via (TSV) technology is a key enabler for the future performance growth of various semiconductor devices. Deep etching and solder filling for TSV through pre-stacked silicon wafers make the TSV process much simpler. Polymer insulator also contributes to stress reduction and conformal insulation. In this paper, we investigate the barrier effect of polymer insulators on metal diffusion through the polymer into a silicon device by using various simple test specimens. It is found that although tin and indium showed some diffusion in the polymer materials, gold, silver, and bismuth showed little diffusion after excess annealing. We conclude that various popular solders such as SnAg, SnBi, and SnIn can be adopted as the solder via material with low risk of metal contamination in silicon.
Sleep duration, obesity, and asthma, in Florida adolescents: analysis of data from the Florida Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2009-2013).

To examine the association between sleep duration and asthma among Florida high school students and whether body mass index (BMI) modifies this association. This cross-sectional analysis included 16,728 participants in the Florida Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2009–2013). Using logistic regression, we examined the association between sleep duration and asthma, and, after controlling for potential confounders, analyzed the interaction between sleep duration and BMI. Sleeping for less than 7 h or more than 8 h on school night was associated with increased odds of current asthma. Compared with 7–8 h of sleep per night, sleeping for <7 h had an OR of 1.22 (95% CI 1.07, 1.40), while sleeping for ≥9 h had and OR of 1.31 (1.06, 1.63). When stratified by body mass index (BMI), these associations were significant only in overweight adolescents, with those sleeping for <7 or ≥9 h having approximately twice the odds of having current asthma (OR = 1.75 (1.45, 2.11) and OR = 2.00 (1.32, 3.02) respectively), compared with normal weight adolescents who slept for 7–8 h per night. The association between sleep duration and asthma in adolescents is modified by BMI. Short and long sleep durations are associated with asthma in overweight adolescents while no significant association is seen in those with normal BMI.
Evolution of the hominoid scapula and its implications for earliest hominid locomotion.

Objectives The higher primate scapula has been subject to many explanations of the putative “adaptive value” of its individual traits. However, the shift from the bone's position in above branch quadrupeds to its more posterolateral position in recent hominoids obviously required fundamental changes to its general form. We hypothesize that most features argued to be individually adaptive are more likely secondary consequences of changes in its fundamental bauplan, a view more consistent with modern developmental biology. Materials and Methods We tested this hypothesis with scapular metrics and angles from a broad anthropoid sample. Results Our results support our hypothesis. Contrary to earlier predictions, vertebral border length differs little relative to body size in anthropoids, inferior angle position primarily reflects mediolateral scapular breadth, and supraspinous and infraspinous fossa sizes largely reflect scapular spine orientation. Suspensory taxa have cranially oriented glenoids, whereas slow clamberers and humans do not. Australopithecus most closely resembles the latter. Discussion Most scapular features can be explained by only two primary changes: (1) reduction in mediolateral breadth and (2) change in the glenoid position relative to the vertebral border with increased reliance on suspension, which led to a more cranially angled scapular spine. Virtually all other scapular traits appear to be byproducts of these two changes. Based on fossil morphology, hominids1 were derived from a last common ancestor primarily adapted for clambering and not for suspension. Scapular form in early hominids such as Australopithecus is therefore primitive and largely reflects the genus's general clambering heritage.
Trajectories of Suicidal Ideation among Adolescents Following Psychiatric Hospitalization

Suicidal ideation (SI) is a common presenting problem for psychiatric hospitalizations in adolescents and often persists following discharge. This study examines whether distinct trajectories of SI could be delineated following hospitalization and the risk factors most strongly related to these trajectories. Adolescents (N = 104; 76 females; 28 males) were followed for 6 months after discharge from inpatient or partial hospitalization. Semi-parametric group modeling identified SI trajectory group membership. In all, 33.7% of adolescents fell in a Subclinical SI group, 43.3% in a Declining SI group, and 23.1% in a Chronic SI group. Multinomial logistic regression was utilized to examine baseline predictors of group membership. Emotion dysregulation differentiated Chronic SI from Declining SI. In multivariate analyses, adolescents endorsing greater non-acceptance of emotional responses (OR =1.18) and more limited access to emotion regulation strategies (OR =1.12) were more likely to belong to the Chronic SI than Declining SI trajectory. Those in the Chronic SI group also had the greatest number of suicide attempts and hospitalizations in the 6 months post-discharge. These results suggest that clinicians should closely monitor and address emotion dysregulation when assessing suicide risk. Greater dysregulation may require more intensive services in order to have an effect on chronic SI.
Reduction of whey protein concentrate antigenicity by using a combined enzymatic digestion and ultrafiltration approach

The global interest in saving food resources is leading to recycle wasted-food materials to extract useful nutrients. In dairy industry, the recycling of whey proteins determines their utilization in the healthy-addressed foods, which, however, can cause immunological responses in allergic subjects. In this work, a whey protein concentrate (WPC) was alternatively hydrolyzed with pepsin, papain, trypsin and rennin in order to attenuate or abolish the β-lactoglobulin (BLG) antigenicity. The electrophoretic profiles of both pepsin and papain WPC hydrolysates proved the disappearance of the BLG band, even though a slight antigenicity was still found by ELISA. Pepsin hydrolysates, filtered through a 10-kDa cut-off membrane, did not produce immunological response. A deeper investigation carried out on pepsin digested and ultrafiltered samples by LC–MS/MS showed the disappearance of the immunoreactive BLG-fragment IVTQMKGLDIQKVAGTW. The remaining peptides, partially overlapped to major IgE binding epitopes, were not able to give immunoreactivity response. The combined WPC pepsin digestion with ultrafiltration confirmed to be a user-friendly strategy to reduce markedly the WPC antigenicity. The improvement of this two-steps process could be used to produce novel hypoallergenic infant food formulas.
Improved irrigation scheduling for freshwater conservation in the desert southwest U.S.

El Paso County, located in the far west part of Texas in USA, is experiencing record water shortages due to prolonged drought conditions. County irrigation district caters to about 24,000 ha and of which about 6000 ha is under pecans, a water intensive tree crop. The current method of irrigation scheduling depends on farmer’s intuition or counting number of days since previous irrigation. This has resulted in over irrigation and wastage of precious freshwater. This study evaluated the potential for freshwater conservation by scheduling irrigation based on real-time soil moisture data and its effects on pecan yields and soil salinity. Real-time soil moisture conditions in five mature pecan orchards were monitored and irrigation was scheduled when the levels reached threshold value. Both frequency and amount of irrigation were lower under irrigation scheduling based on soil moisture than the traditional method. While the results of this 3 year study indicated that irrigation scheduling based on soil moisture conditions could save significant amounts of freshwater without adversely affecting pecan nut yields and soil salinity, long-term studies are needed to confirm these results. It is estimated that improved irrigation scheduling can potentially save 1820 ha-m of precious freshwater across the irrigation district.
Disciplining Greece: Crisis Management and Its Discontents:

The strategy intended to resolve the Greek financial crisis is not a resolution strategy at all—it is more accurately conceptualized as a crisis management strategy, which is insufficient to reduce...
Patient Portal Use and Experience Among Older Adults: Systematic Review.

Background: The older adult population (65 years or older) in the United States is growing, and it is important for communities to consider ways to support the aging population. Patient portals and electronic personal health records (ePHRs) are technologies that could better serve populations with the highest health care needs, such as older adults. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the existing research landscape related to patient portal and ePHR use and experience among older adults and to understand the benefits and barriers to older adults’ use and adoption of patient portals and ePHRs. Methods: We searched six pertinent bibliographic databases for papers, published from 2006 to 2016 and written in English, that focused on adults 60 years or older and their use of or experience with patient portals or ePHRs. We adapted preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to review papers based on exclusion and inclusion criteria. We then applied thematic analysis to identify key themes around use, experience, and adoption. Results: We retrieved 199 papers after an initial screening and removal of duplicate papers. Then we applied an inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in a final set of 17 papers that focused on 15 separate projects. The majority of papers described studies involving qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups. They looked at the experience and use of ePHRs and patient portals. Overall, we found 2 main barriers to use: (1) privacy and security and (2) access to and ability to use technology and the Internet. We found 2 facilitators: (1) technical assistance and (2) family and provider advice. We also reported on older adults’ experience, including satisfaction with the system and improvement of the quality of their health care. Several studies captured features that older adults wanted from these systems such as further assistance managing health-related tasks and contextual health advice and tips. Conclusions: More research is needed to better understand the patient portal experience among older adults from initial use to adoption. There are also opportunities to explore the role of design in addressing barriers and supporting facilitators to patient portal and ePHR use. Finally, the future use of these systems by older adults should be anticipated and considered in the design process.
The Rothman Index as a predictor of postdischarge adverse events after elective spine surgery.

Abstract Background Context The Rothman Index (RI) is a comprehensive rating of overall patient condition in the hospital setting. It is used at many medical centers and calculated based on vital signs, laboratory values, and nursing assessments in the electronic medical record. Previous research has demonstrated an association with adverse events, readmission, and mortality in other fields, but it has not been investigated in spine surgery. Purpose The present study aims to determine the potential utility of the RI as a predictor of adverse events after discharge following elective spine surgery. Study Design/Setting This retrospective cohort study was carried out at a large academic medical center. Patient Sample A total of 2,687 patients who underwent elective spine surgery between 2013 and 2016 were included in the present study. Outcome Measures The occurrence of adverse events and readmission after discharge from the hospital, within postoperative day 30, was determined in the present study. Methods Patient characteristics and 30-day perioperative outcomes were characterized, with events being classified as “major adverse events” or “minor adverse events” using standardized criteria. Rothman Index scores from the hospitalization were analyzed and compared for those who did or did not experience adverse events after discharge. The association of lowest and latest scores on adverse events was determined with multivariate regression, controlling for demographics, comorbidities, surgical procedure, and length of stay. Results Postdischarge adverse events were experienced by 7.1% of patients. The latest and lowest RI values were significantly inversely correlated with any adverse events, major adverse events, minor adverse events and readmissions after controlling for age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, surgical site, and hospital length of stay. Rates of readmission and any adverse event consistently had an inverse correlation with lowest and latest RI scores, with patients at increased risk with lowest score below 65 or latest score below 85. Conclusions The RI is a tool that can be used to predict postdischarge adverse events after elective spine surgery that adds value to commonly used indices such as patient demographics and ASA. It is found that this can help physicians identify high-risk patients before discharge and should be able to better inform clinical decisions.
“The Indian Factors: Kinship, Trade, and Authority in the Creek Nation & American South, 1740–1800”

This article explores the lives of the countless “Indian Factors” who straddled Native and European worlds during the eighteenth century. For the most part, these individuals were born of mixed unions between European men and Creek women, and were employed as traders and intermediaries in the deerskin trade and Creek-British politics. However, after the Seven Years’ War, Indian factors triggered a political contest within the Creek Nation, by empowering younger generations of men who challenged micos —the traditional leaders—for authority in their communities. Such tension led to increasing violence with Europeans and contributed to the revolutionary crisis in the South. After 1783, factors again evolved in response to the threat of the United States, this time as voices of Creek sovereignty. All in all, Indian factors embodied the multifaceted definitions and transformative changes that swept the Creek world and the American South during the eighteenth century.
The Politics of the Politics of Jurisprudence

Roger Cotterrell’s The Politics of Jurisprudence is an illuminating work that uncovers background influences on theories of law; in particular, he argues that the interest of the legal profession in legitimating law has led to theoretical accounts that emphasize order, system, and reason within law. Cotterrell argues that legal theory should draw on insights from the social sciences to become more sophisticated and true to the reality of law. This essay extends Cotterrell’s analysis in several directions. I show that political influences on jurisprudence are not exhausted by the desire to legitimate law for professional reasons, but also include political disagreements within society that are manifested in critical accounts of law. Legal professionals, furthermore, have long exhibited indifference to the work of legal theorists. Legal theorists, on their part, are members of two professions — as scholars trained in law — and their scholarly commitments have a significant influence on the theories of law they produce. And I argue that social scientists who study law are also influenced by their political and methodological commitments, which shape what they choose to study and the perspective they take. The political influences on jurisprudence are thus considerably more complicated than Cotterrell’s pioneering analysis demonstrated.