cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Students benefit from e-Journaling or using Web Journals in an Online Grief, Loss & Bereavement Course

Web Journaling or e-Journaling is an online tool that is a useful education technique for fostering critical thinking skills. Journaling is also a beneficial resource to encourage learning and enhance self-reflection. Journaling online can provide the personal connection often thought to be missing in the online environment by building ties between online students with their instructor. In addition, if student journals are open to each other, this sharing helps create a personal connection between the students, builds rapport and aids in forming an online community. Graduate students in a university bereavement studies course used an e-journal for the duration of the 16-week semester. These graduate students benefited short-term and long-term from keeping a weekly e-Journal and completing a series of assignments on journaling. Short-term benefits included enhanced self-reflection and learning, building a community and practicing sympathy. They also experienced online journaling as an educational tool to process grief and loss emotions. Longer-term benefits included being exposed to a resource that could be use to deepen or enhance a spiritual practice for those working in ministry, counseling or helping professions. Journaling could also be used with or recommended as a helpful technique with future clients, patients or parishioners in grief. Journaling and Journaling in Education
School Desegregation and Federal Inducement Lessons From the Emergency School Aid Act of 1972

This study uses the example of the Emergency School Aid Act of 1972, a federal desegregation incentive program, to discuss the benefits and challenges of equity-oriented incentives. This study applies theories of policy instruments and the social construction of target populations to congressional records, archival program materials, and other historical sources to trace the origin and evolution of the incentives and mandates built into the Emergency School Aid Act. The study ultimately concludes that the program’s combination of a financial incentive with rigorous oversight offers lessons for how to incorporate equity-oriented incentives into current education policy.
The effect of proteolytic enzymes and hyaluronidase in vitro on the calcification mechanism of epiphyseal cartilage.

SummaryIncubation of slices of rachitic epiphyseal cartilage of rats in trypsin, chymotrypsin, pronase, and hyaluronidase resulted in a loss of calcifiability, as determined by subsequent incubation in calcifying solutions. It is concluded that breakdown of glycosaminoglycan-protein, per se, in cartilage is not a sufficient condition to make the tissue calcifiable.
Activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors reduces neuronal apoptosis but increases necrotic cell death in vitro.

Glutamate released during acute CNS insults acts at metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR), including group I mGluR. Blockade of group I mGluR during in vitro neuronal trauma provides neuroprotection, whereas activation exacerbates such injury. However, the effects of group I mGluR agonists or antagonists have been primarily studied in in vitro models characterized by necrotic cell death. We examined the role of group I mGluR in the modulation of neuronal injury induced during oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), a well-studied model of necrosis, and by application of two well established pro-apoptotic agents: staurosporine and etoposide. Inhibition of group I mGluR attenuated necrosis induced by OGD, whereas selective activation of group I mGluR exacerbated such injury. In contrast, activation of group I mGluR, including selective activation of mGluR5, significantly attenuated apoptotic cell death induced by both staurosporine and etoposide. This effect was completely reversed by co-application of a group I mGluR antagonist. Thus, group I mGluR appear to exhibit opposite effects on necrotic and apoptotic neuronal cell death. Our findings suggest that activation of mGluR1 exacerbates neuronal necrosis whereas both mGluR1 and mGluR5 play a role in attenuation of neuronal apoptosis. Cell Death and Differentiation (2000) 7, 470–476
Evidence for charge exchange coupling in Pb 206 ( t , p ) Pb 208

Anomalies are observed in the excitation function of the $^{206}\mathrm{Pb}(t,p)^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ reaction measured at 169\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} lab from 9 to 16 MeV. In addition to isospin forbidden analog resonances, anomalous behavior is observed near the threshold for the analogous $t,n$ reaction. These results as well as previously reported data for other reactions are consistent with the interpretation of this latter anomaly as arising from charge exchange coupling.
On testing proportionality in the Cox regression model by Andersen's plot

ABSTRACTAndersen's plot, a graphical method for testing the proportionality assumption in the Cox Regression Model (Cox, 1972), first proposed by Kay (1977) and popularized by Andersen (1982), has been used widely in biomedical research to check the validity of applying this popular regression model in survival analysis. Our theoretical derivation and examples show that the theoretical basis of this method is flawed. The graphical method should not be used in testing the proportionality. Instead, formal analytical methods based on residuals such as Cox–Snell residual and martingale residual should be used in practice.
Efficacy of killing cockroaches in residential quarters

Objective To observe the efficacy of killing cockroaches in residential quarters. Methods Using Yekang gel bait to killing cockroaches inside the residetial quarters and using hot smog in drainage ditch and heating ditch. Results Before experiment,the density of cockroache indoor was 15 pieces for erery 15 minutes.After using drugs for 10,20 and 30 days,the average density were 1.5,0 and 0 pieces for erery 15 minutes respectively,the killing rate were 90%,100% and 100%.There were no alive cockroaches in each room for observing 6 months. Conclusion Yekang gel bait had good efficacy against cockroaches in residential quarters.Banlitan hot smog had ideal efficacy against cockroaches and could control cockroaches for a long time.
Organic syntheses on the microgram scale. XI. Acylation of hydroxy steroids

Procedures are described for the acylation of 20–35μg of hydroxy steroids. The reactions are performed on thin-layer silica gel plates. Acetic anhydride-pyridine and benzoyl chloride-pyridine mixtures are used as acylating agents. Dihydroxy steroids yield two products while trihydroxy steroids yield three products. Separation and purification of the reaction products are carried out on the same plate. Several hydroxy steroids can be simultaneously acylated on one thin-layer plate, and the microsyntheses are completed in about 2 hr. The steroid ester is identified by (a) comparision with authentic sample using thin-layer chromatography, or (b) hydrolysis to give the parent hydroxy steroid, or (c) mass spectrometry.
Sulphur Extraction at Bryan Mound

The Bryan Mound caprock was subjected to extens ive sulphur mining prior to the development of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Undoubtedl y, the mining has modified the caprock integrity. Cavern wells at Bryan Mound have been subject to a host of well integr ity concerns with many likely compromised by the cavernous capro ck, surrounding corrosive environment (H 2 SO 4 ), and associated elevated residual temperatures al l of which are a product of the mining activities. The intent of this study was to understand the sulphur mining process and how the mining has affected the stability of the caprock and how the compromised caprock has influenced the integrity of the cavern wells. After an extensiv e search to collect pert inent information through state agencies, literature sear ches, and the Sandia SPR librar y, a better understanding of the caprock can be inferred from the knowledge gaine d. Specifically, the discovery of the original ore reserve map goes a long way towards modeling caprock stability. In addition the gained knowledge of sulphur mining - subs idence, superheated corrosive wa ters, and caprock collapse - helps to better predict the post mi ning effects on wellbore integrity. This pagemore » intentionally left blank« less
Fear and Greed: A Returns-Based Trading Strategy around Earnings Announcements

This article documents that earnings announcements serve as a reality check on short-term, fear- and greed-driven price development. Stocks with extreme abnormal returns in the week before an earnings announcement experience strong price reversals around the announcement. Basedon the findings of the authors, a trading strategy that exploits this reversal would have been profitable in 40 of the last 42 years and earned abnormal returns in excess of 1.3% over a two day-window.
Randomized Trial of PMTO in Foster Care: Six-Month Child Well-Being Outcomes:

Objective:This study tested the effectiveness of Parent Management Training, Oregon (PMTO) model on child social–emotional well-being.Methods:Using a randomized controlled design and three measures of social–emotional well-being, the study investigated effectiveness of PMTO with families of children in foster care with serious emotional disturbance (SED). Participants included children (3–16 years) and parents who were randomly assigned to PMTO (n = 461) or services as usual (n = 457). Study condition was known to participants and assessors. Six months after baseline, analysis of covariance models examined the intervention’s overall effect and time interactions using intent-to-treat analysis. Follow-up analyses identified salient predictors of well-being.Results:PMTO demonstrated small but significant positive effects on three primary outcomes: social–emotional functioning (Cohen’s d = .31), problem behaviors (Cohen’s d = .09), and prosocial skills (Cohen’s d = .09).Conclusion:Results suggest that PMTO wa...
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is the Most Common Indication for Liver Transplantation and Placement on the Waitlist in the United States

Background & Aims Management strategies for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have changed, along with liver allocation policies based on model for end-stage liver disease score. We investigated etiologic-specific trends in liver transplantation in the United States during different time periods. Methods We performed a retrospective study, using the United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network registry data, to identify all adult patients registered for liver transplantation in the United States from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2015. For subjects listed with multiple diagnoses, HCC was considered the primary listing diagnosis. To determine whether availability of direct-acting antiviral agents, which began in 2011, affected pretransplant (death or drop-out) and post-transplant outcomes for patients with HCV infection, we compared data from the time periods of 2004 to 2010 and 2011 to 2014. We used competing-risk analysis to compare differences in end points between these periods. Differences between periods in pretransplantation and post-transplantation outcomes were estimated using Kaplan–Maier analysis and compared using the log-rank test. Associations between year of listing and pre–liver transplant outcome, and year of liver transplant and survival after transplant, were examined using the log-rank test. Proportional hazard regression was used to evaluate the reliability of the time period effect with potential confounders. Results Among 109,018 registrants, 18.5% were registered for liver transplantation because of HCC. In 2015, HCC was the leading diagnosis among registrants (23.9% of registrations) and recipients (27.2% of recipients). Between 2004 and 2015, the ratio of registrants with vs without HCC increased 5.6-fold for patients with HCV infection, 1.9-fold for patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, 2.7-fold for patients with alcohol abuse, and 10.2-fold for patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. After adjusting for covariates, we associated the period of 2011 to 2014 with a decreased probability that HCC registrants would undergo liver transplantation (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62; P P = .0003), HBV-induced (HR, 0.71; P = .002), or alcohol-induced (HR, 0.90; P = .01) liver disease, and an increased probability of delisting as a result of clinical improvement in patients with HCV infection (HR, 3.4; P P = .004), or alcohol abuse (HR, 2.2; P P Conclusions HCC was the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States in 2015. Despite this, the probability of liver transplantation decreased the most in registrants with HCC. Pretransplantation and post-transplantation outcomes have improved, particularly in patients with HCV infection.
Healthy & Empowered Youth: A Positive Youth Development Program for Native Youth.

Introduction During 2010–2012, Oregon Health & Science University’s Prevention Research Center, a Northwest Tribe, and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, collaborated to evaluate the Healthy & Empowered Youth Project, a school- and community-based positive youth development program for American Indian and Alaska Native high school students. Methods The Native STAND (Students Together Against Negative Decisions) curriculum was enhanced with hands-on learning activities in media design to engage students in sexual and reproductive health topics covered by the curriculum. Guest speakers, field trips, and extracurricular activities were added to provide academic enrichment, engage students in cultural activities, and offer opportunities for career development. Students completed comprehensive pre- and post-surveys, and the authors conducted focus groups and key informant interviews with students and teachers. Data analysis was conducted during 2013–2014. Results Survey findings demonstrated improvements in student leadership and achievement, physical and mental health, and protective sexual health behaviors. The percentage of female teens reporting use of a condom the last time they had sex increased from 17% to 30%, and those who reported ever having been tested for sexually transmitted illnesses doubled from 12% to 24%. Focus group and interview findings indicated similar improvements in student self-esteem, life skills, health behavior, and engagement in community. Conclusions The Healthy & Empowered Youth Project educated and empowered Native high school students on a variety of sensitive health topics. The media enhancements were central to the program’s success, reinforcing and personalizing classroom lessons and generating health-related videos and posters that resonated with family and friends.
The medical management of bone health and osteoporosis

At the 2000 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference, osteoporosis was defined as a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing to an increased risk of fracture (1). As are many medical conditions associated with aging, osteoporosis is common, underrecognized as a public health concern, underdiagnosed, and inadequately treated by medical providers (2). The current estimates of 8 million osteoporotic women and 2.5 million osteoporotic men in the United States are expected to increase by about 40% by 2020, with estimated direct costs in 2002 dollars of $12.2 to $17.9 billion (3). Yet recent clinical trials have shown that public health interventions and medical practices for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis are effective. The U.S. Surgeon General’s Report of 2004 on Bone Health and Osteoporosis (4) was published in two forms: one for patient information and a separate guide for medical professionals, with the goal of addressing the lack of public awareness and neglect by medical providers that osteoporosis, or bone fragility with aging, is preventable and treatable, and not an inevitable consequence of aging.
Optimization of the Electrochemical Extraction and Recovery of Metals from Electronic Waste Using Response Surface Methodology

The rapid growth of electronic waste can be viewed as both an environmental threat and an attractive source of minerals that can reduce the mining of natural resources. In this work, response surface methodology was used to optimize an electrochemical process for the extraction and recovery of base metals from electronic waste using a mild oxidant (Fe3+). Through this process, the effective extraction of base metals can be achieved, enriching the concentration of precious metals and significantly reducing environmental impacts and operating costs associated with waste generation and chemical consumption. The optimization was performed using a bench-scale system specifically designed for this process. Operating parameters such as flow rate, applied current density, and iron concentration were optimized to reduce the specific energy consumption of the electrochemical recovery process to 1.94 kWh per kilogram of metal recovered.
Nonoperative Treatment of a Lesser Toe Plantar Plate Tear with Serial MRI Follow-up: A Case Report

With the current data concentrating on different operative treatment options for plantar plate tears, few data can be found on possible nonoperative treatment strategies for this entity and the specifics of such treatment. In the present case report, the successful nonoperative treatment of a patient with a rupture of the plantar plate in a lesser toe metatarsophalangeal joint is presented. The patient was followed up using repeat clinical examinations and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans for 1 year after the imitation of therapy to provide information on the different stages of the healing process.
Men with type 2 diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance had an elevated risk for early death

Source Citation Balkau B, Eschwege E, Papoz L, et al. Risk factors for early death in non-insulin dependent diabetes and men with known glucose tolerance status. BMJ. 1993 Aug 1;307:297-301.
Electromagnetic Methods in the Frequency and Time Domains

A major category of geoelectrical methods comprises the controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) methods. These differ from the DC methods described in Chapter 13 in that the parameters of the source of the electromagnetic field can be specified (in other words, we use a controlled source). These two differences make the discussion of the behavior of the fields more difficult. In this Chapter, we examine the principles of the CSEM methods both in the frequency and time domains. The concepts of apparent resistivity and electromagnetic sounding is introduced. A fast method of interpretation of the controlled-source time domain data using the thin-sheet approach is discussed as well. The Chapter is concluded with a summary of the principle survey configurations of the CSEM methods used in geophysical exploration.
Examining the impact of land use on flood losses in Seoul, Korea

Abstract Floods have been the costliest and most disruptive of all natural hazards worldwide. In particular, urban flooding continues to be a concern for both developed and developing countries. Increasing physical risk associated with environmental changes combined with rapid land use change and development make many urban areas more vulnerable to floods. Floods are not solely based on hydro-meteorological conditions, but also result from human activities such as unplanned land use or haphazard development. While there is a growing body of research focused on understanding the impacts of land use on flood impacts in the United States, little empirical research has been conducted outside of the country although many other nations experience flooding. In particular, many countries in south and east Asia have undergone rapid urbanization concurrent with industrialization and population growth, resulting in worsening flood problems over time. To address this knowledge gap, this study examines the factors contributing to flood loss in Seoul, Korea, with a particular focus on land use status and change. Panel regression models are analyzed using actual flood loss data for Seoul from 2003 to 2012. Results indicate that urban built-up land with higher impervious surfaces and agricultural land may cause more flood damage than other land uses analyzed in the study. However, a high density development of compact design can decrease flood loss. These results indicate the importance of resilient land use planning in urban areas. Overall, this study provides insights to planners and decision makers about how they can effectively reduce flood risk and associated adverse impacts.
Highly Selective Nonoxidative Coupling of Methane over Pt-Bi Bimetallic Catalysts

There is widespread interest in converting methane, primary component of natural gas and shale gas, into valuable chemicals. As an important direct methane transformation technique, despite extensive research conducted for decades, oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) remains industrially uneconomical owing to low selectivity toward valuable target products (C2 species, ethane/ethylene). In the present work, we describe that ZSM-5 zeolite supported bimetallic Pt-Bi catalysts stably and selectively convert methane to C2 species with high carbon selectivity (>90%) at relatively moderate temperatures (600–700 °C). On the basis of experimental observations, it is proposed that the surface Pt in the catalysts functions as the active site for methane activation, while Bi addition as promoter plays an important role in C2 species formation and catalyst stability.
Heterogeneous and homogeneous package integration technologies at device and system levels

Moore's law scaling has been the primary focus in the last 60 years towards System-On-Chip. This has resulted in an industry-driven, device-level integration to a 50 billion transistor chip, incorporating progressively more and more functions in a single die, along with cost reduction from node to node. However, as Moore's law approaches limits in combined scaling and cost reduction, there is an unparalleled opportunity for package integration to enable better devices in the short term and to enable better systems in the long term, both by homogeneous and heterogeneous integrations. This paper presents the package integration evolution to the current approaches at device and system-levels. It then presents Georgia Tech's vision in advancing package integration at device-level by extending the on-going 2D, 2.5D, and 3D architectures as well as proposing an entirely new approach to materials, processes, and architectures at both device and system-levels. Both are enabled by ultra-thin packaging with TSV-like through vias in the passive substrates rather than in the logic ICs. At system level, it proposes and develops a 3D architecture that combines both package and system functions into an ultra-miniaturized, highly integrated, and highly reliable system package with ultra-short and ultra-high bandwidth interconnections with ultra-high reliability.
Analysis of potential co-benefits for bicyclist crash imminent braking systems

In the US, the number of traffic fatalities has had a long term downward trend as a result of advances in the crash worthiness of vehicles. However, these improvements in crash worthiness do little to protect other vulnerable road users such as pedestrians or bicyclists. Several manufacturers have developed a new generation of crash avoidance systems that attempt to recognize and mitigate imminent crashes with non-motorists. While the focus of these systems has been on pedestrians where they can make meaningful contributions to improved safety [1], recent designs of these systems have recognized mitigating bicyclist crashes as a potential co-benefit. This paper evaluates the performance of one system that is currently available for consumer purchase. Because the vehicle manufacturer does not claim effectiveness for their system under all crash geometries, we focus our attention on the crash scenario that has the highest social cost in the US: the cyclist and vehicle on parallel paths being struck from behind. Our analysis of co benefits examines the ability to reduce three measures: number of crashes, fatalities, and a comprehensive measure for social cost that incorporates morbidity and mortality. Test track simulations under realistic circumstances with a realistic surrogate bicyclist target are conducted. Empirical models are developed for system performance and potential benefits for injury and fatality reduction. These models identify three key variables in the analysis: vehicle speed, cyclist speed and cyclist age as key determinants of potential co-benefits. We find that the evaluated system offers only limited benefits for any but the oldest bicycle riders for our tested scenario.
Neurotoxicity Associated with a High-Affinity GD2 CAR-Letter.

We read with interest the article entitled, “High-affinity GD2-specific CAR T cells induce fatal encephalitis in a preclinical neuroblastoma model” by Richman and colleagues ([1][1]). In this report, the investigators generated a new chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) incorporating a mutated
The G-Protein-Coupled Receptor ALX/Fpr2 Regulates Adaptive Immune Responses in Mouse Submandibular Glands.

Lipoxin receptor (ALX)/N-formyl peptide receptor (FPR)-2 is a G-protein-coupled receptor that has multiple binding partners, including the endogenous lipid mediators resolvin D1, lipoxin A4, and the Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding protein annexin A1. Previous studies have demonstrated that resolvin D1 activates ALX/Fpr2 to resolve salivary gland inflammation in the NOD/ShiLtJ mouse model of Sjogren syndrome. Moreover, mice lacking the ALX/Fpr2 display an exacerbated salivary gland inflammation in response to lipopolysaccharide. Additionally, activation of ALX/Fpr2 has been shown to be important for regulating antibody production in B cells. These previous studies indicate that ALX/Fpr2 promotes resolution of salivary gland inflammation while modulating adaptive immunity, suggesting the need for investigation of the role of ALX/Fpr2 in regulating antibody production and secretory function in mouse salivary glands. Our results indicate that aging female knockout mice lacking ALX/Fpr2 display a significant reduction in saliva flow rates and weight loss, an increased expression of autoimmune-associated genes, an up-regulation of autoantibody production, and increased CD20-positive B-cell population. Although not all effects were noted among the male knockout mice, the results nonetheless indicate that ALX/Fpr2 is clearly involved in the adaptive immunity and secretory function in salivary glands, with further investigation warranted to determine the cause(s) of these between-sex differences.
On the multiphysics modeling challenges for metal additive manufacturing processes

Abstract In order to establish modeling and simulation (M&S) in support of Additive Manufacturing Processes (AMP) control for tailoring functional component performance by design, a methodology is introduced for identifying relevant M&S challenges. This exercise is meant to spur research addressing the specific issue of tailoring functional component performance by design, as well as AMP-related process optimization more generally. A composition abstraction that connects process control with functional performance of the multiscale modeling processes is presented, from both the forward and inverse analysis perspectives. A brief ontology is introduced that describes the ordering of dependency and membership of all components of a model, which serves the purpose of isolating potential challenge areas. An application space where this ontology unfolds is also presented to further elucidate the complexity of the potential challenges. Certain features of AMPs that are usually ignored by the community during modeling are a specific focus. Furthermore, two semantically reduced modeling approaches involving continuum abstractions for the computational domains are presented. The solutions of the relevant system of coupled partial differential equations are used to demonstrate both the positive and negative implications of a series of assumptions routinely made in M&S of AMPs. Finally, a discrete element method model is presented to highlight the challenges introduced by the specific nature of this approach. A closing section highlights the most important lessons learned.
Generating an Approximate Trivariate Spline Representation for Contractible Domains

We present an approach to build a bijective parameterization for a contractible domain in \(\mathbb{R}^{3}\) represented by a closed triangular mesh. The boundary of the domain is first decomposed and parameterized in order to make it topologically equivalent to the unit cube. The map between the domain and the unit cube is constructed by successively designing its coordinate functions as harmonic maps on the intersection of the previous coordinate functions’ level sets. The computed map is proved to be bijective by the maximum principle. The map is also compatible to the boundary parameterization by using a reparameterization technique. A trivariate spline representation for the domain is finally found by least squares fitting to the inverse map.
Going Beyond Intuitions: Reclaiming the Philosophy in Business Ethics

Business ethics texts often have sections on ethical theory, but typically little or no discussion of foundational philosophical concepts like cause, personhood, or responsibility. Here I use the Love Canal case as an example of how discussion could be enriched by reference to issues such as these. I advocate that we foster deliberation about these kinds of core metaphysical issues as well as ethical theory in case analysis, and believe that doing so would move students from intuitive gainsaying to a richer and more subtle examination of cases.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND ECT : PAST AND FUTURE RESEARCH TRENDS

Past research focused on characterizing the cognitive deficits caused by ECT, understanding their causes, and defining ways of ameliorating the deficits. Future research includes the following recommendations. IN CHARACTERIZING THE DEFICITS: more accurately defining the time course to recovery; finding out whether specific memory tasks and specific patients show long-lasting effects; and defining specific components of memory and non-memory deficits (e.g., associative memory, incidental everyday memory, inattention). IN UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES: determining whether seizure activity in certain brain structures is associated with specific cognitive deficits; finding out in which ways electric dose, electrode placement, seizure duration, and seizure threshold interact in causing the deficits; evaluating the effects of mediating variables such as blood pressure rise; and assessing the influence of background variables such as age, sex, and brain abnormality. IN AMELIORATING THE DEFICITS: continuing the search for effective medication; defining ways of reducing the number of treatments (twice weekly ECT, caffeine or thyroxine modified treatment); and manipulating dose in relation to electrode placement.
Introduction: Psychosocial Challenges in Childhood Cancer

There are three challenges that children and adolescents with cancer present to the mental health and oncology professions, challenges that prompted us to invite a panel of distinguished contributors to this third symposium on family therapy.
Minor and Intermediate Components Enhance Attraction of Female Mediterranean Fruit Flies to Natural Male Odor Pheromone and Its Synthetic Major Components

The attraction of virgin female medflies to either the natural pheromonal odor of calling males or its synthetic major components was enhanced by both intermediate and minor pheromonal components in multiple choice discrimination tests. The modification of the standard Gow rotating-trap-array, cage olfactometer to allow a single source of natural pheromonal odor to be delivered equally and simultaneously to a number of traps greatly increased trapping efficacy (64% capture rate) and ability to resolve odor preference discrimination by female flies. In olfactometer cage bioassays, responding female medflies expressed preferences in attraction to male odor augmented with either synthetic intermediate or minor components over male odor alone. In dual-choice flight-tunnel bioassays, the minor blend enhanced the attractiveness of both the natural male odor and its synthetic major components. Moreover, the minor blend, when presented together with the synthetic major components, comprised an artificial pheromonal lure competitive for the first time with the natural male odor in attraction of virgin female medflies.
Development and Validation of the Couple Communication Satisfaction Scale

The study presents the development and validation of a new Couples Communication Satisfaction Scale (CCSS). The CCSS observes each partner’s level of satisfaction with various aspects of their comm...
The Liberal Dilemma: The Pragmatic Tradition in the Age of McCarthyism

This volume explores the response of liberals to rightwing attacks during the Red Scare of the late 1940s and early 1950s, establishing it as a defensive approach aimed at warding off efforts to conflate liberalism with communism, but not at striking back at the opposing ideology of conservatism itself. This book finds the combination of the liberal adherence to pragmatism and political pluralism to have been responsible for the weakness of this response. Analyzing the language used in interchanges between rightwing anticommunists and liberals, Michaels shows that those interchanges did not constitute an effort to persuade but rather an effort to discredit the opponent as "un-American." A variety of conflicts—a professor seeking to avoid dismissal by accusing his colleagues of disloyalty, an investigator of rightwing groups assailed for his activities, an openly communist student seeking to justify the existence of his student organization—embody a battle waged over conflicting versions of "America," an attempt by each side to lay exclusive claim to that word. Conflicts over freedom, individualism, Americanism, and the institution of private property demonstrate how rightwing anticommunists and moderate liberals actually subscribed to two mutually incompatible patterns of sociation, making the conflict profound and resistant to reconciliation.
Physiology: Hematology and Clinical Chemistry, Gas Exchange, and Regulatory Osmolality

Abstract A fundamental understanding of the similarities and differences between teleosts and mammals or other vertebrates informs the use of zebrafish as a model organism. This chapter provides an overview of several physiologic systems. The anatomy and genetic control of hematopoiesis as well as the function and morphology of zebrafish leukocytes and erythrocytes are compared to mammalian hematology. For gas exchange, zebrafish rely on cutaneous diffusion or the gill epithelium and circulatory system depending on their developmental stage. Though anatomically disparate, zebrafish and mammals share similar mechanisms for oxygen transport via hemoglobin. Ionocytes in zebrafish skin and gills regulate the concentration of solubilized ions, pH, and waste metabolites comparable to mammalian renal tubules. Multiple hormones influence the function and differentiation of these cells to maintain homeostasis in the face of varying physiologic demands. Though the morphology and lifestyle of zebrafish vary from the mammalian organisms they frequently model, basic vertebrate physiology and its genetic controls are highly conserved.
Incumbency advantage and shocks in the electorate: the adoption of voluntary voting

Although the advantage that incumbents may have over challengers has been extensively studied, less is known about how incumbency advantage is affected by the adoption of voluntary voting. In this paper, I study incumbency advantage in Chile, a country that adopted voluntary voting in 2012. I find that incumbency advantage substantively decreases with voluntary voting. The primary mechanism explaining such reduction was the entry of high-quality challengers, who invested their campaign resources much more efficiently compared to office-holders. Overall, this paper contributes to the literature on electoral accountability by identifying how sensible is incumbency advantage to voluntary voting and the entry of high-quality challengers. Indeed, as incumbency advantage decreases when capable challengers compete for office, it suggests that “scaring-off” skilled candidates is one of the drivers of such advantage.
Neurolemma-Injected Xenopus Oocytes: An Innovative Ex Vivo Approach to Study the Effects of Pyrethroids on Ion Channels in Their Native State

Abstract Microtransplantation of rat brain neurolemma into the plasma membrane of Xenopus laevis oocytes is an ex vivo method used to study channels and receptors in their native state using standard electrophysiological approaches. In this review, we show that oocytes injected with adult rat brain neurolemma elicited tetrodotoxin-sensitive inward ion currents upon membrane depolarization, which were increased in a concentration-dependent manner by treatment with the pyrethroid insecticides permethrin and deltamethrin. Under our initial protocols, oocyte health was reduced over time and neurolemma incorporation varied between batches of oocytes from different frogs, limiting the usefulness of the assay for regulatory issues. A collection of changes to the assay procedure, data acceptance criteria, and analysis method yield substantially improved precision and, hence, assay performance. These changes established this ex vivo approach as a toxicologically relevant assay to study the toxicodynamic action of pyrethroids on ion channels in their native state using neurolemma fragments prepared from juvenile and adult rat brains.
Learning and inferring transportation routines

This paper introduces a hierarchical Markov model that can learn and infer a user's daily movements through the community. The model uses multiple levels of abstraction in order to bridge the gap between raw GPS sensor measurements and high level information such as a user's mode of transportation or her goal. We apply Rao-Blackwellised particle filters for efficient inference both at the low level and at the higher levels of the hierarchy. Significant locations such as goals or locations where the user frequently changes mode of transportation are learned from GPS data logs without requiring any manual labeling. We show how to detect abnormal behaviors (e.g. taking a wrong bus) by concurrently tracking his activities with a trained and a prior model. Experiments show that our model is able to accurately predict the goals of a person and to recognize situations in which the user performs unknown activities.
How Do Students Experience Choice? Exploring STEM Course-Offerings and Course-Taking Patterns in Texas Charter and Non-Charter Public Schools.

Charter schools are positioned by proponents as a key component of reform efforts striving to expand school choice. Proponents argue that charter schools have the flexibility to experiment with novel curricular and instructional models outside the constraints of the traditional public education system, and therefore have the potential to transform students’ experiences. Influential reports over the last three decades have highlighted the need to improve students’ preparation in STEM, and charter schools have emerged as a reform with the potential to do so. This work uses methods from social network analysis and logistic regression to investigate how course-taking patterns in Texas charter and non-charter schools either promote or constrain student engagement within the STEM disciplines by: 1) exploring STEM course offerings in Texas charter and non-charter public secondary schools; and 2) identifying students’ STEM course-taking patterns in these schools. Findings suggest charter schools are less likely than non-charter public schools to offer STEM courses tailored for special education students and that charter school students’ course-taking patterns tend to be either slightly more advanced or more basic than the course-taking patterns of students in non-charter schools. In addition, students in charter schools tend to be more mobile (e.g., transfer between schools) than students in non-charter public schools.
Creatives in the Office: Personality and the Environmental Effects of Workspace

Open-office plans have become the dominant mode for creative workplaces, designed to encourage collaboration. Little scholarly research assesses the validity of that trend, the conventional wisdom ...
Biological effects of inhaled hydraulic fracturing sand dust. III. Cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory responses in cultured murine macrophage cells.

Abstract Cultured murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) were used to investigate the effects of fracking sand dust (FSD) for its pro-inflammatory activity, in order to gain insight into the potential toxicity to workers associated with inhalation of FSD during hydraulic fracturing. While the role of respirable crystalline silica in the development of silicosis is well documented, nothing is known about the toxicity of inhaled FSD. The FSD (FSD 8) used in these studies was from an unconventional gas well drilling site. FSD 8was prepared as a 10 mg/ml stock solution in sterile PBS, vortexed for 15 s, and allowed to sit at room temperature for 30 min before applying the suspension to RAW 264.7cells. Compared to PBS controls, cellular viability was significantly decreased after a 24 h exposure to FSD. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the production of IL-6, TNFα, and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were up-regulated as a result of the exposure, whereas the hydroxyl radical (.OH) was only detected in an acellular system. Immunofluorescent staining of cells against TNFα revealed that FSD 8 caused cellular blebbing, and engulfment of FSD 8 by macrophages was observed with enhanced dark-field microscopy. The observed changes in cellular viability, cellular morphology, free radical generation and cytokine production all confirm that FSD 8 is cytotoxic to RAW 264.7 cells and warrants future studies into the specific pathways and mechanisms by which these toxicities occur.
Construction and Validation of a Genome-Scale Metabolic Network of Thermotoga sp. Strain RQ7

Thermotoga are anaerobic hyperthermophiles that have a deep lineage to the last universal ancestor and produce biological hydrogen gas accompanying cell growth. In recent years, systems-level approaches have been used to elucidate their metabolic capacities, by integrating mathematical modeling and experimental results. To assist biochemical engineering studies of T. sp. strain RQ7, this work aims at building a metabolic model of the bacterium that quantitatively simulates its metabolism at the genome scale. The constructed model, RQ7_iJG408, consists of 408 genes, 692 reactions, and 538 metabolites. Constraint-based flux balance analyses were used to simulate cell growth in both the complex and defined media. Quantitative comparison of the predicted and measured growth rates resulted in good agreements. This model serves as a foundation for an integrated biochemical description of T. sp. strain RQ7. It is a useful tool in designing growth media, identifying metabolic engineering strategies, and exploiting the physiological potentials of this biotechnologically significant organism.
Designing for Women: Radio-Based Seed Saving Education for Widowed Female Farmers in India

The agrarian crisis in India is characterized by high rates of male farmer suicides, which result in high numbers of widowed women farmers. These women face intense gender-based barriers especially surrounding economic inclusion. In this paper, we suggest the reintroduction of traditional seed saving practices coupled with a radio-based education component, and call for further research addressing the gaps in women-specific data in India.
It’s in You: Structural Sin and Personal Responsibility Revisited:

The language of structural sin is most often used to describe sin that inheres in laws, institutions, or social roles—in short, in the objective social architecture of our everyday lives. This arti...
Culturally adapted evidence-based treatments for adults with substance use problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background This systematic review/meta-analysis aimed to synthesize empirical evidence from randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of culturally adapted interventions (CAIs) for substance use and related consequences for adults of color. Methods Six electronic databases were searched to identify eligible studies. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risks of bias. We used robust variance estimation in meta-regression to synthesize effect size estimates and conduct moderator analyses. Results Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The overall effect size was 0.23 (95 % Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.12, 0.35). The subgroup effect sizes for comparing CAIs with inactive controls and with active controls were 0.31 (CI = 0.14, 0.48) and 0.14 (CI=-0.02, 0.29), respectively. The effect sizes for alcohol use, illicit drug use, unspecified substance use outcomes, and substance use related consequences were 0.25 (CI = 0.08, 0.43), 0.35 (CI =-0.30, 1.00), 0.22 (CI=-0.17, 0.62), and 0.02 (CI=-0.11, 0.16), respectively. Moderator analysis showed that CAIs’ effects might not vary significantly by treatment model, dose, country, follow-up assessment timing, participant age, or gender/sex. Conclusions Research on substance use interventions that are culturally adapted for people of color is growing, and more high-quality studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions about CAIs’ treatment effects. Our study found CAIs to be a promising approach for reducing substance use and related consequences. We call for more efficacy/effectiveness and implementation research to further advance the development and testing of evidence-based CAIs that meet the unique needs and sociocultural preferences of diverse populations.
Presumptive D2a point mutants of bacteriophage T4.

Abstract Mutants of bacteriophage T4 have been isolated that show phenotypes seen previously with those rII deletions that extend into the nearby D2a region. Analysis indicates that rII mutations are not necessary in order to get the D2a phenotypes.
Post-disaster Remote Sensing and Sampling via an Autonomous Helicopter

An unmanned remote sensing and sampling system has been developed to aid first responders in urban disaster assessment and recovery. The system design is based on a 90 kg autonomous helicopter platform with interchangeable payloads ranging from radiation detection to tethered robot deployment. A typical response would begin with three-dimensional terrain mapping using the stereovision system and a survey of radiation levels with an onboard spectrometer. From this initial survey, a more targeted flight is planned at a lower altitude with the option to localize radioactive sources in the event that radiation is present. Finally, a robot can be tether-deployed into the area of interest to collect samples. It is teleoperated from the ground control station, and after collection is finished the robot is retracted back to the helicopter for retrieval. The terrain mapping, radiation detection, radiation localization, and robot deployment and retrieval have all been flight-tested. Results of these tests indicate that the systems functioned successfully in the context of a prototype demonstrator.